Broadcaster Marian Finucane and writers Nuala O'Faolain, Maeve Binchy and Anne Enright are among the speakers at the annual Merriman Summer School, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
This year's summer school, which takes place in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, from August 19th to August 25th, has taken a review of the changes in Ireland over the last 40 years as it theme under the title Changed Utterly? Ireland 1967-2007.
Speakers including assistant editor of The Irish Times Fintan O'Toole, historian Diarmaid Ferriter and former Irish ambassador to the United Nations and secretary general of the Department of Foreign Affairs Noel Dorr will discuss key events that have shaped Irish life today as well as looking at some of the challenges that will be faced in the future.
Poetry readings in English and Irish will be given by Liam Ó Muirthille, Mary O'Malley, Paddy Bushe and Leanne O'Sullivan.
Programme director Doireann Ní Bhriain said she has chosen speakers from the world of arts, literature, education and the Civil Service, but has deliberately put no politicians on the bill.
"Summer schools do tend to have a lot of politicians speaking at them - this year we decided to be a politician-free zone ... we've decided to go for a mix of academics and practitioners to reflect Irish life."
In addition to the formal lectures, the summer school gives an opportunity for contributors and participants to engage with each other on an informal level, Ms Ní Bhriain said.
"The main purpose people come to the summer school is for the very good company and the great opportunity to discuss and debate important issues in a very relaxed and informal manner. There's not a huge amount of space in Irish life for people to reflect on things anymore."
