What is Ireland Reads?

A national celebration of reading.

Throughout February and especially on Ireland Reads Day, February 22nd, we’re calling on people across Ireland to get lost in a good book. It doesn’t matter what you read, where you read or how well you read, as long as you read.

Because taking time to relax and do things you enjoy is important and reading is good for you. It relaxes your body by lowering your heart rate and easing the tension in your muscles. Studies have even shown that reading boosts your mental health by reducing stress by up to 68%.​

Ireland Reads is an initiative of the Government of Ireland to celebrate the joy of reading. It is funded by Healthy Ireland and supported by public libraries and many organisations that promote reading, literacy and the arts.

All you have do is sit down for a read, for as long or as short a time as you can, and lose yourself in an adventure, a thriller, a romance, a comedy or all of the above.

So go on, get lost.

A stack of books

Looking for a book to get lost in?

Events

Click on your province to find out about just some of the events going on near you.
Check with your local library for full listings and details.

Our Partners & Ambassadors

Thanks to our incredible partners and ambassadors who are helping to get Ireland reading for Ireland Reads!

A boy eats breakfast at a table with his father
Patricia Forde
Emma Donoghue
Rita Ann Higgins
Paul Lynch
Manchán Magan
Rick O'Shea
Melatu-Uche Okorie
Dave Rudden
Oliver Callan
Sarah Webb
The Arts Council logo
The Borrow Box logo
The Children's Books Ireland logo
The Government of Ireland logo
NALA logo
The RTÉ Supporting the Arts logo
National Library of Ireland logo
Laureate for Irish Fiction logo
Adult Literacy Ireland logo
Age Friendly Ireland logo

Resources For You

Want to spread the joy of reading and encourage others to get lost in a good book? Here are some beautiful posters, colouring-in sheets, videos and other resources to help you promote Ireland Reads or your local events.

Get Resources

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