It is one of Ireland's largest poetry events, with up to 40 poets reading and a major international contingent at recent festivals.

The most recent festivals were in 1997, 2004, and 1-3 May 2012.

However, it lacked the visibility, influence and longevity of the more recent festival.

In recent festivals, a secondary burn has taken place the following night, during which other works of "burnable art" are burned.

This most recent festival took place between 29 June and 1 July 2012.

And in contrast to many recent festivals at which dark films have predominated, they chose comedy as one of their themes.

The most recent festival was held on September 10, 2011 and had over 183 applicants competing for 44 performance slots.

The most recent festival took place in 2007.

The most recent festival, held last month, was the largest yet and drew several hundred people.

In both cases, the numbers are higher than in other recent festivals.