A new publication from Irish author Dennis McIntyre is drawing attention for its detailed account of the sweeping economic, cultural, and technological changes that have reshaped Ireland since the 1960s. Part of My Heart Lies There, released under the Shara Press imprint, offers an in-depth personal narrative that doubles as an accessible social history, capturing the lived experience of rural communities during one of the most significant periods of transition in the country’s modern era.
McIntyre, who grew up in the rural west of Ireland, positions his latest work as both a memoir and a reflection on national change. The book blends personal genealogy, local history, and broader social commentary to explore how a traditional, community-centred way of life adapted—or in some cases disappeared—as Ireland moved from relative isolation to a globally connected society.
“Neighbourliness was everything. The meitheal, where neighbours worked together, was central to my life,” McIntyre writes, invoking the cooperative spirit that defined much of rural Ireland’s social fabric during his youth. The reference underscores a central theme in the book: that community cohesion and mutual support formed the foundation of daily life before rapid modernization began to alter the rhythms and expectations of rural society.
The author’s recollections frame a broader narrative about Ireland’s economic development and the impact of modernization on work, social structures, and cultural identity. McIntyre chronicles how advances in machinery and mechanization transformed agriculture, reducing the physical strain of farm labour while also changing the nature of work and the dynamics of rural households. These insights align with documented trends in Ireland’s agricultural sector, which saw significant modernization over the latter half of the 20th century.
Technological change—particularly in communications, transport, and mobility—also features prominently in the book’s analysis. McIntyre notes how innovations that were once unimaginable now shape daily routines, economic opportunity, and Ireland’s relationship with the rest of the world. The connective power of modern technology, he suggests, has redefined not only how communities function but how individuals perceive time, progress, and their place in society.
“The past should be recorded in detail, but not simply for nostalgic or sentimental reasons – far from it,” McIntyre states, emphasizing the book’s intention to offer an accurate, unsentimental record of rural life. While he acknowledges moments of affection for the world he grew up in, he also challenges idealized notions of the past. His reference to the widely known maxim—that “the good old days weren’t always good and tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems”—reinforces his view that reflection and realism must go hand in hand.
Still, McIntyre argues that understanding the past is essential for navigating the future. “Before abandoning any way of life, we need to contemplate what we are replacing it with. It is good to be an outward-facing country, as long as we know which way we are facing. Life is a journey to be enjoyed, but it is important to think about the destination. Don’t look back patronisingly on ‘simple times’. In those times, people had a sophistication that many fail to identify.”
For Canadian readers and markets, the book’s themes may resonate in communities also experiencing rapid social and economic transition. Rural regions across Canada similarly confront demographic change, shifting labour needs, and the effects of globalization. McIntyre’s reflections on adaptation, identity, and community response offer parallels that may appeal to audiences interested in rural studies, social history, and the human dimensions of economic change.
The publication of Part of My Heart Lies There also reflects ongoing demand for narrative non-fiction that blends personal experience with broader historical analysis. As readers increasingly seek grounded, story-driven accounts of cultural and economic transformation, the book fills a niche in both the Irish and international markets.
Part of My Heart Lies There by Dennis McIntyre is available for purchase online in both print and e-book formats through Shara Press.