2025 sees the 35th anniversary of the publication of Marita Conlon McKenna’s classic Under the Hawthorn Tree, and the author will be coming to Kennys on May 15th for an in conversation event to celebrate the new publication of her Children of The Famine Trilogy of novels (Under the Hawthorn Tree, Wildflower Girl and Fields of Home) in one volume for the very first time!

This event is ticketed but spaces are limited, and tickets are free.

Marita Conlon-McKenna is an award-winning Irish author of both children’s and adult fiction. She has published over 20 books and is best known for her children’s classic, Under the Hawthorn Tree which is taught in schools across Ireland and overseas. Published in 1990 the book became an immediate bestseller with rights sold across the world.

She will be joined in conversation by Gráinne O’Brien, bookseller at Kennys Bookshop, the author of  A Limerick Fairytale and Solo, and the founder of Rontu Literary service.

About Children of the Famine Trilogy:
Under the Hawthorn Tree, Wildflower Girl and Fields of Home are being published in one volume for the first time ever, in an exclusive Kennys Signed Limited Edition, featuring a new foreword by the author. Beginning with the Great Famine of the 1840s, this beloved trilogy of novels follows Eily, Peggy and their brother Michael across continents and decades, in stories of courage, danger, adventure and survival that bring Irish history thrillingly to life.

Pre-order Children of the Famine Trilogy:
The Kennys Exclusive Signed Limited Edition of Children of the Famine Trilogy is available for pre-order here. Copies will be available to buy at the event. This edition includes Under the Hawthorn Tree, Wildflower Girl and Fields of Home together in one volume for the first time ever, with an exclusive foreword by Marita Conlon-McKenna. This hardback edition is also signed and numbered by the author.

If you have any questions on this event, please email martha@kennys.ie.