Hungarian Perspectives on Ireland

This volume presents the richness and diversity of Irish Studies in Hungary, marking a milestone as the first publication of its kind. It gathers thirteen studies spanning a wide range of subjects, historical periods, and geographical perspectives, from medieval hagiography to contemporary literature. The essays are approached through history, literary theory, film studies, and linguistics, while also exploring aspects of Irish–Hungarian, Irish–American, Irish–Sri Lankan, and Irish–European relations. The contributors themselves reflect this diversity: from early-career scholars enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs to established Hungarian authorities in Irish Studies. As literary scholar Ákos Farkas observes, “Organized into four major thematic units, these studies examine cultural and linguistic history, multimedia, literary studies, translation studies, and literary translation, reflecting the current directions of Irish Studies in Hungary. Their scope will appeal not only to specialists but also to an informed readership in Hungary, Ireland, and beyond.” Beyond the academic essays, the volume includes an interview with a figure of note in ethnography, sociology, and literary theory, alongside literary translations that enrich the collection. These include ballad translations by a highly regarded literary translator, a prose translation highlighting Irish–American connections while raising key literary-theoretical questions, and a text that reveals the challenges and strategies of “localizing” Irish cultural terms and contexts from a Hungarian perspective. This publication invites both scholars and general readers to explore the multifaceted world of Irish Studies, offering original insights, rigorous scholarship, and a window into the ongoing dialogue between Ireland and Hungary in literary and cultural research.