by Charlotte Fraser

P.S I Love You is the #1 Best selling novel by Irish author Cecelia Ahern, and in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we couldn't help but put two variations of the heart wrenching novel against each-other, and see which comes out the victor!

P.S I Love You has been highly successful, published in April 2004 by Thorndike Press, the book has topped charts in Ireland, Britain, Germany, the United States,and the Netherlands. 

The cherry on top of Ahern's cake is also the big screen movie adaptation, which also topped the box office on its release in 2007, starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler playing the main roles of Holly and her late husband, Gerry.

By Gemma Williams

Clive Staples Lewis, more commonly known as C.S. Lewis, was born in Belfast, Ireland, 29th November 1898 and died 22nd November 1963. He is best known for his children’s book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, though he has written others besides, such as The Screwtape Letters, The Space Trilogy, and also wrote non-fiction Christian apologetics, Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain.

By Laura W

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without a mention of some of the most popular Irish book figures. Below are just several of the world’s famous Irish literary figures (fictional and non fictional) and how Ireland inspires the books and their characters. 

By Olivia Grey

In celebration of St Patrick’s Day, we at IWG have compiled a list of Top Irish authors for you to enjoy and discover. Here provides a fantastic mix of genres and writing styles, truly something for everyone to read to appreciate the talent of some fabulous Irish writers, from past and present!

By Graeme Stirling

Like most Irish writers, Colm Toibin takes history seriously. Cultural heritage forms the backdrop of most of his novels, and it is these motifs – rather than the stories themselves – that Toibin is interested in. This has led to an eclectic back catalogue including short story collections, literary criticism and autobiographical work.

by Charlotte Fraser

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the Books team couldn't very well bypass the amazing, talented children's / young adult author, Derek Landy and his amazing and quirky main character of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, Stephanie Edgley (or as known in later books, Valkyrie Cain).

By Agnieszka Ramian

In the spirit of St Patrick’ Day everything that’s Irish is a subject of our interest. If Irish, then red hair, as one cannot simply go without another! Below, a ranking of the red headed literary characters has been presented and they all happened to be females. Read through this mixture of genres, from a variety of countries of origin and times of creation. Has any famous character been overlooked? If you have any other redheads on your mind – comment! You are also welcome to challenge this list and propose fiery male characters. Let the countdown begin…

By Gemma Williams

One of my absolute favourite Irish authors, not that I know many if I’m completely honest, is Darren ‘Shan’ O’Shaughnessy. Though born in London, he has lived in Limerick ever since he was three, and he is now 41. He is known for his fantasy and horror novels and now has a few series under his belt. The books which originally got his name out there were his 12 book vampire series using his own name: Darren Shan.

By Hayley Charlesworth

In a world where every stand-up comedian has an autobiography, Dara O’Briain has written something unique. Rather than tell the story of his life, Tickling the English is the story of a country, through the eyes of an Irishman who just wants to make them laugh. More than a memoir, or a stand-up diary, this book is an exploration of national identity and the nature of humour.

By Olivia Grey

Ireland is known for its castles, heritage and its people who are constantly being described as ‘lucky’. On the opposite hand, Ireland has a dark past too. Famine, religious wars and poverty has shaped Ireland into what we recognise today. Combining these two descriptions, there’s no doubting that Ireland has a certain magic about it, whether that be because of the talk of leprechauns with pots of gold at the end of rainbows or faeries.

No wonder this is the backdrop for many famous novels, many of which have been adapted for the big screen and have been filmed in Ireland itself. This article brings together five of the best novels which have used Ireland for the location in which the story is brought to life.