T10 must-see events at Dublin Book Festival 2024

The Dublin Book Festival returns from November 6th to 10th with five days of literary and creative events for adults and children to enjoy, at the main Festival Hub in The Printworks, Dublin Castle, and at venues all around the city.

With over 100 events programmed, there will be something for all book lovers - here's our pick of just some of the events you can enjoy at this year’s festival.

Wild-Looking But Fine

When and where? Thursday 7th November, at the Abbey Theatre

In Wild-Looking But Fine: Abbey Theatre Actresses of the 1930s, author Ciara O’Dowd traces the lives and legacies of Aideen O’Connor and Ria Mooney, who came of age in an Ireland desperate to control and restrict women. O’Dowd will be in conversation with actor Jane Brennan and Script Associate for the Abbey Dr Tanya Dean, discussing everything from O’Connor and Mooney’s stage debuts at the Abbey and performing in late 1930s New York, to the lives they built for themselves after that tour and the mark they made on the world of Irish Theatre.

You spin me round

When and where? Thursday 7th November, at the Dublin Liberties Distillery

You spin me round is an illuminating collection of essays inspired by music in all its guises – songs, performances, albums, gigs and more. Immerse yourself in an evening of conversation and music as contributors Wendy Erskine, Aingeala Flannery and Declan Long join culture journalist Tony Clayton-Lea in conversation to discuss their pieces, and how music has impacted their writing. With DJ Gavin Corbett playing songs referenced throughout the evening’s discussion.

Dear Orson Welles & Other Essays

When and where? Thursday 7th November, the Irish Film Institute

In Dear Orson Welles & Other Essays, acclaimed director and writer Mark Cousins reflects on his prolific career in filmmaking, and the philosophers, writers, actors and films that have influenced him. The essays created are in conversation with iconic artistic figures, from Orson Welles and Pier Paolo Pasolini, to Amy Adams and Nicole Kidman. Orson joins Gráinne Humphreys in conversation as they delve into his wide-ranging and iconoclastic book.

Fiction on the Rails

When and where? Saturday 9th November, Cork to Dublin Train

All aboard the book train from Cork to Dublin! In a new departure for the festival, book lovers are invited aboard the train from Cork to Dublin, where they will join writers Madeleine D’Arcy, Laura McKenna and Danielle McLaughlin for a unique reading-writing experience in a reserved carriage. There will be readings by the hosts from Cork Stories, a collection of short fiction inspired by Cork, with time for discussion, silent reading and creative writing.

The Culture File Debate: Wingéd Muses

When and where? Saturday 9th November, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

Out at the National Botanic Gardens, an event that merges nature, wildlife and literature. Writers John Banville, Orit Gat, Sara Baume and Paddy Woodworth join broadcaster Luke Clancy in conversation about the birds that set their quills aflutter - from the resilient pigeon to the enchanted crane - and how these Wingéd Muses glide through the pages of their work.

The Art of the Short Story

When and where? Saturday 9th November, The Printworks, Dublin Castle

Short stories continue to capture the imaginations of readers, and writers, far and wide. Masters of the craft, Jan Carson and Mary Costello, will be in conversation with Evelyn O’Rourke about their latest collections at the Festival Hub in The Printworks. Carson’s Quickly, While They Still Have Horses is a sparkling collection of stories encompassing all of life, with suggestions of the other world that will surprise and delight. Costello’s Barcelona is a captivating collection inhabited by characters who live turbulent inner lives, revealing the underlying disquiet of modern life and the sometimes brutal nature of humanity.

Don’t Look Back in Ongar

When and where? Saturday 9th November, The Printworks, Dublin Castle

With its twenty-seventh instalment, the bestselling Ross O’Carroll-Kelly series is drawing to a close. Join author Paul Howard in conversation with Róisín Ingle about this final book, Don’t Look Back in Ongar, and as they look back on his journey with Ross over the years.

Dublin City Libraries Readers’ Day

When and where? Saturday 9th November, The Printworks, Dublin Castle

Spend a captivating afternoon at the DBF Festival Hub with a stellar lineup of contemporary writers. Colin Barrett, Estelle Birdy, Catherine Dunne, Tana French and Lucy Foley will be in conversation about their latest novels, from darkly funny and explosively original debuts to compelling stories of motherhood and gripping thrillers.

Time of the Child

When and where? Sunday 10th November, The Printworks, Dublin Castle

Internationally bestselling author Niall Williams joins journalist Niamh Donnelly in conversation about his heartbreaking and life-affirming new book. A novel of family, small-town community and second chances, set in the rural west of Ireland, Time of the Child is the story of Doctor Jack Troy and his daughter Ronnie, whose lives, understanding of family and role in the community are forever changed when a baby is left in their care around Christmas of 1962.

Regenerating our Forests

When and where? Sunday 10th November, The Printworks, Dublin Castle

Dublin Book Festival is delighted to once again be part of Science Week, with a range of events exploring issues of regeneration, sustainability, biodiversity, preservation and more. At this event, forestry expert Donal Magner and ecologist Richard Nairn will be in conversation about their latest books, exploring how the decimation of our natural environment has become one of the most controversial issues of our time, and how preserving and restoring it in a sustainable manner has become one of our most pressing issues.

The Family Festival Hub at DBF 24

When and where? Saturday 9th November and Sunday 10th November, The Printworks, Dublin Castle

The festival once again returns with a full weekend of free family and children’s events. From storytelling with authors including Erika McGann and Chrissy Donoghue Ward, to workshops with illustrators including Chris Judge, drawalongs, and drop-in activities including craft stations, treasure hunts and a 'plant your own’ tent, the DBF Festival Hub at The Printworks in Dublin Castle offers an abundance of book and creative events for all the family to enjoy this November. Everything is free but some booking is required.

To see the full Dublin Book Festival programme, go here.