Historical Studies XXIV: Culture, place and identity Neil Garnham and Keith Jeffery (eds) (University College Dublin Press, ?39.95) ISBN 1904558348For the history reader, a volume of conference papers has the same attraction as a collection of short stories by different authors. They cover succinctly related themes studied in a variety of contexts by those who … Read more
Belfast’s unholy war Alan Parkinson (Four Courts Press, ?39.95) ISBN 1851827927 Those involved in bridging community divisions in Belfast should be aware that the city was scarred by a prolonged period of unremitting sectarian and political violence long before the recent Troubles. The black days of 1920–2, in which almost 500 people—mainly innocent civilians—died, coincided … Read more
While they say that the definition of a Corkman with an inferiority complex is one who believes that he is only as good as everyone else, the same, it would seem, applies to publications, especially in the wake of Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture. The Atlas of Cork City (Cork University Press, 465pp, … Read more
Armagh County Museum The Mall East, Armagh City acm.um@nics.gov.uk www.magni.org.uk Mon.–Fri. 10am–5pm, Sat. 10am–1pm, 2–5pm by Tony Canavan The Armagh County Museum is the oldest in the country. It can trace its roots back to the Armagh Philosophical Society, which opened its doors in 1856. It became an official county museum in the 1930s and … Read more
Land is gold: Kenmare and the Lansdowne estate RTÉ ONE, Tuesday 8 November, 10.15pm Hidden Histories Directed by Seán Ó Mordha by Eamon O’Flaherty Rapid urbanisation and massive economic change in recent years have tended to obscure the central importance of the land question in shaping modern Ireland. The majority of the population of Ireland … Read more