Celebrating Ireland This St Patrick’s Day
As green fills the streets and the air hums with music and cheer, St Patrick’s Day offers a chance not only to celebrate Ireland’s rich culture but also to reflect on its history, identity and future. This year, Luath Press invites readers to explore stories that capture the spirit, courage and vision of Ireland. From the battles for freedom to the debates shaping the island’s future.
Ben Collins’ The Irish Unity Dividend provides a compelling exploration of the possibilities Irish unity could bring. Collins examines questions at the heart of the island’s future: how can unity address challenges in healthcare, education and social equality? What would a border poll mean for those living on the island, and how might an ‘Irish unity dividend’ benefit everyone?
A unionist by upbringing, Collins approaches these issues with both courage and practicality, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Praised by Mary McAleese and Iain Dale, among others, it offers a clear, evidence-based roadmap to a future beyond partition, tackling economic, social and political questions with meticulous research and a positive vision.
In Irish Unity: Time to Prepare, Collins debut book, reflects on the lessons of Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement to explore how Irish reunification could be achieved thoughtfully and pragmatically. Combining historical insight, political analysis and on-the-ground knowledge from across the island, this book outlines steps for a border poll, highlighting the importance of preparation on both sides.
Whether you are a student of politics, a history enthusiast or simply curious about the debates shaping Ireland today, Collins’ work is essential reading for understanding the challenges and opportunities ahead.
History comes alive through the extraordinary story of Margaret Skinnider in Doing My Bit for Ireland. Published for the first time in the UK, this account tells of her courage as a young woman in Dublin during the 1916 Easter Rising. Wounded in battle and denied a pension because of her gender, Skinnider’s memoir highlights the often overlooked contributions of women to Ireland’s struggle for independence.
With an introduction by Kirsty Lusk, this edition restores Skinnider’s voice to the historical record, providing a vivid, personal perspective on one of Ireland’s most pivotal events.
Co-edited by Willy Maley and Kirsty Lusk, this collection uncovers the Scottish connections to the 1916 Rising, from James Connolly’s Edinburgh roots to lesser-known figures like Margaret Skinnider from Coatbridge. Essays, memoir, poetry and fiction offer fresh perspectives on Irish-Scottish relations, connecting historical rebellion with contemporary reflections on identity and independence.
The Troubles tested Belfast’s firefighters to their limits, and Brian Allaway’s Firefighters of Belfast captures the heroism and resilience they demonstrated. Combining meticulous research with first-hand accounts, the book offers a human perspective on a city under siege, celebrating those who risked their lives to serve their communities.
Finally, Mike Harding’s The Connemara Cantos celebrates the enduring beauty of Ireland’s landscapes and traditions. Written in his restored home in Clifden, the poems reflect on Connemara, Irish immigrants abroad, and the magic of traditional music. Harding’s work reminds us that Ireland is not only a country but a state of the soul.
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This St Patrick’s Day, we invite readers to explore Ireland through history, politics, poetry and personal stories. From visionary debates about unity to the heroic acts of the past and the poetry of everyday life, these books capture the resilience, creativity and hope that define the island.
