Irish literature overview

The earliest surviving examples of Irish literature are written in Old Irish and include heroic sagas like "Táin Bó Cúailnge" (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) and mythical tales from the Ulster Cycle, Fenian Cycle, and Mythological Cycle and the writings of St Patrick.

6th-9th centuries

Arthurian romances and French courtly literature influence Irish literature.  

Late 12th-13th centuries

The "Annals of the Four Masters" is compiled, recording historical events.

14th century

English colonization of Ireland intensifies, leading to increased use of English language in Irish literary works.

Late 16th century

The emergence of the Irish literary revival with writers like Jonathan Swift, known for "Gulliver's Travels," and Laurence Sterne with "Tristram Shandy."

1720s-1780s

The Act of Union (1800) incorporates Ireland into the United Kingdom, affecting Irish identity and literature.

1800s

Thomas Moore's "Irish Melodies" contribute to the Romantic movement.

Early 19th century

The Irish Literary Revival gains momentum, led by W.B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, and others. Yeats co-founds the Irish Literary Theatre, which later becomes the Abbey Theatre. This period witnesses a resurgence of interest in Irish language, culture, and folklore.  Oscar Wilde writes plays, poems and novels.

Late 19th century

Literary Revival continues with playwrights like J.M. Synge ("The Playboy of the Western World") and Sean O'Casey ("Juno and the Paycock").

20th century

Samuel Beckett emerges as a significant playwright and novelist.

1920s-1930s

Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan) gains recognition for his satirical works like "At Swim-Two-Birds."

1930s-1960s

Seamus Heaney, a Nobel laureate, becomes a prominent figure in Irish poetry. Roddy Doyle and Edna O'Brien contribute to modern Irish fiction. Troubles in Northern Ireland influence a new generation of writers including Brian Friel ("Translations") and Bernard MacLaverty.

Late 20th century

Authors like Colm Tóibín, Anne Enright, and Emma Donoghue gain international acclaim.

Early 21st century

Sally Rooney's novels, including "Normal People," attract widespread attention.

2010s

Contemporary Irish literature continues to diversify and evolve, reflecting global themes and issues. Conversations on Nationalism have fallen back to make room for more relevant discussions on race, gender, sexuality, feminism and melancholy.

2020s