Sponsors & Partners

The Irish Book Awards is Proudly Sponsored by An Post

After six years of headline sponsorship, it’s become impossible to imagine the Irish literary sector without An Post’s energy and commitment to books, authors, and the written word. Through its dynamic #ReadersWanted campaign, An Post has shown the extent to which it simply “gets” books and in so doing has endeared itself to readers, booksellers and publishers alike.

At the heart of An Post is the written word, and we are honoured to be able to sponsor the Irish Book Awards for several years now.  Books connect people as An Post connects people, and we share a love for connection and community. Our #ReadersWanted campaign each year celebrates the value and joy of reading and encourages everyone to pick up more books, more often.

David Mcredmond

CEO, An Post

RTÉ Official Media Partner of the Irish Book Awards

RTÉ has always been at the heart of the Irish Book Awards. The support originated on RTÉ Radio 1 and has evolved to become a rich cross-platform partnership. Since 2011 this has included an annual awards highlights programme broadcast on RTÉ One. In recent years rte.ie/culture has also covered the Awards, and in 2020, RTÉ One broadcast the inaugural An Post Irish Book of the Year TV programme.

Supported by a proud collection of partners from across the country and further...

International Education Services (I.E.S. Ltd) was founded in 1974 by John and Caroline Treacy. The growth was rapid and the company quickly became the largest supplier of children’s and adult books to public libraries, primary & secondary schools, local authorities & government departments throughout the Republic of Ireland.

John and Caroline’s son Jonathan joined the company in 1988 and now plays an important role in the overall running of the company.

The Treacy family and their highly trained staff all have a deep-rooted respect for books and education, and it is this which drives the business forward.

On Ireland’s most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you’ll never want to miss a Word.

Foras na Gaeilge, the body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland, was founded on the second day of December 1999.

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Bookselling Ireland represents booksellers in Ireland and is run by a committee of booksellers, chaired by Aoife Roantree of Dubray, and backed by the BA. The Bookselling Ireland Committee, which meets six times a year, is the force behind Irish Book Week, which launched in 2018, the Irish Book Trade Conference, as well as World Book Day and Independent Bookshop Week in Ireland.

At Dubray, reading is our passion: we are staffed by booklovers, for booklovers. Beginning in Bray Co. Wicklow in 1973, the group now has branches in Grafton St, South Dublin and Galway, with two new branches due to open in Cork and Dundrum Town Centre in November 2021. Recommendations are our speciality and our team are always happy to help you discover new reads, explore favourite genres, or to identify the perfect gift for any occasion. If you can’t find what you want in-store we are always happy to order books on request, or customers can explore our extended range of over 200,000 titles online at dubraybooks.ie.

The Library Association of Ireland is the professional body representing libraries and librarianship in Ireland. The objectives of the association are to promote and develop high standards of librarianship and of library and information services in Ireland, and to secure greater cooperation between libraries. The Author of the Year award will go to an Irish author whose works contributed significantly to the reader experience and enjoyment of Irish books during 2021, as nominated by librarians and library book club members.

The following organisations made the LAI’s support possible: Maynooth University Library, Dublin City University Library, Kildare County Council Libraries, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Libraries, Wexford County Council Libraries, The Consortium of National and University Libraries (CONUL), University of Limerick Library & Dublin City Council Libraries.

Bookstation was established in 1990 with the opening of the original Bookstation store in Nutgrove Shopping Centre. Since then, Bookstation has remained an Irish owned and operated business committed to providing the best value when it comes to books. Now with 18 stores nationwide complimented by an online presence Bookstation is Ireland’s fastest growing chain of bookshops.

RTÉ has always been at the heart of the Irish Book Awards. The support originated on RTÉ Radio 1 and has evolved to become a rich cross-platform partnership. Since 2011 this has included an annual awards highlights programme broadcast on RTÉ One. In recent years rte.ie/culture has also covered the Awards, and in 2020, RTÉ One broadcast the inaugural An Post Irish Book of the Year TV programme.
RTÉ’s vision is ‘To champion Irish culture by captivating audiences with trusted, engaging and challenging content; celebrating our country’s rich diversity; and cultivating Ireland’s talent.’ This event aligns with RTÉ’s own ethos and its values of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘Creativity’.

Core Sponsorship is the Sponsorship Practice in Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company. Working with some of the largest brands and rightsholders in the market, we understand the value of sponsorship and how to measure it with precision. We magnify the commercial value of sponsorship for sponsors and rights holders and offer a range of solutions which help brands unlock their potential including the National Sponsorship Index, the National Fandom Tracker and our Valuation Model which measures the real and potential value of sponsorship across every channel. Ultimately providing sponsors and rightsholders with the confidence to make smarter sponsorship decisions.

Listowel Writers’ Week is an internationally acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel County Kerry.  The festival was founded in 1970 and is recognised as one of the primary event in Ireland’s literary calendar. The event takes place over 5 days leading up to and including the June bank holiday weekend. Listowel took up the sponsorship of the poetry category in 2016.

Founded by Vanessa O’Loughlin, Writing.ie is the national Irish writing resources website, designed to provide information and resources for writers everywhere. The Writing.ie Short Story of the Year Award was inaugurated in 2013 and has produced a steady stream of fine winners in a category dear to the heart of Irish readers.

TheJournal.ie was launched in 2010 as Ireland’s first digital-native news outlet. It has grown to become one of the country’s leading online news providers, having cultivated a highly engaged and interactive audience, TheJournal.ie is delighted to support the Best Irish-Published Book of the Year which showcases the very best writing around the topics of greatest interest to the Irish public.

National Book Tokens began in 1932 when Harold Raymond, a publisher, noted that the chief difficulty people found when giving a book was the fear of getting the wrong book. His response was the brilliantly simple notion of the book token. Over 75 years later his invention is still going strong. National Book Tokens are sold and exchanged in more outlets than any other book voucher in Ireland. From 2019 NBT will assume sponsorship of the Popular Fiction’ category.

Specsavers Logo

Specsavers has been Ireland’s family optician for over two decades and is passionate about providing affordable eyecare for everyone. Specsavers was founded by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins in 1984 and continues to grow in Ireland.  In 2019 Specsavers will revert to their long-term sponsorship of the childrens’ categories.

Ireland AM is Ireland’s only live breakfast TV show broadcasting on a daily basis from 7 to 10am. Since its launch in Sept 1999, Ireland AM has quickly risen to become the most watched breakfast show in Ireland. Ireland AM keeps viewers updated throughout the morning with news, weather and a winning combination of light, heartwarming, informative and often hard-hitting interviews along with plenty of fun features.

Eason has been one of the most successful and popular Irish business ever since Charles Eason acquired the business from W.H. Smith in 1886. Today, Eason and Son have outlets in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the flagship being the O’Connell Street store in Dublin.  Early supporters, of the awards, Easons have sponsored several award categories over the years and currently sponsor the Novel of the Year and the Teen & Young adult category under the brand name of Department 51.

The Irish Independent is Ireland’s largest-selling daily newspaper. Published by Independent News & Media, the Irish Independent has been controlled by Denis O’Brien since 2012  The Irish Independent is a sister publication to another of our sponsors, the Sunday Independent.

The Sunday Independent is the biggest selling Irish Sunday newspaper by a large margin.  It is  published by Independent News & Media plc, under the control of Denis O’Brien. Successive Sunday Independent editors, including literary editor, Madeleine Keane, have been among the strongest supporter of these awards since their inception. Since 2011, the Sunday Independent has sponsored the Newcomer of the Year Award.

An Post Logo

An Post is a major commercial organization providing a wide range of services which encompass postal, communication, retail and financial services. Since being founded in 1984, An Post has become one of Ireland’s largest companies, directly employing over 10,000 people through its national network of retail, processing and delivery points. Each day, An Post staff collect, process and deliver 2.5 million items of mail. We are proud and delighted to have An Post as the headline sponsor of the Irish Book Awards.

Supported by a proud collection of partners from across the country and further...

Who are International Education Services?

International Education Services (I.E.S. Ltd) was founded in 1974 by John and Caroline Treacy. The growth was rapid and the company quickly became the largest supplier of children’s and adult books to public libraries, primary & secondary schools, local authorities & government departments throughout the Republic of Ireland.

John and Caroline’s son Jonathan joined the company in 1988 and now plays an important role in the overall running of the company.

The Treacy family and their highly trained staff all have a deep-rooted respect for books and education, and it is this which drives the business forward.

Who are The Last Word with Matt Cooper?

On Ireland’s most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you’ll never want to miss a Word.

Who are Foras na Gaeilge?

Foras na Gaeilge, the body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland, was founded on the second day of December 1999.

Who are TikTok?

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Who are Bookselling Ireland?

Bookselling Ireland represents booksellers in Ireland and is run by a committee of booksellers, chaired by Aoife Roantree of Dubray, and backed by the BA. The Bookselling Ireland Committee, which meets six times a year, is the force behind Irish Book Week, which launched in 2018, the Irish Book Trade Conference, as well as World Book Day and Independent Bookshop Week in Ireland.

Who are Dubray?

At Dubray, reading is our passion: we are staffed by booklovers, for booklovers. Beginning in Bray Co. Wicklow in 1973, the group now has branches in Grafton St, South Dublin and Galway, with two new branches due to open in Cork and Dundrum Town Centre in November 2021. Recommendations are our speciality and our team are always happy to help you discover new reads, explore favourite genres, or to identify the perfect gift for any occasion. If you can’t find what you want in-store we are always happy to order books on request, or customers can explore our extended range of over 200,000 titles online at dubraybooks.ie.

Who are The Library Association of Ireland?

The Library Association of Ireland is the professional body representing libraries and librarianship in Ireland. The objectives of the association are to promote and develop high standards of librarianship and of library and information services in Ireland, and to secure greater cooperation between libraries. The Author of the Year award will go to an Irish author whose works contributed significantly to the reader experience and enjoyment of Irish books during 2021, as nominated by librarians and library book club members.

The following organisations made the LAI’s support possible: Maynooth University Library, Dublin City University Library, Kildare County Council Libraries, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Libraries, Wexford County Council Libraries, The Consortium of National and University Libraries (CONUL), University of Limerick Library & Dublin City Council Libraries.

Who are Bookstation?

Bookstation was established in 1990 with the opening of the original Bookstation store in Nutgrove Shopping Centre. Since then, Bookstation has remained an Irish owned and operated business committed to providing the best value when it comes to books. Now with 18 stores nationwide complimented by an online presence Bookstation is Ireland’s fastest growing chain of bookshops.

Who are RTÉ?

RTÉ has always been at the heart of the Irish Book Awards. The support originated on RTÉ Radio 1 and has evolved to become a rich cross-platform partnership. Since 2011 this has included an annual awards highlights programme broadcast on RTÉ One. In recent years rte.ie/culture has also covered the Awards, and in 2020, RTÉ One broadcast the inaugural An Post Irish Book of the Year TV programme.
RTÉ’s vision is ‘To champion Irish culture by captivating audiences with trusted, engaging and challenging content; celebrating our country’s rich diversity; and cultivating Ireland’s talent.’ This event aligns with RTÉ’s own ethos and its values of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘Creativity’.

Who are Core Sponsorship?

Core Sponsorship is the Sponsorship Practice in Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company. Working with some of the largest brands and rightsholders in the market, we understand the value of sponsorship and how to measure it with precision. We magnify the commercial value of sponsorship for sponsors and rights holders and offer a range of solutions which help brands unlock their potential including the National Sponsorship Index, the National Fandom Tracker and our Valuation Model which measures the real and potential value of sponsorship across every channel. Ultimately providing sponsors and rightsholders with the confidence to make smarter sponsorship decisions.

Who are Listowel Writers’ Week?

Listowel Writers’ Week is an internationally acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel County Kerry.  The festival was founded in 1970 and is recognised as one of the primary event in Ireland’s literary calendar. The event takes place over 5 days leading up to and including the June bank holiday weekend. Listowel took up the sponsorship of the poetry category in 2016.

Who are Writing.ie?

Founded by Vanessa O’Loughlin, Writing.ie is the national Irish writing resources website, designed to provide information and resources for writers everywhere. The Writing.ie Short Story of the Year Award was inaugurated in 2013 and has produced a steady stream of fine winners in a category dear to the heart of Irish readers.

Who are TheJournal.ie?

TheJournal.ie was launched in 2010 as Ireland’s first digital-native news outlet. It has grown to become one of the country’s leading online news providers, having cultivated a highly engaged and interactive audience, TheJournal.ie is delighted to support the Best Irish-Published Book of the Year which showcases the very best writing around the topics of greatest interest to the Irish public.

Who are National Book Tokens?

National Book Tokens began in 1932 when Harold Raymond, a publisher, noted that the chief difficulty people found when giving a book was the fear of getting the wrong book. His response was the brilliantly simple notion of the book token. Over 75 years later his invention is still going strong. National Book Tokens are sold and exchanged in more outlets than any other book voucher in Ireland. From 2019 NBT will assume sponsorship of the Popular Fiction’ category.

Specsavers Logo

Who are Specsavers?

Specsavers has been Ireland’s family optician for over two decades and is passionate about providing affordable eyecare for everyone. Specsavers was founded by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins in 1984 and continues to grow in Ireland.  In 2019 Specsavers will revert to their long-term sponsorship of the childrens’ categories.

Who are Ireland :AM?

Ireland AM is Ireland’s only live breakfast TV show broadcasting on a daily basis from 7 to 10am. Since its launch in Sept 1999, Ireland AM has quickly risen to become the most watched breakfast show in Ireland. Ireland AM keeps viewers updated throughout the morning with news, weather and a winning combination of light, heartwarming, informative and often hard-hitting interviews along with plenty of fun features.

Who are Eason?

Eason has been one of the most successful and popular Irish business ever since Charles Eason acquired the business from W.H. Smith in 1886. Today, Eason and Son have outlets in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the flagship being the O’Connell Street store in Dublin.  Early supporters, of the awards, Easons have sponsored several award categories over the years and currently sponsor the Novel of the Year and the Teen & Young adult category under the brand name of Department 51.

Who are The Irish Independent?

The Irish Independent is Ireland’s largest-selling daily newspaper. Published by Independent News & Media, the Irish Independent has been controlled by Denis O’Brien since 2012  The Irish Independent is a sister publication to another of our sponsors, the Sunday Independent.

Who are Sunday Independent?

The Sunday Independent is the biggest selling Irish Sunday newspaper by a large margin.  It is  published by Independent News & Media plc, under the control of Denis O’Brien. Successive Sunday Independent editors, including literary editor, Madeleine Keane, have been among the strongest supporter of these awards since their inception. Since 2011, the Sunday Independent has sponsored the Newcomer of the Year Award.

An Post Logo

Who are An Post?

An Post is a major commercial organization providing a wide range of services which encompass postal, communication, retail and financial services. Since being founded in 1984, An Post has become one of Ireland’s largest companies, directly employing over 10,000 people through its national network of retail, processing and delivery points. Each day, An Post staff collect, process and deliver 2.5 million items of mail. We are proud and delighted to have An Post as the headline sponsor of the Irish Book Awards.

Who are International Education Services?

International Education Services (I.E.S. Ltd) was founded in 1974 by John and Caroline Treacy. The growth was rapid and the company quickly became the largest supplier of children’s and adult books to public libraries, primary & secondary schools, local authorities & government departments throughout the Republic of Ireland.

John and Caroline’s son Jonathan joined the company in 1988 and now plays an important role in the overall running of the company.

The Treacy family and their highly trained staff all have a deep-rooted respect for books and education, and it is this which drives the business forward.

Who are The Last Word with Matt Cooper?

On Ireland’s most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you’ll never want to miss a Word.

Who are Foras na Gaeilge?

Foras na Gaeilge, the body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland, was founded on the second day of December 1999.

Who are TikTok?

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Who are Bookselling Ireland?

Bookselling Ireland represents booksellers in Ireland and is run by a committee of booksellers, chaired by Aoife Roantree of Dubray, and backed by the BA. The Bookselling Ireland Committee, which meets six times a year, is the force behind Irish Book Week, which launched in 2018, the Irish Book Trade Conference, as well as World Book Day and Independent Bookshop Week in Ireland.

Who are Dubray?

At Dubray, reading is our passion: we are staffed by booklovers, for booklovers. Beginning in Bray Co. Wicklow in 1973, the group now has branches in Grafton St, South Dublin and Galway, with two new branches due to open in Cork and Dundrum Town Centre in November 2021. Recommendations are our speciality and our team are always happy to help you discover new reads, explore favourite genres, or to identify the perfect gift for any occasion. If you can’t find what you want in-store we are always happy to order books on request, or customers can explore our extended range of over 200,000 titles online at dubraybooks.ie.

Who are The Library Association of Ireland?

The Library Association of Ireland is the professional body representing libraries and librarianship in Ireland. The objectives of the association are to promote and develop high standards of librarianship and of library and information services in Ireland, and to secure greater cooperation between libraries. The Author of the Year award will go to an Irish author whose works contributed significantly to the reader experience and enjoyment of Irish books during 2021, as nominated by librarians and library book club members.

The following organisations made the LAI’s support possible: Maynooth University Library, Dublin City University Library, Kildare County Council Libraries, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Libraries, Wexford County Council Libraries, The Consortium of National and University Libraries (CONUL), University of Limerick Library & Dublin City Council Libraries.

Who are Bookstation?

Bookstation was established in 1990 with the opening of the original Bookstation store in Nutgrove Shopping Centre. Since then, Bookstation has remained an Irish owned and operated business committed to providing the best value when it comes to books. Now with 18 stores nationwide complimented by an online presence Bookstation is Ireland’s fastest growing chain of bookshops.

Who are RTÉ?

RTÉ has always been at the heart of the Irish Book Awards. The support originated on RTÉ Radio 1 and has evolved to become a rich cross-platform partnership. Since 2011 this has included an annual awards highlights programme broadcast on RTÉ One. In recent years rte.ie/culture has also covered the Awards, and in 2020, RTÉ One broadcast the inaugural An Post Irish Book of the Year TV programme.
RTÉ’s vision is ‘To champion Irish culture by captivating audiences with trusted, engaging and challenging content; celebrating our country’s rich diversity; and cultivating Ireland’s talent.’ This event aligns with RTÉ’s own ethos and its values of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘Creativity’.

Who are Core Sponsorship?

Core Sponsorship is the Sponsorship Practice in Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company. Working with some of the largest brands and rightsholders in the market, we understand the value of sponsorship and how to measure it with precision. We magnify the commercial value of sponsorship for sponsors and rights holders and offer a range of solutions which help brands unlock their potential including the National Sponsorship Index, the National Fandom Tracker and our Valuation Model which measures the real and potential value of sponsorship across every channel. Ultimately providing sponsors and rightsholders with the confidence to make smarter sponsorship decisions.

Who are Listowel Writers’ Week?

Listowel Writers’ Week is an internationally acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel County Kerry.  The festival was founded in 1970 and is recognised as one of the primary event in Ireland’s literary calendar. The event takes place over 5 days leading up to and including the June bank holiday weekend. Listowel took up the sponsorship of the poetry category in 2016.

Who are Writing.ie?

Founded by Vanessa O’Loughlin, Writing.ie is the national Irish writing resources website, designed to provide information and resources for writers everywhere. The Writing.ie Short Story of the Year Award was inaugurated in 2013 and has produced a steady stream of fine winners in a category dear to the heart of Irish readers.

Who are TheJournal.ie?

TheJournal.ie was launched in 2010 as Ireland’s first digital-native news outlet. It has grown to become one of the country’s leading online news providers, having cultivated a highly engaged and interactive audience, TheJournal.ie is delighted to support the Best Irish-Published Book of the Year which showcases the very best writing around the topics of greatest interest to the Irish public.

Who are National Book Tokens?

National Book Tokens began in 1932 when Harold Raymond, a publisher, noted that the chief difficulty people found when giving a book was the fear of getting the wrong book. His response was the brilliantly simple notion of the book token. Over 75 years later his invention is still going strong. National Book Tokens are sold and exchanged in more outlets than any other book voucher in Ireland. From 2019 NBT will assume sponsorship of the Popular Fiction’ category.

Specsavers Logo

Who are Specsavers?

Specsavers has been Ireland’s family optician for over two decades and is passionate about providing affordable eyecare for everyone. Specsavers was founded by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins in 1984 and continues to grow in Ireland.  In 2019 Specsavers will revert to their long-term sponsorship of the childrens’ categories.

Who are Ireland :AM?

Ireland AM is Ireland’s only live breakfast TV show broadcasting on a daily basis from 7 to 10am. Since its launch in Sept 1999, Ireland AM has quickly risen to become the most watched breakfast show in Ireland. Ireland AM keeps viewers updated throughout the morning with news, weather and a winning combination of light, heartwarming, informative and often hard-hitting interviews along with plenty of fun features.

Who are Eason?

Eason has been one of the most successful and popular Irish business ever since Charles Eason acquired the business from W.H. Smith in 1886. Today, Eason and Son have outlets in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the flagship being the O’Connell Street store in Dublin.  Early supporters, of the awards, Easons have sponsored several award categories over the years and currently sponsor the Novel of the Year and the Teen & Young adult category under the brand name of Department 51.

Who are The Irish Independent?

The Irish Independent is Ireland’s largest-selling daily newspaper. Published by Independent News & Media, the Irish Independent has been controlled by Denis O’Brien since 2012  The Irish Independent is a sister publication to another of our sponsors, the Sunday Independent.

Who are Sunday Independent?

The Sunday Independent is the biggest selling Irish Sunday newspaper by a large margin.  It is  published by Independent News & Media plc, under the control of Denis O’Brien. Successive Sunday Independent editors, including literary editor, Madeleine Keane, have been among the strongest supporter of these awards since their inception. Since 2011, the Sunday Independent has sponsored the Newcomer of the Year Award.

An Post Logo

Who are An Post?

An Post is a major commercial organization providing a wide range of services which encompass postal, communication, retail and financial services. Since being founded in 1984, An Post has become one of Ireland’s largest companies, directly employing over 10,000 people through its national network of retail, processing and delivery points. Each day, An Post staff collect, process and deliver 2.5 million items of mail. We are proud and delighted to have An Post as the headline sponsor of the Irish Book Awards.