The National Library hosts an inaugural series of events featuring Ireland’s Booker Prize winners
The National Library is to host an exciting new series featuring Ireland’s Booker Prize winners in conversation with their literary contemporaries, starting at the end of April.
Paul Lynch starts the series off, reading from Prophet Song, followed by an in depth discussion with Belinda McKeon including questions from the audience. May and June will see John Banville and Claire Kilroy, Anne Enright and Nuala O’Connor, Roddy Doyle and Rob Doyle take part in these inaugural events which are curated by Alan Hayes of Arlen House.
Booker Prize winner (2023) Paul Lynch in conversation with Belinda McKeon on Prophet Song, Tuesday, 23rd April
Booker Prize winner (2005) John Banville in conversation with Claire Kilroy on The Sea, Tuesday, 7th May
Booker Prize winner (2007) Anne Enright in conversation with Nuala O’Connor on The Gathering, Tuesday, 14th May
Booker Prize winner (1993) Roddy Doyle in conversation with Rob Doyle on Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, Tuesday, 11th June
Director of the National Library of Ireland, Dr Audrey Whitty said that Ireland has a rich literary culture and history, and that it was a great honour to bring together these contemporary literary greats.
“I am looking forward to hearing the conversations unfold as these Booker winners discuss their novels with a series of fellow writers. Celebrating contemporary Irish writing is integral to telling the story of Ireland and we are delighted to play our part in this. The events are free and are open to all, but tickets are limited, so we encourage anyone with an interest in attending to book early.”
Head of Exhibitions, Learning and Programming at the National Library, Dr Sinéad McCoole said that the library was delighted to host this inaugural series of events which celebrate the international acclaim of the Booker winners.
“To listen to peer-to-peer, with writers interviewing writers, is especially important, in a place where so many of the past literary giants found their inspiration in the books and papers of those who had gone before them.”
Series curator Alan Hayes said that literature is rightfully regarded internationally as Ireland’s greatest art form.
“The National Library of Ireland is the living repository of Irish writing in both languages, it is the bedrock of our culture and is at the heart of our society. Thus, it is a pleasure to work with Dr Audrey Whitty and her dynamic team, as we celebrate these groundbreaking books and authors that have such pride of place, not only in Ireland but internationally.”
Tickets for the events are free, but places are limited, so you are encouraged to book early here.
