The Red Line Book Festival returns this October, marking its 15th anniversary with an exciting programme filled with over 40 events. This year’s programme brings together some of Ireland’s best-known names alongside new and emerging voices, with events covering fiction, memoir, poetry, politics, music and more.
Tickets will be available from September 9th 2026. Visit redlinefestival.ie for bookings and programme information. Please note that ISL will be offered at select events.
Red Line Book Festival
At its heart, the Red Line Book Festival unites authors and audiences, making literature and culture accessible to all. A cornerstone of South Dublin County’s cultural calendar, the festival is uniquely curated by librarians from South Dublin Libraries, whose deep connection to their communities shapes the diverse and engaging programme each year.
This year, audiences can enjoy events featuring bestselling authors Cecelia Ahern and Louise O’Neill, acclaimed actor and author Ardal O’Hanlon, an evening of spoken word and theatre with Emmet Kirwan, broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, and the award-winning Sarah Waters, bestselling crime writer Sophie Hannah, comedian, writer and social media favourite Justine Stafford, acclaimed British writer Imani Thompson, historian, actor and broadcaster Anthony Delaney, journalist and former Sinn Féin press adviser Siobhán Fenton and much, much more
The Red Line Book Festival runs from October 12th to 18th 2026, spanning seven days with events taking place in The Civic, Rua Red, Rathfarnham Castle, and various South Dublin County Council Libraries.
Red Line Book Festival Director
Speaking at the launch, Sarah Elaine McHugh, Festival Director said: “The Red Line Book Festival has always been about bringing people together through great books and exciting ideas. As a festival curated by librarians, we want the programme to reflect the range of communities we work with every day. In our 15th year, I’m really proud that we’re continuing to bring big names and new voices to libraries and venues across South Dublin while continuing to make our festival welcoming and open to everyone.”
On Saturday, October 17th, Tallaght Library, Parthalán Place, and the Civic Theatre will unite for a massive Family Fun Day., an action-packed celebration featuring interactive creative workshops, live historical reenactments, and pop-culture fun for all ages.
The festival also welcomes folk musician Bríd Lyons as this year’s Songwriter in Residence. Over five weeks, Lyons will mentor emerging talent, helping participants develop their voice through workshops in lyric writing and melody.
Festival Highlights
Beloved bestselling author Cecelia Ahern joins broadcaster and author Ryan Tubridy for a special conversation about her life, writing and remarkable career. From the phenomenal success of PS, I Love You to her latest novel, Love Unlocked, Cecelia will talk about where her stories come from and how her writing has evolved over the years.
Actor, comedian and author Ardal O'Hanlon sits down with broadcaster and book lover Rick O'Shea to talk about his new novel, A Plot to Die For. Ardal will discuss creating Finn and the world of Abbeyford, his move into cosy crime and his plans for the series, which mixes small-town characters, mystery and the humour for which he is so well known.
Louise O'Neill: A Bigger Life. Bestselling author Louise O'Neill sits down with Senator Lynn Ruane to discuss her new memoir followed by a Q&A and signing, A Bigger Life. A Bigger Life is a candid exploration of heartbreak, desire, sexual freedom and the expectations placed on women.
Internationally acclaimed novelist Sarah Waters comes to Red Line Book Festival for a special evening looking at her remarkable writing career. In conversation with historian and writer Dr Mary McAuliffe, she'll discuss her books, queer history and the history that has shaped her work.Family Fun Day Highlights
Parthalán Place transforms into a living history encampment where Lakes Vikings and Boyne Valley Events bring 1,000-year-old history to life with authentic weapons displays, ancient cooking demonstrations, a 20-foot Viking longship, and live birds of prey from Raven Haven Aviaries.
Tallaght Library will host a range of entertainment drop in events alongside artist-led creative workshops that include sensory Explorers Messy Play, Dungeons & Dragons: Introductory tabletop role-playing sessions, Cartoonify Yourself with Artist Phillip Barrett, Superhero Mask Making, Let's Make Comics!: with Illustrator Kate Escolin.
The Civic Theatre's Studio Space hosts bestselling author and illustrator Karen Harte (Effie is Offline, Milly McCarthy) for an interactive draw-along session.For the full programme details visit: redlinefestival.ie.
And see here for more on the Writing.ie Wordspark blog.
