DBF Spotlight 2026 – Spring Series

We are delighted to announce that DBF Spotlight, our spring series of events, is back. Throughout February and March, we have an exciting and diverse line-up of events for you celebrating some of the best new books by Ireland’s writers. From a compelling book launch, events around wellbeing and conversations around mythology, to gripping history, a dive into the Irish language, and a special day of events celebrating International Women’s Day, we hope all book lovers will find something to enjoy in our spring series.

On Monday 9 February, we are delighted to be launching An Asylum for My Affections: Sketches of Maeve Brennan, edited by Molly Hennigan. Molly will be joined on the evening by two of the anthology’s contributors, Roddy Doyle and Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, for readings from this compelling collection of essays inspired by the life and legacy of renowned Irish writer Maeve Brennan (National Library of Ireland, 6pm)

On Tuesday 3 March, author, musician and acclaimed mental health campaigner, Niall Breslin, joins us for an evening of conversation and music to celebrate his new book, The Place That Has Never Been Wounded. Combining deeply researched principles of mindfulness, with transformative learnings from lived experience, this new book offers guidance in reclaiming a stillness and steadiness within for facing life’s challenges. The evening will also include a live performance of the accompanying album, performed by Niall with the Polaris String Quartet (Royal Irish Academy of Music, 6:30pm)

On Wednesday 4 March, join editor Ailbhe Malone and contributors Naoise Dolan and Anne Griffin for an empowering conversation around the new anthology, Banshee: Mythological Irish Women Retold. In these richly imagined retellings, from some of Ireland’s most electrifying female writers, the bold and brilliant women of these ancient tales are now front and centre of their own stories (National Library of Ireland, 6:30pm)

On Sunday 8 March, Dublin Book Festival heads down to the stunning Powerscourt Estate in Co. Wicklow for a day of events celebrating women’s voices on International Women’s Day. Featuring writers Rosanna Cooney, Clare McKenna, Dearbhla Mescal, Oona Frawley and Julia Kelly, join us for a day of an engaging day of conversations around wellbeing and the power of writing, readings, poetry and a walk (Powerscourt Estate, 10:30am – 1:15pm plus walking tour at 2pm)

On Thursday 12 March, join leading online Irish teacher Mollie Guidera for a dynamic and illuminating dive into the Irish language. Following on from the success of her online platform ‘Irish with Mollie’, her new book The Gaeilge Guide is brimming with practical guidance, useful phrases, and heartfelt stories that reveal the humanity within the words we are learning (dlr LexIcon, 6pm)

On Monday 23 March, author and journalist Rory Carroll will be in conversation about his gripping new history illuminating the fascinating story of Roger Casement (dlr LexIcon, 6pm)

All events are now open for booking at our Programme page.

To hear first about all future events, including our flagship festival taking place in November, in venues around Dublin City, sign up to our newsletter here.