Main Programme

Calling all children’s writers and illustrators! If you would like to talk about your own work for young audiences with fellow children’s writers and illustrators, swap experiences and ideas, or simply have a social coffee with other Irish based creatives, please do come along. All welcome. The aim of Discover Irish Children’s Books is to […]

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Exploring themes from hope and love to resilience and ambition, join us for an evening around four captivating debut novels from some of the freshest voices in Irish fiction. Gethan Dick’s Water in the Desert, Fire in the Night (Tramp Press) is a unique take on what we do when the world ends. Aisling Rawle’s […]

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Join us for the launch of This Is Not a Cookbook (Skein Press), a unique blend of memoir with food writing alongside evocative lithographic artwork. The vignettes in the book chronicle Roxana Manouchehri’s childhood growing up in Tehran in the 80s following the Iranian Revolution, the profound influence of the women who surrounded her, and […]

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Join us for an eye-opening discussion tracing the treatment of women in Ireland across three centuries, uncovering stories of struggle and resilience from the 1700s to today. Leanne Calvert’s Pious and Promiscuous (Royal Irish Academy) offers an intimate glimpse of life in 18th century Presbyterian Ulster. Susan Marie Martin’s Dublin’s women street traders, 1882 – […]

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This event is now booked out with a waiting list in place. Embark on a vivid journey with writer, actor and broadcaster Michael Palin as he shares captivating tales from his career and travels, including his latest adventure in Michael Palin in Venezuela (Hutchinson Heinemann). With his trademark curiosity and wit, hear stories of the […]

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Join us as we celebrate the finest spoken word poetry in the world. Slamovision, hosted by the UNESCO Cities of Literature, is a unique spoken word version of Eurovision, and an exciting opportunity to showcase local talent on an international stage. This year’s final is in Dublin, the 4th UNESCO City of Literature, bringing you […]

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Moving Hearts legend Keith Donald has been at the epicentre of the Irish music scene for decades. His memoir Music and Mayhem (The Lilliput Press) chronicles his life, from his early days in Belfast to playing music across the globe, as well as his journey from addiction to redemption. Join us for a performance of […]

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The pens are down and the volume’s up as Holy Show alumni and DBF guests swap words for beats. In collaboration with ddr residents FARO-P and Mittelschmerz, expect eclectic sets from poet and playwright Lianne O’Hara, writers Rob Doyle, Nicole Flattery and Róisín Kiberd, and DJ Iconik (aka poet and cartoonist Eoin Rogers). Please note […]

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Join author Dearhaile O’Hare for an engaging workshop exploring how writing can support wellbeing. Whether facing a recent cancer diagnosis, in treatment, in recovery, or supporting a loved one, the process of writing can offer a space to reflect, find expression, and reconnect with ourselves and others. This is an interactive workshop. Questions are encouraged […]

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Starting off from just outside the Viking foundation of Christ Church Cathedral, join author Pat Liddy, or one of his expert guides, on a walking tour of the old city. Learn about the first development of writing in Ireland, from the earliest monastic settlements to the internationally-recognised flowering of some of the most famous writers […]

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This event, which encourages participation and discussion, is for professionals creating literature events at festivals, venues, libraries, or any organisations, to gather information and share experiences. This year’s event, in partnership with Safe to Create, will be an information session followed by open discussion around embedding dignity and respect in the workplace, ensuring inclusivity and […]

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Explore the streets of James Joyce’s Dublin with author and Joycean Robert Nicholson as he takes you on a walking tour based on the new edition of his best-selling The Ulysses Guide: Tours Through Joyce’s Dublin (New Island). First published in 1988 and updated here for the streetscape in 2025, The Ulysses Guide is a […]

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