From the grassy landscapes to the rich culture and deep-rooted stories of struggle and triumph, there’s something uniquely captivating about historical Ireland. It’s no wonder countless historical fiction novels are set in the Emerald Isle. These stories not only provide an immersive escape for readers, but many are based on true stories and events, too. Whether you’re interested in war-torn stories about unforgettable characters or dual-timeline tales set on the coastal cliffs, Ireland certainly provides a vivid backdrop for historical fiction novels.
And if you’re looking to step into Ireland’s past through the pages of a good book, you’re in luck! We gathered up 12 historical fiction books set in Ireland—across many bygone eras—that deliver complex storylines filled with family secrets, high-stakes danger, passionate romance and more.
Continue scrolling for all of our compelling, must-read book recommendations.
Heartfelt and hilarious moments abound in John Boyne’s The Hearts Invisible Furies. Cyril Avery’s last name isn’t actually Avery—and his adoptive parents never forget to remind him of this. Born out of wedlock to a teen girl from rural Ireland and adopted by a wealthy, eccentric Dublin couple, Cyril feels lost and unsettled in life. His one constant: his friendship with Julian Woodbead. Over the course of many years, Cyril searches for his long-lost identity and where he really belongs. A coming-of-age story that will make you wonder, laugh and cry as you read.
What readers are saying: “Sometimes you read a book and are lucky enough to get much more than you bargained for. That’s certainly the case with The Heart’s Invisible Furies, where the reader is treated to well-crafted writing, a lesson in Irish history/prog
Reeling from the loss of her grandfather, Anne Gallagher travels to his ancestral home in Ireland to spread his ashes. She knew this was an enchanting place, but when she awakens to find herself back in 1921, she discovers its magic is real. On the cusp of a war, the Ireland she’s in is different from the one she left. Alone and injured, she’s treated by Dr. Thomas Smith—guardian of the boy who will one day become her grandfather. The spitting image of her missing great-grandmother, Anne takes on her identity, determined to learn how their fates are linked. But will these truths lead her back home or has her heart found a new one?
What readers are saying: “What a fantastic book and one of the best books I have read this year. What the Wind Knows is an epic story written by Amy Harmon. It’s an amazing interpretation of events in Ireland during the period of 1916 to 1922, the Easter Rising and Ireland’s fight for its independence. It is a stunning work of fiction interwoven with true historical events, combining the magical and the real. Beautiful.”
Brimming with mystical charm and a cast of memorable characters, this beautiful story takes readers from Dublin to a magical world where a vanishing bookshop casts a spell. The plot follows Opaline, Martha and Henry, three strangers who find their lives intertwined as they unlock secrets from the shop’s shelves. In this world of wonder, they all start to realize their own lives are just as extraordinary as the books they lose themselves in.
What readers are saying: “This magnificent story really reads like a fairy tale! Bibliophiles will adore this book most because of the descriptions of books, libraries and bookshops and the quaint, picturesque scenes in Ireland. A lush story to get lost in!”
This captivating story, based on the true events of the author’s family, takes readers back in time to 1848. Henry O’Toole sets sail to America from Ireland to escape the famine. When he arrives, he’s met with prejudice, so he changes his surname to Taylor and heads south to work as a blacksmith. Soon, he meets Sarah, a slave. Henry promises her freedom and more, and now she must decide if she can trust him—but at what cost?
What readers are saying: “A More Perfect Union is a book that needs to be read. It’s a powerful, moving, beautifully written tale inspired by true-life events that, at its heart, is a magical reminder that no obstacle is too large and no challenge too difficult when it comes to love.”
Which season is the ideal reading season? It’s a question that’s debated often among readers. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, every season has something special to offer book lovers (hello, beach reads!), but there’s something about the crisp fall air, golden foliage and cozy nights spent at home that set a perfect backdrop […]
This novel opens with a prisoner trying to escape Alcatraz in 1937, then goes back in time 20 years and tells the story of Shanley Keagen, a young boy in Dublin who is left in the care of his uncle when his parents pass away. Forced to work as an entertainer in pubs for money, Shanley jumps at the chance to move to America, where he dreams of a new life.
What readers are saying: “I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland, where my grandmother was born—but until I get there, I enjoy reading historical novels set in the Emerald Isle,” shares Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor. “Shanley was such a sweet, likable character, and I was so curious to find out how the two tales were linked that I could barely put the book down. In the end—after a twist—I was left with the reminder that any tragedy can be overcome.”
The book tells the story of Eilis Lacey, an Irish woman in her 40s living in Long Island in 1976 with her husband, Tony, and their two teenage kids, in the same neighborhood as Tony’s parents and brothers. When a stranger comes to the door one afternoon and tells Eilis his wife is pregnant with Tony’s child and that he expects Eilis and Tony to raise the baby, Eilis steadfastly refuses. Before the baby is born, Eilis returns to Ireland to visit her mother, who she hasn’t seen in 20 years, and to reflect on the choices she has made and figure out her plans for the future. While in the small town she grew up in, she tells no one of her issues at home and reconnects with her old best friend, Nancy, and Jim, the man whose heart Eilis broke many years earlier. Unbeknownst to Eilis, Nancy and Jim are planning to marry, and Eilis’ visit brings up unresolved feelings for all of them.
What readers are saying:“Everyone was talking about this book, a follow-up to Brooklyn, Tóibín’s first book about Eilis Lacey, and even though I never read Brooklyn, I decided to pick this one up,” says Tara Hans, Woman’s World Managing Editor. “This book, with its multitudes of long-held secrets, complex family dynamics and expectations, gave me so much to think about; and the ending left me wanting more!”
From bestselling author Bernadette Jiwa comes another dazzling historical fiction tale about marriage, motherhood and the tender moments in between. When Dublin factory girl Joan Quinn decides to marry the rich Martin Egan in 1966, she thinks all her troubles are behind her. Until one day, she receives a letter from a girl named Emma, who claims to be the daughter Joan gave up for adoption right before getting married. Joan finds herself involved in a life-or-death matter that could be the end of her perfect life. A wonderful read for fans of family sagas and mysteries.
What readers are saying: “This book drew me in from the first sentence and captivated me until the end. People and relationships are so very complex, and I loved how Bernadette captured all of that messy complexity in an utterly absorbing story. I can’t wait to read her next novel.”
This darkly compelling historical fiction novel by Emma Donoghue packs high-stakes action and riveting scenes into every chapter. While working at an understaffed hospital in 1918 Dublin, nurse Julia Power is given a task she never saw coming: overseeing the maternity ward filled with expectant mothers who have come in contact with influenza. Desperate for help, she turns to a doctor—and rumored runaway—named Kathleen Lynn, as well as Birdie Sweeney, a young volunteer at the hospital. Now, the three ladies must work together to fight the deadly disease—before it’s too late.
What readers are saying: “Emma Donoghue’s The Pull of the Stars will ‘pull’ you into the shocking world of the 1918 flu epidemic. The story’s pace is breathtaking, and the unforgettable characters will live in your thoughts long after the book is finished. What a fantastic read!”
Bestselling author Cynthia Ellingsen is known for her sweeping historical fiction sagas—and The Lost Letters of Aisling delivers all her signature charm. Rainey is shocked when her grandmother asks to return to Ireland. Rainy and her grandmother are very close, but there’s also so much she doesn’t know about her past. What she does know is that she fled the Emerald Isle after World War II. When they arrive at Aisling—a majestic estate on the southern coast of Ireland where her grandmother was raised—Rainey discovers an old chest filled with 70-year-old letters. Through the letters, Rainey learns about the deep bond between her grandmother and her best friend, Evie, in 1940s Dublin, and the risks they faced during a time of war and betrayal. As Rainey unravels the story, she discovers a powerful tale of family, love and the healing power of confronting the past.
What readers are saying: “The Lost Letters of Aisling is a medley of family relationships of lasting friendships and the long-reaching sacrifices made to protect beloved family and friends. A beautifully written blend of past and present mysteries and betrayals as the plot twists and turns keep the reader wanting to know more.”
Readers are transported back to 1920s Ireland in this glorious and gripping novel by Emily Hourican. Based on a true story, the tale follows Felicity, who was sent to live with the descendants of the Guinness beer empire as a young child after her mother decides she can no longer look after her. On the outside, the Guinness family are carefree and the toast of high society. But Felicity knows better—she lives as both an insider and an outsider in the Guinness family. Then, one night at a summer party, something happens that sends shock waves through the family. This story is set in London and Ireland and is the perfect read for fans of Downton Abbey and Julian Fellowes’ Belgravia!
What readers are saying: “This is definitely a tale of 1920s high society that was inspired by a true and complex story! The descriptive rhetoric was melodic and engaging, and I loved encountering a closing epilogue that satisfactorily addressed many of my lingering curiosities.”
Thisfascinating, dual-timeline novel—set in 1970s Dublin and present day—is inspired by a true story. In 1969 Dublin, Maura is looking forward to growing her family with her new husband Dr. Christy Davenport. But when her husband’s temper shows its face, she’s left wondering if their home is even safe enough for a child. At the same time, Maura’s dear friend Bernie, a mom of three, is faced with news that if she conceives again, her health complications could be fatal. In 2023 Dublin, an incident leaves Saorise with the realization that she may not want to be a mother. She has no idea that a few decades ago, a group of women made this decision possible for her and she’s about to meet one of them.
What early readers are saying: “I won’t give away any spoilers as this book does not publish until March 11. But if you love historical fiction and books that focus on family, friendship, resiliency and advocate for women’s rights and equality, then this book is definitely for you.”
Filled with moments both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, Sandy Taylor’s The Irish Boarding House invites readers on an enthralling journey. In 1952 Dublin, Mary Kate Ryan is shocked to inherit money from the mother who abandoned her as a baby. Struggling with betrayal and loneliness, she decides to use the inheritance to open a space for women in need called the Dublin Boarding House for Single Ladies. Mary Kate throws herself into helping a group of vulnerable women and she finds herself making new friendships along the way. But one day, a stern older woman arrives who refuses to speak about her past. Then, Mary Kate discovers a secret about her mother that threatens to unravel everything. Now, she must rely on the strength of her new friends to confront her past.
What readers are saying: “Having some Irish blood running through my veins has always caused my heart to long for a sight of the Emerald Isle. I will get there someday to see it with my own eyes. Until then, I can enjoy books like The Irish Boarding House that take me on little journeys and cause my heart to long for Ireland even more.”
For more historical fiction books, keep scrolling!
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