Welcome to the An Post Irish Book Awards

Shortlist unveiled for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2019

The shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2019 features a diverse mix of exceptional writing from new and established writers across sixteen categories. Shortlisted writers include Kevin Barry, Edna O’Brien, Joseph O’Connor, Cecelia Ahern, Emma Dabiri, Fintan O’Toole, Samantha Power, Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen, Jamie Heaslip, Andrea Corr, Vicky Phelan, Diarmaid Ferriter, Sinéad Gleeson, Mary Costello, Rosita Boland, Joe Duffy and Freya McClements.

2019 Awards shortlists

This year, as the official media partner of the An Post Irish Book Awards, RTÉ has introduced the RTÉ Radio 1 Listeners’ Choice Award. Five of the station’s biggest names – Miriam O’Callaghan, Joe Duffy, Sean O’Rourke, Ray D’Arcy and Ryan Tubridy – have each selected their favourite book of the year, and all five books are by Irish writers.

The An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year we bring together a huge community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of Irish writing talent.  Now, you the public are being asked to cast your votes. Voters will be entered into a draw to win one of four €100 National Book Tokens vouchers and voting closes on 13^th November. The winners will be announced at the gala ceremony in the Convention Centre Dublin, Spencer Dock, on Wednesday 20^th November. Highlights of the awards event, presented by Miriam O’Callaghan, will be broadcast on RTÉ One television on Saturday 23rd. 

Following its hugely successful first year sponsoring the awards in 2018, An Post has launched its #ReadersWanted campaign, celebrating the value and joy of reading and encouraging everyone to pick up more books, more often so look out for those super-slick ads across all media in the coming weeks.

Latest news from the awards

Shortlist unveiled for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2019

October 24, 2019

Shortlist includes Kevin Barry, Edna O’Brien, Joseph O’Connor, Cecelia Ahern, Emma Dabiri, Niall Breslin, Fintan O’Toole, Samantha Power, Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen, Jamie Heaslip, Donal Skehan, Andrea Corr, Vicky Phelan, Diarmaid Ferriter, Sinéad …

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Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin announced as recipient of The An Post International Recognition Award for 2019

August 21, 2019

George R.R. Martin, the world-renowned author and creative force behind Game of Thrones, is to receive The An Post International Recognition Award as part of this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards. The celebrated fantasy writer will receive the accolade …

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All crime writers are asking is for a little respect

July 27, 2019

Some years ago, a friend of mine secured a writer-in-residence gig which entailed living in the Borders cottage of the great Scottish poet, Hugh MacDiarmid. As a major fan, I blagged an invitation and was soon en route to Biggar to see how the great ma …

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An Post, in association with the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), presented national awards for creative writing to winners of the 2019 Scéal Eile competition

May 20, 2019

The competition is rooted in primary and secondary children’s love of books and is part of the An Post Education Awards, in its 35th year promoting literacy and learning for generations of Irish students. Scéal Eile saw students from all levels revisit …

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