Staying in a country house that has beautiful places to sit quietly and watch the world go by must surely count as one of life’s great pleasures. Now add shelf after shelf of fascinating books, and the picture becomes even more appealing. At Roundwood House, a firm favourite with guests is Frank’s library. This cosy room is piled high with books and offers a secluded nook for some reading, quiet chat and even a tray of afternoon tea.
Located in the quiet Coach House in the grounds of Roundwood House, the library is is home to 2000+ books, organised across two levels. There are armchairs and desks for the use of guests and tea and refreshments can be arranged for anyone wishing to spend a few hours engrossed in literature, art, history or general escapism through the pages of a book.
Literary links
The Roundwood House library is eclectic in its contents, reflecting the many and varied interests of its creator. In a similar vein, Ireland is home to many literary luminaries, writing across several genres down the centuries. From playwrights to poets, critics to novelists, the Emerald Isle has inspired a high number of writers. Here are just a few with links to Dublin and other locations that can be reached from Roundwood House for anyone interested in a literary day trip or two. Perhaps you will find some of their works nestling in the shelves of Frank’s library at Roundwood House this year…
Wilde and Joyce
Oscar Wilde is arguably one of Ireland’s most famous playwrights, known for his biting wit and flamboyant, often scandalous lifestyle. Known for such plays as The importance of Being Earnest and Lady Windermere’s Fan, Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. Dublin also produced the novelist and poet, James Joyce, who was born there in 1882. His novel, Ulysses was written in 1922 and set in the capital city. It has many passages in it that describe the vibrancy of early 20th-century Dubin in detail.
Beckett and Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw was born in Dublin in 1856 and was a prolific literary critic and writer of plays. These included Arms and the Man, Man and Superman – and Pygmalion, which later inspired the musical, My Fair Lady. Bernard Shaw won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925. Playwright Samual Beckett was born in County Dublin in 1906 and died in Paris aged 83. He was another Irish Nobel Prizewinner for Literature and wrote in both English and French. His best-known play is Waiting for Godot, which looks at the absurd nature of human existence.
Irish Booker Prize Winners
Irish authors have made a significant impact on the literary world, with several winning the prestigious Booker Prize. Notable winners include Anne Enright for “The Gathering” in 2007, Roddy Doyle for “Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha” in 1993, and John Banville for “The Sea” in 2005. These authors have captivated readers with their unique perspectives on Irish life and culture. The most recent Booker Prize winner for 2023, Paul Lynch, is also Irish. He won it for his haunting and lyrical novel, “Prophet Song”.
Finally, County Laois celebrates its own links to literature at the annual Leaves Festival of writing and music every November. A line-up of workshops, performance and other literary and musical events will be presented across the county. It’s never too early to book your accommodation at Roundwood House in readiness for some literary inspiration later on in the year.
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