Dublin is a city that lives and breathes literature and from November 5th to 9th, it will transform into a vibrant hub of storytelling, discussion and discovery as the Dublin Book Festival 2025 takes over the city with more than 100 events.<\/p>\n
The festival celebrates the written word in all its forms, drawing readers, writers, and dreamers of every age to libraries, cafes, galleries, gardens, bookshops and cultural venues across the capital. Over the years, we ensure to go wider and bigger. And this year, it truly unfolds right across and beyond the city, with themes and events to meet every generation\u2019s differing love of books.<\/p>\n
Now in its 20th edition, the festival has evolved and grown since its inception, reflecting Ireland\u2019s vibrant writing and publishing community. In this time, I have also noticed a shift in audiences. While their enthusiasm for book events remains as strong as ever, there\u2019s a growing desire for something more personal \u2014 deeper, more intimate experiences that foster genuine connections and allow them to feel part of a shared community. I keep this in mind when planning events, always looking for new and unique spaces \u2014 and often, the venue itself ends up shaping the experience.<\/p>\n
We are very lucky to have so many venue partners who are as passionate about books as we are. Over the five days, events will be held in beloved Dublin spots – coffee lovers can gather for a coffee tasting and discussion around Ireland\u2019s coffee culture in a city centre caf\u00e9; Dublin City Unesco City of Literature will host Slamovision 2025 at Teeling Distillery; explore the world of urban bees in a fun and interactive session with Bee8 or stroll the gardens at IMMA Venues enjoying poetry and music with Liam Carson and Se\u00e1n Mac Erlaine.<\/p>\n
Our walking tours are always hugely popular. Audiences can choose to join tours through iconic city neighbourhoods, learn about our city\u2019s literary past with the renowned Pat Liddy, or immerse themselves in our Ulysses walking tour with Robert Nicholson. Those wanting to get creative can grab a pen and get writing on Colm Keegan\u2019s walkshop, or join photographer and author Carsten Krieger on a guided photowalk. <\/p>\n
While we embrace all aspects of literature, this year\u2019s programme highlights writers whose voices speak to themes of identity, belonging, resilience, and change. The strength of our women will be addressed in several sessions, including a session on Irish history through the female eye with Leanne Calvert, Susan Marie Martin, and Caroline West, while Women Writing History with Evelyn Conlon and Sin\u00e9ad Gleeson celebrates the power of women\u2019s activism across the decades. <\/p>\n
To reflect our rich, diverse culture, we will have discussions exploring diversity and representation, such as Being Black in Ireland and Britain Today with Phil Mullen and Afua Hirsch; LGBTQ+ visibility in literature with Neil Hegarty, Soula Emmanuel, Se\u00e1n Hewitt and Anne Walsh Donnelly. DCU will be hosting Class Acts, a one-day literature event exploring class, identity, and the search for belonging, through poetry, discussion, readings and music. <\/p>\n
Our programme is packed with familiar names and many new voices. One of our most popular events every year is the Dublin City Libraries Readers\u2019 Day, an afternoon of book chat. This this year we are joined by Christine Dwyer Hickey, Miriam O\u2019Callaghan, Joseph O\u2019Connor and David Park. <\/p>\n
Through powerful storytelling and thought-provoking discussion, the festival captures the way literature can be both a mirror and a catalyst for change, encouraging audiences to engage deeply with the issues shaping our future. Change is inevitable and another theme this year \u2013 with a focus on sustainability, climate and social change a core element. Sustainability Here and Now, at TU Dublin\u2019s Grangegorman campus, shines a light on the urgent challenges facing our planet featuring authors including Anja Murray, John Gibbons, \u00c9anna N\u00ed Lamhna, Catherine Cleary, Randal Plunkett and Fintan Drury. <\/p>\n
Over the weekend, at our festival hub in IMMA Venues, we have an entirely free programme of events for families featuring storytelling, creative workshops, treasure hunts, and interactive sessions. Many of Ireland\u2019s beloved children\u2019s authors and illustrators such as Niamh Sharkey, Ashwin Chacko and Dave Rudden will inspire young readers and writers. Hearing the children\u2019s laughter and seeing them wander about with books in hand brings a joyful energy to the day, adding a truly special touch to the festival weekend.<\/p>\n
Having the younger generation as part of the festival is so important, they are the storytellers and creators of the future. This year, we are excited to host the Fighting Words Open Mic for 13\u2013 to 18-year-olds, alongside a special workshop led by the Rainbow Library Writers and Illustrators\u2019 Youth Group. <\/p>\n
This goes for adults too with the Raising Voices showcase presenting work from fellows dedicated to creating literature for young audiences, especially those whose voices are underrepresented in publishing. Aspiring writers can develop their creativity and learning, from spoken word performance classes to zine-making workshops and fiction writing workshops.<\/p>\n
The Dublin Book Festival is a true celebration of collaboration, bringing together arts organisations, cultural venues, libraries, and publishers to shine a light on the extraordinary talent found across Ireland. It serves as a vibrant showcase of the nation\u2019s writers and artists, offering audiences a glimpse into the rich and diverse stories being created today. Behind the scenes are countless passionate and creative individuals \u2014 programming events, hosting conversations, and crafting works that inspire. Their collective efforts reflect the remarkable creativity flowing through Ireland right now, something we can all take pride in and celebrate together.<\/p>\n
With its mix of big-name authors, debut writers, innovative workshops, and family-friendly fun, Dublin Book Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for readers and creators. Whether you\u2019re a lifelong book lover or simply curious, this year\u2019s festival invites you to dive into the stories that shape our past, present and future.<\/p>\n