Sarah Gilmartin’s short stories have been published in The Dublin Review, The Tangerine and The Stinging Fly. She won the Máirtín Crawford Short Story Award in 2020. Her novels Dinner Party: A Tragedy (2021), Service (2023) and Little Vanities (2026) are published by Pushkin Press. They have been shortlisted for the Irish Books Awards, the Kate O’Brien Award, and translated into Italian, German and (forthcoming) French. She was the 2025 Arts Council Writer-in-Residence at Dublin City University.
She was nominated by Dublin City of Literature. Her participation is made possible by generous donations made to the International Writing Program.
1. Do you have a plan or project in mind for your time at the residency?
Yes I'm hoping to progress my new novel, which is set in rural Ireland during the recession and explores themes of identity, community, brotherhood, competition and honour through the prism of amateur sport.
2. How do you think the IWP Residency will benefit your writing craft, as well as your professional writing life?
Hopefully a lot- I think a daily, dedicated writing practice, and the time and space to do this consistently, will create good momentum for my novel. Also hugely looking forward to making new friends, meeting writers from different cultures around the world, and participating in public events and college life in Iowa.
3. What are you currently reading right now? Are you reading for research or pleasure?
An Arrow in Flight, a new selection of short stories by the Irish writer Mary Lavin, chosen and introduced by Colm Tóibín. A terrific collection.
4. What is one thing the readers and writers of Iowa City should know about you and your work?
I'm very interested in legacy, the long reach of the past. My three novels to date have all considered this in some way. And like most writers, I'm always interested in consequences, in cause and effect.
5. Tell us about where you are from - what are a few favorite details you would like to share about your home?
I'm from Limerick in the midwest of Ireland but have lived in Dublin since I came to college here over twenty years ago. I live in Dublin 8, quite close to the grand canal, also to the city centre. Lots of cultural venues and excellent theatres nearby, accessible by bike. Gorgeous bookshops too- Books Upstairs, the Gutter Bookshop in Temple Bar (named after Oscar Wilde's famous quote), Hodges Figgis, Chapters, I could go on for some time.