It’s time to show a little pride in the literary talents of my home. Ireland is well known for its rich cultural history in art and literature. Mostly old stories about the fairy folk and god save us, leprechauns! And I am a big fan of those stories but we have a lot more going on than just fairy tales. Here are some of my favourite Irish writers on a range of subjects.
Marian Keyes
This woman is amazing! If you ever need a pick me up just pop onto her twitter feed for a healthy pint-sized dose of the giggles. Some of my favourite books by her are Sushi for Beginners, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, Last Chance Saloon and her non-fiction collection Under the Duvet. Her stories are full of joy and love but she also delves into serious issues such as addiction and depression.
Deirdre Purcell
I adore Purcell’s story about Elizabeth Sullivan’s trials and heartaches in the west coast of Ireland. Falling for a Dancer is one of my all-time favourite books. I’ve read it 3 times already! The story was made into a tv miniseries starring Colin Farrel as well.
Sebastian Barry
I’ve only read The Secret Scripture by Barry but it was enough to make me a fan. Tense, emotional, heart-breaking, it’s the kind of story that stays with you. This was recently made into a movie as well starring Aidan Turner, Theo James, Eric Bana, and Rooney Mara.
Bram Stoker
Again I’ve only read one work by Stoker and that is, of course, Dracula….but I’ve read it like 3 times… I am a huge paranormal fan and this guy brought vampires into popular fiction. Gotta love him!
Oscar Wilde
He may have written only one novel and it was an amazing novel but it isn’t favourite work by him. The Importance of Being Earnest, another one of my all time favourites, is so witty and ridiculous I adore it!
J.M. Synge
(Man I have a lot of playwrights on this list) The Playboy of the Western World caused riots when it was first performed in Dublin in 1907. People were so insulted by Synge’s portrayal of the Irish and believed the play to be morally offensive. Luckily the play survived this silliness for us to enjoy today.
Elaine Howlin Studio 
Reblogged this on Lincoln Life Blog.
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Anne McCaffrey is my favourite Irish author, thoroughly recommend the Dragonriders of Pern series. Love Wilde as well. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt was good (and is easily found in every single charity shop in the UK! ) If you’ve seen the movie of The Commitments then I advise against reading the book as it’s nowhere near as good.
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Really? The book is usually better. I love the movie of The Commitments.
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Usually the book is best. This and Spaceballs are the exception
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I’ve been meaning to try Marian Keyes. She’s on my list of “authors I must check out if I can ever get through these darn NetGalley eARCS!”!đŸ˜•
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I love Marian Keyes. It’s been ages since I read a book by her but I’m an avid follower of her twitter. I love how she writes in the Dublin accent in her posts.
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Roddy Doyle especially Paddy Clarke ha ha and The Woman Who Walked into Doors. Neville Thompsons Two Birds One Stoned and Jackie Loves Johnser OK? are all amazing!
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Thanks! I haven’t read any Roddy Doyle!
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