The international Historical Novel Society has an annual conference every year, alternating between North America and Europe.

For the first time ever, it was held in Ireland this year from 21st to 23rd August at Maynooth University. The organising committee, spearheaded by Irish PEN member Katherine Mezzacappa, was made up of the small group of writers of the Irish chapter of the HNS, who gather quarterly for a meal and conversation in Dublin.

On 21 August, 250 historical novelists from all over the world descended on Maynooth to hear from speakers such as Prof Terence Dooley who spoke about an Anglo-Irish ascendancy family, their lifestyle, marriage struggles, and eventual demise. He finished by detailing the sources he had used to document their lives. Also, Booker prize winner John Banville was interviewed by Katherine. In addition, attendees went to dozens of individual workshops and talks on topics of interest to historical novelists.

Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann was delighted to partner with the Historical Novel Society and have a stand at the Conference Bookshop. Katherine introduced us at the opening of the conference and made an impassioned pitch for us. Shauna Gilligan, Therese Hicks, and Deaglán de Bréadún distributed Irish PEN bookmarks, information sheets, and membership applications, while chatting with interested attendees at the conference. It is hopeful that our numbers will show an increase in the near future.