The Shortlist 2026
Explore the Irish Book Awards Shortlist. Celebrating another outstanding year of writing, unforgettable storytelling and the very best of Irish literary talent.
BOOKSTATION
Lifestyle Book of the Year
Bookstation is proud to sponsor the Lifestyle Book of the Year category for the sixth year in a row with this year's biggest and best picks across Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Health & Wellness.
POPULAR
Shortlist Categories
These are the books that had everyone talking in 2026 with some of the biggest books of the year featured across Sports, Biographies, History and Fiction shortlist categories.
Sports Book of the Year
From winning big, to hitting rock bottom to unforgettable triumphs and redemption.
SPORT SHORTLIST
Biography of the Year
Remarkable personal stories, inspiration and raw revelations from some extraordinary lives.
BIOGRAPHY SHORTLIST
History Book of the Year
Delve deep into the rich and sometimes complicated history of Ireland in years gone by.
HISTORY SHORTLIST
Crime Fiction of the Year
Another powerhouse year for crime and mystery fiction that stayed at the top of our reading list.
CRIME SHORTLIST
Novel of the Year
Great reads that defy their genre to become one of the biggest must-reads of the year.
NOVEL SHORTLIST
Popular Fiction of the Year
The fiction books that became instant bestsellers from moment they hit the shelves.
POPULAR FICTION SHORTLISTSHOP
The Shortlist
All the Best Irish Books. All in one place. Discover your next favourite read selected for the Irish Book Awards Shortlist 2026. Choose from Lifestyle, Sports, Fiction, Children's picks & so much more.
