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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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

London and Economic MigrationLondon and Economic Migration

London and Economic Migration

During a recent two-week stay in London organised and funded by the Department of Histories, Languages and Cultures, a group of undergraduates, including Lewis Braithwaite, tackled the topic of economic migration to the capital. They approached the subject from various perspectives, and Lewis focused on ‘the Irish experience’ in the twentieth century.

Posted on: 13 November 2018

"I will look back on it as a watershed moment in my life" — Institute of Irish Studies MA student Ronan Gerrard interns with The London Magazine"I will look back on it as a watershed moment in my life" — Institute of Irish Studies MA student Ronan Gerrard interns with The London Magazine

"I will look back on it as a watershed moment in my life" — Institute of Irish Studies MA student Ronan Gerrard interns with The London Magazine

Before Ronan Gerrard graduated from the University of Liverpool with a joint degree in English and Irish Studies in summer 2018, he benefited from two weeks of work experience at Britain’s oldest literary periodical, The London Magazine. In their long history stretching back as far as 1732, the magazine has boasted contributions from the Romantic poets Shelley and Keats to 20th century masters such as Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. Discover some of Ronan's experiences of working with the publication.

Posted on: 25 October 2018

    Blog

    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