Exciting new programme announced for the Red Line Book Festival

An exciting new programme has been announced for the Red Line Book Festival coming up on October 14 –20 with over 40 literary events and an eclectic mix of established writers and new voices.

Highlights include an evening with international bestselling author Marian Keyes; the ever-popular True Crime Night with former detective Pat Marry and investigative journalist Mick Clifford in conversation with Muireann O’Connell; Donal Ryan, and comedian Emma Doran talking about her debut book, Mad Isn’t It? Authors Sean Murray, Nicky Ryan and Christine Bohan share the harrowing Stardust Tragedy as they discuss The Last Disco.

For those consumed by Wanderlust; Rory King, Pól Ó Conghaile and Fionn Davenport will chat with travel blogger Nadia El Ferdaoussi

The events will take place in South Dublin County in locations such as The Civic, Rathfarnham Castle, Brú Chrónáin—Clondalkin Round Tower Visitor Centre, and the Pearse Museum, highlighting the richness of the county’s built heritage as well as introducing dynamic new venues such as Work IQ in Tallaght Innovation Quarter.

The Red Line Book Festival is a celebration of literature, storytelling, and creativity and has grown to become one of the highlights of the cultural calendar.

It offers an incredible opportunity to connect with the written word in its many forms, whether you’re a reader, writer, or simply a lover of stories.

From engaging discussions with authors to exciting workshops and performances, this festival creates space for reflection, imagination, and community.

“Festivals like this one play a crucial role in bringing people together, igniting conversations, and inspiring new generations of writers and readers alike. I would like to thank our partners and venues for their continuing commitment to the festival.

To all attendees, I hope you enjoy the diverse program of events, discover new perspectives, and leave inspired,” said Cllr Baby Pereppadan, Mayor of South Dublin County.

The festival also aims to foster local writing talent, with a range of writing workshops in different genres taking place in our libraries, as well as our Comedian in Residence program with Sharon Mannion, which will mentor participants in a series of workshops looking at all aspects of comedy writing and performance, culminating in a showcase event during the festival.

The festival’s Family Fun Day returns to Tallaght’s cultural quarter on Saturday, October 19, and promises to be a day of literary magic and Hallowe’en fun for all ages with activities including storytelling sessions, illustration workshops from top Irish artists working in children’s literature, as well as live music, creative events, children’s entertainment, and lots more.

‘Tallaween’ will also be unleashed on Saturday, 19, bringing the library’s darkest tales to life. Monsters, demons, and zombies will escape the pages and haunt Parthalán Place every night from 5pm to 9pm until October 31.

Other highlights of the festival include the prestigious Red Line Book Festival Poetry Competition, which attracts hundreds of entries from all across Ireland annually.

Award-winning poet Patrick Deeley will judge the competition entries, and the closing date for entries is Monday, 16th September.

The shortlist will be announced on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and the winners will be announced during this year’s Red Line Book Festival.

Now in its 13th year, The Red Line Book Festival is produced by South Dublin Libraries and Arts at South Dublin County Council, offering a program of events and workshops that appeal to people of all ages and interests, from children to adults, casual readers to bookworms.

See redlinefestival for the full program of events taking place across all venues.