The Colour of Ireland: County by County 1860–1960 is a photographic celebration of the history, culture, people and places that make up a century of life in Ireland. Covering all 32 counties, this beautiful, meticulously researched collection takes a past only ever viewed before in black and white and – in glorious colour – breathes fresh energy and emotion into it.
With close to 200 colourised photographs set alongside their black and white counterparts, here is a world seen for the first time: a treasure trove to fire the imagination and reignite our connection to the past as it was actually lived.
From the thatched cottages of Meath to the libraries of Trinity College, from 1920s sunseekers in Dún Laoghaire to women spinning and carding wool in County Mayo, all Ireland is vividly brought to life. Along with key moments from the Irish War of Independence and the turbulent history of the 32 counties, these images capture rural landscapes, villages, towns and cities.
Endlessly, uniquely fascinating, The Colour of Ireland offers a wealth of perspectives on the bygone ages of an ever-changing land.
Gallery
Here is a selection of colourised images from the book for you to enjoy. The history and backstories for all these images can be found in the book which is available for pre-order now on the link above. Grab yourself a copy and join us on the trail through 100 years of Ireland’s history in colour.
Images have been reproduced courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.
Past Memories Restored
Playlist
1922: General Richard Mulcahy hoist the Irish flag as the British Troops leave Dublin for the last time.
My colourised 1922 Pathé footage featuring General Richard Mulcahy hoist the Irish flag and Gen Macready taking the final salute as British Troops leave Dublin for the last time after Ireland was declared a free state.
1922: Last ever footage taken of Michael Collins at the funeral of Arthur Griffith in Glasnevin Cemetery.
This is the last ever Pathé footage taken of Michael Collins at the funeral of Arthur Griffith in Glasnevin Cemetery, who died on 12th August 1922. Sadly just 12 days after this footage was taken Collins himself would be buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.
1920: Funeral procession of the Mayor of Cork Terence MacSwiney
My colourised 1920 footage featuring the funeral procession of the Mayor of Cork Terence MacSwiney who died after 74 days on hunger strike. Huge crowds lined the streets of Cork City from the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne to St Finbarr’s Cemetery.
1922: Michael Collin’s funeral procession from the Pro-Cathedral
My colourised 1922 28th of August Pathé footage featuring Michael Collins funeral procession from the Pro-Cathedral following his funeral mass and passing huge crowds of people on O’Connell Street and then to his burial at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.
1921: Animation of a Dáil Éireann meeting in the Mansion House on Dawson Street
My restored 1921 photo converted into a 3D animation of a Dáil Éireann meeting in the Mansion House on Dawson Street in Dublin. The August sessions centred around negotiating a framework for the meetings in London which eventually delivered the Treaty.
1926: Motorcycle journey through the streets of Dublin City
My colourised 1926 IFI footage featuring a motorcycle journey through the streets of Dublin from Grafton Street passing College Green and the shell of the 1916 Rising damaged GPO on O’Connell Street before finishing up at Parnell Square in Dublin City.
1965: CIE Dublin Bus training video (1 of 2)
1965: CIE Dublin Bus training video (2 of 2)
My colourised footage featuring a CIE Dublin Bus training video shot in 1965 featuring their bus driving up Westmoreland Street and turning onto D’Olier Street, and up along Pearse Street in Dublin City.
