Today, in 1922, the Irish Civil War officially started. But a bloody trail had led towards it for months. In March of that year, the anti-Treaty IRA faction split from the authority of the new Dáil Eireann, electing their own Executive. In April, over 200 IRA ‘Irregulars’,

I had the pleasure this week of taking a lovely group of visitors through the halls of the iconic Four Courts, Dublin. As there were no handouts, I promised to put the content of the tour up online. Those interested in a bird's eye view of the incredible history of this

Reflecting on the anniversary of the shelling of the Four Courts. This is my photo of a picture at the brilliant National Museum of Ireland taken on my April visit 1916 Relatives Association - An Cumann Gaolta 1916 #Dublin 💚

Lightning (1806), by Henri van Assche

For fans of Dublin and prison history, tune in to Lyric FM this evening , Sunday 29 June, at 6pm to hear a programme about the fascinating story of the Four Courts Marshalsea, Ireland's main debtors prison in the 18th and 19th century. rte.ie/culture/2025/0…

#OnThisDay-30 June 1922- after days of fighting, a massive explosion rocked the Four Courts. The blast destroyed the eastern wall of the Public Record Office, igniting centuries-old documents. Within hours, seven centuries of Ireland’s historical records were lost.

'puffball of smoke plumed up from the parapet.' Ulysses.

The short film "Ireland Healing Her Wounds" on the IFI Archive Player shows men hard at work atop Dublin's Four Courts in October 1925. bit.ly/47LLNNN

Ringside view of Conor McGregor’s appeal at the Four Courts today. #FourCourts #ConorMcGregor

175,000 new historical records are now freely available online in the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland to mark the 103rd anniversary of the Four Courts blaze. irishcentral.com/news/new-virtu…

From the Irish Independent, 8 November 1930, a very nice-looking group of new Irish barristers, including one woman (A Caulfield) as well as two members of the Gardai, a Superintendent and Chief Superintendent. Exhibitioner George Daniel Murnaghan (far left) later became a

Emmett Dalton's shelling of Four Courts is just one of his mysterious appearances #IrishHistory : inclg the death of Michael Collins, of Tom Kettle, & service in British Army intelligence. collinsassassination.wordpress.com/2025/06/28/did… #Irish #Ireland #History #IrishCivilWar

Many a noble contest was decided at Dirty Lane. Dublin C18

Drama in the Four Courts as an unfortunate moneylender only narrowly escapes an angry crowd, beautifully recounted by the Northern Constitution of 17 May 1879. Thomas Joyce, through his vehicle, ‘The Accommodation Bank,’ had been lending money at 155% interest and then swiftly

July evening, Dublin

"What is important is not the length of life, but the depth of life: not to make life longer, but to take your soul out of time, as every sublime act does." ~ Leo Tolstoy

Monto walking tour: On Saturday, 12th July at : 2 PM. Meet outside the Spar Shop at the very end of Talbot Street, right facing Connolly Train Station on Amiens Street, D 1. The tour 2 hours. Costs €10 per/person. (No booking is required.

Researchers on longevity may be interested in the story of Mr Condy Boyle, of Dungloe, Donegal, who served as court crier at Lifford Courthouse (image below, via Wikipedia) for a period of 75 years between 1834 and 1909. Charming and multi-talented Mr Boyle had an interesting

A damning report made by 'A Prisoner' It highlighted the inhumane conditions faced by those incarcerated at a city Marshalsea Mid-C18.