Dublin was formally designated as a UNESCO City of Literature on Monday, 26 July, 2010.
The announcement was made by Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen, in the company of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin T.D., in the forecourt of the iconic Grand Canal Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2.
Dublin is one of only four cities in the world with the designation of UNESCO: City of Literature.
The sought-after accolade was bestowed by the Director General of UNESCO and recognises Dublin’s cultural profile and its international standing as a city of literary excellence.
The application for designation as a UNESCO City of Literature, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network was initiated and led by the city library service. Through the Creative Cities Network, UNESCO recognises that cities are "increasingly playing a vital role in harnessing creativity for economic and social development" and "connecting cities can mobilise this potential for global impact".
UNESCO City of Literature is a permanent title which aims to create synergies between cities of the same designation as well as encouraging cultural diversity. Edinburgh, Melbourne and Iowa City already have the designation.