On Sunday 23 March, UL’s Special Collections and Archives featured on Clare FM’s documentary series Atlantic Tales. Listen back as Pat Flynn visits the Glucksman Library, home to a large amount of historic material relating to Co Clare, including the West Clare Brigade papers, the extensive Shannon Development photographic archive and much more…
West Clare Brigade
This small collection consists primarily of manuscript and typescript biographical accounts of Volunteers and civilians who had links with the West Clare Brigade IRA and who died during the War of Independence and the Civil War. The accounts provide detailed information concerning the birth, early education, military career, and manner of death of each individual.
The collection illuminates a turbulent period in Irish history stretching from the later decades of the nineteenth century until the end of the Civil War in 1923. The inclusion of biographical details of Volunteers who were killed during the Civil War while fighting on the anti-Treaty side makes it historically significant, as information of this nature was rarely recorded. A short video introduction to the papers can be found below.
Shannon Development
The Shannon Development Photographic Archive comprises approximately 250,000 photographic items, including press cuttings, annual reports and brochures, spanning over five decades. Further information can be found in the corresponding registers which provide additional context to the negatives. Of particular significance are the photographs taken between 1959–1998, which visually capture the Shannon Development story, and provide unique insights into the life in Ireland in the latter half of the twentieth century. It chronicles the evolution of Shannon town, as well as the broader Shannon region, from a large agricultural base to a leading industrial and tourism centre. There is also material relating to counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, and Kerry.
The photographs document the stories of the people and aircraft passing through Shannon Airport from the late 1950s onwards, as well as the construction of Shannon town and its surrounds, and the physical and technological expansion of the world’s first duty free zone. See our research guide to learn more about the collection.
Other Clare Material
Jonathan Fisher’s Scenery of Ireland, a book of illustations in a series of prints, of select views, castles, and abbeys, available to view on the digital library.
Cata, the great Sea monster of the Shannon which you can read about on our blog.
The Ernest de Regge Collection which was a feature of a blog post for seachtain na gaeilge.
The Cratloe and Meelick Dispensary Records, one of the newest collections which our archivist highlighted in a recent post.
The Dromoland Photographic Collection which contain glass plate negatives depicting views of Dromoland Castle and grounds, scenic beauty spots in County Clare and country houses and their occupants in England.
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