Novels Set in Ireland
This year, Jackie and I read some fantastic novels set in Ireland. I could not believe we did not have a post of our favorite books set in this beautiful country. I knew I had to rectify that.
Jackie and I have had posts of Books Set in Italy, Books Set in France, as well as many other fun destinations, but these books set in Ireland are some of my favorites. I have never been to Ireland, but these books transport me to this beautiful, magical place.
The Best Novels Set in Ireland
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Fiction Book Set in Ireland
Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise- Jump to Section
Best Historical Fiction Set in Ireland
The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon- Jump to Section
Best Thriller Set in Ireland
The Guest List by Lucy Foley- Jump to Section
Best Romance Set in Ireland
How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Contemporary Fiction Novels Set in Ireland
Saoirse
Author: Charleen Hurtubise
Year: 2026
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Growing up in Michigan was so terrible for Sarah that she stole a passport and someone’s identity and escaped at 19 to Ireland. There, she goes by Saoirse and lives with her husband and daughters in a life she loves, creating artwork that helps her process her trauma. When her art gets unexpected acclaim, the new spotlight she’s under threatens to unravel the secrets she holds close and threatens to bring the danger she escaped from with it.
Trigger Warnings
Child Abuse, Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
I was consumed by this book from the opening scene on the airplane to Ireland. Saoirse’s life was harrowing and traumatic, and watching her come into her own was deeply moving. My anxiety was at an all-time high when her past began to catch up with her, but the ending left me satisfied in a way I wasn’t sure would be possible. #Gifted by Celadon Books
Find this book in: Novels About Artists / Best Fiction Books of 2026
The Trust
Author: Ronald H. Balson
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: Liam Taggart & Catherine Lockhart #4
Age Range: 18+Chi
Plot
Liam Taggart returns to Northern Ireland after the death of his Uncle with whom he had not spoken in 16 years. His Uncle Fergus has been shot and he has left Liam as the trustee to his will with the stipulation that noone can receive anything until the killer has been found.
Liam finds himself drawn back into a family that he had all but left behind. There is deep history with the family and the IRA and it seems that nobody is safe. Was this a murder for money or for revenge?
Trigger Warnings
Child Death
Why Jackie loves it
This book did not disappoint and is exactly what I hoped from Mr. Balson. You can read this story as a standalone despite it being part of a series.
Find this book in: Family Inheritance Novels
Historical Fiction Novels Set in Ireland
The Pirate Queen
Author: Ariel Lawhon
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times bestselling author of The Frozen River. Inspired by the life of Grace O’Malley.
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Grace O’Malley is the daughter of a powerful chief. Although she is born with a gift for the sea, her role as a woman in the 1500s is to secure strong alliances and have children.
Grace is forced to marry a brutal warrior who shares a name with her half-brother, Donal. Because of the love for her brother, she will never call her husband, who she detests, by his name. She is eventually ousted from his lands.
This finally allows Grace to return home with her children and lead Clan O’Malley’s fleet of ships. Queen Elizabeth becomes bolder with her incursions into Ireland; Grace defends her land, her ships, and her people.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Torture, Confinement, Murder
Why Jackie loves it
Grace was known as the pirate queen of Ireland, something unheard of in the 1500s. Lawhon’s research is unparalleled. This is an epic saga over multiple timelines, and yet I could not devour this book fast enough, while simultaneously wanting to slow down so I would not finish it too quickly. I had no trouble keeping up with the characters. To me, they were fully formed people. I am very thankful to have listened to this book ( thank you #PRHaudio for my copy of this book) because otherwise, I know I would have pronounced all the names incorrectly.
Find this book in: Best Pirate Books
Milkman
Author: Anna Burns
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Literary Fiction
More info: Man Booker Prize
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is one of the most unique books I have ever read. No one has a name! Instead, they are referred to as Milkman, or Real Milkman otherwise known as the man who loves no-one, or third-brother-in-law, or maybe-boyfriend.
It’s an amazing storytelling device that literally explains the relationship to the main character (also of no name) while allowing the reader to project their own names, and ideas (or assumptions) onto the characters. Oddly enough, this was a DNF for Jackie which would make it a perfect book for bookclubs. Did you love it or hate it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I LOVED this one. I seriously geeked out over the audio version of this Man Booker Prize-winning novel.
Jackie’s Thoughts
This was a DNF for me. I could not listen to the main character talk about “reading and walking and walking and reading”. It made me completely nuts.
Find this book in: Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Novels About Trauma
Hearts Invisible Furies
Author: John Boyne
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Winner of the 2018 Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Cyril Avery is not a real Avery- this is what his adoptive parents tell him. Cyril is born to a young woman out of wedlock and is adopted by a rich family in Dublin.
He spends his life coming to know himself and who he wants to be.
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Jackie loves it
This is a touching and heartfelt story from the first page to the last. Even though this book is well over 500 pages, it didn’t feel long while I was reading it. The writing and the story will pull you in if you give this book the chance.
Find this book in: Books Set in the 1960s / LGBTQ Books / Best Long Books / Best Books of 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers Set in Ireland
The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve just read THE thriller
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far. It also made our Best of 2020 list!
Adaptation Information
This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mystery Books / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
Romance Books Set in Ireland
How to Write a Love Story
Author: Catherine Walsh
Year: 2026
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Clara Sheridan’s father was a bestselling author known for his epic fantasy series. When he died, he left Clara their house and the task of finishing the series. As much as she needs the money from the last book to repair the house that is falling apart, she has a horrible case of writer’s block.
Sam Avery is an editor who also happens to know the Frank Sheridan series very well. He arrives at Clara’s house with the task of helping her finish the books.
As they work together to meet the deadline, there is undeniable chemistry between them.
Why Jackie loves it
The relationship between Sam and Clara is just what I needed to go along with a fantasy series, a writer, and a dilapidated house on the Irish coast. This is a romance that is a balm and a must-read for any book lover.
Find this book in: Romance Books About Books / Novels About Publishing
Road Trip
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Year: 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When their mother dies, Maeve and Therese are left with barely anything aside from a work of art passed down from their grandmother, a former servant from an estate in Ireland. When it turns out that art might be worth millions, the nothing alike sisters head off on an Irish adventure to determine if the painting they have is rightfully theirs.
Why Kirsten loves it
This fun story was about sisters, finding yourself, and art all in one. It was a delightful romp through the Irish countryside as only Mary Kay Andrews could write! While not technically a road trip, the sisters certainly go on an entertaining adventure. Gifted by MacMillan Audio.
Find this book in: Novels About Art
Expert Tip
Some Irish names are hard to pronounce if you do not know how. For example, Saoirse is pronounced Seer-sha. My suggestion is to look up some of the names of the characters and make sure you are pronouncing them correctly, or get an audiobook copy to go with your physical copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best novel set in Ireland?
I loved Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise. It is a contemporary fiction set in Ireland. Jackie read The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon and loved it. It is a historical fiction that is based on the life of Grace O’Malley.
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Epilogue:
What is your favorite novel set in Ireland?
