12 Irish Authors For Teens and Young Adult Readers

There is a reason that Moïra Fowley-Doyle’s debut novel ‘The Accident Season’ was described as ‘magical’. It is a complex combination of suspense and romance that is perfect for fans of thriller mysteries. Her more recent novel ‘All The Bad Apples’ is equally captivating in its unflinching address of women’s rights and intricate plot.

I could praise the brilliance that is Louise O’Neill’s writing for hours on end! For this article I will limit myself to recommending that you add at least one of her novels to your summer reading list. While my personal favourite is the critically acclaimed ‘Asking For It’, O’Neill’s other novels including ‘Only Ever Yours’ and ‘After The Silence’ are immensely powerful reads too.

Claire Hennessy has written nine novels for teens but its her two most recent pieces of fiction that are particular popular. ‘Nothing Tastes As Good’ and ‘Like Other Girls’ both explore intense and valuable subject matter. And both are absolutely worth adding to your summer reading list.

Not only are Sarah Crossan’s novels written in different formats but they also span a number of topics. Verse novels are excellent options for less confident readers due to their brevity but they still offer detailed exploration into complex subject matter.

Deirdre O’Sullivan’s novel ‘Needlework’ received commendation and praise when it was first published in 2016 and in 2017 it was awarded Children’s Books Ireland Honour Award for Fiction. This acclaim is utterly deserved and ‘Needlework’ is a poetic and dark tale that is well worth your time.

Cecelia Ahern is not typically associated with YA writing but her ‘Flawed’ series is an intricately created novel perfect for fans of dystopian fiction. In particular readers who loved The Hunger Games are sure to enjoy this series.

We are often drawn to YA novels due to a sense of being able to relate to the character or situations. In this regard we need look no further then Denise Deegan’s butterfly series which follows a group of friends starting from their time in Transition Year. With everything from friendships, love and of course embarrassing situations, it is the perfect teen tale.

Sally Rooney has practically become synonymous with Irish YA writing thanks to her refreshingly realistic portrayals. Even if you have already devoured the brilliant ‘Normal People’, then Rooney’s debut ‘Conversations With Friends is the perfect next addition to your summer reading list.

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While there are plenty of examples of Irish writers who have made their mark in YA fiction, there are also an abundance of brilliant authors who have created novels aimed at younger teens too. Rebecca Rafferty is the fourteen-year-old star of Anna Carey’s popular teen fiction series but it’s Rebecca’s determination to be a music star in her own right that creates an engaging and enjoyable read.

Sarah Webb’s popular Amy Green series is another perfect example of teen novel to add to your reading list this summer. The heart-warming and hilarious series follows thirteen-year-old Amy as she navigates the trials and tribulations of being an Irish teenager.

Perhaps a newer Irish author for teens to add to your list is Adiba Jaigirdar. Adiba’s debut novel, The Henna Wars was released in 2020 and she has already published her second book, Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating.

And another slightly newer author to keep an eye on is Ciara Smyth. Her two first novels, The Falling In Love Montage and Not My Problem are more than worthy adds to your reading list.