The speaker for our first Autumn lecture is Fr Paul Clayton-Lea who has a lifetime interest in writer C. S. Lewis and has published two books about Lewis’s Louth connections.

C.S. (Jack) Lewis (1898-1963) was regarded as one of the most influential twentienth-century writers. He also served in the army during World War One. His wartime (Second) broadcasts on the BBC have been published. Co. Louth has fared poorly in Lewis biographies to date, despite the clear timeline of Lewis’s holidays and honeymoon here from late 1940s to late 1950s. This timeline coincided with the most creative period of Lewis’s life when he produced both the Narnia stories and many other important works, both literary and religious, as well as finding personal happiness with his marriage. Lewis also stayed at the Imperial Hotel in Dundalk.

The lecture will be held in the Imperial Hotel in Dundalk (Eircode A91 ND6P) on Thursday 26 November 2026 at 8 p.m.

All are welcome. Voluntary donations at the door are welcome to support the work of the Society.