About
Now in its third year, the Ballybough & North Strand Festival of History returns from 26 September to 10 October 2026, with another compelling programme celebrating the people, places and remarkable stories that have shaped the local community and the wider history of Dublin. Featuring some of Ireland’s leading historians,…
Now in its third year, the Ballybough & North Strand Festival of History returns from 26 September to 10 October 2026, with another compelling programme celebrating the people, places and remarkable stories that have shaped the local community and the wider history of Dublin.
Featuring some of Ireland’s leading historians, writers and familiar faces, this year’s festival brings the past to life through a series of engaging and accessible talks held across Ballybough and North Strand.
The festival is presented as part of the Dublin Festival of History and is proudly supported by Dublin City Council and the North East Inner City Initiative (NEIC).
All events are completely free. No advance booking is required – simply come along on the day.
The only exception is the Niall Quinn event at the National Handball Centre, for which free tickets must be reserved through Eventbrite
Festival Programme – ALL FREE just turn up – no booking required except for Niall Quinn talk
The Village That Vanished With historian Brian Tracey
Saturday 26 September, 5.00pm–6.30pm | The Sue Ryder Shop, Five Lamps, North Strand
Historian Brian Tracey presents a moving exploration of the North Strand Bombing of 31 May 1941 and its devastating impact on the local community.
Drawing on years of research, photographs, maps and personal accounts, Brian will examine the night German bombs fell on Dublin, the lives that were lost, and the streets and homes that disappeared. This powerful talk remembers those affected and explores how the tragedy permanently changed the North Strand.
Bram Stoker Bloodlines With historian and genealogist Douglas Appleyard
Saturday 26 September, 5.00pm–6.30pm | The Sue Ryder Shop, Five Lamps, North Strand
Historian and genealogist Douglas Appleyard, a blood relative of Dracula author Bram Stoker, reveals the remarkable family story behind one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers.
Drawing on his extensive research into the Stoker family history, Douglas will explore Bram Stoker’s Dublin roots, his family connections and the experiences that helped shape the man who created the world’s most famous vampire.
Joyce & Eccles Street: A Love Story With historian and archivist Catriona Crowe
Sunday 27 September – doors 7.00pm, talk 8.00pm | Upstairs at Annesley House, North Strand Road, Dublin 3
Renowned historian and archivist Catriona Crowe presents a captivating exploration of James Joyce, Eccles Street and the Dublin immortalised in Ulysses.
Through the story of Leopold and Molly Bloom—and the real streets, houses and people that inspired Joyce—Catriona will reveal how an ordinary part of Dublin became one of the most famous locations in world literature.
The Untold Story of Michael Collins, Sam Maguire & Liam MacCarthy With historian Marcus Howard
Friday 2 October – doors 7.00pm, talk 8.00pm | Upstairs at Annesley House, North Strand Road, Dublin 3
Historian Marcus Howard presents a compelling visual history revealing the extraordinary connections between Michael Collins, Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy.
Through photographs, historical records and rarely discussed stories, Marcus will explore how these three famous names became intertwined with Ireland’s revolutionary period, the struggle for independence and the sporting trophies that remain part of Irish life today.
The Siege of Mud Island With historian Barry Kennerk
Saturday 3 October – doors 7.00pm, talk 8.00pm | Upstairs at Annesley House, North Strand Road, Dublin 3
Historian Barry Kennerk brings to life the extraordinary story of Christopher McDonnell, the last King of Mud Island—a gang chief, house-builder and political activist who became one of early 19th-century Dublin’s most colourful characters.
From violent street battles and the notorious Ballybough Mudlarks to political meetings supporting Daniel O’Connell, this gripping talk explores McDonnell’s attempt to escape his fearsome reputation and the dramatic night hundreds of soldiers descended upon Mud Island to capture him.
Ballybough and the Irish Revolution: A Community at War With historian Liz Gillis
Thursday 8 October – doors 7.00pm, talk 8.00pm | Upstairs at Annesley House, North Strand Road, Dublin 3
Ballybough was more than a backdrop to the Irish Revolution—it was a community in which national events were experienced at street level.
Historian Liz Gillis will explore the area’s role during the revolutionary decade, from the 1913 Lockout and Easter Rising to the War of Independence and Civil War. Through local stories, photographs, maps and contemporary accounts, Liz will reveal how the people of Ballybough helped shape—and were profoundly affected by—one of the most significant periods in Irish history.
The Extraordinary Life of Oscar Traynor – Footballer, Rebel and Politician With Niall Quinn
Saturday 10 October – doors 7.00pm, talk 8.00pm | National Handball Centre, Sackville Avenue, Ballybough, Dublin 3
Former Republic of Ireland footballer Niall Quinn presents a fascinating talk based on his MA research into the extraordinary life of Oscar Traynor.
Footballer, revolutionary, IRA commander, government minister and long-serving President of the Football Association of Ireland, Traynor occupied a unique place in Ireland’s political and sporting history. Niall will explore the many sides of this remarkable Dublin figure and the turbulent events that shaped his life.
Admission is free, but advance booking through Eventbrite is essential for this event
