Why County Kildare? The Real Places Behind the Fictional World

My novel, County Kildare, is a work of fiction, although certain elements of the story are inspired by real life people and places. Below is a list of some standout places referenced in the novel that have real family history and significance woven throughout the story.

County Kildare

First and foremost, the title of the book, County Kildare, is the county in Ireland where my mother’s birth mother was born and raised, and I found it vital to root the story there. Many of my mother’s 11 aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews still reside there, and my parents had the pleasure of meeting them a few years back on their own journey to County Kildare. I was able to collect little bits of research and memories through photographs of my parent’s time in Ireland and construct my story based on what I knew and what I learned during my research. While the county and city names are real, the school and library that are mentioned in Fiona’s narrative are fictional.  

Our Lady Immaculate

In the book there is a scene where some characters take a tour of the Guelph churches, making their final stop at The Church of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph. This Church really does sit at the top of the high street in Guelph and the city bylaws are set in place so that from no point in the city can a building be built higher than the church so you can always see it. While the church itself is stunning, its known to be one of the most impressive works of Irish architect Joseph Connelly, it also hold personal significance for me. This church was where my grandparents got married in the 1940’s and its where my husband proposed to me! It is a very special place, and I was excited to be able to include it in my novel.

Roundwood House

Roundwood House is name of the Bed and Breakfast in my novel, and it is based on the most beautiful Bed and Breakfast in Ireland located in County Laios of the same name. In Fact, that building you see on my book cover is an oil painting of the real Roundwood House by Mike Rafter, who graciously let me use the pointing for my cover! If you want to check out any more of his work, he is local to County Laios and has some pretty stunning work. https://mikerafterartist.com.

Roundwood House is owned by Hannah and Paddy Flynn, and while I haven’t had the pleasure of staying there yet (it’s on my list for our Ireland trip next year), by my parents raved about their experience. I grew up down the street from Paddy’s parents in Canada and can say that the Flynn’s (globally) are the loveliest family.  They describe Roundwood House as a place nestled in 18 acres of native woodland, just over an hour from Dublin, Roundwood House is a B&B and restaurant with six bedrooms in the Main House, four in the older restored Yellow House, two self-catering cottages, a wonderful library, a dog that gives walking tours, two little girls, some hens and ducks to greet you on arrival and a rooster named Brewster.

I got lost in the photographs of this gorgeous establishment while I was writing County Kildare and encourage you to check it out if you are planning on heading to Ireland anytime soon (because they book up fast!) https://roundwoodhouse.com

If you haven’t read County Kildare yet, and want to see the fictional world that includes these real-world places, its available now on Amazon!

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