History Events at DBF24

Each November we bring you a diverse mix of history events and this year is no different. Step back in time with us and explore captivating periods in the histories of Irish theatre, music, food, politics, society, war and more at some of this year’s events.

In Wild-Looking but Fine: Abbey Theatre Actresses of the 1930s author Ciara O’Dowd illuminates and explores the fascinating stories of actresses Aideen O’Connor and Ria Mooney, from 1930’s Dublin to New York and beyond. On Thursday November 7th, join Ciara and Artistic Director of Druid Theatre, Garry Hynes, at the Abbey Theatre in conversation with Script Associate for the Abbey, Dr Tanya Dean, as they discuss Aideen and Ria’s journeys, both professional and personal, in the context of the times in which they unfolded. Book here

Seán Ó Riada (1931-’71), amongst his achievements, is credited as having revived Irish music, with his band the legendary Irish folk music ensemble, Ceoltóirí Chualann. They drew from tradition but also showed great innovation in their approach. Dive into the history of Irish music with author Peadar Ó Riada, on Thursday November 7th at the Royal Irish Academy, as he discusses his new book, Ceoltóirí Chualann: The Band that Changed the Course of Irish Music, with Peter Browne. Book  here

Irish Food History: A Companion brings the reader on a gastronomic odyssey, from earliest times and the start of the hunter-gatherer community, all the way to the abundant world of modern Irish cooking. Join the book’s editors, Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire and Dorothy Cashman, and fellow contributors, Elaine Mahon and Fionnán O’Connor, on Friday November 8th at the Royal Irish Academy, for an enlightening panel discussion, bound to whet your appetite for further reading. Book here

In Shaping History on Saturday November 9th at The Printworks, Tyler Anbinder and Tomás Finn join fellow historian Mary McAuliffe to discuss their richly researched works. Anbinder’s Plentiful Country is a gripping narrative of Irish immigrants who transformed America after the Great Hunger, while Inside Rural Ireland, edited by Tomás Finn and Tony Varley, explores how and why the Irish countryside has changed throughout modern history. Book Here.

In Dangerous Ambition: The Making of Éamon de Valera, author Colum Kenny charts Éamon de Valera’s rise from an early life of challenges and obstacles to becoming the founder of the most powerful political party in Ireland for much of the past century. Colum will explore his new book in conversation with History Ireland editor, Tommy Graham, on Saturday November 9th at the RDS Library & Archives. Book here

Tomorrow with Bayonets: Dublin: July 1921 – July 1922 brings the raw intensity of the Irish Civil War to life in this fast-paced journey through a year of change and conflict. Co-author Derek Molyneux delves into his gripping book in conversation with historian Donal Fallon, also on Saturday November 9th at the RDS Library & Archives. Book here

To see our full range of events taking you back in time this November, visit our full programme.