The history of private libraries in Ireland in the twentieth century tends to be a sad chronicle of loss and destruction; either by fires in turbulent times or, the auctioneer’s hammer in times of economic hardship. An exception was the unexpected arrival in 1950 of the American mining millionaire, Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968) and his … Read more
This story belongs to the Belfast of fifty years ago. It is an exemplary tale which illuminates the bitterness and violence that has been Ulster’s fate since 1969. The topography of the area to which the story belongs provides a perfect image of Ulster life in the 1940s. Duncairn Gardens in the north-east of Belfast … Read more
The annual three-day Spring Festival meeting at Punchestown is a major event in the Irish racing calendar, while the venue itself is considered to be one of the world’s finest national hunt racecources. Over the last century and a half it has developed a unique atmosphere, and for the people of Kildare it is … Read more
The object of the disaffected in Ireland is the repeal of the Act of Union. (Report of Sir Arthur Wellesey’s agent, May 1808) The passing of the Act of Union (1800) was one of the most controversial and contested events in modern Irish history. The historiography has reflected this with interpretations divided on key elements … Read more
Giraldus (c.1146-c.1223) is famous, and infamous, for his works describing Wales and Ireland in the later twelfth century: they present both countries from the viewpoint of a Roman-minded Cambro-Norman cleric. However, we also can ascertain his view of Europe through a map that is found in a manuscript along with his two books on Ireland—the … Read more