11 Enchanting Books That Will Transport You to Ireland Without Ever Leaving Home

Secrets, second chances and an enchanting Irish village…this too-cute tale has it all. When lonely widow Ruby and single mother Frankie find the Moonlight Gardening Club, an unexpected friendship soon blossoms. But as shocking secrets come to light, their worlds collide and turn upside down. Now, they need to face what they’re running from to find healing and true friendship.

This fun, adventurous whodunit begins when a reality baking TV show comes to County Cork in Ireland’s countryside. It’s the perfect backdrop for baking, and the locals, including police officer Siobhan O’Sullivan, get a chance to appear in the opening shots. But on the second day of filming, the top contestant is found dead with her face in her pie. Now, Siobhan and her husband must find the killer — or else!

Filled with feel-good moments and heartfelt charm, this sweet story stars Raine Hart, a musician traveling around Europe. But when a mistake leaves Raine unable to perform in Ireland, she has to give up her nomadic life. She meets Jack Dunne, owner of the Local, who hires her to spruce up his pub. As they collaborate and begin to connect, sparks fly — soon they’ll have to decide if they’re ready to take a chance on love.

This New York Times bestselling novel by Kristina McMorris 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. An intricately layered story of loyalty and sacrifice that takes readers from Ireland to America.

Brimming with mystical charm and a cast of memorable characters, this beautiful story penned by Evie Woods takes readers from Dublin to another magical world, where a vanishing bookshop casts a spell. The plot follows three strangers — Opaline, Martha and Henry — 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.

The first in the Irish Born trilogy, this classic romance novel written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts is sure to enthrall and enchant. The story, set in Ireland, follows the eldest Concannon sister, Maggie, as she struggles to leave the past behind. Engulfed by her newfound attraction to gallery owner Rogan Sweeney, the strong-willed artist must soon confront the fears keeping her walled off. This sweeping novel is perfect for fans of romances set in the Emerald Isle!

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?

Quirky characters and quaint settings meld in this gripping tale written by beloved Irish novelist Marian Keyes. This unique story is narrated by an omniscient voice hovering over 66 Star Street in Dublin — the narrator is just waiting for the right moment to help each of the residents. From newlyweds Maeve and Matt to elderly Jemima, who works as an over-the-phone psychic, Keyes writes a hilarious cast of characters. A clever, one-of-a-kind story filled with heart!

With idyllic settings and lovable characters, this saga stars Esme, who has run the guest house in Bally Cove, Ireland, for ages. But now she has taken a back seat and enjoys watching guests arrive. There’s Cora, the wife who is alone; Niamh, who is making big life decisions; and Phyllie, whose family is slipping away from her. All of them are searching for connection. Will Esme help them find their way?

This warm, feel-good novel transports readers to the gorgeous west coast of Ireland. Author Felicity Hayes-McCoy drew from her Galway and Wexford roots when thinking up the novel’s fictional setting on the Finfarren Peninsula. The story follows local librarian Hanna Casey who is struggling…with everything. She spends her days driving a mobile library through Irish villages and trying not to think about her cheating husband back in London. She’s staying with her grumpy mother while her daughter travels the world — so she’s also a bit lonely. In an attempt to reclaim her independence and bolster her library business, Hanna finds herself making a difference in the local community. Will she also find the life she’s been longing for?

Now a popular limited series on Hulu, Normal People was originally a novel penned by bestselling Irish author Sally Rooney. The story follows Marianne and Connell, who pretend not to know each other in school. Connell is a popular soccer player and Marianne is quiet, introverted and lonely. One day Connell picks his mother up from her housekeeping job at Marianne’s family’s home and a small yet strong connection begins to grow between them. A year later, they reunite while studying at Trinity College in Dublin. What follows is an ode to first loves, undeniable connections and how far you’d go to save the ones you love.