WEST CORK authors have featured prominently on a newly-released list of the best Irish books of the last two decades.
The An Post Irish Book Awards is celebrating its 20th year as one of Ireland’s most popular literary events, and has released the curated list featuring 60 of the best books from category winners over the past two decades, including Graham Norton, Louise O’Neill and Sara Baume.
Selected through the votes from leading booksellers nationwide, the list comprises 20 fiction, 20 non-fiction and 20 children’s titles drawn from An Post Irish Book Awards winners since the ceremony first began in 2006.
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Graham Norton’s novel Holding made the top 20 fiction list.
The Bandon man’s story saw great success in its 2022 TV adaptation which was filmed around West Cork.
Asking For It by Clonakilty woman Louise O’Neill also featured on the list.
The novel prompted nation-wide discussion of victim blaming and violence against women.
Sara Baume’s 2015 debut novel Spill Simmer Falter Wither completes the collection of West Cork writers featured on An Post’s esteemed list.
The Skibbereen-based author was born in the UK but has lived in Ireland for most of her life.
Her book explores the bond between a misfit and his rescue dog as they embark on a road trip through the Irish countryside.
Other county Cork artist’s works found a well-deserved place on the Top 60 list, including Seán Ronayne’s Nature Boy, A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa, which is set in the Muskerry area, It Should Have Been You by Mallow woman Andrea Mara and 30 Years at Ballymaloe written by Darina Allen.
The public is now invited to vote for their favourite titles from the Top 60 list.
Voting opened on Monday, 23rd March and close at 6pm on Monday, 13th April.
The final Top 20 Favourite Irish Books of the past 20 years will then be revealed on Sunday, 19th April.
Everyone who votes will be entered into a prize draw, with a range of prizes on offer, including €100 in National Book Tokens, a selection of books from the list, and tickets to the An Post Irish Book Awards 2026 ceremony.
You can have your say and cast your vote here.
