Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill facts for kids
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill (born in 1952) is a leading Irish poet. She is a very important figure in Modern literature in Irish, especially for her work in the Irish language.
About Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill was born in Lancashire, England. Her parents were Irish. When she was five years old, she moved to Ireland. She grew up in two different places: the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht and Nenagh, County Tipperary. A Gaeltacht is an area where the Irish language is spoken every day.
Her uncle, Monsignor Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, was a well-known expert in the Munster Irish dialect. Nuala's mother spoke Irish herself. However, she raised Nuala to speak English. Her mother thought this would make life easier for Nuala. But Nuala's father and his family spoke fluent Irish every day.
In 1969, Nuala studied English and Irish at UCC. She joined a group of poets called 'Innti'. In 1973, she married Doğan Leflef, who was a Turkish geologist. They lived abroad for seven years in Turkey and Holland.
Her Poetry and Ideas
Nuala returned to County Kerry in 1980. One year later, she published her first book of poems in Irish. It was called An Dealg Droighin (1981). Later, she became a member of Aosdána, which is a special group for Irish artists.
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill has written many books. Her works include poetry collections, plays for children, and screenplays. She has also written articles, reviews, and essays. Some of her other well-known poetry books are Féar Suaithinseach (1984), Feis (1991), and Cead Aighnis (1998).
Her poems have been translated into English. These are found in books like Rogha Dánta/Selected Poems (1986) and The Astrakhan Cloak (1992). Other translated works include Pharaoh's Daughter (1990) and The Water Horse (2007). Her poem, 'Mo Ghrá-Sa (Idir Lúibini)', is even part of the Irish school curriculum.
Nuala is very dedicated to the Irish language. She writes all her poetry only in Irish. She once said that Irish is a beautiful language. She believes it has deep historical roots. She also feels it is great for expressing poetic ideas in everyday life. Besides Irish and English, Nuala also speaks Turkish, French, German, and Dutch very well.
Nuala's poetry often uses myths and old stories. She likes to retell and imagine these myths in new ways. These stories are a big part of Irish literature and Irish culture. She explains that myths help us understand the world around us. They are like basic stories that give meaning to our lives.
Personal Life
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill's husband passed away in 2013. She now lives near Dublin with two of her children. She often appears on Irish radio and television.
Awards and Recognition
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill has received many awards and scholarships. She has also won several international prizes. Her works have been translated into many languages. These include French, German, Polish, Italian, Norwegian, Estonian, and Japanese.
She is one of Ireland's most famous writers in the Irish language. From 2001 to 2004, she was the Ireland Professor of Poetry. She was the first person to hold this title for Irish (language) Poetry. In March 2018, she received the Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Award. This award recognized her great achievements in poetry.
