11 December 2025
Fagan, who grew up in Co. Meath, has published three books: the short story collectionHostages(2016), and the novelsNobber(2019) andEden’s Shore(2025).
Nobberwas longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize, shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Woodhouse Prize, and named a Book of the Year byThe Guardian.
Eden’s Shorewas named byThe Sunday Timesas a book of the year.
“This honour has come at a crucial time in both my writing life and my personal life, and I plan to use this opportunity to complete and hone a draft of my third novel,” said Fagan of the residency.
“I am looking forward to so much this year: events with other writers, editors, academics and publishers across different genres and disciplines; working and collaborating with members of staff on campus – but, most of all, I am excited to help students get in touch with their own voice and build confidence in their own perspective as writers.”
The residency is worth €30,000, and includes access to a dedicated workspace on campus. Fagan will take up the position in early 2026.
Fagan is one of 12 new Arts Council artists in residence announced across Irish universities for 2026, from various disciplines across literature, film and traditional arts.
The awardees join the 10 artists and organisations who took up residencies in Children and Young People’s Arts across seven institutions at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
“These programmes support artists to deepen their practice while bringing fresh creative energy into teaching, research and campus life,” said Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council.
“By connecting students and staff with professional artists, they spark new ideas and show how creativity can enrich every discipline. We are very grateful to our university partners for their ongoing commitment to these residencies.”
Residencies for 2026 were also announced across six other institutions. (opens in a new window)Read more on the Arts Council website.
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations