One Dublin One Book 2026 Programme Launch

One Dublin One Book is an annual Dublin City Council festival, led by Dublin City Libraries and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, and supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

The programme reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that literature and reading remain central to the civic life of Dublin.

Each April, Dublin City Council encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to read and share a specially chosen book connected with the city. Through an extensive programme of free public events, discussions, workshops and performances, the initiative brings communities together in libraries, cultural venues and public spaces across Dublin.

This year’s programme captures the atmosphere and social landscape of 1950s Dublin so vividly portrayed in Christine Falls and will explore the themes and historical context that underpin the novel.

Launching the programme at the Mansion House, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said:

“I am proud that Dublin City Council continues to lead this important cultural initiative, which has grown in popularity and impact over more than two decades. One Dublin One Book demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that literature and culture remain central to the life of our capital. I look forward to seeing copies of Christine Falls across the city throughout April. Everyone is welcome to join this city-wide book club – let’s get Dublin reading.”

John Banville said:

“It is as much a pleasure as it is an honour for me that Dublin City Council should have chosen Christine Falls as its One Dublin One Book for 2026. No recognition is quite as sweet as recognition in one’s home city.”

Dublin City Librarian, Mairead Owens, said:

“We are delighted to work with John Banville on this year’s One Dublin One Book programme. Through this Dublin City Council initiative, we hope readers across the city will engage with Christine Falls and participate in the rich and varied programme of events taking place throughout April.”

Copies of Christine Falls are available to borrow from public libraries nationwide, as well as in eBook format via the free BorrowBox library app. The eAudiobook will be available during April via BorrowBox. A special One Dublin One Book edition is also available to purchase from bookshops.

Vision Ireland Library Access Service has created a Braille version of Christine Falls* and the book is also available in fully accessible digital formats (EPUB, BRF, DAISY and Word) via the Vision Ireland Bookshare Ireland platform.

One Dublin One Book Programme highlights include:

· John Banville in conversation with historian Donal Fallon, discussing his own Dublin and how the city has shaped his work over the years.

· State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis in conversation with Garrett Fagan, reflecting on the history of forensic science and the development of investigative techniques, and considering their portrayal in crime fiction.

· The Emigration Story: Irish America in the 1950s – Tommy Graham (History Ireland) in discussion with Dan Mulhall, Bernadette Whelan and Michael Kennedy, exploring the post-war Irish-American experience.

· A panel discussion examining themes in the novel including the mistreatment of women, the laundries and illegal adoptions, with writer and journalist Caelainn Hogan and academic Phil Mullen.

· Crime fiction writing workshops with Andrew Hughes and Gillian Perdue in four public libraries.

Events will take place across Dublin City Libraries and in venues throughout the city, with additional participation from DLR Libraries, Fingal Libraries and South Dublin Libraries, ensuring a truly city-wide celebration of reading.