Irish Books Galore!
Embark on a literary journey through the heart of Ireland with our online book store, where a curated selection awaits, celebrating the richness and diversity of Irish literature. from old and new classics, folklore, cooking, sports and much more!
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IRISH CLASSICS
Angela's Ashes: A Memoir
A Pulitzer Prize–winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, Angela’s Ashes is Frank McCourt’s masterful memoir of his childhood in Ireland.
“When I look back on my childhood I wonder how I managed to survive at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood.”
The Commitments
In the first volume of the Barrytown Trilogy, Roddy Doyle, winner of the Booker Prize for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, introduces The Commitments, a group of fame-starved, working-class Irish youths with a paradoxical passion for the music of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding and a mission—to bring Soul to Dublin. Doyle writes about the band with a fan’s enthusiasm and about Dublin with a native’s cheerful knowingness. His book captures all the shadings of the rock experience: ambition, greed, and egotism—ans the redeeming, exhilarating joy of making music. The Commitments is one of the most engaging and believable novels about rock’n’roll ever written, a book whose brashness and originality have won it mainstream acclaim and underground cachet.
The Butcher Boy
“When I was a young lad twenty or thirty or forty years ago I lived in a small town where they were all after me on account of what I done on Mrs. Nugent.”
Thus begins Patrick McCabe’s shattering novel The Butcher Boy, a powerful and unrelenting journey into the heart of darkness. The bleak, eerie voice belongs to Francie Brady, the “pig boy,” the only child of and alcoholic father and a mother driven mad by despair. Growing up in a soul-stifling Irish town, Francie is bright, love-starved, and unhinged, his speech filled with street talk, his heart filled with pain…his actions perfectly monstrous.
Borstal Boy
A teenage volunteer in the IRA, a fanatical believer, Brendan Behan was arrested with explosives at the age of 17 and spent three years locked in a British juvenile borstal. There he begins to wonder, who’s really the enemy?
Borstal Boy is both a riveting self-portrait and a window into the problems, passions, and heartbreak of Ireland’s past. It is also a record of a change of heart. Inside the borstal (reform school), Behan meets British Protestants who are there for reasons of their own. He begins to see that class creates more common ground than he ever believed while religion and nationality are much more superficial divisions between people than he’d ever been taught. Released, Behan returned to Ireland changed though still and a rebel—and became one of that country’s most important dramatists with the plays The Quare Fellow, The Hostage, and Richard’s Cork Leg.
IRISH COOK BOOKS
Neven Magiures Complete Family Cookbook
In the world of Irish cuisine, there are few names as renowned and beloved as Neven Maguire. This culinary wizard has charmed the taste buds of his homeland and beyond, elevating traditional Irish fare to new heights and proving that the Emerald Isle is not just about lush landscapes but also exquisite flavors. With a career that spans decades and a passion for food that knows no bounds, Neven Maguire has become a true icon in the realm of gastronomy.
Coast: Recipes from Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way by Rachel Allen
There are individuals in the field of culinary arts who merely prepare, and then there are those who craft, create, and inspire via the food that they serve. This is the case with Rachel Allen, a well-known Irish chef who squarely belongs to the second category. She has a career that spans decades, and over that time, she has not only perfected the art of cooking, but she has also become a household name. She is revered for her cookbooks, television appearances, and unwavering passion for anything and everything related to the culinary arts.
Great Family Food
Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon shares the recipes he cooks at home and shows how easy it is to eat good food every day. Do you have a kitchen full of hungry kids? Expectant guests sat round the dining table? Perhaps you need a hearty pick-me-up or a quick and comforting supper at the end of a long day. Kevin knows that the best home cooked food is straightforward and satisfying but certainly never boring. He gathers together classic dishes and creative twists to give a delicious collection of recipes for all types of occasion. Full of bold flavours and fresh, seasonal ingredients, these confident recipes are guaranteed to become firm family favourites….
Irish Traditional Cooking
Features 300 traditional dishes and 100 recipes. This book includes tips, tales, historical insights and common Irish customs, many of which have been passed down from one generation to the next. It also includes chapters on Broths and Soups, Fish, Game, Vegetables and Cakes and Biscuits
Ireland’s rich culinary heritage is brought to life in this new edition of Darina’s bestselling Irish Traditional Cooking. With 300 traditional dishes, including 100 new recipes, this is the most comprehensive and entertaining tome on the subject. Each recipe is complemented by tips, tales, historical insights and common Irish customs, many of which have been passed down from one generation to the next. Darina’s fascination with Ireland’s culinary heritage is illustrated with chapters on Broths & Soups, Fish, Game, Vegetables and Cakes & Biscuits. She uses the finest of Ireland’s natural produce to give us recipes such as Sea Spinach Soup, Potted Ballycotton Shrimps with Melba Toast and Rhubarb Fool.
IRISH FOLKLORE
Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore
A classic collection of Irish fairy tales and lore by Nobel Peace Prize-winning author and poet W. B. Yeats
Originally published as two separate volumes in 1800s, this premier collection of Irish stories edited and compiled W. B. Yeats is the perfect gift for any lover of Irish literature and folklore. The lyrical prose and rich cultural heritage of each tale will captivate and enchant readers of all ages and keep them entertained for hours on end.
Uncovering Celtic Mythology
Relive the magic of captivating legends and folktales in this rich collection on Celtic Mythology
In 58 BCE, when Julius Caesar – the famous Roman general – wrote a commentary on the Gallic wars, he described the “Celt” speaking people who lived in the area then known as the Gaul.
These people had their own culture, gods, and beliefs – called Celtic Mythology – which were very different from the Romans.
Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland
This deluxe hardback edition of Lady Jane Wilde’s classic work is presented in a beautiful slipcase and features classic mythology illustrations by Stephen Reid.
Lady Jane Wilde was the mother of Oscar Wilde and an accomplished folklorist. She sought to preserve Irish culture through recording their enchanting myths, rituals and beliefs. This collection contains over 100 of these enthralling tales, from fairies stealing children to leprechauns promising gold. Each showcase the strange and mystical superstitions spread by Irish peasantry in the ancient tongue.
IRISH SPORTS
Back from the Brink: The Autobiography
A brilliant defender, who played for Manchester United, Aston Villa and Ireland in the 1980s and 90s. McGrath was also a drinker, and this ended his league career. When he was offered a place on Ireland’s World Cup 2002 trip, McGrath grabbed the opportunity to redeem himself.
Champagne Football: John Delaney and the Betrayal of Irish Football
Over the course of 15 years, John Delaney ran the Football Association of Ireland as his own personal fiefdom. He had his critics, but his power was never seriously challenged until last year, when Mark Tighe and Paul Rowan published a sequence of stories in the Sunday Times containing damaging revelations about his personal compensation and the parlous financial situation of the FAI. Delaney’s reputation as a great financial manager was left in tatters. He resigned under pressure and the FAI was left hoping for a massive bail-out from the Irish taxpayer.
No Borders: Playing Rugby for Ireland
Fully updated to include Ireland’s historic victory over the All Blacks and their 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam.
From Jack Kyle’s immortals to Brian O’Driscoll’s golden generation, this is the story of Irish rugby told in the players’ words.
Celebrated rugby writer Tom English embarks on a pilgrimage through the four provinces to reveal the fascinating and illuminating story of playing test rugby in the emerald green of Ireland – all the glory of victory, all the pain of defeat, and all the craic behind the scenes.But this is more than just a nostalgic look back through the years, it is a searing portrait of the effects of politics and religion on Irish sport, a story of great schisms and volatile divisions, but also as story of the profound unity, passionate friendships and the bonds of a brotherhood.
The Test: My Autobiography
The stunning autobiography from rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll, read by Aidan Kelly.
Between 1999, when he made his international debut, and his retirement in 2014, there was no greater player in world rugby than Brian O’Driscoll.
In 2010 Rugby World magazine named him its world player of the decade – and since then the legend has only grown. Along the way he was tested – by personal loss, off-the-field pressures, and career-threatening injuries.
The GAA and the War of Independence
Founded in 1884 to promote Irish identity and revive the traditional sports of hurling, football and handball, the GAA enjoyed an intimate relationship with the nationalist movement from the turn of the twentieth century onwards. In 1914, the Irish Volunteers drilled with hurley sticks in the absence of rifles; after the 1916 Rising many of those interned by the British were GAA members; and on 21 November 1920, a Gaelic football match between Dublin and Tipperary at Croke Park was interrupted by a raid by British crown forces that left fourteen dead in Ireland’s first ‘Bloody Sunday’.
IRISH MUSIC
Celtic Session Songbook for Voice and Guitar
This 400-page songbook contains all of the best and most beloved traditional songs from Ireland, Scotland and beyond, ready to be played sung and strummed at your favorite session! Love Songs, Rebel Songs, Drinking Songs, Session Tunes, Folk Ballads, Sea Shanties and more. The author created this book specifically for people who like to play and sing Celtic songs. Full large-print lyrics are given for each song, along with the guitar chords for strumming along….
Irish Pub Songs Piano, Vocal and Guitar Chords
(Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook). Grab a pint and this songbook for an evening of Irish fun! 40 songs, including: All for Me Grog * Black Velvet Band * The Fields of Athenry * I Never Will Marry * I’m a Rover and Seldom Sober * The Irish Rover * Jug of Punch * Leaving of Liverpool * A Nation Once Again * The Rare Ould Times * Whiskey in the Jar * Whiskey, You’re the Devil * and more.
Irish Songs for Tin Whistle
In this book you’ll find some of the most beautiful Irish melodies for tin whistle in D. These songs stem from a long and rich musical tradition meaning there are quite a few variants of both lyrics and melodies.
All songs have been arranged for the beginning to intermediate player. To facilitate playing I added tin whistle tablature to the standard notation. This handy form of graphical notation shows you exactly how to play every note–reading music not required….
Irish Traditional Fiddle Music
235 jigs, reels, hornpipes, slip jigs, slides, airs, and polkas. Faithful settings of traditional Irish tunes based on the live and recorded playing of Andy McGann, Julia Clifford, Denis Murphy, Paddy Cronin, Michael Coleman, Mairtin Byrnes, Sean Ryan, Paddy Canny, Antoin Mac Gabhann, and others. Includes extensive notes on the sources and tunes, a discography, and bibliography. Decorative wood engravings by the author. 3rd edition, revised and updated….
The Irish Bouzouki Chord Bible
The Irish Bouzouki GDAD Chord Bible, with its 2,520 chords offers a complete solution for both beginner and experienced professional musician alike. The layout is uncomplicated and follows a logical musical progression from standard major chords up to the more esoteric thirteenths used by many jazz players. To accompany the 2,520 chords, a further 576 possible moveable chord configurations are included, together with a useful range of major and minor slash chords, reflecting the popularity of this type of chord in many of today’s artist and compilation topline songbooks. To fully exploit the ringing quality of the Irish bouzouki, a selection of open and drone string chords has also been included…..
IRISH HUMOR
The Little Book of Irishisms: Know the Irish through our Words
If an Irish person said to you, “Gimmie that yoke,” would you think they were talking about an egg? If so, 99% of the time, you’d be wrong. How about banjaxed, bockety or craic? Any idea what they mean?
The Little Book of Irishisms is for anyone who wants to understand the Irish, not just how we speak English, but how we are as people, relaxed about some things, picky about others.
It’s also for those who’d like to sound Irish, even just for St. Patrick’s Day. An ambitious goal. But why not “give it a lash for the craic?”…
The Book of Feckin' Irish Slang that's great craic for cute hoors and bowsies (The Feckin' Collection)
New edition of this bestselling and laugh out loud humour title.
The almost incomprehensible wit and wonder of Irish slang words.
Can you tell your bowsies from your gougers from your gurriers? No? Well, it’s time to stop acting the maggot and find out, courtesy of this invaluable reference book that’s been donkey’s years in the making, (only coddin’). It’s absolutely jammers with nouns, verbs and sayings that didn’t quite make the Oxford Dictionary, including a few manky ones that are guaranteed to leave some oul’ wans and Holy Joes completely morto.On the other hand, slappers and sleeveens will be dying for a gawk. So, feck it, you just know this is one book any self-respecting cute hoor just can’t do without …
101 Ways To Know If Your Cat Is Irish
DO YOU LOVE CATS?
DO YOU LOVE IRELAND AND ALL THINGS IRISH…?
Well, this is the perfect book for you. “101 Ways To Know If Your Cat Is Irish” will introduce you to the secret Irish lives of your feline friends.…And we guarantee you’ll laugh your head off!!!!
From their love of a good time to their charm and wit, this book playfully compares the unique traits of Irish culture with the quirks of our beloved cats. Guaranteed to make you and your friends laugh, “101 Ways To Know If Your Cat Is Irish” features charming black-and-white photographs and illustrations and a vintage design that make it a joy to read and share.
Irish Culture and Customs Book of Jokes
This is a collection of jokes extracted from Irish Culture and Customs, a website founded 14 years ago, by Bridget and Russell Haggerty. we hope you get more than one good laugh from them.
Irish Wit, Wisdom and Humor: The Complete Collection of Irish Jokes, One-Liners & Witty Sayings
The greatest collection of Irish wit, wisdom and humor ever published. The best of humorous quotes, witty observations, and funny one-liners from those hailing from the Emerald Isle.
“Ireland sober is Ireland stiff.” Irish Wit, Wisdom & Humor collects over 1000 witticisms, musings, deep thoughts, and one-liners from and about Ireland and its people. It features hundreds of authors, poets, comedians, actors, politicians and many more that best represent the Emerald Isle including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bono, Edna O’Brien, C.S. Lewis, Sinead O’Connor, George Bernard Shaw, and many others.
F*ck You, I'm Irish: Why We Irish Are Awesome
An in-your-face collection of trivia that’s sure to inspire chest-thumping pride in everyone of Irish descent
From battling oppression and famine in Ireland to overcoming poverty and discrimination in America, we Irish gained our fightin’ moniker by standing up for our rights and earning the respect we deserve. Now, the amazing feats, astounding people and incredible facts in this fascinating book of Irish trivia will make you proudly say, “F*ck you, I’m Irish”.
IRISH HISTORY
The Twelve Apostles: Michael Collins, the Squad, and Ireland's Fight for Freedom
Ireland, 1919: When Sinn Féin proclaims Dáil Éireann the parliament of the independent Irish republic, London declares the new assembly to be illegal, and a vicious guerrilla war breaks out between republican and crown forces. Michael Collins, intelligence chief of the Irish Republican Army, creates an elite squad whose role is to assassinate British agents and undercover police.
The Great Book of Ireland: Interesting Stories, Irish History & Random Facts About Ireland (History & Fun Facts)
How much do you know about Ireland? There’s so much to learn about the Emerald Isle that even its residents don’t know. In this trivia book, you’ll learn more about Ireland’s history, pop culture, folklore, and so much more!
Malachy McCourt's History of Ireland
New York Times bestselling author Malachy McCourt offers an authoritative and engrossing one-volume chronicle of Ireland from pre-Christian times to the present, told with Irish flair by the gifted storyteller.
The pages are populated with figures from myth, history, and the present-from Saint Patrick to Oliver Cromwell, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Charles Parnell to Sinead O’Connor and Bono. Some beloved, some controversial-each influenced the course of Irish and world history. While McCourt vividly describes Ireland’s turbulent history, he also offers a cultural survey with fresh insights to the folklore, literature, art, music, and cuisine of Ireland, producing an irresistible tour through the Emerald Isle.
101 Things You Didn't Know About Irish History: The People, Places, Culture, and Tradition of the Emerald Isle
Discover the truth behind the myths of the Emerald Isle
Forget about shamrocks, leprechans, and all that blarney; 101 Things You Didn’t Know about Irish History dispels the myths and tells the true story of the Irish.
Inside, you’ll learn about:
- Lives of the ancient Celts before the British invasions
- Famous Irish including Michael Collins, Charles Parnelland Bono!
- The potato famine and emigration (were there really gangs of New York?)
- Irish music and dance
