Books

Behind the Wooden Counter by Pearl Hutchinson

Step back in time and discover the charm, characters and stories of life behind the counter of a traditional country shop.

Behind the Wooden Counter by Pearl Hutchinson is a delightful celebration of country shop life — a world of familiar faces, daily routines, local characters, community gossip and the simple pleasures of days gone by.

With warmth, humour and nostalgia, Pearl brings to life the unique role the country shop played at the heart of rural communities. More than just somewhere to buy your groceries, the local shop was a meeting place, a source of news, a place to catch up with neighbours and, quite often, the centre of village life.

A wonderful read for anyone who remembers the old-fashioned country shop, or who simply enjoys stories of rural life, community and a bygone Ireland.

A charming and nostalgic book that will bring back memories of days gone by — and perhaps remind you of a few characters of your own!

Available from Alexanders of Ballybofey.

Volume 12 – Stories From Our Past

There’s something special about discovering a story about a place you know.

The Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society Annual – Volume 12 is a wonderful collection of local history, memories and photographs, bringing together stories from the people and places that have helped shape our community.

From sporting memories and familiar faces to old photographs that take us back through the generations, this annual offers a fascinating glimpse into life in Ballybofey, Stranorlar and the surrounding district.

One of the features in this volume looks back at Drumboe Castle & Estate, including the fascinating story of the estate being offered for sale in 1857. The original sale notice gives a remarkable insight into the Drumboe estate of the time, describing its lands, gardens, plantations, river boundaries and even the opportunities for fishing and shooting.

It’s these details that make local history so interesting — discovering how the places we pass every day looked, felt and lived many generations ago.

Beautifully illustrated with historic photographs, Volume 12 is a chance to explore the people, places, events and memories that form part of our local story.

Whether you’ve lived in the area all your life, have family roots here, or simply enjoy discovering the history on your doorstep, there’s plenty to enjoy between its pages.

A fascinating piece of local history — and a lovely addition to any Donegal bookshelf.

Available from Alexanders of Ballybofey.

Homegrown is an inspiring and beautifully presented book by Barrie Quinn of Portnoo Market Garden.

Drawing on his own experience of growing food in Donegal, Barrie shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for producing fresh, seasonal food from the ground up. With practical growing advice, beautiful photography and guidance on crops including everyday favourites such as lettuce, Homegrown encourages readers to reconnect with where their food comes from and discover the satisfaction of growing their own.

More than simply a gardening book, Homegrown is about a way of living — slowing down, working with the seasons and appreciating good food grown close to home.

A wonderful gift for gardeners, food lovers and anyone interested in growing their own produce, with an especially lovely Donegal connection.

Author: Barrie Quinn
Hardback

What happens when you feel yourself disappearing and no longer recognise the woman you used to be?

In this funny, raw and deeply human memoir, Marie McLaughlin takes an honest look at perimenopause: the unexplained rage, the exhaustion, the brain fog, the identity loss, and the quiet grief of not feeling like yourself. 

With real stories woven throughout, this is a warm and witty reminder that none of us should have to navigate this transition alone.

For every woman who has ever thought, 'is it just me, or have I actually lose the plot?"

You haven't.

Explore a world of history, place and poetry in The Lost Isle of Saint Columba by Alan Millar.

Written in Scots and English, this collection blends the personal with the historic, taking readers on a poetic journey through time and place.

Originally from the Laggan area of East Donegal and now based in Ballymoney, Alan is an award-winning writer and poet. This collection is a thoughtful choice for anyone interested in poetry, local connections and the languages and stories of these islands.

Explore the peoples of Ireland’s myths and legends in this book by poet, researcher and Irish-language teacher Dubhán Ó Longáin.

Drawing on the rich world of Irish folklore and mythology, Tribes and Troops is a fascinating choice for readers interested in Ireland’s storytelling traditions and legendary past.

Dubhán’s research has included the Fenian Cycle, and he has contributed articles on Irish folklore to Nós magazine. A thoughtful gift for anyone with an interest in Irish history, mythology and culture.

Discover the history of Drumboe Castle and the people whose lives were connected to it in this fascinating book by local author Pat Holland.

For more than 300 years, Drumboe Castle was part of life in Stranorlar. Although it was demolished in 1946, traces of its past remain in the walls, buildings and woodlands around Drumboe.

Through local stories and history, Pat brings the castle and its community back to life, exploring the people and events that shaped this familiar corner of the Finn Valley.

A lovely read for anyone with an interest in local history, or a thoughtful gift for someone with a connection to Ballybofey, Stranorlar and the wider Finn Valley.

Author: Pat Holland
Format: Paperback

Zero is Everything is a poetry collection by Jennifer Leong, bringing together reflections on a wide range of human experiences.

The poems use an inventive structure that allows readers to explore them in different orders while finding meaning in each piece. Accessible and thought-provoking, this collection invites readers to pause, reflect and discover something new with each reading.

A thoughtful choice for poetry lovers or a meaningful gift for someone who enjoys reflective writing.

Discover the creativity of young writers from the Finn Valley in New Voices from East Donegal.

This collection brings together stories written by pupils from Sessiaghoneill National School, Robertson National School in Stranorlar, and Welchtown National School. Inspired by the legacy of Frances Browne, the young writers developed their work through workshops with Dubhán Ó Longáin and Alan Millar, who also edited the book.

Written mostly in English, with Irish and Ulster Scots also featured, the collection celebrates the languages, imagination and new voices of our local community.

A special book for families, friends and anyone with a connection to the schools or an interest in East Donegal’s storytelling traditions.