Irish Studies blog

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If you want to know more about what makes studying with us unique, then this is the blog for you.

We'll give you an alternative look at our Irish Studies degree courses, share the stories behind our research and bring you interviews from behind the scenes.

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Watch the Inaugural Seamus Heaney LectureWatch the Inaugural Seamus Heaney Lecture

Watch the Inaugural Seamus Heaney Lecture

On Thursday 17 October 2019 the Institute of Irish Studies welcomed Professor Louise Richardson (Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford) to deliver the inaugural Seamus Heaney Lecture. The event was introduced with a recital of Seamus Heaney's poetry by Adrian Dunbar (actor, screenwriter and director).

Posted on: 31 October 2019

Professor Frank Shovlin visits the University of Notre Dame, USA Professor Frank Shovlin visits the University of Notre Dame, USA

Professor Frank Shovlin visits the University of Notre Dame, USA

Professor Frank Shovlin writes about his recent visiting fellowship to the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA.

Posted on: 15 October 2019

Viking Wirral on Wheels Bike TourViking Wirral on Wheels Bike Tour

Viking Wirral on Wheels Bike Tour

The ‘Viking Wirral on Wheels’ cycle tour was the brainchild of Craig Pennington, organiser of the Future Yard music festival at Birkenhead in August 2019 and Don Maclean of Ryde bicycle cafe in Liverpool. Dr Clare Downham provides an overview of the day.

Posted on: 16 September 2019

Five things to do during Welcome WeekFive things to do during Welcome Week

Five things to do during Welcome Week

Welcome Week kicks off on Monday, giving new students the opportunity to get to know their new flatmates, explore Liverpool and settle in before they start lectures. Take a look at our top five tips to help you get started with university life.

Posted on: 13 September 2019

Women and military power in the tenth centuryWomen and military power in the tenth century

Women and military power in the tenth century

In Game of Thrones and Vikings, viewers have seen representations of women warriors and military leaders in medievalesque settings, but how accurate is this a reflection of women in the past? Dr Clare Downham from the Institute of Irish Studies explains.

Posted on: 30 May 2019

'The Singer's House' by Seamus Heaney - Poetry Day Ireland

'The Singer's House' by Seamus Heaney - Poetry Day Ireland

In this video, Prof Frank Shovlin explains his close connection to 'The Singer's House' by Seamus Heaney and reads this wistful poem for Poetry Day Ireland.

Posted on: 2 May 2019

Highlights from our Prince of Wales and President of Ireland visit!Highlights from our Prince of Wales and President of Ireland visit!

Highlights from our Prince of Wales and President of Ireland visit!

We were excited to welcome the Prince of Wales and President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to the Victoria Gallery and Museum on campus this week, to sign a joint patronage agreement for the Insititute. Before the signing, they were happy to meet the crowds waiting outside, as well as chatting to staff, students, alumni and many more guests inside the gallery.

Posted on: 14 February 2019

Bertie Ahern on the Good Friday Agreement, Brexit and a United IrelandBertie Ahern on the Good Friday Agreement, Brexit and a United Ireland

Bertie Ahern on the Good Friday Agreement, Brexit and a United Ireland

Following the 11th Dr John Kennedy CBE KSG KCMCO DL DHI Lecture in Irish Studies given by Bertie Ahern, we sat down with the former Taoiseach to discuss the Good Friday Agreement, the impact of Brexit on relations between Ireland and the UK, and the prospect of a United Ireland.

Posted on: 20 December 2018

Irish Studies students visit Western Approaches War MuseumIrish Studies students visit Western Approaches War Museum

Irish Studies students visit Western Approaches War Museum

On 5 December, students in Dr. Arrington’s War Writing class (IRIS326 ENGL488) visited Western Approaches, Liverpool’s Second World War Museum, housed in the top-secret bunker under Derby House from which Admiral Max Horton, Commander-in-Chief of the British Navy, won the Battle of the Atlantic. One student, a native of Liverpool, commented, “I had no idea it was even here!”

Posted on: 10 December 2018

    Blog

    Watch the Inaugural Seamus Heaney LectureWatch the Inaugural Seamus Heaney Lecture

    Watch the Inaugural Seamus Heaney Lecture

    On Thursday 17 October 2019 the Institute of Irish Studies welcomed Professor Louise Richardson (Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford) to deliver the inaugural Seamus Heaney Lecture. The event was introduced with a recital of Seamus Heaney's poetry by Adrian Dunbar (actor, screenwriter and director).

    Posted on: 31 October 2019