Irish crime narratives gain attention through new series and Booker Prize longlist

The Irish literary and dramatic landscape is seeing significant attention through works centered on Dublin gangland and historical crime. Actor Tadhg McMahon discussed his role in the series ‘The Westies’, portraying the character Cliffie. McMahon noted that the character is based on a real individual from the notorious Irish gang, and he utilized historical research into Hell’s Kitchen tenement life to build the character’s internal history.

In literature, Djamel White’s debut novel, ‘All Them Dogs’, has been longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize. The novel provides a portrait of West Dublin gangland, following a character named Tony Ward who returns to Dublin to find work within a crime organization. The work has been recognized by judges for its unsentimental portrayal and authentic dialogue.