Ireland has a rich literary history, with some of the greatest writers ever born raised on this island.
From James Joyce to Patrick Kavanagh, so many Irish novelists and poets have mentioned Ireland's beauty in their work. They took inspiration from the ocean, the lush fields and the stunning colours in the countryside's nature.
Here's a book-lovers bucket list of 9 of the most beautiful places around the country that have been honoured in Irish literature throughout the years:
1. Martello Tower, Dublin
Ulysses - James Joyce
"They halted while Haines surveyed the tower and said at last:- Rather bleak in wintertime I should say. Martello you call it?"
2. Mourne Mountains, Down
The Chronicles Of Narnia - C.S Lewis
“I have seen landscapes, notably in the Mourne Mountains and southwards which under a particular light made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge." (C.S Lewis quoted on his inspiration for Narnia)
3. The Grand Canal, Dublin
Canal Bank Walk - Patrick Kavanagh
"Leafy-with-love banks and the green waters of the canal
Pouring redemption for me, that I do"
4. River Shannon, Limerick
Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt
“Limerick gained a reputation for piety, but we knew it was only the rain.”
5. Innisfree, Sligo
The Lake Isle of Innisfree - W.B Yeats
"I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, / and a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made; Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,/And live alone in the bee-loud glade."
6. Poolbeg Lighthouse, Dublin
Finnegan's Wake - James Joyce
"Is that a Poolbeg flasher beyant?"
7. Inis Mór, The Aran Islands
Aran Islands - J.M Synge
"Whenever the cloud lifted I could see the edge of the sea below me on the right, and the naked ridge of the island above me on the other side".
8. Sweney's Chemist, Dublin
Ulysses - James Joyce
"Ah yes, the last time. Sweny's in Lincoln place. Chemists rarely move. Their green and gold beaconjars too heavy to stir".
9. Flaggy Shore, Clare
Postscript - Seamus Heaney
"And some time make the time to drive out west/ Into County Clare, along the Flaggy Shore,
In September or October, when the wind/ And the light are working off each other
So that the ocean on one side is wild"
