For a change, this year's IGRS Summer Research Outing, held on Saturday, 3rd August, stayed in Dublin. It was a walking tour in the west of city, taking in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and Goldenbridge Cemetery.
The day began at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham where Thomas Tobin was the guide. The Royal Hospital, built in 1680, was a residential home for army pensioners and continued in that role until it was handed over to the new Irish Free State authorities in 1922. Since 1991, it has been the home to IMMA: the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
After lunch at the Kilmainham Hilton Hotel, a guided tour was given by Pat Garry at Goldenbridge Cemetery. Opened in 1828, this was Dublin's first formal town cemetery, and was not attached to any place of worship or controlled by a religious body. It was founded by 'the Liberator' Daniel O'Connell. In fact, a copper beech still to be seen in the cemetery was planted by O'Connell.
The day's participants were delighted with the well informed and very humorous presentations by both guides and the delicious lunch served at the Hilton Hotel,.
More photos from the day can be seen on our Facebook page.
