Dara Ó Conaola was born in Inis Meáin on the Aran Islands in 1945 and received his primary education there. He attended the Vocational School in Kilronan, Inis Mór, and continued his education in Galway City and later in County Wexford. He spent several years on the mainland working as a woodwork teacher before returning to Inis Oírr to live there permanently. His wife, Pacella, is from Dublin and they have raised four children.

Dara’s father, who was originally from Inis Oírr was a fisherman/farmer and a good storyteller and could also sing. His mother, from Inis Meáin, had spent several years in America before coming back home. She was a traditional knitter and was very fond of reading and singing.

Dara published his first short story while still a schoolboy. At this stage, he loved books. His favorite author by far was Cathal Ó Sándair who wrote all those exiting adventure and detective novels in Irish for young adults. When Scothscéalta by Pádraic Ó Conaire, edited by Tomás de Bhaldraithe was published, he really became aware of the great merit contained in the Irish language literary tradition..

Dara’s work was published in the newspapers Amárach and Inniu and in The Irish Press, also in the magazines Comhar and Feasta and in other publications.

An Gúm published An Gaiscíoch Beag, his retelling of a traditional story for young people in 1978 and a collection of short stories, Mo Chathair Ghríobháin in 1981. The book of short stories Amuigh Liom Féin published by Ceardshiopa Inis Oírr Teo in 1983, was very successful and in 1990, Cló Iar-Connachta Teo with Forest Books, London, published Night Ructions, a collection of short stories translated into English by Gabriel Rosenstock. His novella Misiún ar Muir/ Sea Mission was published with an English translation by Gabriel Rosenstock in 1992 (Ceardshiopa Inis Oírr) and Na Fánaithe performed a stage version of it in the Taibhdhearc theatre in Galway and at Expo 92 in Seville, Spain.

Dara’s latest book is a bilingual collection of poetry in 2020 (Oilean Press), Ag Caint le Synge/Talking to Synge, inspired by his visit to Synge’s cottage on Inis Meáin.