International Literature Festival Dublin set to take over Merrion Square Park

Dublin’s most exciting literary celebration returns this Friday as International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFD) transforms Merrion Square Park into a literary wonderland for 10 unforgettable days with over 220 events.

From 16th to 25th May, the festival promises an immersive experience of books, ideas, music, performance, and storytelling for all ages.

The festival village will be alive with marquee events, food trucks, pop-up bookshops, drop-in workshops, late-night happenings and outdoor fun — all in one of Dublin’s most beautiful green spaces.

From brunching with bestselling authors to diving into debates on global conflict and AI, here are ten festival highlights not to miss, with tickets now on sale at www.ILFDublin.com.

Ten festival highlights not to miss:

Minding Other People’s Business ? Sharp, timely and fearless, Roxane Gay discusses Opinions, a decade of her best nonfiction, tackling politics, feminism, and civil rights: 8pm, Thursday, 22nd May.

Oceans of Hope ? With stunning visuals and deep expertise, David Attenborough collaborator Colin Butfield explores how to save Earth’s last great wilderness — our oceans: 7pm, Monday, 19th May.

The World of the Terra Alta Trilogy ? Crime, politics and a father’s worst fear collide in Javier Cercas’ gripping latest. He explores the Terra Alta series and the creation of its compelling hero, Melchor Marín: 6pm, Wednesday, 21st May.

To Be Myself Completely ? Belle and Sebastian’s frontman Stuart Murdoch in conversation with Paul Lynch brings music and memoir to the Speranza Marquee in a unique blend of storytelling, song and personal reflection: 8pm, Friday, 16th May.

Seisiún Mór Traidisiúnta: A raucous, high-energy night of modern trad with SexyTadhg and Ispíní na hÉireann — contemporary Irish music at its most joyful: 8.15pm, Saturday, 17th May.

Are We Together? ? In a stirring call to action, the award-winning Turkish author, political thinker and poet Ece Temelkuran discusses Together: A Manifesto Against A Heartless World, a bold and hopeful vision for collective humanity in troubled times: 6pm, Saturday, 17th May.

Cúpla Focal Confident: A passionate and playful dive into the Irish language with Hector Ó hEochagáin — discover the stories behind Irish words that capture how we see our world, relationships and ourselves: 6pm, Friday, 23rd May.

Chernobyl Roulette in Ukraine ? Renowned historian Serhii Plokhy tells the gripping, real-time story of Ukraine’s nuclear plant under siege in the early days of war: 6pm, Sunday, 25th May.

A Love Letter to Reading: The beloved Korean author Hwang Bo-reum shares Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop — a tender, uplifting story about second chances and the healing power of books: 6pm, Thursday, 22nd May.

Plot Twist! | Dublin Comedy Improv: A riotous, literary-themed improv show with Joe Rooney, Danny Kehoe and Sharon Mannion — where the audience runs the show and every scene is inspired by your favourite books: 8pm, Thursday, 22nd May.

Family Fun ? Magical Stories and Creative Capers for All Ages

From giggles to gasps, the International Literature Festival Dublin has something for every young imagination.

This year’s family programme is packed with storytelling adventures, interactive art, and plenty of chances to get creative. Join some of the best-loved names in children’s books.

The World According to Eoin ? Eoin Colfer brings Irish myth to life in Beanie the Bansheenie: 2.30pm, Sunday, 25th May.

There’s Only One You ? Shane Hegarty celebrates individuality in a drawing session for younger kids: 11.30am, Tuesday, 20th May.

Aoife Dooley returns with interactive stories and illustrations: 10am, Sunday 25th May.

Laura Ellen Anderson introduces Marnie Midnight & The Minibeast Mission: 10.45am, Saturday, 24th May.

Sophy Henn invites kids to explore the whimsical world of Happy Hills, creating quirky characters with Ace the superhero unicorn: 11.30am, Sunday 25th May.

Sharpen Your Story: Workshops & Seminars

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or simply curious to try something new, ILFD’s hands-on workshops invite you to step off the sidelines and into the creative process.

From memoir and fantasy world-building to vision boards and paper marbling, this year’s lineup offers something for every kind of storyteller.

Kit de Waal covers memoir writing: 2pm, Saturday 24th May.

Ian Green dives into world-building for fantasy: 3pm, Monday 19th May.

James Longman tackles writing about family: 4pm, Tuesday 20th May.

Marina Marinina’s Vision Board Workshop helps you visualise your goals: 4pm, Saturday, 24th May; and 4pm, Sunday, 25th May.

Nataliia Dragunova’s Paper Marbling Demo lets you create a unique marbled sheet in just minutes: 3pm, Saturday, 17th May; 11am, Sunday 18th May.

The Insiders’ Guide to Publishing for Adults, Saturday, 17th May, 9:30am-5.30pm; and The Insiders’ Guide to Publishing for Children & YA, Friday, 23rd May, 9.15am-4pm.

Aoife Concannon’s EveryBODY Memoir Workshop invites you to explore your body story through personal memoir writing: 3pm, Sunday, 18th May.

Lunchtime in the Park

Make the most of your midday break with a vibrant Lunchtime in the Park programme at Merrion Square.

Each weekday, festivalgoers can recharge body and mind with a 45-minute Yoga Lunch Break led by The Space Between—an open-air class suitable for all abilities that offers a chance to reconnect with breath and nature in the heart of the city.

Literature lovers can also enjoy Audiobooks in the Park, a series of live readings by rising stars from the Gaiety School of Acting, featuring works by authors appearing in this year’s festival, including Shon Faye, Eimear McBride, and Sohn Won-pyung.

For those looking to refuel, a selection of Dublin’s favourite food vendors will be on hand daily with delicious lunch options, from artisan coffee and sourdough pizza to plant-based plates and berry-based treats.

Whether dropping by during a lunch break or spending the day at the festival, Merrion Square offers the perfect escape into literature, movement and great food.

Whether you’re a bookworm, music lover, podcast enthusiast, or just in search of a great day out, International Literature Festival Dublin 2025 is not to be missed.

Tickets are selling fast — explore the full line-up and book now at www.ilfdublin.com.