Top of the morning to you, dear readers! Are you ready to be whisked away to the Emerald Isle, where myths come alive, and love stories are as breathtaking as the landscapes? Ireland is steeped in romantic legends and myths, from tales of star-crossed lovers to stories of ancient warriors and mystical creatures. Romance novels set in Ireland draw inspiration from these myths and legends, weaving them into the fabric of the story to add an element of magic and fantasy to the romance.
Welcome to our magical journey through the world of Irish romance novels, a genre that promises to ensnare your heart and ignite your imagination. From rugged coastlines to mystical hills shrouded in mist, Ireland serves as the perfect backdrop for tales of passion, redemption, and the kind of love that legends are made of.
Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or an admirer of all things Irish, these novels offer a delightful escape into worlds where every raindrop whispers of love and every rainbow leads to a heart waiting to be found. So, grab a cozy blanket and a cup of tea; our journey to the heart of Ireland’s most enchanting love stories begins now!
7 Irish Romance Novels (Irish Love Stories)
Ireland’s picturesque landscapes, from rolling green hills to rugged coastlines, provide a stunning backdrop for romance novels. These novels feature Irish culture, folklore, and traditions, adding depth and authenticity to the story. We also see quaint villages, charming cottages, and cozy pubs, providing a cozy and intimate setting for the romance to unfold. Irish characters are portrayed as strong, resilient, and fiercely independent, reflecting the proud spirit and resilience of the Irish people.
After watching an Irish movie, Brooklyn, I can not keep from reading and watching Irish representations of love scenarios. So, I have a big list of Irish movies and books, and I want to share my seven favorite Irish romance novels with you. These books are either set in Ireland or have an Irish character. Whether you are Irish or not, you will love these books. Let’s go!
| Name | Key Focus | Rating (Goodreads) |
|---|---|---|
| Roomies by Christina Lauren | Two Irish start a fake relationship for their dreams, slowly forming chemistry. | 3.8/5 |
| Beautifully Cruel by J.T. Geissinger | An Irish mafia saves a waitress from robbery, and they build a relationship. | 4.1/5 |
| Five Points’ Mob Collection by Serena Akeroyd | A mafia-age-gap romance series with different characters and plots. | 3.9/5 |
| Hello Stranger (The Ravenels) by Lisa Kleypas | An Irish detective and doctor somehow fall in love with each other and have fun. | 4/5 |
| Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole | A vampire takes and witch for his experiment on an Island but discovers something else. | 4.3/5 |
| Crow by A. Zavarelli | An Irish mob works with a strong warrior lady, and they make a relationship. | 4/5 |
| Wild Irish by C.M. Seabrook | A woman can not hold herself to falling in love with an Irish rockstar, and they have a lot of drama. | 4.1/5 |
1. Roomies
Roomies is a friends-to-lovers contemporary Irish romance. Also, this one concerns a marriage of convenience for a green card. There is a homeless musical artist (Calvin), and Holland loves his music and stalks him. She finds out that he’s going to be sent back. So she offers to marry him so that he can stay here. They have a marriage of convenience so that he can have a green card, which works.
Holland is obsessed with him to keep him on her arm. On the other hand, Calvin is ambitious enough to achieve his goal for any situation and demand. At first, they take their relationship as a time pass and enjoyment as a friend. Then, their emotions and behavior turn into something new that a passionate couple/lover does. The book is for you if you like music romance with a lot of steaminess and arc.
Author: Christina Lauren
Tropes: Friends-to-lovers, Fake-relationship, Arc, Music
Number Of Pages: 366
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
2. Beautifully Cruel
Beautifully Cruel is an Irish mafia romance with a suspenseful background. The story follows a woman (Tru) who is a waitress, and a man (Liam) keeps coming in and visiting her while she’s working late at night. So, she keeps wondering why he won’t ask her out. They finally talk about it when he rescues her from a robbery that’s about to go down at the place.
Liam can’t date anyone because he’s part of the mafia. But he offers her an arrangement where Tru can stay with him for 28 days. Then, when it’s over, she can’t ever see him again. Author Geissinger shows Liam as a significant alpha. The plot, storyline, narration, dialogue, world-building, and character development are excellent. After reading the book, I was blown away! It could be a great one for you if you love age-gap, alpha-male, billionaire romance.
Author: J.T. Geissinger
Narrator: Marnye Young, Troy Duran
Publisher: J.T. Geissinger, Inc.
Tropes: Dark, Crime, Suspense, Alpha-male, Age-gap
Number Of Pages: 310
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
3. Five Points’ Mob Collection
Five Points’ Mob is a dark crime-related Irish love story with the mafia and age-gap characters. There are eight books. The first is Filthy, an age gap. The heroine is plus-size, and the hero (Declan) is obsessed with her. They end up having an arrangement to sleep together because he wants her, and he’s frustrated that she took so long to agree. Once they’re together, Declan realizes that he wants her forever. So Declan went about getting her, and I loved it.
Then there’s Filthy Rich (second book), about the oldest brother (Irish mafia, Eoghan). He’s supposed to have an arranged marriage with this. He’s been arranged to marry her (Russian Mafia Princess) for two years. Finally, when she turns 18, they’re going to get married.
On their wedding day, Eoghan realizes she’s been brutally beaten by her father. So, he didn’t even want this marriage, but he realizes he’s pretty protective of her and doesn’t like how she’s been treated. It’s a great start to their relationship. The third book, Filthy Dark, is a second-chance Irish romance that was very emotional. I enjoyed it so much. So I love all these Irish men.
Author: Serena Akeroyd
Narrator: Jacob Morgan, Emma Wilder
Publisher: Serena Akeroyd
Tropes: Dark, Age-gap, Fated-mates
Number Of Pages: 528
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
4. Hello Stranger (The Ravenels)
Hello Stranger is a historical romance with an Irish hero, Ethan Ransome. He is a former detective for Scotland Yard, and he’s rumored to be an assassin. Then, one night, he and Garrett (a female doctor) have a night of passion together. Then, he wants to stay away from her because he doesn’t want to draw his enemies to her.
The chemistry between these two is fantastic. This one doesn’t get as much attention, but I love Garrett and Ethan’s chemistry. Ethan is so rugged and sexy, whereas Garrett is a chaotic woman. The author successfully portrays the characters and their opposite attraction. The audiobook was amazing, but I found some differences from the book, which is acceptable. I recommend it after reading the main book.
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Narrator: Mary Jane Wells
Publisher: HarperAudio
Tropes: Regency, Virgin, Fun
Number Of Pages: 400
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
5. Dreams of a Dark Warrior (Immortals After Dark)
Dreams of a Dark Warrior is a paranormal vampire-witch romance that won the Goodreads Choice Award Nominee. We follow Aiden, who is a berserker and reincarnated. Every time he finds his true love, Regin, a Valkyrie. Every time he finds his true love when they consummate their relationship, he dies. This time, he’s been reincarnated as Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier. Regin recognizes that this is Aiden and is trying to do everything she can to stay away from him.
That’s not going to work because Aiden’s kidnapped Regin takes her to Torture Island, a place in the Immortals After Dark Universe. He is helping them conduct experiments on her. So he’s part of a human faction experimenting on paranormal creatures to discover their power.
At the same time, he’s being drawn closer to Regin because she’s his fated mate, and he’s doomed to die whenever they consummate it. The fantasy setup, world-building, plot, writing, characters, and romance were amazing. The only negative side of the book is the previous story’s repetition, which was too much, and the unsatisfactory ending. Also, I was not too fond of the audiobook and the narrator because there were many missing scenarios. Overall, you can enjoy the fantasy elements and Irish romance vibe.
Author: Kresley Cole
Narrator: Robert Petkoff
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Tropes: Fantasy, Classic Literature, Vampires, Demons, Witch, Adventure
Number Of Pages: 515
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
6. Crow (Boston Underworld)
Crow is another Irish mobster dark romance. Our female character is a fighter and fights along with our male character. That was such a center of the book in particular. We also move on to other members of the organized crime family, and it does have that family aspect, but they’re not blood. Some of them are blood-related, but Mack isn’t blood-related to Crow.
Though Mack is an orphan, she survives and becomes a strong lady. She wants to take any challenge to find her missing best friend. That’s why Mack is connected with the Irish mob Crow, and they instantly create a bonding where Crow doesn’t know the truth that Mack hides.
All of the characters get different perspectives. I’m recommending the series because it takes place in Ireland. The hardcover has some negative quality issues, but the paperback is good enough for font size, color, binding, cover, and paper quality.
Author: A. Zavarelli
Narrator: Tracy Marks
Tropes: Thriller, Suspense, Forbidden, Action
Number Of Pages: 314
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
7. Wild Irish
Wild Irish is a rock star romance with Irish literature. Our heroine, Delaney, meets Cillian, a lead singer for the Wild Irish band. She has one month in Ireland where she lets herself not go in the wrong way but lets herself live. That means having a little thing with Cillian. After that, she goes home, and she regrets it. That’s where the plot point picks up in Ireland.
Cillian is Irish, and when Delaney goes home, she goes into trouble. That’s when he comes in to push back together in a way. They develop an instant feeling, so I missed the chemistry between the characters. Overall, it was enjoyable to read as a cultural romance.
Author: C.M. Seabrook
Narrator: Kyle Maraglio
Tropes: Musicians, Steamy
Number Of Pages: 226
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
5 Contemporary Irish Romance Novels
“Jewel of the Sea” by Nora Roberts – Part of the “Gallaghers of Ardmore” trilogy, this novel focuses on the lives and loves of the Gallagher siblings in the quaint village of Ardmore. “Jewel of the Sea” highlights Aidan Gallagher’s story, a man deeply rooted in his Irish heritage and the lore of his land. When Jude Frances Murray, an American with Irish roots, comes to Ardmore to rediscover herself, she and Aidan find themselves drawn together by the magic of Ireland and the possibility of love.
“PS, I Love You” by Cecelia Ahern – This internationally bestselling novel tells the story of Holly Kennedy, who is bereft after the death of her husband, Gerry. When she discovers a series of letters he left for her, each ending with “PS, I Love You,” Holly goes on a journey of rediscovery guided by Gerry’s words. Set in Ireland, Ahern’s novel is a touching exploration of grief, love, and moving forward.
“Love & Luck” by Jenna Evans Welch – In this young adult novel, Addie visits Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding and hopes to mend her broken heart. Stumbling upon a guidebook, “Ireland for the Heartbroken,” she sets off on a road trip across the country, accompanied by her brother, Ian, and his cute Irish friend, Rowan. Welch captures the beauty of Ireland and the healing power of travel and friendship in this sweet and heartwarming story.
“The Irish Cottage: Finding Elizabeth” by Juliet Gauvin – Elizabeth Lara, a high-powered attorney in San Francisco, inherits a cottage in Ireland from her beloved aunt. As she uncovers her aunt’s past and explores her future, she finds love and a sense of belonging in the small Irish community. Gauvin’s novel is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the transformative power of love set against the lush backdrop of Ireland.
“There You’ll Find Me” by Jenny B. Jones – Finley Sinclair, a young American, travels to Ireland as an exchange student to follow her deceased brother’s travel journal and heal from his loss. In the process, she meets Beckett Rush, a teen movie idol filming on location. Together, they go on a journey that leads them to discover hope, faith, and love in unexpected places. Jones blends humor, romance, and spiritual growth in this engaging YA novel.
5 Steamy Irish Romance Novels
“The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell” by Paula Quinn – Set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and the rolling hills of Ireland, this novel tells the story of Edmund MacGregor, an outlaw determined to fight for his clan’s rights, and Amelia Bell, a governor’s niece who stands on the opposite side of his cause. Their forbidden love is as passionate as it is contested, making for a steamy and tumultuous romance.
“Her Best Worst Mistake” by Sarah Mayberry – Violet Sutcliffe has always known that Martin St Clair is the wrong man for her best friend. But when her best friend runs off to marry another man, Violet finds herself more entangled with Martin than she ever imagined possible. Set in Ireland, their story evolves from antagonistic interactions to fiery romance, filled with witty banter and sizzling moments.
“Ashes of Fiery Weather” by Kathleen Donohoe – This novel, while not a traditional romance, weaves together the lives and loves of several generations of Irish women connected to firefighters in Brooklyn. The narrative spans over a century, exploring the passions, trials, and tribulations of a family defined by their strong Irish roots and the fires—both literal and metaphorical—that shape their lives.
“Jewels of the Sun” by Nora Roberts – The first in the “Gallaghers of Ardmore” trilogy, this novel introduces Jude Murray, a woman who leaves America to find solace and in the Irish countryside. There, she meets Aidan Gallagher, a pub owner with a passion for Ireland’s myths. Their romance, set against the mystical backdrop of Ardmore, is as enchanting as it is steamy, blending Irish folklore with intense emotional and physical connections.
“On Dublin Street” by Samantha Young – Jocelyn Butler moves to Edinburgh, planning to start anew while keeping her past at bay. Her plans are quickly derailed by Braden Carmichael, a wealthy businessman known for getting what he wants. Their agreement for a no-strings-attached relationship soon evolves into something deeper and more passionate, set against the historic and contemporary backdrop of Scotland and Ireland.
5 Historical Irish Romance Novels
“The Irish Princess” by Karen Harper – This novel tells the story of Gera, the daughter of the High King of Ireland, who finds herself caught in the political intrigues of medieval Ireland. As she faces alliances and enmities, Gera’s heart is torn between duty and a forbidden love that could change the course of her life and the future of her country. Harper combines rich historical detail with a passionate love story set against the backdrop of Ireland’s struggle to maintain its independence from England.
“Galway Bay” by Mary Pat Kelly – Following the story of Honora Keeley and Michael Kelly, whose love blossoms in the shadow of the Great Famine, “Galway Bay” explores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to endure through unimaginable hardships. Kelly’s novel is a sweeping saga that spans continents, from the green shores of Ireland to the bustling streets of Chicago, offering a poignant look at Irish history through the lens of a compelling family story.
“Wild Irish Rose” by Rhys Bowen – Set during the tumultuous times of Ireland’s fight for independence, this novel follows Rose, a young Irish woman whose life is forever changed by the Easter Rising. As she becomes involved in the struggle for freedom, Rose’s heart is drawn to a passionate revolutionary, leading her to question where her loyalty truly lies. Bowen delivers a story of love, courage, and the quest for justice, infused with the rich history of early 20th-century Ireland.
“The Wild Irish” by Robin Maxwell – This historical novel delves into the life of Grace O’Malley, the legendary Irish pirate queen. Maxwell portrays Grace’s fierce spirit and her battles against the English, as well as her passionate love affairs that defy societal expectations. “The Wild Irish” is a tale of power, rebellion, and love, bringing to life one of Ireland’s most iconic figures.
“The Taming of the Queen” by Philippa Gregory – While primarily set in England, this novel offers a unique perspective on Irish history through the eyes of Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII. As she faces the dangerous waters of the Tudor court, Katherine’s intellectual pursuits connect her with the Irish scholar Thomas Butler, offering a glimpse into the complex relationships between England and Ireland during the 16th century. Gregory’s novel is a rich tapestry of politics, religion, and romance, highlighting the strength and intelligence of one of history’s most overlooked queens.
5 Irish Romance Series
The Gallagher’s of Ardmore Trilogy by Nora Roberts: This beloved trilogy centers around the Gallagher siblings in the picturesque village of Ardmore. Combining elements of Irish folklore with contemporary romance, Roberts crafts tales of love, family, and the magic that binds them. Each story explores the lives and loves of a Gallagher sibling intertwined with the legend of ghosts and a centuries-old curse that needs to be broken.
The Dublin Street Series by Samantha Young: Set in Scotland with Irish solid connections, this series starts with “On Dublin Street,” where Jocelyn Butler, a young woman hiding from her past, finds love and healing with Braden Carmichael. Each book in the series explores new romances among a group of friends, with deeply emotional storytelling and steamy romance.
The Walsh Family Series by Marian Keyes: Focusing on the lives and loves of the Walsh sisters, this series mixes humor, heartbreak, and romance. Keyes has a gift for tackling serious issues with wit and warmth, making us laugh and cry as they follow the Walshes through their ups and downs in love and life.
The O’Brien Family Series by Cecy Robson: This series features the O’Brien family in Philadelphia, a large Irish-American family with strong bonds and even stronger personalities. Each book focuses on a different sibling finding love, often in unexpected places, with a mix of humor, heat, and heartfelt moments.
The Irish & Whiskey Series by Layla Reyne: Combining suspense, action, and romance, this series follows FBI agents Aidan “Irish” Talley and Jameson “Whiskey” Walker as they face dangerous missions and their growing feelings for each other. Reyne delivers thrilling plots and steamy romance set against the backdrop of high-stakes law enforcement work.
5 Irish Romance Novels Kindle Unlimited
“Love and Shenanigans” by Zara Keane – The first book in the Ballybeg series, this novel introduces readers to Fiona Byrne, who returns to her hometown of Ballybeg for her grandmother’s funeral only to find herself in a series of comedic and romantic entanglements, including a fake engagement with a former flame. Keane captures the spirit of Irish small-town life with humor, heart, and a touch of mischief.
“The Tour” by Jean Grainger – Set against the scenic backdrop of Ireland, this novel follows a group of American tourists on a bus tour around the Emerald Isle, each with their own stories and reasons for being there. Among them, Conor O’Shea, the tour guide, finds himself unexpectedly drawn to one of the passengers. Grainger weaves together the individual tales of the tourists with Ireland’s rich history and culture, creating a tapestry of human connection and romance.
“Dancing with the Irish” by Katie Mettner – In this heartwarming novel, Liddy James, an American dancer with dreams of opening her dance studio, finds herself in Ireland to claim an inheritance. There, she meets Ronan Byrne, a man who challenges her plans and captures her heart. Mettner’s story is a dance of romance and self-discovery, set to the rhythm of Irish tradition and the beauty of its countryside.
“An Irish Affair” by Ajme Williams – This steamy romance novel features a young American woman who travels to Ireland only to fall for Liam, a charming Irishman with a complicated past. Their instant attraction leads to a passionate affair that faces challenges as secrets come to light. Williams blends the allure of an Irish setting with a sizzling love story, exploring themes of trust, redemption, and the power of love.
“Wild Irish Rose” by Ava Miles – Part of the Dare Valley series, this novel centers on Rose Fiorni, a woman with Italian roots, and Colin Garrett, a renowned journalist. Their story takes them to Ireland, where they go on a journey to uncover Colin’s family history and find themselves drawn to each other amid the mysteries of the past. Miles combines romance, family saga, and the enchantment of Ireland in a tale that celebrates heritage, love, and the bonds that connect us.
Last Words
We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and most importantly, we’ve fallen in love—over and over again—with the unforgettable characters and their stories set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland. These novels have not only transported us to a land rich in culture and beauty but have also reminded us of the enduring power of love to conquer all. As you close the pages of our latest Irish romance, carry the magic of Ireland in your heart and the echoes of its love stories in your soul.
May the road rise up to meet you, and may you find your way back to the enchanting world of Irish romance novels again soon. Until then, keep the fires of love burning bright and let the tales of the Emerald Isle inspire your dreams and adventures. Sláinte, my friends, and happy reading!
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