Irish Non-Fiction Books

1. Obsessed: The Autobiography

by Johnny Sexton

€22.99

"Obsessed: The Autobiography by Johnny Sexton" "Sexton will go down as Ireland's greatest ever player" – Gordon D'Arcy, Irish Times No Irish rugby player has ever achieved more or inspired both teammates and fans quite like Johnny Sexton. Yet, as recently as May 2009, few would have predicted such greatness. At 24, Sexton was not the first choice at Leinster, still uncapped by Ireland, and his future as a rugby legend seemed far from certain. In his highly anticipated autobiography, Obsessed by Johnny Sexton , the legendary fly-half shares his life and career story, revealing the relentless drive and determination behind his unparalleled success. From four European Cups to four Six Nations championships—including two Grand Slams—his era redefined what Leinster and Ireland could achieve, culminating in multiple world number-one rankings and a World Player of the Year award. Known for his outspoken nature both on and off the pitch, Sexton offers a candid reflection on his journey: from his early, uncertain days in club rugby to forging deep relationships with icons like Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Joe Schmidt, and Andy Farrell. In Obsessed: The Autobiography by Johnny Sexton , he also shares his thoughts on the game, leadership, and the mindset that transformed him into one of the sport’s all-time greats. This is the definitive story of the man who led Irish rugby to new heights.

2. Joe Canning: My Story

by Joe Canning

€19.99

"Joe Canning: My Story" – Autobiography The youngest of seven children in a legendary hurling family from Portumna, Joe Canning was hailed as a prodigy from his first moments on the pitch. Could he live up to the immense expectations? The answer was a resounding "yes" when, at just 19, Joe Canning made national headlines by scoring an astonishing 2-12 for Galway, almost single-handedly leading them to victory over Cork. From that day on, Canning's brilliance was undeniable. Yet, despite his consistent excellence, it would take nine long years before he finally lifted the coveted Liam MacCarthy Cup. In Joe Canning: My Story , this deeply personal and highly anticipated autobiography, Joe reflects on his remarkable career's extraordinary highs and challenging lows. He shares what it was like to shoulder immense expectations, cope with the pressures of performance, and navigate personal struggles off the field—particularly his parents’ battles with cancer, which offered him profound perspective amid his pursuit of greatness. For years, Ireland asked: would Joe Canning be remembered as the greatest hurler never to win an All-Ireland medal? In his heartfelt memoir, Canning recounts the overwhelming joy of winning the All-Ireland and the priceless moment of seeing his parents' pride as he fulfilled his lifelong dream. He also reflects on his decision to retire and how he found peace in stepping away from the game that defined him. This is more than a sports autobiography; it’s a story of resilience, perseverance, and the human spirit behind one of Hurling’s greatest icons.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. I Loved Him From The Day He Died

by Michael P. Harding

€16.99

I Loved Him from the Day He Died is a deeply moving memoir by celebrated Irish author Michael Harding, known for his profound reflections on love, loss, and the human experience. This intimate journey follows Harding as he grapples with the grief of losing his father and embarks on a transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. In this evocative narrative, Harding invites readers to walk beside him through the Irish landscapes of memory and the spiritual paths of Spain, where he confronts questions of mortality, legacy, and what it truly means to let go. With a mix of raw honesty and gentle humour, Harding’s story is both personal and universal, resonating with anyone who has faced the complexities of family relationships or sought healing from loss. Praised by critics and fellow authors alike, I Loved Him from the Day He Died has been called “a masterpiece of introspection and resilience” and “a guide for the soul.” Perfect for fans of: memoirs on grief, father-son stories, Irish literature, and introspective travel narratives. Whether you're drawn to the emotional landscapes of When Breath Becomes Air or the spiritual insights of The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho, Harding’s work will leave a lasting impact.

6. 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.

7. The Hike Life: My 50 Favourite Hikes in Ireland

by Roz Purcell

€18.99

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.

8. Whatever It Takes

by Richie Hogan

€21.99

Richie Hogan is one of the all-time greats of hurling, winner of seven All-Ireland senior hurling medals and multiple individual awards. His epic career brought him both immense joy and incredible heartache. This success did not come about by accident: Richie's complete focus on hurling success meant every decision he made revolved around hurling, from education to career to lifestyle choices. He grew up with Kilkenny hurling in his blood and from a very young age worked towards goals rather than dreams. Hyper-focused and determined, there wasn't a day in his life where he didn't think about what he needed to do to get to the highest level of the sport he loved and what he needed to do to stay up there. Now, in Whatever it Takes, Richie tells the story of his dazzling career, from his obsession with maintaining high standards in the Kilkenny team, to the stand-out moments on the pitch and the challenges he encountered along the way that threatened to derail everything. This frank and forthright account takes us inside one of the greatest hurling teams of all time as never before.

9. What We Know Now

by Jenny Kelly

€14.99

After twenty years of friendship, podcasters Jenny Kelly and Mairead Ronan have seen it all—single life, career highs, break-ups, make-ups, marriages, divorce, motherhood, and everything in between. They've experienced the joys, stresses, and messes of life, and after countless cups of tea and conversations, they’ve learned one thing for sure: it's time to stop sweating the small stuff. In What We Know Now , Jenny and Mairead share their candid, down-to-earth advice on navigating the highs and lows of adulthood. From the realities of grown-up friendships and relationships to figuring out what you really want in life, they offer wisdom and humor drawn from their own experiences. They’re not here to solve all your problems, but they’ll make you laugh, keep you company, and remind you that no one really has it all figured out. Along the way, you'll learn some essential truths—like why you’ll never have perfect Pocahontas hair (and why that’s totally fine), how satisfying a deep clean can be, and why staring at trees might just make you happier than any designer handbag ever could. Whether it’s navigating relationships, ditching perfectionism, or finding joy in the everyday, What We Know Now is a funny, relatable guide that will leave you feeling understood, uplifted, and less alone in life’s inevitable ups and downs.

10. Irish Words You Should Know: and how to use them every day

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.

11. Kinahan Assassins

by Stephen Breen

€16.99

After an audacious assassination attempt on boss Daniel Kinahan's life, the Kinahan Cartel recruited an unprecedented number of killers to retaliate against their attackers, the Hutch gang. Kinahan Assassins is the compelling behindthe-scenes account of one man's thirst for vengeance and how it proved fatal for his organization. Kinahan Assassins has the stories of the men who killed for the cartel - including vulnerable drug addicts, a former British soldier, an MMA fighter and an invisible 'Mr Nobody' who acted as a cartel quartermaster - as well as those who gave them orders. And it details how, one by one, the hit teams were identified, surveilled and taken down by the Irish police. Featuring new and exclusive material – conversations from wiretaps, insights from gardaí at the heart of the operations and interviews with the loved ones of innocents caught in the crossfire – Kinahan Assassins is a startling and gripping read that throws a new light on the war on organized crime.

12. On Duty

by John O'Driscoll

€21.99

Between 2016 and his retirement in 2022, Assistant Garda Commissioner John O'Driscoll was the public face of Garda operations targeting organised crime. This put him at the centre of a long-running quest to bring down the Kinahan drug cartel, culminating in US sanctions being imposed - an unprecedented development spearheaded by O'Driscoll.   But the Kinahans were just some of the many notorious drug dealers and criminals O'Driscoll successfully brought to book. During his tenure at Dublin's Store Street he was tasked with reckoning with the heroin epidemic: his unique approach to community policing got to the root of the power of infamous criminals like Tony Felloni, Michel Cronin and Derek Dunne, stripping them of their assets. No Assistant Garda Commissioner has ever written a memoir before; On Duty promises to be a unique insight into policing operations in Ireland at the highest level.   'John O'Driscoll makes an authoritative and valuable contribution, quite without precedent, to the debate around policing and security policy in 21st century Ireland' Conor Brady, former editor of The Irish Times and author of The Guarding of Ireland.

13. Dave's Bad Jokes

by Dave Moore

€10.99

Dave's Bad Jokes contains 250 of the best jokes from Dave Moore's long running bad jokes segment on his No.1 Today FM morning show, among them:   I just asked my wife: 'If you won the lottery, would you still love me?' She said: 'Of course I would. I'd miss you, but I'd still love you.'   I just got a bar installed on my roof. So, whenever I have guests, I can say 'drinks are on the house!'   The perfect stocking filler this Christmas! 

14. Weird Ireland: An Unofficial Guide To The Island

by Brinsley McNamara

€15.99

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!

15. Waterford Whispers News 2024

by Colm Williamson

€16.99

Is it the news or is the Waterford Whispers news? The ever-popular stocking filler is back with all the biggest stories from 2024 and tonnes of exclusive new content, Waterford Whispers style! From biting political commentary to irreverent pop culture references, this seasonal institution is the perfect gift.

16. The A to Z of an Irish Christmas

by Sarah Cassidy

€7.99

Everything you don't want foreigners to know about how we celebrate Christmas in Ireland. We can't be doing with Calling Birds, French Hens or Partridges in Pear Trees: but if it's Annuals, The Dinner, The Big Shop or The Wexford Carol you're looking for, you've come to the right book! Christmas Party, The /kris-muss par-tee, thuh/ proper noun. annual knees-up The one night of the year when employees get to tell their boss exactly how they feel as they strut their stuff on the dancefloor. There's nothing quite like scrolling through jobs.ie while nursing the hangover from hell.

17. Drawn to Nature

by Don Conroy

€17.99

In the modern fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget the beauty that exists all around us. Thankfully, Ireland’s favourite artist Don Conroy is on hand and in a reflective mood, reminding us of the simple wonders of Ireland’s natural environment. Through the most exquisite illustrations and thoughtful words, Don guides the reader through the woodlands and waterways that we are all familiar with, pausing and reflecting on a heron here or a fox there … In many ways Drawn to Nature is the ultimate culmination of a life lived in wholehearted commitment to art and conservation. This beautiful book will encourage you to follow that path too.

18. Gaeilge i Mo Chroí - Irish In My Heart

by Molly Nic Céile

€15.99

Your Guide to Loving and Living the Irish Language A JOURNEY INTO THE WISDOM AND WIT OF AN GHAEILGE How do you feel about embracing our native tongue? A bit awkward? At odds after a tricky relationship at school? Maybe you've given up or don’t know where to start? Well, is fada an bóthar nach mbíonn casadh ann —long is the road that has no turn—and in this book, that road is about to turn. Through seanfhocail agus scéalta —proverbs and stories—Molly Nic Céile, creator of the social media sensation for Irish-language learners and lovers Gaeilge i Mo Chroí , invites us to connect with Irish in our hearts, turning náire into gáire —embarrassment into laughter—on a journey of renewed pride in our national tongue. Gaeilge i Mo Chroí - Irish In My Heart: Your Guide to Loving and Living is filled with plenty of craic along the way—including the hilarious “if Irish were English” approach to better understanding sentence structure. This book provides guidance on bringing Irish into our everyday lives, supported by useful word and phrase glossaries throughout. Gaeilge i Mo Chroí - Irish In My Heart by Molly Nic Céile encourages readers to connect with an Ghaeilge they didn’t know they knew, to embrace na botúin —the mistakes—and to discover the richness our beautiful language— ár teanga álainn —can offer.

19. Web of Betrayal

by Nicola Tallant

€14.99

'Nicola Tallant, not for the first time, demonstrates why she is the very best writer on crime. No novelist alive could ever imagine the very complex and very dark human dramas that she skilfully unravels, delivering page after page of truth-telling that we must pay attention to' - Darragh MacIntyre From the author of the 2023 bestselling Cocaine Cowboys, murder and deception and the underworld of Irish gangland intertwine in a deadly dance of power and survival. A murder in Belfast of gangland's most wanted man, Robbie Lawlor, uncovers a webof betrayal that spans out across the Irish underworld and beyond. Follow a bloody trail that leads all the way into the heart of one of the worst gang feuds Ireland has ever seen which culminates in the Narco style dismemberment of a teenage boy, Keane Mulready Woods. And as the curtain is pulled back on the inner workings of the world of organised crime, a cast of ruthless characters take centre stage for their place in a double cross plot that reads like a fast-paced thriller.

20. Dad Food

by Dylan McGrath

€21.99

Restaurateur and chef Dylan McGrath has cooked for thousands of people, but becoming a father encouraged him to create a new approach to cooking at home, using solid recipes that are guaranteed to deliver on taste, whatever your skill level.   In his debut cookbook, Dylan shares the recipes that every man should have up his sleeve and gives a masterclass in the kit and the techniques that will guarantee great results. Beginners will lose the fear of cooking, and confident cooks will be encouraged to take their expertise to the next level. Packed with big flavours, accessible ingredients, and foolproof recipes, this book serves up mouth-watering home cooking to savour and share - with everything from filling brunches to big grills to signature roasts to every dad's favourite: the BBQ. With chapters such as Comforting Curries, Healthy Cooking, Epic Roasts, Simple Suppers, Perfect Pizza, Brunch and Breakfast, this is a must-have cookbook for dads (or for anyone that has a dad) written by a dad. In fact, the recipes are so good you'll find everyone in the house wants to use it!

21. The Magic Of An Irish Rainforest : A Visual Journey

by Eoghan Daltun

€24.99

From the author of the award-winning bestseller An Irish Atlantic Rainforest comes The Magic of An Irish Rainforest: A Visual Journey. In 2023, environmentalist and rewilder Eoghan Daltun travelled the length and breadth of Ireland photographing areas of temperate rainforest, in a bid to illustrate their beauty and immense ecological value, and to document, in almost all cases, their state of decline. The resulting collection of stunning images, combined with deeply illuminating nature writing, charts that exploration, beginning with the author's own thriving wild rainforest on the Beara Peninsula, West Cork, and taking us through the four provinces of Ireland - places such as Killarney National Park, Kerry; The Gearagh, Cork, The Burren, Clare; Old Head Wood, County Mayo; Glenveagh National Park, Donegal; Correl Glen and CladaghGlen, County Fermanagh; and Wicklow's beauty spot of Glendalough. From close-range to wide-lens, luscious forest imagery and landscapes are captured, unimaginably rich in native flora and fauna, offering us a deep insight into rare and priceless ecosystem fragments that we still have but are losing

22. The Emergency in Colour

by Michael B. Barry

€16.99

The Emergency in Colour brings wartime Ireland to life in dramatic colour. Through extensive research, the photos presented here have been painstakingly hand-colourised by photographer John O'Byrne, showing what life on the island was like in extraordinary times. There are over 200 photographs from across the country, many of which have never been published before, all of them accompanied by fascinating and accessible captions from historian Michael B. Barry.

23. The World According to Jacob

by Jacob Whelan

€10.99

Jacob's journey has been truly amazing. When his mum Donna posted his first video on TikTok two years ago, she had no idea that her son would go viral. But in a very short time, Jacob has captured the hearts of people all over the world with his infectious humour, attracting millions of followers including A-listers like Jennifer Lopez, Brooke Shields, Conor Maynard and Melissa Gilbert, as well as Irish rugby coach Andy Farrell. From lovely moments like Jacob's joy when he discovers that he has a birthday EVERY year to his favourite jokes like 'What do you call a woman who lives between two houses? Elaine!' THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JACOB will bring happiness to the darkest of days. As Jacob himself says, all he wants to do is to make people laugh and smile, and that's exactly what THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JACOB will do!

24. The Story Of Tayto: The Original Irish Crisp

by Bobby Aherne

€16.99

From humble origins back in 1954, when Joe 'Spud' Murphy opened a small factory on O'Rahilly Parade in Dublin city, this is the definitive story of an Irish national icon - Tayto crisps - and how they came to be not only the nation's favourite crisps, but a part of our national culture. This is not only a history of the brand, but also a truly unique look at its evolution in a changing Ireland through the decades.  Written with humour and style by popular historian Bobby Aherne, this is the definitive story of Tayto over the last 70 years, from the invention of the cheese and onion flavour, and hand-packed paper packets in 1954, to Mr Tayto's election campaign, the search for Mrs Tayto, and the rollercoaster of Tayto Park. Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of images from the Tayto archives, packed with stories from the past and present, and sprinkled with just a bit of nostalgia for years gone by, this is a book for the whole family to enjoy.

25. Dogs and Their Humans

by Noel Fitzpatrick

€14.99

In my consulting room with a dog lying by our feet, I have seen the very best that humanity has to offer and often in the very worst of circumstances. Private jets or helicopters land, beat up old cars rattle into the carpark, princes and paupers come through the door and every single one has three things in common. One, they love their dogs beyond anything that can be described in words. Two, they will do whatever it takes. And three, they have all come to me for one thing and one thing only: hope. The dogs don’t care whether they are pauper or prince. I don’t care either. My room is the great leveler. From the sublime to the ridiculous, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick has seen it all in his veterinary practice. Dogs (and their humans): stories of healing and hope from the Supervet’s surgery is a funny, uplifting and at times heartbreaking celebration of our connection with our loyal canine friends. Dogs allow us to be the best humans we can be.

26. Eat Out At Home

by Neven Maguire

€19.99

Neven Maguire has spent his life entertaining at his award-winning MacNean House and Restaurant. Now Eat Out at Home by Neven Maguire will show you how to entertain with ease or simply elevate the everyday. Turn your kitchen into a place to dine and delight friends with moules frites and a crisp white wine. Create the perfect date night with oysters, cocktails, and panna cotta with fresh strawberries. Host your soirée with bite-sized canapés and the crispy porchetta. Delight family and friends with a hearty home-style lasagne and the ultimate trifle. This clever cookbook, Eat Out at Home , showcases every recipe in a mix-and-match way, with lots of advice on how to pull dishes together and guidelines for how to entertain with ease. With recipes from Neven's travels, such as Iberico Pork with Gooseberry Relish, Moroccan Orange Salad with Pomegranate, and Greek Beef and Macaroni Pie, alongside some of his best-loved recipes from MacNean House, this book is filled with the love, laughter, and joy from around Neven's table, inspiring you to create lasting food memories too.

27. The Home Sommelier: Your down-to-earth guide to choosing good wine

by Brigid O'Hora

€16.99

The Home Sommelier: Your down-to-earth guide to choosing good wine by Brigid O'Hora is the essential, accessible guide for making the perfect wine choices without breaking the bank. Have you ever stood in front of the supermarket wine aisle, unsure which bottle is right for a cozy night in with pasta or a friend’s dinner party? With her years of expertise in the wine industry and as the creator of the popular Instagram account @brideys_wine_chats, Brigid O'Hora is here to simplify your wine selection journey. In The Home Sommelier, Brigid shares practical, approachable advice developed over twenty-five years to help you confidently select the ideal wine for every occasion, regardless of your budget. From discovering the regions and grape varieties you’ll love to master simple tricks to tell quality wine from the rest, this guide will make every choice feel easy and intuitive. Brigid also dives into pairing tips, showing how to match wines with everyday meals—from fish and chips to spaghetti Bolognese to the classic Tayto sandwich. You’ll even learn how to enhance your experience with the right glassware, maximizing every pour to elevate your at-home wine moments. With The Home Sommelier by Brigid O'Hora, transform your wine selections from daunting to delightful. It’s more than a book—it’s your friendly guide to making each glass a celebration of flavor, fun, and personal taste.

28. 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.

29. A Place Called Home

by Alice Taylor

€17.99

In fact, two places called home ... For over sixty years, Alice Taylor has lived in the village of Innishannon, the gateway to West Cork. But her childhood was spent on a farm in North Cork, near the Kerry border, and her memories of that homeplace are vivid. Here, she recalls the sounds and smells of the farmyard, now silent; she visits her old national school, today in ruins, and her secondary, which has a new life as a cultural centre. She also writes of day-to-day life in her beloved Innishannon. With her trademark wit and wisdom, Alice takes us on a ramble around both of her homes, celebrating the places, the people and the special moments that have stayed in her heart over the years.

30. 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.

31. Everything is Mnásome: 365 Days of Celebrating Irish Women

by Kunak McGann

€9.49

Need a reason to feel mná-some ? Look no further! This book celebrates Irish women and their extraordinary achievements, one day at a time. From stone-throwing suffragists and brilliant scientists to daring adventurers, controversial writers, record-breaking athletes, and global music icons—these are the Mná na hÉireann who defied the patriarchy and shaped their own destinies. Discover the unsung heroes and fearless trailblazers who forged Ireland's past and continue to inspire its future. You'll be prouder than ever of these remarkable women and their hard-fought victories!

32. The brutish empire

by Des Ekin

€19.99

The Bloody History of British Colonisation For centuries, a small island nation cast a shadow across the world. The British Empire's methods of expansion were often brutal, usually devastating. From Amritsar to Zululand, from the Opium Wars in China to the deliberate infection of Native Americans with smallpox and the cold-blooded treatment of the starving during the Irish Famine, Des Ekin lays bare the atrocities committed in the name of colonisation. With many nations worldwide still grappling with the legacy of British rule, Ekin explores the justifications used to dehumanise other people and rationalise their abuse, exploitation and slaughter. In this rigorously researched and eminently readable book, Des Ekin lifts the veil on the harrowing realities of colonial rule.

33. An Irish Food Story

by Jp McMahon

€25.00

An Irish Food Story looks at history, culture and identity in Ireland through 100 foods. From farmhouse cheese to Findus Crispy Pancakes and everything in between, Jp McMahon shows that we truly are what we eat. It's a story about what we had and what we wanted, about what we got and what we ate, starting with the first settlers who arrived on the island 10,000 years ago to the people who call Ireland home today. The Irish food story is also about what we didn't eat. It's about how we sometimes ignored the very foods that are right in front of us. It's about how we still struggle to assert our native food culture and food identity due to a history of colonialism, famine and self-doubt. The high and the low, the good and the bad, feast and famine all have a place in the Irish food story. Jp McMahon invites us to explore it and celebrate it together.

34. Future wild

by Richard Nairn

€19.95

Ireland has little left of its original natural habitats. Many species, like the curlew, are under pressure due to intensive practices such as farming, forestry and fisheries and some are threatened with extinction. But given a little help from us, nature has the innate capacity to restore itself. Nature restoration is the positive management of the environment for the benefit of wildlife and people. It looks to the future, by steering natural habitats and wildlife in a better and more sustainable direction. In Future Wild: Nature Restoration in Ireland, Richard Nairn explores numerous active restoration projects around Ireland which show how natural habitats and native species can be restored sustainably for the benefit of everyone. From individual landowners and voluntary organisations to state bodies such as Bord na Móna, he meets the people who are dedicated to nature restoration. By turns shocking, hopeful and finally positive, Future Wild shows that the damage we have done to nature can also be undone by us, and that, with nature restoration, we can create a richer and more diverse environment for generations to come.

35. Get Up And Go Diary For Busy Women 2025

by Get Up & Go

€10.99

The Get Up and Go Diary for Busy Women 2025 is a thoughtfully designed planner tailored for women managing multiple responsibilities. This diary combines practical scheduling tools with motivational content, including insightful prompts, uplifting quotes, and actionable exercises, to help you prioritize self-care, set personal goals, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the year. Its user-friendly layout ensures you stay organized and inspired, making it an essential companion for navigating the demands of daily life. 

36. Irish Get Up And Go Diary 2025

by Get Up & Go

€10.99

The Irish Get Up and Go Diary 2025 is a beautifully crafted A5 diary designed to inspire, motivate, and empower you throughout the year. Each week is spread over two pages, providing ample space for planning and reflection. The diary features monthly goal-setting pages, thought-provoking prompts, and a selection of poems to encourage a positive mindset. Its elegant illustrations and practical layout make it an ideal companion for anyone seeking to organise their life while staying inspired.

37. Murmuration

by James Crombie

€23.95

In the dusk hours of a November evening in 2020, James Crombie set out for the shore of Lough Ennell, Co. Westmeath with no goal except to find a brief reprieve from the chaos of modern life. One of Ireland's most lauded sports photographers, Crombie had spent months each year travelling the globe, snapping glimpses of sporting glory amid roaring crowds. Once the pandemic arrived however, he found himself suspended in an unfamiliar moment of stillness, where his focus could roam beyond the pitch. When a close friend came to him in a moment of grief, the pair made for the lake. What Crombie found on the shore that evening - an undulating murmuration of starlings, dancing above the surface of the water - would change his life forever. Desperate to capture the beauty of the murmurations, and to better understand this phenomenon and the surroundings of the lake itself, Crombie began a four-year journey, travelling to lake shore for over 100 days per year. In his efforts to capture the formations of the magical birds, Crombie managed to chart the stunning natural cycles of the lake and the surrounding countryside. An incredible combination of narrative and photography, this is a book about one man's quest to capture the beauty of an Irish natural phenomenon, and about how our local environments harbour a wealth of beauty and complexity, if only we're able to look closely enough. The book also features an introduction by pioneering ornithologist Seán Ronayne.

38. The Irish writers handbook 2025

by Ruth McKee

€20.00

Irish Writers Handbook 2025 P/B

39. Irish Art Of Calligraphy: A Step By Step Guide

by Timothy O'Neill

€14.40

An essential guide for anyone who has ever wanted to try their hand at calligraphy. Delve into Ireland's artistic past and learn how to write your own letters in a matter of hours with guidance from a master calligrapher.

40. Swimming upstream

by Patsy Peril

€19.99

'Unlike me, the Atlantic wild salmon does not have a voice, so it cannot tell the story of why and how it has been driven to the point of extinction.' Once, the River Shannon was teeming with wild salmon swimming upstream. But when the enormous hydro-electric station at Ardnacrusha was built in 1929, what began as the Free State's crowning achievement would have a devastating impact on the environment. In this evocative and thought-provoking memoir, Patsy Peril recalls a life deeply entwined with Irish wildlife and embedded in the history of modern Ireland. From a childhood spent on the water to a national conservation campaign, Patsy has a lifetime of knowledge to share about the wild Atlantic salmon - and a plan to save it.

41. Its All Too Much

by Allison Keating

€16.99

Are you one of many people who look as though they are coping, but in reality they’re not? Are you juggling endless WhatsApp groups and growing to-do lists, and feeling the pressure to be productively perfect at home, at work and in your social life? In those rare moments when you come up for air, do you find yourself wondering, ‘Who am I? What am I doing?’ and ‘Why am I living like this?’ This practical book will guide you from ‘survive’ to ‘thrive’. With tools to help you deal effectively with anxiety, overwhelm and panic attacks, you will also discover how to clarify and plan your next steps, taking you from ‘It’s all too much!’ to ‘I’ve got this.’

42. 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.

43. You will die in prison

by Bernard Phelan

€12.99

'An affirmation of the power of love, kindness, courage and human resilience' - Lara Marlowe, author of Love in a Time of War. Bernard Phelan was working for an Iranian tour operator when he was arrested on false charges of spying on 3rd October 2022, becoming a political hostage. He shared "Satan's block" in Mashhad prison with political prisoners and drug traffickers - and condemned inmates awaiting execution. He was released from prison in May 2023 after being held hostage for seven months. Bernard Phelan grew up in Stillorgan, Dublin and lives in Paris with his husband.

44. Traces Of Truth

by Ciaran Prior

€16.99

Despite an intense fear of death, Ciaran Prior became a garda crime scene investigator, a job that exposed him to the very thing he had feared most as a child. In this remarkable and revealing memoir, Ciaran sensitively details his work on some of Ireland’s most shocking murders, giving the reader behind-the-scenes access to real crime scenes and a unique insight into the role of forensics in modern-day policing, as well as the impact that constant frontline encounters with death had on Ciaran’s health. More than just a forensic police procedural, Traces of Truth is both a fascinating glimpse into crime scene investigation techniques, the character instinct and judgement required to see justice done, and a moving reflection on life, death and the traces that a career spent dealing with mortality leave on a man’s perception and psyche.

45. Some Of Our Parts

by Laura Kennedy

€14.99

Exploring the complexity of identity labels through memoir with warmth, insight and signature humour, considering how we might figure out who the hell we are in a world so eager to tell us. "I have worn a lot of labels, by choice and otherwise. Here, I consider the ones I've picked up, rejected, lost, had stuck to my back like a 'kick me' poster in the schoolyard at lunch time, worn for a while and lost connection to. In its way, each one makes a discrete claim on who I am, as the labels you bear do for you. Each one is a means of translating who we are to the world and, when seen as the most important or truest element of who we are, shrinking and flattening us. Each one is part of our story, nothing more." A thought-provoking exploration of identity, Some of Our Parts casts a philosophical eye over the labels that shape our lives, considering how they can both help us to communicate our values and how they have the potential to trap us. A memoir explored through a life in labels inherited, accrued and cast off, Some of Our Parts considers the power in reclaiming our own story and challenges readers to question how we define ourselves in a world that is so ready to decide for us.

46. Only a Soldier Knows

by Ray Lane

€11.99

On a grey Sunday afternoon in the depths of the Troubles, bomb disposal officer Ray Lane, in his first ever deployment, was tasked with defusing an IRA 1,000kg bomb planted on the Border. It was the dangerous start to an extraordinary career that would take him to the frontlines of some of the world's most perilous conflicts. From beer kegs packed with explosives to ingenious homemade devices designed to maim and kill, Ray's job was the very definition of danger. With nerves of steel and unmatched skills in wartime diplomacy, Ray dove into some of the world's most hostile environments: Bosnia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Every mission brought him face-to-face with the atrocities of war and left their scars-both physical and emotional. A memoir that is riveting in nature, this takes the readers from the darkest depths of humanity to the heights of bravery. Ray reflects on mental strength and courage-deep inside-to override every human instinct and walk toward a bomb, knowing the risks yet choosing duty over fear.

47. Sleep Hacks

by Keith Barry

€16.99

Renowned brain hacker Keith Barry has spent his career mastering the science of hypnosis and sleep, aiding countless individuals in overcoming destructive sleep patterns while establishing new, beneficial habits. Now, he wants to help you. In this transformative program, Keith unveils his unique approach: integrating hypnosis, neuroscience and brain-hacking techniques to assist anyone who is struggling to attain deep, rejuvenating sleep. Divided into three parts, the programme first addresses the physical body, offering methods to prime your body for success. Then focus then shifts to psychological techniques designed to release worries and declutter the conscious mind in order to cultivate a tranquil mental state. In the final stage, Keith introduces hypnomagical tricks aimed at accessing and influencing the subconscious mind, facilitating nightly transitions into deep sleep. Through self-hypnosis, you learn how to guide your subconscious towards restorative rest. This truly life-changing book demonstrates how implementing these simple changes can yield immediate and remarkable improvements in sleep quality.

48. Drama Drives Interest: The Web Summit Story

by Catherine Sanz

€12.99

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.

49. Running From Office: Confessions Of Ambition And Failure In Politics

by Eoghan Murphy

€16.99

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.

50. Money: A Story Of Humanity

by David McWilliams

€16.99

"Money: A Story of Humanity" by David McWilliams MONEY. The object of our desires. The engine of our genius. Humanity’s greatest invention. Whether we like it or not, our world revolves around money, yet we rarely stop to think about it. What exactly is money, where does it come from, and can it run out? What is this force that drives trade, ignites revolutions, fuels discoveries and inspires art, philosophy, and science? In Money: A Story of Humanity , economist David McWilliams takes readers on a fascinating and often irreverent journey through the history of money. From ancient Africa’s tally sticks to Republican Greece’s coins, medieval Arab mathematics, the fervor of the French Revolution, and the birth of the US dollar, McWilliams tracks humanity’s complex relationship with currency, right up to today’s cryptocurrency era. Along the way, he introduces us to innovators and disruptors whose ideas about money have reshaped societies and sparked progress over the last 5,000 years. This illuminating narrative explores how money has continuously evolved, acting as a catalyst for human ingenuity and societal transformation.

51. Extraordinary GAA people

by John Scally

€13.99

As we mark the 140th anniversary of the founding of the GAA, this book is a celebration of the greatest treasure in its long and illustrious history: its people. In a fast-changing world, the GAA has given us a fixed point in our lives and Gaelic games have given us so many truly extraordinary people. Each of their unique stories in some way offers a revealing snapshot of the GAA, as we salute the great and the good of Gaelic football, ladies' football, camogie and hurling - along with some less obvious and surprising choices - featuring John B. Keane, Rena Buckley, Brian Cody, Eamonn Cregan, Brian D'Arcy, Mickey Harte, the 2 Johnnies, Shane Lowry, Paul Mescal, John O'Donohue, Martin O'Neill, Hannah Tyrell and many more. And with fascinating revelations like Séamus Mallon's personal memory of the Good Friday Agreement, the superstar who kneeled before Jimmy Magee, John O'Mahony's late evening and Ger Loughnane's big regret, this is the perfect way to celebrate the extraordinary people of the GAA.

52. Atlas of the Irish Civil War

by Helene O'Keeffe

€46.99

This new volume in the award-winning Atlas Series presents fresh perspectives on, and a nuanced understanding of, the history of the Irish Civil War (1922–3). The centenary of the Civil War has prompted wide-ranging research into that tumultuous and complex period in Irish history. Featuring contributions from over ninety leading scholars from a range of disciplines, this book provides new insights into the conflict’s regional, national and international dimensions. It includes the first-ever listing of Civil War fatalities and original explorations of issues including propaganda, gender, trauma, culture, labour, land and class. Produced in partnership with the National Library of Ireland with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New perspectives is richly illustrated with over 400 photographs, archival documents and a series of newly created original maps. From the research team that produced the widely acclaimed Atlas of the Irish Revolution, this volume represents a major and accessible contribution to the historiography of a conflict that has cast a long shadow over Irish life.

53. 80 at 80

by Paul Durcan

€19.99

A new selection of Paul Durcan's finest poems, published in celebration of his 80th birthday 'He has written immortal poems. I revere him' Michael Longley For fifty years the poet Paul Durcan has explored and questioned a world both real and imagined. Steeped in the goings-on of Ireland and preoccupied with its concerns, he has delighted, enriched and unsettled his readers. His prodigious output of more than twenty collections bursts with poems that are courageously personal and passionately spiritual - a body of work that contains multitudes. 'The great enemy of art is the ego' says Durcan. 'It keeps getting in the way. One needs the ego to disappear so that I become you; I become the people walking up and down the street.' First published in 1967, Durcan remains the most of companionable of poets. His vivacity and ability to surprise has never been clearer than in this new selection of eighty of his finest poems, published in celebration of his 80th birthday. EDITED BY NIALL MACMONAGLE WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY COLM TOIBIN

54. The language of trees

by Katie Holten

€15.08

*SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 BRITISH BOOK DESIGN & PRODUCTION AWARDS* THE IRISH TIMES BESTSELLER and IRISH INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR 'A masterpiece' Max Porter 'A forest of writing to be cherished' Irish Times 'One of the most inspired items of environmental literature in recent years.' Irish Independent If trees have memories, respond to stress, and communicate, what can they tell us? And will we listen? A stunning international collaboration that reveals how trees make our world, change our minds and rewild our lives - from root to branch to seed. In this beautifully illustrated collection, artist Katie Holten gifts readers her visual Tree Alphabet and uses it to masterfully translate and illuminate pieces from some of the world's most exciting writers and artists, activists and ecologists. Holten guides us on a journey from prehistoric cave paintings and creation myths to the death of a 3,500 year-old cypress tree, from Tree Clocks in Mongolia and forest fragments in the Amazon to the language of fossil poetry. In doing so, she unearths a new way of seeing the natural beauty that surrounds us and creates an urgent reminder of what could happen if we allow it to slip away. Printed in deep green ink, The Language of Trees is a celebratory homage filled with prose, poetry and art from over fifty collaborators, including Ursula K. Le Guin, Robert Macfarlane, Zadie Smith, Radiohead, Elizabeth Kolbert, Amitav Ghosh, Richard Powers, Suzanne Simard, Gaia Vince, Tacita Dean, Plato and Robin Wall Kimmerer. 'Immersive, celebratory. all beautifully illustrated.' Observer 'A visual reminder that, like strong oaks from little acorns, we still can create the world in which we wish to live.' Kerri nì Dochartaigh 'A thoughtful and incisive view of Nature across the globe.' The Countryman

55. CountryFail: Some C***'s Guide To The Countryside

by Killian Sundermann

€11.99

The hilarious guide to the countryside you never knew you needed, from up-and-coming TikTok and Instagram-hit comedian Killian Sundermann. Welcome to the countryside. A place of rolling hills, winding rivers and natural beauty. Or is it? Killian Sundermann is here to give us his deeply uninformed, highly opinionated and hilarious guide to the countryside. He rates stone walls, weighs up the varying appeal of different styles of hedges, gives us a bitchy guide to ditches and explains why hiking is for people with emotional problems. You’ll never see the countryside in the same way again.

56. Calming the Storms: Meditation as a Path to Inner Peace and Happiness

by Richard Hendrick

€15.99

The busyness and anxieties of modern life often leave us eager to find places of calm and stillness in our lives, moments where we can process our thoughts and feelings and reflect on what is going on both inside us and around us. In Calming the Storms, Brother Richard draws on three decades of practising and teaching Christian meditation to show you how to begin a transformative, nourishing meditative practice. Discover how to create moments of contemplative awareness in your everyday life, by living in the present moment and in the presence of God, and build a practice that guides you to a life of greater peace, compassion and happiness.

57. Sophie: The Final Verdict

by Senan Molony

€8.99

It was the 26th December 1996 when we arrived in West Cork to cover the recent murder of Frenchwoman Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Our man on the ground was Eoin (Ian) Bailey. His level of detail on the case showed extraordinary insight—I was completely taken in. But when the scales fell from my eyes weeks later, it was the shock of my journalistic career. Suddenly, everything that had been eluding me about this dreadful case made perfect sense. I knew with blazing clarity that I had held the gaze of a pitiless destroyer in the immediate aftermath of murder. Ian Bailey, the prime suspect in the brutal West Cork murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, died outdoors in January 2024, never having faced trial in Ireland. His death reopens a crime that shocked the nation in 1996, along with the deep divisions that have split society over his guilt or innocence. Sophie: The Final Verdict by Senan Molony tells a remarkable story that could not until now be revealed. Senan Molony, the first national crime correspondent at the scene, recounts his growing unease at Bailey’s behavior, leading to the shocking moment when Bailey—who had been helping cover the story—was arrested for the very murder. This insider’s account covers the infamous early days of a doomed investigation and the astonishing years that followed, as Bailey, a violent misogynist and pathological liar, escaped trial in his adopted country despite compelling evidence. Including interviews with Sophie’s family, key garda investigators, local witnesses, and Bailey himself, Sophie: The Final Verdict sets out the full facts and dismantles Bailey’s main defence that he didn’t know Sophie. It unpacks commonly held myths about the case, misinformation often seeded by Bailey, and brings to light astonishing new witness testimony of confessions to the murder, along with fresh evidence of guilt. Though Bailey was tried in absentia in Paris and sentenced to 25 years, he enjoyed full freedom after Ireland’s Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to put his fate before an Irish jury. This book lets the full evidence speak.

58. Irish folk tales of coast and sea

by Colin Urwin

€16.99

A wild frontier of mighty headlands, sheer crags rising from the sea and miles of lonely golden sands - Ireland's coastline is foreboding, exhilarating and achingly beautiful. Men and women have lived and loved and died in this harsh but bountiful environment. Through it all they have told tales to entertain themselves, to pass on wisdom and to banish despair. It is little wonder that our richest folklore is woven into this island's rugged and romantic coastline. Brought together and reimagined by modern-day seanchaì Colin Urwin, this collection includes some of the most enchanting, strange and poignant folk tales to be found on this ancient isle.

59. A Life Among the Dead: Stories from an Irish Funeral Director

by David McGowan

€14.99

In A Life Among the Dead , Irish funeral director David McGowan offers a rare glimpse into a world few experience up close. With warmth, wit, and respect for his craft, McGowan shares stories from his journey, revealing the profound and sometimes humorous realities of life, loss, and family. This compelling memoir goes beyond the role of a funeral director, delving into the cultural traditions, unspoken emotions, and unique perspectives on death within Ireland. Perfect for readers drawn to Irish life stories and those curious about the extraordinary lives of everyday heroes, A Life Among the Dead is a powerful reminder of humanity’s shared journey.

60. Mad, Isn't It?

by Emma Doran

€11.99

On a solo trip with her best friend to a Wexford caravan park, a barely 18-year-old virginal (ish) Emma Doran discovers it only takes one time to change your life forever and end up covered in stretch marks. Finding herself preparing to do her Leaving Cert in a maternity school uniform, hopes of a glittering acting career (which began with a feted primary school performance as middle-aged alcoholic Mrs Hannigan in Annie and culminated in a case of stage fright as Caroline Aherne's famous Sister Mary Immaculate in transition year) are derailed. Baby in tow, Emma spends her college years getting up at 7 a.m. and going to bed at 8 p.m. instead of staying out 'til 6 a.m. and sleeping 'til noon. By 24, her idea of a good weekend is perusing the aisles of Home Store + More for new cushions to brighten up her living room. But on the verge of turning 30, an opportunity arises, and Emma finds herself back on stage again ... Mad, Isn't It? is a hilarious and moving story about life, friendship, (young) motherhood and taking risks.

61. The revelation of Ireland, 1995-2020

by Diarmaid Ferriter

€24.99

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 'Ferriter tells the latest chapter in Ireland's story with authority and insight, deftly weaving together economic and political upheavals with equally tumultuous societal and cultural shifts' Financial Times 'Forensic and insightful... A major achievement. Ferriter delivers his material with the authority and conviction of a born teacher' Irish Independent 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.

62. A city runs through them

by Fergal Tobin

€13.99

An original and fascinating history of Dublin that tells the story of the city through its bridges. Dublin started life on the south bank of the River Liffey and for six or seven centuries that is more or less where the town stayed. In all that time, there was only one bridge across the river. Then, suddenly, in the twenty years after 1670, three more bridges were thrown up and the north side was born. Within a century, Dublin was being talked of as one of the ten largest cities in the whole of Europe. Built over a span of a thousand years, the twenty bridges that now traverse the tidal section of the Liffey have each contributed to the city's development, as it pushed through the open fields north of the river and east towards the bay, so much so that it is possible to piece together Dublin's history by tracing their construction in chronological order. Starting with Church Street Bridge, Dublin's first, which dates back to the Vikings, and ending with Rosie Hackett Bridge, erected in 2014, Fergal Tobin charts the rise of Ireland's capital city as never before and reveals how, perhaps more than any other city in the world, it has been truly made by its bridges.

63. Playing Dead

by Robert Sheehan

€19.99

From Robert Sheehan, star of Misfits and The Umbrella Academy, and host of hit podcast The Earth Locker, comes a heartfelt journey to inner peace. In Playing Dead, Robert Sheehan shares intimate reflections on his search for purpose, looking back at the adventures – and misadventures – of his life so far, and sharing the profoundly transformative lessons he has learnt along the way. Meditation is at the heart of Robert's route to spiritual awakening. In Playing Dead he reveals the turbulence in his life that led him to seek calm and tranquility within. A beautiful, meandering memoir reflecting a rich tapestry of experience, uncovering how spirituality has become his anchor in the constant moving tide. Combining storytelling with letters, poetry, childhood memories and thoughtful musings on fame. Through this compelling description of his quest for inner stillness, Robertshows us how we can welcome a practice of meditation into our own lives, with tools for soothing your nervous system and focusing a fretful mind. In a world where our attention is constantly up for grabs, Playing Dead shows how we can give our souls the deep rest we crave.

64. A History Of Ireland In 10 Body Parts

by Ian Miller

€24.99

Skulls, heads, hands, height, legs, sex organs, blood, brains, stomachs, ears and corpses - discover Irish history through the prism of the body. From the brutal beheading of the 25-year-old, red-headed Clonycavan Man some 2,000 years ago, and the rich vein of information that has been preserved in his 'bog body', to the ancient skulls stolen from islands off Ireland's west coast believed to be those of giants - here medical historian Dr Ian Miller brings readers on a uniquely entertaining journey through Irish history. Encounter the famous scribes, including St Patrick, who preserved our knowledge of ancient Ireland by hand. Discover the fears of excessive tea drinking that were once such a great cause for concern on this isle. Meet the doctors who revolutionised Irish medicine in the 19th century - along with the gruesome bodysnatching that accompanied it. Here, fact and folklore intertwine to take you on a fascinating journey through Irish history as you've never experienced it before.

65. Blood and thunder

by Liam O'Callaghan

€22.99

Liam O'Callaghan's revelatory Blood and Thunder shows that the rise of Irish rugby is inextricable from the tensions, debates and divisions - of politics, religion and class - that have defined modern Irish history. Despite the political partition of the island, Ireland competes at rugby internationally with an all-island team - and with a bespoke anthem that nobody loves but everyone tolerates. Ireland has become a leading rugby nation despite its tiny population and the fact that the sport is only the fourth most popular team game on the island by participation. In Blood and Thunder , O'Callaghan traces the dramatic evolution whereby a rugby nation that was deeply attached to amateurism has made such a dramatic success of professionalism. From the sequence of events that led Ireland's private Catholic secondary schools to embrace rugby, to the controversies and crises that have shaken Irish rugby - including the Northern Troubles, the Belfast rape trial, and the rising toll of head injuries - Blood and Thunder tells the rich and fascinating story of Irish rugby. Blood and Thunder is more than a social and political history of Irish rugby. It is also a shadow-history of modern Ireland, rooted in brilliant original research and packed with terrific stories. --- 'Rigorously researched and incisively written . Blood and Thunder should be on every team bus.' John O'Donnell, Irish Times 'The whole book is a delight.' Ciaran Murphy 'Excellent . O'Callaghan willingly challenges any hyperbole about the sport's appeal here just as he keenly seeks to identify and explain some of the wonders of that reach' Kieran Shannon, Irish Examiner 'I really enjoyed it.' Ken Early 'O'Callaghan's history of Irish rugby is a superb excavation of the place of that sport in Irish life.' Paul Rouse, Irish Examiner 'Entertaining and informative' Michael Taylor, TLS

66. 1588: The Spanish Armada

by Michael B Barry

€27.99

Using a wealth of illustrations and specially prepared maps, Michael B. Barry brings to life the story of the Spanish Armada from start to finish, written in an accessible style.

67. The Irish in the Resistance

by Clodagh Finn

€18.99

In June 1940, the fall of France prompted General Charles de Gaulle to make an impassioned rallying call to his fellow citizens to fight back against the Germans. His famous radio speech, broadcast from the BBC in London, was later credited with igniting a spark of resistance which eventually grew into a vast underground network of civilians who took a stand against Nazi occupation in Europe. In this collection of real-life stories, we meet the forgotten Irish men and women who joined the Resistance. Discover Janie McCarthy, a teacher from Killarney who was active in five different resistance networks in Paris helping allied soldiers to get to safety; Captain John Keany from Cork, who parachuted behind enemy lines to help the Resistance in Italy; and Catherine Crean, the Irish governess born on Moore Street in Dublin, who was arrested for helping the Belgian Resistance and sent to the notorious Ravensbrück concentration camp. These stories, and many more, chart the course of World War II and remind us of the power of individuals to make a difference.

68. Donegal: From Waves to Wilderness

by Kate Slevin

€24.99

From Malin Head to Killybegs, from Ardara to Arranmore, join photographer Kate Slevin on a journey around Ireland's most spectacular county. Steeped in history and heritage, with a wealth of flora and fauna, Donegal is home to some of Ireland's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether it's the windswept slopes of Errigal or Slieve League's wave-pummelled cliffs, the vast plains of Bloody Foreland or the secluded beach of St John's Point, immerse yourself in all the beauty the county has to offer. Experience the wild beauty of Donegal through Kate Slevin's captivating photographs.

69. Who killed Una Lynskey?

by Michael Clifford

€17.99

THE NO 1 BESTSELLER *** A true story of murder and vengeance, a shattered community and a miscarriage of justice that echoes down the decades October 1971. Nineteen-year-old Una Lynskey vanishes near her home in Co. Meath. In the weeks that follow, and on flimsy grounds, gardaì identify three young local men as suspects. Within days of her body being found, one of the three is beaten to death by members of Una's family. The entire sequence of events is a tragedy in a quiet rural community - the wrong men jailed, no one ever facing justice - and becomes one of the most notorious failures in Irish policing and judicial history. In Who Killed Una Lynskey? , award-winning journalist Mick Clifford has built a compelling portrait of the case from interviews with the surviving main players, as well as exclusive access to the files of a private investigator who uncovered information the gardaì missed - or ignored. A timely, humane and compulsive read, this is a ground-breaking account of the botched investigation and its devastating consequences for not just four devastated families, but also the reputation of the gardaì. --- 'A brilliant book' Nicola Tallant, Crime World Podcast 'A grim, unsettling and sometimes desperately sad book - but also an undeniably important one' Irish Independent 'Meticulously researched and clearly written chronicle of the nightmares endured by several families' The Irish Times 'Compelling' Irish Independent 'A fantastic book' Pat Kenny, NewsTalk 'Written with great gusto' Brendan O'Connor, RTÉ Radio One 'Terrific and at the same time terrifying . superb' Eamon Dunphy, The Stand Podcast 'Fascinating' Radio Kerry

70. Finding Mangan

by Bridget Hourican

€22.99

June 1849: Dr William Wilde, passing a wretched hovel in Dublin’s Liberties, discovers James Clarence Mangan in a state of indescribable misery and squalor. Aged just 46, the man dubbed ‘Ireland’s National Poet’ is about to succumb to the cholera epidemic that is gripping famine ravaged Ireland. August 2008: Writer Bridget Hourican encounters Mangan during a Liberties lock-in with that other great Irish poet, Shane MacGowan, who found inspiration in Mangan’s poetry. Alcoholic, opium addict, Romantic, Famine poet, Dublin street character and hero of James Joyce, the mercurial Mangan begins to obsess Bridget. The surviving biographical material - scant, subjective, sometimes falsified - both fascinates and frustrates her and she determines to find him. Who was this Baudelaire of The Liberties – this lurker in Irish history whose enigmatic presence helped determine its course? As the lines between research and real life become blurred, Bridget starts to notice aspects of her life bleeding into Mangan’s. An obsession becomes a haunting and she realises that the only way to truly reach Mangan is to reckon with her own ghosts. Finding Mangan resurrects Ireland’s most enigmatic literary figuring, restoring his rightful place in the national consciousness.

71. Well, holy God

by Patsy McGarry

€18.99

As the Religious Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times from 1997, Patsy McGarry reported on some of the most troubling scandals to have rocked both Catholic and Protestant Churches in the last few decades. In Well, Holy God, he looks back not only on his time in journalism, recalling some of the most distressing stories he has had to cover, but also his own history with Catholicism and of a faith lost when the stark realities of being part of that Church became apparent to him. This book covers the gamut of his career, from the horrors of the various clerical child sex abuse cases, the vilification of Bishop Eamonn Casey and the muted reaction the Church of Ireland to the violence at Drumcree, to the role of women in the Catholic Church and the tragedies of the Mother and Baby Homes and the Magdalene laundries. Alongside accounts of such seismic events, there are lighter anecdotes, including the perils of travelling with a pope, some characters he's met along the way and a look at the good that those with a true calling can do. Well, Holy God is a memoir brimming with personality, charting the highs and lows of a truly fascinating career.

72. Well, You Don't Look It?

by Eilis Ni Dhuibhne

€15.00

No matter what age we are, we are getting older. Old age is a key stage of life, but this is the first anthology of creative writing on the topic of compiling the work of contemporary women in Ireland. In these insightful essays, stories and poems, well-known and new writers reflect on their expierence of ageing. Humourous, wise, critical and celebratory, this wide variety of views gives us the important new perspectives on what it means to grow old.

73. The Last Disco

by Sean Murray

€12.99

In 1981, the Stardust nightclub in Dublin was a beacon for the city's nightlife - until it became a nightmare. On that fateful Valentine's Day the dance floor became a scene of horror, as flames engulfed the venue, claiming the lives of 48 young people and leaving the survivors scarred forever. In this gripping account the harrowing true story is revealed, citing new evidence brought forward during recent inquests in the relentless pursuit of justice. Through the eyes of the survivors, the families and investigators, compiled with meticulous research and compassionate portrayals of their voices, this poignant book honours the memories of those who were lost, while shedding light on the tragedy that still shocks the nation to this day.

74. Born to be a footballer

by Liam Brady

€11.99

The perfect Father's Day sports book gift 'A brilliant insight into Liam's life in football' - Kevin Moran 'Insightful, often joyous, and hugely entertaining. I loved it' - Roddy Doyle 'One of our country's great footballers, and definitely our most beautiful' - John Giles After being expelled from school for playing football for his country, fifteen-year-old Liam Brady travelled to London to join Arsenal, and soon became an indispensable part of their glorious 1970s team. Rightly considered one of the Republic of Ireland's best-ever footballers, he went on to enjoy successes with Juventus, Sampdoria and West Ham, as well as managing Celtic and Brighton and Hove, and becoming assistant manager of his national team. Today he is best known for his much-respected TV punditry and searingly intelligent insights into the game he adores. Full of honest insights, amusing anecdotes and recollections of extraordinary times, Born to be a Footballer delivers a compelling story of a fifty-year career that is unparalleled in Irish sport. Born to be a Footballer was shortlisted for the Eason Sports Book of the Year Award at the Irish Book Awards on 22nd November 2023

75. Hope

by Niall Harbison

€9.49

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Most people think I save dogs, but really they saved me. Niall Harbison is a dog hero based in Thailand. He spends his days feeding, caring for and rescuing the many street dogs he comes across. With every rescue there's a story. Like the sweet gentle McMuffin who was found with many tumours and hours from death, only to be nursed back to health. She now lives with Niall and is a popular member of the pack. Then there is King Whacker - who escaped a vicious attack and is now ruling the nest living up to his name as the king of the all good dogs. And who could resist the puppy eyes of little Rodney, the beautiful dog with big paws who is melting millions of hearts around the world. Originally from Dublin, Niall was the owner of a successful advertising company. After selling it, he moved to Thailand where his addictions - drugs and alcohol - almost got the better of him. One day he woke up in hospital, close to death, and realised that something had to change. And that was what spurred him on to start saving and helping street dogs. His aim is to help 10,000 street dogs. This is his story.

76. We need to talk

by Tony Holohan

€12.99

Dr Tony Holohan served as Chief Medical Officer in Ireland for 14 years, but only really became known to the public during the Covid 19 pandemic. During this time his remarkable leadership skills came to the fore and he became the public face of the pandemic, helping to steer the nation through the biggest public health crisis in Ireland's modern history. However, while dealing with the most serious pandemic in a century in his professional life, he was also enduring challenges at home. His beloved wife of 25 years, Emer, was battling cancer, and died in February 2021. This remarkable book reflects on these experiences and inspires us to have those difficult conversations that ultimately make life more meaningful.

77. The little book of Ballsbridge

by Hugh Oram

€12.99

The Little Book of Ballsbridge is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about this leafy suburb of Dublin. Here you will find out about Ballsbridge's famous (and occasionally infamous) residents, its proud sporting heritage, its churches and great houses and its natural history. Down wide streets and past elegant houses, this book takes the reader on a journey through Ballsbridge and its vibrant past. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of Dublin's 'embassy belt'.

78. The Racket

by Conor Niland

€15.99

WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 'As elegant and powerful as a Federer backhand ... It's Kitchen Confidential for tennis.' Ed Caesar When Conor Niland was 16, he got the chance to hit with Serena Williams at Nick Bollettieri's famed tennis academy. Conor, the Irish junior number one, was feeling a bit homesick. Serena, also 16, already owned her own house beside the academy. Conor Niland knows what it's like when Roger Federer walks into the dressing room ('Ciao, bonjour, hello!' ), and he has had the exquisitely terrible experience of facing Novak Djokovic in the world's biggest tennis stadium - while suffering from food poisoning. But he never reached the very top. The Racket is the story of pro tennis's 99%: the players who roam the globe in hope of climbing the rankings and squeaking into the Grand Slam tournaments. It brings us into a world where a few dozen super-rich players - travelling with coaches and physios - share a stage with lonely touring pros whose earnings barely cover their expenses. Painting a vivid picture of the social dynamics on tour, the economics of the game, and the shadows cast by gambling and doping, The Racket is a witty and revealing underdog's memoir and a unique look inside a fascinating hidden world.

79. The neuroscience of manifesting

by Sabina Brennan

€16.99

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

80. Identity

by John Sweetman

€15.99

A PAGE-TURNING DETECTIVE MEMOIR WHICH REVEALS THE FORENSIC METHODSTHAT HELPED SOLVE PROMINENT IRISH CRIMES. When a violent incident led young misfit garda John Sweetman into the Garda Technical Bureau with incriminating evidence, he found his true calling. He spent the next 25 years as a detective garda working on the frontline of crime scene investigations - as both a fingerprint expert and, in later years, a forensic handwriting and document expert. His tenacity and natural eye for detail led him to becoming involved in many criminal investigations and high-profile cases. From the brutal murder of Marie Dillon in Finglas in 1998 to the gangland killing of Raymond Salinger in 2003, John was involved in the search for forensic evidence at these and other crime scenes. He later employed his handwriting expertise in examining fraudulence, threatening letters and counterfeit documents, as well as the investigations into the murders of Jasmine McGonagle and student Jastine Valdez and the horrific Hawe familicide in Cavan in 2016. Identity is both a fascinating insight into specialist forensic fields, which peeks behind the curtain of how crimes are solved, and a bravely told story of a nonconformist detective in a remarkable career. 'I am determined this case is not going to be forgotten. This man is dangerous and has to be found.' FROM THE PROLOGUE

81. Unladylike

by Hayley Kilgallon

€23.99

After first emerging in the 1920s, ladies Gaelic football was soon sidelined; breathless women chasing after a football was just too unladylike for the powers that be. Despite this resistance, the sport became a popular novelty act at local carnivals. And when the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) was founded in Tipperary in July 1974, fifty years of extraordinary growth were set in motion. From writing the rule book to a membership of nearly 200,000, the earliest All-Stars to game-changing partnerships, this definitive history captures that unstoppable journey to becoming a national sport and so much more. Lavishly illustrated and drawing from national, club and personal archives, UNLADYLIKE is for the players, the fans, the kit-washers, the sandwich-makers and the supporters alike, and confirms the best is yet to come.

82. A thread of violence

by Mark O'Connell

€10.99

In 1982 Malcolm Macarthur, the wealthy heir to a small estate, found himself suddenly without money. The solution, he decided, was to rob a bank. To do this, he would need a gun and a car. In the process of procuring them, he killed two people, and the circumstances of his eventual arrest in the apartment of Ireland's Attorney General nearly brought down the government. The case remains one of the most shocking in Ireland's history. Mark O'Connell has long been haunted by the story of this brutal double murder. But in recent years this haunting has become mutual. When O'Connell sets out to unravel the mysteries still surrounding these horrific and inexplicable crimes, he tracks down Macarthur himself, now an elderly man living out his days in Dublin and reluctant to talk. As the two men circle one another, O'Connell is pushed into a confrontation with his own narrative: what does it mean to write about a murderer?

83. Reeling in the Queers

by Páraic Kerrigan

€16.95

Marking 50 years of the founding of an LGBTQ rights movement in Ireland, REELING IN THE QUEERS explores the lesser-known stories of the fight for LGBTQ rights . . . beyond decriminalization and Marriage Equality. Uncovering fourteen key moments that reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of Ireland, this book tells the story of the collective gains, losses, devastation and community rising from the ashes of defeat. These stories, from across the island of Ireland - and beyond! - will celebrate a strong community and its allies, providing an exchange across generations. It is a hugely enjoyable and insightful read for those who lived through this history and for those who enjoy its benefits today. Bringing even more to life the great big gay tapestry in Ireland, to enable young queer Irish people to access their own important history, the light, the dark and the brilliance of all of it.

84. An eye on Ireland

by Justine McCarthy

€12.99

'Jolts like jump-leads to the complacent heart ... an eye-opener. MIRIAM LORD FOR FOUR DECADES, JUSTINE MCCARTHY'S FEARLESS JOURNALISM AND COMMENTARY HAS HELD POWER TO ACCOUNT AS SHE, IN HER OWN WORDS, 'GREW UP ALONGSIDE MY COUNTRY'. The book opens with a long personal essay in which Justine recounts her early years as a fearful child who dreamed of being a writer, to cutting her teeth in the male-dominated newsrooms of the 1980s, where she faced down sexism and broke gender barriers in a determined career marked by excellence. From Mary Robinson making history as Ireland's first female president to a present-day RTÉ in crisis, over thirty years of stories are collected here. In her long career, Justine broke child sexual abuse scandals and reported from the frontline of the Northern Ireland Troubles; she documented political turmoil and charted the role of Ireland on the world stage. She followed the times the country let down its people, through its ailing health system, its legal system, the domination of the church, and its treatment of women. An Eye on Ireland maps a transformative era in Irish life towards a more progressive and just society, and one woman's extraordinary career at the forefront of change.

85. The kidnapping

by Tommy Conlon

€11.60

The No. 1 Bestseller in True Crime on Kindle 'A major page-turner . . . fascinating' Nicola Tallant, Crime World podcast --- November 1983. Early morning in suburban south Dublin. Businessman Don Tidey is snatched from his car and the IRA has its latest kidnap victim. Weeks later he is tracked down to an isolated Leitrim wood, but in saving Tidey's life a recruit garda and a soldier lose theirs. The Kidnapping is a brilliantly reported account of this landmark event by two accomplished journalists and Leitrim natives. Delving deep, they provide a chilling account of the lead-up to Tidey's abduction, the massive manhunt that followed, his bloody rescue, the botched attempts to capture his abductors and the devastating fall-out - personal and national - that followed. At the heart of The Kidnapping revealing interviews with Don Tidey - speaking about his experience in detail for the first time - and with the families of Garda Gary Sheehan and Private Patrick Kelly, provide a startling and moving testimony of the lasting impact of these traumatic events. It is both a gripping read and one that raises profound questions for today's Ireland. --- 'Riveting . . . a triumph . . . intertwining personal narratives with wider themes of remembrance, loss, courage and blame' Gary Murphy, Irish Examiner 'Vividly written, deeply insightful, extremely timely' Business Post 'A fascinating read . . . beyond that, it's an important document' Mick Clifford, The Mick Clifford Podcast 'A harrowing story . . . [but] an enjoyable book' Irish Mail on Sunday 'An important reminder of our imperfect, contentious past' Tommy Gorman, Irish Times 'Vivid . . . [shows] a deep understanding . . . insightful and emotional' Sunday Independent

86. Murder at Lordship

by Pat Marry

€14.99

THE #1 IRISH TIMES BESTSELLER In January 2013, the nation was horrified when Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered as he carried out a routine cash-escort duty at the Lordship Credit Union in Dundalk, Co Louth. Aaron Brady, the chief suspect, fled to the United States where he built a new life for himself, starting a family. While in some ways he was careful to cover his tracks, his habit of bragging about the murder after a few drinks would eventually see him arrested and charged. Deported back to Ireland where he faced the prospect of a 40 year jail term, Brady coordinated a campaign of witness intimidation from his cell in Mountjoy Prison. Pat Marry, former colleague of Adrian Donohoe and the detective inspector in charge of the investigation, and journalist Robin Schiller take us inside the notorious case, describing the gardai's unprecedented collaboration with the FBI, the NYPD and Homeland Security which finally brought Brady to justice, following the lengthiest police inquiry and murder trial in the history of the Irish state. Filled with details not previously known to the public, Murder at Lordship is the definitive account of one of the most shocking crimes of this century.

87. Heart: An Owner's Guide

by Paddy Barrett

€15.99

Know and care for your body with this information-packed guide to optimising heart health for longevity and wellbeing Become body literate with Heart: An Owner's Guide, the next book in The Body Literacy Library, an enlightening series that will democratise health for a new generation of readers. Heart: An Owner's Guide is an informative, practical, and engaging introduction to all aspects of heart health with the goal of living well and longer. Find out what is the key to a long, healthy life, and what is your own personal cardiac risk. Author Dr Paddy Barrett is an engaging and media-friendly Consultant Cardiologist who specialises in preventative health care. He translates medical jargon into simple, clear prose, answering frequently asked patient queries, such as Should I take aspirin? Are heart attacks hereditary? Is red wine healthy? Why do I have erectile dysfunction? and much more. From what you should eat (or not) and exercising smarter to why stress is as dangerous as smoking, this hard-working book applies science to the everyday, with simple illustrations, checklists, FAQs, and myth busters, all supported by the latest medical research. Heart: An Owner's Guide won't just help you to better understand your body, it might even save your life.

88. This is my sea

by Miriam Mulcahy

€11.99

'Prose written with the pen of a poet' - Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape 'Full of wisdom and poetry and epic emotion, This is My Sea explores grief, memory and loss through vivid words and striking imagery. It echoes lost summers and the beauty of life, like a shell held to the ear' - Ed O'Loughlin, author of The Last Good Funeral of the Year Over the course of seven difficult years Miriam Mulcahy lost her mother, father and sister, each grief threatening to drown her. But instead of going under she discovered the lessons of the sea, letting the water teach her how to get through anything in life: one breath builds on another, another stroke, another kick and you will get home. THIS IS MY SEA takes our greatest fear, death, and wraps it up in language so fine and beautiful that the reader is carried along and comforted by how completely lost Miriam was and how she found solace in all the things that sustained her: books, music, art, friends, love, swimming, and of course the sea. Shortlisted for the Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards 2023. For fans of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn and I Found my Tribe by Ruth Fitzmaurice.

89. This is the life

by Ciarán Murphy

€12.76

A provocative look at how grassroots GAA interacts with life in Ireland, from the wittiest Gaelic games pundit at work today The GAA is Ireland's largest civil society organisation, woven into the fabric of families and communities - and yet most books about Gaelic games focus on the greatest players and inter-county teams. This is the Life is a book about the 99%: a witty and provocative look at grassroots GAA from the most intelligent and interesting Gaelic games pundit at work today. Ciarán Murphy - of Second Captains and the Irish Times - has an unmatched feel for the timeless elements of this world and a finger on the pulse of change. He looks at the plight of rural clubs that are losing their players to the cities - and he does so not only as a journalist but as a footballer who made the same move himself. He writes about working as an assistant in the clothing shop owned by the family of Jarlath Fallon - both Ciarán's sporting hero and the local postman. And he looks a things we usually prefer not to talk about, like the role of social class in the GAA. This is the Life is a book about the places the GAA comes from, the places it can take a person, and the things that make a local club worth fighting for. 'There is a deep understanding of the way the GAA works at every level . a brilliant read from start to finish' Paul Rouse, The Irish Examiner

90. Parcels in the post

by Fiona Neary

€17.95

Welcome to the house of fun. It's the early 1980s and Fiona Neary and her family have recently moved back from England to the family farm. Fiona's huge-hearted mum decides to take in foster children - a decision that will change all their lives.  Over the next decade, a procession of faces passes through the house. Every child has their own story, and each story claims a little piece of Fiona's heart. Some stay a few weeks; some months, and then years. All these children, as well as Fiona and her family, must pass through a chaotic system: where a judge's decision can alter a child's life, for better or worse; where emergency placements can break up siblings; where the foster family are often left in the dark and with little back-up. Filled with pathos and humour, Parcels in the Post is both a memoir of a loving household and snapshot of the fostering system in Ireland, from someone at the very heart of it all.

91. Poor

by Katriona O'Sullivan

€10.99

EASON FAVOURITE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 The No. 1 Bestseller, Biography of the Year, Irish Book Awards 2023 The Last Word Listeners' Choice Award, Irish Book Awards 2023 "One of the best [books] I have read about the complexities of poverty... one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet" – Guardian Like young girls everywhere, Katriona O'Sullivan grew up bright, enthusiastic, and curious. But she was also surrounded by abject poverty and chaos, and after becoming pregnant and homeless at 15, she spent five years barely surviving. Today, Katriona is an award-winning academic whose work explores barriers to education for girls like her. In Poor by Katriona O'Sullivan , she shares what set her on this unexpected path: the mentors and supporters who truly saw her. Teachers who showed her how to wash in the school toilets or visited her home to convince her to sit at least one GCSE exam. A community worker who encouraged her to apply for training schemes. A friend who introduced her to Trinity College’s access program while she was a cleaner. Simple acts that helped her turn her life around. Told with warmth, clarity, and compassion—for her parents, her younger self, and others— Poor is both a powerful personal testimony and an impassioned plea for the future of our children. Praise for Poor and Katriona O’Sullivan: "Powerful—Katriona is a legend." —Barry Keoghan "Raw, passionate, and resolutely honest—I’ll never forget it." —Annie Mac "Full of insight... so important." —Fi Glover, Times Radio "I read Poor in one sitting. It’s compelling, moving, uplifting, brave, heroic." —Nuala McGovern, Woman’s Hour , BBC Radio Four "Moving, funny, brave, and original—absolutely incredible." —Róisín Ingle, Irish Times Women’s Podcast "One of the books of the year." —Patrick Kielty, Late Late Show , RTÉ One "One of the most important books I have ever read—a beautiful story of determination despite the odds." —Lynn Ruane, Irish Times "Fearless, funny, and searingly honest." —Adil Ray OBE "Raw and remarkable." — Irish Independent "A book of empowerment and hope." —Patricia Scanlan "Remarkable... a vivid retelling of Katriona flourishing, despite her beginnings." —BBC News West Midlands

92. Twelve sheep

by John Connell

€12.99

For John Connell, the lambing season on his County Longford farm begins in the autumn. In the sheep shed, he surveys the dozen females in his care and contemplates the work ahead as the season slowly turns to winter, then spring. The twelve sheep have come into his life at just the right moment. After years of hard work, John felt a deep tiredness creeping up on him, a sadness that he couldn't shrug off. Having always sought spiritual guidance, he comes to realise that, in addition to the soothing words of literature and philosophy, perhaps the way ahead involves this simple flock of sheep. In the hard work of livestock rearing, in the long nights in the shed helping the sheep to lamb, he can reflect on what life truly means. Like the flock that he shepherds, this book is both simple and profound, a meditation on the rituals of farming life and a primer on the lessons that nature can teach us. As spring returns and the sheep and their lambs are released into the fields, skipping with joy, John recalls the words of Henry David Thoreau, reminding us to 'live in each season as it passes.'

93. Sleep Well P/B

by Fiona Brennan

€18.99

Imagine getting into bed every evening and drifting off quickly into a deep and restorative sleep, and then waking up refreshed, glowing with life and vitality. You feel calm and powerful, safe in the knowledge that you can cope with anything that comes your way. Fiona Brennan has helped thousands of people transform their relationship with sleep by using her unique Sleep Well Formula, which is based on cutting-edge science and hypnotherapy practices. Over the course of the eight-week Sleep Well programme, you will cultivate eight transformative habits to optimise your sleep, resulting in long-term benefits to your health, mood and productivity. The unique blend of psychology, spirituality and science helps you to wake up fully to who you are and develop faith in your innate ability to get to and stay asleep – every night.

94. The grass ceiling

by Eimear Ryan

€12.99

'A book which will very soon be acknowledged as a classic of Irish sportswriting' Ciarán Murphy What is it like to be female in a male-dominated sporting world? If you play with the boys, more people pay attention - but you get treated like an alien. Playing with other girls or women means you have to accept smaller audiences, diminished status and - for professionals - lower pay. And what if, as is the case for camogie player Eimear Ryan, your sport has a completely different name when women play it? What if you don't feel entirely comfortable in an all-female sporting environment because you're shy, bookish, not really one of the girls? In The Grass Ceiling, acclaimed novelist Eimear Ryan digs deep into the confluence of gender and sport, and all the questions it throws up about identity, status, competition and self-expression. At a time when women's sport is on the rise but still a long way from equality, it is a sharp, nuanced and heartfelt exploration of questions that affect everyone who loves sport. Praise for The Grass Ceiling ' A gorgeous memoir about a life lived in sport, specifically a female, Irish rural life. I read it in two sittings.' Malachy Clerkin, Irish Times 'A love letter to the GAA and a diatribe against the idea sport is not for women' Kathleen McNamee, Irish Times 'Brilliant ... Ryan's bold and deep search into so many of those internalised questions provides a fascinating collage of emotional detail' Christy O'Connor, Irish Examiner 'Lyrical, urgent, wise and bracing' Irish Times

95. 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]

96. 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

97. Acceptance

by Padraig O'Morain

€12.99

THE IRISH TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLER In this wise and practical book, psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher Padraig O'Morain explains how practising acceptance can help us find happiness. It can be difficult to make peace with things that happen to you and affect your situation. Undesired events can knock us for six, leaving us harbouring resentment, anger and frustration. These negative emotions can affect us deeply and be difficult to shift. Acknowledging these feelings and learning how to accept what has happened - even if you do not agree with it - can be life-changing. In Acceptance you will discover how to stop brooding on what happened in the past and free yourself up to focus on more positive feelings. Using an approach derived from his years of experience, Padraig introduces us to the power of acceptance through a range of themes including accepting uncertainty, acceptance in relationships, climate emotions and acceptance and gratitude. The path towards acceptance is not always straightforward, but ultimately it will help you get unstuck and move on with your life. Find out more in the stories, case studies and practical exercises in this thoughtful book and discover how to lighten the load you have been carrying. 'I read the book from start to finish and I think it might change my life.' - Ray D'Arcy, television and radio presenter of the Ray D'Arcy Show

98. Poor

by Katriona O'Sullivan

€10.99

EASON FAVOURITE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 The No. 1 Bestseller, Biography of the Year, Irish Book Awards 2023 The Last Word Listeners' Choice Award, Irish Book Awards 2023 "One of the best [books] I have read about the complexities of poverty... one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet" – Guardian Like young girls everywhere, Katriona O'Sullivan grew up bright, enthusiastic, and curious. But she was also surrounded by abject poverty and chaos, and after becoming pregnant and homeless at 15, she spent five years barely surviving. Today, Katriona is an award-winning academic whose work explores barriers to education for girls like her. In Poor by Katriona O'Sullivan , she shares what set her on this unexpected path: the mentors and supporters who truly saw her. Teachers who showed her how to wash in the school toilets or visited her home to convince her to sit at least one GCSE exam. A community worker who encouraged her to apply for training schemes. A friend who introduced her to Trinity College’s access program while she was a cleaner. Simple acts that helped her turn her life around. Told with warmth, clarity, and compassion—for her parents, her younger self, and others— Poor is both a powerful personal testimony and an impassioned plea for the future of our children. Praise for Poor and Katriona O’Sullivan: "Powerful—Katriona is a legend." —Barry Keoghan "Raw, passionate, and resolutely honest—I’ll never forget it." —Annie Mac "Full of insight... so important." —Fi Glover, Times Radio "I read Poor in one sitting. It’s compelling, moving, uplifting, brave, heroic." —Nuala McGovern, Woman’s Hour , BBC Radio Four "Moving, funny, brave, and original—absolutely incredible." —Róisín Ingle, Irish Times Women’s Podcast "One of the books of the year." —Patrick Kielty, Late Late Show , RTÉ One "One of the most important books I have ever read—a beautiful story of determination despite the odds." —Lynn Ruane, Irish Times "Fearless, funny, and searingly honest." —Adil Ray OBE "Raw and remarkable." — Irish Independent "A book of empowerment and hope." —Patricia Scanlan "Remarkable... a vivid retelling of Katriona flourishing, despite her beginnings." —BBC News West Midlands

99. From Tip To Top P/B

by Peter Murtagh

€18.99

Aged 69, Peter Murtagh decided it was time to embark on ‘the great retirement project’ – riding a motorbike from Tierra del Fuego, at the very southern tip of South America, to the most northerly point in Alaska, alone and without the pressure of any deadline: just a tent, a bike and a sleeping bag. En route, Peter explored magical, wonderful and extraordinarily out-of-the-way parts of our bruised world, met incredible people from all walks of life and observed a great swathe of the planet. Travelling alone on the 45,000 km journey allowed him a rare opportunity to disconnect from hectic daily life and to embrace the solitude, challenge and peace-of-mind of the road less travelled. From Tip to Top is a story of optimism and hope, an adventure of a lifetime and a ground-level portrait of the Americas as we rarely see them.

100. Anna's game plan

by Anna Geary

€17.99

'An incredible life-changing guide to achieving true happiness and success' Kathryn Thomas As an All-Ireland winning camogie player, Anna Geary learned that the right mindset unlocks everything. It builds confidence, brings success and provides perspective when things don't go to plan. Sharing the power of mindset has been at the heart of her post-playing career as a speaker, trainer, health and well-being coach and even as a broadcaster. Because daily life is so full-on our mindsets can get disrupted and make us stress about the wrong things. In Anna's Game Plan , Anna shares the powerful ways that managing your mindset can be life-changing. Based on her extensive experience in nurturing healthy attitudes to mind and body, Anna lays out five practical tactics - Acceptance, Purpose, Consistency, Challenge, Kindness - that can equip you with a practical toolkit to banish overwhelm and focus on what's really important. Packed with honest relatable stories from Anna's own life, as well as fascinating insights from the behavioural sciences, Anna's Game Plan is an essential one-stop guide to building confidence and creating the life you deserve. Change your mindset. Change your life! 'Anna's Game Plan will help you to be the best version of you' Karl Henry

101. American mother

by Colum McCann

€15.99

'An extraordinary story of grace, forgiveness and moral courage' Patrick Radden Keefe A 2024 HIGHLIGHT IN THE OBSERVER, GUARDIAN AND IRISH TIMES SHORTLISTED FOR THE AN POST IRISH BOOK AWARDS AN IMMEDIATE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER The English language has no specific word for the parent that has lost a child. There exist words for orphan, widow and widower, but there is no word that captures and conveys this tragic type of loss. It has been eleven years since Diane Foley's son, the American journalist James Foley, was kidnapped in northern Syria, and nearly ten since that day in August 2014 when she would learn that he had been murdered by ISIS in a public beheading that would ricochet in video around the world. A whole decade. Time rushes past. And yet, for Diane, that moment is unending. In American Mother , legendary author Colum McCann tells Diane's story as she recalls the months of his captivity, the efforts made to bring him home and the days following his death, in which Diane came face to face with one of the men responsible for her son's kidnapping and torture. A testament to the power of radical empathy and moral courage, American Mother takes us inside one woman's extraordinary journey to find connection in a world torn asunder, and to fight for others as a way to keep her son's memory alive.

102. Bend, don't break

by Frank O'Mara

€17.99

'Victory is a life well lived or a day enjoyed.' Limerick man Frank O'Mara had the athletics career most only dream of, competing for Ireland in three Olympic Games and breaking Irish and world records. After his retirement from running, he settled in the US with his family and made his way to the top of the telecoms industry.    Then at age forty-eight, his life changed forever when he was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease. The progression was rapid, causing severe muscle cramps, tremors, and eventually the inability to walk and at times even speak. In this inspiring memoir, Frank recounts his battle with Parkinson's. At first in denial, he eventually found the strength that made him successful as an athlete and in business - using determination, and humour to weather the worst phases of the disease. He learned to face each hurdle as he came to it: to bend, but not break. One man's life-affirming story of facing adversity with grace and courage.

103. Time and tide

by Charlie Bird

€11.60

A poignant and introspective memoir from Irish journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird. In 2021, Charlie Bird was diagnosed with motor neurone disease - a man whose voice was so synonymous with his career faced losing it completely. Yet knowing he had just a short time left with family and friends, what emerged was a great sense of resilience and motivation to take advantage of every moment. Here, Charlie reflects on his life and phenomenal broadcast career through the lense of his diagnosis, as he ponders the big questions and takes stock of the small moments that we so often overlook. Written over the course of 2022 as his health deteriorated, with the help of long-time friend and fellow journalist Ray Burke, this is a candid and unforgettable story about the triumph of the human spirit and, ultimately, what it means to be alive.

104. The long game

by Aoife Moore

€11.99

Inside the rise of the political party, once subordinate to the IRA, that is on the brink of taking power in Ireland Sinn Féin, long widely-regarded as the political wing of the Provisional IRA, is the most popular political party in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. A movement once synonymous with a paramilitary campaign is on the brink of taking real power through purely democratic means. But if Sinn Féin has mastered the art of electoral politics, it remains strangely opaque. Who really runs the party? How is it funded? And what can we expect of it as a party of government? Aoife Moore, Irish Journalist of the Year 2021. explores these and other burning questions in The Long Game. Drawing on exclusive interviews with current and former members of Sinn Féin, she builds up a picture of a party undergoing a profound, and still incomplete, transformation. She looks at the key individuals and moments that put the party on its present course, and she explores tensions within the party and the wider republican movement. Packed with revelatory details, The Long Game is a groundbreaking telling of contemporary Ireland's biggest and most elusive political story.