About Discover Irish Children’s Books

The aim of Discover Irish Children’s Books is to highlight, promote and celebrate Irish children’s books. They are an active voluntary team of children’s authors, illustrators, booksellers, librarians and teachers, and they run regular campaigns and events to highlight Irish children’s books for all ages. https://discoveririshkidsbooks.ie/

Discover Irish Children’s Books Symposium

This event was made possible through the support of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Grants Scheme

Venue: Dlr LexIcon Library Dún Laoghaire, Studio Theatre, Ground Floor (behind the café)

Date: Saturday 6th June 2026

Time: 11am to 5pm (Registration from 10am)

An inspiring day of talks and panels for children’s writers and illustrators at all stages of their careers, as well as teachers, librarians and all children’s book enthusiasts.

Programmed by Sarah Webb with the support of the dlr Writers in Residence Eve McDonnell and Ruth Ennis, and the Discover Irish Children’s Books Symposium Team: Conor Bredin, Eilish Fisher, Lucinda Jacob, Lori Moriarty, Alan Nolan, Sinéad O’Hart, Bex Sheridan and Alison Weatherby.

Pop-up bookshop on site with thanks to Dubray Books

TIMETABLE

10am to 11am

Registration

Run by members of the Discover Irish Children's Books Team

A chance to grab a coffee in the library café and to meet and mingle with children’s writers, illustrators and publishers.

11am to 11.35am

Welcome from the dlr Writers in Residence Eve McDonnell and Ruth Ennis, and Sarah Webb from the Discover Team.

What’s New in International Children's Books – a Postcard from the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026

With Ruth Concannon from Children’s Books Ireland and Margaret Anne Suggs, Author/Illustrator and ex-Chair of Illustrators Ireland

An informative, inspiring and useful session for all children's writers and illustrators.

11.35am to 12.30pm

Discover the World of Irish Children's Books: A Showcase

Chair: Eve McDonnell

A look at the recent and upcoming work of children's authors and illustrators based in Dún Laoghaire and Ireland: Sadhbh Devlin, Brian Fitzgerald, Deirdre Sullivan, and Jonathan Sung share their recent and new picture books, Zainab Boladale, Alan Nolan and Alison Weatherby share their new novels for age 9+ and teens, and Stephen Daly, Ruth Ennis and Kelly McCaughrain share their recent YA novels.

5 minute comfort break

12.35pm to 1.15pm

Publishing Panel

The Irish, UK and World Experience of Writing and Publishing for Children

Chair: Sarah Webb

With Peter Donnelly, Eilish Fisher, Patricia Forde and Alison Weatherby

An insight into the world of Irish and UK publishing and all its ups and downs with three children’s authors and an author/illustrator who have been published in Ireland, the UK and further afield. From royalties and advances, to finding and dealing with agents and your editor, find out more about the world of publishing.

1.15pm to 2.40pm

Lunch and Meet Up

A chance for all writers and illustrators to meet and chat, and to exchange ideas and information. Check out the IBBY Silent Books stand during lunch, and don’t miss the Discover Irish Children’s Books stand and the Bad Book Press stand with Ashwin Chacko and Clive McFarland.

Food Options: Feel free to bring your own lunch – there are seating areas outside and inside the library. There is also a café on site and several others within a few minutes’ walk of the venue along the sea front, including Happy Out, Vanilla Pod, and Eddie Rockets.

2.40pm to 3.35pm

The Ever-Changing World of School and Library Events

Chair: Alan Nolan

With Kelly McCaughrain, Eve McDonnell, Kevin Moran and Margaret Anne Suggs

A panel discussion about events: how to book them, what works and doesn’t work, tips, advice, rates of pay and much more!

15 minute coffee break

3.50pm to 4.45pm

A Life in Children’s Books with Three Former Laureates na nÓg, Irish Children’s Laureates

Eoin Colfer and PJ Lynch in Conversation with Patricia Forde

Eoin Colfer and PJ Lynch will give insights into their life and work in conversation with Patricia Forde. Three titans of the children’s book world!

5.00pm Closing remarks by Eve McDonnell and Ruth Ennis