The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a look back through the archives as well as showcasing current and emerging new talent.
The festival opened last night, with readings from Pulitzer Prize winning poet Paul Muldoon and author Sally Rooney, who has been described as "the voice of a generation".
She has written four novels, her most recent being Intermezzo.
Later, Ms Rooney will be in conversation with John Patrick McHugh whose debut short story collection, Pure Gold, captures the restlessness of small town life.
His debut novel Fun and Games builds on these themes "turning its gaze towards the fluidity of memory, the weight of the past and the complicated ways people hurt and need each other".
Also in conversation will be Irish writers Kevin Barry and Eimear McBride.
The Heart in Winter is Mr Barry's "western with a Cork accent" and Ms McBride will be presenting a look at her new novel, The City Changes Its Face.
Other Irish writers who have been Cúirt regulars over the years will be reflecting on their careers at this year's festival.
They include Anne Enright, Roddy Doyle and Donal Ryan.
Capturing Cúirt: 40 Years of Stories is open to the public each day at 4pm, hosted by storytelling collective, Moth and Butterfly.
People are invited to Nuns Island Theatre to "come, share - and hear - all the scandalous, the mischievous, and the heartwarming tales, to celebrate you, our audience".
Festival Director Manuela Moser described Galway City as "brimming with words", adding that there will be readings, lectures, discussions, launches and workshops throughout the week.
"I've been combing through our archives to find inspiration in the festival's long history. What I found was an abundance, and a celebration, of literature - and I hope this year's festival will reflect that, with each day centred around moments of celebration".
The acclaimed poet, Kayo Chingonyi, will present a preview of his memoir Prodigal.
After his father's death from a HIV-related illness, six-year-old Kayo was smuggled out of Zambia on a plane bound for Newcastle.
In Prodigal, he returns to Zambia 25 years later, having lost both his parents.
The book is described as a "joyous tribute to the healing power of music, poetry and love, and a deeply moving account of how the immigrant experience is often one of filling in the gaps".
The Cúirt lecture on Saturday features Ahmed Masoud talking about the literature of Palestine.
Kids' Storytime sessions take place for free at midday on Saturday and Sunday in Charlie Byrne's Bookshop with author Méabh McDonnell.
