Joseph O’Connor Stars in First Episode of Dublin, One City, Many Stories
The Irish Writers Centre in collaboration with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, supported by Dublin City Council, has proudly launched the first episode of its new six-part video series Dublin, One City, Many Stories. The debut episode features acclaimed author Joseph O’Connor, Chair of Creative Writing at the University of Limerick, in conversation with Madeleine Keane, reflecting on the places, people and experiences that shaped his writing life.
Filmed at the LexIcon Library and the James Joyce Tower & Museum in Dun Laoghaire, the episode sees O’Connor—novelist, playwright, broadcaster and Irish Writers Centre ambassador—retrace the roots of his literary imagination. He speaks movingly of childhood walks through Dublin’s storied streets, of libraries as sanctuaries, and of a deep connection to the voices that echo through Irish literary history.
Joseph O’Connor
“The hometown of a writer becomes part of the DNA,” said O’Connor. “And I’m blessed that Dun Laoghaire is the place where I grew up. A coast-town has stories and glories, tides and ghosts, comings and goings, a bit of grit beneath the fingernails. From the pier and the Martello tower – if walls could talk – they’d tell secrets. I’m honoured to be interviewed for this series and I’m very proud to be an Ambassador for the Irish Writers Centre. I wish it had been there when I was starting as a writer and I’m delighted it’s there today.”
O’Connor, whose international bestsellers include Star of the Sea, Ghost Light, Shadowplay, and his most current novel The Ghosts of Rome has long been celebrated for the lyricism and empathy of his prose. In this rich, hour-long conversation, he discusses the writers who inspired him, including John McGahern, Jennifer Johnston and James Joyce, while evoking the sea-swept character of Dun Laoghaire as both playground and muse.
Irish Writers Centre
The video is now available to watch on the Irish Writers Centre website: https://irishwriterscentre.ie/video-series-dublin-one-city-many-stories/
The series of six videos continues monthly, showcasing over 20 writers who reflect the depth and diversity of Ireland’s literary landscape, including Suad Aldarra, John Banville, Ciara Ní É, Marian Keyes, Nandi Jola, Neil Jordan, Victoria Kennefick, Gustav Parker Hibbitt, Mike McCormack, and many more. The series celebrates 15 years of Dublin’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and the Irish Writers Centre’s ongoing mission to support writers at all stages of their careers.
Mags McLoughlin, CEO of the Irish Writers Centre, said of the series; “This first episode sets the tone for a series that is deeply rooted in place but expansive in perspective. To celebrate Dublin as a UNESCO City of Literature presented us with a great opportunity to talk with some of our iconic and contemporary writers, but also writers making Ireland their home, adding even more layers to our already rich literary legacy.”
One City, Many Stories – Video One
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