Dublin, Written in Our Hearts, edited by Declan Meade, is the newest addition to Dublin City Council’s One Dublin One Book initiative. This programme strives to bring more Irish writing and culture to the forefront of Dublin’s national identity while also planting the seeds of commonality and unity. It does so by featuring a book every year which all inhabitants of our city are encouraged to read together. The anthology designated with this privilege for 2025 was compiled specifically for this initiative. It features the work of 22 established and emerging writers and poets as they explore Dublin as a city, a lifestyle, an art form and more. In this anthology, Meade assembles a myriad of different genres and works to create a multifaceted perception of Dublin and what it has to offer.
The anthology first presents the work of Anne Enright, UCD alumna and fiction professor, as she takes the reader on a journey through Dublin in her essay “Dublin Made Me.” She uses her Dublin upbringing to explore the familiarity of the city, demonstrating the county’s ability to create a common culture. She investigates the decline of tradition through Dublin’s industrialisation and growth, crafting a tribute to the past and a reflection on the future. Through literary allusions, she shapes the image of Ireland based on the writers who have defined its culture. The theme of familiarity resonates throughout her essay, particularly in her portrayals of various towns and suburbs in Dublin. Mentions of their street or city foster a sense of excitement in the average Irish reader, along with a sense of community and connection with the writer. Enright skillfully invites the reader into her world, presenting the city in a way that feels familiar even to those from outside Dublin.
While Enright brightly presents a traditional view of Dublin, the works of Irish authors with immigrant backgrounds present a refreshing perspective in “Dublin: A Poet’s Review” by FELISPEAKS. The piece is yet another subtle masterpiece in this already impressive anthology. The Irish-Nigerian writer offers a fresh perspective on the exploration of intimate and neighbourly Irish culture, portraying Dublin as “the family friend you end up calling cousin.” As an outsider to Dublin, learning and absorbing Irish culture, I identified this feeling of immediate familiarity with Ireland as unique to the country. This artist uses the perspectives of both an insider and an outsider to represent those of us on the cusp of integration, emphasising the traditional openness of Dublin, which now struggles to find its place in the city’s contemporary landscape.
Another notable work in this anthology is an extract of Estelle Birdy’s novel Ravelling, featuring a contemporary and genuine portrayal of youth in Ireland. It addresses Dublin’s difficulty in embracing minorities, including Pakistani immigrants and queer Irish youth. With her comedic touch and remarkable voice, Birdy crafts characters that are so authentic and vibrant that readers are instantly immersed in the world she depicts, regardless of their social background.
This anthology captures Dubliners’ diverse experiences, exploring artistic and sociopolitical evaluations and critiques of the city. Through various portrayals of Dublin, this collection of stories, poems, novels, and essays interrogates the foundations of Irish society. It reflects on what it means to be a Dubliner in today’s Ireland. Be sure to pick up a copy and join fellow Dubliners on this literary journey of unity and exploration in April.
Sophie Gliott – Contributor