The Festival of Italian and Irish Literature in Ireland, FIILI, returns to Dublin on 25 and 26 September 2026 for its fourth edition, titled Literature as Resistance.
Founded in 2023, FIILI has grown through three previous editions into a meeting point for Italian and Irish writers, poets, translators and readers. The festival is co-produced and co-organised by Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann, the Italian Cultural Institute Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, with the support of several cultural partners. Following the third edition in September 2025, FIILI also became an independent not for profit cultural association.
The name FIILI refers both to the Irish word for poet and to the Italian ‘filo narrativo’, the thread of a story. This idea of connection runs through the festival, which brings Italian and Irish literary voices into dialogue across languages and cultures.
Co-organised by Michela Linda Magri, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, along with authors and co-curators Catherine Dunne and Enrica Ferrara, the 2026 programme features an extensive lineup.
The 2026 programme features Italian writers and poets Laura Pugno, Daria Bignardi, Giuseppe Catozzella, Viviana Fiorentino, Antonella Lattanzi, Tommaso Pincio and Nadeesha Uyangoda, alongside Irish writers including Michael Cronin, Martina Devlin, Martin Doyle, Wendy Erskine, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Gustav Parker Hibbett, Caitríona Lally, Paul McVeigh and Paul Murray.
The programme also introduces two new initiatives, a Masterclass in Literary Translation with Sophie Hughes and a Masterclass in Creative Writing with Paul McVeigh. Places are limited and registration is through Eventbrite.
On 25 September, the Italian Cultural Institute will host a discussion on Translation as Resistance, with Tommaso Pincio and Sophie Hughes in conversation with James Hadley. The evening will continue with readings by Italian and Irish guests.
On 26 September, panels at Regent House, Trinity College Dublin, will explore the relationship between literature and resistance. Moderators are Michael Cronin, Claudia Dellacasa, Viviana Fiorentino, Sinéad Mac Aodha and the two curators Catherine Dunne and Enrica Ferrara.
Admission to the festival is free, with registration recommended for Saturday’s events.
Pinocchio Magazine comment
FIILI continues to build a literary bridge between Italy and Ireland, bringing different languages, traditions and contemporary voices into the same conversation. After three editions since 2023, the festival has established itself as a space for exchange between writers, translators and readers. Its fourth edition, focused on literature as resistance, extends that dialogue while adding new opportunities for translation and creative writing.
The festival takes place on 25 September at the Italian Cultural Institute, 11 Fitzwilliam Square East, Dublin 2, and on 26 September at Regent House, Trinity College Dublin.
Further information and registration are available through the official FIILI website.
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