In the corner of the famous John B Keane's pub there hangs an ageing photograph. It is dated 1971 and shows a smiling group from Listowel on the opening night of the inaugural Writers' Week, writes Joe Stack Founded a year previously, the past 50 years has seen the country's oldest literary and arts festival grow into an internationally renowned event.
It has become a magnet for both established literary stars and those taking their first tentative steps into the sometimes daunting world of writing.
It's always been a facet of the festival that both local novices and international superstars alike receive the same warm welcome.