Welcome

Join us in the vibrant university town of Maynooth for HNS 2026 to explore fact and fiction in the historical novel, focusing a modern eye on a fading world through historical research and creative storytelling. Be a part of the HNS community as you engage with historical novelists. Book a one-on-one session with an agent or a publisher. Enjoy excursions to historic sites, a welcome reception in Pugin Hall and a gala dinner where we will celebrate the winners of our writing competitions.

"When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."

Finding, defining, and authoring the legend

Our keynote speakers and parallel sessions will explore the 'Print the Legend' theme. How do we find the legend, mining archives and other sources for stories that are entertaining yet authentic? How do we define the legend, reviving people and places while avoiding cultural misappropriation? Should we 'equalise' historical fiction by using female or under-represented protagonists? Should we develop the legends that exist in our readers' minds, or invent new ones? Who owns the legend: the historian? The descendants? The reader? Or the novelist?

HNS 2026

Join us in Maynooth for an inspiring exploration of historical storytelling and creative writing.

Keynote Speakers

Engage with bestselling authors and gain fresh insights into historical fiction writing.

Novel Competition

Enter our Historical Novel Competition to showcase your talent and be recognised by agents and publishers.

Writing Competition Entry

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One-on-One Session

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Programme

Print the Legend

Overview of the HNS 2026 programme

Thursday 20 August: arrival and registration from 15:00, informal evening gathering at local pub/ restaurant.

Friday 21 August: Registration 08:30-09:30 and 15:00-17:00. Excursions during the day. Agent & publisher one-to-ones. Evening welcome reception buffet in Pugin Hall, South Campus.

Saturday 22 August: Registration 08:30-09:30. From 09:30 onwards, Plenary and parallel sessions, refreshments provided. Agent and publisher one-to-ones. Evening Gala Dinner, Gleneagles Hotel.

Note: if you do not pre-book for the Friday evening buffet or the Saturday evening Gala Dinner, please make your own evening meal arrangements. There are a number of restaurants nearby but advance reservation may be required; Maynooth Campus accommodation offers shared self-catering facilities.

Sunday 23 August: 09:30 onwards, Plenary and parallel sessions, refreshments provided. Agent and publisher one-to-ones. Close of conference at 15:30.