These non-fiction books offer you a unique perspective on the Irish way of life. Explore Irish history and nature or discover some essential new life hacks.
Irish Books | Irish Life Stories | Irish Cookery | Irish Sport
2. The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership
by Iain Dale
€19.99
'It's one of those books that you can either read chronologically from front to back cover, or dip in and out of at leisure. It should keep many a dad happily occupied over Christmas' The Irish Independent Ireland, under both the Irish Free State and after full independence, has now had just over 100 years of autonomous national political leadership. This book, based on Iain Dale's blockbuster podcast, tells the story of Irish politics over the past century by examining the lives and actions of each Irish Taoiseach, from W.T. Cosgrave to Micheál Martin. 15 leading Irish historians, journalists and politicians write essays on each of these figures, showing in the process how Ireland developed from a poor ex-colony to a successful, modern country at the heart of the European Union. In the process, the contributors examine the importance of topics such as the power of the Roman Catholic Church, changing social mores, Ireland's relationship with the UK, and its economic development. This is a must read for anyone interested in Irish politics at a time of potential far-reaching change for the republic.
Hardback
3. For And Against A United Ireland
by Fintan O'Toole
€16.99
The prospect of Irish unification is now stronger than at any point since partition in 1921. Voters on both sides of the Irish border may soon have to confront for themselves what the answer to a referendum question would mean - for themselves, for their neighbours, and for their society. Journalists Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride examine the strongest arguments for and against unity. What do the words ‘united Ireland’ even mean? Would it be better for Northern Ireland? Would it improve lives in the Republic of Ireland? And could it be brought about without bloodshed? O’Toole and McBride each argue the case for and against unity, questioning received wisdom and bringing fresh thinking to one of Ireland’s most intractable questions.
Paperback
4. Beneath Irish Seas: The Hidden Wonders Of Ireland's Amazing Marine Life
by Nigel Motyer
€24.99
Beneath the crashing waves and jagged cliffs of Ireland’s coastline lies a world few have ever seen, teeming with kaleidoscopic colour and untold beauty. Through the lens of internationally acclaimed underwater photographer Nigel Motyer – whose work has graced the pages of National Geographic – this stunning visual journey reveals the vibrancy of Irish waters, alive with astonishing biodiversity and compelling natural drama. Motyer, diving and photographing Irish waters since the 1980s, shares an unmatched portfolio built over decades. Beneath Irish Seas explores Ireland’s coastal waters and the habitats that make them unique, unveiling the extraordinary marine life that thrives around our shores. From swirling shoals off the Skelligs to rare encounters with basking sharks in the Atlantic depths, this is the first book to comprehensively document Ireland’s underwater wildlife through powerful, vibrant imagery. Eye-opening and accessible, Beneath Irish Seas challenges the idea that marine wonder belongs only to tropical reefs. The magic is here – just off Ireland’s shores, waiting to be discovered.
Hardback
5. Dynasty: Scandals, Triumph, Turmoil and Succession at the Heart of Dunnes Stores
by Matt Cooper
€21.99
The real story behind Dunnes Stores, the most quintessentially Irish shop of all, and the family drama behind it This is the story of the extraordinary family behind one of Ireland's most famous businesses, Dunnes Stores, over three generations and covering nearly 80 years of retailing but going back as far as the 19th century. With drama worthy of the popular TV drama Succession, a real-life Irish family drama shows the children of a dominant founder argue as to who should run the supermarket empire after his death and take the money from it, and how they dealt or not, with addictions and ill health, including alcoholism.
Hardback
9. Bored Of Lunch: Healthy Fakeaways
by Nathan Anthony
€20.99
100 brand new recipes for your air fryer and your slow cooker. Save money and calories with healthy, home-cooked versions of your favourite takeaways. Number one bestselling author Nathan Anthony is back with 100 easy recipes to hack your weeknight cooking. Whether you’re craving a classic curry or a comforting pizza, you’ll find healthy, quick versions of family favourites to satisfy that fast-food craving and stop you ordering in. With every recipe designed for your slow cooker or air fryer, and complete with calorie counts and full macro breakdowns, these simple, flavourful recipes mean you can indulge while staying on track of your health and budget. Mouth-watering recipes include Katsu Chicken Curry, Sweet & Sour Noodles, Smash Burgers, and Garlic Mozzarella Doughballs.
Hardback
11. The Race: The Inside Track on the Ruthless World of Elite Athletics
by David Gillick
€19.99
The Race offers an exhilarating, behind-the-scenes look at the cut-throat world of elite athletics. With vivid recall, David Gillick, one of Ireland’s most celebrated 400m sprinters, describes the sacrifices, triumphs and devastating setbacks that define a life spent chasing greatness. From the punishing grind of training camps to the mental anguish of injuries and the darker side of athletics, this memoir captures the intensity of a career defined by fractions of a second. As an Irish athlete competing against the odds, Gillick recalls the unique challenges of representing a small nation: limited resources, enormous expectations and the constant push to prove you belong among the world’s best. But The Race is more than a story of sport. It’s an exploration of human resilience and the fight to find balance in a life consumed by the pursuit of perfection. It’s about enduring heartbreak, overcoming burnout and discovering who you are when the race is over.
Hardback
17. Groomed: Coercion, Control and a Cold-blooded Murder
by Nicola Tallant
€16.99
The horrifying story of Jonathan Cresswell and the rape and murder of 21 year old showjumper Katie Simpson, who was initially thought to have taken her own life until Cresswell's crime was uncovered Jonathan Cresswell was a dangerous and violent man, particularly to women. He manipulated his many girlfriends using coercive control and physically assaulted them if they didn't do as he wished.
Paperback
20. Midwinter: A Journey Through A Season
by Michael P. Harding
€19.99
A stunning meditation on the season of winter from bestselling author Michael Harding. On frosty nights, as he sits by a flickering fire, Michael Harding withdraws into the stillness of winter and begins to reckon with age and death. As stories emerge from the shadows, we meet a young boy whose arrival brings hope, but whose journey will know winter's path. November is a rainstorm, December a bleak twilight, but as January dawns and the ice thaws, the fragile light of love penetrates the dark, bringing beauty to the earth and making new beginnings possible. In writing of shadowed beauty, Midwinter is a poignant exploration of a season of loss, and the glimpses of hope that can follow even the longest nights.
Hardback
23. Irish Hunks: A Beginner's Guide
by O Brien Press
€9.49
A Hunk: a strong, attractive man An Irish Hunk: something even better Hollywood has long been the home of the Hunk, but there's a new man in town and he's got heaps of charm and an accent that'll make you swoon. Get ready for Oscar winners and sporting champions, global popstars and indie artists. With the help of this unique guide, beginners can finally learn their Cillians from their Colins, while long-time admirers will be delighted to discover new favourites. If you're thirsty for more than a Guinness, this is the book for you.
Hardback
25. Cork: The Beauty Of The Rebel County
by Michael Prior
€24.99
From Ballycotton to Baltimore, Mizen Head to Mallow, explore the unique beauty of Ireland's Rebel County. With its wild Atlantic beaches and bustling city, from the grandeur of Cobh in the east to tranquil Garnish Island in the west, every corner of Cork reveals a new and spectacular vista. Photographer and Cork native Michael Prior has travelled the highways and byways to capture the many moods of both city and county: sunrises and night scenes, stone circles and castles, lighthouses, pubs and Cork's many charming villages. Marvel at the celebrated beauty of Cork through this iconic collection of photographs.
Hardback
26. The revelation of Ireland, 1995-2020
by Diarmaid Ferriter
€14.99
THE NUMBER 1 IRISH TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 An Irish Times Book of the Year 2024 Ireland is a strikingly different country now to the one it was in the mid-1990s. Dramatic economic, social and cultural changes, including the Celtic Tiger boom and increasingly secular debate about abortion, the status of women and same-sex marriage underlined the scale of the transformation. The new diversity of the population and literary and musical prowess also revealed a country experiencing rapid alteration. The road to peace - that saw an end to war in Northern Ireland and culminated in the first visit to southern Ireland of a reigning British monarch in 100 years - illuminated the new Anglo-Irish dynamic. Explosive revelations about deep betrayals from the past destroyed the credibility of the traditionally powerful Catholic Church. And in the wake of the 2008 financial crash, Ireland rebounded and rebuilt to great success, but remained plagued by health and housing failures. Economic recovery, the end of civil war politics, ever closer European involvement and Anglo-Irish highs were followed by Brexit lows and increasing talk of Irish unity. There is much to open people's eyes in this riveting account of contemporary Ireland. As the Republic enters its second century of independence, and the North continues to grapple with the legacy of the Troubles, Diarmaid Ferriter makes historical sense of post-1990s Ireland, and what lies in the darkest corners of its archives.
Paperback
28. An Irish Word A Day: 365 Ways To Speak Irish Everyday
by Hector Ó hEochagáin
€18.99
Many of us wish we had paid more attention in Irish class and could still speak the cúpla focal. When we lose our language, we lose a part of who we are. Here, Hector makes adding an Irish word a day to your vocabulary a habit that's as easy as brushing your teeth. Month-by-month, through stories, words and phrases, Hector takes us through the year with words from the practical to the magical, for every season and new moon. When you start the day, you'll be able to name the gallúnach (soap) and ubh brúite (boiled egg). When you head to the chipper after a few pints you'll be able to order an ispín buailte (battered sausage). And when you look out your window and see the robin is building his nest again in spring, you'll be able to greet the spiteog through Irish. Reclaim your heritage (oidhreacht) by learning an Irish word a day and with Hector.
Hardback
30. Miriam: Life, Work, Everything
by Miriam O'Callaghan
€24.99
I started writing this book as an exclusively work memoir, but the work and the personal kept overlapping. I don’t know if that’s because I’m a woman or a mother or both — or none of those reasons. I just know that for my story to be authentic and truthful, I couldn’t simply focus on the work side of my life. Miriam O'Callaghan is one of Ireland's best-known broadcasters, covering every election, referendum, major controversy, and important public event for TV, while also hosting an award-winning radio show. Combining career success, high-octane glamour, and motherhood to eight children makes her a truly unique figure in Irish public life. In her absorbing memoir, Miriam shares touching stories from her personal life — from the life-changing impact of losing her beloved sister and father in a matter of months, and the end of her first marriage that same year, to the joys and challenges of bringing eight children into the world and juggling a frenetically busy life (“give up on perfection” is her wise advice!). Miriam includes fascinating insights into a career that has given her a ringside seat to a changing Ireland. Like attending Bobby Sands’ wake even before she was a journalist, and life coming full circle when she championed John Hume to be declared the greatest figure in Irish history. She describes extraordinary debates, important and heart-breaking conversations with people in the eye of a media storm, and how she prepares for and conducts the big interviews — as well as what happens when things go wrong. Miriam also addresses the recent RTÉ controversies that cast a shadow over its high-profile presenters, not least herself.
Hardback
31. The Dodger: DJ Carey And The Great Betrayal
by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin
€16.99
There was a time when DJ Carey didn’t need a surname. The star player of a Kilkenny hurling team that dominated the sport for a decade, he had a rare, natural talent that led his county to five All Ireland titles and won him nine All Stars. DJ wasn’t just a hero on the pitch - his easy charm, generosity, and readiness to meet young fans made him a national treasure. Throughout his meteoric rise, strange rumours followed him. In 2003, shocking claims that DJ was dying of cancer swept the country. Who would spread such a story about one of Ireland’s most beloved sporting legends? And what could possibly be gained from it? Two decades later, the truth emerged. DJ Carey was arrested and charged with deception and forgery - accused of faking cancer to con money from those who trusted him most. For years, he had been telling the same lie to generous supporters who believed they were funding life-saving treatment in the U.S. In this riveting exposé, Eimear Ní Bhraonáin uncovers the extraordinary fall from grace of a national icon, and how he betrayed the fans that once loved him.
Paperback
33. Web Of Betrayal: Murder In Ireland's Brutal Gangland
by Nicola Tallant
€12.99
From the author of the 2023 bestselling Cocaine Cowboys , murder, deception, and the underworld of Irish gangland intertwine in a deadly dance of power and survival. The assassination in Belfast of gangland’s most wanted man, Robbie Lawlor, uncovers a web of betrayal that stretches across the Irish underworld and beyond. Follow a bloody trail into the heart of one of the worst gang feuds Ireland has ever seen, culminating in the narco-style dismemberment of teenage victim Keane Mulready Woods. As the curtain lifts on the inner workings of organised crime, a cast of ruthless operators fight for position in a double-cross plot that reads like a fast-paced thriller.
Paperback
34. Waterford Whispers News 2025
by Colm Williamson
€16.99
Ireland, 2025: where a mortgage is required just to buy a coffee. With rents soaring higher than the price of a pint in Temple Bar and the government still trying to figure out where to sit, the year proved as unpredictable as our public transport system. At least we have Waterford Whispers News to keep us entertained. The beloved stocking filler is back, packed with all the biggest stories from 2025, plus a heap of exclusive new content. From sharp political satire to cheeky pop culture nods, this seasonal must-have is the perfect Christmas gift.
Paperback
37. I loved him from the day he died
by Michael P. Harding
€12.99
"Harding's prose style is fluid and fluent... unflinching, merciless honesty." — Sunday Independent To mark his 70th birthday, Michael Harding travelled to Spain to walk part of the Camino de Santiago . But as he set off on his pilgrimage, he realised he wasn’t alone. Accompanying him was the ghost of his long-dead father—a distant, aloof figure whom he lost at the age of twenty-two. With searing honesty and beautifully crafted prose, Harding explores how this man, gone nearly half a century, could still cast such a long shadow over his life. From the Ireland of his youth to the moment of his father’s death, and to the holy wells and pubs he later visited in a search for connection, I Loved Him From the Day He Died is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the desire to understand those we lose too soon. This deeply personal memoir is a moving meditation on forgiveness, healing, and letting go—told with Harding’s signature vulnerability and profound insight. Praise for Michael Harding’s books: "Hilarious and tender... beautifully written." —Kevin Barry "A beautiful book of great tenderness, love of life, and wisdom." —Joseph O’Connor "Compelling." — Sunday Times
Paperback
40. The Secret Life Of Leinster House
by Gavan Reilly
€17.99
What is it like to run for election? How do public representatives deal with the cut-throat competition from their rivals – and their own running mates? How intense is the work? What’s the Dáil bar really like? Why are parliamentary party meetings so leaky? What goes on behind closed doors at Cabinet meetings? What do special advisers actually do? And why, given the almost constant abuse that now comes with the job, would anyone want to do it? Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly takes us inside Dáil Éireann to discover what it takes to survive in Ireland’s political cauldron. With unprecedented access to political insiders, The Secret Life of Leinster House lifts the lid on the corridors of power as never before – revealing how Irish politics really works, and the demands it places on those who make it their lives.
Paperback
42. A Time For Truth: My Father Jason And My Search For Justice And Healing
by Sarah Corbett Lynch
€16.99
A shocking true story of heartbreak and survival by Sarah Corbett Lynch, daughter of Jason Corbett – an Irish Times Number 1 bestseller and now the subject of the Netflix documentary A Deadly American Marriage . "Honest and compelling." — Sunday Independent "Powerful, heartbreaking." — Irish Times "An enthralling read." — Irish Daily Mail "A powerful and poignant memoir that transforms loss into a legacy of love and hope." — Katriona O'Sullivan, bestselling author of Poor At approximately 3:15 a.m. on 2 August 2015, eight-year-old Irish girl Sarah Corbett Lynch was lifted from her bed by a Davidson County police officer and carried downstairs, shielded from the chaos erupting around her. Hours later, Sarah learned that her beloved father, Jason, was dead — killed by her stepmother, Molly Martens, and her father, Tom Martens. Now, for the first time, Sarah shares her story and reveals the shocking truth about life behind closed doors in her family’s suburban North Carolina home. She recalls the weeks and months leading up to that fateful night in August, detailing the manipulation and gaslighting inflicted by Molly Martens — the only mother she had ever known. Sarah also describes the traumatic years that followed her father's death, as she and her brother Jack sought justice from the safety of their new, loving home in Limerick, Ireland, with Jason’s family. A Time for Truth is a unique and deeply personal testimony of devastation, resilience, and hope — a story of survival against the odds.
Paperback
45. Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism’s Forgotten Radicals
by Maurice J. Casey
€13.99
Shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards 2024: History Book of the Year 'Hotel Lux is an unforgettable book, bringing to life not only its protagonists but an entire world, and offering a new glimpse of a vanished past' Sally Rooney 'If affection is the first ground of memory, the archive is its late flowering and Hotel Lux its conservatory, Casey’s history a tender nurture of pasts we overlook, but which whisper to us all the same' Irish Times Hotel Lux follows Irish radical May O’Callaghan and her friends, three revolutionary families brought together by their vision for a communist future and their time spent in the Comintern’s Moscow living quarters, the Hotel Lux. Historian Maurice J. Casey reveals the connections and disconnections of a group of forgotten communist activists whose lives collided in 1920s Moscow: a brilliant Irish translator, a maverick author, the rebel daughters of an East London Jewish family, and a family of determined German anti-fascists. The dramatic and interlocking histories of the O’Flahertys, Cohens and Leonhards offer an intimate insight into the legacies of the Russian Revolution from its earliest idealism through to the brutal Stalinist purges and beyond. Hotel Lux uncovers a world of forgotten radicals who saw their hopes and dreams crash against reality yet retained their faith in a beautiful future for all. Culminating in a queer love story that saw the daughters of the Cohens and Leonhards create an enduring partnership even as their parents’ political visions crumbled, this is a multi-generational rebel odyssey and a history of international communism, one which looks as much to the future as it does to the past.
Paperback
46. Obsessed: The Autobiography
by Johnny Sexton
€11.99
'Sexton will go down as Ireland's greatest ever player' Gordon D'Arcy, Irish Times No Irish rugby player has ever achieved more, or been a source of more inspiration to teammates and fans alike, than Johnny Sexton. In his hotly anticipated autobiography, Johnny tells the story of his life and explores the sources of his unmatched will to win. The Sexton era was marked by four European Cups, four Six Nations championships (including two Grand Slams), a series win in New Zealand, two stints for Ireland at number 1 in the world, and the World Player of the Year award. Always outspoken on and off the field, Sexton offers an honest look at his childhood, his seemingly inauspicious early experiences in club and professional rugby, his relationships with key teammates and coaches (including Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Ronan O'Gara, Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell), and his ideas about the game. Obsessed is more than just a brilliantly detailed account of a legendary playing career. It is also a work of deep self-exploration, tracing the psychological arc of a player who almost always felt embattled, who struggled with self-doubt, and who was still learning new lessons about being a team-mate and a leader into his late thirties. Intense, witty, perceptive and frank, Obsessed is an autobiography worthy of its author and the essential chronicle of an extraordinary era in Irish rugby. 'The best ever Irish player to play the game' Andy Farrell 'Sexton is on that rarefied plane of athlete where even his mere presence can feel quietly decisive.' Jonathan Liew, Guardian
Paperback
58. The neuroscience of manifesting
by Sabina Brennan
€11.99
Discover the magical science of getting the life you want In The Neuroscience of Manifesting , psychologist and neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan uses cutting edge research to demonstrate that the power to manifest the life of our dreams resides within us all. By grounding key manifestation principles in science, Dr Brennan shows that manifesting does not require blind trust or faith in higher powers. Instead, it requires changing how you think and behave, and learning how to harness the power of your brain. Through breaking down complicated neuroscience into empowering everyday strategies, this book will show you how to: - Gain clarity on what you really want. - Cultivate more self-compassion - Connect with your true self. - Take considered action to bring about the change you desire -Create your best life using effective, scientifically grounded techniques.
Paperback
66. Season: Master the Elements of Amazing Taste
by Mark Moriarty
€21.99
Mark Moriarty is back with a hundred new recipes that celebrate the best of seasonal ingredients while teaching you how to season your food for fantastic flavour. Elevate your everyday cooking with a dish that is perfect for spring, such as chicken and chorizo casserole or enjoy a summer treat of crispy pork belly tacos with pineapple salsa. Try comforting autumn favourites like minestrone soup and create an unforgettable Christmas dinner with Mark's brined turkey crown and honey-and-soy-glazed ham. In addition, Mark will teach you the techniques of seasoning - using sea salt, black pepper, butter, quality olive oil, lemons, tabasco, soy sauce - so that every dish becomes even better. Packed full of Mark's expert tips and restaurant tricks designed to maximise flavour and minimise hassle, Season is sure to become your new go-to cookbook.
Hardback
67. The many murders of Michael Malloy
by Simon Read
€17.99
In the Prohibition era, the speakeasies of New York City provide some much-needed respite, particularly for the likes of Michael Malloy, an isolated Irish immigrant. But times are tough and for an unlikely group of associates - a bar owner, an undertaker, a greengrocer, a cabbie and a local gangster - desperate times call for desperate measures. And so, a simple plan is hatched: take out life insurance on the unsuspecting Michael Malloy and help him along to an early grave. What follows is a sinister concoction of poisoned alcohol, shots of antifreeze, tainted oysters, sardine sandwiches laced with glass, overnight exposure to freezing temperatures, and assault by taxicab. But 'Iron Mike' Malloy survives it all - until he doesn't. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and based on police reports, court records, and the colourful tabloid reporting of the day, The Many Murders of Michael Malloy details a crime so convoluted, so staggering in its audacity, authorities refused to believe it until the irrefutable evidence revealed 'the most grotesque chain of events in New York criminal history', securing Malloy's status as a true crime folk hero.
Paperback
68. The Hike Life: My 50 Favourite Hikes in Ireland
by Roz Purcell
€16.99
Fall in love with Ireland's dramatic mountains and rugged coastline in 50 unforgettable hikes. Roz Purcell has been hiking the length and breadth of Ireland for years with her enthusiastic community The Hike Life, exploring the best of what the island has to offer. This book brings to life the beauty and majesty of hiking in Ireland along with practical advice, easy-to-follow route descriptions and a wealth of tips. In it you'll find: - the ultimate fifty hikes to do on the island of Ireland, from rugged mountains to forest trails and cliff walks; - the complete guide to everything you need for a safe and enjoyable hike; - dozens of recommendations for pitstops and photo opportunities along the way to turn your hike into a full-day adventure; - and breathtaking photography to inspire you to get out there and start hiking.
Hardback
69. The Hike Life: 50 more to Explore
by Roz Purcell
€16.99
In her eagerly awaited follow-up, The Hike Life: 50 More to Explore , Rozanna Purcell introduces readers to 50 stunning new trails across Ireland, from well-known routes to hidden gems. This beautifully curated guide highlights breathtaking hikes such as Strickeen in the Gap of Dunloe, the Urris Lakes Loop in Donegal, and Roz's personal favorite, the dog-friendly trail at 'The Devil’s Glen' just outside Dublin. It’s the perfect companion for those looking to experience Ireland’s natural beauty at their own pace.. Building on the success of her first book, The Hike Life 2 , Roz continues to provide essential tips, including detailed trail information, route descriptions, best photo spots, and recommendations for post-hike meals or nearby wild swimming spots. Each hike is designed to be a full day of adventure, whether you’re exploring solo, with friends, or your furry companions. In 50 More to Explore , Roz also dives deeper into practical advice, offering helpful information on ticks, local wildlife, and even the best places to pop the question! Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this book offers everything you need for an unforgettable journey into the Irish wilderness.
Hardback
70. Weird Ireland: An Unofficial Guide To The Island
by Brinsley McNamara
€20.88
Explore Ireland’s quirkiest tales with Weird Ireland: An Unofficial Guide to the Island by Brinsley McNamara. From gravity-defying hills and music-playing bridges to chairs that “cure madness” and UFO sightings, this book takes you off the beaten path and into Ireland's most fascinating oddities. McNamara’s distinct voice, combined with whimsical illustrations by Eoin Whelehan, brings to life local legends, folklore, and curious relics. Perfect for anyone who loves uncovering the strange, rare, and wonderfully peculiar!
Hardback
73. Swimming Wild Ireland: A Celebration of Ireland’s Incredible Wild Swimming Communities
by Vicky Allan
€23.99
After the success of Taking the Plunge in 2019, Anna Deacon & Vicky Allan have seen wild swimming take off. From those who bathe in ice cold sunrise waters to wild swimmers under a moonlit sky, whether you like a dip in the buff, ice therapy or are on a mission to find like-minded people to share the experience of menopause, mental health issues and more, there is a community out there for everyone. As they swim their way through the country, they find a ripple effect. Swimmers changing the world and transforming their own lives together. As they spread the joy of immersion they also unearth tips and tricks from the wild swimming community, from the best spots, to safety tips and most importantly, how to find your own wild tribe.
Hardback
74. Pulse of the Nation : GAA 140 Years - Rankings, Ratings, Tales and Drama
by Martin Breheny
€22.99
Pulse of the Nation is a celebration of the GAA's 140 years at the centre of Irish life, from its foundation in November 1884 to the present-day institution that has expanded massively at home and abroad. It zones in on the greatest players in football and hurling, ranking them one-to-ten, accompanied by profiles, in each of the fifteen positions in both codes. The 'greatest day' for all 32 counties is explored, along with a trawl through the various competitions, from the All-Ireland championships with their 'Heartbeat of the Irish Summer' billing, to those that were once popular but are no longer in place. Controversies are explored, the changed managerial environment is assessed - including the impact of some of the biggest names from Kevin Heffernan to Mick O'Dwyer, from Brian Cody to John Kiely - and the covers are lifted on the GAA's role in Ireland's social and cultural history, including the growth in popularity of camogie and ladies' football. Written by award-winning sports journalists Martin Breheny and Donal Keenan, this is the ultimate publication for the GAA's 140th anniversary.
Hardback
80. Pulse of the Nation : GAA 140 Years - Rankings, Ratings, Tales and Drama
by Martin Breheny
€22.99
Pulse of the Nation is a celebration of the GAA's 140 years at the centre of Irish life, from its foundation in November 1884 to the present-day institution that has expanded massively at home and abroad. It zones in on the greatest players in football and hurling, ranking them one-to-ten, accompanied by profiles, in each of the fifteen positions in both codes. The 'greatest day' for all 32 counties is explored, along with a trawl through the various competitions, from the All-Ireland championships with their 'Heartbeat of the Irish Summer' billing, to those that were once popular but are no longer in place. Controversies are explored, the changed managerial environment is assessed - including the impact of some of the biggest names from Kevin Heffernan to Mick O'Dwyer, from Brian Cody to John Kiely - and the covers are lifted on the GAA's role in Ireland's social and cultural history, including the growth in popularity of camogie and ladies' football. Written by award-winning sports journalists Martin Breheny and Donal Keenan, this is the ultimate publication for the GAA's 140th anniversary.
Hardback
83. Drama Drives Interest: The Web Summit Story
by Catherine Sanz
€14.99
The first definitive account of one of Ireland’s most controversial business stories Founded in 2009 by the enigmatic Paddy Cosgrave, Web Summit started as a 150-person meet up in Dublin. Within a decade, it grew to a 70,000 gathering of industry leaders. The gravitas of big names and the vibrant atmosphere of the conference would convince leaders of companies big and small that Web Summit was the place to be for experts and more importantly, was worth the price of participating. But, under the bright lights of its success, Web Summit appeared to unravel. After spending years using social media to target people he disagrees with, and leading Web Summit with what some say was unfettered power for much of this time, in October 2023 Paddy Cosgrave resigned in a storm of controversy following his own online comments. But less than six months later, Paddy has returned as chief executive and embroiled in a series of lawsuits with his co-founders, Web Summit seems to be edging toward some sort of reckoning. In Drama Drives Interest, journalist Catherine Sanz chronicles the historic rise, fall, and rise again of Paddy Cosgrave and provides the first definitive account of one of Ireland’s most controversial business stories.
Paperback
84. Running From Office: Confessions Of Ambition And Failure In Politics
by Eoghan Murphy
€22.19
A wonderfully engaging, honest and witty portrait of the humiliations, idealism, nobility and banality of democratic life' - Rory Stewart, author of Politics on the Edge' Wryly self-deprecating, but also informative and illuminating' - Matt Cooper As Ireland's Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy took on one of the toughest brief in government, one that continues to be a challenge today. Looking back at his life in the build-up to parliamentary office and at his time in the cabinet, Eoghan brings a self-lacerating and deeply personal view of the life of a modern politician trying - and often failing - to make the positive change he hoped to deliver. Brutal and sometimes harrowing, Eoghan's tale is also surprisingly funny, though the humour is only ever at the author's expense. If, in the end, all political careers end in failure, why didn't anyone tell the author that? There are no heroes or villains here, just a person facing their own limitations as they navigate the unfamiliar world of campaigns, elected office and government responsibility. Bringing refreshing candour to the pressures and absurdity of politics, this book shows us who our politicians really are when there's nothing left to spin and no one there to spin it to.
Paperback
94. Bored of lunch. Healthy air fryer 30 minute meals
by Nathan Anthony
€19.99
FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE BESTSELLING AIR FRYER BOOK OF ALL TIME All NEW super-speedy, calorie-counted air fryer recipes so you can have delicious, healthy food on the table in 30 minutes or less. From Nathan Anthony, author of three instant no.1 bestsellers, comes a brand new book of quick, easy and healthy recipes for your air fryer. With dishes ready in 30 minutes or less (including prep time!), this is effortless cooking to maximise flavour while minimising cooking time. Every recipe is calorie counted, so you can have lighter versions of your favourites dishes on the table in just half an hour, making mealtimes and life that bit easier. As a lower-energy alternative to a conventional oven, air fryers are a cost-efficient way to make all your favourite dishes and save on your household energy bill. And with a focus on everyday, easy-to-find ingredients, this is food you can cook without breaking the bank or even a sweat. The incredible, quick recipes include Salt and Pepper Squid, Crispy Fried Chicken, Meatball & Mozzarella Orzo Bake, Fish & Chips and a Juicy Pork Roast. Air frying doesn't get any easier than this! Chapters include: - Fakeaways in a Flash - Hosting in a hurry - Breezy Brunch & Lunch - Midweek Meals in Minutes - Quick Comfort Food - Speedy Sides & Sharing Number 1 Sunday Times bestseller, April 2024 The Bored of Lunch series has sold over one million copies [Nielsen BookScan, April 2024] Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Airfryer Book, No.1 Bestselling Airfryer Cook Book [Nielsen BookScan, April 2024]
Hardback
95. Your one wild and precious life
by Maureen Gaffney
€13.99
No 1 Bestseller and Irish Book Award Winner! "A profound, important work, simultaneously wise, instructive and a love letter to humanity" Irish Times A ground-breaking new framework for embracing middle age and beyond Middle-age is cross-roadsy - having arrived, you're looking back in wonder about how you got here, and also looking ahead, thinking: where to next? The realisation that neither time nor choices are limitless is both daunting and exciting - this is the moment to take stock and figure out how to make the best of every precious moment of your second act. Your One Wild and Precious Life is an eye-opening account of this vital and surprisingly liberating life-stage. Crucially, it sets out how you can transform your thinking to reclaim control over your life, connect with who you truly are and face the future with joy and a sense of purpose. This is both radical and reassuring - a book to fundamentally alter your relationship with time and to help you to understand that every age can be your best age. ____________ 'I recognised entire sections that seemed to have been written just for me ... I don't think I've ever taken so many notes' - Irish Times 'A book I will keep by my bedside forever' Deirdre O'Kane, Sunday Times 'Warm, wise and immensely readable ... peppered with insights and advice about how to become your best self' - Irish Mail on Sunday 'Solid and practical advice about how to navigate those tricky, hurdle-strewn yeas that lie in between finishing the child-rearing and preparing oneself for dotage' - Sunday Independent
Paperback
104. The murderer and the Taoiseach
by Harry McGee
€12.99
'An incredible and compelling story' MATT COOPER 'Gripping, unpretentious, brilliant and unputdownable' BUSINESS POST A Murderer. A Leader. The Scandal of an Era. In the summer of 1982, Irish aristocrat Malcolm Macarthur embarked on a brutal killing spree in a doomed plan to remedy his financial woes. Two weeks later, in a sensational turn of events, he was arrested in the home of Attorney General Patrick Connolly. The scandal attracted worldwide headlines and resulted in untold damage to then Taoiseach Charles Haughey. The words he used to describe the dark events - grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented - coined the era-defining phrase GUBU. Here, award-winning political journalist Harry McGee retraces the happenings of that long hot summer and beyond. From the cat-and-mouse game to track down an unpredictable killer to Macarthur's extraordinary capture, he considers both the life and psyche of a murderer, and that of the leading political figure of the time - a man similarly driven by greed, status and a sense of himself as existing above the law. Including previously unknown aspects of the trial and interaction with Malcolm Macarthur himself, The Murderer and the Taoiseach is a compulsive journey through tragedy and scandal. 'Brisk, illuminating, crackling with detail' TONY CONNELLY 'A brilliant account of shocking crimes and the dramatic political crisis they caused' DAVID McCULLAGH
Paperback
105. John Hume The Persuader H/B
by Stephen Walker
€28.99
Peacemaker, politician, Nobel laureate: John Hume was a titan of Irish political history and a key architect of the Good Friday Agreement, bringing peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict. But who was the real John Hume? What motivated the former history teacher to reach beyond political lines? What sustained him during the bloody years of violence and how did he convince the IRA to end its long-running campaign? How did he persuade presidents and prime ministers to take risks and back his vision for Northern Ireland? How should John Hume be remembered? Stephen Walker combines over 100 interviews with many of Hume’s colleagues, critics and family members, with never-before-published interviews with Hume himself to present a comprehensive portrait of one of the most significant political figures in Northern Ireland and around the world.
Hardback
107. Bored Of Lunch: The Healthy Slowcooker Book
by Nathan Anthony
€19.99
The must-have first cookbook from the hugely popular slimming slow cooker blog. Nathan Anthony, the home cook behind Bored of Lunch, shares delicious and easy home-style recipes that can all be made in your slow cooker while you get on with your day. Calorie-counted and perfect for anyone enjoying a slimming lifestyle or following a diet programme, satisfying, flavourful food has never been so easy and affordable. From pastas and risottos to curries, fakeaways and family favourites this book is packed with dishes for any day of the week or occasion such as Honey Chilli Beef Noodles, Garlic Mac and Cheese, Lemon Butter Chicken and even a Sunday Roast. With simple, foolproof methods and no fancy or hard-to-find ingredients this is the perfect book for anyone who wants delicious meals that make you feel great too.
Hardback
108. Home is where the start is
by Richard Hogan
€12.99
IThe bestselling guide for understanding how your family made you, and how you can make yourself even better. 'Excellent' - Brendan O'Connor, RTÉ Radio One 'I loved it' - Sìle Seoige, Ready to Be Real * * * Our early years at home are when we lay down the blueprint for being a partner, parent, sibling, friend, colleague, neighbour, and even a citizen. Home is where we become who we are. Even the best of childhoods is imperfect. And if there were difficulties - whether due to simple personality clashes, or issues such as authoritarian parenting, family break-up, illness, loss or addiction - it may be an ongoing struggle to manage our moods and emotions, though we may have no idea why. Psychotherapist Richard Hogan has seen it all when it comes to how the early years shape us - and he knows we can work on ourselves to rewrite the blueprint. In this book he draws on extensive research and thousands of conversations in the therapy room to explain how. Packed full of eye-opening and liberating ideas, fascinating case studies and practical tools, Home is Where the Start Is also includes a remarkable account of Richard's own challenges as a child and teenager. He knows exactly what it's like to face the past squarely, grapple with the legacy of childhood unhappiness and work on creating a better future. Home is Where the Start Is will help you become the best version of yourself you can be. And it is an invaluable source of advice for parents to give your child the best possible start. * * * 'Filled with articulate and fundamentally encouraging advice' - Sunday Independent 'A book of hope' - RSVP 'An essential guide for anyone who wants to break free from the cycles of family dysfunction' - Irish Examiner 'Refreshing . . . for everyone who's interested in simply living better, with a little more stress and a lot more joy' - Anglo-Celt
Paperback
109. An Irish Folklore Treasury
by John Creedon
€22.49
In this people’s history of Ireland, John Creedon introduces a fascinating collection of stories from the Schools’ Collection. This treasure trove of old stories, ways and wisdom, which could have been lost for ever, was collected by schoolchildren as part of a nationwide project set up in the 1930s to preserve Irish folklore. Published here for the first time, this ‘best of’ selection includes chapters on ghost stories, agriculture, forgotten trades, schooling and pastimes. The result is an incredible arc of folk history that tells us about ourselves and how we lived long ago.
Hardback
111. How to be good with money
by Eoin McGee
€18.99
In today's economy, where one-job careers are increasingly a thing of the past, workplace benefits are increasingly hard to come by, and the achievement of major life goals - like buying a house or starting a family - often depends on your ability to save, it's more important than ever that we understand how to get the absolute most from our money. In How to Be Good with Money, author, TV host and financial planner Eoin McGee shares his complete programme for financial well-being. This book is for anyone wondering how best to spend their money, how best to get out of debt and start saving for the things that really matter to them, and how to look after their financial future and retire early.
Paperback
112. How to Make Your Money Work
by Eoin McGee
€16.99
In this seminar, Eoin will discuss the relationship we have with money and how it impacts the financial decisions we make. Why do we feel good spending money in a shop, but suffer buyer’s remorse when we get home? Why do some of us hoard our cash and others find it burns a hole in our pocket? How has our upbringing affected us financially today and is your financial future down to nature or nurture? But most importantly of all by learning about our financial past, by identifying our traits and the reasons for them, can we change our financial future? What kind of relationship do you have with money? Is it helping you make the most of your income? And if not, what if you could change that? We all differ in our money mindsets - in the ways we approach spending, saving and other financial decisions. In his second book, Eoin McGee provides a fascinating overview of these differing outlooks, and explains how understanding your own attitude towards money is the secret to effective financial planning and making the most of your income in order to close the gap between the money you earn and the lifestyle you want. Wherever you are on your financial journey, How to Make Your Money Work will change the way you approach spending and saving with priceless wisdom and practical advice for making your financial goals a reality.
Paperback
116. The Irish Words You Should Know
by Hector Ó hEochagáin
€19.99
"Irish Words You Should Know: And How to Use Them Every Day" When you speak in Irish, every word becomes a tiny poem. Take loinnir —a word describing sunlight sparkling on waves, or the merriness after an early pint of stout. Here, Hector weaves stories around Irish words that reveal a unique perspective on Ireland’s landscape, weather, relationships, feelings, and even the body. In Irish Words You Should Know , you’ll discover that rain feels wetter and the sun shines brighter when described in Irish. The Irish language lives within the soil, flows through the leaves, and hums in the wind and rain, reminding us of an ancient heritage. Irish existed on this island long before English, connecting us to our ancestors and helping define who we are today. Whether you’re a fluent gaeilgeoir or, like Hector, you struggled in school and can’t write a word of Irish, Irish Words You Should Know: And How to Use Them Every Day will inspire you to speak the cúpla focail confidently. It’s a book that celebrates the fun and magic of the Irish language, an inheritance for all who love Ireland.
Hardback
118. Attention: Writing on Life, Art and the World
by Anne Enright
€18.99
For thirty years Anne Enright has been paying attention: casting her lucid and distinctive gaze across the world, literature and her own life, and gifting us with her precise insights. Anne Enright has always been alert to the places where public and private meet, where individual lives are caught by, or alter, the sweep of history. These essays, collated from across Enright’s career, take us from Galway to Honduras, from personal self-examination to urgent political writing. They delve into Enright’s own family history, and explore the free voices and controlled bodies of women in society and fiction. She offers new perspectives on writers including Alice Munro, Toni Morrison, James Joyce, Helen Garner and Angela Carter. Attention brings Anne Enright’s wide-ranging cultural criticism, literary and autobiographical writing together for the first time. In Enright’s fiction, speech can transform, rupture, enliven and liberate — in these essays, she speaks to us directly. Electrifying, probing and exuberant, this is a defining collection from one of our most distinguished literary voices.
Paperback
121. The 50 Best Family Hikes in Ireland
by Mairéad Furlong
€15.99
In The 50 Best Family Hikes in Ireland , Mairéad Furlong and Fergal McLoughlin share their experiences of climbing more than 200 of Ireland’s mountains with their child (who is currently eight years old), drawing on their expertise from over twenty years of working as psychologists with families and children. The walks cover a wide range of different landscapes, including mountains, sea cliffs, sandy coastlines, karst limestone, rivers, lakes, woodlands and boglands, and feature gems not typically included in other Irish hiking books. This beautiful and thoroughly practical book will inspire parents (and guardians, grandparents, aunts and uncles) to believe that hiking with children is not only possible but also very enjoyable.
Paperback
123. This Boy's Heart: Scenes from an Irish Childhood
by John Creedon
€19.99
In This Boy's Heart , beloved Irish broadcaster John Creedon invites readers on an intimate journey through the people, places, and moments that shaped him. With warmth, humor, and a keen sense of nostalgia, Creedon recounts tales of his Cork upbringing, weaving together stories of family, friendships, and the Irish landscapes that left an indelible mark on his life. Celebrating the simplicity and beauty of Irish culture, this memoir is a tribute to Creedon’s roots and a universal story of belonging and self-discovery. Perfect for fans of memoirs, Irish culture, and those drawn to reflective, heartwarming storytelling, This Boy's Heart is an inspiring read that reminds us of the power of home and heritage.
Hardback
127. The Gobshite Guidebook: A Survival Manual
by Jarlath Regan
€12.99
Every family has one. Every WhatsApp group. Every office. You know the type - the lane-hogger, the queue-jumper, the clueless loudmouth who somehow thinks they’re the normal one. But what exactly is a gobshite? And more importantly, how do we deal with them? The Gobshite Guidebook is the first no-nonsense, laugh-out-loud manual for surviving the gobshites that walk among us. From the barista who dries cups with a floor cloth to the history-making egomaniacs who derail entire nations, gobshites are a universal nuisance - and they’re not going anywhere. Part survival guide, part social commentary (with a dash of therapy), this book dives into the mindset, mayhem and mystery of the gobshite, with tips on how to spot them, outwit them and protect your peace. Because recognising a gobshite is step one. Not becoming one? That’s the real goal.
Hardback
128. From Ballybunion To The River Kwai: An Irishman’s Story of Survival on the Death Railway
by Fergus Kennedy
€17.99
Ballybunion to the River Kwai is the remarkable story of Don Kennedy’s harrowing experience as an Irish prisoner of war under the Japanese from 1942–45. Vividly narrated by Don’s son Fergus, this is the first account of an Irish citizen as a POW along the infamous River Kwai, offering fresh insights into a chapter of history that the world presumes it knows. This poignant and thoroughly researched story is crafted to resonate with a wide Irish audience, from general readers to history enthusiasts alike, and with those further afield who hold a fascination with war history and the iconic River Kwai. Elements of love, mystery and survival broaden its appeal, ensuring a connection with a diverse readership. Ballybunion to the River Kwai is more than a biography; it’s a journey through the darkest times to find light, love and resilience. It’s a story that promises to touch hearts, provoke thought, and, perhaps most importantly, remind us of the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Paperback