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Original poster

Novels set in Ireland

41 replies

OnlineAlienator · 01/05/2019 14:15

Pinching the idea Grin

I'd like novels set in historic ireland please! I've read The December Bride and enjoyed it.

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DrinkSangriaInThePark · 10/05/2019 23:20

Definitely Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor. Fantastic book set in famine times... Gritty, funny, sad, just brilliant

elkiedee · 09/05/2019 03:22

Clare Boylan
Adrian McKinty's Sean Duffy crime novels set in 1980s Belfast
Ken Bruen's Jack Taylor crime series with lots of literary references chucked in

Rua13 · 08/05/2019 09:55

The Ginger Man by JP Dunleavy is set in Dublin.
A Star called Henry by Roddy gives a good insight in tenements in Dublin.
I loved Strumpet City.

Taytocrisps · 03/05/2019 22:14

'Strumpet City' by James Plunkett. It's set in Dublin during the 1913 Lockout.

AdaColeman · 03/05/2019 19:19

A few of my favourites ~~
Star of the Sea ~ Joseph O'Connor

The Plastic Tomato Cutter ~ Michael Curtin

Troubles ~ J C Farrell

Four Letters of Love ~ Nial Williams

Youngandfree · 03/05/2019 19:10

Under the hawthorn tree (marita Conklin Mckenna) is a lovely read, it’s really for kids (age9+) but it’s a great book

Circle of friends is a good book too!!think that’s by Maeve binchy

Doza · 03/05/2019 19:05

For crime Brian McGilloway has written two series of crime novels, one set on the Donegal borders one set in Derry, both cracking series.

spreadingchestnuttree · 03/05/2019 19:02

My copy of Rough Guide to Ireland has some good suggestions in the back. Obviously not all these are set in historic Ireland but it might give you some ideas.

Novels set in Ireland
Novels set in Ireland
Novels set in Ireland
Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 03/05/2019 18:58

The Country Girls paints a painfully accurate picture of Ireland at a certain time.

The Benjamin Black books are good if you don't mind crime.

Apileofballyhoo · 03/05/2019 18:52

Eureka Street for Belfast around the ceasefire.

isabellerossignol · 03/05/2019 18:39

That’s them @isabellerossignol**

I was typing the post at the same time as you were and by the time I hit 'post' you had got there first! Smile

roisinagusniamh · 03/05/2019 18:36

Edna's earlier books (The country girls, etc) are brilliant.
So are her short stories.

Doza · 03/05/2019 18:36

That’s them @isabellerossignol Grin

oreosoreosoreos · 03/05/2019 18:35

I second Tana French, she's an excellent writer and I find the storylines really draw me in.

isabellerossignol · 03/05/2019 18:35

Seek The Fair Land, The Silent People, and The Scorching Wind, all by Walter Macken.

Doza · 03/05/2019 18:33

How about some previously banned authors? Walter Maken wrote a wonderful historical trilogy although the names of the books escape me right now!!
Edna O’Brien is another suggestion.
More modern Joseph O’Connor? I really enjoyed Inishowen and The Salesman

roisinagusniamh · 03/05/2019 18:32

I just re discovered Maeve Brennan (short stories)
Echo all by Colm T are mush reads .
Try Joyce's The Dubliners.
And of course all Sally Rooney's .... amazing.
Brendan Behan...

thislido · 03/05/2019 18:32

Cross post!

thislido · 03/05/2019 18:31

When you get to lore recent history, anything by Roddy Doyle! I know that sounds ridiculous but I get the impression from family that Ireland has really shifted quite a lot in the last few decades.

Other than that, Brian Friel’s plays are very readable. Maybe Translations, which you could then see at the NT later this year.

PanGalaticGargleBlaster · 03/05/2019 18:30

The Barry Town trilogy by Roddy Doyle

3timeslucky · 03/05/2019 18:30

Or have a look at Brian Moore

Donal Ryan is contemporary but highly rated (over rated I think but I'm in a minority)

Anne Griffin's When All is Said is not historical, but nor is it entirely contemporary. I really liked it but not sure it counts as what you're looking for.

BertieBotts · 03/05/2019 18:28

The Oyster Catcher I really enjoyed.

woodhill · 03/05/2019 18:28

Yes to Cashelmara

JoyceDivision · 03/05/2019 18:28

Sean o'falan's short stories (appreciate not a novel) are fab

woodhill · 03/05/2019 18:28

Patrick was good but can't remember who wrote it.

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