Graiguenamanagh—is one of those rare places where time seems to slow down. Known as the “Village of the Monks,” it’s a beautiful medieval town in the south east of Ireland, tucked in the lush valley where County Kilkenny meets County Carlow. 

At its heart is the beautiful Duiske Abbey, a 13th-century Cistercian masterpiece that has anchored the town since 1204. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find Duiske Glass, famous for its hand-cut designs inspired by the abbey’s ancient stone carvings. The town is defined by the River Barrow and its iconic seven-arched limestone bridge, which connects Graiguenamanagh to the quiet village of Tinnahinch on the Carlow side.

The Book Festival Experience

Every August, this peaceful riverside setting transforms into Ireland’s First Book Town Festival. It’s a tradition that started in 2003 and has since become a legendary weekend for anyone who loves a good book or story.

During the festival, the whole town turns into a massive, open-air library. Former shops and hidden corners are reborn as temporary bookshops, with over 25 independent booksellers filling the streets. You can spend hours hunting through stacks of everything from €1 bargains and children’s stories to rare, centuries-old antiquarian treasures.

More Than Just Books

The festival is a full-blown cultural celebration. You’ll see Plein Air artists perched along the riverbanks capturing the valley’s light on canvas, and you can step into an 800-year-old tradition at Cushendale Woollen Mills. It’s one of the last working mills in Ireland, still using heritage machinery to craft world-class woollens on the very site where monks once worked.

With live music around every corner, poetry in the air, and local food stalls lining the quay, the festival captures the true spirit of the village: a mix of deep history, creative energy, and a warm, welcoming community.

“As Ireland’s first original Book Town festival, Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch possess a unique spirit, the event is a celebration of our community’s deep roots in books, music, and craft. Whether you are a serious collector or a family looking for a weekend of free activities, we offer a welcome like no other.”

Save the Date: August 21–23, 2026.

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