Compelling voices, unforgettable stories and exciting performances is the promise from International Literature Festival Dublin 2025, running from May 16th-25th in Merrion Square Park.
The programme of more than 200 events across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, film, music and performance is a mix of global and Irish voices, featuring Rebecca Solnit, Roxane Gay, David Park, Seán Ronayne, Vincenzo Latronico, Avi Shlaim, Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan, Ece Temelkuran, Eoin Colfer, Michael Pederson, Madeleine Thien, Eimear McBride, Kit de Waal and Hector Ó hEochagáin among many others.
In an age where digital algorithms are designed to affirm pre-existing viewpoints, public discussion is more important than ever. ILFD promises energising conversations, lively debate and informed perspectives.
Leading voices include historian Avi Shlaim with a provocative examination of Israel’s policy towards Palestine; Ukrainian Harvard professor Serhii Plokhy recounts the chaos and disaster at Ukraine’s nuclear plant from the first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022; veteran US-UK journalist Stephanie Baker delves into the high-stakes economic warfare against Russia; US-Irish cultural critic Rebecca Solnit shares insights from No Straight Road Takes You There, reflecting on climate change, power and collective resistance; and Roxane Gay, the trailblazing US writer and cultural critic, returns to ILFD with Opinions, a collection of her most powerful nonfiction from the past decade.
Want to brunch with UK journalist, podcaster, and author Daisy Buchanan, discussing her latest book Read Yourself Happy: How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety? Prefer an intimate live music session with Stuart Murdoch, frontman of Belle and Sebastian? How about going behind the scenes of David Attenborough’s new feature-length documentary Ocean with his longtime collaborator, Colin Butfield? Michael Pedersen, the Edinburgh Makar launches his debut novel Muckle Flugga in an event celebrating storytelling through prose and poetry that features a live music performance by Billy McCarthy, frontman with US indie rock outfit the Augustines.
International authors whose works traverse continents, histories, human experiences and mediums include: Agustín Fernández Mallo (Spain) discussing The Book of All Loves with Irish novelist Ronán Hession; Vincenzo Latronico (Italy) talks about Perfection, shortlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize, with Naoise Dolan; and Aimée de Jongh discusses Drawing Where Cameras Are Forbidden, offering a poignant look at refugee camps through her graphic reportage; Philip Ardagh marks 80 years of the Moomins with The World of Moominvalley; and acclaimed concept artist Dermot Power talks about life on the Skywalker Ranch and working on Star Wars and Harry Potter.
Comic book fans are in for a treat, with appearances from Neill Cameron, creator of Donut Squad, and Aoife Dooley, the brilliant mind behind Frankie’s World and Squid Squad, alongside legendary illustrators from The Beano and Marvel artist Will Sliney. The family programme also features such acclaimed storytellers as Laura Ellen Anderson, Kieran Larwood, Eoin Colfer and Shane Hegarty, while Chris Judge and Dave Rudden bring monsters, mayhem and magic to life.
Irish-language events include an evening of bilingual comedy with Aideen McQueen, Síomha Hennessy, Louise O’Toole and Louisa Ní Eideáin, and the return of two live Beo Ar Éigean podcast session with host Siún Ní Dhuinn featuring Ciara Ní É, Majella Ní Dhomhnaill and Roxanna Nic Liam. The fringe programme features walking tours, lunchtime yoga and journaling, drawing sessions, slam poetry, comedy, film screenings, piano recitals, an electronic soundbath and trad sessions.
Full programme and tickets from ilfublin.com. International Literature Festival Dublin is a Dublin City Council funded initiative, which receives support from The Arts Council.
