Libraries History Week to explore Clare’s remarkable past

CLARE Libraries invite the public immerse themselves in the world of Irish history and to join them for a week of enlightening lectures hosted both online and in libraries throughout the county.

From October 16-20, the Clare Libraries Decade of Centenaries programme will be offering an array of engaging talks, presentations and exhibitions that delve deep into Ireland’s and Clare’s past, focusing on lives and stories of people and events during the early 20th century.

Weaving together tales of triumph and tribulation, the week of lectures will explore the lives and events in Clare during a tumultuous time, offering audiences a chance to gain a deeper understanding of their own heritage and the historical narrative that binds us all.

Highlights include:

• Monday, October 16, 11:00am, Online: Mary Roughan, President of Ennis Cumann na mBan, (1880-1949): A forgotten nationalist with Martin Walsh, University of Limerick.
• Tuesday, October 17, 1:30pm, Clare Museum: Tomás Ó Máille (1880-1938), folklore collector, linguist, newspaper editor, professor – a talk to accompany an exhibition which will be on display in Clare Museum, by Deirdre Ní Chonghaile.
• Wednesday, October 18, 7:00pm, Kilkee Library: Gael Force – Shots that Split Clare GAA, with Joe Ó Muircheartaigh.

  Thursday,October 19, 6:30pm, Kilrush Library: Memories of the Civil War preserved in the National Folklore Collection, with Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh and Cuimhneamh an Chláir.

• Friday, October 20, 7:00pm, Ennis Library: “Nothing but a bullet will stop me": De Valera in 1923, with David McCullagh.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Helen Walsh, Clare County Librarian, stated that “History plays a critical role in helping us navigate the present and future by providing us with invaluable insights into our roots and the events that have shaped our world.”

Dolores Meaney, Senior Executive Librarian, further added, “The Decade of Centenaries programme has encouraged greater awareness of Irish history and heritage in communities since it began in 2016. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a scholar, or simply curious about the past, these lectures are designed to be welcoming and accessible to all.”

Each lecture will feature experts in their respective fields, ensuring a high-quality, informative, and engaging experience for attendees.

Clare Libraries History Week takes place online and in-person from Monday to Friday, October 16-20.

For more information about the schedule and locations of Clare Libraries History Week, visit the Decade of Centenaries page on the Clare Libraries website. For more information about the Decade of Centenaries programme, please visit their website.