The Dalkey Book Festival returns for its 14th year this weekend from June 13th through the 16th. The festival will feature several speakers who are highly acclaimed writers, theorists, and thinkers, including David Brooks, Henry Winkler, Paul Lynch, James O’Brien, Neil Jordan, Christiane Amanpour, and many more. From Thursday to Sunday, participants at a series of great events will discuss everything from politics, history, literature, journalism, science, and comedy.
With countless events to choose from, here is a list of the top five must-see events to catch this weekend…
Being Palestinian: Karim Kattan
Karim Kattan is a Palestinian writer born in Jerusalem and he discusses his experience being Palestinian in the wake of the attack on Gaza. Kattan grew up in the West Bank under Israeli occupation and his experiences shape his writing and what he shares with the world today, touching on topics of identity, displacement, and humanity.
Saturday 15th June, 12:00 PM, Heritage Centre
The Bee Sting: Paul Murray
A can’t-miss event for book lovers, Paul Murray discusses his latest book, The Bee Sting. The Bee Sting follows the Barnes family as they struggle to keep afloat amidst financial and emotional crises. Murray explores the impact a single stroke of bad luck can have on the course of a person’s life, can there still be a happy ending? The Bee Sting was Book of the Year 2023 according to the New York Times, New Yorker, The Sunday Times, The Economist, Observer, Guardian, Washington Post, Lit Hub, TIME magazine, The Irish Times, and many more.
Saturday 15th June, 12:30 PM, St. Patrick’s Church
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The 2nd Irish Republic: Re-imagining Ireland For The 21st Century
Ireland needs a reset. Ireland’s cultural output to the world has never been stronger, especially in the arts, but divisions in politics and society are holding the country back from flourishing the way it’s capable of. Is it time for a New Republic? Leading this discussion is Sarah Cullen, an engineer working to de-carbonize the Irish electricity system, Jennifer O’Connell, a columnist and Opinion Editor with The Irish Times, Will O’Brien, the founder of the Eire Accelerationism movement, Luke O’Neill, one of the world’s most influential scientists and professors, and Fintan O’Toole, a columnist for The Irish Times and a Professor at Princeton University.
Saturday 15th June, 7:30 PM, Seafront
What Makes Us Human? A Scientist’s Guide To Our Amazing Existence With Luke O’Neill
For curious minds, join this session led by Luke O’Neill, professor of biochemistry at Trinity College as he teaches the origins of life, how we evolved, and why we laugh, sleep, and enjoy music. Professor O’Neill answers big questions like whether we will create super-humans and escape death, why we age, and if our extinction as a species is inevitable.
Friday 14th June, 2:00 PM, Seafront
Black Mirror: Literature, Creativity, And Education In The Age Of AI
Adam Kelly, professor of English at UCD, Roisín Kiberd, acclaimed published writer, and poet Victoria Kennefick come together to discuss the future of the creative world and AI. Can AI replicate human intelligence and if so, should we be afraid? If AI is utilized correctly it can make room for more creative endeavors and take the arts to the next level.
Sunday 16th June, 12:30 PM, Town Hall
Words: Mia Anguiano-Perez
Dalkey Book Festival takes place from Thursday June 13th to Sunday June 16th. Further details and tickets for events can be found here.
