A recent survey of critics has identified the best Irish novels published over the last 15 years, showcasing Ireland's significant impact on English-language literature.

This literary output reflects a variety of themes, including emigration, urban versus rural tensions, and the aftermath of the economic recession.

Notable authors such as James Joyce and Sally Rooney have emerged, with Irish writers increasingly recognized in prestigious literary awards like the Booker Prize.

The Stinging Fly magazine, established in 1997, has been instrumental in nurturing a new generation of Irish writers, including the likes of Rooney and Kevin Barry.

'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell poignantly portrays grief and family life during the bubonic plague, focusing on Shakespeare's lost son.

'Milkman' by Anna Burns, set against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, explores the impact of conflict on personal identity and community dynamics.

'Days Without End' by Sebastian Barry is celebrated for its depiction of Irish emigration and a transgressive love story set during American wars.

'Solar Bones' by Mike McCormack features a unique narrative structure that captures the essence of small-town Irish life.

'The Spinning Heart' by Donal Ryan employs a polyphonic structure to depict the struggles of post-crash Ireland through multiple voices.

Tana French's 'The Secret Place' blends crime fiction with deep character studies, highlighting the complexities of teenage life.

'Small Things Like These' by Claire Keegan offers a contemplative narrative set in 1985 Ireland, examining moral choices and societal expectations.

Colm Tóibín's 'Brooklyn' reflects on the immigrant experience and the pull of home, intertwining personal and collective histories.