The Dublin Book Festival has announced its biggest festival programme to date for the 2024 edition. Running from 6th -10th November, the celebration will host over 100 events – ranging from discussions to workshops to walking tours – bringing the literary scene of the city together to uplift writers, readers, and publishers.
This year’s programme will showcase a mix of established and emerging writers from a variety of genres, where they will be able to share their books and work, share their knowledge, and converse with one another and the audiences. The events will also feature other important figures in the industry, including publishers, editors, artists, and other contributors.
Established in 2006 by Publishing Ireland, the Festival has grown to become one of the country’s most lively and successful annual book events.
DBF’s primary venue will be set up at The Printworks at Dublin Castle, which they’ve used in the past for this event. There, guests will be able to attend author talks, panel discussions, workshops, walking tours, and exhibitions. Additionally, a free space will be offered for families to read and relax, or take part in further events like arts and crafts, workshops, and book swaps.
Other key locations include DCU’s St Patrick’s Campus, The Abbey Theatre, The National Print Museum, the National Botanic Gardens, and many more.
The DBF will open on Wednesday the 6th with a full-day symposium programmed by DCU Arts Council Writer in Residence 2024 Aingeala Flannery. Including a workshop, writing clinics, readings, a panel discussion, and a film screening, the day will explore the relationship between artists and the city, focusing on North Dublin.
Guest speakers will include contemporary poet Stephen James Smith, filmmaker Luke McManus, Roisin Kiberd (author of the superb The Disconnect: A Personal Journey Through the Internet and former TD contributor), Louise Nealon, who’s debut novel Snowflake was described by Roddy Doyle as “mad and wonderful” and Declan Toohey, a young writer who gave us a contemporary yarn of academic intrigue and youthful irreverence, sexual fluidity and neurodiversity with his first novel Perpetual Diversity. Held from 10.30 am – 6.30 pm, this event is free but booking is required.
While there are simply too many events and guests to list here, we’ll offer a small sample of the over 40 in-conversation events to choose from. Master storytellers Roddy Doyle and Donal Ryan will be discussing their new works, Mark Cousins will reflect on his film-making career and influences, while audiences can meet emerging authors such as Anna Fitzgerald, Orla Mackey, and Alan Murrin.
The Poetry Ireland showcase will also feature 16 exciting new Irish poets writing in both English and Irish.
For young readers and illustrators, the festival offers the Family & Children’s Programme over the weekend, as well as the School’s Programme with select events on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Meanwhile, the Main Programme includes a wide variety of events. For emerging writers or those interested in the literary industry, the professional development events might be a particular attraction. Those looking to read something new might like to attend the launch of several new publications.
DBF will also be involved with Science Week 2024, which takes place the following week from the 10th – 17th November.
The full festival itinerary can be found on the Dublin Book Festival website and their newsletter. All events should be booked through their website at dublinbookfestival.com, and school bookings or queries can be handled by email at info@dublinbookfestival.com.
