An interview with Dermot Bolger

Dermot Bolger was born in Finglas, Dublin, in 1959. He is one of Ireland's most prolific contemporary authors, having published some nine novels, ten plays, and six collections of poetry. In addition to being a writer he is also heavily involved in publishing; he set up the Raven Arts Press in 1977 before eventually closing it in 1992 in order to co-found New Island Books. He regularly contributes articles and reviews to national newspapers in Ireland and has edited many books, most notably The Picador Book of Contemporary Irish Fiction, the collaborative novel Finbar's Hotel and its sequel, Ladies Night at Finbar's Hotel. Bolger's work may be read as a constantly evolving critique of Irish society that explores how the individual interacts with the wider community, how European and global culture impinges upon Ireland, and how the concepts of Ireland and Irishness have evolved and metamorphosed since the foundation of the state. This interview with Dermot Bolger was conducted on 24 January 2006 in All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin.