Last updated on April 8, 2025 by Shannon
With a last name like O’Donnell, my Irish heritage was a vibrant thread woven into the fabric. My parents and grandparents ensured that, long before my first trip to Ireland, I dined on a steady diet of the greatest Irish authors of all time.
By the time I reached adulthood, I had watched every great movie about the Emerald Isle, and all of those filmed there too. I even spent years as a competitive Irish dancer!
Those are my street creds for this list of books about Ireland that every traveler should read before visiting. And given that Ireland is dear to my heart, that is doubly true for anyone planning to visit the “island of saints and scholars,” as Thomas Cahill calls it.
I strongly believe travelers should read widely of books from local authors and this gorgeous land has inspired some of the most beloved books of all time (the landscape in the Chronicles of Narnia heavily pull from northern Ireland), and is also the setting of a great many famous Hollywood shows (hello, Game of Thrones).
These fiction and nonfiction books form the basis of the best books you can read before traveling to Ireland, and the movie recommendations are a bonus—they’ll inspire you with the famous green Irish landscape, the delightful brogue, and a good dose of entertainment too.
Best Nonfiction Books About Ireland
Ireland’s rich and complex history spans thousands of years. From the Celts and Vikings, to the Norman invasion and the struggle for independence, there’s a lot to learn about this country’s past. Reading non-fiction books about Irish history, politics, and culture offers a deeper understanding of the country and its people, and can allow you to better appreciate the significance of the most notable landmarks.
Non-fiction books can also give you insights into the local customs and way of life that are tailored just to your interests. A music lover? Read books about traditional Irish music or biographies of famous Irish musicians. Or if you’re a foodie, reading about Irish cuisine and the history of specific dishes can give you a better appreciation of the local food scene.
1. How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill
Could be because I’m Irish, but I really enjoyed this read about the untold story of Ireland’s heroic role from the fall of Rome to the rise of Medieval Europe and the case made for Ireland’s preservation of knowledge through the Dark Ages.
2. The Aran Islands (Free on Kindle) by John M. Synge
The Aran Islands are a fascinating group of islands off of Ireland’s west coast and they remain today a bastion of traditional Irish culture. Playwright John M. Synge recounts stories and experiences from the islands in early 20th century and this is a must-download book if you know you’ll be visiting Ireland’s captivating Aran Islands (where I enjoyed some of the best music and traditional culture in all my months in Ireland).
3. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
This captivating memoir is heartbreaking, poignant, and very often quite funny. It beautifully shares stories of McCourt’s childhood as he grew up during the Great Depression. Though born to Irish parents in Brooklyn, most of his childhood was spent in poverty in Limerick. It’s not an uplifting read, but it’s a tale that faced many immigrants and Irish during that era. I stole this off of my mother’s bookshelf years ago and never returned it—it’s a classic recommendation for anyone reading about Ireland because it so perfectly intertwines Ireland’s history of religion, poverty, and immigration.
4. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
This classic novel explores the corrupting influence of wealth and beauty. It’s set in the glamorous world of Victorian-era Dublin, which is a lot of fun to read about before you actual travel there. It’s a classic work of literature, so it’s not the easiest read, but that shouldn’t stop you from reading it if you have flashbacks to your high school reading material—it’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. Since it costs less than $1 on Kindle, there’s no reason not to read this book before visiting Ireland.
5. The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
I’ve yet to meet a person who isn’t completely sucked into this tale. It’s a sweeping epic that follows the life of Cyril Avery, a gay man living in Ireland from the 1940s to the present day. It’s a poignant and powerful story that explores themes of love, identity, and acceptance. Ireland has changed a lot in the nearly century since it takes place, but no place could be what it is without its history, so this is a book to read, enjoy, and absorb.
6. Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks
Not every book about Ireland need be a downer (though many on this list are a bit of a downer). This is a hilarious travelogue about a man who loses a bet and hitchhikes around Ireland with a mini-fridge as his companion. The Irish is famed for its hospitality, and it’s hilarious to see how that plays out even when the wacky and unexpected show up on their doorstep. This is a light-hearted, entertaining read that’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the quirkier side of Irish culture.
7. McCarthy’s Bar by Pete McCarthy
You’re going to laugh the whole way through this one. Pete McCarthy embarks on a journey through Ireland, adhering to his rule: “Never pass a bar with your name on it.” I didn’t have the stamina to follow that rule, but his adventures led him to colorful locales and introduced him to a host of eccentric characters, all while delving into his own Irish heritage.
Best Fiction Books About Ireland
Reading fiction transports you to another world, so what better way to immerse yourself in Irish culture and vibes than through the characters in Irish literature? A vast array of novels, short stories, and poetry set in Ireland—or written by Irish authors—offer a unique and personal perspective of the country and its people. Reading fiction also shares a sense of place and atmosphere. When you’re walking the streets of Dublin or exploring the rugged landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way, you can imagine the stories that have been told about these places and the people who inhabit them. It makes your travels feel more meaningful and enriching.
8. Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore by W. B. Yeats
The Irish are known for their tall tales and their love of a good yarn. The first time I met a cousin when traveling there, he was more than 80 years old and took me around his land pointing out the spots where the fairies lived. So many travelers would not only better understand the culture of Ireland through the fairy tales, but also just enjoy the tales. For that reason, purchase this Kindle edition and enjoy.
9. Ireland: A Novel by Frank Delaney
Just say yes to this thoroughly beautiful book. An elusive, itinerant seanchaí visits the village of young boy in Ireland in the 1950s, and over the course of three nights—and his entire life—the storyteller’s tales history and folklore unfold. They change the young boy’s life. This eloquent tale is the perfect way to blend fact and fiction to expose yourself to Ireland’s most famous historical battles, its most evocative myths, and its unforgettable fables.
10. The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
With a number of classics on the list and some of Ireland’s most famous voices writing more than 100 years ago, this novel takes an entirely different approach. Set in county Sligo, it’s a fascinating and fast-paced novel that builds suspense and also teaches a good deal about Ireland’s cultural changes and turmoil over the span of a century. It’s a great way to get a solid dose of culture and history, but wrapped in a pleasing nonfiction story sure to engage and entertain.
11. Dubliners by James Joyce
I daresay it would be heresy to not include Joyce on the list, but Ulysses is a bit dense for most travelers just going to Ireland to see the sights and enjoy the country. Dubliners is a collection of short stories of Dublin’s middle class, and inspired by his childhood. It’s an easy read, and since nearly all travelers pass through Dublin while visiting the Emerald Isle, consider this an essential book to download to your Kindle before leaving—it will depth to how you experience the city’s streets and neighborhoods.
12. The Collected Poems of WB Yeats
Inspired by the rugged landscape of county Sligo, this collection of Yeats’ poetry is not only affordable, but it acts as a roadmap of the most beautiful spots on the northwest portion of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
13. Normal People by Sally Rooney
This modern-day love story follows the complex relationship between Connell and Marianne as they navigate their way through high school and then university in Dublin. It’s a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that captures the nuances of Irish culture and society. The setting in Dublin is also good fun and will get you ready for your adventure, since most travelers land in Dublin at the start of their journey.
14. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
Set in the 1950s, this novel tells the story of Eilis Lacey, a young woman who leaves her small town in Ireland to start a new life in Brooklyn. It’s a moving and heartfelt tale of love, loss, and the search for identity that beautifully captures the immigrant experience. If that intrigues but you want the cliff notes version, you can actually watch the movie, which is beautifully done and features the talented Saoirse Ronan.
15. The Commitments by Roddy Doyle
This hilarious and irreverent novel follows a group of young Dubliners as they form a soul band and try to make it big. It’s a fun and entertaining read that offers a unique insight into the vibrant music scene in Ireland.
Best Movies About Ireland
17. The Banshees of Inisherin
A large part of this award-winning movie was filmed on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands stand as one of my favorite places in all of Ireland. The movie itself is a slow, plodding, character-driven drama.
The movie is beautifully filmed, but both my dad and I kind of hated it. I’m clearly in the minority though—it took the Golden Globe for Best Picture in 2023, which is why I watched it.
18. The Secret of Roan Inish
This movie is utterly delightful and if you’re taking kids to Ireland, stream this family-friendly movie. Filmed in Donegal, it’s centered on an Irish folklore of selkies, or rather seals, that can shed their skins to become human. My dad and I watched this film together when it was released in 1995 and to this day I still remember the enchanting story and how it led me deeper into learning of Ireland’s most fanciful myths and legends.
19. Dancing at Lughnasa
This short play by Brian Friel is a quick read and I absolutely recommend it for the rich dialogue you can hear nearly pop off the page. Once you’ve read it, stream the movie version (which features Meryl Streep) and transport yourself to 1930s Ireland.
20. PS I Love You
This film is also a book—and a good one at that. Although critics panned the film, it’s a rollicking good time through all that makes a film about Ireland lovely: The music is top-notch, the countryside gorgeous, and the brogue a delight. Book or film (or both!), you can’t go wrong with either of these before you visit Éire, especially if you like heavy dose of romance in your books and flicks.
Best Travel Books: By Country, Region, & Review
I’m passionate about the value in reading books about the specific places you’re traveling. For that reason, I’ve rounded up a number of guides to books about countries like Spain and Ireland, regions like Africa and Central America, and a fair number of individual travel book reviews.
