Jonathan Swift Poet, satirist, man of religion and politics, Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) was a master of scathing satire and political wit. His most famous satirical writings are A Tale of a Tub (1704), Gulliver's Travels (1725), and A Modest Proposal (1729). Swift wrote his own epitaph in which he speaks of his 'savage indignation' and defies future generations to surpass his defence of liberty. Swift's writing remains a byword for absurd humour, acute political insight, grotesque imagination, and lacerating wit.

The Heritage Town of Trim, on the banks of the river Boyne 45km north-west of Dublin, has close connections with Jonathan Swift and his companion 'Stella' (Esther Johnson, 1681-1728). From 1700-12, Swift's parish was Laracor, on the outskirts of the town. The sites of Swift's church and Stella's cottage are well-known landmarks in the locality. Although they never married, Swift and Stella remained for thirty-five years 'perfect Friends', in Swift's own words, and his account of her death is probably the most moving thing he ever wrote. In addition to its Swiftian connections, Trim is the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington. The town's origins date back to the fifth century, and Trim Castle, built in the twelfth century, is the finest and best preserved Norman castle in Ireland. Trim is now a modern tourist centre boasting excellent accommodation and leisure facilities, a prime spot for this exciting festival of wit.