Listowel Writers’ Week reveals five standout novels on the 2026 shortlist as the award enters its fourth decade
Listowel Writers’ Week has today announced the shortlist for the 2026 Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award, one of Ireland’s most prestigious literary honours. The announcement comes as the festival marks its 55th anniversary, with the award now entering its fourth decade of celebrating outstanding Irish fiction.
The 2026 shortlist features five acclaimed novels:
- Conversation with the Sea by Hugo Hamilton
- The Wardrobe Department by Elaine Garvey
- Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin
- The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Carr
- Thirst Trap by Gráinne O’Hare
Catherine Keogh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Kerry, commented, “As Listowel Writers’ Week marks its 55th year, it is a moment to reflect on the longstanding connection between the festival and its homeplace. Kerry’s own story began in Listowel over five decades ago, and we are proud to support a festival that has become such an important part of Ireland’s cultural and literary life.
Now in its fourth decade, the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award continues to recognise exceptional writing and storytelling. This year’s shortlist reflects the strength and range of contemporary Irish fiction, and we look forward to celebrating these works during the festival.”
This year’s shortlist was selected by adjudicators Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, and acclaimed author Andrew O’Hagan, whose collaboration brought together perspectives shaped by literature and public life.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “It has been a privilege to judge the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year, and a special pleasure to share the judging duties with my friend, Andrew O’Hagan. Choosing a short list from the many exceptional novels entered for the prize was no easy task but I am confident that we have selected the best of a bumper crop. The five shortlisted books are diverse in terms of subject and style and, between them, offer something for everyone. Any one of them would be a worthy winner and making the final decision will be extremely difficult.”
Catherine Keogh; Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Kerry Group
Andrew O’Hagan added:
“Listowel Writers’ Week has become a fixture in the literary calendar, and it has been an honour to work with Nicola Sturgeon in making a shortlist and selecting a winner for Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year. The art of the novel is thriving in Ireland and Nicola, and I have been struck by the strength of the voices and the beauty of the prose in the books we have chosen. It is not going to be easy choosing a winner, but it’s been a joy to work with my friend, and I look forward to gathering in County Kerry.”
Previous winners of the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award include Niall Williams (Time of the Child, 2025), Darragh McKeon (Remembrance Sunday, 2024), Aingeala Flannery (The Amusements, 2023) and Claire Keegan (Foster, 2022).
Chairman of Listowel Writers’ Week, Ned O’Sullivan, acknowledged both the award’s enduring support and the work of the adjudicators: “We are sincerely grateful to Kerry Group for their longstanding and generous support of this award, which continues to recognise excellence in Irish fiction at the highest level. We also extend our thanks to Nicola Sturgeon and Andrew O’Hagan for the care, insight and commitment they have brought to the adjudication process.”
The winner of the 2026 Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award will be announced on opening night, 27 May, at Listowel Writers’ Week. The festival runs until 31 May 2026.
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