Dublin Book Festival

The Science of Storytelling: Shane O'Mara, Niall de Búrca and Claire O'Connell

Storytelling is as old as time, but what about the sciencebehind it? Join neuroscientist Shane O’Mara, author ofTalking Heads: The New Science of How Conversation ShapesOur Worlds, and master traditional storyteller Niall deBúrca we delve into communication, connection, andwhy storytelling remains such a powerful form of humanexpression. In conversation with science writer Claire O'Connell. Recorded at Dublin Book Festival 2025. Event supported by Research Ireland as part of Science Week 2025.

Immersed in Nature: Seán Ronayne, Ruby Free and Ella McSweeney

Join us to explore two immersive nature books, both a celebration of the beauty of nature and a call to action to safeguard it. In Nature Boy ornithologist Seán Ronayne charts his experience recording the sound of birds throughout Ireland, revealing a journey of self-discovery and connection, and the extraordinary healing power of nature. In Rathlin: AWild Life, conservation biologist Ruby Free charts her thrilling experience working in one of the wildest and most biodiverse corners of the UK and Ireland. The authors joined journalist Ella McSweeney in conversation. Recorded at Dublin Book Festival 2025. Event supported by Research Ireland as part of Science Week 2025.

The Lure of Crime Writing: Marie Cassidy, Gill Perdue and Andrew Hughes

From gripping plots and shocking twists to truths that may be best left buried, our panel of bestselling crime writers explores the lure of crime writing for readers and writers alike. Deadly Evidence is the latest crime thriller from former State Pathologist and author Marie Cassidy, about speaking truth to power no matter the cost. The Night I Killed Him by Gill Perdue is a compulsive thriller about deception, guilt and grief. The authors joined fellow crime writer Andrew Hughes in conversation. Recorded at Dublin Book Festival 2025.

Reimagining: Hazel Gaynor, Paul Perry and Aoife Barry

Step back in time with us as we explore two captivating novels that reimagine stories as we know them. In Paradise House Paul Perry conjures a vivid image of life for James Joyce had he succeeded with the Volta, Ireland’s first cinema. In Before Dorothy, Hazel Gaynor imagines Dorothy’s earlier life and what came before, delving into the story of her Aunt Emily and the challenges she faced on the barren Kansas prairies, long before Dorothy is uprooted to Oz. The authors joined author and arts journalist Aoife Barry in conversation. Recorded at Dublin Book Festival 2025. .

Women's Stories in Contemporary Irish Fiction: Faith Hogan, Sheila O'Flanagan, Sophie White and Edel Coffey

Bestselling Irish contemporary fiction authors,Faith Hogan, Sheila Flanagan and Sophie White, explore the themes that define their work: resilience, relationships, personal transformation, and the rich tapestry of modern Irish life. The conversation delves into the changing face of women’s fiction, how these authors craft characters that readers around the world connect with so deeply, and how women’s fiction continues to go from strength to strength. Chaired by author Edel Coffey. Recorded as part of Dublin Book Festival 2025.