All about Ireland Reads
Published on 6th February 2026
Ireland Reads Throughout February and especially on Ireland Reads Day, February 28th, we’re calling on people across Ireland to get lost in a good book. It doesn’t matter what you read, where you read or how well you read, as long as you read.
Because taking time to relax and do things you enjoy is important and reading is good for you. It relaxes your body by lowering your heart rate and easing the tension in your muscles. Studies have even shown that reading boosts your mental health by reducing stress by up to 68%.
Ireland Reads is an initiative of the Government of Ireland to celebrate the joy of reading. It is funded by Healthy Ireland and supported by public libraries and many organisations that promote reading, literacy and the arts.
All you have do is sit down for a read, for as long or as short a time as you can, and lose yourself in an adventure, a thriller, a romance, a comedy or all of the above.
So go on, get lost
Why is reading important?
Research shows that reading for pleasure is really important for all of us – no matter our age. For children, of course, it has a huge positive impact on their cognitive development and literacy. For adults, studies have found that reading for pleasure enhances empathy, understanding of the self, and is effective in combatting loneliness. Reading offers a way to escape and keep mentally active, and to lift our mood, and it doesn’t have to be a solitary experience – you can read with your kids of course, or you might use reading to connect with friends and family. Maybe through a book club, or just swapping recommendations.
Discover book titles for Adults
How can people join in the campaign?
It doesn’t matter how long you read for or what you read, it doesn’t matter whether you’re an avid reader, a reluctant reader, a lapsed reader or a new reader, this campaign is for you.
Get a book recommendation at irelandreads.ie
Attend an event
Libraries all over the country will be running Ireland Reads initiatives and events throughout February in the build up to Saturday, February 28. Visit your local library on Ireland Reads Day to take part in an event or just to see what’s on offer there – we think you might be surprised by what's on offer.
Share on social media
Tag us on social media with the hashtags - #GetLost and #IrelandReads. Share what you will be reading or where you will be reading.
Who is involved in the campaign?
The Ireland Reads campaign is run by public libraries and part of the Healthy Ireland programme.
Campaign partners
Ireland Reads campaign partners are the Adult Literacy for Life (All), Age Friendly Ireland, Arts Council of Ireland, Children’s Books Ireland, the Laureate for Irish Fiction, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), National Library of Ireland, RTE Supporting the Arts, BorrowBox.
2026 Ambassadors
Our 2026 Ireland Reads ambassadors are:
- Molly Nic Céile, Digital Creator, Author and founder of Gaeilge i mo chro
- Conor O'Donnell, Actor
- Róisín Ní Riain, Athlete
- Liz Nugent, Author
- Dr Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist
- Patricia Forde, Laureate na nÓg
- Marian Keyes, Author
- Rita Ann Higgins, Poet and Playwright
- Rick O’Shea, RTÉ Broadcaster and Irish Independent books columnist
- Oliver Callan, Comedy writer and presenter
- Dave Rudden, Author
- Sarah Webb, Author