Irish Literature

Irish literature refers to literary works published in Ireland, that is, by authors of Irish descent. Irish literature today is mostly written in English, but from the Middle Ages to the 17th century, most poems were written in Irish and often refer to the Celtic tradition.

Although Ireland has been under the direct influence of England for centuries, it has its literature and autonomous identity, unlike Scotland and Wales. Ireland has given the world many prominent artists, including four Nobel laureates.

Below you'll find a list of book summaries from authors that influenced Irish literature and left their mark in the writing world.

James Joyce

An Irish novelist and poet. His psychological perceptions and innovative techniques made him one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

• Dubliners
• The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
• Ulysses

Oscar Wilde

An Irish author and the leader in the aesthetic movement that was based on the principle of art for art's sake. He ended up in jail because of his homosexual affair.

• The Happy Prince
• The Importance of Being Earnest
• The Picture of Dorian Gray

More of the English Literature

• English literature
• Scottish literature