Books That Are Set In Ireland

Explore Ireland’s soul through stories soaked in history, humor, heartbreak, and lush, lyrical landscapes.

1

“Brooklyn” by Colm Tóibín 

A young Irish woman torn between two worlds—quiet Ireland and bustling Brooklyn. Poignant, powerful, beautifully written migration tale. 

2

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney 

Set in small-town Ireland and Dublin, it’s a raw, realistic love story filled with silence and emotion. 

3

“The Spinning Heart” by Donal Ryan 

Post-recession Ireland through 21 voices—each chapter, a new soul. A modern Irish masterpiece of heartbreak and honesty. 

4

“Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt 

Dark, funny, heartbreaking memoir of growing up poor in Limerick. You'll laugh, cry, and never forget it. 

5

“The Wonder” by Emma Donoghue 

Set in 19th-century rural Ireland, a nurse investigates a fasting girl. Mysterious, haunting, and spiritually thought-provoking. 

6

“The Country Girls” by Edna O’Brien 

Two Irish girls rebel against strict Catholic life. Banned when released—now a classic coming-of-age gem. 

7

“Ulysses” by James Joyce 

Set in one day in Dublin. Confusing? Yes. Brilliant? Absolutely. A literary rollercoaster through an Irish mind. 

8

“Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan 

Quietly devastating novella set during Christmas in 1980s Ireland. One man faces truth against a dark backdrop.