This week in Special Collections

We are focusing on the collectors of Irish music and song during the month of March, and on display this week are works from Joseph Cooper Walker (-1810) and Thomas Crofton Croker (1798-1854). Walker’s Historical memoirs of the Irish bards can be viewed as one of the first attempts to trace Irish poetry and music from its origins to the present day, i.e.: 1786, a mighty endeavour for the young academic. It also provides the first comprehensive account of Turlough Carolan (1670-1738). 

Croker’s Historical songs of Ireland contains pieces from both the Catholic and Protestant sides of the revolutionary struggles of the C17th.
If you would like to view the spotlight exhibition, or to consult material in this vein, please contact the staff of the Special Collections Reading Room in the Hardiman Research Building at specialcollections@nuigalway.ie.