We were delighted to recently receive 2 volumes once owned by Dublin City Architect H.T. O’Rourke.
For more information about H.T. O'Rourke and the work he did, and this wonderful donation, read our recent blog post: www.dublincity.ie/library/blog... @dublincitylibs.bsky.social

Prospect of the Liffey from the Phoenix Park 1782
A popular view of the Liffey and Dublin was taken from the heights of the Phoenix Park.
This engraving by F. Cary was first published in London in 1782 and appears here in Warburton, Whitelaw and Walsh’s History of Dublin (1818).

De Rebus in Hibernia Gestis by Richard Stanihurst | Antwerp, 1584
A sweeping (and controversial) 16th-c. take on Ireland—its land, people & customs—through the lens of an English-aligned Dublin scholar.

In 1810, the Bog Commission mapped District No. 12 in Queen’s County as part of a wider effort to drain Irish bogs for hemp cultivation—vital for British naval sailcloth. Active from 1809–1814, it predated the Ordnance Survey and produced 50 detailed maps and four reports.

Yesterday was Bloomsday. Bloomsday — celebrated on 16 June — marks the day James Joyce’s Ulysses takes place in 1904, following Leopold Bloom through the streets of Dublin.
Bloomsday is a tribute to Joyce, his ground-breaking novel, and the enduring spirit of the city that inspired it.

On this day- 17 June 1817, the foundation stone of the Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park was laid by Lord Whitworth, marking the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. Designed by Robert Smirke, the 205ft obelisk would take 44 years to be opened to the public

Dr. Stolberg’s Voice Lozenges were marketed as a remedy for throat afflictions—especially for clergymen, singers, actors, and public speakers. Promising clearer articulation and relief from “nervous, hysterical, or stomachic coughs.
📸 Source: The Nation, 8 November 1845"

The Irish silk and lace industry grew from an 18th-century craft to a major 19th-century trade. Forrest and Sons, founded in 1845 with shops in Dublin and Cork, was renowned for Irish lace, poplin, silks, hosiery, haberdashery, and ladies’ costumes.

Postcard of O'Connell Bridge, 1956. Produced by Valentines Ltd.

Prospect of the Liffey from the Phoenix Park 1782
A popular view of the Liffey and Dublin was taken from the heights of the Phoenix Park.
This engraving by F. Cary was first published in London in 1782 and appears here in Warburton, Whitelaw and Walsh’s History of Dublin (1818).

Irish soldiers of the 16th (Irish) Division played a key role in capturing Guillemont during the 1916 Somme offensive. Formed from Irish National Volunteers, they fought with great courage—over 1,200 were killed in the battles for Guillemont and Ginchy.

Postcard of Trinity College, date unknown, created by Milton, part of the F. E. Dixon Postcard Album

Merry Christmas from all of us here at the Dublin City Library and Archive. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas filled with love, presents and fun. We look forward to welcoming you all back to the Reading Room in the New Year

Merry Christmas

📷 Cuala Press

Appointments will be available as usual from the 4 February 2025.

The study spaces at DCLA Reading Room will still be available during January.

Dublin City Library and Archives can be contacted throughout January via email and phone: [email protected] or 01 222 4999

In January 2025, the Dublin City Library and Archives team will be carrying out essential collections work behind the scenes, preparing material for future access. As a result, appointments to view archives and special collections cannot be facilitated in January 2025.

Jacob's Biscuit Christmas Biscuits c.1921-1939

📷 Jacob's Biscuit Factory Archive

#OnThisDay- 17 December 1834 – The First train drawn by steam power runs from Dublin to Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) The train travelled from Westland Row station (now Pearse St. Station) carrying directors and wives, followed by the first regular passenger train, the Hibernia.

Guinness Barge at Custom House, 1950

📸 Fáilte Ireland Tourism Photographic Collection [vital:12265]

With Christmas being just 20 days away, is it time to start thinking about buying some Christmas biscuits.

📷 Jacob's Christmas Biscuit catalogue, 1899, Jacob's Biscuit Factory Archive [DCLA.JAC.09.212.1899]

We are delighted to add this rare book to our collections, this is a first edition copy of "The Collected Works of Phil Lynott" and is signed by Phil Lynott, himself. It contains beautiful illustrations and song lyrics for 63 of Phil's songs.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 😊
All set for #Nollaig in the Reading Room.

One of the first Pantos in Ireland took place in the Gaiety Theatre in 1874 and it has been a staple on the Christmas tradition list ever since.
📷 Gaiety pantomime theatre programme, 1884