The Minority Mind: Jews and Protestants in Catholic Ireland, 1912-1968

Eugenio Biagini will talk about his new book, The Minority Mind: Jews and Protestants in Catholic Ireland, 1912-1968 (Cambridge University Press, 2026), which illuminates the historical significance of religious minorities in southern Ireland at a time when the twenty-six Counties formed 'a Catholic state for a Catholic people'. Dragged into a process of nation building about which Jews and Protestants had serious reservations, they often felt like guests of an unappeasable host. Many emigrated, but those who stayed offered a critical contribution to civil society. Based on a wide range of primary sources, including recently discovered personal diaries, Eugenio F. Biagini's holistic account of the minority experience explains the role of entrenched diversity in shaping attitudes to civil rights and national identity.

This event is part of the new Aspects of the Jewish Irish Experience seminar series, organised by the Trinity Centre for Jewish Studies in collaboration with the Trinity Long Room Hub and the Irish Jewish Museum.

This event is run in accordance with Trinity’s Dignity and Respect policy, and its commitment to nurturing a respectful and inclusive research culture.

Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: [email protected]