RITES and religions in contemporary Irish culture is the theme of this year's Kerry International Summer School of Living Irish Authors which begins in Tralee on Sunday. Edna O'Brien, Brendan Kennelly, Anne Hartigan and Bernard O'Donoghue are among those who will enrich and entertain students at this popular summer school.

Specific events that may interest visitors to Tralee include a night of poetry and music with Katie Donovan, Anne Hartigan and David Mason at the Imperial Hotel on Friday next (August 2nd), and readings from Brendan Kennelly and Edna O'Brien at the Gus Martin Memorial Day on Saturday, August 3rd. Guests are also welcome to attend individual lectures. For more details, tel: 066-21472.