Dublin UNESCO City of literature

covers of the six short listed titles which are:
In Late Summer by Magdalena Blažević, translated by Anđelka Raguž
Gliff by Ali Smith
Live Fast by Brigitte Giraud, translated by Cory Stockwell
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Perspectives by Laurent Binet, translated by Sam Taylor
What I Know About You by Éric Chacour, translated by Pablo Strauss

2026 Dublin Literary Award Shortlist

Six novels have been shortlisted for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award, sponsored by Dublin City Council, marking 31 years of excellence in world literature.

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Author John Banville with the One Dublin One Book 2026 title Christine Falls

One Dublin One Book 2026 Programme Launch

Christine Falls by John Banville is this year’s One Dublin One Book title. Dublin City Council invites everyone across the capital to take part in this city-wide reading initiative throughout April.

Browse the Programme Here

Discover Dublin Libraries

Dublin City Libraries are trusted places that nurture curiosity so that opportunity, ambition and imagination flourish.

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Dublin, One City, Many Stories Video Series

A unique video series co-ordinated by the Irish Writers Centre and funded by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature with Dublin City Council to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Dublin becoming a UNESCO City of Literature and to promote the Irish Writers Centre's work as an all-island resource for writers at all stages of their career.

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About Unescocitiesofliterature Projects Our Stories Sasha De Buyl MC Ger Holland Photography 1

Dublin is one of 53 UNESCO cities of literature in the world belonging to a cluster which represents 6 continents and 39 countries, and a combined population of over 26 million.

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What’s happening

audience members watching a spoken word performance

Event

Slamovision 2026: Choosing Dublin’s Entry

20 May 2026, 7.30pm

Merrion Square

A collage of event photos including a walking tour, John Banville at a screening in the IFI, a photo of John Banville and Donal Fallon in the Pepper Canister and a discussion with John Banville, Martina Devlin, John MacKenna and Emily Hourican at City Assembly House

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One Dublin One Book Wrap Up

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Sarah Gilmartin Selected for the International Writing Program 2026 Fall Residency

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UNESCO Cities of Literature at ILFD

News

2026 Dublin Literary Award Shortlist

Event

Slamovision 2026: Choosing Dublin’s Entry

20 May 2026, 7.30pm

Merrion Square

News

One Dublin One Book Wrap Up

News

Sarah Gilmartin Selected for the International Writing Program 2026 Fall Residency

News

UNESCO Cities of Literature at ILFD

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Discover Literary Dublin

Dublin UNESCO City of Literature promotes and supports Dublin's high reputation as a city of words, home to 4 Nobel prize winners and a thriving contemporary scene.