A Whirlwind Tour of Irish Literary News

New Releases and Author Interviews

Dive into the literary world with Colum McCann, discussing his latest novel, Twist, and other exciting projects in an upcoming Irish Times interview. Robert Plunket sits down with John Self to discuss the Penguin Classics reissue of his uproariously funny 1983 novel, My Search for Warren Harding. Plus, discover new works by Patrick Holloway (The Language Of Remembering) and Carmel Harrington (The Stolen Child), both featured in upcoming articles.

Former Irish Times journalist Patrick Smyth poignantly reflects on the life and complex relationship of his late mother, esteemed writer Jennifer Johnston, and her father, playwright Denis Johnston.

A Cornucopia of Book Reviews

Prepare your "to-be-read" list! The Irish Times offers a diverse range of reviews covering everything from cultural critiques (Kevin Power on Minority Rule by Ash Sarkar) to captivating fiction (Eilis Ní Dhuibhne on The Language of Remembering and John Boyne on Dark Like Under). Explore new translations, delve into political analysis with Ian Hughes's review of Indulging Kleptocracy, and more.

Special Offers and Literary Prizes

This weekend's Irish Times reader offer features Night Swimmers by Roisin Maguire for a steal. Meanwhile, the shortlist for the prestigious John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Prize 2025 has been announced, showcasing exciting debut collections. Professor Eoin McNamee, chair of the judging panel, praises the shortlisted poets' "rigour, political alertness and attention to beauty." The future of poetry, it seems, is in good hands.

Emerging Talent and Notable Longlists

Irish authors Colin Barrett and Ferdia Lennon have been longlisted for the esteemed Authors' Club Best First Novel Award, recognizing exceptional debut fiction. The longlist boasts a compelling range of narratives, exploring complex themes from family dynamics to political repression, showcasing the vibrant landscape of new writing.

Festivals and Literary Celebrations

Mark your calendars for the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival, set amidst the evocative landscape of Seamus Heaney country. Featuring a star-studded lineup including Louis de Bernières, Gareth Reid, and Martina Devlin, the festival promises a captivating blend of literary discussions and cultural exploration.

Workshops, Showcases, and Irish Language Initiatives

The Irish Writers Centre offers valuable opportunities for aspiring writers with its biannual Publishing Day, providing insights into the ever-evolving publishing industry. Furthermore, a special spoken word showcase hosted by Paul Muldoon promises an evening of captivating performances.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Arlen House has been recognized with an international book prize for Sean Mac Risteaird's groundbreaking work on gay Irish writing, Teanga don Tost. The publisher's generous donation of books will establish an Irish library at the Centre for Irish Studies in Savannah, Georgia.

Celebrating Irish Language Literature and Culture

Cló Iar-Chonnacht and Cúirt International Festival of Literature mark their 40th anniversaries with a series of special events celebrating Irish-language literature, music, and poetry. From traditional keening to contemporary poetry, these events promise a vibrant exploration of Irish language arts.

Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde, champions the importance of reading in Irish with children and young adults, launching a new Irish language reading guide, Treoirleabhar Léitheoireachta 2025. Forde emphasizes the power of storytelling in preserving and promoting the Irish language.