Rathgar A History

Rathgar may well be the most fascinating area of Dublin. Its red-brick Georgian and Victorian terraces, the fruits of the architectural experimentation of the nineteenth century, are home to some of the most impressive houses, churches and schools in Ireland. Rathgar's residents have also proved to be some of the most influential in Irish political, social and cultural life, with at least four Nobel Prizewinners boasting strong ties with the area. A unique district with a rich and august history, this book serves as a timely record of an area that has had a profound influence on so many people.

Take a trip along the Dodder and see the two suburbs, Rathgar and Churchtown, nestling on opposite banks. Their evolution gives a unique view on the development of Dublin and Ireland through the centuries: from fields and farms to the densely-populated, busy suburbs of the 21st century.

For as long as we have records, Temple Bar has been at the heart of Dublin's cultural life. Its history is one of design, craft, publishing, the performing arts, coffee houses, political debate and great colour and energy. The world's favourite oratorio and chorus – 'Hallelujah' from Handel's Messiah – had its world premiere in Temple Bar in 1742 in Neals' Musick Hall, and a tradition of great musical vibrancy has continued there over time. Today, it is one of the central tourist areas of Dublin, and one of the most visited sets of streets on the island of Ireland. This is its history.

Jewish Ireland: A Social History is an engaging and thoroughly researched panorama of Irish Jewry. Based on library and archival material, private memoirs and oral testimony, it traces Irish-Jewish life from the 1880s when Orthodox Russian Jews, forced to flee Tsarist persecution, began arriving in Ireland without any means of support, little secular education and no understanding of English. Overcoming poverty and antipathy, they established Jewish enclaves around the South Circular Road in Dublin and in townships and cities throughout Ireland, educated themselves from peddlers to professionals and entrepreneurs, took an active part in the Irish civil war and other major conflicts, engaged in national politics and sport and achieved acclaim in literature, art and music. This insightful and often humorous portrayal of a people underlines the contribution made to Ireland by its Jewish citizens and gives an invaluable understanding of the Jewish way of life to the wider community.

THE LITTLE BOOK OF RANELAGH is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about this Dublin suburb.Here you will find out about Ranelagh’s rural past, its sporting heritage, its arts and culture, its schools and churches, shops and industries, and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. Through main thoroughfares and twisting back streets, this book takes the reader on a journey through Ranelagh and its vibrant past.A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this south Dublin suburb.