4 Incredible Writers inspired by Northern Ireland

We think Northern Ireland is a magical place…

…which should come as no surprise!

Between our stunning scenery, top tier banter and knack for storytelling, what’s not to love?

But sometimes when you live in a place for a long time it can be hard to appreciate the magic until you’re away from it.

And for some Northern Irish authors, writers and artists that’s certainly the case.

It took them moving away, having new experiences and gaining new perspectives that allowed them to celebrate the history and memories of the Northern Ireland that made them who they are.

So, without further ado, here’s a look at some of the talented folk who might have moved away from Northern Ireland physically, but on the inside they never left.

Seamus Heaney

The legend himself.

As we know, Northern Ireland has some of the most incredible scenery.

Just one drive along the Causeway Coastal Route or boat journey in the Fermanagh Lakelands will show you that.

Is it any wonder then that Heaney – who grew up in rural Castledawson among views of bogs, rivers and fields – is heavily inspired by the natural world of his home turf?

After a stint teaching in Queen’s University Belfast, Heaney moved to Cambridge before coming home for a short while and then starting a new adventure in Wicklow.

But no matter where he’s been, his work has always been steeped in Northern Irishness.

That’s why we love it so much.

Want to be transported into Heaney’s Northern Ireland? 

They’ve recently announced a new book that combines his previously unseen poems with his published work for the first time, which you can read about here.

It’s great to see his work living on and bringing opportunities for new audiences to discover what we’ve always known… that Northern Ireland is worth writing about.

Lisa McGee

Alexa, play The Cranberries for this next part.

We all have our own memories of growing up in Northern Ireland. 

But whether you’re used to the big-city lights of Belfast or the rural countryside of County Tyrone, I’m sure we can all agree… it’s great craic growing up here.

That’s why Lisa McGee’s TV-hit Derry Girls, bringing to life her teenage experience in Derry in a relatable and hilarious way, hit the mark for so many of us.

In interviews, McGee has said that it was while she lived in London that she realised her stories of home could have an audience outside of Northern Ireland.

“Here was this oh-so-sophisticated audience in London laughing about the goings-on in a post office in Letterkenny, and I just thought, this can work, people can get it.” (You can read more on this interview here)

So, if you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia mixed with good ‘ole Northern Irish humour, mixed with a unique perspective of what was undeniably a hard time in our history… then this is the watch for you.

After all, only someone from here could make a joke of the impact a security threat can have on your tan build-up (anybody with an ‘Aunt Sarah’ can relate).

C.S. Lewis

Do you remember your first time reading ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, and opening your own wardrobe, hoping to find a magical land on the other side?

…No? Just us?

Well, what if we told you that magical land was inspired by Northern Ireland?

That’s right, the enchanting world of Narnia that captured our imaginations came from C.S. Lewis’ childhood memories, spent in none other than County Down.

And who could blame him, when the Mourne Mountains are the view from your bedroom window?

It’s also said that Cair Paravel, the castle featured in the Narnia books, was inspired by the majestic cliff-top ruins of Dunluce Castle along the Causeway Coastal route.

If you’ve ever visited it, you’ll understand why.

And while Lewis only lived in Northern Ireland until he was 10, it’s safe to say we made a lasting impression.

Want to experience some of the magic for yourself? 

You can visit C.S. Lewis Square in East Belfast which features delightful sculptures of characters from the book like Aslan, The Beavers and Mr Tumnus.

Don’t forget to bring your Chronicles of Narnia book with you!

Glenn Patterson

Another literary great from Northern Ireland.

Patterson was born in Belfast in 1961 and moved across the water to get his Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia.

After returning to Northern Ireland, he has since become the author of ten novels, four works of non-fiction, plays for both Radio 3 and 4, and even received a BAFTA nomination for co-writing the film ‘Good Vibrations’.

Impressive or what?

In his work, Patterson often delves into Northern Ireland’s past, exploring themes around politics and history.

And we think one of his novels will strike a particular chord with our diaspora…

… through the lense of a young man returning to his homeland after an absence of ten years, ‘Fat Lad’ explores the political situation in Northern Ireland.

That could be you!

We’re big fans of Patterson’s storytelling, and if you’d like to give it a go yourself, you can.

Patterson is a founding member of ‘Fighting Words NI’, a creative writing hub in East Belfast that provides opportunities for children and young people to get involved in the writing community.

After all, they’re our Northern Irish writers of the future.

And there you have it. Some incredible Northern Irish authors, writers and just downright talented people that we’re proud to say come from here.

If you want to feel connected to Northern Ireland, we’d recommend adding any of these to your reading (or watch!) list.

And if you’re feeling inspired after all that, why not write to us?

Our inbox is always open to our wonderful Northern Irish diaspora around the globe and we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Do you have any go-to authors or shows that remind you of home? 

Let us know!