What are some good books to learn about Ireland?

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janus

Any of Flann O Briens Books are very interesting .

I am Reading one at the moment ( The Third Policeman ) It is set in a Quirky Village in 1920 ish Ireland and it is mainly about Bicycles as this was the main Source of Transportation back then . It is also a Murder and concerns the Three Village Policemen who go round on their Bikes Naturally.

Other Books of his that I would Recommend getting are.

At Swim two Birds,

The Poor Mouth,A Gaelic version was also Writtren AN Beal Boct.

The Dalky Archieve.

The Best of Myles.

Myles away from Myles,

Further Cuttings from Cruiskeen Lawn.

Myles away from Dublin,

Myles before Myles,

The Hair of the Dogma,

The Hard Life,

Any of John Mc Gahern's Book's

There is an Autobiographific Book of His that tells his Life Story and about His Brutal Father a Village Police Sergeant.I am sorry I do not know the Title but it is in Easons in OConnell Street Dublin. I nearly bought it on Saturday as they gave a Great Review of this on a Television Programme,worth getting.

Edit The Name of the Book is

All Will be Well About The Author's Childhood Growing up in Leitrim.

Christine

Read McCarthys Bar, see review attached, Its a great little book about Pete McCarthys trip around Ireland, but he gives a real insight into what its actually like here, ironic it takes a 'plastic paddy' to do so.

Its not a history book, more like a travel diary. Another book along the same lines is 'Round Ireland with a Fridge' by Tony Hawks.

magidge

I would definitely recommend John McGahern's novel 'Amongst Women'. It explores the mindset of traditional Catholic rural Ireland.
It is beautifully written.

anseo

Viz magazine

Orla C

Christine, Magidge and Janus' answers are spot on.

I would add the suggestion to read Walter Macken for the historical novels - possibly one of Ireland's best writers, and if you're into chicklit with a twist and a heart, read Marion Keyes also, because she has that wonderful way of reproducing dialogue. It's like talking to a friend.

Look into the music also. There's lots out there on YouTube, but I would recommend asking about real Irish music as a separate question, because there are many bands and singers that never became famous outside of Ireland or outside of Europe.

Alanfx

ar sure would not call over to see us, nevermind yer ole books theres a pint waitin fer ya
you could read lion of ireland by morgan llywelyn ,on a ravens wing by the same author for starters. but by far the best thing to do would be to contact "kennys bookshop" in ,galway, ireland .they do most of this stuff online now but not in the usual way ,contact them they are most helpful ,they supply most university's internationally and have the same customers for many moons .also see if you find anything on eddie lenehan who lives in county clare who is is unfortunatly one of our last great storytellers(seanog) and formost world expert on the goings on of fairies, pisogs and the likes ,he's famous and all that so it shouldn't be a bother to you even if i may have spelt his second name incorrect ,

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