There’s a fine and eclectic lineup of writers and music at the Fourth Forge at Gort Literature Festival this Friday and Saturday, 25 and 26 March, at Gort, Co Galway, organised by the Western Writers' Centre, Ionad Scribhneoiri Chaitlín Maude,Galway.

 Among the festival participants are The Poetry Chicks, journalist Olaf Tyaransen, poets Noel Monahan, Matt Mooney, Patrick Stack, The Clare Three-legged Stool Writers' Group, poet and musician Clare Sawtell, poet and political activist Sarah Clancy, novelist and critic Kevin Kiely, John W Sexton, Miceal Kearney and Paul Jeffcott. In keeping with previous festivals, there will be wire-strung harp music from this time New Orleans-born Brenda Malloy. More details 

    WB Yeats and his times are never far from the consciousness of The Forge at Gort. The Dublin-based writer and poet, Rosemarie Rowley, donated a painting by Apollo Gallery, Dublin, artist Tom Byrne, of Lady Augusta Gregory to the festival. The centre's chair, Aoife Nic Fhearghusa, is pictured with it. It is up for sale and anyone interested in having a look at it should come to the opening night or, alternatively, contact the Western Writers' Centre at 091.564822 ext 312, or westernwriters@eircom.net
All events at the festival are admission free, although donations are always welcome.