Comedian Dom Joly to headline Lismore travel festival

Dom Joly and former RTE broadcaster Tommie Gorman are two of the keynote speakers at the 2024 Immrama travel festival in Waterford.

The festival, which runs from June 13-16, was inspired by the late Lismore-based author, Dervla Murphy, whose 50 year career helped change travel writing.

Ms Murphy was a keen cyclist and travelled by bike around various parts of the globe, writing in fascinating detail about her adventures, most of which were solo.

Her best-selling writings helped inspire a generation of travel writers including Monty Python star Michael Palin who insisted on travelling to Lismore to meet Ms Murphy.

Dervla’s book, Life at Full Tilt, an edited collection of her writings by Ethel Crowley, proved a best-seller last year and details journeys she made on her bicycle in Spain, Palestine, Afghanistan, North Africa and South America beginning in 1956.

The Immrama festival programme this year features travel writers, comedians, journalists, explorers and singers who share a passion for travel and adventure.

Author Michael Harding will open the festival on June 13.

Comedian Dom Joly, who was born in Lebanon and who went to school with Osama bin Laden, will make one of the keynote presentations on his travel writing for various leading magazines and newspapers.

He sprang to fame with his Trigger Happy TV show which involved hidden camera pranks.

However, he now largely focuses on travel and cultural programmes.

Former RTE Northern Editor Tommie Gorman will deliver a lecture on his memoir while classical opera singer Amanda Neri will speak about her travel experiences as part of her career.

The programme will also feature Waterford historian Donald Brady and explorer Bridget Ashton.

Immrama has been held in Lismore each year since 2003.

The festival has been dedicated to the art of travel writing as well as good music, entertainment and artisan food since its inception.

Once again, the festival will coincide with Lismore Farmers Market and a special exhibition of local artisan crafts.

Lismore, home to the famous Duke of Devonshire castle, has for centuries been a focus point for travel for economic, military, religious and leisure purposes.