“When Christmas came to our street it came with a loud laugh and an expansive humour that healed old wounds and lifted the hearts of young and old.” – John B. Keane

Christmas is the quintessential ‘snuggle up with a good book’ season. Are you looking for gift ideas for the history lover in your family? Getting it right can be tricky, which is why we have compiled a list of our best-selling history books.

An Island Christmas – Nollaig Oileánach by Ó Conghaile, Micheál 

Translated from the Irish, An Island Christmas by Micheál Ó Conghailepaints a beautiful picture of his upbringing on the island of Inis Treabhair in Connemara in the 1960s and 1970s. This heartfelt memoir of a young artist navigating the customs and traditions of the island and looking back with a fond eye, illustrates the importance of community. For readers interested in bygone days, simpler times and old Irish Christmas traditions.

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Méiní: the Blasket Nurse by Leslie Matson

Continuing to look at the Ireland before us, Méiní: the Blasket Nurse tells the story of Méiní Dunlevy, a nurse, midwife and homemaker in the Blasket Islands in Kerry. This moving tale explores Méiní Dunlevy’s fascinating personality and life. 

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Bibeanna by Brenda Ní Shúilleabhain

First-hand accounts from twenty women from the Dingle Gaeltacht who have witnessed the shaping of Ireland into what it is today.  From their families stories of the Famine and their own experiences with the lost hedge schools of Ireland, this is a gripping read to get into this winter season.

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Rambles in the West of Ireland by William Bulfin

A detailed travel-log of the West of Ireland in 1902 and 1903, painting a complete and poignant image of simple rural Irish life. Bulfin’s sharp pen and passion for Irish culture compiles all the folklore, tales and sceneries the West of Ireland could offer, making it a great pick to get lost in this Christmas and perfect for those looking to plan their next trip. 

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Written by Michael Laffan