Shared Voices: A Literary Crossroads

Shared Voices: A Literary Crossroads

About the event

This special panel brings together three literary voices for an informal conversation exploring the crossings that shape contemporary Irish writing. Beginning with a reflection on Wicklow's own geography — poised between rural tradition and urban momentum — the discussion widens to consider Ireland's position at the edge of Europe, and what that has meant for the island's culture and creative exchange. Prompted by Wicklow's twinning with Spain, the conversation turns to questions of shared identity among European writers, with acclaimed translator Frank Wynne — celebrated for bringing major French and Spanish-language novelists to English readers — offering insight into European literary traditions and the art of translation. Journalist and editor Martin Doyle, who chairs the discussion, draws on his deep knowledge of Irish letters to explore how these European currents have shaped home-grown writing, while novelist Naoise Dolan brings a contemporary voice to questions of belonging and modern Irish identity. Together, the three consider how Ireland's evolving cultural fabric continues to be enriched by cross-cultural encounter — a warm, wide-ranging exchange on literature's power to nourish roots while opening doors to others.

Martin Doyle is Books Editor of The Irish Times and author of Dirty Linen: The Troubles in My Home Place (Merrion Press, 2023) and A Hosting: Interviews with Irish Writers 1991-2026 (Lilliput Press, 2026). 

Naoise Dolan is an Irish writer whose bestselling debut novel, Exciting Times, was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction. She also writes essays and criticism for the London Review of Books, the Guardian and Vogue, and lives in Berlin. 

Frank Wynne is an award-winning literary translator whose work includes novels by Michel Houellebecq, Frédéric Beigbeder and Almudena Grandes. His translation of Vernon Subutex was shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2018.

Event type

Panel Discussion

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