Dublin Writers Festival '09

The Dublin Writers Festival (June 2 - 7) has announced its programme, and its theme: the 'power of the word'.

Highlights of the 2009 Festival are:

A special live appearance by Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney who will be rounding off his 70th birthday celebrations - and the 80th birthday of publishing house Faber and Faber - by reading a personal selection of his poetry in the National Concert Hall.

Exclusive Irish visit by writer and broadcaster Simon Schama CBE who will be talking about his newest book based on his BBC series, The American Future, A History.

First-time visits to the Festival by Tipping the Velvet author Sarah Waters, and Fugitive Pieces author and Orange Prize winner, Canadian Anne Michaels.

Readings from first-time Irish novelists: music journalist Peter Murphy, former Investment banker Aifric Campbell and war correspondent Ed O'Loughlin.

A focus on crime writing and the murder mystery novel with readings from Suspicions of Mr Whicher author Kate Summerscale and one of the world's best selling crime writers Val McDermid.

A traditional Irish music performance to the poetry of Dermot Bolger - The Frost is All Over; poetry with Paula Meehan and Leanne O'Sullivan and an exploration of the term 'women's writing' with readings and discussion from writers Claire Kilroy, Julia O'Faolain and Christine Dwyer Hickey.

Also in the six-day festival will be readings from: Irish literary phenomenon Brendan Kennelly; humourist and Guardian critic Joe Queenan; genre-defying Geoff Dyer; My Left Foot co-writer Shane Connaughton; former lawyer MJ Hyland; Snow Geese author and relative of Ralph and Joseph, William Fiennes; Booker prize nominee and IMPAC award winner Colm Tóibín; and scriptwriter Steve Toltz.