For centuries, romance fiction by Irish writers from Lady Morgan to Marian Keyes has told the story of characters in love. Yet romance remains a target for public condemnation and critical contempt, in part because these popular novels have been written largely by and for women. In summer 2025, the Museum of Literature Ireland launched the exhibition Happy Ever After: Falling in Love with Irish Romance Fiction to showcase the unique character of Irish romance fiction.
In this series of interviews, Prof. Paige Reynolds (College of the Holy Cross) speaks with Irish writers who focus on romance in their fiction. The conversations reveal that the term “romance fiction” remains a vexed one. They also confirm that this genre, which promises the familiar satisfaction of a happy ending, valuably introduces – and sometimes forecasts – revolutionary personal and social changes. By featuring characters who overcome internal and external barriers to happiness, Irish romance fiction voices aspirations for personal fulfillment and a better society.
The second episode in a series, Prof. Paige Reynolds is joined by Naoise Dola, author of Exciting Times and The Happy Couple. Discussing queer love in Irish romance fiction, marriage as an influence in Irish culture and literature and much more, this expansive interview explores how themes of love shape representation in contemporary literature.
Produced with the support of the Edward Callahan Support Fund for Irish Studies and the J. D. Power Center for the Liberal Arts at the College of the Holy Cross; and the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. MoLI’s digital programme is supported by Ebow Digital.
Producer Benedict Schlepper-Connolly
Sound Engineer Caterina Schembri
