Following the success of its debut festival in 2024, the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival is set to become a key event in the literary calendar. The festival, held in the picturesque surroundings of Ballyscullion Park near Bellaghy in mid-Ulster, brings together readers, writers and art lovers for an unforgettable weekend of cultural delights.

This year’s festival was bigger and better, with a line-up of both new and returning authors, children’s writers, opinion formers, historians, poets, musicians and artists. Over the two days, attendees chose from around 50 talks, readings and panel discussions, as well as enjoying live music, local food stalls, artisan products and an art exhibition.

Among the highlights were Louis de Bernières,  author and poet; Dr Roy Foster, Emeritus Professor of History at Oxford and cultural commentator, Carlo Gébler  author, playwright and teacher; Ramita Navai, multi award-winning journalist, documentary maker and author; Lyndsy Spence author, historian and screenwriter and founder of The Mitford Society; Gareth Reid artist and 2023 Sky Portrait Artist of the Decade; John Goodall, historian, author, and Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine; Dr Heidi Edmundson Portrush-born novelist and Emergency Medicine consultant in London; Martina Devlin award-winning novelist and journalist and Dr Caroline Campbell Director of the National Gallery of Ireland.  

There were also panel discussions on topical issues, in association with the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, and the Irrawaddy Literary Festival.

This year, the festival was proud to announce a charity partnership with NI Hospice. A percentage of the profit from ticket sales were made to NI Hospice, and a representative was on hand at the festival to talk about the care provided by the hospice.

Ballyscullion Park is part of the Loughinsholin Tourism Cluster, which aims to develop and promote a range of authentic, sustainable visitor experiences, a sense of place as well as a commitment to preserve and promote the generations of rich heritage and traditions found in the region of mid-Ulster. The cluster is supported by Invest Northern Ireland through its Collaborative Growth Programme.

Rosalind Mulholland Festival Director said:
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival for 2025. This year’s festival will feature an incredible mix of returning speakers and exciting new faces. We are also delighted to announce our charity partner for 2025 as NI Hospice. The 2024 festival exceeded all expectations, and we are committed to building on that success by creating an even more vibrant and inspiring experience for all who attend. We look forward to welcoming returning and new visitors.”

Book free tickets for under 18s. 

On Sunday 11th May 12pm – 5pm there were special family events including storytelling and book readings and poetry workshops.  Suitable for children from 4 years old.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

There was an exceptional Artisan’s Market in the Walled Garden as well as numerous delicious options for lunch and refreshments. 

Ballyscullion Park Book Festival 2025 was proud to be associated with: