It’s a golden time for Irish authors having their books adapted for the screen. Here are the seven you’ll want to add to your watch list immediately
If you are a fan of Irish authors, 2026 looks set to be a prolific year for you. Irish literary adaptations are thriving at the moment, as we’ve seen Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet reach heights most authors only dream of. Here are some of the biggest projects to watch now or look forward to in the near future.
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
Making it to the number one spot on Amazon Prime within its first week of release, the screen adaption of Catherine Ryan Howard’s 56 Days is proving to be a huge hit worldwide. The story follows Ciara and Oliver as their whirlwind romance slowly twists into a dark murder mystery. American actress, Dove Cameron stars in the slick TV adaption produced by Amazon MGM Studios.
Cork author Catherine Ryan Howard wrote the novel in 2020 during lockdown, setting it in Dublin. The TV adaption is a little different however, shot primarily in Quebec, Canada. Still, the small changes hasn’t stopped the show’s success, knocking the likes of Fallout and The Night Manager from the top streaming spot.
Watch now on Amazon Prime.
Grown Ups by Marian Keyes
After the success of The Walsh Sisters in 2025, fans of author Marian Keyes can look forward to a TV adaption of her novel Grown Ups sometime this year. The eight-part series, produced by Netflix will remain true to the novel, following tight-knit family, the three Casey brothers, their wives and assorted children as they navigate distrust, betrayal and some shocking home truths. We can look forward to seeing some familiar faces on screen too, as it stars Aisling Bea, Sarah Greene, Barry Ward and Robert Sheehan to name a few.
Landing on Netflix in 2026.
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
From the same producers of Normal People, Element Pictures are set to bring Cork author Caroline O’Donoghue’s The Rachel Incident to life on screen. The novel tells the story of Rachel, a young Irish woman trying to find her way in the world. In her messy world she balances love, friendship and future plans, often to her own demise. Speaking about the production when the news first broke last year, Caroline said: “Like most authors, I’ve always dreamed of having my work adapted for the screen, but never could have imagined a situation as dreamy as this.”
Landing on Channel 4 in 2026.
Close To Home by Michael Magee
Some might call Michael Magee’s novel Close To Home required reading. Set in West Belfast, it follows the story of working-class young man, Sean, as he works hard and tries his best to stay out of trouble. However faced with little opportunities the bright future he was once promised begins to fade right in front of him as one moment of anger sets his life on a different course. It’s a big year for Irish authors and Element Pictures as Close To Home has been commissioned as a four-part TV adaption with a stellar cast including Anthony Boyle as Sean, Jessica Reynolds and Seamus O’Hara.
Landing on Channel 4 soon.
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
If you’re looking for something you can watch now, Louise Kennedy’s Trespasses is available to stream on Channel 4 now. Adapted from page to screen, the drama is set in 1970s Northern Ireland and focuses on a forbidden love affair between a Catholic schoolteacher and a Protestant barrister. Starring the brilliant Lola Petticrew, the show has received glowing reviews from TV critics since landing in 2025, praised for it’s atmosphere and faithfulness to the novel.
Steam now on Channel 4.
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
If you read Paul Murrary’s novel The Bee Sting, you will be aware of the hype and excitement around its TV adaption announcement. Carnival Films will bring the story of the Barnes family – a wealthy Irish family navigating, financial ruin, secrets, and an apocalyptic, dark-comedy plot – to the screen. The book was optioned for the screen following its success as the 2023 An Post Book of the Year, where it won the acclaimed Eason Novel of the Year Award.
Available to stream soon.
Walk The Blue Fields by Claire Keegan
A third Claire Keegan novel is set to be adapted for the screen, as Netflix have announced that it will turn her book Walk The Blue Fields into a movie. The book tells the story of a priest, unable and unwilling to break his vows for the woman he loves, who ends up officiating her marriage. The movie will be directed by John Crowey, the same producer behind Brooklyn and will be shot primarily in Ireland. It’s set to have a star-studded cast too, with Andrew Scott, Emily Blunt and Ciarán Hinds confirmed.
Available to stream soon.
