Daniel O’Connell 250: architecture, designed landscapes and visual culture

Daniel O’Connell (1775–1847) was a central figure in Irish history, renowned for mass movements for Catholic Emancipation and repeal of the Act of Union. His broader reform work included parliamentary change, Jewish emancipation, and abolitionism, earning him recognition beyond Ireland. The monument raised to him in Dublin later in the 19th century drew an estimated half a million people, reflecting his stature.

To mark the 250th anniversary of his birth, the Irish Georgian Society and Dublin City Council, in association with Ulster Architectural Heritage are hosting a study day with twelve scholars. Topics include O’Connell’s representation in art and caricature, his use of symbolism and spectacle, his influence on monuments, churches, cemeteries, and his Derrynane estate, and commemorative ephemera from his centenary.

The event highlights overlooked aspects of O’Connell’s legacy in architecture, designed landscape, and material culture, offering fresh insights into one of Ireland’s most significant national figures.

Speakers include Professor Maurice J. Bric, Donough Cahill, Daniel Calley, Ben Casey, Brian Crowley, Charles Duggan, Donal Fallon, Professor David Fleming, Professor Patrick Geoghegan (keynote speaker), Jacqueline Hall, Dr Jacqueline Hayes, Dr Livia Hurley, Victoria McCarthy, Professor Paula Murphy, Dr Kathryn Milligan, Dr Niamh NicGhabhann-Coleman and Dr Audrey Whitty.

Tickets to attend the study day can be purchased through the Irish Georgian Society's Eventbrite bookings page and are being provided at the subsided price of €30 (including lunch) thanks to a subvention pledged by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

VENUE

The study day will take place in the City Assembly House, which is the headquarters of the Irish Georgian Society. At the time of the election of Daniel O'Connell to the position of Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1841 (the first Roman Catholic Lord Mayor since 1690), the City Assembly House was in use by Dublin Corporation (now Dublin City Council) as its assembly rooms and therefore was where O'Connell first presided during his time in office.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Daniel O’Connell 250 study day is delivered in partnership by Dublin City Council's Heritage Office and the Irish Georgian Society, in association with Ulster Architectural Heritage. The study day is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and is part of the State’s Daniel O’Connell 250th Commemorative Programme. The Society also wishes to thank the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Services for their support of the broader IGS Conservation Education Programme 2025 of which this study day forms an action. Furthermore, we wish to thank The Heritage Council for their support of the IGS through its Heritage Organizations Support Fund 2025. Additionally, the IGS wishes to thank Ecclesiastical Insurance for their sponsorship of the O’Connell study day.

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