Book Launch: Tales of Bards Aloud, Comic and Quirky by Gerry Donlon

What to Expect

Gerry Donlon launches Tales of Bards Aloud, Comic and Quirky at Lanesboro Library on the evening of Thursday 20 August. The title signals the register: comic and quirky verse and tales rather than solemn literary fare, in the tradition of the local bard reading aloud to a room.

Longford Libraries host launches for local writers across their branches and they follow a reliable shape, with a short introduction, readings from the author, an open floor for questions and time afterwards to talk and buy a copy. Ninety minutes is a generous slot for a launch, so expect a decent amount of actual reading rather than a quick signing.

The date falls in National Heritage Week, and it is a busy evening across the county’s libraries. Ballymahon Library holds a talk on the life of Dean Egan and the Dean Egan Library at 6:30 PM the same night, and Longford Library runs its Irish language conversation circle earlier in the afternoon.

Good to Know

• Thursday 20 August 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
• Lanesboro Library, Lanesborough, Co. Longford.
• Free to attend.
• Library membership is required for library events and is free to join at the desk or online.
• Author: Gerry Donlon.
• Check the Longford Libraries events calendar in case registration is needed, or ring 043 334 3300.
• Lanesboro Library also runs a family movie day on 21 August and a four week mother and baby reflexology course starting 9 September.

Getting There

Lanesborough sits on the eastern bank of the River Shannon where it leaves Lough Ree, about 22 kilometres south west of Longford town on the N63, and directly across the bridge from Ballyleague in County Roscommon. The library is in the village centre, a short walk from the bridge and the main street.

Drivers coming from Longford take the N63 towards Roscommon; from Athlone, head north on the N61 through Roscommon town or up the eastern shore of Lough Ree. There is free on-street and car park parking in the village, which is rarely a problem on a weekday evening. Bus Eireann route 70 between Athlone and Longford stops in Lanesborough, and Local Link services also serve the village.