Sell-out events at the Red Line Book Festival

THE Red Line Book Festival marked its 15th anniversary last week, with sell-out events across South Dublin and “more than 2,500 visits” to its free Family Fun Day in Tallaght, according to Senior Executive Librarian Sarah Elaine McHugh.

Running from October 12 to 18, the festival welcomed some of Ireland’s best-known writers and performers, alongside international authors and local talent, for a week of talks, workshops, comedy, theatre and family events.

The Civic Theatre was particularly busy over the weekend, with Tallaght’s own Emmet Kirwan drawing a large crowd on Saturday night.

On Friday evening, Senator Lynn Ruane took to the stage to interview acclaimed author Louise O’Neill, with the pair delivering a wonderfully lively evening.

Another highlight was the inaugural Red Wine and Crime event at Priory Market, featuring some of Ireland’s best-known crime writers being interviewed by Ruth Scott.

The event proved to be a hit with the audience and a welcome addition to the festival programme.

Other big names on this year’s programme included Cecelia Ahern, Sarah Waters, Sophie Hannah, Gavan Reilly and Miriam O’Callaghan.

Many of the writer events and workshops sold out, with strong interest in the programme throughout the week.

Saturday’s free Family Fun Day was another highlight, with more than 2,500 visits to Parthalán Place to see Vikings, K-Pop Demon Hunters, owls from Raven Haven bird sanctuary and a jam-packed musical show from Alan Nolan.

The festival also featured poetry in Aon Scéal Café, songwriting in Áras Chrónáin and theatre and creative workshops in libraries across South Dublin. ‘ReelFlamenco’, a specially commissioned show funded as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency programme, brought the house down on Thursday night with its vibrant mix of flamenco dancing and Irish traditional music.

Organised by SDCC Libraries and Arts, the Red Line Book Festival has become a popular fixture in the local cultural calendar over the past 15 years.

The programme is developed by South Dublin Libraries staff, with a focus on bringing well-known writers to the area, supporting local talent and making literary events accessible to a wide audience.

The festival team thanks everyone who attended and supported this year’s events, as well as the authors, performers and venues involved in making the anniversary programme a success.