Irish Book Awards


The Irish Book Awards are Irish literary awards given annually to books and authors in various categories. It is the only literary award supported by all-Irish bookstores. The primary sponsor is An Post, the state owned postal service in Ireland.

History

First awarded in 2006, the Irish Book Awards grew out of the Hughes & Hughes bookstore's Irish Novel of the Year Prize, which was inaugurated in 2003. Since 2007 the Awards have been an independent not-for-profit company funded by sponsorship. Bord Gáis Energy sponsored the awards from 2012 until 2018, when An Post took over sponsorship.

Description

There are currently nine categories, seven of which are judged by the Irish Literary Academy, and two by a public vote. There is also a lifetime achievement award.

Awards

Current awards

  • Novel of the Year
  • Crime Fiction Book of the Year
  • Best Irish Published Book of the Year
  • Non-Fiction Book of the Year
  • Cookbook of the Year
  • Popular Fiction Book of the Year
  • Children's Book of the Year, Junior
  • Children's Book of the Year, Senior
  • Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year
  • Sports Book of the Year
  • Newcomer of the Year
  • Irish Language Book of the Year
  • Lifestyle Book of the Year
  • Biography of the Year
  • Author of the Year
  • Short Story of the Year
  • Poem of the Year
  • Bookshop of the Year
  • The Last Word Listeners' Choice Award
  • New Voices: The An Post Writing Prize
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Previous awards

  • International Recognition Award
  • RTÉ Audience/Listeners' Choice Award
  • Popular Non-Fiction Book of the Year

An Post Irish Book of the Year

Since 2011, one of the award-winning books has been selected as the overall Irish Book of the Year.

Winners

Book of the Year winners are indicated with a blue ribbon.

2003–2005 (Hughes & Hughes Award / Irish Novel)

Inaugurated in 2000 by Hughes & Hughes, the Hughes & Hughes Award ran until 2005 when it merged with the Irish Book Awards and became the Irish Novel category.

2006

In subsequent years the Children's Book category was split into two award categories; Junior and Senior.

2014

The 2014 awards were presented on 26 November at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Dublin.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearAcademy St by Mary Costello
Crime Fiction Book of the YearUnravelling Oliver by Liz Nugent
Best Irish Published Book of the YearDubliners 100 by Thomas Morris
Non-Fiction Book of the YearThe Life and Loves of a He Devil by Graham Norton
Cookbook of the YearThe Nation’s Favourite Food Fast by Neven Maguire
Popular Fiction Book of the YearThe Year I Met You by Cecelia Ahern
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorShh! We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorMoone Boy by Chris O'Dowd and Nick Vincent Murphy
Sports Book of the YearThe Test by Brian O'Driscoll
Newcomer of the YearOnly Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill
RTÉ Audience Choice AwardIt’s All in the Head by Majella O'Donnell
Short Story of the YearRest Day by John Boyne
International Recognition AwardJeffery Archer
Lifetime Achievement AwardPaul Durcan

2015

The 2015 awards were presented on 25 November at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Dublin.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearThe Green Road by Anne Enright
Crime Fiction Book of the YearAfter the Fire by Jane Casey
Best Irish Published Book of the YearThe Long Gaze Back: An Anthology of Irish Women Writers by Sinéad Gleeson
Non-Fiction Book of the YearChildren of the Rising by Joe Duffy
Cookbook of the YearThe Virtuous Tart by Susan Jane White
Popular Fiction Book of the YearThe Way We Were by Sinead Moriarty
Popular Non-Fiction Book of the YearMe and My Mate Jeffrey by Niall Breslin
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorImaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorAsking For It by Louise O'Neill
Sports Book of the YearUntil Victory Always: A Memoir by Jim McGuinness
Newcomer of the YearSpill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume
RTÉ Audience Choice AwardIrelandopedia by Fatti Burke and John Burke
Short Story of the YearA Slanting of the Sun by Donal Ryan
International Recognition AwardBill Bryson
Lifetime Achievement AwardJ. P. Donleavy

2016

The 2016 awards sponsored by Bord Gáis Energy were presented on 16 November at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Dublin. The awards ceremony was presented by Keelin Shanley.
On 14 December, Solar Bones by Mike McCormack was named as Ireland's best book of 2016. It was chosen by a public vote from the list of category winners below.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearSolar Bones by Mike McCormack
Crime Fiction Book of the YearThe Trespasser by Tana French
Best Irish Published Book of the YearThe Glass Shore by Sinéad Gleeson
Non-Fiction Book of the YearI Read The News Today, Oh Boy by Paul Howard
Cookbook of the YearThe World of The Happy Pear by Stephen Flynn and David Flynn
Popular Fiction Book of the YearHolding by Graham Norton
Popular Non-Fiction Book of the YearMaking It Up As I Go Along by Marian Keyes
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorPigín of Howth by Kathleen Watkins
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorKnights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden
Sports Book of the YearThe Battle by Paul O'Connell
Newcomer of the YearRed Dirt by E. M. Reapy
RTÉ Audience Choice AwardLying in Wait by Liz Nugent
Short Story of the YearThe Visit by Orla McAlinden
Poem of the YearIn Glasnevin by Jane Clarke
International Recognition AwardJilly Cooper
Lifetime Achievement AwardJohn Montague

2017

The 2017 awards sponsored by Bord Gáis Energy were presented on 28 November at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin. The awards ceremony was presented by RTÉ's Keelin Shanley and Evelyn O'Rourke.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearMidwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty
Crime Fiction Book of the YearThe Therapy House by Julie Parsons
Best Irish Published Book of the YearAtlas of the Irish Revolution by John Crowley, Donál Ó Drisceoil, Mike Murphy and John Borgonovo
Non-Fiction Book of the YearWounds: A Memoir of War & Love by Fergal Keane
Cookbook of the YearCook Well, Eat Well by Rory O’Connell
Popular Fiction Book of the YearThe Break by Marian Keyes
Popular Non-Fiction Book of the YearMotherfoclóir by Darach Ó Séaghdha
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorA Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea – Favourite Rhymes from an Irish Childhood by Sarah Webb, illustrated by Steve McCarthy
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorStand by Me by Judi Curtin
Teen & Young Adult Book of the YearTangleweed and Brine by Deirdre Sullivan illustrated by Karen Vaughan
Sports Book of the YearThe Choice by Philly McMahon with Niall Kelly
Newcomer of the YearI Found my Tribe by Ruth Fitzmaurice
RTÉ Audience Choice AwardHe: A Novel by John Connolly
Short Story of the YearBack to Bones by Christine Dwyer Hickey
Poem of the YearSeven Sugar Cubes by Clodagh Beresford Dunne
International Recognition AwardDavid Walliams
Lifetime Achievement AwardEavan Boland

2018

The 2018 awards sponsored by An Post were presented on 27 November at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin. The awards ceremony was presented by RTÉ's Keelin Shanley while each winning author was interviewed Evelyn O'Rourke.
Notes to Self by Emilie Pine was voted the An Post Irish Book of the Year for 2018.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearNormal People by Sally Rooney
Crime Fiction Book of the YearSkin Deep by Liz Nugent
Best Irish Published Book of the YearLighthouses of Ireland by Roger O'Reilly
Non-Fiction Book of the YearPeople Like Me by Lynn Ruane
Cookbook of the YearCurrabinny Cookbook by James Kavanagh and William Murray
Popular Fiction Book of the YearThe Importance of Being Aisling by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen
Popular Non-Fiction Book of the YearThe Cow Book by John Connell
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorThe President's Cat by Peter Donnelly
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorBlazing a Trail by Sarah Webb and Lauren O'Neill
Teen & Young Adult Book of the YearThe Weight of a Thousand Feathers by Brian Conaghan
Sports Book of the YearGame Changer by Cora Staunton with Mary White
Newcomer of the YearNotes to Self by Emilie Pine
Irish Language Book of the YearTuatha De Denann by Diarmuid Johnson
RTÉ Audience Choice AwardSkin Deep by Liz Nugent
Short Story of the YearHow to Build a Space Rocket by Roisin O'Donnell
Poem of the YearBirthday by Brian Kirk
Lifetime Achievement AwardThomas Kinsella

2019

The 2019 awards ceremony was held in Dublin on 20 November 2019. The event was hosted by Miriam O'Callaghan and Evelyn O'Rourke. Over 115,000 votes were cast by readers to select the winners in each category.
The winner of the An Post Irish Book of the Year was Overcoming by Vicky Phelan and Naomi Linehan.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearShadowplay by Joseph O'Connor
Crime Fiction Book of the YearCruel Acts by Jane Casey
Best Irish Published Book of the YearChildren of the Troubles by Joe Duffy & Freya McClements
Non-Fiction Book of the YearConstellations by Sinéad Gleeson
Cookbook of the YearCornucopia: The Green Cookbook by Tony Keogh, Aoife Carrigy, the Chefs of Cornucopia, Deirdre and Dairine McCafferty
Popular Fiction Book of the YearOnce, Twice, Three Times an Aisling by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen
Popular Non-Fiction Book of the YearBarefoot Pilgrimage by Andrea Corr
Children's Book of the Year, Junior123 Ireland! by Aoife Dooley
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorShooting for the Stars – My Journey to Become Ireland's First Astronaut by Norah Patten, illustrated by Jennifer Farley
Teen & Young Adult Book of the YearOther Words for Smoke by Sarah Maria Griffin
Sports Book of the YearRecovering by Richie Sadlier with Dion Fanning
Newcomer of the YearWhen All is Said by Anne Griffin
Irish Language Book of the YearTairngreacht by Prionsias Mac a'Bhaird
RTÉ Audience Choice AwardOvercoming by Vicky Phelan with Naomi Linehan
Short Story of the YearParrot by Nicole Flattery
Poem of the YearSalt Rain by Audrey Molloy
International Recognition AwardGeorge R. R. Martin
Lifetime Achievement AwardColm Tóibín

2020

The 2020 awards ceremony was held virtually on 25 November 2020. A record number of votes were cast by the Irish public to select the winners in each category.
A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa was announced as Irish Book of the Year in December 2020.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearStrange Flowers by Donal Ryan
Crime Fiction Book of the YearAfter the Silence by Louise O'Neill
Best Irish Published Book of the YearOld Ireland in Colour by John Breslin and Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley
Non-Fiction Book of the YearA Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa
Cookbook of the YearNeven Maguire's Midweek Meals in Minutes by Neven Maguire
Popular Fiction Book of the YearHome Stretch by Graham Norton
Popular Non-Fiction Book of the YearNever Mind the B#ll*cks, Here's the Science by Luke O'Neill
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorThe Great Irish Farm Book by Darragh McCullough, illustrated by Sally Caulwell
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorBreak the Mould by Sinéad Burke, illustrated by Natalie Byrne
Teen & Young Adult Book of the YearSavage Her Reply by Deirdre Sullivan, illustrated by Karen Vaughan
Sports Book of the YearChampagne Football by Mark Tighe & Paul Rowan
Newcomer of the YearDiary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty
Irish Language Book of the YearCnámh by Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde
RTÉ Audience Choice AwardA Light That Never Goes Out by Keelin Shanley
Short Story of the YearI Ate It All And I Really Thought I Wouldn't by Caoilinn Hughes
Poem of the YearIn the Museum of Misremembered Things by Linda McKenna
International Recognition AwardLee Child

2021

The awards ceremony was broadcast online on 23 November 2021.
On 8 December, We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Ireland Since 1958 was announced as Irish Book of the Year during a one-hour television special on RTÉ One.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearBeautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Crime Fiction Book of the Year56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
Best Irish Published Book of the YearThe Coastal Atlas of Ireland by Val Cummins, Robert Devoy, Barry Brunt, Darius Bartlett and Sarah Kandrot
Non-Fiction Book of the YearWe Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Ireland Since 1958 by Fintan O'Toole
Cookbook of the YearEveryday Cook by Donal Skehan
Popular Fiction Book of the YearAisling and the City by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorA Hug for You by David King, illustrated by Rhiannon Archard
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorThe Summer I Robbed a Bank by David O'Doherty, illustrated by Chris Judge
Teen & Young Adult Book of the YearThe New Girl by Sinead Moriarty
Sports Book of the YearFight or Flight: My Life, My Choices by Keith Earls, with Tommy Conlon
Newcomer of the YearSnowflake by Louise Nealon
Irish Language Book of the YearMadame Lazare by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin
RTÉ Audience Choice AwardYour One Wild and Precious Life by Maureen Gaffney
Lifestyle Book of the YearDécor Galore by Laura De Barra
Biography of the YearDid Ye Hear Mammy Died? by Séamas O'Reilly
Author of the YearMarian Keyes
Short Story of the YearLittle Lives by Deirdre Sullivan
Poem of the YearLongboat at Portaferry by Siobhan Campbell
Bookshop of the YearKennys Bookshop and Art Gallery, Galway
Lifetime Achievement AwardSebastian Barry

2022

The awards ceremony was broadcast online on 23 November 2022.
On 7 December, My Fourth Time, We Drowned was announced as Irish Book of the Year during a one-hour television special on RTÉ One.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearTrespasses by Louise Kennedy
Crime Fiction Book of the YearBreaking Point by Edel Coffey
Best Irish Published Book of the YearAn Irish Folklore Treasury by John Creedon
Non-Fiction Book of the YearMy Fourth Time, We Drowned by Sally Hayden
Cookbook of the YearThe Daly Dish: Bold Food Made Good by Gina and Karol Daly
Popular Fiction Book of the YearAgain, Rachel by Marian Keyes
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorOur Big Day by Bob Johnston, illustrated by Michael Emberley
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorGirls Who Slay Monsters by Ellen Ryan, illustrated by Shona Shirley Macdonald
Teen & Young Adult Book of the YearLet's Talk by Richie Sadlier
Sports Book of the YearKellie by Kellie Harrington, with Roddy Doyle
Newcomer of the YearThere's Been a Little Incident by Alice Ryan
Irish Language Book of the YearEL by Thaddeus Ó Buachalla
Lifestyle Book of the YearAn Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey into the Magic of Rewilding by Eoghan Daltun
Biography of the YearTime and Tide by Charlie Bird, with Ray Burke
Author of the YearJohn Boyne
Short Story of the Year"This Small Giddy Life" by Nuala Ní Chonchúir
Poem of the YearWedding Dress by Martina Dalton
Bookshop of the YearBridge Street Books, Wicklow
Lifetime Achievement AwardAnne Enright

2023

The awards were announced at a ceremony at Dublin's Convention Centre on 22 November 2023.
The Book of the Year winner was The Bee Sting by Paul Murray which was announced on 6 December 2023.
AwardWinner
Novel of the YearThe Bee Sting by Paul Murray
Crime Fiction Book of the YearStrange Sally Diamong by Liz Nugent
Best Irish Published Book of the YearSunday Miscellany: A Selection 2018–2023 edited by Sarah Binchy
Non-Fiction Book of the YearA Thread of Violence by Mark O'Connell
Cookbook of the YearFlavour by Mark Moriarty, with photography by Cliodhna Prendergast
Popular Fiction Book of the YearMy Hot Friend by Sophie White
Children's Book of the Year, JuniorThe President's Dog by Peter Donnelly
Children's Book of the Year, SeniorI Am The Wind: Irish Poems for Children Everywhere edited by Lucina Jacob and Sarah Webb, illustrated by Ashwin Chacko
Teen & Young Adult Book of the YeaBlack and Irish: Legends, Trailblazers and Everyday Heroes by Leon Diop and Briana Fitzsimons, illustrated by Jessica Louis
Sports Book of the YearThe Grass Ceiling by Eimear Ryan (Irish author)
Newcomer of the YearKala by Colin Walsh
Irish Language Book of the YearImram agus Scéalta Eile by Róise Ní Bhaoill
Lifestyle Book of the YearThe Hike Life by Roz Purcell
Biography of the YearPoor by Katriona O'Sullivan
Author of the YearClaire Keegan
Short Story of the Year"Such A Pretty Face " by Moïra Fowley
Poem of the YearVectors in Kabul by Mary O'Donnell
Bookshop of the YearHalfway up the Stairs in Greystones, County Wicklow
Listeners' Choice AwardPoor by Katriona O'Sullivan
New Voices: The An Post Writing PrizeThe Border / Кордон – Valeriia Shmyrova
Lifetime Achievement AwardRoy Foster

2024

The 2024 winners were announced on 27 November, again in the Convention Centre.

2025

The 2025 winners were announced on 27 November.
AwardWinner
TheJournal.ie Best Irish-Published Book of the YearNinety-Nine Words for Rain by Manchán Magan & Megan Luddy
Dubray Biography of the YearA Time for Truth: My Father Jason and My Search for Justice and Healing by Sarah Corbett Lynch
Hodges Figgis History Book of the YearGreat Irish Wives by Nicola Pierce
Irish Book Week Non-Fiction Book of the YearDeadly Silence: A Sister’s Battle to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of Clodagh and Her Sons by Alan Hawe by Jacqueline Connolly & Kathryn Rogers
Easons Novel of the YearNesting by Roisín O'Donnell
Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the YearSophie’s Swaps by Sophie Morris
Library Association of Ireland Author of the YearElaine Feeney
Easons Sports Book of the YearHeart on My Sleeve by Andrew Porter
Gradam Love Leabhar Gaeilge Leabhar Ficsin Gaeilge na BlianaBódléar by Darach Ó Scolaí
Specsavers Children's Book of the YearJunior: Run Home, Little Fox by Tom McCaughren, Erika McGann & Shannon Bergin
Specsavers Children's Book of the YearSenior: Animalopedia by Kathi Burke and John Burke
International Education Services Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year, in honour of John TreacySolo by Gráinne O'Brien
The Book Centre Crime Fiction Book of the YearIt Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara
Sunday Independent Newcomer of the YearShow Me Where It Hurts by Claire Gleeson
Ireland AM Popular Fiction Book of the YearPaper Heart by Cecelia Ahern
The Last Word Listeners' Choice AwardThe Ghosts of Rome by Joseph O'Connor
New Irish Writing Best Short Story in association with the Irish IndependentPádhraic Quinn for All The Birch Trees Were Waving
New Irish Writing Best Poetry in association with the Irish IndependentVincent Barton for There’s never a crowd at the poetry section
Bookshop of the YearChapters Bookstore in Dublin
Lifetime Achievement AwardMichael D. Higgins