Cecelia's new book set in Gougane Barra

BEST-selling author Cecelia Ahern has set much of her new novel in Gougane Barra in West Cork.

The author, a daughter of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, but a major celebrity in her own right, has already penned several big hits.

Among them was PS, I Love You, which was filmed by Hollywood and starred Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank.

Her new novel, due out on October 24th, is called Lyrebird, and tells the story of a woman found living in a remote cottage in the mountains above Gougane Barra. The woman in the novel has a unique ability to mimic any sound – like the Lyrebird itself – and she becomes hot property in our modern world of ‘reality’ stars.

Cecelia’s interest in West Cork is likely to stem from her visits there with her father who has strong links to the area, with his cousins living in Bantry. Of course, the word ‘Lyre’ also appears in many West Cork placenames.

Cecelia’s books have sold over 25 million copies worldwide and are published in 50 countries. She has also created and written for several TV series.