Family & Children's Programme

Join author-illustrator Margaret Anne Suggs to read, ask questions, and help paint a whole flock of sustainable birds! Mags will read her new picture book, Robin and Pip (Graffeg Books), about the reassuring friendship between a bird and an apple tree. Afterwards, children and their adults can participate in making their own bright and creative […]

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In the chaos of our current digital-driven world, children can grow up feeling discouraged, unwilling to try new things, and giving up before they have even begun. Can by author-illustrator Ashwin Chacko is a joyful and inspiring reminder for young ones who might struggle with confidence that, yes, they CAN do anything! Join Ashwin for […]

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Are you a young reader looking for some new book inspiration? Come with your family to meet the Children’s Books Ireland Book Doctors who will help prescribe you the perfect books to read! They will chat to you about what you like reading at the moment, and send you on your way to your local […]

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Join us for this fun-filled activity for all the family to work together as a team. Pick up your treasure trail handout from the Family Hub reception, then follow the clues throughout the stunning grounds of IMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, and return for your prize! Age: All the family. Free. Drop in! This […]

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It’s time to get creative with all the family. Bring along your imaginations and get drawing, writing, and doing some arts and crafts at our DBF Creative station! Age: All the family Free. Drop in! This event takes place in The Vault in the North Range of IMMA Venues.

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Looking to refresh your bookshelves at home? We’re inviting families to bring their old children’s books to swap them for one from our DBF book swap stand. This event takes place in The Vault in the North Range of IMMA Venues.

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Every small step makes a difference! Drop by our ‘Plant Your Own’ space, roll the sleeves up and plant your own bulb or sapling to take away with you! Then find out more about all the things you can be growing at home, contributing to regenerating and replenishing our world, one plant at a time. […]

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Fond of films? Have a major grá for motion pictures? Join Alan Nolan as he talks about the inspirations behind his new children’s book The Grand Central Cinema Club (The O’Brien Press), set in the cinemas of 1930s Dublin. Learn how to draw fictional movie idol Tripp Hazzard, the Lonesome Yodelling Cowboy™, and devise your […]

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Tune in for Penguin TV! Join Niamh Sharkey and Owen Churcher for a reading and draw-along of their delightful picture book inspired by Dublin Zoo’s penguin cam, where every penguin is ready to show off their best skills and share all their fun facts. Waddle you waiting for? It’s showtime! Age: 5+ yrs Please book […]

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Join artist Louise Manifold and writer Morgan Lyons from Rainbow Library to create your own tarot cards. Starting with the theme of ‘Lore’, the title of Rainbow Library’s latest book, participants will explore the meanings behind tarot’s major arcana and develop their own card. Participants will use collage, drawing and text to bring their ideas […]

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The Fighting Words Story Slam with MC Dave Rudden at the Dublin Book Festival is an open mic event for young people aged 13–18 to share original stories, poems, and songs! This fun and exciting platform celebrates youth creativity and gives performers a chance to shine on stage. Registration is required for performers and audience […]

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Roll up your sleeves and join scientist Dr Shane Bergin for an exciting adventure from The Experimenters: Luke and Ruby’s Scientific Sleepover (Little Island Books)! Luke and Ruby are visiting their grandparents, who teach them how to do science and explore the world around them. This indoor event will test your reaction speeds, just like […]

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