The Theatre Royal was beloved by many Dubliners for serving the wider public, offering affordable access to its 4,000-seat venue. While known for plays and singalongs, it also hosted boxing, like the 1945 match between Martin Thornton and Bruce Woodcock.

One month before the 1913 Lockout, James Larkin wrote to Jacob's demanding better pay for bakehouse, mixing loft, and oven firemen workers, stressing the harsh conditions: “Given the arduous nature of their work, I’m sure you’ll see the justice of their claim.”

We recently came across this charming little book which lists all the youth hostels around Europe in 1959. It also has a map which gives their location. Very helpful to the travellers of 1959.

Can you guess which street this is an aerial view of? Clue: It holds Dublin City Library and Archive today.

#OnThisDay 24 June 1879, a marble statue of Sir John Gray by Thomas Farrell was unveiled on Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street), Dublin. Gray was a physician, journalist, and nationalist MP, best known as owner of the Freeman’s Journal and a voice for Irish self-rule.

During WWI, Monica Roberts of Stillorgan, Co. Dublin founded The Band of Helpers to the Soldiers—a voluntary group sending gifts to Irish troops, especially those in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and Royal Flying Corps. Here are the clear guidelines Volunteers were give to follow

In April 1920, over 100 political prisoners in Mountjoy Gaol began a hunger strike, demanding to be treated as prisoners of war. Many were held without charge. Their protest sparked public outcry and powerful acts of solidarity outside the prison.

Behind the scenes in Special Collections & Archives: staff catalogue, clean, and preserve items so they're accessible now and for the future. We offer guided reading room visits and create displays to share the stories within our collections #yourcouncilday

At the heart of Dublin, the O’Connell Monument honours Daniel O’Connell and the 1829 Act of Catholic Emancipation. Nearly 30 figures represent Irish life and four winged victories stand for his virtues- patriotism, courage, eloquence, and fidelity.

A map of the buildings damaged in the 1916 Easter Rising.

#OnThisDay-30 June 1922- after days of fighting, a massive explosion rocked the Four Courts. The blast destroyed the eastern wall of the Public Record Office, igniting centuries-old documents. Within hours, seven centuries of Ireland’s historical records were lost.

On 1 July 1701, a statue of King William III by Grinling Gibbons was unveiled on College Green, Dublin, marking the Battle of the Boyne. Inspired by the statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome, it faced repeated vandalism and was finally removed after bomb damage in 1928.

In May 1903, the daily 'Rag Fair' on Patrick Street drew hundreds buying and selling second-hand clothes and goods. To improve hygiene and curb disease, Lord Iveagh moved the market indoors to Francis Street, where all clothing would be disinfected in the new Iveagh Market.

The Wide Streets Commission, established in 1757, shaped Dublin's layout, including Westmoreland Street. Between 1799-1800, they planned and designed the street, collaborating with architects on shop fronts and colonnades, some of which were later modified.

Following on from yesterday's post, here's a postcard which shows Westmoreland Street after it had be created by the WSC. This particular postcard has an unknown date, but we reckon it was created between ca. 1865-1914

A quiet relic from the shelves of Charleville Mall Public Library: this book place marker was once a vital tool for readers and staff alike. Designed to hold a book’s space while being reviewed, it ensured order among the stacks.

Hopscotch has a long history, with origins possibly in ancient Rome or even earlier. Some theories suggest Roman soldiers used it for military training, while others point to its potential presence in ancient China. 📷 Children playing Hopscotch, 1960s

This notice for a night school on Exchange St. offered working boys a rare chance to learn after long days of labour. Open to boys over 14, the school provided warmth, light, and the promise of opportunity—free of charge.

Donkey's can't read so surely they're not expected to follow parking rules. This image captures the slow pace of city life before the dominance of the motor car. Long before delivery vans and loading bays, working animals like this were the backbone of urban transport