Travel writer Michael Palin joins city-wide celebration as festival returns for the 20th year
The annual celebration will run from November 5-9 in various locations around the city, featuring everything from book launches to spoken word poetry contests.
The festival promises something for every reader, catering for all ages and interests.
President Michael D Higgins, Cecelia Ahern and Roddy Doyle are just some of the high-profile authors and personalities who have previously been involved with the gathering.
This year’s programme of over 100 events, includes writer, actor and broadcaster Michael Palin.
He will shares tales from his career and travels at the Windmill Quarter on November 6, including his latest adventure, Michael Palin in Venezuela.
On November 9, two well-known authors and public figures will feature at events in IMMA, Kilmainham.
Professor Luke O’Neill will join Jane Grimson, co-editor of Irish STEM lives, to discuss those who have shaped Ireland’s journey through science and discovery.
On the same night, former state pathologist-turned-crime novelist Dr Marie Cassidy, will join best-selling crime writer Gill Perdue to speak on the art of their craft.
Also in IMMA, on November 8, RTÉ presenter Miriam O’Callaghan will join novelists Christine Dwyer Hickey, Joseph O’Connor and David Park for an afternoon of book chat.
This year’s festival also gives a nod to our rich literary history, with the return of the popular walking tours.
Professor Luke O’Neill features in the 2025 festival programme. Photo: Ruth Medjber
The Ulysses Guide walking tour, taking place on November 7, is a treat for those who want to immerse themselves in works of James Joyce, breathing in the city that inspired much of his writing.
Events will also take place to highlight the impact of women activists in Ireland, what it means to be a person of colour in Britain and Ireland, and the importance of queer visibility in writing.
Young readers can look forward to a variety of creative workshops, book swaps, and treasure hunts, welcoming readers of all abilities.
This year will mark the 20th year of the festival, which has evolved enormously since its first edition in 2006.
Festival director, Julianne Mooney Siron, said: “The Dublin Book Festival brings together Ireland’s writers and artists over five days, drawing readers of all ages to celebrate books in Dublin’s libraries, cafés, cultural nooks and stunning gardens.”
The hope is that readers who attend the festival will “discover new voices and experience literature in new and interesting ways”.
For more information see dublinbookfestival.com