CIL

Welcome to the Contemporary Irish Literature Research Network!

The contemporary Irish literary scene is in rude health. Established forms like the short story have seen a resurgence, while the essay is being reinvented and growing in popularity. As established writers pursue new directions, another generation of diverse and exciting voices has emerged through a series of anthologies and standalone works. Irish writers have flooded the literary prize circuit in all fields – from short fiction, to fiction, to poetry, drama and non-fiction. Of late, previously marginalised voices have finally been heard, with indie presses and literary journals (some of which can be found here) championing this necessary process.

We find ourselves in an exciting moment as scholars of the contemporary. Our desire to set up this research network has evolved out of our love of contemporary Irish literature as well as the frustrations we have encountered as postgraduate researchers in the field. One such frustration is the critical response to contemporary Irish literature, in particular the disconnect between media coverage and academic reception. While academic publishing differs hugely from journalism and online media, there is often a fissure between the contemporary literature that is discussed in review sections and Twitter threads and what becomes part of the academic canon via edited essay collections and university syllabi. We envision this research network, particularly our blog ‘Spit the Pips’, as a mediation between these arenas of criticism. We encourage submissions, particularly from PGRs and ECRs, of engaged, scholarly and accessible research which reflect upon the current literary landscape.

CIL aims to create a network where researchers of contemporary Irish literature can come together to forge networks, share resources and collaborate. In particular we hope to provide a platform for scholars who are extending the established boundaries of Irish Studies, reflecting the diversity of the literature. Our vision of contemporary Irish literature is as open as possible. The membership directory, where researchers can share their research interests and contact information, will be a way to foster new connections and new forms of scholarship.

We hope that members find this to be a space of fruitful discussion and insight into what is a burgeoning field.