About Us

Early in 2007 a steering committee was formed to set up a local historical society and organise an inaugural lecture.   The initiative for this stemmed from Liz Turley, senior Librarian of Pembroke Library and Councillor Dermot Lacey.  As a result, in January an illustrated talk was given by Dr. Séamas Ó Maitiú entitled ‘The Humours of Donnybrook’ concerning the great fair of Dublin held at Donnybrook for over 650 years. This first lecture, held at the Ballsbridge College of Further Education in Shelbourne Road, was a tremendous success with standing room only on the night!

The Society has had a hugely successful inaugural year with a current membership of over 200. It has a working committee of eight for 2007 and 2008 as follows:-

John Holohan Chairman.
Gail Wolfe Honorary Secretary.
Kurt Kullmann Honorary Treasurer.
Dan Bradley.
Patricia McKenna.
Angela O’Connell.
Michael Pegum.
Brian Siggins.

Several lectures were held during 2007, along with two local walking tours and a one-day local history course in November. Also, in conjunction with the History Teachers Association of Ireland, the Society is sponsoring a school essay competition to promote the study and research of local history amongst the younger generation.

The highlight of the year was the exhibition at the RDS to mark the centenary of the Irish International Exhibition of 1907. This exhibition has been on display at Dublin City Library in Pearse Street, at the Dublin Central Library in the Ilac Centre, Henry Street and in Rathmines Library. For the remaining months of the year this valuable resource will travel around the country to suitable venues in universities, libraries and county museums, commencing at Athlone for the month of April.