Programme Director Julianne Mooney introduces the programme for this year's Dublin Book Festival, which returns to the capital this September.
The Dublin Book Festival is back from November 8th to 12th, with five days of literary and creative events for adults and children.
With both established and emerging authors in conversation, panel discussions, poetry, walking tours, professional development events, a schools programme and a full weekend of free events for all the family, there's something for all book lovers to enjoy.
Authors in conversation will include Anne Enright and Claire Kilroy in conversation with Jessica Traynor, plus a delve into the supernatural world with authors John Connolly, Deirdre Sullivan and Sarah-Davis Goff.
Annual favourite events return, including the Dublin City Libraries' Readers Morning, with a line-up of contemporary authors including Una Mannion, Anne Griffin, John Boyne and William Wall, and a step into the past with Hazel Gaynor, Liz McManus and Mary Morrissy, who bring history to life through fiction.
The festival celebrates both the established and emerging voices in both fiction and poetry, including Michael Magee, Clara Kumagai and Majella Kelly. There will be launches celebrating new books and the latest issues of literary journals and magazines, including Winter Papers and Sonder, as well as special events including a celebration of 30 years of great stories brought to you by independent publisher New Island.
A new strand at this year’s festival, entited DBF After Dark, sees a series of evening events in venues across the city. Be spooked at Marsh’s Library with readings from their books by Oein DeBhairduin, Anne Doyle and Amy Clarkin. Join a dynamic poetry slam at The Wild Duck in Temple Bar, and an evening of words and music with authors and musicians Edel Coffey, Ronan Hession and Megan Nolan at the Glass Mask Theatre on Dawson Street.
The Festival Hub is once again at The Printworks, Dublin Castle, at the heart of the city, with a full weekend of free literary and creative events for all the family to enjoy with some of the country’s favourite children’s authors! Children can take part in illustration workshops with Ashwin Chacko and Peter Donnelly, go on a scavenger hunt around Dublin Castle with Alan Nolan, learn about the Gods with Ellen Ryan, become witches, wizards and magical creatures with Fiona Sherlock. Brainhacker and mentalist Keith Barry will offer inspirational tips and life lessons, encouraging kids to embed a winning mindset, develop their own mental strength, and realise their true potential.
Get out and about on the streets of Dublin and join one of the DBF walking tours. Discover the magic of the canal with Jo Kerrigan, sketch and stroll with author and illustrator Gwen Wilkonson, or enjoy the National Botanic Gardens with wildlife photographer Carsten Krieger.
Science Week 2023 kicks off on Sunday November 12th, and DBF is delighted to be taking part for the first time with a series of events exploring themes of ecology, the climate, sustainability and more, featuring authors including Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Nairn, Michael Kelly and Lorna Gold.
Find out more about this year's Dublin Book Festival here.
