IE Ongoing

Children’s Book Festival 2026

Name: Children’s Book Festival 2026
Start: 2026-10-01
End: 2026-10-31
Location: Clare

The Children’s Book Festival 2026 is a month-long celebration of reading, storytelling, creativity, and imagination taking place throughout County Clare, Ireland, in October 2026. Designed for primary school children, the festival brings beloved Irish and European authors, storytellers, illustrators, and performers to libraries and schools across the county.

Date: Oct 1-31, 2026
Location: Clare
Status: Ongoing

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Event summary

Highlights

Meet bestselling authors Dave Rudden, Leona Forde, Michael Smith, Brian Gallagher, and Nicola Pierce
Celebration of Irish and European Storytelling with international performers
Interactive workshops on writing and illustration for primary school children
Events across libraries and schools throughout County Clare

Organized by Clare Libraries, the Children's Book Festival aims to inspire children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The program allows young readers to meet the creators behind their favorite books and discover new worlds through stories.

The 2026 festival features a diverse lineup including bestselling fantasy author Dave Rudden, children’s writer Leona Forde, historian and author Michael Smith, historical fiction writer Brian Gallagher, and Titanic author Nicola Pierce. In addition to individual author events, the festival includes a celebration of Irish and European storytelling with storytellers visiting libraries and schools in North Clare, marking Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council and Clare’s pairing with Croatia. These European-focused events are supported by Communicating Europe.

Additional highlights include Michael Smith sharing the story of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, Brian Gallagher bringing history to life with a mystery adventure set in 1912 Dublin, and storytellers Fiona Dowling and Simon Schuemmelfeder taking children on a journey through European folktales, songs, and stories. Acclaimed author Nicola Pierce will explore the history behind her novel "Spirit of the Titanic." Children will also have the opportunity to engage with authors like Niamh Donnellan, Leona Forde, Laura Keohane (who will host an interactive writing workshop), and illustrator Linda Fährlin (who will lead a hands-on workshop inspired by Ireland's lighthouses and seashore).

Practical details

Organizer — source statement: Clare Libraries has announced the return of the Children’s Book Festival 2026; clareherald.com

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.