This is a list of women writers who were born in Ireland or whose writings are closely associated with that country.

A

Mary Jane Adams Mary Mathews Adams (previously, Mary Mathews Smith and Mary Mathews Barnes; October 23, 1840 – December 11, 1902) was an Irish-born American writer and philanthropist. The author of thirty or more hymns, it was her Shakespearian study in which ...

(1840–1902), Irish-American poet *

Cecil Frances Alexander Cecil Frances Alexander (April 1818 – 12 October 1895) was an Anglo-Irish hymnwriter and poet. Amongst other works, she wrote "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "There is a green hill far away" and the Christmas carol "Once in Royal David's Cit ...

(1818–1895), Anglo-Irish hymn writer and poet * Eleanor Jane Alexander (1857–1939), poet and novelist * Deborah Alcock (1835–1913), historical novelist, memoirist *

Cecelia Ahern Cecelia Ahern (born 30 September 1981) is an Irish novelist, known for her works like '' PS, I Love You''; '' Where Rainbows End''; and '' If You Could See Me Now''. Born in Dublin, Ahern is now published in nearly fifty countries, and has sold ...

(born 1981), novelist, short story writer *

Liz Allen Liz Allen (born 1969) is an Irish investigative journalist. She is a former crime correspondent of the ''Sunday Independent'' and author of two novels. Early life and education Born one of eight brothers and sisters in Dublin, she developed ...

(born 1969), investigative journalist, best selling novelist * Colette Nic Aodha (born 1967), poet * Karen Ardiff, Irish playwright and novelist *

Geraldine Aron Geraldine Aron (born 1951) is an Irish playwright. She was born in Galway, Ireland, has lived in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and now lives in London. Aron's first play ''Bar and Ger'' was performed at the Space Theatre in Cape Town in ...

(born 1951), playwright *

Mary Arrigan Mary Arrigan (born 15 February 1943) is an Irish people, Irish illustrator, artist and novelist, focusing on children's books. Life Arrigan was born Mary Nolan in Newbridge, County Kildare on 5 February 1943 to Brendan Nolan and Marian Maher. ...

(born 15 February 1943), illustrator, artist and novelist *

Sarah Atkinson Sarah (née Gaynor) Atkinson (23 October 1823 – 8 July 1893) was an Irish writer, biographer, essayist and philanthropist. Biography She was the eldest daughter of John and Anne Gaynor, of Athlone, County Roscommon. At the age of fifteen she mo ...

(1823–1893), biographer, essayist, philanthropist

B

* Mary Barber (c.1685–c.1755), successful poet, author of ''Poems on several occasions'' *

Leland Bardwell Constan Olive Leland Bardwell (25 February 1922 – 28 June 2016) was an Irish poet, novelist, and playwright. She was part of the literary scene in London and later Dublin, where she was an editor of literary magazines ''Hibernia'' and ''C ...

(1928–2016), poet, novelist, playwright *

Alex Barclay Yve Williams, née Morris, who writes under the name Alex Barclay (born Bayside, Dublin, Ireland in 1974), is an Irish journalist and crime writer. Life Early life Morris was born in Bayside, Dublin, and attended Bayside National School follow ...

, pseudonym of Yve Williams, (born 1974), journalist and crime writer *

Jane Barlow Jane Barlow (17 October 1856 – 17 April 1917) was an Irish people, Irish writer, noted for her novels and poems describing the lives of the Irish peasantry, chiefly about Lisconnel and Ballyhoy, in relation to both landlords and the Great Fami ...

(1857–1917), poet, novelist * Margaret Barrington (1896–1982), short story writer, essayist *

Samantha Barry Samantha Barry is the current editor-in-chief for '' Glamour'' magazine. Career Barry was born in Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland, to Máiréad and David Barry, and graduated with an Arts degree in English and Psychology from University College Cor ...

(born c.1981), journalist, editor *

Eileen Battersby Eileen Battersby ( Whiston; 4 June 1956 – 23 December 2018) was the chief literary critic of ''The Irish Times''. She sometimes divided opinion, having been described by John Banville as "the finest fiction critic we have", while attractin ...

(c.1958–2018), literary critic * Henrietta Battier (c.1751–1813), poet, satirist, actress * Sara Baume (born 1984), novelist * Annie O'Meara de Vic Beamish, (1886–1969), novelist, playwright, translator * Louisa Beaufort (1781–1863), antiquarian, writer and artist * Emily Elizabeth Shaw Beavan, (1818–1897), poet *

Mary Beckett Mary Beckett (1926–2013) was an Irish author. Biography She was born in Belfast Belfast ( , ; from ga, Béal Feirste , meaning 'mouth of the sand-bank ford') is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, standing on the banks o ...

(1926–2013), playwright for radio, short story writer, children's writer *

Louie Bennett Louie Bennett (Louisa Elizabeth Bennett; 1870 – 1956) was an Irish suffragette, trade unionist, journalist and writer. Born and raised in Dublin, she established the Irish Women's Suffrage Federation in 1911. She was a joint editor and contr ...

(1870–1956), suffragette, journalist and novelist *

Tara Bergin Tara Bergin (born 1974) is an Irish poet. Career Tara Bergin was born in 1974 and grew up in Dublin. She moved to England in 2002 and by 2012 she was awarded her PhD from Newcastle University with a thesis on Ted Hughes’s translations of Ján ...

(born 1974), poet *

Sara Berkeley Sara Berkeley (born 1967 Dublin) is an Irish poet, long resident in the US, where she works as a hospice nurse. Life Sara Berkeley grew up in Ireland, and attended secondary school at Manor House School, Raheny. After 30 years in the San ...

(born 1967), poet *

Maeve Binchy Anne Maeve Binchy Snell (28 May 1939Born 1939 as per biography, ''Maeve Binchy'' by Piers Dudgeon, Thomas Dunne Books 2013; (hardcover), pp. 4, 280, 302; (ebook) – 30 July 2012) was an Irish novelist, playwright, short story writer, colum ...

(1939–2012), novelist, playwright, short story writer, columnist * E. Owens Blackburne (1848–1894), pen name writer and novelist, Elizabeth Casey *

Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of Blessington Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of Blessington (née Power; 1 September 1789 – 4 June 1849), was an Irish novelist, journalist, and literary hostess.''The Feminist Companion to Literature in English'', eds Virginia Blain, Patricia Clements and ...

(1789–1849), novelist, essayist, letter writer *

Gertrude Elizabeth Blood Gertrude Elizabeth, Lady Colin Campbell (''née'' Blood; 3 May 1857 – 1 November 1911) was an Irish-born journalist, author, playwright, and editor. She was married to Lord Colin Campbell, a brother-in-law of Princess Louise, Queen Victoria's ...

(1857–1911), journalist, writer, playwright and editor *

Eavan Boland Eavan Aisling Boland (24 September 1944 – 27 April 2020) was an Irish poet, author, and professor. She was a professor at Stanford University, where she had taught from 1996. Her work deals with the Irish national identity, and the role of w ...

(1944–2020), poet, non-fiction writer * Angela Bourke (born 1952), writer, historian, interested in folklore *

Eva Bourke Eva Bourke (born 1946) is a German-born Irish poet. Biography Bourke was born in Germany but has lived for much of her life in Galway, Ireland. She studied German Literature and History of Art at the University of Munich. Towards the end of the ...

, German-born Irish poet since c.1985 *

Elizabeth Bowen Elizabeth Bowen CBE (; 7 June 1899 – 22 February 1973) was an Irish-British novelist and short story writer notable for her books about the "big house" of Irish landed Protestants as well her fiction about life in wartime London. Life E ...

(1899–1973), novelist, short story writer, author of '' Eva Trout'' *

Sarah Bowie Sarah Bowie is an Irish people, Irish illustrator, author and cartoonist. Life and career Bowie lives in Dublin where she was a founder member of The Comics Lab. Although she got a degree in marketing and languages in 1999, she has gone on to be ...

, Irish illustrator and writer * Clare Boylan (1948–2006), journalist, critic, novelist, short story writer *

Hilary Boyle Hilary Joyce Boyle (25 October 1899 – 21 October 1988) was a journalist, broadcaster, and activist. Biography Born Hilary Joyce Thompson on 25 October 1899 in London, she was the second child of Winifred Helen Thompson (née Hopkins) and ...

(1899–1988), journalist, broadcaster, and activist *

Éilís Ní Bhrádaigh Éilís Ní Bhrádaigh (1 April 1927 17 May 2007), writer and lexicographer was involved in the creation of three major Irish-language dictionaries. Biography Éilís Ní Bhrádaigh was born Alice Brady to Francis Brady and Elena Nolan in Fair ...

(1927–2007), writer and lexicographer *

Maeve Brennan Maeve Brennan (January 6, 1917 – November 1, 1993) was an Irish short story writer and journalist. She moved to the United States in 1934 when her father was appointed to the Irish Legation in Washington. She was an important figure in bo ...

(1917–1993), short story writer, journalist, from 1934 in the United States *

Sarah Rees Brennan Sarah Rees Brennan (born 21 September 1983) is an Irish writer best known for young adult fantasy fiction. Her first novel, '' The Demon's Lexicon'', was released June 2009 by Simon & Schuster. Rees Brennan's books are bestsellers in the UK. Li ...

(born 1983), young adult novelist * Máire Bradshaw (born 1943), poet and publisher *

Teresa Brayton Teresa Brayton (29 June 1868 – 19 August 1943; born Teresa Coca Boylan), pen name T.B. Kilbrook, was an Irish republican and poet. She was born in Kilbrook, a small village near Kilcock, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Brayton was the youngest daughter ...

(1868–1943), poet, contributed to American newspapers *

Charlotte Brooke Charlotte Brooke ( – 1793), born in Rantavan, beside Mullagh in County Cavan, Ireland, was the author of ''Reliques of Irish Poetry'', a pioneering volume of poems collected by her in the Irish language, with facing translations. She was one ...

(c.1740–1793), writer, translator of Irish-language poetry *

Mary Brück Mary Teresa Brück (née Conway; 1925-2008) was an Irish astronomer, astrophysicist and historian of science, whose career was spent at Dunsink Observatory in Dublin and the Royal Observatory Edinburgh in Scotland. Early life Mary Teresa Conwa ...

(1925–2008), astronomer, science historian * Catherine Dorothea Burdett (1784–1861), novelist * Patricia Burke Brogan (fl. 1990s), playwright and poet *

(c.1740–1793), poet, author of ''Reliques of Irish Poetry'' *

Mary Bonaventure Browne Mother Mary Bonaventure Browne (born after 1610, died after 1670) was a Poor Clare nun, abbess, and Irish historian. Background A daughter of Andrew Browne fitz Oliver, a wealthy merchant and a member of The Tribes of Galway. She was a niece of ...

(17th century), nun, abbess, historian *

Frances Browne Frances Browne (16 January 1816 – 21 August 1879) was an Irish poet and novelist, best remembered for her collection of short stories for children, ''Granny's Wonderful Chair''. Early life She was born at Stranorlar, in County Donegal, Irel ...

(1816–1879), poet, novelist, children's writer *

Colette Bryce Colette Bryce is a poet, freelance writer, and editor. She was a Fellow in Creative Writing at the University of Dundee from 2003 to 2005, and a North East Literary Fellow at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne from 2005 to 2007. She was the ...

(born 1970), poet *

Ann Buckley Ann Buckley is an Irish musicologist, born in Dublin. Buckley studied at University College Cork (B.Mus., 1971; M.A. 1972), Doctoraal (University of Amsterdam, 1976) and a Ph.D. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') ...

(fl. 1990s), musicologist, non-fiction writer *

Selina Bunbury Selina Bunbury (1802–1882) was an Anglo-Irish novelist and traveler. Early life Selina Bunbury was born at Kilsaran Rectory near Castlebellingham, County Louth. She was a twin, and one of fifteen children of a Protestant minister, Rev. Henr ...

(1802–1882), prolific novelist * Anne Burke (fl.1780–1805), was an Irish novelist in the Gothic genre * Patricia Burke Brogan (born c.1934), playwright, novelist, poet, artist *

Catherine Byron Catherine Byron (born 22 August 1947) is an Irish poet who often collaborates with visual and sound artists. Biography Catherine Greenfield was born in London to a mother from Galway and was raised in Belfast. She has lived in Oxford, Scotland, ...

(born 1947), poet

C

* June Caldwell (c.1970), journalist, short story writer * Margaret Callan (c.1817–c.1883), teacher, nationalist, writer, used the pseudonym Thornton MacMahon * Caitilin Dubh (fl. c. 1624), early poet, wrote elegies *

Moya Cannon Moya Cannon (born 1956) is an Irish writer and poet with seven published collections, the most recent being ''Collected Poems'' (Carcanet Press, Manchester, 2021). Life Born in Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, Ireland, Moya Cannon studied history ...

(born 1956), poet, journal editor * Úna-Minh Chaomhánach (born 1991), journalist, travel writer *

Ethna Carbery Ethna Carbery, born Anna Bella Johnston, (3 December 1864 – 2 April 1902) was an Irish journalist, writer and poet. She is best known for the ballad '' Roddy McCorley'' and the ''Song of Ciabhán''; the latter was set to music by Ivor Gurney. I ...

(1866–1902), poet, journalist, short story writer * Mary Birkett Card (1774–1817), Abolitionist and feminist poet *

Amy Carmichael Amy Beatrice Carmichael (16 December 1867 – 18 January 1951) was an Irish Christian missionary in India who opened an orphanage and founded a mission in Dohnavur. She served in India for 55 years and wrote 35 books about her work as a miss ...

(1867–1951), missionary, many works on her work in India *

Orlaith Carmody Orlaith Carmody is an Irish businesswoman, author, News reporter and co-founder of Gavin Duffy and Associates (formerly Media Training), along with her husband and business partner, ''Dragons' Den'' investor Gavin Duffy. Career Carmody was prev ...

(born 1960), businesswoman, writer and news reporter *

Marina Carr Marina Carr is an Irish playwright who has written almost thirty plays, including '' By the Bog of Cats'' (1998). Early life and education Carr was born in Dublin, Ireland, but spent the majority of her childhood in Pallas Lake, County O ...

(born 1964), playwright * Austin Carroll (1835–1909), nun and writer, emigrated to United States * Claudia Carroll (born c. 1969), best-selling author * Anne-Marie Casey (born 1965), screenwriter, novelist * Agnes Castle (c.1860–1922), novelist, playwright and short story writer * Anne Chambers, since 2007, novelist, screenwriter, biographer * Maureen Charlton (1930–2007), playwright, poet and broadcaster *

Anna Maria Chetwode Anna Maria Chetwode known as Miss Chetwode () was an Irish novelist. Life Anna Maria Chetwode was the daughter of Reverend John Chetwode of Glanmire, County Cork, and Elizabeth Chetwode (née Hamilton). She was the granddaughter of Knightley Ch ...

(''fl.'' 1827), novelist *

Lana Citron Lana Citron (born 1969) is an Irish novelist, poet, short story writer, and screenwriter whose work has won awards. Biography Lana Citron was born in Ireland in 1969. She was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. Citron has written several nove ...

(born 1969) writer * Josephine Fitzgerald Clarke (1865–1953), Irish romance novelist *

Maude Clarke Maude Violet Clarke (7 May 1892 – 17 November 1935) was an Irish historian. Early life and education Maude Clarke was born in Belfast on 7 May 1892. She was the only daughter of Richard James Clarke, rector of Trinity church, Belfast, and Ann ...

(1892–1935), historian * Agnes Mary Clerke (1842–1907), astronomer, writer *

Eliza Dorothea Cobbe, Lady Tuite Lady Eliza Dorothea Tuite (née Cobbe) (c. 1764-1850) was an Irish author and poet. She was a member of the Anglo-Irish gentry, the distinguished Cobbe family. Life and work Elizabeth Dorothea Cobbe was born circa 1764. She was the daughter of C ...

(c.1764–1850), poet and children's writer *

Frances Power Cobbe Frances Power Cobbe (4 December 1822 – 5 April 1904) was an Anglo-Irish writer, philosopher, religious thinker, social reformer, anti-vivisection activist and leading women's suffrage campaigner. She founded a number of animal advocacy group ...

(1822–1904), writer and suffragist *

Patricia Cockburn Patricia Cockburn (17 March 1914 – 6 October 1989) was an Irish writer, traveller, conchologist and artist. She was best known for her journalism and her later artist's career creating shell pictures. Early life Patricia Cockburn was born Pa ...

(1914–1989), journalist and artist *

Mary Colum Mary Catherine Gunning Colum ( Maguire; 13 June 1884 – 22 October 1957) was an Irish literary critic and author, who also co-founded a literary journal. Biography Mary Catherine Gunning Maguire was born in Collooney, County Sligo, the d ...

(1884–1957), literary critic, memoirist *

Helena Concannon Helena Concannon (; 28 October 1878 – 27 February 1952) was an Irish historian, writer, language scholar and Fianna Fáil politician. Born in Maghera, County Londonderry, she attended secondary school in Dublin in Loreto North Great Georges S ...

(1878–1952), historian, non-fiction writer, politician *

Evelyn Conlon Evelyn Conlon (born 1952) is an Irish novelist, short story writer, and essayist. Over the course of her career, Conlon has published dozens of novels, short stories, and essays. Her 2003 novel, ''Skin of Dreams'', was shortlisted for Irish No ...

(born 1952), novelist, short story writer *

Marita Conlon-McKenna Marita Conlon-McKenna (born 5 November 1956) is an Irish author of children's books and adult fiction. She is best known for her Famine-era historical children's book '' Under the Hawthorn Tree'', the first book of the ''Children of the Famine'' ...

(born 1956), children's writer, author of '' Under the Hawthorn Tree'' *

Susan E. Connolly Susan E. Connolly is an Irish fiction and non-fiction writer who has worked in comics, screenwriting, short fiction and novels. In March 2021, Connolly was announced to be attached as the lead writer of ''Zom-B'', a television series adaptation ...

(c. 1970), fiction and non fiction writer * June Considine (born 1945), children's writer and novelist * Dorothea Conyers (1869–1949), romantic novelist *

Melosina Lenox-Conyngham Melosina 'Melo' Lenox-Conyngham (22 February 1941 – 1 October 2011) was an Irish explorer and writer. Early life and family Melosina Anne Lenox-Conyngham was born in Ceylon on 22 February 1941, the daughter of Gerald Hamilton Lenox-Conyngham ...

(1941–2011), columnist and writer *

Roz Cowman Roz Cowman (born 1942), is an Irish poet and critic. Biography Roz Cowman was born in Cork in 1942. She got her education in the Loreto Convent in Clonmel before going on to study in University College Cork. She worked as a teacher and wri ...

(born 1942), poet * Mary Costello (fl. 2010s), short story writer, novelist * Ethna Byrne-Costigan (1904–1991) writer and academic *

Emily Crawford Emily Crawford (31 May 1841 – 30 December 1915) was an Irish journalist. Life Emily Crawford was born Emily Johnstone, probably in Dublin, on 31 May 1841. Although some sources state her year of birth as 1831 and place of birth as Edgeworthst ...

(1841–1915), journalist *

Mabel Sharman Crawford Mabel Sharman Crawford (3 June 1820 – 14 February 1912), was an Irish adventurer, feminist and writer. Life She was born Mabel Sharman Crawford on 3 June 1820 in Dublin to William Sharman M.P. and his wife Mabel Frideswid Crawford, a you ...

(1820–1912), an Irish adventurer, feminist and writer *

Isabella Valancy Crawford Isabella Valancy Crawford (25 December 1846 – 12 February 1887) was an Irish-born Canadian writer and poet. She was one of the first Canadians to make a living as a freelance writer. "Crawford is increasingly being viewed as Canada's first maj ...

(1846–1887), Irish-born Canadian poet, short story writer, novelist *

Máirín Cregan Máirín Cregan (27 March 1891 – 9 November 1975) was an Irish nationalist who was involved in the 1916 Easter Rising and Irish War of Independence. She later made her name writing for children, as well as writing plays and novels for adults. ...

(1891–1975), nationalist and writer * Elizabeth Christitch (1861–January 26, 1933) Irish journalist, writer, poet, translator and Serbian patriot *

Bithia Mary Croker Bithia Mary (or May) Croker (née Sheppard, c. 1848 or 1849 – 20 October 1920) was an Irish novelist, most of whose work concerns life and society in British India. Her 1917 novel ''The Road to Mandalay'', set in Burma, was the uncredited basis ...

(1848–1920), novelist *

May Crommelin Maria Henrietta de la Cherois Crommelin, known as May de la Cherois Crommelin, (1850–1930) was a novelist and travel writer born in Ulster, Ireland at Carrowdore Castle in County Down.Burke's Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gent ...

(1850–1930), novelist, travel writer *

Sarah Crossan Sarah Crossan is an Irish author. She is best known for her books for young adults, including ''Apple and Rain'' and ''One'', for which she has won several awards. Biography Crossan graduated from Warwick University in 1999 with a degree in Phi ...

(fl. 2010s), young adult writer * Julia Crottie (1853–about 1930), novelist and short story writer *

Catherine Ann Cullen Catherine Ann Cullen is the first Poetry Ireland poet in residence and is a writer. Biography Catherine Ann Cullen was born in Drogheda, County Louth. She has an M.Phil in Creative Writing from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD from Middlesex U ...

, Irish poet *

Majella Cullinane Majella Cullinane, born in Limerick, Ireland is an author based in New Zealand. Background Born and raised in Ireland, Cullinane became a New Zealand resident in 2008. She has a MLitt. in Creative Writing from the University of St Andrews, Sc ...

(fl. 2010s), novelist, poet, now in New Zealand *

Geraldine Cummins Geraldine Dorothy Cummins (1890–1969) was an Irish spiritualist medium, novelist and playwright. She began her career as a creative writer, but increasingly concentrated on mediumship and "channelled" writings, mostly about the lives of Jesus a ...

(1890–1969), spiritualist, novelist and playwright *

Judi Curtin Judi Curtin (born c 1960s) is an Irish children's writer and novelist based in Limerick. Biography Judi Curtin was born in Kenton, London to Irish parents who were originally from County Kerry. When she was eight her family moved to Douglas, Co ...

, Irish children's writer *

Margaret Anna Cusack Margaret Anna Cusack (born 6 May 1829 in a house at the corner of Mercer Street and York Street (now known as Cusack Corner), Dublin, Ireland – died 5 June 1899), also known as Sister Mary Francis Cusack and Mother Margaret, was first an Irish ...

(1829–1899), nun, novelist, biographer, non-fiction writer, poet *

Sidney Czira Sidney Sarah Madge Czira (née Gifford; 3 August 1889 – 15 September 1974), known by her pen name John Brennan, was a journalist, broadcaster, writer and revolutionary. She was an active member of the revolutionary group Inghinidhe na hÉirean ...

(1889–1974), journalist, broadcaster, writer and revolutionary

D

Emma Dabiri Emma Dabiri is an Irish author, academic, and broadcaster. Her debut book, ''Don't Touch My Hair'', was published in 2019. Biography Dabiri was born in Dublin to an Irish mother and a Nigerian Yoruba father. After spending her early years i ...

author, academic, and broadcaster * Ita Daly (born 1945) novelist and short story writer * Mary E. Daly (fl. 1980s), historian *

Mildred Darby Mildred Darby (''née'' Dill; 18 March 1867 – 5 January 1932) was an Anglo-Irish novelist in the Gothic genre and owner of Leap Castle, considered the most haunted castle in Ireland partly due to her input. Biography Mildred Henrietta Gordon D ...

(1867–1932), novelist *

Ailbhe Darcy Ailbhe Darcy (born 1981) is an Irish poet and Wales Book of the Year award laureate. Career Ailbhe Darcy was born in 1981 and grew up in Dublin. In 2015, she was awarded an MFA and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame. Darcy now lives in Ca ...

(born 1981), poet * Suzanne R. Day (1876–1964), feminist, playwright and novelist *

(1867–1932) Gothic novelist and owner of Leap Castle *

Annabel Davis-Goff Annabel Davis-Goff (born 19 February 1942) is an Irish novelist, academic, screenwriter and advocate, active in the United States. Early life Davis-Goff was born to a Protestant family in Ireland to Anglo-Irish parents. Her father was Sir Ern ...

(born 1942), memoirist, novelist, reviewer, now in the United States *

Mary Davys Mary Davys (1674?–1732) was an Irish novelist and playwright. Early life Davis was born in Ireland: nothing is known about her childhood, including her birth name. Comments by Jonathan Swift, who was at Trinity College Dublin with her hus ...

(1674–1732), novelist, playwright, author of '' The Reform'd Coquet'' * Suzanne R. Day (1876–1964), feminist, novelist and playwright * Alice Dease (1874–1949), novelist *

Charlotte Dease Charlotte Dease (20 July 1873 – 5 May 1953), was a collector of old Irish prayers who also wrote and translated books on the saints. Biography Charlotte Dease was born the middle of five children to Edmund Gerald Dease and Mary Grattan on 20 ...

(1873–1953), prayer collector and writer *

Denise Deegan Denise Deegan (born 1952) is an English novelist and playwright. She is best known for her play, ''Daisy Pulls It Off''. Biography Deegan was born in London, England, where she trained in stage management at East 15 Acting School. Prior to ...

(born 1966), screenwriter and young adult writer *

Teresa Deevy Teresa Deevy (21 January 1894 – 19 January 1963) was an Irish dramatist and writer, who was deaf from the age of 19. Best known for her works for theatre, she was also a short story writer, and writer for radio. Early life Teresa Deevy w ...

(1894–1963), playwright, short story writer, also wrote for radio *

Martina Devlin Martina Devlin is a novelist and newspaper columnist from Northern Ireland. Biography Devlin was born in Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. She worked in Fleet Street for seven years before moving to Dublin Dublin (; , or ) is the c ...

, award-winning columnist and best selling novelist *

Polly Devlin Polly Devlin OBE (born 1944) is a writer and Irish broadcaster. Biography She was born in Ardboe, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, then a remote area without telephones or electricity. She left for London after winning the ''Vogue'' magazine ...

(born 1944), novelist, short story writer, broadcaster *

Éilís Ní Dhuibhne Éilís Ní Dhuibhne (; born 22 February 1954), also known as Eilis Almquist and Elizabeth O'Hara, is an Irish novelist and short story writer who writes both in Irish and English. She has been shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction, and ...

(born 1954), novelist, short story writer, children's writer, playwright, writes in Irish and English * Máirín Diamond (born 1957), poet *

Eilís Dillon Eilís Dillon FRSL (7 March 1920 – 19 July 1994) was an Irish author of 50 books. Her work has been translated into 14 languages.

(1920–1994), children's writer, historical novelist, wrote in Irish and English *

Lady Margaret Domville Lady Margaret Frances Domville (née St Lawrence; 1840 – 9 January 1929) was an Irish aristocrat and a writer. She was also the daughter of the 3rd Earl of Howth and the wife of Sir Charles Compton Domville, 2nd Bt. Biography Lady Margaret F ...

(1840–9 January 1929), Irish aristocrat and a writer *

Emma Donoghue Emma Donoghue (born 24 October 1969) is an Irish-Canadian playwright, literary historian, novelist, and screenwriter. Her 2010 novel ''Room'' was a finalist for the Booker Prize and an international best-seller. Donoghue's 1995 novel ''Hood'' w ...

(born 1969), playwright, historian, novelist, now living in Canada, author of ''

Room In a building or large vehicle, like a ship, a room is any enclosed space within a number of walls to which entry is possible only via a door or other dividing structure that connects it to either a passage (architecture), passageway, another roo ...

'' *

Aoife Dooley Aoife Dooley (born 14 April 1991), is an Irish writer, illustrator, comedian and graphic designer. Life A North Dubliner, Dooley has lived in Ballymun and Coolock for most of her life. Her father left when she was young and her mother remarried ...

(born 1991), writer, illustrator and graphic designer *

Mary Dorcey Mary Dorcey (born in 1950) is an Irish poet, novelist, short story writer, feminist and LGBTQIA+ activist. She was a former writer in residence at Trinity College Dublin and the Women's Education, Research and Resource Centre of University Coll ...

(born 1950), short story writer, poet, novelist *

Ellen Mary Patrick Downing Ellen Mary Patrick Downing (19 March 1828 – 27 January 1869), known as ''Mary of the Nation'' and ''E. M. P. D.'', was an Irish nationalist, poet and nun. She was one of the three chief poets of Irish nationality. Biography Born in Cork in 18 ...

, poet *

Mary Downing Mary Downing (née McCarthy; ''c.''1815–1881) was an Irish poet and Irish nationalism, nationalist best known by her pen name "Christabel". Some of her poetry appeared in ''The ballad poetry of Ireland'' (1869), a collection of verse edited by ...

(c. 1815–1881), poet and nationalist * Catharine Drew (1832–1910), journalist *

Nora Dryhurst Nannie Florence Dryhurst (born Hannah Anne Robinson; 17 June 1856–1930) was an Irish writer, translator, activist and nationalist. Personal life Hannah Anne Robinson was born on 17 June 1856 in Dublin to Alexander Robinson and Emily Egan. Her ...

(1856–1930), nationalist and writer *

Dorothea Du Bois Lady Dorothea Du Bois (1728–1774) was an Irish poet, autobiographer and musical dramatist, whose claims on her father's estate were never met. Life Du Bois was the eldest daughter of Richard Annesley, afterwards sixth earl of Anglesey, and An ...

(1728–1774), musical entertainment writer *

Ruth Dudley Edwards Ruth Dudley Edwards (born 24 May 1944) is an Irish Unionist historian and writer, with published work in the fields of history, biography and crime fiction, and a number of awards won. Born in Dublin, Ireland, she has lived in England since 1965 ...

(born 1944), crime fiction novelist, journalist, broadcaster * Bella Duffy, (1849–1926), writer and translator

E

Charlotte O'Conor Eccles Charlotte O'Conor Eccles (1863–1911) was an Irish writer, translator and journalist, who spent her working life in London. ''Aliens of the West'' (1904) was said to be among "the best modern books of short stories on Ireland yet written."''The ...

(1860–1911), novelist, short story writer, columnist *

Frances Anne Edgeworth Frances Anne Edgeworth (née Beaufort) (1769–1865), known as Fanny, was an Irish botanical artist and memoirist. She was the stepmother and confidant of the author Maria Edgeworth. Early life Frances Anne Beaufort was born at ''Flower Hill'' ...

(1769–1865), memoirist, botanical artist *

Maria Edgeworth Maria Edgeworth (1 January 1768 – 22 May 1849) was a prolific Anglo-Irish novelist of adults' and children's literature. She was one of the first realist writers in children's literature and was a significant figure in the evolution of the n ...

(1768–1849), novelist, children's writer, author of ''

The Purple Jar "The Purple Jar" is a well-known short story by Maria Edgeworth (1768-1849), an Anglo-Irish writer of novels and stories. "The Purple Jar" first was published in ''The Parent's Assistant'' (1796) and reappeared in ''Rosamond'' (1801). Edgeworth's ...

'' *

George Egerton Mary Chavelita Dunne Bright (born Mary Elizabeth Annie Dunne; 14 December 1859 – 12 August 1945), better known by her pen name George Egerton (pronounced Edg'er-ton), was a writer of short stories, novels, plays and translations, noted for ...

, pen name of Mary Chavelita Dunne Bright (1859–1945), short story writer, novelist, playwright, translator * Olivia Elder (1735–1780), poet *

Marianne Elliott Marianne Phoebe Elliott (born 27 December 1966) is a British theatre director and producer who works on the West End and Broadway. She has received numerous accolades including three Laurence Olivier Awards and four Tony Awards. Initially ...

(born 1948), historian *

Anne Enright Anne Teresa Enright (born 11 October 1962) is an Irish writer. She has published seven novels, many short stories and a non-fiction work called ''Making Babies: Stumbling into Motherhood'', about the birth of her two children. Her writing explo ...

(born 1962), essayist, short story writer, novelist, non-fiction writer *

Erminda Rentoul Esler Erminda Rentoul Esler (1852? – 1924) was an Irish novelist who wrote romances and fiction expressing Presbyterian moral values. She was well known in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for her novels and short stories, and was published ...

(c. 1852–1924), novelist, short story writer * Elsa d'Esterre-Keeling (1857–1935), novelist

F

* Elaine Feeney (born 1979), poet *

Mrs. E. M. Field Louise Frances Field (née Story, 1856–1940) was an Irish novelist and literary critic who wrote an early historical study of children's literature in England.Jarndyce Booksellers' catalogue ''Women Writers 1795–1927 Part I: A–F'' (London, ...

(1856–1940), children and historical * N. P. Figgis (1939–2014), archaeologist and author * Sarah Mary Fitton (c. 1796–1874), writer interested in botany *

Barbara Fitzgerald Barbara Fitzgerald (16 December 1911 – 21 May 1982) was an Irish novelist. Life Barbara Fitzgerald was born Barbara Gregg in Cork on 16 December 1911. Her parents were John Allen Fitzgerald Gregg and Anna Gregg (née Jennings). Fitzgerald sp ...

(1911–1982), novelist *

Kitty Fitzgerald Kitty Fitzgerald (born 25 September 1946) is an Irish born writer. Kitty Fitzgerald was born in Ireland. She grew up in Yorkshire and lives in Northumberland. She gained a degree in English as a mature student and went on to become a full time w ...

(born September 25, 1946), writer, poet, playwright * Theodora FitzGibbon (1916–1991), cookbook writer, novelist, actress * Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (born 1962), novelist, children's writer, illustrator *

Patricia Forde Patricia Forde (born ) was former Director of the Galway Arts Festival and an Irish children's author. Forde was raised in Market Street, Galway, a fluent Irish speaker. She became a member of An Taibhdhearc at age ten, both acting and dire ...

(born c. 1960), children's writer *

Anne Marie Forrest Anne Marie Forrest is an author who grew up Blarney, County Cork, Ireland. After graduating from University College Cork, she completed her master's degree in Urban and Rural Planning at the University College Dublin. Having lived in various pa ...

(born 1967), widely translated novelist * Ellen Forrester (1828–1883), nationalist and poet *

Lydia Mary Foster Lydia Mary Foster (18 June 1867 – 13 December 1943) was an Irish writer and teacher, who wrote three books drawing on the experiences of growing up in rural Ulster in the 19th century in the Kailyard school genre. Life Lydia Mary Foster was b ...

(1867–1943), writer and novelist * Lorraine Francis (born 1958), children's writer *

M. E. Francis M. E. Francis was the pen name of Mary Elizabeth Blundell (née Sweetman; 1859 – 9 March 1930) who was a prolific Irish novelist. She was described as the best known woman novelist of the day. Biography Mary Elizabeth Sweetman was born at Ki ...

(1859–1930), novelist *

Celia de Fréine Celia de Fréine (born 1948) is a poet, playwright, screenwriter and librettist who writes in Irish and English. Background Celia de Fréine was born in Newtownards, County Down. At an early age she moved with her family to Dublin, maint ...

(born 1948), poet, playwright, screenwriter, librettist, writing in Irish and English *

Katy French Katy Ellen French (31 October 1983 – 6 December 2007) was an Irish socialite, model, writer, television personality and charity worker. According to the BBC, "in the space of less than two years, she had become one of Ireland's best-known mod ...

(1983–2007), model, television personality, columnist *

Tana French Tana French (born 10 May 1973) is an American-Irish writer and theatrical actress. She is a longtime resident of Dublin, Ireland. Her debut novel '' In the Woods'' (2007), a psychological mystery, won the Edgar, Anthony, Macavity, and Barry ...

(born 1973), novelist, actress, author of ''

In the Woods ''In the Woods'' is a 2007 mystery novel by Tana French about a pair of Irish detectives and their investigation of the murder of a twelve-year-old girl. It is the first book in French's Dublin Murder Squad series. The novel won several awards ...

'' * Sarah Mary Fitton (c. 1796–1874), botanist, non-fiction writer, children's writer *

Anne Fuller Anne Fuller (died 1790) was an Irish novelist in the Gothic novel, Gothic genre. She was one of the earliest women writers of Gothic fiction. Life and work Anne Fuller was the daughter of William Fuller and Jane Harnett of West Kerries, Tralee, ...

(died 1790), novelist in the Gothic genre *

Alice Furlong Alice Furlong (26 November 1866 – 1946) was an Irish writer, poet and political activist who also worked on Irish publications with Douglas Hyde (later President of Ireland). Life She was born at Old Bawn, near Tallaght, County Dublin, the ...

(1866–1946), poet, feminist, wrote in English and Irish

G

* Gertrude Gaffney (died 1959), journalist * Maureen Gaffney (born 1947), psychologist, non-fiction writer * Margaret Gallagher (fl. 1970s), writer specializing in gender and media *

Miriam Gallagher Miriam Gallagher (born 1940) was an Irish playwright and author whose works have been performed globally and translated into numerous languages. Biography Born Born Miriam O’Connor in Waterford to Michael O’Connor, a bank manager with 5 ch ...

(born 1940), plays, scripts, books, stories * Ruth Gilligan (born 1988), best selling novelist *Dr.

Maude Glasgow Dr. Maude Glasgow (1876–1955) was an early pioneer in public health and preventive medicine as well as an activist for equal rights. Life Maude Glasgow was born in Cookstown, Ireland in 1876. Her father was Silas Glasgow of Killycurragh. She ...

(1876–1955), early pioneer in public health and preventative medicine as well as an activist for equal rights. *

Lady Blanche Girouard Lady Blanche Maud de la Poer Beresford Girouard (13 October 1898 – 29 September 1940) was an Irish journalist and writer. She was the eldest child of the 6th Marquess of Waterford. Life She was born Lady Blanche Maud de la Poer Beresford ...

(1898–1940), writer *

Eva Gore-Booth Eva Selina Laura Gore-Booth (22 May 1870 – 30 June 1926) was an Irish poet, theologian, and dramatist, and a committed suffragist, social worker and labour activist. She was born at Lissadell House, County Sligo, the younger sister of C ...

(1870–1926), poet, playwright, feminist *

Clotilde Graves Clotilde Augusta Inez Mary Graves (3 June 1863 – 3 December 1932), known as Clo. Graves, was an Irish author who wrote under the pseudonym of Richard Dehan, becoming a successful playwright in London and New York City. Biography Graves was b ...

(1863–1932), novelist and playwright *

Ida Margaret Graves Poore Ida Margaret Graves Poore, Lady Poore (28 December 1859 – 5 February 1941), was an Anglo-Irish autobiographer and poet. Life and work Born Ida Margaret Graves to Rt Rev Charles Graves and Selina Cheyne on 28 December 1859. Her father was De ...

(1859–1941), writer and poet * Áine Greaney (c 1962), writer and editor *

Alice Stopford Green __NOTOC__ Alice Stopford Green (30 May 1847 – 28 May 1929) was an Irish historian and nationalist. She was born Alice Sophia Amelia Stopford in Kells, County Meath. Her father Edward Adderley Stopford was Rector of Kells and Archdeacon of ...

(1847–1929), historian and nationalist * Sarah Green (fl.1790–1825), Irish-English novelist *

Augusta, Lady Gregory Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory (''née'' Persse; 15 March 1852 – 22 May 1932) was an Irish dramatist, folklorist and theatre manager. With William Butler Yeats and Edward Martyn, she co-founded the Irish Literary Theatre and the Abbey Theatre, ...

(1852–1932), playwright, folk story writer, poet, memoirist, travelled widely *

Frances Greville Frances Greville née Macartney (c 1724 – 1789) was an Irish poet and celebrity in Georgian England. She was born in Longford, Ireland in the mid-1720s; one of four daughters of James Macartney and Catherine (née Coote), daughter of the ...

(c 1724–1789), poet, social celebrity *

Constantia Grierson Constantia Grierson (née Crawley; c. 1705 – 2 December 1732), was an editor, poet, and classical scholar from County Kilkenny, Ireland. She is notable for her achievements as a classicist, which were all the more remarkable given her labou ...

(c.1705–1732), editor, poet, classical scholar * Sarah Maria Griffin (born c. 1988), Irish writer and poet *

Elizabeth Griffith Elizabeth Griffith (1727 – 5 January 1793) was an 18th-century Welsh-born dramatist, fiction writer, essayist and actress, who lived and worked in Ireland. Biography Elizabeth Griffith was born in Glamorgan, Wales, to Dublin theater manager ...

(1727–1793), playwright, novelist, essayist, translator *

Beatrice Grimshaw Beatrice Ethel Grimshaw (3 February 1870 – 30 June 1953) was an Irish writer and traveller. Beginning in 1903, she worked as a travel writer for the ''Daily Graphic'' and ''The Times'', leading her to move to the Territory of Papua, whe ...

(1870–1953), novelist, travel writer * Vona Groarke (born 1964), poet * Isabel Grubb (1881–1972), historian *

Veronica Guerin Veronica Guerin (5 July 1958 – 26 June 1996) was an Irish crime reporter who was murdered by drug lords. Born in Dublin, she was an athlete in school and later played on the Irish national teams for both football and basketball. After stud ...

(1958–1996), journalist *

Althea Gyles Althea Gyles (January 1867 – 23 January 1949) was an Irish poet and artist. She is known for her book cover designs, for writers who included W. B. Yeats. Early life Margaret Alithea Gyles was born in Bath, Somerset, and christened there at ...

(1868–1949), poet, artist

H

Anna Maria Hall Anna Maria Hall (6 January 1800 – 30 January 1881) was an Irish novelist who often published as "Mrs. S. C. Hall". She married Samuel Carter Hall, a writer on art, who described her in ''Retrospect of a Long Life, from 1815 to 1883''. She was ...

(1800–1881), playwright, novelist, short story writerist * C. J. Hamilton, (1841–1935) novelist and journalist * Marianne-Caroline Hamilton (1777–1861), artist and memoirist * Emma Hannigan (1972–2018), novelist, memoirist * Kerry Hardie (born 1951), poet and novelist * Elizabeth Hardy (1794–1854), novelist *

Nancy Harris Nancy Harris is an Irish playwright and screenwriter. She was given the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature in 2012. Early life and education Harris is the daughter of Anne Harris (journalist), Anne and Eoghan Harris. She was educated at Trinity C ...

, successful playwright since c. 2012 * Anne Le Marquand Hartigan (born 1940s), poet, playwright, painter *

Johanna Harwood Johanna M. Harwood (born 1930) is an Irish screenwriter. She was born and raised in County Wicklow in the Irish countryside. She co-wrote two James Bond films, and went uncredited for adaptation work on a third. Life and career Harwood enter ...

(born 1930), screenwriter * Anne Haverty (born 1959), novelist and poet *

Mary Hayden Mary Teresa Hayden (1862 – 12 July 1942) was an Irish historian, Irish-language activist and campaigner for women's causes. Biography Mary Hayden was educated initially at the Dominican College, Eccles Street and then at Alexandra College in ...

(1862–1942), historian, Irish-language and women's rights activist * Annie French Hector, 'Mrs. Alexander' (1825–1902), popular novelist * Barbara Hemphill (died 1858), novelist * Claire Hennessy (born 1986), young adult novelist * Dorothea Herbert (c. 1767–1829), diarist, poet * Marie Herbert (born 1941), adventurer and author *

Sarah Herbert Sarah Herbert (1824–1846), was an Irish-Nova Scotian author, publisher and educator. Life Sarah Herbert was born to Nicholas Michael Herbert and Ann Bates in Ireland in October 1824. Her father emigrated to Canada in 1826. He took his young ...

(1824–1846), Irish-Nova Scotian author, publisher and educator *

Jane Emily Herbert Jane Emily Herbert (1821 – 26 May 1882) was an Irish poet who, in her time, was hailed as the legitimate successor, in the female line, to the laurel vacant since the death of Felicia Hemans in 1835. Early life and family Jane Emily Herbert wa ...

(1821–1882), acclaimed poet *

Emily Henrietta Hickey Emily Henrietta Hickey (1845–1924) was an Irish author, narrative poet and translator. Biography She was born in Macmine Castle, near Enniscorthy in County Wexford, daughter of the Rev. J. S. Hickey, Protestant rector of Goresbridge and gra ...

(1845–1923), poet, writer on religion, translator *

Elizabeth Hickey Elizabeth Hickey (1917–1999) was a Meath historian and author who lived at Skryne Castle near Tara. The ''doyenne'' and best known of Meath historians, she wrote on a variety of topics. According to the Irish Times, she typified the immense co ...

(1917–1999), historian * Mary Agnes Hickson (1821–1899), historian *

F. E. Higgins Fiona "F. E." Higgins is an Irish children's author. She is known for her books ''The Bone Magician'' and ''The Black Book of Secrets'', the latter of which was awarded a Bisto Honour Award in 2008. Born in Wicklow Wicklow ( ; ga, Cill ...

, pen name of Fiona Higgins, novelist since 2007 *

Rita Ann Higgins Rita Ann Higgins (born 1955) is an Irish poet and playwright. Early life A native of Ballybrit, Galway, Higgins was one of thirteen children in a working-class household. She went to Briarhill National School, and Sisters of Mercy Convent, Galw ...

(born 1955), poet, playwright * Pamela Hinkson (1900–1982), novelist * Mary Hobhouse (1864–1901), poet, novelist *

Mary Anne Holmes Mary Anne Holmes (née Emmet) (10 October 1773 – 10 March 1805) was an Irish poet and writer, connected by her brothers Thomas Addis, and Robert, Emmet, to the republican politics of the United Irishmen. Life Holmes was born Mary Anne Emmet ...

(1773–1805), poet *

Norah Hoult Eleanor Lucy Hoult, known by her pen name Norah Hoult, (10 September 1898 – 6 April 1984) was an Irish writer of novels and short stories. A prolific writer, Hoult wrote twenty-three novels and four short story collections. Her work deals primari ...

(1898–1984), novelist and short story writer * Caoilinn Hughes (fl. 2010s), novelist, short story writer *

Margaret Wolfe Hungerford Margaret Wolfe Hungerford, née Hamilton, (27 April 1855 – 24 January 1897), was an Irish novelist whose light romantic fiction was popular throughout the English-speaking world in the late 19th century. Biography She was born in County Cor ...

(1855–1897), popular novelist, short story writer *

Arlene Hunt Arlene Hunt (born 1972 in Dublin Dublin (; , or ) is the capital and largest city of Republic of Ireland, Ireland. On a bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Leinster, bordered on the south by ...

(born 1972), crime fiction novelist

J

* Rosamund Jacob (1888–1960), diarist, novelist *

Anna Brownell Jameson Anna Brownell Jameson (17 May 179417 March 1860) was an Anglo-Irish art historian. Born in Ireland, she migrated to England at the age of four, becoming a well-known British writer and contributor to nineteenth-century thought on a range of sub ...

(1794–1860), Irish-born British non-fiction writer, essayist * Biddy Jenkinson (born 1949), Irish-language poet, short story writer and dramatist * Rosemary Jenkinson (born 1967), poet, playwright and short story writer * Jennifer Johnston (born 1930), novelist, author of '' How Many Miles to Babylon?'' *

Lauren-Shannon Jones Lauren-Shannon Jones (born c. 1989), is an Irish playwright and performer. Biography Jones began her media career working as a model before going on to graduate with an honours degree in film production from Colaiste Dhulaigh in Coolock and Wol ...

(born c. 1989), is a horror playwright and performer * Kate Jordan (1862–1926), Irish-American novelist and playwright * Ann Henning Jocelyn (born 1948), writer, playwright and translator

K

* Julia Kavanagh (1824–1877), children's writer, novelist, stories mainly based in France *

Rose Kavanagh Rose Kavanagh (24 June 1859 or 1860 – 26 February 1891) was an Irish editor, writer and poet. Biography Rose Kavanagh was born at Killadroy, in County Tyrone. When she was eleven years old, her family settled at Mullaghmore, near Augher. Sh ...

(1860–1891), newspaper editor, columnist, poet * Anna Kelly (1891–1958), journalist and the first women's page editor in Ireland *

Molly Keane Molly Keane (20 July 1904 – 22 April 1996),Who's Who 1987 Mary Nesta Skrine, and who also wrote as M. J. Farrell, was an Irish novelist and playwright. Early life Keane was born Mary Nesta Skrine in Ryston Cottage, Newbridge, County Kildar ...

(1904–1996), novelist and playwright *

Cathy Kelly Cathy Kelly (born 12 September 1966) is an Irish former journalist and writer of women's fiction since 1997. She has gained international recognition with her popular fiction novels, which are published globally in many languages. In 2001, her n ...

(born 1966), journalist, widely translated women's fiction novelist *

Maeve Kelly Maeve Kelly (born 1930) is an Irish writer. Career Kelly was born in Ennis, County Clare and raised in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. She settled in Limerick and studied nursing at St. Andrew's Hospital in London London is the capita ...

(born 1930), novelist, short story writer, poet *

Mary Eva Kelly Mary Eva Kelly (later O'Doherty) (1826–1910) was an Irish-Australian poet and writer who was widely known as "Eva" of "the Nation". Biography Born in Headford, County Galway, Ireland, Kelly was educated privately with other members of her f ...

(1826–1910), poet, emigrated to Australia * Rita Kelly (born 1953), poet, writing in Irish and English * Mary Olivia Kennedy (1880–1943), journalist *

Marian Keyes Marian Keyes (born 10 September 1963) is an Irish author and radio presenter. She is principally known for her popular fiction. Keyes became known for her novels ''Watermelon'', ''Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married'', ''Rachel's Holiday'', ''Last ...

(born 1963), successful novelist, non-fiction writer, works widely translated *

(1904–1996), novelist, playwright * Paula Keane (1977), novelist and short story writer. *

Celine Kiernan Celine Kiernan (born October 1967 in Dublin) is an Irish author of fantasy novels for young adults. She is best known for The Moorehawke Trilogy. Set in an alternate renaissance Europe, the trilogy combines fantasy elements with an exploration of ...

(born 1967), young adult novelist, children's writer * Carla King (fl. 2000s), historian *

Margaret King Margaret King (1773–1835), also known as Margaret King Moore, Lady Mount Cashell and Mrs Mason, was an Anglo-Irish hostess, and a writer of female-emancipatory fiction and health advice. Despite her wealthy aristocratic background, she had re ...

(1773–1835), children's writer, non-fiction works *

Elaine Kinsella Elaine Kinsella (born 24 November 1981) is an Irish broadcaster. She was born in Wexford but grew up in Listowel, County Kerry. Together with Andrew Morrissey, Elaine presents the breakfast show ''Kerry's Full Breakfast'' on weekday mornings be ...

(fl. 2000s), radio dramatist *

Olivia Knight Olivia Knight (29 September 1828? – 2 June 1908) also known as Mrs Hope Connolly was an Irish Australians, Irish-Australian poet, essayist, translator and teacher. She also published under the names "Thomasine" and "Celtica". Early life Oliv ...

(1830–1908), poet, essayist, columnist, from 1860 in to Australia * Kathleen Knox (1847–1930), Irish author and poet who used the pen name Edward Kane in later life

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May Laffan May Hartley (née Laffan) (3 May 1849 – 23 June 1916) was an Irish realist writer who wrote about Dublin society in the nineteenth century and was considered a pioneer of "slum fiction" in an Irish setting. Career Born on 3 May 1849 to Micha ...

(1849–1916), novelist *

Margaret Rebecca Lahee Margaret Rebecca Lahee (10 May 1831 – 14 June 1895) was an Irish popular Lancashire dialect writer from the 19th century. Early life and education She was born in Carlow, Ireland on 10 May 1831. She moved to Rochdale, Lancashire to learn m ...

(1831–1895), Irish Lancashire dialect writer from the 19th century *

Caitriona Lally Caitríona Lally is an Irish writer. She has published two novels: ''Eggshells'' (2017) and ''Wunderland'' (2021). In 2018 she was awarded the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature. Biography Lally studied English literature at Trinity College Dub ...

(fl. 2018), novelist *

Elish Lamont Elish Lamont or Elish La Mont(e) (c. 1800/1816 – 28 July 1870) was an Irish miniaturist. Life Elish Lamont was born to a well-known business family in Belfast, in either 1800 or 1816. Her father was John Lamont, a stationer and printer. She w ...

(c.1800–1870), artist, writer and poet * Lathóg of Tír Chonaill (9th century), poet * Rosamond Langbridge (1880–1964), novelist, playwright, poet *

Maura Laverty Maura Laverty (née Kelly; 15 May 1907 – 26 July 1966) was an Irish novelist, playwright, journalist, broadcaster and cookery expert known for her work on the Irish television drama serial, ''Tolka Row''. She published several novels, short stor ...

(1907–1966), novelist, short story writer, journalist, broadcaster *

Mary Lavin Mary Josephine Lavin (10 June 1912 – 25 March 1996) wrote short stories and novels. An Irishwoman, she is now regarded as a pioneer in the field of women's writing. The well-known Irish writer Lord Dunsany mentored Lavin after her father appr ...

(1912–1996), pioneering novelist, short story writer *

Emily Lawless The Hon. Emily Lawless (17 June 184519 October 1913) was an Irish novelist, historian, entomologist, gardener, and poet from County Kildare. Her innovative approach to narrative and the psychological richness of her fiction have been identifi ...

(1845–1913), novelist, poet, biographer, historian *

Alice Lawrenson Alice Louisa Lawrenson (2 October 1841– 14 March 1900), often writing as St. Brigid, was an Irish botanical writer and gardener. Biography Alice Lawrenson was born Alice Louisa Jane Bland, to Reverend Robert Wintringham Bland and Alicia Evan ...

(1841–1900), gardener * Sybil le Brocquy (1892–1973), playwright and conservationist *

Mary Leadbeater Mary Leadbeater (; December 1758 – 27 June 1826) was an Irish author and diarist. Early years and education Leadbeater was born in Ballitore, Athy, County Kildare, Ireland. She was the daughter of Richard Shackleton (1726–1792) by his second ...

(1758–1826), poet, short story writer, biographer, letter writer *

Ada Leask Ada Leask (27 October 1899 – 12 August 1987) was an Irish historian and antiquary. Life Ada Leask was born Ada Kathleen Longfield in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India on 27 October 1899. Her parents were Major Alfred Percival Longfield (1862–1916 ...

(1899–1987), historian *

Alicia Sheridan Le Fanu Alicia Sheridan Le Fanu (1753–1817) was an Irish writer. She was the daughter of actor Thomas Sheridan and his wife, writer Frances Chamberlaine Sheridan. She was the sister of Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Betsy Sheridan Ann Elizabet ...

(1753–1817), playwright, published only one play: ''The Sons of Erin; Or, Modern Sentiment'' *

Sarah Leech Sarah Leech (1809 - 1830) was an Irish poet. She is the only known published female Irish weaver poet and one of the few women of the time to have poetry published in the Ulster Scots dialect. Biography Sarah Leech was born in the townland of ...

(1809–1830), poet * Alicia LeFanu (1791–1867), poet, novelist * Elizabeth Emmet Lenox-Conyngham (1800–1889), poet * Mae Leonard poet, broadcaster, short story writer * Mary Isabel Leslie (1899–1978), known as Temple Lane, novelist * Sybil le Brocquy (1892–1973) *

June Levine June is the sixth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and is the second of four months to have a length of 30 days, and the third of five months to have a length of less than 31 days. June contains the summer solstice in ...

(1931–2008), journalist, novelist, feminist writer * Liadain (7th century), poet * J.S. Anna Liddiard (1773–1819), romantic poet * Ruth Frances Long (born 1971), novelist, young adult writer *

Hannah Lynch Hannah Lynch (25 March 1859 – 9 January 1904) was an Irish feminist, novelist, journalist and translator. She spent much of her working life in Paris. Life Hannah Lynch was born in Dublin on 25 March 1859. Her father died when she was young. H ...

(1859–1904), Irish novelist, journalist and translator * Patricia Lynch (1894–1972), children's writer, journalist, short story writer *

Philomena Lynott Philomena Lynott (22 October 1930 – 12 June 2019) was an Irish author and entrepreneur. She was the mother of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. Her autobiography, ''My Boy'', documents their relationship. She was the proprietor of the Clifton ...

(1930–2019), memoirist * Genevieve Lyons (1930–2018), actress, novelist, educator

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Catherine Maberly Catherine 'Kate' Charlotte Maberly (1805 – 7 February 1875) was an Irish writer. Biography Born Catherine Charlotte Prittie in November 1805 in Corville, Tipperary, Ireland, Maberly was the daughter of Hon. Francis Aldborough Prittie and El ...

(1805–1875) Irish writer * Aifric Mac Aodha (born 1979), poet *

Dorothy Macardle Dorothy Macardle (2 February 1889, in Dundalk – 23 December 1958, in Drogheda)Luke Gibbons, ''The Irish Times'', Weekend Review, "A Cosmopolitan Reclaimed: A Review of ''Dorothy Macardle: A Life''", by Nadia Clare Smith, 10 November 2007, p.1 ...

(1889–1958), novelist, playwright, historian *

Bridget G. MacCarthy Bridget G. MacCarthy (7 June 1904 – April 1993) was an Irish academic and writer. She has been described as one of the most important female cultural and literary historians. Biography Bridget Gerard MacCarthy was born to Jeremiah MacCarthy a ...

(1904–1993), literary historian * Ethna MacCarthy (1903–1959), poet *

Mary Stanislaus MacCarthy Sister Mary Stanislaus MacCarthy (1849–1897) was an Irish poet, educator and nun. MacCarthy was a daughter of poet Denis Florence MacCarthy, who wrote as "Desmond of The Nation" and Elizabeth MacCarthy (née Donnelly). Biography Mary MacCar ...

(1849–1897), nun, poet *

Doireann MacDermott Doireann MacDermott ( ; born 13 December 1923) is an Irish translator, writer, an academic in the field of Spanish philology, and a retired professor of English studies at the University of Barcelona. She pioneered the study of the language and ...

(born 1923), translator, philologist, non-fiction writer *

Marisa Mackle Marisa Mackle (born c. 1973) is a journalist and romance novelist of over 13 books who also writes for children. Life and work Born in Armagh, Northern Ireland about 1973, Mackle now lives in Dublin, Ireland. She was educated in Mount Anville i ...

(born c.1973), novelist *

Eleanor MacMahon Ella MacMahon (23 July 1864 - 19 April 1956) was a prolific List of Irish novelists, Irish romance novelist. Life and career Eleanor Harriet MacMahon was born to Rev. John Henry MacMahon, curate of St. Werburgh's Church, Dublin and Frances Snag ...

(1864–1956), romance novelist *

Kathleen MacMahon Kathleen MacMahon is an Irish writer and former radio and television journalist who worked with Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ She is the author of three novels and numerous short stories. Childhood and family Born in Kilkenny, MacMaho ...

, journalist and novelist * Charlotte Elizabeth MacManus (1850–1941), novelist *

Máire MacNeill Máire MacNeill (7 December 1904 – 15 May 1987) was an Irish journalist, folklorist and translator. She is best known for her magisterial study of the Irish harvest festival, ''The Festival of Lughnasa'' (1962, 1983). Biography She was ...

(1904–1987), journalist, folklorist, translator *

Catherine Mary MacSorley Catherine Mary MacSorley (5 October 1848 – 26 January 1929) was an Ireland, Irish writer. She specialized in books for girls and books of a religious nature. She was born at 94 Ranelagh Road, Dublin, eldest daughter of Catherine and Rev. John ...

(1848–1929), children's writer for girls, religious works * Marie MacSweeney, poet, shortstories *

Máire MacSwiney Brugha Máire MacSwiney Brugha (23 June 1918 – 20 May 2012) was an Irish activist who was the daughter of Terence MacSwiney and niece of Mary MacSwiney. As well as an activist she was also an author and is now regarded as a person of historical impor ...

(1918–2012), activist and writer * Audrey Magee (active since 2000), novelist * Bríd Mahon (1922–2008), novelist and folklorist *

Catherine Gray, Lady Manners Catherine Rebecca Gray (or Grey), Lady Manners, later Lady Huntingtower (1766 – 21 March 1852) was an Anglo-Irish aristocrat and poet. Life Catherine Gray was born in Lehena, County Cork County Cork ( ga, Contae Chorcaí) is the largest ...

(1766–1852), poet * Mary Manning (1905–1999), novelist, playwright and film critic * Alicia Catherine Mant (1788–1869), children's writer * Harriet Evans Martin (died 1846), Anglo-Irish novelist, non-fiction writer * Harriet Letitia Martin (1801–1891), novelist *

Mary Letitia Martin Mary Letitia Martin (1815–1850) was an Irish writer who was known as the "Princess of Connemara". Educated at home in the upper-class style, she was fluent in numerous languages. She published two books in her lifetime, and a third was published ...

(1815–1850), novelist *

Violet Florence Martin Violet Florence Martin (11 June 1862 – 21 December 1915) was an Irish author who co-wrote a series of novels with cousin Edith Somerville under the pen name of Martin Ross ( Somerville and Ross) in the late nineteenth and early twentieth ce ...

(1862–1915), novelist, co-authored works with

Edith Somerville Edith Anna Œnone Somerville (2 May 1858 – 8 October 1949) was an Irish novelist who habitually signed herself as "E. Œ. Somerville". She wrote in collaboration with her cousin "Martin Ross" ( Violet Martin) under the pseudonym " Somerville ...

* Mary Mathew (1724–1777), diarist *

Caitlín Maude Caitlín Maude (22 May 1941 – 6 June 1982) was an Irish poet, activist, teacher, actress and traditional singer. Early life She was born in Casla, County Galway, and reared in the Irish language. Her mother, Máire Nic an Iomaire, was a ...

(1941–1982), poet, teacher, actress, singer, wrote in Irish *

Constantia Maxwell Constantia Elizabeth Maxwell (1886–1962) was an Irish historian who became the first woman to join Trinity College Dublin as a Professor. Early life and education Maxwell was the daughter of Scottish ophthalmic surgeon Patrick W. Maxwell and ...

(1886–1962), historian *

Joan McBreen Joan McBreen (born 1944), is an Irish poet. Her work has been translated into many languages and appears in a number of anthologies. Biography Joan McBreen was born in 1944. She qualified as a primary school teacher, and in 1997 was awarded a ...

(born 1947), poet *

Eimear McBride Eimear McBride (born 16 April 1976) is an Irish novelist, whose debut novel, ''A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing'', won the inaugural Goldsmiths Prize in 2013 and the 2014 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction. Published works McBride wrote ''A Girl Is ...

(born 1976), novelist, author of ''

A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing ''A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing'' is the debut novel of Eimear McBride published in 2013. Content and style This stream of consciousness novel explores an Irish girl's relationship with her disabled brother, religious mother, and her own troub ...

'' *

Kate McCabe Kate McCabe, formerly a journalist, is the bestselling author of many fictional books, including ''The Beach Bar'', ''Forever Friends'', ''The Music of Love'', and ''Magnolia Park''. Her career as a writer started in 2005, when her first book, ''H ...

(fl. 2005), novelist * Felicity McCall, journalist, playwright since c.2004 *

Nell McCafferty Nell McCafferty (born 28 March 1944) is an Irish journalist, playwright, civil rights campaigner and feminist. She has written for ''The Irish Press'', ''The Irish Times'', '' Sunday Tribune'', ''Hot Press'' and ''The Village Voice''. Early l ...

(born 1944), journalist, playwright, feminist * Justine McCarthy (fl. 2000s), journalist * Mary McCarthy (1951–2013), successful novelist *

Letitia McClintock Letitia McClintock (12 February 1835 – 1917) was an Irish writer and folklorist. Life McClintock was born to Robert McClintock and Margaret Macan in County Donegal on 12 February 1835. She lived with her family for her whole life. She worke ...

(1835–1917), writer and folklorist * Jenny McCudden, since c.2010, journalist, short story writer, poet *

Mary McDermott Mary McDermott (floruit, fl. 1832) was an Irish poet. McDermott was living in Killyleagh, County Down, upon publication of her first volume in 1832. She also composed occasional music to accompany her verses. ''My Early Dreams'' was dedicated t ...

(fl. 1832), poet * Mary McDonagh (born 1849), poet *

Rosaleen McDonagh Rosaleen McDonagh is an activist, playwright and Irish Traveller. Early life McDonagh was born in Sligo and is the fourth of twenty children. She was born with a disability. She spent ten years working in the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma C ...

(fl. 2000s), activist and playwright *

Medbh McGuckian Medbh McGuckian (born as Maeve McCaughan on 12 August 1950) is a poet from Northern Ireland. Biography She was born the third of six children as Maeve McCaughan to Hugh and Margaret McCaughan in North Belfast. Her father was a school headmaster ...

(born 1950), Northern-Irish poet, literary writer * Maura McHugh (fl. 2000s), writer of horror novels, plays, comic books and short stories *

Lisa McInerney Lisa McInerney is an Irish novelist, short story writer, essayist, editor and screenwriter. She is best known for her novel, '' The Glorious Heresies'', which was the 2016 winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Biography McInerney was born ...

(born 1981), novelist, short story writer, blogger *

Pauline McLynn Pauline McLynn (born 11 July 1962) is an Irish character actress and author. She is best known for her roles as Mrs Doyle in the Channel 4 sitcom ''Father Ted'', Libby Croker in the Channel 4 comedy drama '' Shameless'', Tip Haddem in the BBC ...

(born 1962), actress, novelist * Liz McManus (born 1947), politician, novelist *

Janet McNeill Janet McNeill (14 September 1907 – October 1994) was a prolific Irish novelist and playwright. Author of more than 20 children's books, as well as adult novels, plays, and two opera libretti, she was best known for her children's comic fantas ...

(1907–1994), novelist, playwright and children's writer * Anna McPartlin (born 1972), novelist * Dervla McTiernan (born c.1977), crime novelist *

L. T. Meade L. T. Meade was the pseudonym of Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Smith (1844–1914), a prolific writer of girls' stories. She was born in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland, daughter of Rev. R. T. Meade, of Nohoval, County Cork. Stephen Brown: A Reader's ...

, pen name of Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Smith (1844–1914), prolific young adult and children's writer, mainly for girls, wrote over 300 books * Norah Meade (1888–1954), journalist * Roisin Meaney, Irish novelist * A. Garland Mears (1842–1920), novelist *

Paula Meehan Paula Meehan (born 1955) is an Irish poet and playwright. Life and work Paula Meehan was born in Dublin in 1955, the eldest of six children. She subsequently moved to London with her parents where she attended St. Elizabeth's Primary School ...

(born 1955), poet, playwright * Máighréad Medbh (born 1959), poet * A. L. Mentxaka (active since 2000s), playwright, critic, educator *

Máire Mhac an tSaoi Máire Mhac an tSaoi (4 April 1922 – 16 October 2021) was an Irish civil service official, writer of Modernist poetry in the Corca Dhuibhne dialect of Munster Irish, a writer, and highly important figure within Modern literature in Irish. Alo ...

(1922–2021), acclaimed Irish-language scholar, poet, translator *

Betty Miller Betty or Bettie is a name, a common diminutive for the name, names Bethany (given name), Bethany and Elizabeth (given name), Elizabeth. In Latin America, it is also a common diminutive for the given name Beatriz, the Spanish and Portuguese form of ...

(1910–1965), novelist, non-fiction writer, biographer, columnist *

Alice Milligan Alice Letitia Milligan 'pseud.'' Iris Olkyrn(4 September 1865 – 13 April 1953) was an Irish writer and activist in Ireland's Celtic Revival; an advocate for the political and cultural participation of women; and a Protestant-unionist convert ...

(1865–1953), acclaimed poet *

Anna Millikin Anna Millikin (19 January 1764 – at least 1849) was a teacher and author of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was one of the earliest Irish women to write Gothic novels and established the literary periodical the ''Casket or Hesp ...

(fl. 1793–1810) Gothic novelist *

Lia Mills Lia Mills is an Irish writer. She writes novels, short stories and literary non-fiction. She has also worked on several public art commissions and as an arts consultant. Her first novel, ''Another Alice'' (1996), was nominated for ''The Irish ...

(fl. 1990s), novelist, short story writer *

Susan L. Mitchell Susan Langstaff Mitchell (5 December 1866 – 4 March 1926) was an Ireland, Irish writer and poet, known for her satirical verse. Biography Susan Langstaff Mitchell was born in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, the fifth of seven childre ...

(1866–1926), poet, known for her satirical verse * Dorothy Molloy (1942–2004), poet, journalist and artist *

Frances Molloy Ann Brady (née McGill;New Hibernia Review, vol. 21, no. 3, Autumn 2017, "No Way Out" of Ireland: Frances Molloy's ''No Mate for the Magpie'' and the Picaresque Novel, Jennifer M. Jeffers, p. 66 wrote as Frances Molloy) (12 January 1947 – 28 Ma ...

(1947–1991), novelist * Mary Monck (c. 1677–1715), poet *

Sydney, Lady Morgan Sydney, Lady Morgan (''née'' Owenson; 25 December 1781? – 14 April 1859), was an Irish novelist, best known for '' The Wild Irish Girl'' (1806)'','' a romantic, and some critics suggest, "proto-feminist", novel with political and patriotic o ...

(1781–1859), poet, novelist, author of ''

The Wild Irish Girl ''The Wild Irish Girl; a National Tale'' is an epistolary novel written by Irish novelist Sydney Owenson (later Lady Morgan) in 1806. Plot The Hon. Horatio M———, the younger son of the Earl of M———, is banished to his father's est ...

'' * Sinead Moriarty (born c. 1971), novelist *

Sinéad Morrissey Sinéad Morrissey (born 24 April 1972 in Portadown, County Armagh) is a Northern Irish poet. In January 2014 she won the T. S. Eliot Prize for her fifth collection ''Parallax'' and in 2017 she won the Forward Prize for Poetry for her sixth coll ...

(born 1972), poet *

Kathleen Mulchrone Kathleen "Kate" Mulchrone ( ga, Caitlín Ó Maolchroín or Ní Maolchroín; 22 November 1895 – 13 June 1973) was an Irish Celtic scholar. Biography Kathleen Mulchrone was born in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath on 22 November 1895. She was the ...

(1895–1973), Irish Celtic scholar, writer *

Rosa Mulholland Rosa Mulholland, Lady Gilbert (1841 – 21 April 1921) was an Irish novelist, poet and playwright. Life She was born in Belfast, the daughter of Dr. Joseph Stevenson Mulholland of Newry. Originally, Mulholland wished to become a painter, ...

(1841–1921), prolific novelist, poet, playwright, biographer *

Val Mulkerns Val Mulkerns (14 February 1925 – 10 March 2018) was an Irish writer and member of Aosdána. Her first novel, ''A Time Outworn'', was released to critical acclaim in Ireland in 1952, followed by a series of novels and short stories in the 1970s ...

(1925–2018)), novelist, journalist, columnist, broadcaster * Sheila Mulloy (1922–2013), historian *

Margaret Mulvihill Margaret Mulvihill (born 8 March 1954) is an Irish writer. She has published four novels and many works of non-fiction. Life Margaret Mulvihill was born in Dublin and studied history and politics at University College Dublin. She completed her ...

(born 1954), novelist and non-fiction writer *

Iris Murdoch Dame Jean Iris Murdoch ( ; 15 July 1919 – 8 February 1999) was an Irish and British novelist and philosopher. Murdoch is best known for her novels about good and evil, sexual relationships, morality, and the power of the unconscious. Her fi ...

(1919–1999), Irish-born successful British novelist, philosopher, author of '' Under the Net'' * Agnes G. Murphy (1865–1931), Irish journalist and writer * C.E. Murphy (born 1973), American-born writer living in Ireland, writing using Irish mythology *

Dervla Murphy Dervla Murphy (28 November 1931 – 22 May 2022) was an Irish touring cyclist and author of adventure travel books, writing for more than 50 years. Murphy is best known for her 1965 book '' Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle'', about a ...

(born 1931), touring cyclist, travel writer * Elaine Murphy, playwright since c. 2008 * Kathleen M. Murphy (died 1963), poet *

Maura Murphy Maura Murphy, née McNamee (6 September 1928 – 5 October 2005) was an Irish writer. Her autobiography ''Don't Wake Me at Doyles'' became a surprise hit upon its publication in 2004. Early life Mary McNamee was born in Clonmore, near Edende ...

(1928–2005), autobiographer *

Nora J Murray Nora J Murray (1888–1955) was an Irish poet and school teacher at the heart of the Ardclough Sedition Case, when her teaching of Irish history was the subject of a complaint by a Unionist landlord Bertram Hugh Barton (1858–1927) in the after ...

(1888–1955), poet, short story writer, school teacher

N

Angela Nagle Angela Nagle (born 1984) is an American-born Irish academic and non-fiction writer who has written for ''The Baffler'', ''Jacobin (magazine), Jacobin'', and others. She is the author of the book ''Kill All Normies'', published by Zero Books in 20 ...

(born 1984), non-fiction writer * Mary Nash (born 1947), historian * Kate Newmann (born 1965), poet and small press founder * Cláir Ní Aonghusa (born 1953), novelist, poet *

Eibhlín Ní Bhriain Eibhlín Ní Bhriain (also published as Eileen Mary O'Brien, 23 January 1925 – 1 January 1986) was an Irish journalist and promoter of the Irish language. Early life Eibhlín Ní Bhriain was born at 37 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin on 23 January ...

(1925–1986), Irish-language journalist * Síle Ní Chéileachair (1924–1985), Irish-language short story writer *

Dairena Ní Chinnéide Dairena Ní Chinnéide is an Irish poet and former broadcast journalist, interpreter, television producer and mother. She has published 12 books of mainly bilingual poetry in her native Irish language and one in English whose title is 'deleted' ...

(born 1969), poet and short story writer * Caitríona Ní Chléirchín (fl. 2010), poet *

Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill (also known as Eileen O'Connell, ) was a member of the Irish gentry and a poet. She was the main composer of ''Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire'', a traditional lament in Irish described (in its written form) as the greate ...

(c. 1743–c. 1800), poet, lament in Irish *

Nuala Ní Chonchúir Nuala Ní Chonchúir (born 14 January 1970) is an Irish writer and poet. Biography Born in Dublin in 1970, Nuala Ní Chonchúir is a full-time fiction writer and poet, living in County Galway. She holds a BA in Irish from Trinity College Dub ...

(born 1970), novelist, poet *

Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin (; born 1942) is an Irish poet and academic. She was the Ireland Professor of Poetry (2016–19). Biography Ní Chuilleanáin was born in Cork in 1942. She is the daughter of Eilís Dillon and Professor Cormac Ó Cuil ...

(born 1942), poet, non-fiction writer * Annemarie Ní Churreáin (fl. 2010s), poet *

Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill (; born 1952) is a leading Irish poet. Biography Born in Lancashire, England, of Irish parents, she moved to Ireland at the age of 5 and was brought up in the Dingle Gaeltacht and in Nenagh, County Tipperary. Her uncle, Mo ...

(born 1952), poet, writing in Irish * Máire Ní Dhonnchadha Dhuibh (c. 1702–c. 1795), poet *

(born 1954), novelist and short story writer in Irish and English * Ciara Ní É bilingual Irish poet, writer and television presenter * Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh (born 1984), poet, writing in Irish * Áine Ní Ghlinn (born 1955), poet, children's writer, writing in Irish *

Máiréad Ní Ghráda Máiréad Ní Ghráda (23 December 1896 – 13 June 1971) was an Irish poet, playwright, and Radio personality, broadcaster born in Kilmaley, County Clare. Biography Ní Ghráda's mother was Bridget Ní Ghrianna while her father, Tony Kelly ...

(1896–1971), poet, playwright, broadcaster *

Doireann Ní Ghríofa Doireann Ní Ghríofa is an Irish poet and essayist who writes in both Irish and English. Biography Doireann Ní Ghríofa was born in Galway in 1981, but grew up in County Clare. She now lives in County Cork. Ní Ghríofa has been published wi ...

(born 1981), poet writing in Irish and English *

Sorcha Ní Ghuairim Sorcha Ní Ghuairim (11 October 1911 – 1976) was a teacher, writer, and Sean-nós singing, sean-nós singer. Life Sorcha Ní Ghuairim was born in Roisín na Manach, Carna, County Galway, Carna in the Connemara Gaeltacht in County Galway on 1 ...

(1911–1976), columnist, newspaper editor, teacher *

Máire Bhuí Ní Laoghaire Máire Bhuí Ní Laoghaire (1774–c.1848) was an Irish poet. Ní Laoghaire was born in Túirín na nÉan in Uibh Laoghaire (Iveleary), near Ballingeary, County Cork. She was from a family of five sons and three daughters who lived on her fat ...

(1774–1849), poet in the oral tradition * Bríd Ní Mhóráin (born 1951), poet * Ailís Ní Ríain (fl. 2000s), composer and playwright *

Siobhán Ní Shúilleabháin Siobhán Ní Shúilleabháin (31 August 1928 – 21 May 2013) was an Irish dramatist and writer. Biography Siobhán Ní Shúilleabháin was born in Ballyferriter, County Kerry. She was one of six children of Séamus Ó Súilleabháin and Máir ...

(1928–2013), dramatist, novelist and children's writer * Colette Nic Aodha (born 1967), Irish-language poet * Nuala Níc Con Iomaire (died 2010), playwright *

Sister Nivedita Sister Nivedita ( born Margaret Elizabeth Noble; 28 October 1867 – 13 October 1911) was an Irish teacher, author, social activist, school founder and disciple of Swami Vivekananda. She spent her childhood and early youth in Ireland. She was ...

(1867–1911), nun, essayist, non-fiction writer especially on India * Ellen Kyle Noel (1815–1873), Irish writer who published a number of novels through journals and serialization *

Liz Nugent Liz Nugent (born 1967 in Dublin) is an Irish novelist. She is the author of five crime novels. Her latest novel is ''Strange Sally Diamond'', published in the Ireland and UK in March 2023. Biography Liz Nugent attended Holy Child Killiney, in ...

(born 1967), novelist

O

* Margaret Ó hÓgartaigh (1967–2014), historian * Kathy O'Beirne (1956–2019), non-fiction writer * Kathleen O'Brennan (1876–1948), activist, journalist and playwright * Lily O'Brennan (1878–1948), writer and playwright *

Charlotte Grace O'Brien Charlotte Grace O'Brien (23 November 1845 – 3 June 1909) was an Irish author and philanthropist and an activist in nationalist causes and the protection of female emigrants. She is known also as a plant collector. Life Early life Born on 23 ...

(1845–1909), novelist, essayist, non-fiction writer and nationalist *

Edna O'Brien Josephine Edna O'Brien (born 15 December 1930) is an Irish novelist, memoirist, playwright, poet and short-story writer. Elected to Aosdána by her fellow artists, she was honoured with the title Saoi in 2015 and the "UK and Ireland Nobel" D ...

(born 1930), novelist, memoirist, playwright, poet, short story writer * Eileen O'Brien (1925-1986), journalist * Frances O'Brien (1840–1883), poet and novelist * Kate O'Brien (1897–1974), novelist, playwright, travel writer * Mary O'Brien (writer) (fl. 1785–1790), poet and playwright *

Helen O'Clery Helen O'Clery (née Gallagher) (1910 – 11 October 2006) was an Irish writer specializing in children's books. Early life O'Clery was born as Helen Gallagher in Stranorlar, County Donegal, the middle child of three born to Henry Thomas Ga ...

(1910–2006), children's writer *

Ellen Bridget O'Connell Ellen Fitzsimon (1805 – 27 January 1883) was an Irish poet. Biography Ellen Fitzsimon was born Ellen Bridget O'Connell at Derrynane House, the third child and eldest daughter of Daniel and Mary O'Connell. She was well educated and spoke a ...

(1805–1883), poet * Gemma O'Connor (born 1940), novelist, short story writer *

Niamh O'Connor Niamh O’Connor is a best selling crime novelist, true crime writer and journalist for over 20 years. Life and work Wicklow based writer O'Connor is a journalist for the Sunday World. She is the True crime editor there. She has also produced ...

(active since 2000), journalist, novelist *

Mary Barry O'Delaney Mary Barry O'Delaney (born Mary Barry Delany; 1862–1947) was an Irish journalist and Irish nationalism, nationalist. Life Mary Barry O'Delaney was born Mary Barry Delany in 1862, adopting O'Delaney when she became a journalist. She left Irela ...

(1862–1947), journalist and nationalist * Mary O'Donnell (born 1954), novelist, poet, short story writer * Mary O'Donoghue (born 1975), novelist, poet, translator * Mary Jane O'Donovan Rossa (1845–1916), poet and political activist *

Julia O'Faolain Julia O'Faolain (6 June 1932 – 27 October 2020) was a London-born Irish novelist and short story writer. Her parents were Irish writers Seán Ó Faoláin and Eileen Gould. Biography She was educated at University College Dublin, Sapienza Unive ...

(1932–2020), novelist, short story writer, emigrated to the United States *

Nuala O'Faolain Nuala O'Faolain (; 1 March 19409 May 2008) was an Irish journalist, TV producer, book reviewer, teacher and writer. She became well known after the publication of her memoirs ''Are You Somebody?'' and ''Almost There''. She wrote a biography of I ...

(1940–2008), best selling novelist, journalist, television producer, critic, memoirist * Ursula O'Farrell (born 1934), non-fiction writer on counseling *

Sheila O'Hagan Sheila O’Hagan (died 30 December 2017) was a Dublin based writer and poet. Biography Sheila O'Hagan began writing poetry in 1984 while studying at Birkbeck College, London University. She is a teacher of Creative Writing and reviewer, has given ...

, poet since 1984 *

Adelaide O'Keeffe Adelaide O'Keeffe (5 November 1776 – 4 September 1865) was an author and children's poet, and an amanuensis for her father, noted novelist and poet, John O’Keeffe. She was known for her children's poetry and published verse novel for childr ...

(1776–1865), poet and novelist *

Nessa O'Mahony Nessa O’Mahony is an Irish poet and a freelance teacher and writer. Life and work Born in Dublin, she was educated in St Louis High School, Rathmines before going on to University College Dublin to study English. She was a recipient of the Ma ...

(fl. 1990s), poet * Mary O'Malley (born 1954), poet * Kathleen O'Meara (1839–1888), journalist, novelist, biographer *

Louise O'Neill Louise O'Neill is an Irish author who writes primarily for young adults. She was born in 1985 and grew up in Clonakilty, in West Cork, Ireland. Career O'Neill moved to New York City in 2010. Upon returning to Ireland in 2011, O'Neill began her ...

(born 1985), novelist, young adult writer *

Mary Devenport O'Neill Mary Devenport O'Neill (3 August 1879 – 1967) was an Irish poet and dramatist and a friend and colleague of W. B. Yeats, George Russell, and Austin Clarke. Early life and education Mary Devenport O'Neill was born Mary Devenport on 3 August ...

(1879–1967), modernist poet, playwright *

Geraldine O'Neill Geraldine O'Neill is an internationally published author living in Ireland since 1991, but originally from Scotland. She primarily writes historical fiction novels. Biography Geraldine O'Neill grew up in Cleland, North Lanarkshire in Scotland ...

(born c. 1950s), historical novelist *

Moira O'Neill Moira O'Neill was the pseudonym of Agnes Shakespeare Higginson (1864–1955), a popular Irish ethnicity, Irish-Canadians, Canadian poet who wrote ballads and other verse inspired by County Antrim, where she lived at Cushendun. In 1895, she and h ...

, pen name of Agnes Shakespeare Higginson (1864–1955), popular Irish-Canadian poet *

Caitriona O'Reilly Caitríona O'Reilly (born 1973) is an Irish poet and critic. Life She earned BA and PhD degrees in Archaeology and English at Trinity College, Dublin, where she was awarded a PhD on American poetry, and was awarded the Rooney Prize for Irish L ...

(born 1973), poet, critic *

Emily O'Reilly Emily O'Reilly is an author and former journalist and broadcaster who became Ireland's first female Ombudsman in 2003, succeeding Kevin Murphy. On 3 July 2013, she was voted European Ombudsman by the European Parliament. She was re-elected ...

(fl. 1970s), journalist, non-fiction writer, ombudsman * Pat O'Shea (1931–2007), children's writer *

Leanne O'Sullivan Leanne O'Sullivan is a poet from the Beara Peninsula in Cork, Ireland. She is the author of three collections of poetry. Writing career O'Sullivan's first collection of poetry, ''Waiting for my Clothes'' (2004), was published by Bloodaxe Book ...

(fl. 2004), poet *

Maureen Donovan O'Sullivan Mary Josephine Donovan O'Sullivan was Professor of History at Queens College, Galway (now NUI Galway) from 1914 to 1957. Biography One of ten children, four of whom survived infancy, Donovan was born at Fair Hill Road in Galway on 24 November ...

(1887–1966), educator, journal editor, historian * Suzanne O'Sullivan (fl. 2010s), non-fiction writer *

Jane Ohlmeyer Jane Ohlmeyer, , is a historian and academic, specialising in early modern Irish and British history. She is the Erasmus Smith's Professor of Modern History (1762) at Trinity College Dublin and Chair of the Irish Research Council, which funds f ...

(fl. 1990s), historian * Adela Orpen (1855–1927), essay writer and novelist *

Annette Jocelyn Otway-Ruthven Annette Jocelyn Otway-Ruthven (7 November 1909 – 18 March 1989) was an Irish historian specialising in History of Ireland (800–1169), medieval Irish history, and was among the earliest female academics appointed in Trinity College Dublin. Fa ...

(1909–1989), historian and early female academic *

Olivia Owenson, Lady Clarke Clarke, Lady Olivia (''née'' Owenson; 1785 – 24 April 1845), was a poet and Irish dramatist, best known as the author of ''The Irishwoman, a comedy in five acts'' Early life and education Olivia Owenson was born in Dublin in 1785 to Rob ...

(1785–1845), poet and dramatist

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* Siobhán Parkinson (born 1954), children's writer, novelist, non-fiction writer, translator, writes in English and Irish *

Fanny Parnell Fanny Parnell born Frances Isabelle Parnell (4 September 1848 – 20 July 1882) was an Irish poet, Irish nationalist, and the sister of Charles Stewart Parnell and Anna Catherine Parnell, important figures in nineteenth century Ireland. Early ...

(1848–1882), poet, known as the Patriot Poet *

Julie Parsons Julie Parsons (born in 1951 near Auckland in New Zealand) was a radio and television producer before becoming an author of detective novels. Early life Parsons was born to Andy, an ex-Army doctor who had been awarded the Military Cross for brave ...

(born 1951), novelist *

Mrs F. C. Patrick Mrs F. C. Patrick was an 18th-century writer of Gothic fiction with at least three novels to her name. She was one of the earliest female writers of Gothic fiction. Life and work Almost nothing is known about Mrs F. C. Patrick and her name may h ...

, 18th-century Gothic novelist * Mabel Cosgrove Wodehouse Pearse (born 1872), novelist *

Margaret Pender Margaret Pender (1848 – 17 March 1920) was a Belfast-based Irish writer whose fiction and poetry appeared regularly in the nationalist press. Early life Margaret Pender was born Margaret Teresa Doherty in 1848 or 1850 in the townland of Ba ...

(1848–1920), Irish writer and poet * Ethel Penrose (1857–1938), Irish children's writer *

Amelia Perrier Amelia Perrier (1841 – 1875) was an Irish novelist and travel writer. Early life and education Amelia Perrier was born to John Johnston Perrier and Anna Browne in 1841 in Cork (city). Her father was a barrister in Cork but after he died, the f ...

(1841–1875), Irish novelist and travel writer *

Alice Perry Alice Jacqueline Perry (24 October 1885 – 21 April 1969) was one of the first women in Europe to graduate with a degree in engineering. Early life and education Born in Wellpark, Galway in 1885, Alice was one of five daughters and a son of ...

(1885–1969), poet, feminist and early engineering graduate *

Daphne Pochin Mould Dr Daphne Desiree Charlotte Pochin Mould (15 November 1920 – 29 April 2014) was a photographer, broadcaster, geologist, traveller, pilot and Ireland's first female flight instructor. She had a strong interest in archaeology and took thousands ...

, 20th-century historian, pilot, broadcaster and writer *

Madeleine A. Polland Madeleine Angela Polland (31 May 1918 – 2005) was a prolific Irish children's author. Life and career Born Madeleine Angela Cahill in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland on 31 May 1918, her father moved the family to England while she was still in ...

(1918–2005), children's author *

Nannie Lambert Power O'Donoghue Nannie Lambert Power O'Donoghue, also known as Ann Stewart Lyster Lambert, was born in 1843 and lived until 12 January 1940. She came from an upper-middle class family and she was famous for her horse riding, poetry and journalism projects. She ...

, (1843–1940), poet, journalist, novelist, social activist * Mabel Cosgrove Wodehouse Pearse (born 1872), novelist *

Nicola Pierce Nicola Pierce is an Irish writer and ghost writer. Life Born in Tallaght, Dublin, Nicola Pierce has worked and lived in Drogheda since 2011. Pierce attended the Presentation Schools in Terenure and got an Arts Modular degree from Universi ...

(born 1969), Irish writer and ghost writer *

Laetitia Pilkington Laetitia Pilkington (born Laetitia van Lewen; ''c.'' 1709 – 29 July 1750) was an Anglo-Irish poet. She is known for her ''Memoirs'' which document much of what is known about Jonathan Swift. Life Early years Laetitia was born of two dist ...

(c. 1709–1750), poet, memoirist *

Louisa Lilias Plunket Greene Lady Louisa Lilias (Lelias) Plunket Greene (7 November 1833 – 30 March 1891) was an Irish author of children's stories writing under the names: Louisa Lilias Greene, Louisa Lilias Plunket, Baroness Greene, R. J. Greene, Louisa Lelias Greene. ...

(1833–1891), children's writer *

Máire Wyse Power Maura "Máire" Wyse Power (9 December 1887 – 19 July 1916) was an Irish Celtic scholar. Biography Maura "Máire" Wyse Power was born at 7 Royal Terrace (now Inverness Road) Fairview, Dublin on 9 December 1887. She was one of four children of ...

(1887–1916), Irish Celtic scholar * Stefanie Preissner (born 1988), dramatist, screenwriter, actress * Katherine Arnold Price (1893–1989), poet and writer *

Deirdre Purcell Deirdre Purcell (born Dublin 1945) is an Irish author. Purcell is a former Abbey Theatre actress, who has played as Christine opposite Donal McCann in '' Drama at Inish'', Miss Frost in the stage adaptation of ''The Ginger Man'', and Pegeen Mike ...

(born 1945), journalist, novelist, non-fiction writer, actress * Katherine Purdon (1852–1920), writer

Q

* Marjorie Quarton (born 1930), children's writer, novelist

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* Sophie Raffalovich (1860–1960), Irish nationalist and writer * Orlaith Rafter (fl. 1990s), actress and playwright *

Mary Raftery Mary Frances Thérèse Raftery (21 December 1957 – 10 January 2012) was an Irish investigative journalist, filmmaker and writer. Raftery was born in Dublin. She started her investigative journalism career with '' In Dublin'' magazine in t ...

(1957–2012), investigative journalist, filmmaker and writer * Elizabeth Reapy (fl. 2012), editor, novelist * Nell Regan (born 1969), poet and non-fiction writer *

Christina Reid Christina Reid (12 March 1942 – 31 May 2015) was an Irish playwright. Life Reid was born in North Belfast. She left school in 1957 and married in 1963. She enrolled at Queen's University Belfast in 1981 but winning a BBC playwrighting competit ...

(1942–2015), playwright * Lorna Reynolds (1911–2003), writer, editor and academic *

Grace Rhys Grace Rhys (''née'' Little, 1865–1929) was an Irish writer brought up in Boyle, County Roscommon. Biography Joseph Bennet Little, her landowner father, lost his money through gambling and, after receiving a good education from governesses, ...

(1865–1929), novelist, essayist, poet, children's writer *

Jessie Louisa Rickard Jessie Louisa Rickard, also known as Mrs Victor Rickard (1876–1963), was an Irish literary novelist. During her lifetime she became a versatile writer who produced over forty novels, some of which found a large reading public.Cork Examiner 30 J ...

(1876–1963), popular novelist *

Charlotte Riddell Charlotte Eliza Lawson Riddell (nee Cowan; 30 September 1832 – 24 September 1906), known also as Mrs J. H. Riddell, was a popular and influential Irish-born writer in the Victorian period. She was the author of 56 books, novels and short stor ...

(1832–1906), influential novelist, short story writer, journal editor *

Lucinda Riley Lucinda Kate Riley (; 16 February 1965 – 11 June 2021)Stephanie Bell ''Belfast Telegraph'', 14 July 2016 was a Northern Irish author of popular historical fiction, originally an actress. Biography Lucinda Edmonds was born in Lisburn and spent ...

(1965–2021), novelist, actress *

Nesca Robb Nesca Robb (27 May 1905 – 18 May 1976) was an Irish writer. Life Nesca Adeline Robb was born in Belfast on 27 May 1905. She was the daughter of the managing director of J. Robb & Co., Charles Robb and his wife Agnes (née Arnold). Robb attend ...

(1905–1976), poet, non-fiction writer *

Anne Isabella Robertson Anne Isabella Robertson ( – 21 April 1910) was a writer and leading suffragist in Ireland. Life Born Anne Isabella Robertson in about 1830 to Major Archibald Robertson. Her father was president of the African Institute, established in Paris ...

(c.1830–1910), writer and suffragist *

Regina Maria Roche Regina Maria Roche (1764–1845) is considered a minor Gothic novel, Gothic novelist, encouraged by the pioneering Ann Radcliffe. However, she was a bestselling author in her own time. The popularity of her third novel, ''The Children of the Abbe ...

(1764–1845), popular novelist, author of '' The Children of the Abbey'' *

Sally Rooney Sally Rooney (born 20 February 1991) is an Irish author and screenwriter. She has published three novels: ''Conversations with Friends'' (2017), ''Normal People'' (2018), and ''Beautiful World, Where Are You'' (2021). ''Normal People'' was adapt ...

(born 1991), novelist *

Amanda McKittrick Ros Anna Margaret Ross (née McKittrick; 8 December 1860 – 2 February 1939), known by her pen-name Amanda McKittrick Ros, was an Irish writer. She published her first novel ''Irene Iddesleigh'' at her own expense in 1897. She wrote poetry and ...

(1860–1939), novelist, poet * Orna Ross (born 1960), novelist, literary agent * Rosemarie Rowley (born 1942), poet * Margot Ruddock (1907–1951), actress, poet *

Meda Ryan Meda Ryan is an Irish historian. She has written extensively on the Irish revolution of 1916-23. Among her books are ''The Tom Barry Story'' (1982)- later updated and revised as ''Tom Barry, IRA Freedom Fighter'' in 2003 - ''The Day Michael Coll ...

(fl. 1980s), historian *

Roma Ryan Roma Shane Ryan (born 20 January 1954 in Belfast) is an Irish writer, poet, and lyricist, currently living in Killiney, Ireland, with her husband Nicky Ryan. Ryan is the primary lyricist for the singer Enya, who has stated that the importance of ...

, since 1982, poet, lyricist *

Elizabeth Ryves Elizabeth "Eliza" Ryves (175029 April 1797) was an Irish author, poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, and translator. Biography Eliza Ryves came from an old wealthy Irish family connected with Bruno Ryves. Her father was a long-serving Irish ...

(1750–1797), poet, playwright, novelist, journalist, translator

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Mary Anne Sadlier Mary Anne Sadlier (31 December 1820—5 April 1903) was an Irish author. Sadlier published roughly twenty-three novels and numerous stories. She wrote for Irish immigrants in both the United States and Canada, encouraging them to attend mass ...

(1820–1903), Irish-Canadian novelist, short story writer *

Blanaid Salkeld Blánaid Salkeld (born Florence Ffrench Mullen; 1880 – 1959) was an Irish poet, dramatist, actor, and publisher, whose well-known literary salon was attended by, among others, Patrick Kavanagh and Flann O'Brien. Early life and family Salkeld ...

(1880–1959), poet, playwright, actress, salonist *

Virginia Sandars Virginia Sandars R.H.A. (17 March 1828 – 26 January 1922), was an Irish author. Biography Lady Virginia Frances Zerlina Taylour was born on 17 March 1828 at Headford, County Meath to Olivia Stevenson and Thomas Taylour, 2nd Marquess of Headfo ...

(1828–1922), author *

Patricia Scanlan Patricia Scanlan (born 1956) is an Irish novelist of over 20 books. Biography Scanlan was born in Dublin Dublin (; , or ) is the capital and largest city of Ireland. On a bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the province of ...

(born 1956), novelist * Eileen Shanahan (1901–1979), poet * Elizabeth Shane (1877–1951), poet * Elizabeth Shaw, artist, illustrator and children's writer *

(1820–1912), feminist, travel writer * Nessa Ní Shéaghda (1916–1993), Irish Celtic Studies scholar * Eileen Sheehan (born 1963), poet, teacher *

Helena Sheehan Helena Sheehan is an academic philosopher, historian of science, philosophy, culture and politics. Sheehan is Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University, where she taught media studies and history of ideas in the School of Communications. She wa ...

(fl. 1980s), philosopher, historian and non-fiction writer *

Betsy Sheridan Ann Elizabeth "Betsy" Sheridan Le Fanu (1758–1837) was an Anglo-Irish diarist and novelist. She was a daughter of Irish stage actor Thomas Sheridan and the sister of satirist Richard Brinsley Sheridan and playwright Alicia Sheridan Le Fanu. S ...

(1758–1837), diarist *

Frances Sheridan Frances Sheridan (''née'' Chamberlaine) (1724 – 26 September 1766) was an Anglo-Irish novelist and playwright. Life Frances Chamberlaine was born in Dublin, Ireland. Her father, Dr. Phillip Chamberlaine, was an Anglican minister. In 1747 ...

(1724–1766), novelist, playwright *

Dora Sigerson Shorter Dora Maria Sigerson Shorter (16 August 1866 – 6 January 1918) was an Irish poet and sculptor, who after her marriage in 1895 wrote under the name Dora Sigerson Shorter. Life She was born in Dublin, Ireland, the daughter of George Sigerson, a ...

(1866–1918), poet, sculptor *

Hester Sigerson Piatt Hester Sigerson Piatt (13 June 1870 – 16 June 1939), was an Irish poet and republican journalist. Life Piatt was born Anna Hester Sigerson, known to family as Hetty, in Dublin to Hester Varian and George Sigerson. Her father was a doctor, po ...

(1870–1939), poet and journalist *

Rhoda Cosgrave Sivell Rhoda Cosgrave Sivell (8 September 1874 – 19 February 1962), Irish-born Canadian poet and rancher. She is considered the first Canadian cowboy poet. Early life and education Rhoda Cosgrave was born on a farm outside Dublin to Francis and Aug ...

(1874–1962), poet * Niamh Sharkey author and illustrator of children’s picturebooks *

Sharon Slater Sharon Slater is an Irish historian and author. Her work primarily focuses on the history of Limerick, Ireland using the name Limerick's Life. Following a mentorship from Frank Prendergast she attended the University of Limerick and received an ...

(fl. 2010s), historian * Doris E. Smith (1919–before 1994), romantic novelist *

Annie M. P. Smithson Annie Mary Patricia Smithson (26 September 1873 – 21 February 1948) was an Irish novelist, poet and Nationalist. Smithson was born into a Protestant family in Sandymount, Dublin. She was christened Margaret Anne Jane, but took the names Anne M ...

(1873–1948), novelist and poet * Cherry Smyth (born 1953), academic, poet, writer and art critic * Ciara Elizabeth Smyth (fl. 2010s), playwright *

(1858–1949), novelist in collaboration with her cousin Violet Florence Martin * Eithne Strong (1925–1999), writer and poet, Irish and English languages * Deirdre Sullivan, Irish children's writer and poet * Elinor Sweetman (c. 1861–1922), poet

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* Jemima von Tautphoeus (1807–1893), novelist, focus on Bavaria * Alice Taylor (born 1938), novelist, memoirist, poet and children's writer *

Katherine Thurston Katherine Cecil Thurston (18 April 1874 – 5 September 1911) was an Irish novelist, best known for two political thrillers. Life Born Kathleen Annie Josephine Madden at 14, Bridge Street, Cork, Ireland, the only daughter of banker Paul J. M ...

(1875–1911), novelist, author of '' The Masquerader'' *

Mary Tighe Mary Tighe (9 October 1772 – 24 March 1810) was an Anglo-Irish poet. Life and career Mary Blackford (or Blanchford) was born in Dublin, 9 October 1772. Her parents were Theodosia Tighe, a Methodist leader, and William Blachford (d.1773?), ...

(1772–1810), poet *

Melesina Trench Melesina Trench (''née'' Chenevix, previously St George; 22 March 176827 May 1827) was an Irish writer, poet and diarist. During her lifetime she was known more for her beauty than her writing, and it wasn't until her son, Richard Chenevix Tre ...

(1768–1827), diarist, letter writer, essayist, poet * Una Troy (1913–1993), novelist, playwright *

(c. 1764–1850), author and poet * Lizzie Twigg (1882–1933), poet *

Katharine Tynan Katharine Tynan (23 January 1859 – 2 April 1931)Clarke, Frances (2013)"Hinkson (née Tynan), Katharine Tynan" in ''Dictionary of Irish Biography'' (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press). was an Irish writer, known mainly for her novels and p ...

(1859–1931), novelist, poet, biographer

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Noelle Vial Noelle Vial (December 25, 1959 – January 20, 2003) was an Irish poet from County Donegal, Ireland. She was the recipient of the Hennessy Literary Award for best emerging poet in 1994. Her debut poetry collection, ''Promiscuous Winds'', was pu ...

(1959–2003), poet *

Ethel Lilian Voynich Ethel Lilian Voynich, ''née'' Boole (11 May 1864 – 27 July 1960) was an Irish-born British novelist and musician, and a supporter of several revolutionary causes. She was born in Cork (city), Cork, but grew up in Lancashire, England. Voynich ...

(1864–1960), novelist, author of the successful ''

The Gadfly ''The Gadfly'' is a novel by Irish-born British writer Ethel Voynich, published in 1897 (United States, June; Great Britain, September of the same year), set in 1840s Italy under the dominance of Austria, a time of tumultuous revolt and upris ...

'' * Moira Verschoyle (1903–1985)

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Helen Waddell Helen Jane Waddell (31 May 1889 – 5 March 1965) was an Irish poet, translator and playwright. She was a recipient of the Benson Medal. Biography She was born in Tokyo, the tenth and youngest child of Hugh Waddell, a Presbyterian minister ...

(1889–1965), poet, translator, playwright * Maureen Wall (1918–1972), historian * Catherine Walsh (born 1964), poet * Dolores Walshe (born 1949), short story writer, novelist and playwright *

Elizabeth Hely Walshe Elizabeth Hely Walshe (1835-1869), was an Irish born writer of both children's stories and histories. Life Elizabeth Hely Walshe was born in 1835 in Limerick to an evangelical Protestant family. Her father was a clergyman and she had at least o ...

(1835–1869), writer *

Maria Webb Maria Webb (née Lamb; 6 August 1804 – 8 January 1873) was an Irish philanthropist, writer on religious and Quaker history. She was born to the Society of Friends, Quaker family of Dorothy née Wright and her husband Thomas Lamb at Peartree Hill ...

(1804–1873), philanthropist and historian *

Liz Weir Liz Weir (born October 21, 1950) is a Northern Irish children's writer and storyteller. She is currently Storyteller in Residence in Belfast and has written 27 stories. She is involved in a number of storytelling organisations including The Earl ...

(born 1950), storyteller and children's writer *

Biddy White Lennon Biddy White Lennon (5 September 1946 – 25 November 2017) was an Irish actress and food writer. Life White Lennon was born in Dublin and began acting when she was four. Her mother was Ursula White, a drama professor who ran a school of acting ...

(1946–2017), actress and food writer *

Sheila Wingfield The Rt Hon. Sheila Wingfield, Viscountess Powerscourt (née Sheila Claude Beddington; 23 May 1906 – 8 January 1992), was an Anglo-Irish poet. Life and work Lady Powerscourt was born in Hampshire and attended the Roedean School. She attended ...

(1906–1992), poet *

Agnes Romilly White Agnes Romilly White (1872–1945) was an Irish novelist who wrote about the poverty, bereavement and comedy that she saw around her. Life and work White was the born to Rev. Robert White and his wife Anna Maria in County Tyrone, Tyrone. Her fat ...

(1872–1945), novelist * Ida L. White (19th century), poet, feminist * Isabella Whiteford Rogerson (1835–1905), poet *

Jane Wilde Jane Francesca Agnes, Lady Wilde (née Elgee; 27 December 1821 – 3 February 1896) was an Irish poet under the pen name Speranza and supporter of the nationalist movement. Lady Wilde had a special interest in Irish folktales, which she help ...

(1821–1896), poet, interested in folk tales *

Catherine Wilmot Katherine (or Catherine) Wilmot (c.1773 – 28 March 1824) was an Irish traveller and diarist. She made a Grand Tour from 1801 to 1803 and documented her experiences through letters, including encounters with notable figures like Napoleon B ...

(1773–1824), travel writer, diarist, letter writer * Florence Mary Wilson (c. 1870–1946), poet *

Laurie Winkless Laurie Winkless is a physicist and science writer. A contributor to Forbes Magazine, she has worked with schools and universities, the Royal Society, and The Naked Scientists. Winkless was born in Dundalk, Dundalk, Ireland, to engineer father ...

(fl. 2010s), physicist and science writer *

Denyse Woods Denyse Woods (born 1958) is an Irish writer. Early life Denyse Woods was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1958, daughter of Gerard Woods, Irish Consul-General in Boston and his wife Finola Devlin. Her father was to be Ambassador to Australia ...

(born 1958), novelist *

Isabella Letitia Woulfe Isabella Letitia Woulfe (11 May 1817 – 26 October 1870), writer known for an excellent debut novel. Early life Her father was Lord Thomas Graves, 2nd Baron Graves while her mother was Lady Mary Paget, daughter of the 1st Earl of Uxbridge. Isa ...

(1817–1870), novelist *

Maev-Ann Wren Maev-Ann Wren is an Irish economist, journalist, author, and former special advisor to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Roisin Shortall.

(born 1950s), economist, journalist, newspaper editor, non-fiction writer *

Frances Wynne Frances Wynne (1863 – August 1893) was a 19th-century Irish poet. Frances Wynne was born in 1863 in Collon, a village near Drogheda, County Louth. She was educated privately and at Alexandra College, Dublin. She started writing poetry at ...

(1863–1893), poet *

Grace Wynne-Jones Grace Wynne-Jones is an Irish journalist and writer. Life and career Grace Wynne-Jones was born in Ireland to Joan de Vere (1913-1989) of Curraghchase in County Limerick home of poet Aubrey Thomas de Vere. She grew up in Ireland but also lived ...

(fl. 1990s), playwright, journalist, writer

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Ella Young Ella Young (26 December 1867 – 23 July 1956) was an Irish poet and Celtic mythologist active in the Gaelic and Celtic Revival literary movement of the late 19th and early 20th century. Born in Ireland, Young was an author of poetry and c ...

(1867–1956), poet, Celtic mythologist, children's writer, emigrated to California *

Rose Maud Young Rose Maud Young (30 October 1866 – 28 May 1947) was an Irish writer, scholar and collector of Irish songs, best known for her work to preserve the Irish Language. Life and career Young was born in Galgorm Castle, Ballymena, County Antrim, da ...

(1866–1947), diarist, writer

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Jo Zebedee Jo Zebedee (born 1971), is a Northern Irish science fiction and fantasy writer, based in Carrickfergus near Belfast. She attended Victoria Primary School and Carrickfergus Grammar School before completing a degree in English Literature. Zebedee ...

(born 1971), writer

References

{{Lists of women writers by nationality - Irish women writers, List of

Writers A writer is a person who uses written words in different writing styles and techniques to communicate ideas. Writers produce different forms of literary art and creative writing such as novels, short stories, books, poetry, travelogues, plays ...

Women writers, List of Irish

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