Launches, Literary Journals and Celebrations at DBF23

The Dublin Book Festival has the great privilege of hosting several launches and celebrations in our programme this year. Whether you’re looking to celebrate novels, literary journals, or explore a bit more of the Irish publishing scene, you’ve got to check out these events and celebrate their excellence with us this November. Here’s a round-up of just some of these events taking place next week at #DBF23.

We’re so excited to launch two books this year for two Irish writing greats. Saturday at 1pm in the Printworks Castle, join novelist, short story writer and playwright Jack Harte for the launch of In the Foul Rag-and Bone Shop. This philosophical and eccentric novel will delight and amuse audiences while tackling the major issues of our time [TICKETS HERE]. Then spend your Saturday evening in Gutter Bookshop for the launch of Reading Rites by Evelyn Conlon at 6.30pm. Evelyn will be celebrating the publication of her new memoir which recounts her life of literature, travel and challenging authority with her wonderfully witty style. [TICKETS HERE]. 

Come join New Island, a publishing company that’s shaped the Irish Literary landscape, in Celebrating 30 Years of Stories on Saturday at 6.30pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle. Commemorate their anniversary in their hometown of Dublin by enjoying stories, reflections, and readings at this literary soirée [TICKETS HERE]. While tickets for Sunday Miscellany – A Selection, 2018-2023 from RTÉ Radio 1’s weekend programme are currently sold out (do give the waiting list a shout [HERE]), we still have a number of literary journal launches and celebrations to choose from. 

Over in Chester Beatty on Saturday at 1.15pm, we’re partnering with The Stinging Fly to present the panel This So-Called Writing Life. Novelist and commissioning editor Olivia Fitzsimons will be in conversation with authors Sheila Armstrong, Jan Carson, and Sheena Patel about the highs and lows of writing life and the creative process [TICKETS HERE]. 

Saturday the parties continue in The Printworks, Dublin Castle with three literary journal launches. Stop by Winter Papers Launch at 2.15pm for the launch of the 9th volume of their annual arts anthology. Join Edwina Guckian, Kathleen MacMahon, Peter Murphy and Jess Raymon in conversation with Kevin Barry for this special treat [TICKETS HERE]. Hop on over at 4.45pm for HOWL New Irish Writing. Join in for a cosy afternoon full of readings and performances of poetry and prose from the talented writers of this year’s edition [TICKETS HERE]. For a bit of late night rumination, stick around for the Sonder Launch at 8pm for Issue VIII: Belonging. Enjoying readings of short stories, creative nonfiction, and flash fiction [TICKETS HERE]. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to celebrate these unique journals. 

Over in the beautiful surrounds of 1WML on Saturday evening from 7.30pm we have a jam-packed evening lined up for you at “The Light of Home: Ukraine and Ireland”: A celebration of Irish and Ukrainian Culture with music, readings, discussion and more. TICKETS HERE

We’ve got you covered on Sunday too, never you worry. Don’t miss Channel Launch issue 9 at 12 pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle with contributor readings, music and refreshments. These days, we’re all a bit worried about the climate crisis. Come and settle for a bit with the journal that fosters connection between people and the planet [TICKETS HERE]. 

This November 11th and 12th, you know where you have to be. The chill will be setting in, so why not join us and settle in for a lovely launch or celebration or two…or five, we won’t judge! Don’t forget, along with these fantastic launches and celebrations, the Dublin Book Festival is five days full of celebrating Irish literature in all its forms in the heart of Dublin. Make sure to check out our full program of events [HERE] to find these events and more!