The shortlist for the 2026 An Post Irish Book Awards was announced on Thursday, October 22, with several LGBTQ+ authors and books among this year’s nominees.
Gay Irish author Colm Tóibín has been nominated for Author/Illustrator of the Year for his latest short story collection, The News from Dublin. The Wexford-born writer is best known for Brooklyn, which was adapted into the 2015 film starring Saoirse Ronan. His other works include The Magician, a fictional account of German author Thomas Mann’s life and sexuality.
Dublin author Djamel White has received two nominations, for Novel of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, for his debut All Them Dogs. The story follows former gang member Tony, who returns to Dublin and finds himself drawn back into the criminal underworld. An unexpected attraction develops between him and Darren, known as Flute, as the story explores masculinity, violence and queer desire.
GCN spoke with White earlier this month about the novel’s success and its exploration of queerness and masculinity. Reflecting on the attention following the book’s Booker Prize longlisting, he said: “It made a real material difference to how the novel was doing, and it’s brightened my prospects for follow-ups, so it’s been really gratifying.”
Also shortlisted is presenter and content creator Cassie Stokes, whose Best of Ireland is nominated for Lifestyle Book of the Year. Known for her popular Instagram videos exploring Ireland’s best pubs and grub, Stokes has turned her recommendations into a travel guide.
Irish-language writer Micheál Ó Conghaile, known for his contributions to queer Irish literature, is shortlisted for Gradam Love Leabhar Gaeilge Leabhar Ficsin Gaeilge na Bliana for his book Faraor Géar nár Cailleadh Mé.
Queer stories also appear in the young adult category, with Seán Farrelly’s Tom Burne Has Left the Chat, which follows a gay Dublin teenager navigating grief and online identity, and Kelly McCaughrain’s Just Another Dead Boy both nominated.
Other nominees include Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Maggie O’Farrell and Louise Kennedy.
The winners of the 2026 An Post Irish Book Awards will be announced on December 1, with public voting open until November 13.
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