Upcoming Public Lectures and Author Talks in Dublin

Where literature lives on every corner.

Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Dublin, Ireland — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Upcoming Events in Dublin

Space Stories: An Evening with Niamh Shaw

Niamh Shaw · Science Gallery Dublin · August 18, 2026

Science communicator and performer Niamh Shaw explores the stories that connect space exploration with everyday life. The event blends short talks and audience Q&A to consider why …

Reading and Conversation: Colm Tóibín on Place and Memory

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 18, 2026

Colm Tóibín reads from his forthcoming work and reflects on the role of place in contemporary Irish fiction. The event closes with a moderated conversation about archives and liter…

Claire Keegan in Conversation: Shortness and Silence

Claire Keegan · National Library of Ireland — Kildare Street · August 18, 2026

Claire Keegan discusses her approach to the short story and the role of silence in contemporary Irish fiction. The talk will be illustrated with readings from her recent work and a…

Cosmic Perspectives: Why the Universe Matters

Sean M. Carroll · Science Gallery Dublin · August 18, 2026

Physicist Sean Carroll presents a public lecture on modern cosmology and the philosophical questions that arise from cutting-edge physics. The event combines clear explanations wit…

Reading and Resilience: Emma Donoghue in Conversation

Emma Donoghue · National Library of Ireland · August 19, 2026

Emma Donoghue discusses her latest novel and the role of historical research in shaping contemporary storytelling. The author shares insights into her research methods and answers …

Sinéad Gleeson Chairs Debate: The Future of Irish Letters

Sinéad Gleeson · Irish Writers Centre · August 19, 2026

Editor and essayist Sinéad Gleeson moderates a live debate on changing readerships, publishing models, and the global reach of Irish literature. Panelists from across genres will a…

An Evening with Eoin Colfer

Eoin Colfer · Irish Writers Centre · August 19, 2026

Best-selling author Eoin Colfer presents a reading from his latest work and discusses writing for children and young adults. The session includes a moderated Q&A and book-signing.

Art, Algorithms and Agency: An Interdisciplinary Panel

Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin; Emma Dabiri; Dr. John Breslin · Science Gallery Dublin · August 19, 2026

Artists, technologists and cultural critics explore how generative AI is reshaping artistic practice and questions of authorship. The discussion will include short demos and an aud…

Theatre, Nation and Memory: Fintan O'Toole in Conversation

Fintan O'Toole · Abbey Theatre · August 19, 2026

Leading critic Fintan O'Toole considers the Abbey Theatre's role in shaping Irish national identity and contemporary debates on culture. The event includes archival readings and a …

New Irish Fiction: Lisa McInerney in Conversation

Lisa McInerney · Irish Writers Centre · August 20, 2026

Lisa McInerney discusses her latest novel, comic realism, and the role of grit and humour in contemporary Irish storytelling. The event is framed as an intimate conversation with a…

An Evening with Colm Tóibín: New Work and Conversations

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 20, 2026

Colm Tóibín reads from his forthcoming novel and discusses craft, memory, and the Irish literary tradition. The event includes a moderated Q&A and an opportunity for book signings …

New Short Fiction: An Evening with Claire Keegan

Claire Keegan · Irish Writers Centre · August 20, 2026

Claire Keegan reads from her latest collection and discusses the craft of the short story in contemporary Irish letters. The event includes a moderated Q&A and book-signing opportu…

Eimear McBride: New Work and the Limits of Language

Eimear McBride · Irish Writers Centre · August 20, 2026

Eimear McBride presents new excerpts and discusses experimental narrative techniques in contemporary fiction. The session closes with audience questions and a short workshop-style …

Immune Arts: How Science Shapes Storytelling

Luke O'Neill · Science Gallery Dublin · August 20, 2026

Professor Luke O'Neill links immunology with contemporary culture, examining how ideas about the immune system influence narratives in art and literature. The event includes a pane…

Writing Ireland Now

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 20, 2026

Colm Tóibín discusses contemporary Irish fiction, literary history, and the craft of writing. He will read brief excerpts and respond to audience questions about place, memory, and…

Irish Crime Fiction Today

Tana French · Dublin City Library and Archive (ILAC) · August 20, 2026

Bestselling author Tana French explores the rise of Irish crime fiction and the social landscapes that shape the genre. The talk will include readings and a conversation about plot…

Climate Futures: Science, Policy and Justice (Panel)

Panel: Mary Robinson; John Sweeney; Chair: Fintan O'Toole · The Long Room Hub, Trinity College Dublin · August 20, 2026

A cross-disciplinary panel brings together former President Mary Robinson and climate scientist John Sweeney to discuss climate policy and climate justice. The session will combine…

Reading and Conversation: Colm Tóibín on Memory and Place

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 20, 2026

Colm Tóibín reads from his forthcoming work and discusses the role of memory and place in contemporary fiction. The event includes a short Q&A and book signing afterwards.

An Evening with Colm Tóibín: New Work and Memory

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 20, 2026

Acclaimed novelist Colm Tóibín reads from his latest work and discusses themes of memory and migration. The event includes a short Q&A and book signing afterwards.