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 10, 2026

Upcoming Events in Dublin

New Novel Reading with Colm Tóibín

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 12, 2026

Colm Tóibín reads from his latest novel and discusses the craft of long-form storytelling. The event includes a moderated Q&A on memory, exile, and contemporary Irish fiction.

AI, Embodiment and Ethics — Talk by Dr Kate Devlin

Kate Devlin · Science Gallery Dublin · August 12, 2026

Dr Kate Devlin discusses the social and ethical implications of embodied AI and human–machine interaction in creative practice. The session includes a short demo and a panel Q&A wi…

An Evening with Colm Tóibín: New Novel Reading

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 12, 2026

Colm Tóibín reads from his forthcoming novel and discusses themes of memory and identity. The event includes a short audience Q&A and book signing afterwards.

An Evening with Colm Tóibín

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 12, 2026

Colm Tóibín reads from his recent work and discusses the craft of fiction with audience questions. The event will explore memory, place, and the responsibilities of the novelist in…

A Conversation with Colm Tóibín

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 12, 2026

Colm Tóibín reads from his recent work and discusses the craft of the contemporary novel. The event includes a short Q&A and is open to the public.

Sally Rooney — Reading and Conversation

Sally Rooney · Irish Writers Centre · August 12, 2026

Sally Rooney reads from her forthcoming work and discusses craft, dialogue and contemporary Irish fiction. A short audience Q&A and book signing will follow the session.

AI and the Arts: A Conversation with Angela Saini

Angela Saini · Science Gallery Dublin · August 12, 2026

Science journalist Angela Saini explores how artificial intelligence is changing artistic practice and the ethics of machine-generated culture. She will be joined by a curator from…

Writing Place: Colm Tóibín in Conversation

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 12, 2026

Colm Tóibín discusses place and memory in his new book and reads selected passages. The event includes an audience Q&A and book signing afterwards.

Reading and Conversation: Sinéad Gleeson — New Essays

Sinéad Gleeson · Dublin City Library (ILAC) · August 12, 2026

Sinéad Gleeson reads from her forthcoming essay collection and speaks about memory, illness, and the ethics of personal writing. The reading will be followed by a short Q&A and boo…

Climate Futures: The Next Decade

David Wallace-Wells · Science Gallery Dublin · August 12, 2026

Journalist David Wallace-Wells presents a talk on near-term climate risks and cultural responses to them. The session includes projected scenarios and a Q&A with the audience.

Quantum Stories: Physics, Wonder and Public Engagement

Jim Al-Khalili · Science Gallery Dublin · August 12, 2026

Professor Jim Al‑Khalili explores how quantum physics informs contemporary storytelling and public perceptions of science. The talk pairs accessible explanations with examples from…

New Novel in Conversation: Colm Tóibín

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 12, 2026

Colm Tóibín reads from his forthcoming novel and discusses his approach to narrative and memory. The event includes audience questions and a book-signing in the foyer after the tal…

Consciousness and the Empathy Engine

Professor Anil Seth · Science Gallery Dublin · August 12, 2026

Leading consciousness researcher Anil Seth explores how predictive processing models reshape our understanding of perception and empathy. The talk will include a live Q&A and demos…

Theatre, Nation and Criticism

Fintan O'Toole · Abbey Theatre · August 12, 2026

Critic Fintan O'Toole addresses the role of theatre in shaping public debate and national identity. The talk will be followed by a short discussion with local theatre-makers.

On Form and Fragment: Eimear McBride Reads

Eimear McBride · Irish Writers Centre · August 12, 2026

Eimear McBride presents readings from recent work and leads a conversation about experimental form in contemporary Irish fiction. The event includes an audience Q&A and limited-cap…

Culture and Critique: Fintan O'Toole on Ireland Today

Fintan O'Toole · Dublin City Library (ILAC) · August 12, 2026

Veteran columnist Fintan O'Toole gives a public lecture on the state of Irish politics, culture and the role of criticism in public life. A moderated discussion and audience questi…

Conversation: Sally Rooney on Her New Novel

Sally Rooney · Irish Writers Centre · August 15, 2026

Sally Rooney talks about the themes and process behind her forthcoming novel in a live conversation with a moderator. The event includes a brief audience Q&A and a signing opportun…

The Future of the Irish Novel

Colm Tóibín · National Library of Ireland · August 15, 2026

Colm Tóibín reflects on contemporary trajectories in Irish fiction, exploring how global themes and local traditions intersect in new work. He will read briefly and take audience q…

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…