Béibhinn Breathnach

News Co-ordinator, RTÉ

The Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College Dublin (Pics: Zoe Ardiff, Ste Murray)

Inside the new immersive Book of Kells Experience

Full disclosure: I am a sceptic of "digital experiences". Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer my museums to tend more towards curiosity cabinets than light shows.

Books • 17 Jul 24

Book Of The Week: My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor

In September 1943 the Vatican City stands as a bastion of neutrality in occupied Rome. Nazi control, lasting nine months, ushers in a period of increased fear, restriction, and persecution.

Book Of The Week • 17 Jun 23

Book Of The Week: Bad Bridget - Irish emigrant women go wild

Books • 04 Feb 23

Megan Nolan: skill in writing without boundaries, divulging all of her narrator's innermost thoughts

Reviewed: Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan

Megan Nolan's debut novel provides an unsettling account of one young woman's desire to feel real, writes Béibhinn Breathnach

Books • 11 Mar 21

Salena Godden: Debut novel from the novelist with a Jamican-Irish background may cause the reader to think a lot about life. And indeed death.

Reviewed: Mrs Death Misses Death by Salena Godden

Caution: This book may cause an existential crisis, writes Béibhinn Breathnach of Salena Godden's debut novel.

Books • 24 Feb 21

Laura McKenna: clearly cognisant of the complexities of Ireland's relationship with the British Empire (pic: Victor Horgan)

Reviewed: Words To Shape My Name by Laura McKenna

Words To Shape My Name spotlights one of Irish history's lesser known figures in a tale of resilience, loyalty and freedom, writes Béibhinn Breathnach of Laura McKenna's debut novel.

Books • 08 Feb 21

Sinéad Gleeson: The premise for The Art of the Glimpse was simple, '100 great already-existing Irish stories.'

Review: The Art of the Glimpse edited by Sinéad Gleeson

Sinéad Gleeson's latest anthology is a call for the realignment of the Irish literary canon as she presents her vision of new and established voices sitting comfortably side by side.

Books • 18 Nov 20

Kathleen MacMahon: impressive ability to speak in the voice of her character

Book Review: Nothing But Blue Sky by Kathleen MacMahon

Kathleen MacMahon's third novel is a heart-wrenching exploration of scathing self-reflection triggered by tragedy.

Book Review • 14 Oct 20

Róisín Meaney: The reader should avoid judging this book by its cover.

Reviewed: The Restaurant by Róisín Meaney

The Restaurant, Roisin Meaney's wholesome novel about friendship, love and kindness is sure to leave any reader with a warm, fuzzy feeling. The story is the perfect antidote to autumnal chills.

Books • 04 Sep 20

Liadán Hynes: divorce is not the end, even when it seems like it.

Reviewed: How to Fall Apart by Liadán Hynes

Liadán Hynes' candid account bring us a world turned upside down, and how she learned to live with it, writes Béibhinn Breathnach.

Books • 04 Aug 20