Festival contributor Ronan McGreevy wrote in the Irish Times about links between Ireland and the slave trade, in the context of the targeting in the UK of statues of individuals associated with slave trading.

From 19th century statues to 19th century stuffed animals... the blog of the CSHIHE (Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses & Estates) at Maynooth University had an interesting post recently by Annie Tindley on Taxidermy and the Country House. We also enjoyed another post, by Terence Dooley, on The Power of Ruins.

The National Archives holds a fascinating database for the Property Losses (Ireland) Committee, established in 1916 to assess claims for damages to buildings and property as a result of the Easter Rising. You can search the database here - it includes the claim below from stained glass artist and book illustrator Harry Clarke for cover designs and illustrations destroyed by a fire at publishers Maunsel & Company, based at 86, Abbey Street Middle in Dublin. A payment of £30 was recommended by the committee.

The Dictionary of Irish Biography has put together a selection of 'rogues' from the 9000 lives it contains, including Anne Bonney one of the most famous female pirates, who was born in Cork.