For the two centuries of its existence Maynooth has been close to the centre of Irish life and controversy. There is not a corner of the island which has not felt the effects of its alumni, or of decisions taken within its walls. Loved or viewed with suspicion, there is no seminary anywhere which has … Read more
An archaeological assessment at 2-5 Meath Market, South Earl Street (beside HI’s offices) has uncovered substantial structures of archaeological significance, which appear to be the remains of the medieval Abbey of St Thomas the Martyr. The abbey, later known as Thomas Court, was founded in March 1177 by William fitz Audelin, a deputy and kinsman … Read more
Almost 200 years ago my great-great-great-grandfather spent two months travelling round Ireland. His description of the journey was published in 1818 under the title Observations on the State of Ireland principally directed to its Agriculture and Rural Population; in a series of letters written on a tour through that country. I have just spent a … Read more
The restless energies of Daniel Corkery (1878-1964), author of TheHidden Ireland, friend of Terence MacSwiney, scourge of Sean Ó Faoláinand Frank O’Connor, and champion of the Gael, the Church, the language,and the land, seem a little unfashionable in the Ireland of today. So,too, do the charms of the village of Inchigeelagh, County Cork. ButCorkery loved … Read more
It has been noted as a case of historical negligence that no photographs were taken of the Great Irish Famine even though early photographers had the means. Those given to conspiracy theories suggest that photographs of the starving and the dead were taken but were such an affront to Victorian sensibilities and Britain’s standing in … Read more