UCD Special Collections holds several manuscripts written by the 19th century antiquarian John O’Donovan. Of these manuscripts, perhaps the most intriguing is one entitled Description and historical illustrations of the round towers and other contemporaneous ecclesiastical remains in Ireland [UCD MS 49]. It also holds a collection of correspondence between O’Donovan and his friend and … Continue reading John O’Donovan Manuscripts in UCD Special Collections
Through the centuries the Irish have been referred to as storytellers, poets and singers. But where do these poems and songs come from? In UCD Archives there is a small fragmentary collection that belonged to a collector and translator of Irish manuscripts. Eugene O’ Curry was born in Dunaha, Co. Clare on 2 November 1794. … Continue reading Fireside songs they are gone
To celebrate the launch of the collaborative Documents on Irish Foreign Policy (DIFP) and UCD Archives online exhibition Republic to republic: Ireland's international sovereignty, 1919-1949, this guest post will tell you about the diplomatic steps taken for Ireland to become a Republic. In January 1949 John Dulanty, Ireland's High Commissioner in London (the senior Irish diplomatic representative), … Continue reading Ireland leaves the Commonwealth
Today on 30th November, 2018, the exhibition Seoda Scripte: a Glimpse into Ireland’s Manuscript Heritage will be launched in the UCD Special Collections Reading Room, James Joyce Library UCD. This exhibition showcases for the first time a selection of Irish-language manuscripts held in Special Collections in UCD. These manuscripts bear witness in their own way … Continue reading Seoda Scripte Exhibition
Dr F.S. Bourke, (1895-1959) medical doctor, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Physicians and bibliographer assembled a private library of some 9,000 items reflecting his interests in Irish history, literature, culture and society over his lifetime until his death in 1959. Francis Stephen Bourke was born on the 14/15th July 1895 in High Street, … Continue reading Bourke the Bibliographer