As it gets into its stride, visitors to the 2025 International Literature Festival Dublin still have lots of unmissable highlights to look forward to.
The festival village in Merrion Square Park is currently buzzing with marquee events, food trucks, pop-up bookshops, drop-in workshops, late-night happenings, and family-friendly fun.
With a packed programme still to unfold before the festival wraps this Sunday May 25th, there’s plenty more to uncover at this fascinating celebration of books and writing. Here are seven festival highlights still to come over the next few days.
In addition to their writing two of the best-selling authors taking part in this year’s festival also have other jobs. Crime writer Jo Callaghan is also a senior strategist examining the future impact of AI and genomics on the workforce, while science-fiction and fantasy writer Ian Green, who was recently shortlisted for the prestigious Arthur C Clarke award, is also a clinical epigeneticist.
This weekend sees them discussing writing at the cutting edge of science. Where do they find the time?
6pm, Wednesday, May 21st.
Palestinian writer Karim Kattan discusses The Palace on the Higher Hill, a haunting literary exploration of memory and identity in an occupied homeland.
8pm, Wednesday, May 21st
Writers Andrea Carter and Jess Kidd lift the lid on creating memorable characters, the challenges of writing a series, and more.
6pm, Friday, May 23rd
From seizing super-yachts to manipulating the global price of oil and blocking the sale of military technology, Bloomberg writer Stephanie Baker walks audiences through the furious financial war which unfolded after Russia invaded Ukraine.
12 Midday, Saturday, May 24th.
When history is counted in events, how do we measure the powerful effect of our inner lives?
Two outstanding contemporary writers, Anne Michaels and David Park turn the page on creating novels in the long shadow of the past.
2pm, Saturday, May 24th
The early bird catches the bookworm as journalist, author and host of the You’re Booked podcast Daisy Buchanan, teams up with Sam Leith, the literary editor of The Spectator this Sunday.
The duo will be exploring how stories define and console generations.
11am, Sunday, May 23rd.
The wonderful Eimear McBride’s trailblazing and vivid style has been described as beautiful, outrageous and heartbreaking. She joins ILFD to discuss her new novel The City Changes Its Face and the forces that shape her writing.
1pm, Sunday, May 25th.
And there’s more….
There’s also lots more fun to come for kids, families and young adults, with a weekend of family highlights including stories and drawing at Meet the Giantest Tiny Writer with Barry Falls (11.30am, Saturday, May 24th) and at Turn that Frown Upside Down with Sophy Henn about a ghost who’s feeling cross (2.15pm, Saturday, May 24th).
Meanwhile, youngsters are also in for a treat on Sunday, May 25th, as Dave Rudden (11.30am), Shane Hegarty (1pm) and Eoin Colfer (2.30pm) all headline family events.
And in addition to all that fine food for thought, there’s some great physical nourishment to be had courtesy of some of Dublin’s favourite food vendors.
Choices range from artisan coffee and sourdough pizza to plant-based plates and berry-based treats.
Tickets for International Literature Festival Dublin 2025 are available at ilfdublin.com
International Literature Festival Dublin is brought to you by Dublin City Council with support from the Arts Council.
Feature Image: Ferdia Mooney
