The Laureate for Irish Fiction is an initiative of the Arts Council. The role seeks to acknowledge the contribution of fiction writers to Irish artistic and cultural
life by:
honouring an established Irish writer of fiction;
encouraging a new generation of writers;
promoting Irish literature nationally and internationally;
encouraging the public to engage with high quality Irish fiction.
The role was initially established in partnership with UCD, NYU and the Irish Times. The inaugural Laureate for Irish Fiction (2015–2018) was Anne Enright. Sebastian Barry was announced as the second Laureate for Irish Fiction (2018–2021) in February 2018.
Laureate for Irish Fiction 2022-2024
Colm Tóibín was announced as the third Laureate for Irish Fiction 2022-2024 on Thursday 20 January 2022.
For further details about the Laureate for Irish Fiction 2022-2024, including information on the selection process and upcoming events in the Laureate public programme please click here .
Laureate for Irish Fiction - 2021 Onwards
Download a summary of an update given to the Arts Council in relation to the future of the Laureate for Irish Fiction. It was presented and agreed at Council’s 18 November Plenary meeting. Click here to download the summary document.
Further Information