John O'Donohue

John O’Donohue (1956–2008) was an Irish poet and philosopher from County Clare. Educated in philosophy and theology, he was ordained a Catholic priest and later left the priesthood. He became widely known for writing on spirituality, language, and the inner life, drawing on Irish landscape and Celtic tradition. His bestselling book *Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom* (1997) introduced many readers to his reflections on friendship and “soul” companionship. He later published *Beauty: The Invisible Embrace* (2004), exploring beauty as a spiritual and philosophical presence in everyday experience. O’Donohue died in 2008.