My Favourite Irish Books
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I think we can all agree that those lockdowns are a pain in the arse by now. Being optimistic and positive at heart, I always try to focus on the good, and one silver lining I can definitely pin down is reading. I’ve always loved books (my third biggest love after music and nature) and there wasn’t a chance of seeing me without a book as a child and teenager. Books helped me survive a 1 hour commute to school every day, taught me a lot about life, loss and everything in between and they were able to take me far away when I wasn’t able to go anywhere. Books are magic, aren’t they?
So for now, here are some of my Irish favourites:
Grace O’Malley (The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen 1530-1603) - Anne Chambers
I just finished this book a few days back and wow, what a story. What a strong and brilliant woman she was. It was a very inspiring read and I can highly recommend reading it, especially to all you women out there.
This won’t come as a surprise as you probably know how much I enjoyed reading and then watching it last year. Still one of my favourite fiction love stories and a must-read if you haven’t read it yet.
Loved, loved, loved it. It’s one of those books that I could instantly resonate with. Daniella is so honest and open about her experience of burnout and anxiety and how her quest to have it all left her feeling empty and meaningless. It really helped me with shifting my focus even further and I’m very grateful for that.
A Doctor’s Sword - Bob Jackson
How an Irish doctor survived war, captivity and the atomic bomb. One of my all-time favourites. What an impressive life story, you won’t be able to put this book down. Be sure to visit MacCarthy’s Bar in Castletownbere when you’re around, it’s where he grew up and where his daughter still owns the family pub. Read more about Castletownbere in my blog post here.
Oh my God, what a complete Aisling! - Emer McLysaght
Oh wow, this book! It’s been a while but thinking of it still puts a smile to my face. There aren’t enough words for how much I loved reading this book.
It’s been called ‘An Irish Bridget Jones’ and I think this describes it pretty well. It’s very touching, sweet and funny. Definitely part of my top 5 here.
I really enjoyed reading it, it captures what growing up in rural Ireland in the 1980s must’ve been like (and it matches my parent’s descriptions of Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s). The story is set mainly in Cork in a rural town and it feels like real people taking and living. There are other books about growing up gay in Ireland but I found this book very moving, very real and very authentic. Definitely my number 1 recommendation for cuddling up on the couch on a rainy day.
Old Ireland in Colour - John Breslin & Sarah-Anne Buckley
One of the books I got my Dad for Christmas. He’s always been interested in photography, used to be in a photography club at school and loves ‘reeling in the years’, especially when it comes to old Irish photos.
The book brings life to the past and I guess that many older relatives and friends will love reading it, leading to a good few hours of ‘Do ye remember…’ chats.
If you loved ‘Normal People’, you’re probably going to like this one, too. It’s funny, it’s smart, it’s sharp and I really enjoyed it.
A Light That Never Goes Out - Keelin Shanley
“When Keelin Shanley passed away aged 51, it was hard to grasp that someone so filled with life was gone. But a light so bright never really goes out, especially since in her last few months Keelin left behind this remarkable record of her life – a life cut short, but lived to the fullest.”
What an emotional read. I felt like I was with Keelin on her journey through her short life. It was very enjoyable to read and yet sad at the same time.
After the Silence - Louise O’Neill
I guess most of you have already read it during lockdown, but just in case you haven’t… I could not put this book down.
Louise O’Neill is such a talented writer and the story, the making of an investigative documentary of an old unsaved murder on an island off West Cork, was not an easy read at times but a fantastic one.
The Guest List was the second Lucy Foley book I read and I liked it even better than The Hunting Party. On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate a wedding. Again, a remote location, again, a spotty cell phone service… and someone turns up dead. I really enjoyed this one and it’s perfect for a cosy weekend on the couch.
OK, Let’s Do Your Stupid Idea - Patrick Freyne
Patrick Freyne has tried a lot of stupid ideas in his life.
I laughed so much, cried a little, and loved every single thing about this book. Anyone born in the 80s in Ireland will probably understand the Ireland of his childhood and it is a really enjoyable read.
Vegan Cooking for Everyone - The Happy Pear / David & Stephen Flynn
The bible. After taking part in the Happy Pear’s vegan cooking course in January and February, my cooking has changed so much. Rather than giving you just recipes, they give you the frame work to cook creative and nourishing vegan meals in minutes. To have so many yummy recipes and tips combined in a cooking book now is amazing. The photos are beautiful and I can’t wait to cook even more yummy vegan meals in the upcoming weeks. If you love vegan and delicious food, this is definitely a must-have.
Surviving the Storms - The RNLI
The second book I got for my Dad last Christmas.
“Surviving the Storms “ gives an insight to the why and how RNLI crew and Lifeguards volunteer to carry out the life saving and dangerous work saving people from situations not normally met in ordinary life. And it contains a story about Castletownbere, too!
Hard to read and hard to put down. A very moving memoir of Vicky Phelan and the misdiagnosis of her cervical smear test. By going to court it became known that Vicky wasn’t the only one. Reading about this incredible woman was so inspiring. She has been through so much and still remains selfless and determined. Beautifully written.
The Hungry Road - Marita Conlon-McKenna
Probably THE book of the Great Irish Famine and Ireland in the 19th century. It’s a heartbreaking story, yet so powerful. A must-read I’d say.
The Bloodied Field - Michael Foley
Croke Park, Sunday 21 November 1920. Tipperary v Dublin.
In 90 seconds, on Bloody Sunday, Ireland changed forever. Michael Foley tells the stories of those killed and I highly recommend reading this book if you’re interested in Irish history.
I read this one a few years back and wow, it seems like it was yesterday. It’s a psychological thriller about a child’s murder threatening to happen in slow motion before our eyes. It makes you realise what nourishes us, body and soul.
Angela’s Ashes - Frank McCourt
A worldwide bestseller and most of you probably know this one. I had to write a term paper about his books some years back, and still like this book, so that’s how good it is. Frank McCourt’s humour and compassion created a glorious read despite the terrible circumstances of the story - growing up in New York in the 30s and in Ireland in the 40s is definitely a story of extreme hardship and suffering. A great classic, a great recommendation.
Enjoy these gems and let me know which ones you liked best!
Etta x