- Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814–1873): Born in Dublin but lived in Abington, Co. Wicklow (near Murroe). A leading novelist of Gothic and supernatural fiction, Le Fanu is best known for works like Carmilla (1872), a seminal vampire novel, Uncle Silas (1864), and The House by the Churchyard (1863). His time in Abington, where his father was a rector, influenced his eerie, atmospheric storytelling. Le Fanu’s contributions to the Gothic genre and Irish literature are well-documented in dib.ie, establishing him as a foundational figure in horror fiction.
- Laurence Sterne (1713–1768): Lived in Annamoe, Co. Wicklow (born in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary). An Anglo-Irish novelist and clergyman, Sterne is celebrated for his innovative novel The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (1759–1767) and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy (1768). He spent part of his early childhood in Annamoe, where his father was stationed as a military officer. Sterne’s experimental narrative style made him a pioneer of the novel.
- Norah Hoult (1898–1984): Prolific Irish novelist and short story writer known for her realistic portrayals of Irish life, family dynamics, and social issues in works like Time Gentlemen, Please! and There Were No Windows. She spent her later years in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, where she died.
- Sam Blake (pen name of Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin): Contemporary popular crime and thriller author, known for series featuring detective Garda Cat Connolly (e.g., Little Bones). She is based in Wicklow, living at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains (previously in Bray), and is also a literary agent and writing coach.
- Jane Barlow (1856–1917): Irish poet, novelist, and short story writer celebrated for her depictions of Irish peasant life in rural settings, such as in Irish Idylls and By Way of St. Patrick’s. After her father’s death, she moved with her family to Bray, Co. Wicklow, where she lived and died.
- Mary Dillon: Contemporary author based in Arklow, Co. Wicklow, known for novels and novellas including Where the River Meets the Sea. Her work often draws on local Irish settings and personal themes.
- Alison Wells: Fiction writer specializing in short stories, flash fiction, and novels, with a focus on imaginative and emotional themes (e.g., collections like Head Above Water). She lives in Bray, Co. Wicklow.
- Emma Hannigan: Bestselling Irish author of women’s fiction, often drawing from personal experiences, including her battle with cancer (e.g., Driving Home for Christmas and memoirs). She was from Bray, Co. Wicklow (1972–2018).
- Cathy Kelly: Internationally bestselling author of women’s fiction and feel-good novels exploring family, relationships, and life challenges (e.g., Someone Like You). She lives in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.
- Peter ‘Chick’ Kelly: Children’s writer. He is part of the literary community in the Bray/Enniskerry region of Co. Wicklow
- Cyril Doyle: Author (lconnected to the literary community in the Bray area of Co. Wicklow.
- Ruth Frances Long: Fantasy author known for young adult series like The Dublin Murder Squad (wait—no, that’s Tana French; correction: she writes YA fantasy such as The Treachery of Beautiful Things and The Shadow Cabinet). She is part of the Wicklow/Bray writers’ group.
- A Shortt: Aassociated with fantasy or fiction. Part of the Wicklow literary scene, noted in Bray-area writers’ residences and events.
- Orla Broderick: Author raised in Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow; she has written fiction and is connected to the county through her upbringing.
Novelists
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Poets
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Writers
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Wicklow:
Ireland’s county Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland for its lush landscapes, with Glendalough’s monastic ruins and round tower set amidst serene lakes and valleys. The Wicklow Mountains National Park offers hiking trails with stunning views, while Powerscourt Estate’s manicured gardens and waterfall add natural elegance. Other attractions include the coastal paths of Bray. Wicklow is Ireland’s 17th largest county by size (,025 sq km) and 16th largest by population (155,851). Population peaked at 126,143 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 57,591 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Wicklow is Ireland’s twelfth most visited tourist county with around 204,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
