Ryan and Boyne among Irish Book Week authors

The inaugural Irish Book Week has unveiled its nationwide programme, featuring authors including Donal Ryan and John Boyne (pictured).

Running from 27th October to 3rd November, the week-long celebration of Irish books and bookshops is a collaboration between Bookselling Ireland and Publishing Ireland. The events focus on Irish books and the role bookshops play in Irish society and culture, aiming to encourage people into their local bookshop.

As well as Ryan and Boyne, authors taking part in the event include Paul Howard, Rory O’Connor, Hazel Gaynor and Fionnuala Kearney.

Carmel Harrington is also participating along with Julian Vignoles, Lynn Buckle, Conal Creedon, Conor O’Clery, Cethan Leahy, Shona Shirley MacDonald, with others to be confirmed.  

Events include a Halloween themed storytime at WH Smith in Arnotts, Dublin, as well as a conversation with Ryan in Clifden Bookshop (both on 27th October). At Hodges Figgis in Dublin there will be a conversation between Boyne (who recently won the Glass Bell Award) and fellow writer Howard on 1st November, while a reading with YA author Cethan Leahy takes place two days later at Waterstones, Cork.

Various promotions will be running throughout the week, including a campaign at Dublin Airport lounge featuring offers with Books Ireland magazine and WH Smith voucher giveaways to passengers.

Chair of Bookselling Ireland John Keane said: “Ireland has such a rich literary heritage and we are delighted to place that centre stage with Irish Book Week. A visit to your local bookshop always brings something different, and we are encouraging people to check in and see what is going on in their local community.” 

Ivan O’Brien, president of Publishing Ireland, added: “Irish people love to read and talk about books, and share them with family and friends. Irish Book Week reinforces the message that books and bookshops are the best place to find a story that will engross, educate and entertain.” 

Ryan, who is Irish Book Ambassador, said: “I’m honoured to be chosen as ambassador for a week that celebrates books and booksellers. Books are precious, and shops full of paper and ink books are sacred places, fortresses of empathy and light in this darkening world.” 

The www.thebookseller.com/news/bookselling-ireland-and-publishing-ireland-launch-irish-book-week-858146">initiative was first announced last month.