Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon among writers taking part in inaugural Magheramorne Literary Festival
Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon is part of a distinguished line-up of household names and critically acclaimed voices coming together for a new celebration of writing being held in Co Antrim in March.
The inaugural Magheramorne Literary Festival will bring together outstanding writers from across the UK and Ireland to the historic setting of Magheramorne Estate.
Taking place on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, the festival, supported by Larne Port, presents a weekend of ‘In Conversation’ events, featuring novelists, non-fiction writers, journalists, photographers and historians whose work is shaping contemporary cultural and political debate.
Spanning fiction, memoir, history, photography and public life, the programme is curated by award-winning author and broadcaster Stephen Walker.
Speakers taking part include Andrew Lownie, Nicola Sturgeon, Miriam O’Callaghan, Adrian McKinty, Jo Spain, Declan Lawn, Colin Bateman, Brian McGilloway, David Park, Wendy Erskine, Jan Carson, David Hume, Sheena Jolley and Paul Clements.
Saturday highlights include historian Andrew Lownie, in conversation with broadcaster Donna Traynor, discussing his headline-making bestseller Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York.
Packed with extraordinary revelations, Entitled is the first joint biography of the now former Prince Andrew and his ex- wife, and offers an explosive investigation into royal power, privilege and accountability.
Later that evening, one of Ireland’s most trusted broadcasters, Miriam O’Callaghan, reflects on her memoir Miriam: Life, Work, Everything, exploring life in the public eye, from landmark political moments to personal challenges, resilience and reinvention.
On Sunday, former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon joins festival curator Stephen Walker to discuss her candid and widely acclaimed memoir Frankly. From working-class upbringing to becoming Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister, Sturgeon reflects on power, leadership and the personal cost of life at the centre of politics.
That evening, crime writing takes centre stage with internationally acclaimed novelist Adrian McKinty in conversation with writer and screenwriter Colin Bateman.
The festival concludes with bestselling author and screenwriter Jo Spain and BAFTA-winning screenwriter and producer Declan Lawn, in conversation with Brian McGilloway.
Across the weekend, the programme also features acclaimed writers including David Park, Jan Carson and Wendy Erskine whose debut novel, The Benefactors, has become a literary sensation and awarded Waterstones Irish Book of the Year in 2025.
Laura Gilmour, port director of Larne Port said: “We’re delighted to support the Magheramorne Literary Festival and help bring such an inspiring celebration of stories and ideas to this beautiful part of Northern Ireland. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, enjoy great conversations, and experience the charm of Magheramorne Estate.”
Curator Stephen Walker added: "It’s a pleasure to unveil such a prestigious line-up of writers for the inaugural Magheramorne Literary Festival.
"It is fantastic to welcome leading authors from across the UK and Ireland, many of them award-winners, who have such important and engaging stories to tell. It promises to be a wonderful weekend of thoughtful conversation, insight and great fun."
Magheramorne Estate head of events, Katherine Allen, said: “The Magheramorne Literary Festival was created to bring a new arts and cultural experience to the area and to encourage people to discover this beautiful part of Northern Ireland.
“Guests can spend time at the estate and engage with writers in this exclusive setting, enjoying a very warm Magheramorne welcome.”
Tickets, priced from £15, are available at www.magheramorneestate.com