Former immigrants are returning and the whole structure and value system of the society has altered radically. Ireland has a growth rate of 6 to 8 percent per annum for the past five years. That's higher than any other country in Europe. The Catholic Church has had an iron grip on much of Irish society. It's much weaker, partly because of the number of child abuse and sexual scandals, partly because of the increasing secularization.
Irish literature seems to be booming.
Yes, but that is often a bad sign politically. I do think that Irish writing has gained more notice partly because Irish political crisis has been so widely reported and observed. It's a magnificent book. Among other Irish writers, I would mention Aidan Matthews. And John Banville has a new book about to come out.