There's a thread running through two of this year's events - friendship, family, and a previously announced guest!
Paul Howard, in conversation with Róisín Ingle
Paul Howard and Róisín Ingle first met in the newsroom of the Sunday Tribune. They shared a sense of humour, a love of mischief, and an office that was, by all accounts, never short of fun. They've been close friends ever since.
Paul is best known as the creator of Ross O'Carroll-Kelly. He has published 19 satirical novels, sold over a million copies, and has three Irish Book Awards to show for it. Recently he turned his attention to writing for TV when he joined ‘The Young Offenders’ team to write for the latest season of the Cork-based comedy.
His latest book turns his sharp comic eye on the prospect of a United Ireland, and Róisín, who has read it, promises it is very funny indeed.
The two will sit down together on Saturday afternoon for what should be a lively, warm, and entertaining hour or so, as the two old friends talk about books, writing, and whatever else may come up!
Ann Ingle, in conversation with her daughter Róisín
On Sunday afternoon, Róisín will be then joined by her mother, Ann.
Ann Ingle will discuss her latest book with her daughter Róisín at the Allingham Arts Festival this November in Ballyshannon.
Ann Ingle was born in London, came to Dublin with her Irish husband Peter over sixty years ago, and began her writing career on the eve of her eightieth birthday. She is now 87, with three books to her name - including her memoir Openhearted (Penguin Sandycove) and Still Here: Everything I Know About Being Older, published by O'Brien Press.
Still Here is the subject of Sunday's conversation, and has been described as a frank, warm, and at times funny look at ageing, life, and what it means to keep going. With Róisín asking the questions, it promises to be as candid as it is moving.
Full programme and ticketing details coming soon.
November 4th–8th, 2026 | Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
Róisín Ingle
Róisín Ingle, who will host conversations with Paul Howard and Ann Ingle at this year’s Allingham Arts Festival in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, this November.
We already announced Róisín in an earlier post, but it’s only fair she gets mentioned again seeing as she will be so busy over the weekend!
Róisín Ingle is a columnist, features writer and podcaster with The Irish Times. She is the author of two collections of her columns, Pieces of Me and Public Displays of Emotion and is the co-author of The Daughterhood with Natasha Fennell which has been published in several languages. She produces and co-presents the award winning ‘Women’s Podcast’ on irishtimes.com
Sure what else will you be doing on a weekend in November in Ireland? If you’ve been putting off that road-trip to Donegal, now you have the perfect opportunity to make the journey.
More programme details to follow. Stay tuned to our socials for the latest line-up information.
Allingham Arts Festival | November 4th - 8th 2026 | Ballyshannon, County Donegal