Personal Life and History
Doyle was born in Dublin and grew up in Kilbarrack, in a middle-class family. His mother, Ita Bolger Doyle, was first cousin of the short story writer Maeve Brennan. Doyle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from University College Dublin. He spent several years as an English and geography teacher before becoming a full-time writer in 1993.
He established a creative writing centre, "Fighting Words", which opened in Dublin in January 2009. It was inspired by a visit to his friend Dave Eggers' 826 Valencia project in San Francisco. His personal notes and work books reside at the National Library of Ireland.
He is an atheist. He signed a petition supporting journalist Suzanne Breen, who faced gaol for refusing to divulge her sources in court. He joined thousands of angry people from Clontarf to protest against an attempt by Dublin City Council to construct 9ft-high barriers which would interfere with one of his favourite views.
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