The International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFD) returns for its 2025 edition from May 16th to 25th with a programme that includes over 200 events, spotlighting both Irish and international literary talents across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more.
This year's festival places new Irish writing at the forefront of its programme: Eimear McBride will discuss her acclaimed new novel, The City Changes Its Face, while Kit de Waal explores themes of love and loss in The Best of Everything, Wendy Erskine explores her debut novel The Benefactors and the irrepressible Hector Ó hEochagáin delves into the richness of the Irish language with Irish Words You Should Know.
In addition to Irish writers, the festival will host a range of international talent: notable guests include Palestinian writer Karim Kattan, French author Constance Debré, Spanish novelist Javier Cercas, and Turkish journalist Ece Temelkuran.
US critics Rebecca Solnit and Roxane Gay will discuss feminism, politics, and the culture wars, while environmentalist and Sir David Attenborough's longtime collaborator, Colin Butfield will address climate challenges.
Elsewhere, historian Avi Shlaim and journalist Stephanie Baker will address global issues, with Baker discussing economic warfare in Punishing Putin, and Shlaim exploring Israel's policy towards Palestine in Genocide in Gaza.
For younger attendees, the festival offers a range of activities, with appearances from Artemis Fowl creator Eoin Colfer, Podkin One-Ear author Kieran Larwood, and Marvel artist Will Sliney, along with illustrator Aoife Dooley and a special presentation from The Beano comic.
Music and poetry will also feature prominently. Poet Michael Pedersen, Edinburgh's Makar, will launch his debut novel Muckle Flugga, while there will be an intimate live music session with Stuart Murdoch, the voice of Scots indie legends Belle & Sebastian, and performances from homegrown talents Lemoncello, Aoife Nessa Frances and Joshua Burnside.
The festival will also include walking tours, journaling sessions, film screenings, and Irish-language events, including bilingual comedy and a live recording of the popular Beo ar Éigean podcast.
As usual, Merrion Square Park will transform into a festival hub, offering a lively atmosphere with bookshops, food stalls, and activities for all ages.
Dublin's Lord Mayor, Emma Blain, praised the festival, calling it "a testament to the city’s deep-rooted literary heritage and creative spirit".
ILFD 2025 runs from - find out more here.
