There’s less than a month left until Merrion Square transforms into a literary oasis for ILFD 2026! With over 200 events across 10 days there is something for everyone – from family-friendly workshops, to unforgettable discussions, to unique experiences like literary tours and intimate gigs. Book your tickets now!
📚 One park, ten days, a world of stories 📚
Earlier this week we announced the programme for our 29th edition, bringing together some of the most exciting international and Irish writers of our time in Merrion Square Dublin from 15-24 May.
Don’t forget to check out the programme and to book your tickets – there’s something for everyone!
📢 Calling all teachers – our 2026 Schools Programme has just launched and it’s bigger and better than ever! 📢
We’re excited to invite your classes to experience the magic of storytelling and creativity at this year’s International Literature Festival Dublin, taking place from Friday, 15th May – Sunday, 24th May 2026 in the heart of Dublin city in beautiful Merrion Square Park.
This year’s schools programme which takes place on weekdays of the festival run features an amazing array of exciting events for students from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, including shows like Fantastic Feline Frolics (with Alan Windram) and Lift off for the Sunny Town Bunnies (with Philip Ardagh), author Q&As with household favourites like Dave Rudden, Sarah Webb and Patricia Forde, and hands-on activities like Pocket Poems in the Park.
With food trucks, picnic tables, tents, and plenty of space to play, ILFD promises to be an unforgettable day out for your class, rain or shine! ☀️
Visit the link in our bio to explore the programme or to book your class in
A look back at day 2 of ILFD!
Saturday saw festival favourites like Alan Windram bringing the energy to family events in the morning, followed by a drop in drawing session in partnership with Hugh Lane Gallery.
Later in the evening audiences heard from Ardal O’Hanlon, Funmi Fetto and Maria Stepanova, to mention but a few, and Elanor Moss enthralled crowds with an intimate Spotlight Session.
📸: Kamyla Abreu @kabreuph
Don’t miss When Words Sing: A Journey Through European Literature in Opera, taking place this evening at 7pm
Enjoy operatic excerpts inspired by some of Europe’s most significant literary works. Featuring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sarah Richmond and soprano Ioana Constantin-Pipelea,this evening offers a rich and varied journey through music shaped by writers such as Pushkin, Goethe, Shakespeare, Dante, and Victor Hugo.
In partnership with Irish National Opera
📅 Sunday 17 May
🕰️ 7pm
🎫 Link in bio
Planning your Sunday at ILFD? Check out our what’s on guide!
There’s plenty for everyone, from interactive workshops for kids to conversations with some of the biggest international writers.
Book your tickets now at ilfdublin.com
I had a great time doing the Louder Voices Kid’s Workshop today at @ilfdublin . Thanks to the amazing participants and volunteers for everything ❤️🙏
We were joined by two fantastic illustrators who captured the experience so wonderfully ❤️🙏
Thank you to @tarsilakruse and @tinygreens for their amazing artwork 🙏❤️
I’m back in Merrion Square next Saturday at 12 pm for an adult’s songwriting and wellbeing workshop, with limited places available through my bio and the @ilfdublin website.
Some highlights of Day 1 of ILFD! 🌸
Our first day was a busy one, with lots of exciting schools events in the morning and an afternoon filled with brilliant conversations with the likes of @tana_french_ and @oyinbraithwaite – not to mention the sold out Seisúin Mór Traidisiúnta with @landless_music_dublin and @thewranmusic and a wonderful Spotlight Session with @daraghfleming and @throwingsnow .
There’s lots more lined up for today – check out our website for details on the full programme!
📸 @padalog
Any Book Readers here? As the International Literature Festival Dublin happening from today until May 24th at Merrion Square.
Get yourself out and go check this great event out! ⚡️
#dublinevents #dublincity #irishliterature
No two days at ILFD are ever the same! The Illustrated Dispatch is a vivid, real-time portrait of a day in the life of a festival, taking place today, Saturday 16th.
Keep an eye out for illustrator Steve McCarthy and his crew of six artists as they move through the festival, creating live, illustrated responses to what they see, hear and experience.
The illustrators will be visible throughout the festival, wearing lanyards and working in and amongst audiences. Feel free to ask them questions about their process. If you’d like to give it a go yourself, materials will be available to make and share dispatches.
📅 Saturday 16 May
🕰️ 11pm
🎫 Free, no booking required
