A Literary Journey Through Connemara – Turas Litríochta trí Chonamara
Take a Literary Journey to Connemara! Put these titles on your book list to read while on your holidays in the West.
Have you ever found yourself transported to a far-off land, not by plane or train, but by the pages of a book? It’s a phenomenon that’s more common than you might think.
Whether you are planning a visit or want to be transported back to Connemara check out our recommendations of books to read and embark on a literary journey through Connemara.
Somebody Knows – Michelle McDonagh
Family secrets and lies, murder and mystery all combine in this gripping tale.
It brings the spectacular scenery of Connemara to life with lots of familiar places featured in the book.
The Watchers – A.M. Shine
“The Watchers” by A.M. Shine is has been described as a darkly delicious read. It has lots of Galway connections.
It has been adapted into a film starring Dakota Fanning , Connemara born Olywn Fouére & Georgina Campbell and is due to be released in the summer.
The Home Scar – Kathleen McMahon
Another novel that draws inspiration from Connemara’s savage landscape is Kathleen MacMahon’s “The Home Scar.”
With its evocative descriptions of the rugged terrain and wild coastline, MacMahon’s novel offers readers a glimpse into the raw beauty of Connemara,
The Guest List – Lucy Foley
For mystery lovers, “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley provides a thrilling glimpse into the dark underbelly of Connemara’s secluded islands.
Set against the backdrop of a lavish wedding on a remote island off the coast of Connemara , this gripping tale is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Secrets of the LightHouse – Santa Montefiore
Santa Montefiore’s “Secrets of the Lighthouse” takes readers on a hauntingly romantic journey.
A young woman discovers her family’s past and uncovers secrets that will change her future forever.
Inspired by summers spent in Connemara, Montefiore’s novel captures the essence of this magical landscape
Joseph O’ Connor – Star of the Sea
‘In the winter of 1847, the Star of the Sea sets sails from Ireland for New York. Among the refugees are a maidservant, a bankrupt aristocrat, an aspiring novelist and a maker of revolutionary ballads.’
Cré na Cille by Mairtin O’ Cadhain
Cré na Cille by Mairtin O’ Cadhain is available in English (it was first published in 1949). The book is set in a graveyard, where the recently dead discuss local gossip, flirt, and carry on feuds. It’s satirical & darkly comic.
Úrscéal Gaeilge leis an scríbhneoir Éireannach Máirtín Ó Cadhain is é Cré na Cille.
Tá an scéal lonnaithe i reilig i gConamara. Caitríona Pháidín an príomhcharachtar ann, í díreach tar éis báis, is caitheann sí a cuid ama ag comhrá le muintir na reilige.
Scothscéalta – Best Stories Pádraic Ó Conaire.
Leagan dátheangach den chnuasach cáiliúil le Pádraic O’ Conaire.
A bi-lingual version of Pádraic O’ Conaire’s short story collection.
Recently translated by Diarmuid De Faoite.
Readers of a certain age will remember from their secondary school days or you may know him from his statute on Eyre Square.
Cnuasach gearrscéalta/ Short Stories of Pádraic Pearse
Pádraic Pearse spent many summers in Rosmuc and the area and it’s people featured in many of his stories.
Cnuasach gearrscéalta le Pádraig Mac Piarais, leagan Gaeilge agus leagan Béarla in éindí lena chéile.
A selection of short stories by Patrick Pearse, facing-page Irish and English version.
Dúil – Liam Ó Flaithearta
Born on the Aran Islands Liam O’ Flaithearta wrote in English and in Irish. Dúil is a collection of his stories in Irish. The stories contain vivid descriptions of the rugged countryside and memorable characters.
Hannah O’ Brien – Die dunklen Seiten der grünen Insel
Explore the dark side of the Emerald Isle with this German crime series set in Connemara. Grace O’ Malley is the heroine of this series by German writer Hannah O’ Brien who spent time living in Connemara. I highly recommend the series. The books feature Connemara locations but are currently only available in German.
Irisches Verhängnis , Irische Roulette , Irische Nacht , Irische Erbe , Irische Totenwache