What is Irish humour? What makes it distinct from the humour of other cultures? How has it developed over time? And why does Ireland, in particular, seem to have produced so many witty, original, and entertaining authors? This introductory lecture begins to unpack some of the key issues surrounding the development and manifestation of Irish humour in literature with reference to case studies of some of Ireland’s funniest writers, including Paul Howard, Roddy Doyle, Flann O’Brien, Marian Keyes, and Kevin Barry.


**This is a once-off free taster lecture aliging with College Awareness Week 2024 taking place in the National Library of Ireland.