From 19 – 28 May, ILFD is proud to open its doors to almost 7,000 primary school students, making this year’s school programme the largest yet. Featuring writers, illustrators, and storytellers from Ireland, the UK, and further afield, this year’s key themes are emotional resilience and the discovery of new worlds.

In the heart of Dublin city, surrounded by a rich literary history, students will have a unique opportunity to visit the festival village where they can tap into their own creativity, get their hands on the newest releases, be immersed in a live literature experience, and connect with other young people. With picnic tables, onsite snacks, and plenty of space to play, learn, and laugh, a trip to ILFD is an unforgettable experience for students of all ages.

Keep reading to see what’s on! The full festival programme can be discovered on ilfdublin.com.

#ILFD4Schools Events

Lindsay Galvin Rediscovers the Titanic

Friday 19 May, 10:00 AM

Author Lindsay Galvin will hold budding historians enthralled in a presentation that offers a fresh take on the historic tragedy of the Titanic.

Jo Hall’s Dancing Digits

Friday 19 May, 10:30 AM

Author Jo Hall and JoJo Gnome are going to teach Robbie the Robot how to count and dance – and they need your help!

Jennifer Bell’s Magical Missions

Monday 22 May, 10:00 AM

Jennifer Bell returns to ILFD to talk about magical missions, cursed books, and how she got started in writing.

Aoife Dooley’s Frankie’s World

Monday 22 May, 11:45 AM

Join author and illustrator Aoife Dooley to learn how she created the hilarious and heartwarming character Frankie.

Peadar Ó Guilín’s Eye of the Dead

Monday 22 May, 11:45 AM

Peadar Ó Guilín leads a chilling session about his Egyptian mummy mystery "Eye of the Dead."

Chris Judge’s The Lonely Beast

Tuesday 23 May, 10:00 AM

Chris Judge introduces young readers to his famous character "The Lonely Beast" through illustration and storytelling.

Muireann Ní Chíobháin’s Scéalta Scanrúla

Tuesday 23 May, 11:45 AM

Muireann Ní Chíobháin presents spooky and fun stories in Irish, perfect for younger readers who love a scare!

Marita Conlon-McKenna’s Children of the Famine

Wednesday 24 May, 10:00 AM

Discover the moving story of the Great Irish Famine with one of Ireland’s best-loved children’s authors, Marita Conlon-McKenna.

Patricia Forde’s The Girl Who Fell to Earth

Wednesday 24 May, 11:45 AM

Join Patricia Forde as she introduces her new sci-fi adventure about a girl from another planet adapting to life on Earth.

M.G. Leonard’s Twitchers

Wednesday 24 May, 11:45 AM

Birdwatching and mystery collide in this gripping session from M.G. Leonard about her popular Twitchers series.

Máire Zepf’s Scríbhneoirí Óga

Thursday 25 May, 10:00 AM

Máire Zepf inspires the next generation of young Irish-language writers in a fun and interactive workshop.

David King’s Brave Brothers

Thursday 25 May, 10:00 AM

David King shares the story of Ireland’s first openly gay couple to be legally married, in a session full of courage and love.

Niamh Donnellan’s Lámh Workshop

Thursday 25 May, 11:45 AM

Learn basic Lámh signs with Niamh Donnellan in this inclusive and engaging session for children of all abilities.

Sadhbh Devlin’s An Slipéar Gloine

Thursday 25 May, 11:45 AM

Sadhbh Devlin retells the Cinderella story as Gaeilge in her fun and modern twist, "An Slipéar Gloine."

Sarah Webb’s How to Be a Hero

Friday 26 May, 10:00 AM

Sarah Webb introduces myths, legends, and everyday courage in her interactive and uplifting session on heroism.

Shane Hegarty’s The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams

Friday 26 May, 10:00 AM

Expect laughs, inventions, and weird flavours as Shane Hegarty brings his latest book to life!

Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber’s Twin Crowns

Friday 26 May, 11:45 AM

The dynamic duo behind Twin Crowns talk magic, romance, and sisterhood in this special fantasy fiction session.

Judi Curtin’s Lily at Lissadell

Friday 26 May, 11:45 AM

Much-loved author Judi Curtin brings the historical world of Lissadell House and Lily to life for readers.

Martina Murphy’s The Blackwater

Friday 26 May, 11:45 AM

Martina Murphy shares her gripping tale of mystery and friendship set in rural Ireland.

Sarah McIntyre’s Adventuremice

Friday 26 May, 11:45 AM

Meet the brave, furry heroes of Sarah McIntyre’s Adventuremice series in this fun-filled and creative session!

Alan Nolan’s Sam Hannigan

Friday 26 May, 11:45 AM

Alan Nolan brings wild laughs and animal madness as he draws characters and shares stories from Sam Hannigan’s adventures.

30 Years of Horrible Histories with Martin Brown

Friday 26 May, 11:45 AM

Join illustrator Martin Brown to celebrate 30 horrible years of the world’s bestselling children’s history series!

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