The Award is one of the most significant literature prizes in the world, presented annually for a novel written in English or translated into English. The 31st winner of the Dublin Literary Award will be announced by its Patron, Lord Mayor Ray McAdam at this special ceremony on Thursday May 21st.
The Award receives nominations from public libraries around the world and recognises both authors and translators and is the most valuable prize in the world for a single work of fiction, worth €100,000 to the winner. If the winning book has been translated, the author receives €75,000 and the translator receives €25,000. Established in 1994, the Award aims to promote excellence in world literature. Designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, Dublin’s literary heritage is a significant driver of cultural tourism for the City.
This year, 69 titles were nominated by 80 libraries from 36 countries for the 2026 Award, reflecting the best in fiction from Africa, Europe, Asia, USA, Canada, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Novels by five Irish authors are included on the 2026 list of nominated titles which also features 20 debut authors, 30 translated titles with translations in 17 languages including Brazilian Portuguese, Catalan, Chinese, Japanese and Polish. An esteemed panel of judges faced the monumental task of narrowing these novels down to the longlist which was announced in February. The shortlist of six titles is announced on 7th April.
Many of the nominated novels for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award are available for readers to borrow from public libraries or on digital loan from BorrowBox. Since 2015, the Award has been sponsored solely by Dublin City Council, administered by Dublin City Libraries and kindly supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.
Presented in partnership with the Dublin Literary Award, a Dublin City Council initiative.