The destination for history
Discovering Ireland
A small island, yet a big country with an even bigger reputation, history is everywhere in Ireland. Europe’s most westerly outpost is known for its physical beauty – breathtaking coastal landscapes, vast areas of dramatic unspoilt wilderness, majestic mountains, prehistoric monuments, idyllic villages and romantic monastic ruins – and its rich heritage is clear for everyone to see.
With an abundant supply of mythological traditions, Ireland is intrinsically connected to the landscape through its sacred associations with so many of its physical features. Yet there is much more to the so-called ‘Emerald Isle’ than scenery, myths and legends.
From the great body of Irish literature and its rich culture of traditional music, dance and pubs to its sporting prowess, the thriving arts and music scenes of its lively and diverse capital cities – Dublin and Belfast – and the unhurried nature of rural living, there is much to be revealed about the heritage and culture of the ancient island of Ireland.
The changes and developments that have taken place over time can help inform the past and make us think about the future, including changes to industrial and transport heritage, fashion and entertainment. Whether we want to understand more about our community and its history, or learn about aspects of the society we grew up in through documented or oral history, local history is accessible to us all on many different levels.
Our Irish local history titles reflect the diversity and complexity of Ireland’s history and reveal much about places, people and communities. Our list encompasses an enormous variety of topics including biography, photography, folklore and trivia and offers a great breadth of formats from pocket gift books to comprehensive histories.
Learn more about Ireland
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The history of Limerick
Author Sharon Slater explores the fascinating local history of County Limerick in Ireland
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Ask the author: Mark B Roe discusses the Dublin Foundling Hospital
The Dublin Foundling Hospital is the subject of his fascinating new book The Least of These
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People who made history on the Wild Atlantic Way
Helen Lee tells the story behind the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
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Spike Island’s Republican Prisoners in 1921
Author Tom O’Neill gives a background of the republican prisoners at Spike Island in Ireland
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Dublin 4: From the Grand Canal to the Dodder
Dr Beatrice M Doran tells the stories of some of Dublin’s famous residents
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Banbridge: The star of County Down
Doreen McBride explores Banbridge, County Down
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Waterford Harbour: Tides and tales
Waterford Harbour – gateway to invasion and trade
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The Celtic Literary Revival in Co. Galway
The Celtic Literary Revival was part of a broader movement which saw the Irish people rediscovering their own national identity
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A brief history of Waterford city
Cian Manning explores the history of the city of Waterford, from its Viking origins to the present day
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10 facts about Merrion and Booterstown
Hugh Oram provides ten facts about this southern district of Dublin
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10 facts about the first Irish railway
Author Kurt Kullmann gives us 10 remarkable facts about the first Irish railways
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Did Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ come from Derrygonnelly in County Fermanagh?
Doreen McBride goes on a quest to find the original ‘Brown Eyed Girl’
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10 facts about County Galway
Author Helen Lee provides 10 fascinating facts on the County of Galway
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10 historical facts about Tipperary
Author Debbie Blake explores 10 historical facts about the County of Tipperary
