Ireland: Brief Background Materials on Three Cities

We're now two months away from the start of our Ireland study abroad program, and we have lots of work ahead. My course (see here and here) explores contemporary Irish culture and identity by focusing on the built environment in three principal cities: Dublin, Derry and Galway.

With readings and morning class sessions, we'll take photos to capture and share our experiences.

Of course, to do that well, we'll need to start with some basic appreciation for the history, topography and human ecology of these incredible places.

So - for program students and anyone interested, here are a few links to check out.

Comments and recommendations are most welcome.


Dublin

• A History of Dublin from Wikipedia
• The Story of Dublin - by D.A. Chart. (Written in 1907 - but still very useful)
• Photos of Dublin landmarks - these may inform class photo essay assignments
• The Architecture of Dublin - from the early 20th century
• Contemporary Architecture
  
• The Dublin Docklands - a major urban renewal project
  
• The Heart of Dublin (2001) - link to a good book by Peter Pearson
  
• Dublin maps - several handy downloads
  

Derry

• A Brief History of Derry - through the early 20th century
• A slightly longer history from Wikipedia
• A more detailed article on the City - from Samuel Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of Ireland
• Derry Architecture
  
• Photos of Bogside murals with background materials
  
• Derry City map - useful downloads
  

Galway

• History of Galway from Wikipedia
• James Hardiman's History of Galway - through the 17th century
• Architecture in Co. Galway
  
• Galway City map