Interview

Irvine Welsh interview: ‘I retired when I was 30, and I’ve basically been on a working holiday since then’

Almost three decades after becoming an overnight sensation with Trainspotting, the Scottish author is in no mood to slow down as he prepares to return to Ireland for the Beyond the Pale festival

Irvine Welsh is no stranger to Ireland, and he’s coming back here for the inaugural Beyond the Pale festival, which takes place in Glendalough Estate from June 10-12

Irvine Welsh is no stranger to Ireland, and he’s coming back here for the inaugural Beyond the Pale festival, which takes place in Glendalough Estate from June 10-12. “I love festivals,” he tells me down a phone line from Edinburgh. “I’m so glad that Beyond the Pale has been established. It’s just the kind of festival that Ireland really needs.”

Given the Scot’s history as an author, musician and DJ, he could play a number ...