South Dublin’s Red Line Book Festival begins on 12 October and runs until Sunday, 18 October. The council’s announcement, published on 28 September, describes a 15th-anniversary programme of more than 40 events. For readers planning a visit this week, the useful starting point is the individual event listing, rather than assuming the festival has one venue or one admission rule. [1]

Libraries, theatres and cultural spaces host different parts of the programme. That makes it possible to choose a conversation, a performance or a family activity close to the experience you want, but it also makes the venue and booking details important. [2]

A literary week with several ways in

The current programme lists Cecelia Ahern in conversation with Ryan Tubridy at the Civic Theatre’s main space in Tallaght on Tuesday, 13 October at 8pm. Later in the week, Bríd Lyons’s songwriting showcase is scheduled at Áras Chrónáin in Clondalkin on Saturday, 17 October at 7pm. The listings distinguish the paid conversation from the free music event. [2]

Choose an event first, then check the linked booking page for its current availability and final admission details. A free listing may still require a place to be reserved, and a programme link does not guarantee that tickets remain available when you open it.

Saturday’s family day mixes drop-in and booked activities

The dedicated Family Fun Day page gives Saturday, 17 October, 10am to 4pm, at Tallaght Library and Parthalán Place, with some activities also taking place at the Civic Theatre. It describes a free programme combining drop-in sessions and workshops with limited places. [3]

For example, the page lists the Green Screen Photobooth at Tallaght Library from 11am to 3.30pm without a booking requirement. Introductory Dungeons and Dragons sessions at the library are aimed at ages 12 to 15 and require booking. These are different ways to attend, even though both form part of the same free day. [3]

A family plan can therefore include one confirmed workshop and time around it for suitable drop-in activities. Check age guidance for each item, who needs a ticket and whether children must be accompanied. Do not treat a waiting-list entry as a confirmed place.

Put the venue beside the time

Save each booking confirmation with the specific room or building, rather than just the festival name. Leave time between activities if they are in different venues, and ask the organiser about any access or sensory requirements that matter to your group.

The programme is a planning source, not a report of performances already seen. Recheck it before travelling, especially if a session is sold out, wait-listed or has limited capacity. The official links below provide the programme and family-day detail in one place.

Sources were checked on 12 October 2026.