Talks

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Libraries presents an exhibition of the Charles Hamilton Oswald Collection of glass plate slides from the dlr Local Studies collection, digitised especially by staff. Oswald, from Dún Laoghaire, had a special interest in yachting, and either acquired or inherited the collection which mainly depict life in and around Dún Laoghaire Harbour. The...

Urban development has led to the decline of historic sacred spaces in Dublin's Liberties since the eighteenth century. Archbishop William King once noted that a church without a tower is like a cow without horns, highlighting the importance of grandeur. However, many historic sites, like St James’ Church and the Cabbage Garden, have been repurposed,...

What does it mean to be a hero in the 20th century? Epic Annette: A Heroine’s Tale recounts the extraordinary true story of Annette Beaumanoir, whose involvement with the French Resistance and the Algerian FLN cemented her name in history. The Goethe-Institut and the Embassy of France in Ireland will present a conversation with German-French...

Drawing on the National Library of Ireland's collections, including recruiting posters, newspapers and photographs, and on the Library’s online exhibition, World War Ireland, this online talk will discuss the First World War, the events of 1914-1918, and their impact on Ireland. For more information, visit their website.

In 1600, Dublin was a walled, medieval town. Housing was basic, of wattle and daub, with cage-work on the main streets. Anglo-Norman Catholics ran the city. By 1700, the gates were gone and the walls crumbling. Government posts were for Protestants only. Fine houses of brick and stone proliferated. In this illustrated talk, we will...

This talk by Dr Livia Hurley charts the rise of porter and how its production influenced the world of the brewery and its immediate context in the city, from the Liberties to the Royal Canal. It explores the collaborative roles of the brewer, the architect and engineer, and how their ambitions for innovation and modernity...

To celebrate 100 years of the establishment of its headquarters at Ballsbridge, the RDS Library & Archives will host an illustrated talk on the history of the RDS in Dublin and its move from Leinster House to Ballsbridge in 1924. The talk will be followed by a short tour of some of the RDS buildings....

The story of James Connolly is dominated by two locations: Liberty Hall and the GPO. This talk will explore the other aspects of this time in Dublin, in particular the places associated with his political and social activism. Connolly lived, for the most part, in the Liberties and south inner city. He held political meetings...

**Apologies, registration full** This river of many names, mostly flowing underground, out of sight and often forgotten, has borne witness to all the key events of our shared history. It creates estate and parish boundaries, illustrates how skilled our Medieval ancestors were at hydro-engineering, it protected our city and citizens from invasion and most importantly...

**Apologies, registration full** The website on the history of the Poddle River was developed by the Crumlin & Walkinstown History Group to raise awareness of the River and its historic past. The new website will be introduced and demonstrated at the event. This will be followed by Cathy Scuffil's talk. Note: Limited spaces, email walkinstownlibrary@dubllincity.ie...

In Shakespeare's drama ageing is variably described as, 'when age is in, the wit is out' (Much Ado About Nothing) and 'silver hairs/will purchase us good opinion' (Julius Caesar). This talk confronts the complexities and contradictions associated with growing old in Shakespeare's time. As our population continues to age and incidences of ageism increase, the...