For two decades, the Irish Book Awards have celebrated the stories that moved us, challenged us, comforted us and stayed with us long after the final page. As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, readers across Ireland are being invited to help choose the best Irish books of the last 20 years — including some of the most powerful memoirs ever written in Ireland.
Irish memoir in recent years has been honest, fearless and deeply personal. These writers have explored everything from illness and grief to nature, identity, poverty, creativity and belonging. The result is a body of work that is moving, thought-provoking and unforgettable.
Here are 9 Irish memoirs that will stay with you.
Connemara: Listening to the Wind — Tim Robinson
In Connemara: Listening to the Wind, Tim Robinson combines memoir, nature writing, history and cartography in a remarkable exploration of the Connemara landscape. This is a slow, thoughtful and deeply immersive book about place, memory and the relationship between people and landscape in the west of Ireland.
Constellations — Sinéad Gleeson
Constellations is a powerful collection of essays that blends memoir, art, literature and the author’s experiences of illness and recovery. Thoughtful and beautifully written, it explores the body, creativity, survival and what it means to live a full life.
Country Girl — Edna O’Brien
Legendary Irish writer Edna O’Brien tells the story of her life, from her childhood in rural Ireland to literary fame in London and beyond. Honest, witty and often shocking, it’s the story of a woman who refused to live the life expected of her.
Diary of a Young Naturalist — Dara McAnulty
Diary of a Young Naturalist is a remarkable memoir written during the author’s teenage years. Combining diary entries about wildlife and the natural world with reflections on autism, school and growing up, it’s a moving and inspiring book about finding your place in the world.
Nature Boy — Seán Ronayne
In Nature Boy, Irish ornithologist Seán Ronayne writes about his lifelong passion for birds, wildlife and the Irish landscape. It’s a memoir about nature, obsession, dedication and seeing the world more closely and carefully.
Notes to Self — Emilie Pine
Notes to Self by Emilie Pine is a deeply personal essay collection that explores infertility, family, alcoholism, relationships and what it means to be a woman in modern Ireland. Honest, brave and beautifully written, this book resonated with readers across Ireland and beyond.
Overcoming — Vicky Phelan
Vicky Phelan tells the story of her life following her cervical cancer diagnosis and her campaign for women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy. Courageous, honest and inspiring, this memoir is about resilience, family and fighting for change.
Poor — Katriona O’Sullivan
Katriona O’Sullivan’s powerful memoir about growing up in poverty and the challenges of education, inequality and social barriers. It’s a moving and eye-opening story about determination, education and changing the course of your life.
Staring at Lakes — Michael Harding
In Staring at Lakes, Michael Harding reflects on life, solitude, depression, travel and the search for meaning. Gentle, thoughtful and often very funny, this memoir is about slowing down, paying attention and learning how to be content.
Help Choose the Best Irish Books of the Last 20 Years
As part of the 20th anniversary of the Irish Book Awards, readers across Ireland are being invited to help choose the best Irish books of the last 20 years. From unforgettable novels and powerful memoirs to groundbreaking debuts, inspiring children’s books and cultural touchstones, 60 books from previous winners have been selected as the titles that defined a generation of Irish writing.
Now it’s your turn to choose your favourites and celebrate 20 years of great Irish books.
