THE William Carleton Summer School returns to Corick House Hotel from Monday, August 4 until Thursday, August 7 for its 23rd year.

Since it was initiated in 1992, the School has gone from strength to strength.

As one of Ireland’s most significant literary festivals, it celebrates the life and writings of the novelist William Carleton, 1794-1869.

The Summer School has benefited from a dedicated local committee as well as the support of several celebrated writers and critics over the years.

In the past speakers have included Kiely, Seamus Heaney, Owen Dudley Edwards, John Montague, Thomas Flanagan, Maurice Harmon, Norman Vance and Eugene McCabe.

Among the Irish historians to present papers have been Roy Foster, Alvin Jackson, R. B. McDowell, Tom Bartlett, Brian Walker, Diarmaid Ferriter and John A. Murphy.

The old Carleton Society was officially revived two years ago and now provides the framework for a series of annual events with the first week in each August being the flagship of its endeavours.

This year the programme’s themes and focuses include the famine in Scotland and Ireland, literary links between Ireland and Scotland, Irish literary figures and artists and the First World War and reflections and memories of Seamus Heaney.

Tom Devine, Bryan Gallagher, Malcolm Duffey, Joanne Devlin Trew and Owen Dudley Edwards are just some of the key speakers this year.

Of course, the Summer School has plenty of musical entertainment too.

Cup O’Joe play an energetic style of Bluegrass and Gypsy Jazz music.

They will perform on Monday night at Corick House.

Meanwhile Murley Silver Band will help to bring the Summer School to a close with a concert in the ‘Forth Chapel on Wednesday evening before Thursday’s Carleton Tour on William Carleton’s Home Ground.

This year’s programme is filled with interesting talks, tours and music.

For more information go to www.williamcarletonsociety.org.