Festival Director Julianne Mooney introduces this year's installment of the Dublin Book Festival, which comes to venues across the capital this November.
As the days grow shorter and the evenings darker, Dublin will once again come alive with the magic of storytelling. The Dublin Book Festival, returning from November 5–9, 2025, promises a five-day celebration of books, ideas, and imagination, with over 100 events spread across the city.
The festival is a celebration of books, showcasing Ireland's writers, artists and publishers and there is something for everyone - from avid readers to families simply looking for a fun day out. With events taking place in cafés, libraries, galleries, bookshops, gardens, and more, the festival transforms the city into a living, breathing storybook.
The festival programme is designed to give people a chance to experience literature in new and exciting ways, while discovering different corners of Dublin. This year's programme showcases Ireland’s vibrant literary scene featuring well-known writers including Kevin Barry, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Sheila Flanagan while also welcoming renowned international authors Michael Palin and Elizabeth Day.
Emerging writers are always celebrated at the festival and there are plenty of events highlighting new voices. Step back in time with debut authors Oisín Fagan, Barbara Leahy and Ferdia Lennon; Drop by to Introductions | Céadlínte, Poetry Ireland’s showcase of 15 of the most exciting new poets writing in English and Irish on the island of Ireland today.
While the line-up includes thought-provoking discussions, poetry evenings, and walking tours for adults, the festival is also committed to nurturing a love of reading in young audiences. The Family and Children’s Programme, running throughout the weekend at IMMA Venues, is packed with free events designed to spark creativity and curiosity.
Little ones can enjoy hands-on activities such as craft workshops, storytelling, writing and illustration workshops, and interactive science demonstrations. It is a chance for them to meet many of Ireland’s wonderful writers and artists including Maire Zepf, Dave Rudden, Alan Nolan, Niamh Sharkey and Sine Quinn. A Family Treasure Hunt and Children’s Book Swap will keep the fun going all day.
For teenagers, there’s plenty to inspire too, with events like the Fighting Words Story Slam, an open-mic event for budding writers or they are invited to take part in a creative workshop with the Rainbow Library Youth Group.
Events continue through the day and into the night at the DBF After Dark Club. Here audiences and authors can mingle and chat about the events of the day, while sitting back enjoying music and words. Authors including Nicole Flattery and Rob Doyle will put down the pens and take to the decks, playing some of their favourite tunes or enjoy Ceol agus Filíocht, a night of poetry and music in Irish.
If you like walking and words then you will be spoilt for choice with the DBF walking tours. A festival favourite, the walking tours take you along the streets and gardens of the city. Choose from literary walking tours, poetry and music or even get creative and join a writing walkshop with Colm Keegan or a photography walkshop with Carsten Krieger.
The festival’s diverse line-up includes discussions on urgent topics like climate change, and even events celebrating Ireland’s coffee culture and traditional storytelling.
Whether you’re looking to hear from your favourite author, discover new voices, or simply enjoy a weekend immersed in books, the Dublin Book Festival offers a warm and welcoming celebration of the power of stories to connect us all.
The Dublin Book Festival runs November 5th – 9th, 2025 - find out more here
