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The Not-So-Secret Book Festival

The Secret Bookshelf, Unit 8a The Courtyard, 38 Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DP
Drawn image with - book showing word The Not So Secret Book Festival - 20 to 22nd June 2025

About

Come along to Carrickfergus from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June for a literary celebration like no other!  Organised by The Secret Bookshelf, The Not-So-Secret Book Festival is a vibrant weekend packed with author readings, book signings, family fun, poetry, storytelling, and spirited conversations with top crime writers, poets, and historians.

Highlights include:

  • A lively festival opening with Anne Marie McAleese and some craic.

  • Leo Varadshishvili in conversation with Dr Frank Ferguson about his acclaimed work Hard By Great Forest.

  • Readings from exciting voices Byddi Lee and Wendy Erskine.

  • Themed events including "Femina Culpa: Poems of the Female Criminal"

  • Crime events @7 Bistro and Cafe including 'Crime in the City' with Linda Hagan, Kerry Buchanan and Kelly Creighton, and "The Funny Side of Noir" with leading crime writers Colin Batemen, Callum McSorley and James Murphy.

  • A magical storytelling garden session with Liz Weir and friends.

  • Fun for families with a Children’s Book Morning and book doctors Sue Divin, Sheena Wilkinson and Paul Howard 

  • and a special ACOTEN fan celebration, with a fan chat with The Silly Little Bookclub and art activity

Whether you're a lifelong reader, a budding young bookworm, or just love a great story, there's something for everyone - many events are free, and ticketed sessions start from just £4.

📍 Venues include The Secret Bookshelf, Carrickfergus Museum, and @7 Bistro in the Courtyard Carrickfergus.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this enchanting literary weekend. Grab your tickets, bring your curiosity, and discover the magic waiting between the pages!

Facilities

Accessibility

  • All areas accessible to disabled visitors
  • Ramp / Level Access

Parking & Transport

  • Frequent bus services
  • Off site parking
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Station nearby

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In Market Town
  • Non smoking establishment

Book Tickets Online

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Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 7810 647 084

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Not-So-Secret Book Festival (various events and venues) (20 June 2025 - 22 June 2025)

What's Nearby

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Red vintage pull along fire carriage branded Carrickfergus Fire BrigadeCarrickfergus Museum, CarrickfergusLocal museum interpreting the long and distinguished history of the town and surrounding area, with artefacts of treasure excavated in Carrickfergus. There are multi-media and audio-visual presentations.

Pink seat with white rug and cushion surrounded by shelves and tables with booksThe Secret Bookshelf, CarrickfergusDiscover The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus' Courtyard, Ireland's top indie bookstore. We offer unique books, gifts, and accessories, host events, and support writing classes. Book hunts and unique finds await!

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