Trio of Wicklow Writers Earn Nominations For Irish Book Awards

Wicklow authors Julia Kelly and Sam Blake have been shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2025.

The 2025 An Post Irish Book Awards shortlist has been announced, celebrating the finest Irish writing across 19 categories.

Now in its 20th year, the Awards continue to champion Irish authors and foster new literary talent.

Wicklow features prominently this year, with local voices making their mark, particularly in the New Irish Writing-backed Best Short Story and Best Poetry categories.

Several Wicklow authors have been shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2025, including Julia Kelly, Sam Blake, and Dr. Suzanne Crowe.

These awards support emerging writers with scholarships from the Irish Writers Centre, offering mentoring, courses, and membership to help develop their careers.

The shortlist spans novels, poetry, children’s books, crime fiction, biography, non-fiction, and more. Readers can vote for their favourite books online, with voting open until 16th November. A special RTÉ One television broadcast on 11th December will highlight the six contenders for Book of the Year.

Larry Mac Hale, Chair of the Awards, said: “The shortlist reflects the extraordinary depth of Irish writing. Supporting new voices, particularly through our partnership with New Irish Writing, remains central to our mission.”

Debbie Byrne, An Post’s Managing Director of Retail, added: “This shortlist celebrates Irish imagination, bold ideas, and storytelling that resonates with readers nationwide, including right here in Wicklow.”