Picture an Irish storyteller who weaves the charm of Ireland’s west coast into every page—meet Felicity Hayes-McCoy! This Dublin-born author and actress has enchanted readers with her heartwarming Finfarran novels and soulful memoirs, blending Irish culture, history, and community with a touch of magic. Her journey from the stage to the page is as captivating as the fictional worlds she creates, offering a window into Ireland’s soul.
With her USA Today bestselling Finfarran series, translated into seven languages, and memoirs praised by luminaries like Joanna Lumley, Felicity has carved a unique niche in contemporary literature. Her stories resonate with readers craving feel-good fiction and authentic Irish narratives. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this remarkable writer.
The Making of Felicity Hayes-McCoy
Born in Dublin, Felicity Hayes-McCoy grew up surrounded by books, thanks to her historian father’s love for second-hand bookstalls. She studied English and Irish at University College Dublin (UCD), where her passion for storytelling blossomed under the mentorship of feminist icon Maeve Binchy, her Latin teacher. In the 1970s, Felicity moved to London, training at The Drama Studio and launching a vibrant acting career. From BBC Radio 4’s premiere of an Emlyn Williams play alongside Michael Redgrave to roles in TV dramas like Ballykissangel, her stage and screen work honed her knack for character-driven narratives.
Her transition to writing was seamless, sparked by radio scripts that cleverly wove Irish-language elements, earning her dual paychecks as actress and writer. This multifaceted career—spanning theater, radio, TV, and digital media—laid the foundation for her later literary success. Splitting her time between London and the West Kerry Gaeltacht, Felicity’s dual life infuses her work with a rich blend of urban and rural Irish perspectives.
Felicity Hayes-McCoy’s Unforgettable Stories
Felicity’s Finfarran Peninsula series, set in a fictional Irish county, is her crowning achievement. Kicking off with The Library at the Edge of the World (2016), the series follows librarian Hanna Casey as she navigates love, community, and secrets in the charming town of Lissbeg. Critics compare Felicity’s warm, intergenerational storytelling to Maeve Binchy’s, with The Sunday Times calling her debut 'engaging, sparkling and joyous.' Each novel stands alone, exploring themes of family, heritage, and resilience, with titles like Summer at the Garden Café and The Year of Lost and Found (2021) earning praise for their vivid characters and emotional depth.
Her memoirs are equally compelling. The House on an Irish Hillside (2012) chronicles her return to a stone house on the Dingle Peninsula, where she first studied Irish as a teen. Described as 'wise, funny, and blazingly beautiful' by Joanna Lumley, it captures the Celtic year’s rhythm. Its sequel, Enough Is Plenty (2015), and A Woven Silence (2015), which uncovers her grandmother’s cousin’s role in the 1916 Rising, blend personal and political history with lyrical prose. Felicity’s standalone novel, The Keepsake Quilters (2022), set in London and Wicklow, showcases her versatility, weaving family ties and Irish identity.
Her writing style—lyrical, optimistic, and deeply rooted in Irish culture—paints rural Ireland with authenticity and humor. Whether through fiction or memoir, Felicity crafts stories that feel like a cozy chat by the fire, inviting readers to savor life’s small joys and big truths.
Why Felicity Hayes-McCoy Matters
Felicity Hayes-McCoy’s work transcends genre, offering a love letter to Ireland’s landscapes and people. Her Finfarran novels have revitalized 'uplit'—uplifting literature—by blending feel-good storytelling with sharp social commentary, resonating with readers globally. Her memoirs preserve Ireland’s cultural heritage, from Dingle’s Celtic traditions to the overlooked stories of women in the 1916 Rising. By championing community and intergenerational bonds, she inspires readers to reconnect with their roots and embrace everyday drama.
Her impact extends beyond books. As a founding member of the UK’s Women’s Equality Party and an advocate for authors’ rights, Felicity’s activism reflects her stories’ themes of justice and voice. Her ability to write bestselling novels in her sixties proves it’s never too late to chase dreams, inspiring aspiring writers everywhere.
- Born: Dublin, Ireland
- Key Works: The Library at the Edge of the World, The House on an Irish Hillside, The Keepsake Quilters
- Notable Mentor: Maeve Binchy
- Lives: West Kerry Gaeltacht and Bermondsey, London
Snag The Library at the Edge of the World and dive into Felicity Hayes-McCoy’s heartwarming Irish tales! Her stories are your ticket to a cozy, uplifting escape.