Woman reading a book in a deck chair under a tree at The Hay Festival.
Readers relaxing in deckchairs at Hay Festival, which takes place every May-June in the UK's original 'book village' on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Photograph by Adam Tatton Reid

Hay-on-Wye and beyond: 5 of the UK & Ireland's best spring literary festivals

Literary festivals are all over the UK and Ireland this spring, in locations just as appealing as the books they showcase.

BySarah Barrell
Published April 23, 2023
3 min read
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

1. Hay Festival

When: 21 to 31 May
Set on the beautiful Wales-England border, this year’s packed festival includes director Emerald Fennell discussing her new cinematic take on Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, Prue Leith and Bear Grylls recounting their lives in books, and Andrea Wulf breathing new life into the story of 18th century explorer George Foster. Stand-up comedy performances by Alan Davies and Michael McIntyre keep spirits up between inspiring conversations, while poets wax lyrical at special orchestra-backed poetry slams.

2. Guernsey Literary Festival

When: 23 April to 7 May
Celebrating bold writing and big ideas, this event includes highlights such as a talk by historian Tracey Borman centred on her book The House of Boleyn, and short story writing classes led by acclaimed British author Ross Raisin. The festival also offers poetry competitions, lunch with cookbook author Georgina Hayden and the chance to stretch your legs on Guernsey’s coastal trails and nature walks.

3. Stratford Literary Festival

When: 7 to 10 May
Epidemiologist Tim Spector, journalist Samira Ahmed and lawyer Marina Wheeler: just some of the big names set to converge on the Bard’s hometown to discuss their work. And for visitors, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, too, including a workshop on how to finish a novel led by Clare Clark. 7 to 10 May. 

4. International Literature Festival Dublin

When: 15 to 24 May
The Georgian streets that were once fertile ground for James Joyce, W B Yeats and Oscar Wilde welcome Ireland’s leading literary festival this May. The nine-day event celebrates the best Irish and international writers, poets, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters. Book-themed guided walks are also offered alongside a Date with an Agent, where writers can pitch their work in person.

5. The Bath Festival

When: 16 to 24 May
This year, Bath’s annual celebration of music and books features a flurry of big names, like Hamnet author Maggie O'Farrell. More than 40 talks, workshops and performances will take place in elegant public buildings, with highlights including writer Amanda Tuke hosting a nature writing workshop and plenty of walks retracing the literary legacy of the city.

(Related: 7 reading retreats to book now.)

This story was originally published in the May 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). It has been updated on March 5th, 2026.

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