DUBLIN NAMED UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE


Dublin has been designated a city of literature by the cultural arm of the United Nations, UNESCO, making it just the fourth city in the world to receive this award!

“The city of Dublin attracts visitors from around the world for its heritage attractions, cosmopolitan feel and friendliness,” says Jayne Shackleford, Manager of Tourism Ireland in Canada. “Tourism Ireland is delighted that Dublin is now formally recognized for its rich literary culture and can now join Edinburgh, Iowa City and Melbourne as a recipient of this permanent title.”

This accolade recognises Dublin’s diverse cultural profile and international standing as a city of past and present literary excellence, with such literary greats as Oscar Wilde (his image in the above photograph), Shaw, Swift and Joyce, and contemporary writers Colm Tóibin, Roddy Doyle and Anne Enright to name a few. It also serves as confirmation of Ireland’s standing as a creative, vibrant and dynamic nation. To celebrate, the city has launched an official website – www.dublincityofliterature.ie – to showcase all of the exciting literary events, attractions and heritage available to visitors in Dublin and other towns and cities throughout the island.

Must-see events and attractions include the Dublin Book Festival (March), the month-long One City, One Book festival (April), the Dublin Writers Festival (June), Bloomsweek (June) and the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival (September). Book lovers can also enjoy the same ambiance as their favourite author or character at one of Dublin’s many literary pubs. For the full listing of festival and events throughout the island of Ireland visit www.discoverireland.com/festivals.