History On Your Doorstep Vol 8 - Launched
Celebrating Local Stories: History on Your Doorstep Vol 8 Launches at City Hall
On 11th August, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, officially launched History on Your Doorstep Volume 8 at a special reception in City Hall. This much-loved annual publication from Dublin City Council Libraries continues to bring Dublin’s complex and colourful past into sharp, accessible focus — and this latest edition is no exception.
Published as part of the Dublin City Council Historians in Residence programme, Volume 8 features seven brand new chapters written by a team of dedicated historians working across the city, alongside guest contributor and renowned food historian Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire. From food to fashion, faith to politics, each story is a doorway into the lived experience of Dubliners past and present.
A Special Moment for Dublin 8 and the South Central Area
For the community of Dublin 8 and the wider South Central Area, this launch is particularly meaningful. Catherine (Cathy) Scuffil, who has served as Historian in Residence for the South Central Area since the programme’s launch in 2017, contributes to this new volume as she approaches the end of her tenure later this year.
Cathy’s work over the past eight years has become synonymous with engaging, community-focused history. Whether delivering talks in local libraries, supporting grassroots heritage projects like The Liberties Weavers, or sharing stories online, Cathy’s passion for preserving and promoting Dublin 8’s unique heritage has made a lasting impression.
As a founding member of the Historians in Residence team, Cathy has been central to the vision of bringing history closer to the communities who live and breathe it every day. Through her work, she has helped ensure that local voices, memories, and places are valued as essential parts of Dublin’s wider historical narrative.
The publication of History on Your Doorstep Vol 8 is a fitting milestone in Cathy’s journey — one that highlights her continued commitment to making history relevant, inclusive, and rooted in community connection. Her contribution to this volume is a testament to the energy and insight she has brought to the role since day one.
Pick Up Your Free Copy or Download Online
History on Your Doorstep is available free of charge in all branches of Dublin City Libraries while stocks last. You can also download a PDF copy or access the eBook through the BorrowBox app. The full series, Volumes 1–8, is available to explore digitally — perfect for anyone interested in discovering hidden gems of Dublin’s past. (Download the volumes in the links below).
As always, the publication is created by Dublin City Libraries and delivered in partnership with Dublin City Council Culture Company.
📍 Get your copy today at your local library or online
📖 Read more: Pick Up Your Free Copy or Download Online
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You can download copies of all eight volumes below.
Volume 1 (PDF) features chapters on suffragettes, the public housing architect Herbert Simms, the Monica Roberts collection of letters from First World War soldiers, a history of Edge Hardware in Fairview, Dublin railway workers, and William Spence and Sons foundry/engineering works on Cork Street.
Volume 2 (PDF) includes chapters on St. Ultan’s hospital, the piper Seamus Ennis, Dublin Corporation and the War of Independence, a history of Lemon’s Sweets, disappearing workplaces of Dublin, and housing in the Liberties.
Volume 3 (PDF) is a commemorative edition marking the 100th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, 21 November 1920, with five chapters outlining the events of this terrible day in Dublin’s history.
Volume 4 (PDF) the five chapters in this volume focus on different aspects of the city’s history.
Volume 5 (PDF) reflects the research conducted by the four Historians in Residence and the Historian in Residence for Children into the events of the Irish Civil War.
Volume 6 (PDF) Six stories of Dublin history written by the Dublin City Council Historians in Residence and the Historian in Residence for Children, and Dublin City Council Culture Company tour guide Alvean Jones.
Volume 7 - ( PDF ) - Seven stories from across the city, including chapters on Holy Wells, Whitefriar Street, the Society of St Vincent de Paul and Marlborough House. Tá caibidil speisialta i nGaeilge ag an Scíbhneoir agus Staraí Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh.
Volume 8 - ( PDF) - Seven chapters written by Dublin City Council’s Historians in Residence, along with guest author and food historian Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire, this volume spans topics from religion and politics to food, fashion, and family memory.
History On Your Doorstep is an annual free publication, researched and written by historians, featuring stories of Dublin’s history. The Dublin City Council’s Historians in Residence programme is created by Dublin City Libraries, and is delivered in partnership with Dublin City Council Culture Company.
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