The Ballyscullion Park Book Festival is back for its second year, featuring prominent women authors Dr Sophia Hillan and Lyndsy Spence. Set against the scenic backdrop near Bellaghy and supporting Northern Ireland Hospice, the event celebrates literature and history through compelling stories of influential women.
This weekend sees the return of the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Ballyscullion Park near Bellaghy, Northern Ireland. Overlooking Lough Beg, the venue has become a renowned location for events such as weddings and film productions, notably featuring in the acclaimed series Game of Thrones. This marks the second occasion that the estate has hosted the book festival, which supports the Northern Ireland Hospice.
The festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, will feature a diverse lineup of authors, journalists, documentary makers, and historians, all set to engage attendees with discussions and presentations. Among the highlights on Sunday morning is a session featuring two prominent women authors: Dr Sophia Hillan and Lyndsy Spence.
Dr Sophia Hillan is known for her scholarly works and contributions to Irish literature. She will discuss her book May, Lou & Cass – Jane Austen’s Nieces in Ireland, which examines the lives of Austen’s nieces during a turbulent period in history. “Aunt Jane had advised them not to travel to Ireland but love got in the way,” Dr Hillan explained, referring to the captivating lives and choices of these women as they embraced aristocratic marriages despite their aunt’s disapproval. The author has an extensive background, including roles at Queen’s University Belfast, and has been recognised for her prizewinning novels and short stories.
Lyndsy Spence brings her own unique perspective to the festival. Her work She Who Dares introduces ten compelling women, including the notable English socialite Jean, Viscountess Massereene and Ferrard. Spence reflects fondly on her connection to Massereene, who was not only known for her active social life but also for her abilities as a psychic and paranormal expert in the 1920s. “Jean Massereene’s story continues to resonate deeply with me,” Spence noted.
Born in Antrim, Spence’s interest in history and literature is personal and vibrant; she credits her English teacher for nurturing her passion. Her diverse heritage, which includes connections to Cuba, San Diego, and Canada, complements her literary pursuits. In addition to her numerous publications, including a biography of opera singer Maria Callas, Spence has also recently received notable acclaim for her biography of film star Vivien Leigh.
The festival not only aims to celebrate literature but also serves as a platform to discuss broader themes in culture and history. Spence’s aspirations include further exploration into the spiritual movements and witchcraft trials of Salem, Massachusetts, reflecting her engagement with historical narratives that shape societal understanding.
The Ballyscullion Park Book Festival is anticipated to draw literature enthusiasts from across the region, providing an enriching experience that highlights the contributions of women in literature and history. The event promises engaging discussions and a celebration of storytelling within the stunning setting of Ballyscullion Park.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.ballyscullionpark.com/book-festival-2025/ – This official page provides details about the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival, including its dates, location, and the diverse lineup of authors, journalists, documentary makers, and historians scheduled to participate.
- https://www.ballyscullionpark.com/2025-festival-programme/ – This page outlines the festival’s program, highlighting notable speakers such as Louis de Bernières, Carlo Gébler, and Ramita Navai, who will engage attendees with discussions and presentations.
- https://www.ballyscullionpark.com/book-festival-2025/ – This page mentions the charity partnership with NI Hospice, indicating that a portion of the festival’s proceeds will support the Northern Ireland Hospice.
- https://www.ballyscullionpark.com/2025-festival-programme/ – This page lists Dr. Sophia Hillan as a featured speaker, discussing her book *May, Lou & Cass – Jane Austen’s Nieces in Ireland*, which examines the lives of Austen’s nieces during a turbulent period in history.
- https://www.ballyscullionpark.com/2025-festival-programme/ – This page lists Lyndsy Spence as a featured speaker, discussing her work *She Who Dares*, which introduces ten compelling women, including Jean, Viscountess Massereene and Ferrard.
- https://www.ballyscullionpark.com/2025-festival-programme/ – This page mentions that the festival aims to celebrate literature and serves as a platform to discuss broader themes in culture and history, reflecting Spence’s engagement with historical narratives that shape societal understanding.
- https://www.irishnews.com/opinion/book-festival-at-game-of-thrones-estate-spotlights-jane-austens-irish-nieces-and-antrims-psychic-viscountess-SSLIUFX6TBFQLKPOJACQLUAAME/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The festival dates (10-11 May) align with the article’s timeframe, with no outdated references to roles or events. Specific book titles and author backgrounds appear current and relevant.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Dr Hillan and Spence’s quotes are plausibly original, as no prior instances were found online. However, without direct access to the quoted works or author interviews, full verification is limited.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Irish News, a regional publication. While not globally prominent like Reuters or BBC, its focus on local events lends credibility to this specific coverage.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
Claims about festival logistics, author credentials, and historical connections align with verifiable patterns for literary events. No implausible assertions detected.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The article demonstrates strong alignment with known details about the festival and participating authors. Absence of red flags in temporal or source reliability aspects supports its credibility, though quote verification remains partially limited by access constraints.
