The inaugural Irish Book Week takes place from 27th October – 3rd November. The event is a nationwide celebration of Irish books and bookshops. A collaboration between Bookselling Ireland and Publishing Ireland, the week will see events taking place throughout the country, celebrating Irish books and the central role bookshops play in Irish society and culture. 
Speaking to Ger Sweeney on Live on Eire, Ivan O’Brien of Publishing Ireland and the O’Brien Press commented that “The week aims to encourage people into their local bookshop, and to highlight the important role bookshops play in the fabric of Irish life – fostering cultural creativity, community spirit and generating economic activity.” Hear the full interview here.
Authors celebrating Irish Book Week include Donal Ryan, John Boyne, Paul Howard, Hazel Gaynor, Fionnuala Kearney, Carmel Harrington, Julian Vignoles, Lynn Buckle, Cónal Creedon, Conor O’Clery, Cethan Leahy, Shona Shirley MacDonald, Alison Healy, Rory O’Connor.
There is plenty happening over the week of Irish Book Week. Some of the events have been organised and details of these are available through the various social media platforms supporting Irish Book Week but people are encouraged to visit their local bookshops and libraries to find out what might be happening on the ground.