Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Library service host a varied programme of events throughout the year, some of which we record. These have included a series of literary events, dlr Library Voices, and the annual literary festival Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival run in collaboration with dlr Arts Office from 2009 to 2021. Our books podcast Need To Read is where authors, professionals and avid readers shared their favourite books across their area of interest, expertise or obsession.
Celebrating Arlen House at 50 & WEB Writers’ Group at 40
We welcomed a large audience to the Studio Theatre, dlr LexIcon for a double milestone event - celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the literary publisher Arlen House, and celebrating forty years of the WEB women writers’ group, which still has strong ties to Arlen House.
An inspirational panel of women writers read from their work, discussed writing as women in Ireland, and the legacy of literary press Arlen House. The panel of speakers was introduced by Alan Hayes, editor and publisher at Arlen House since 1999. The panel was made up of the following authors - Mary Rose Callaghan, Celia de Fréine, Tanya Farrelly, Liz McManus, Helena Nolan, Nessa O'Mahony, Nell Regan, chaired by Lia Mills.
Recorded 12/09/26 in the Studio Theatre, dlr LexIcon
14 May 2026
One Dublin, One Book 2026 Setting the Scene: Ireland in the 1950s - Fintan O’Toole in conversation with Catriona Crowe
dlr Libraries were delighted to partner again with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature for this One Dublin, One Book event in the Studio Theatre, dlr LexIcon. Listen back now to author and journalist Fintan O’Toole speaking to author and archivist Catriona Crowe as they discussed the social, historical and economic landscape of 1950s Ireland, exploring the broader context in which Banville’s chosen title Christine Falls unfolds. The novel vividly conjures the society, politics and atmosphere of 1950s Dublin, from the power of the Church and social conservatism, to the treatment of women and emigration to America.
One Dublin, One Book is an annual Dublin City Council initiative, led by Dublin City Libraries and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, where everyone is encouraged to read a designated book connected with the capital city during the month of April every year.
Note: Strong language - Use of expletive at 47:47 and 54:45
29 Jan 2026
Jennifer Johnston Talk - Favourite Jennifer Johnston Books
dlr Libraries are delighted to announce a special Readers’ Day to commemorate the life and work of internationally acclaimed local writer Jennifer Johnston. Curated by writer Martina Devlin, on behalf of dlr Libraries, the day will include conversations with Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, the new Laureate for Irish Fiction, Carlo Gébler, Dermot Bolger, Sinéad Gleeson and many more. Readers' Day took place on the 6 September 2025 in dlr LexIcon
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