Journals Collection

We hold an extensive collection of journals. The collection is divided into four categories – Limerick-related journals, parish/community journals, national journals, and journals from counties other than Limerick.

The Limerick-related journals category includes well-known history titles such as North Munster Antiquarian Journal and Old Limerick Journal, as well as journals on specific topics, such as business, entertainment and literature. The parish/community journals category contains more than forty titles, covering all parts of the county. The national journals collection ranges from the highly academic, such as Peritia (Journal of the Medieval Academy of Ireland), to titles of more general interest, such as Ireland of the Welcomes, and a number of very useful genealogy-related titles. We also carry journals from history societies of other counties, particularly neighbouring counties (Clare, Cork, Kerry & Tipperary).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to space limitations, many of the journals listed below are not held at the Local Studies Department. If you wish to consult any of these journals, please contact us at localstudies@limerick.ie to ensure that they are made available to you.

Note that we do not necessarily have a full run of every journal listed.

For purposes of brevity, the library holdings information provided here are mostly snapshots – full holdings information should be gleaned from the library catalogue – https://limerick.spydus.ie/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/HOME

Note – We have added some of these journals to our digital collection. Click the link where displayed.

To the best of our knowledge, details in journal descriptions are correct. We would appreciate corrections where any errors occur. We would also greatly appreciate any assistance that can be offered, filling gaps in collections.

General Limerick journals

AAL News

An in-house publication of Aughinish Alumina, it began publishing in 1983.

Library holdings – issues from 1993 to 2004

Be-Bop Mail

Be-Bop Mail

Largely the work of the late Paddy Brennan, Be-Bop Mail was the regularly published newsletter of Limerick Rock & Roll Club, outlining activities of the club and running features on musicians and events.

Library holdings – from issue 4 (1986) to last issue, 1999

Business Limerick

Business Limerick

A monthly journal published for business leaders in Limerick & Shannon by Business Limerick Publications and edited by Frank Collins.

Library holdings – 60 issues from 2004 to 2010

the bottom dog

The Bottom Dog

In 1975 a group of young Limerick workers active in the trade union movement and radical left-wing politics decided to bring out a rank and file newspaper that was relevant to the industrial struggles of the working class of Limerick city and North Munster. Calling itself ‘The Bottom Dog’, the paper reported on strikes, fight-backs against factory redundancies and struggles for trade union recognition. It also dealt with women’s issues, family planning and government policies on matters such as social welfare and unemployment.

View the Journal at our digital library

The Green & White: Limerick GAA Youth Magazine

Quarterly journal published and edited by Ciarán Crowe and Joe Lyons since its first issue in 1996. Believed to be the biggest-selling magazine in Limerick and the second-longest continually published magazine in GAA history, it is now a very high quality, colourful publication. Its readership has expanded well beyond its target youth demographic.

Library holdings – issues from 1997 to 2021

Hatch 33, Journal of the Limerick Centre for the Unemployed

The library holds this journal in digital form only. The issues of Hatch 33 were loaned to the library by its first editor, David Lee, for scanning. This journal covered issues of concern to the extensive population of unemployed people in Limerick during the 1980s & 1990s. Notable also for containing early writings of now-renowned fiction writers, Helena Close and Kevin Barry.

Library holdings (digital only) – Number 1 (June 1987) to no. 10 (December 1988) as well as issues in 1990, 1992 & 1995

View the Journal at our digital library

Limerick Association Yearbook

A fine publication, featuring history and culture, by the Limerick Association, which was an organisation for people of Limerick origin living in the Dublin area. The first issue was in 1978, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Association. Published more or less annually between that year and 1995

Library holdings – all issues, 1978 to 1995

Night Times

Night Times was a music and arts guide, focusing on upcoming events in Limerick City. Among its contributors were Stuart Clark, Kevin Barry, Ber Angley & John O’Regan.

View the Journal at our digital library

Drop: The New Face of Limerick

An arts journal and entertainment events guide, published by CDJ Media Productions on a fortnightly basis from October 1997 to August 1999.

Library holdings – 35 issues, 1997-1999 (some gaps in the collection)

View the Journal at our digital library

Limerick Event Guide

This fortnightly events guide magazine by Eightball Promotion & Media Productions began publishing on a fortnightly basis in October 2001 and ran up to the end of 2010. It contains many features on both local and visiting music acts over that period, as well as serving as an excellent record of the music and arts culture of the time in Limerick.

Library holdings – 96 issues over the whole period of the journal’s life, 2001 to 2010 (some gaps in the collection)

View the Journal at our digital library

Journal of the Limerick Field Club

The Limerick Naturalists’ Field Club was founded in 1892, changed its name to the Limerick Field Club in 1897 and was finally wound up in 1913. Initially, it had as its primary objective “the study of natural history, botany and geology, especially of the Limerick district”, and later added photography and archaeology. Between the years 1897 and 1908 the Field Club published twelve volumes of Journal of the Limerick Field Club. The Field Club later reformed as the North Munster Archaeological Society and finally became the Thomond Archaeological and History Society, which continues to publish its journal on an annual basis.

View the Journal at our digital library

Journal Of The North Munster Archaeological Society

This journal succeeded the Journal of the Limerick Field Club after that club had been reconstituted as the North Munster Archaeological Society. It continues with many of the same personnel involved, and even some of the multi-part articles which were appearing in its predecessor continue uninterrupted in this new title. Ceased publication in 1919 and was then succeeded by the North Munster Antiquarian Journal seventeen years later.

Library holdings – all issues, 1909-1919

View the Journal at our digital library
North Munster Antiquarian Journal

North Munster Antiquarian Journal

Published on an annual basis by the Thomond Archaeological & Historical Society, this journal contains academic articles on the archaeology and history of the Limerick/Clare/North Tipperary region. It is a successor to, and continuation of, the Journal of the Limerick Field Club (1897-1908) and the Journal of the North Munster Archaeological Society (1909 – 1919).

Library holdings – all volumes, 1936 to date

View the Journal at our digital library

Limerick Socialist – The Voice of the Worker

The Limerick Socialist was published monthly between 1972 and 1981. Largely the work of the late, well-known Limerick politician, Jim Kemmy, the journal focused on the current issues of the time and gave comment on these issues from a left-wing perspective. Regardless of one’s own political views, this journal constitutes a fascinating glimpse of the social/political sphere of the time.

Library holdings – Vol. 01, 01 (January 1972) to Vol. 10, no. 11 (November 1981)

View the Journal at our digital library
Old Limerick Journal

Old Limerick Journal

A general history journal for Limerick City and County, now published annually by The Old Limerick Society. Founded by the late Jim Kemmy in 1979, it originally came out on a quarterly basis but has been an annual publication since 1992.

Library holdings – all volumes, 1979 to date

View the Journal at our digital library

Our Catholic Life

A journal of the Limerick diocese under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Limerick, this journal came out on a quarterly basis between the years 1954 and 1970. As well as covering diocesan matters, the journal had very interesting social and history content.

Library holdings – all volumes, 1954 to 1970

View the Journal at our digital library

Revival Literary Journal

Revival began publishing in 2006 as a poetry journal extension of the now-legendary White House Poetry Sessions organised by Dominic Taylor and the late Barney Sheehan. Later on, the journal was published by the Revival Press imprint, based at the Limerick Writers’ Centre. A publication with high quality production values, it ran for 28 issues between October 2006 and December 2013, ceasing publication at that point due to lack of funding.

Library holdings – all issues, 2006 to 2013

Shannon Meat Gazette

Shannon Meat Gazette was the in-house journal of Shannon Meat Ltd., Rathkeale. As well as news and information about the industry, the journal featured much interesting general content. The factory opened in 1953 and continues in operation today as ABP Rathkeale. The library collection was gratefully received by the library from Mr. Dan Neville.

Library holdings – Vol. 1, no. 1 (December 1975) to Vol. 11, no. 3 (no. 63) (Winter 1986)

View the Journal at our digital library
Stony Thursday

Stony Thursday

A significant literary journal with a chequered history, Stony Thursday has lived, died and been re-born on several occasions since its first edition in 1975. Now published annually by the Arts Office of Limerick City & County Council.

Library holdings – all issues (we believe!), 1975 to date

Parish and Community journals

ABC News (Journal of the Askeaton/Ballysteen Community Council)

ABC News (Journal of the Askeaton/Ballysteen Community Council)

This parish magazine began publication in 1976 and the library collection has all issues from that date to 2022.

The Annual Observer

The Annual Observer

This journal, published by the Newcastle West Historical Society, first came out in 1979 and after the publication of six volumes to 1987 ceased publication, to be later revived as the renamed Journal of the Newcastle West Historical Society.

Journal of the Newcastle West Historical Society

Journal of the Newcastle West Historical Society

Successor to the Annual Observer, the Newcastle West Historical Society has published four volumes of this journal between 1990 and 2010, all in the library collection.

Athea Parish Journal

Athea Parish Journal

Published on a close to annual basis by Athea Community Council since 1989. Athea is a parish in the west of the county, approximately equidistant from Newcastle West, County Limerick and Listowel, Co. Kerry. The library has all volumes of this fine journal, up to 2019.

Ballybrown Parish Journal

Ballybrown Parish Journal

Published by a committee of locals, the Ballybrown Parish Journal has been coming out annually since 2001. It is edited by renowned local historian, Tom Donovan, who is also editor of the Old Limerick Journal. Clarina Village is in Ballybrown Parish, which is on the Shannon Estuary. The library holds all volumes of the journal.

Ballyguiltenane Rural Journal

Ballyguiltenane Rural Journal

Ballyguiltenane, is a townland in the parish in Glin, in the north-west of county Limerick, close to the Kerry border. Edited by the late Thomas J. O’Donoghue, the Ballyguiltenane Rural Journal was one of the finest local journals consistently produced over many years. The journal was rarely less than 150 pages in length and covered all the parish news as well as very interesting history content. The library has copies of all volumes up to what we believe was the last edition, in 2015.

Bléisce – Doon Parish Journal

Bléisce – Doon Parish Journal

Bléisce, the journal for the parish of Doon in the north-east area of County Limerick, close to the Tipperary border, has been published very consistently and to a high standard, on an annual basis since its first emergence in the early 1990s. Has been edited for many years by Peggy Sweeney. All editions are in the library collection.

An Caisleán – The Castleconnell, Ahane & Montpelier Annual

A journal that first came into being thanks to the late Joe Carroll, local historian and author of several books about life in, and the history of Castleconnell village, it is now at its 22nd edition (as of 2023). The library has a full collection of the journal, bar some of the more recent volumes and will soon rectify this gap in the collection.

Castlemahon-Feohanagh Parish Annual

This is a regular, annual journal produced in this area of Limerick, south of Newcastle West, by the Castlemahon/Feohanagh History Group since 1990. The library has all editions produced since 1991 in its collection. Its precursor was Mahoonagh Parish Annual [see below], published from 1981 to 1990 (10 volumes).

Ceapach Mhór (Cappamore)

Ceapach Mhór (Cappamore)

Published annually since the late 1980s by the Cappamore Historical Society, the library holds copies of all editions since the 11th (1998).

Crom Abú – Croom Parish Annual

Crom Abú – Croom Parish Annual

A quality history journal, produced by the Crom Abú Magazine committee from 1980 to 1987 (seven editions), the library holds copies of all issues. The library also has copies of the earlier publications, Crom Abú for Emigrants (1963-1973) and Crom Abú Newsletter (1974-1980).

Deel Views – Magazine of Rathkeale Community Council

The Dawn (Bruff, Co. Limerick)

There have been ten volumes of The Dawn published on an intermittent basis between the years 1974 and 2000. A quality miscellany journal (parish & sports news, literature, history articles), all issues bar the first, which was edited by Fr. John Ryan, were edited by Michael Weekes. The library holds copies of all editions.

Deel Views – Magazine of Rathkeale Community Council

Deel Views – Magazine of Rathkeale Community Council

Deel Views was published on a regular basis, often quarterly, between 1993 and 2013. The library has most copies in its collection but there are some gaps.

View the Journal at our digital library

Desmond News, incorporating The Monocle (Newcastle West/West Limerick)

A weekly magazine of diocesan and community news, the library holds volumes from its first year of publication, in 1977, up to 2000.

Fáilte go Tuar na Fola – Tournafulla Magazine

There have been twelve editions of Fáilte go Tuar na Fola magazine, from its first edition in 1973 to the most recent, published in 2004. Tournafulla village lies in the south-west of the county, between the larger urban centres of Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. The library holds all volumes of the journal.

Fedamore News

One of the most successful local journals in the county, the award-winning Fedamore News has been published regularly since the mid-1970s and is now up to its 48th edition (as of 2023). Fedamore village lies 15km directly south of Limerick City. The library holds volumes 25 (1998) to 38 (2011) as well as some of the early volumes, and is currently looking into filling out the collection.

The Glencorbry Chronicle (Glin, Co. Limerick)

The Glencorbry Chronicle (Glin, Co. Limerick)

There have been only three editions of this fine history journal, (1997, 2001, 2013). Edited by Tom Donovan, the journal is more a history than parish news-type publication and includes very interesting articles, centred on the village of Glin, which is on the Shannon Estuary, close to the border with Co. Kerry. The library holds copies of the three volumes. The library also holds one volume of Glencorbry Journal, published by Glin GAA in 1981. No further editions of this well-produced journal were published.

Glór Inse Bán – Templeglantine Parish Journal

There were seventeen editions of this journal published between its first, in 1971, and final issue (as far as we can establish) in 1994. All volumes were edited by Tadhg Ó Maolcatha in a very worthy local publication effort. The library holds all volumes except numbers 11, 12 & 14 (all from early to mid-1980s period).

Gréan

A journal of the Pallasgreen area of east County Limerick, it was initially published under the auspices of Pallasgreen Community Council and latterly by Pallasgreen/Templebraden Historical Society. The first issue was in 1980.  The library holds all editions up to 2018 in digital form. The hardcopy collection runs up to the 1993 edition as well as some later issues.

View the Journal at our digital library

Kilbehenny Anglesboro Parish Magazine

There have been twenty-four editions of this journal from south Limerick, very close to the border with Co. Cork. The early editions, in the early 1970s, were produced by the local youth club. Coming out on an ad-hoc basis since those times, it became a fine parish news/history magazine. As far as we can establish, the last edition to date was published in 2015. The first edition in the library holdings is no. 5, 1977 and the library has most of the subsequent volumes.

Kilfinane Coshlea Historical Society Journal

A very fine local history journal of which there appears to be only six volumes, published between 2002 and 2013. The library holds copies of the first five editions.

Kilmallock Journal

Kilmallock Journal

There were ten volumes of the Kilmallock Journal published between the years 2000 and 2016, the last being a special edition to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising. It appears that there have been no further editions since then. Library holds copies of all volumes.

Kilmurry Review

Kilmurry Review

Five editions of the Kilmurry Review came out between 1995 and 1999. All editions were edited by the renowned historian, Thomas Toomey. The library holds copies of all volumes.

Knockaderry, Clouncagh Journal

Knockaderry, Clouncagh Journal

Published by Knockaderry Cloucagh Community Council from 1980 to 1999. Seán Liston has been the editor of the journal since its inception. Liston has also published an impressive history of the GAA in the parish. The parish lies in west Limerick, between Ballingarry and Newcastle West. Library holds all volumes of this journal.

Knockfierna / Cnoc Firinne & District Annual Journal

Seven volumes of this journal were produced by the Cnoc Firinne Heritage and Folklore Group between the years 1989 and 1997, the first being titled Festival of Lughnasa Cnoc Fírinne and the final as Knockfierna Remembers the Famine Years. This journal has some high-quality history content. The parish could be regarded as being at the centre-point of County Limerick. Library holds all volumes.

Knocklong - Glenbrohane Journal

Knocklong - Glenbrohane Journal

Journal from an area in South-East Limerick. The library has copies of all seven volumes, which came out over a period from 1983 to 2016.

Lough Gur & District Historical Society Journal

Lough Gur & District Historical Society Journal

The first edition of this journal came out in 1985 and it has been published consistently to date. The library holds all issues up to volume 18 (2015-16). There have been volumes published since then – at least in 2020 and 2022 – but these are not yet in the library collection

View the Journal at our digital library
Loughill/Ballyhahill Emigrant Newsletter/Parish Annual

Loughill/Ballyhahill Emigrant Newsletter/Parish Annual

This journal began publishing as Loughill/Ballyhahill Emigrant Newsletter in 1977, later dropped the ‘Emigrant’ part of the title and, for its later issues, became ‘Parish Annual’. Edited by a committee of Peg Prendeville, Gerard Reidy and Michael Kearney. Library holds volumes from 2003 to 2012.

Macalla na Mainistreach (Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick)

Journal for Abbeyfeale, one of the largest urban centres in County Limerick. The first volume was produced in 1982 and it came out periodically up to its 9th edition in 2012, which commemorated the 1912 sinking of the Titanic. As far as we can establish there have been no further editions since. The journal was published by the Abbeyfeale Coiste of Glór na nGael.

Mahoonagh Parish Annual

Mahoonagh Parish Annual

The first volume of this publication was titled Mahoonagh / Castlemahon-Feohanagh: History of Two Parishes and was subsequently named Mahoonagh Parish Annual. The village of Mahoonagh is in West Limerick, just about 4km south of Newcastle West. The journal was produced by the Castlemahon History Group and it came out between the years 1981 and 1990. Library has all volumes. This journal was succeeded by Castlemahon-Feohanagh Parish Annual [see above].

Maigueside Journal (Croom, Co. Limerick)

Maigueside Journal (Croom, Co. Limerick)

There are just two volumes of this journal published as a solo venture by Patrick Fitzgerald of Croom. The journal also dealt with other villages along the Maigue River, such as Adare, Bruree and Bruff. Content includes some good history articles. Both volumes are in the library collection.

Mountcollins Fadó

Mountcollins Fadó

There appears to have been ten volumes of this journal, published and edited by Norma Healy. Mountcollins is situated in south-west County Limerick, right up to the border with Co. Kerry. The library holds volumes five to ten of this journal.

Mungret Crecora Raheen Annual Review

Mungret Crecora Raheen Annual Review

The first volume of this journal was published in 1981, although it was preceded by a small periodical called Christmas Bulletin (of which the library holds only one edition – Christmas 1979). All volumes were edited by Liam Enright, Catholic Curate of the parish. The last edition in the library collection is from 1993.

Murroe Boher Newsletter

Murroe Boher Newsletter

This is now a very fine annual publication, worthy of a much grander descriptor than ‘Newsletter’. The 2021 edition is numbered as ‘Issue 45’. The Library Collection includes volumes from 1985 to 2021 but with many gaps to be filled.

Oola – Past & Present

Published by the Oola Community Centre Committee between 1992 and 2010. The library holds copies of all issues. We also have one edition of Oola Voice, published by Oola Community Centre in 2006. It is unclear if any further volumes of this journal were published.

The Parish Pump

The Parish Pump

Published by St. Mary’s Youth Movement in St. Mary’s Parish, Limerick City, beginning in May 1974, this journal was intended to enhance the community atmosphere of the area and to be a source of information about events and organisations of interest to local people. The library holds eight copies of this journal, up to volume 2 number 2 in June 1976. The library also has two volumes of The Parish News / Nuacht An Pharóiste – Serving St Mary’s Parish – nos. 5 & 10, April 1998 and Summer 1999 respectively.

View the Journal at our digital library
Pubblebrien Journal

Pubblebrien Journal

This was an excellent history journal which came out in 2002. Unfortunately, here have been no following volumes but its publisher, the Pubblebrien Historical Society, has produced an occasional freely distributed Review publication, of which the library holds some copies.

https://www.limericklocalstudiesdigital.ie/collections/show/3

Southill News

This was a journal produced by Southill Tenants’ & Residents Association in the 1970s to highlight various social issues affecting the community. Issue number one came out in 1975 and the last volume in the library collection is volume 2 number 1, in January 1976.

View the Journal at our digital library
The Tower

The Tower

The library holds just two issues of this newsletter from St. John’s Parish, Limerick City, 1981 & 1982.

A View of Broadford

The library holds 4 editions of this journal from Broadford in south Limerick, 13km south of Newcastle West. In the library collection are editions from 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2010.

West Limerick Journal

West Limerick Journal

There were five volumes of this journal from 1986 to 1990. The library has only three of the issues currently in its collection – 1987, 1988 & 1990. The library also holds the more recent West Limerick Heritage Journal (2016 & 2017) in local studies and at its Abbeyfeale branch.

Irish journals

Analecta Hibernica

Analecta Hibernica

Published by the Irish Manuscripts Commission since 1930, Analecta Hibernica is devoted to the publication of shorter manuscripts, lists and reports. There have been 52 volumes published to 2022.

Library holdings: First two volumes in 1930 & 31, also volumes from the 1940s

Archaeology Ireland

Archaeology Ireland

A quarterly magazine in production since 1987, it is aimed at both professional and non-professional readers.

Library holdings: Vol. 3, no. 2 (Summer 1989) to vol. 18, no. 1 (no. 67, Spring 2004) (some missing issues)

Archivium Hibernicum

Archivium Hibernicum, or Irish Historical Records

This is a history sources journal, published annually by the Catholic Historical Society of Ireland in co-operation with the departments of history at the National University of Ireland Maynooth and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. It specializes in publishing source material for the study of Irish and European religious, political and cultural history.

Library holdings: Vols. 1 to 8 (1912-1941) and two further volumes from 1955 & 2015

Béaloideas

Béaloideas

Béaloideas is an annual, peer-reviewed journal published by Folklore of Ireland Society . It publishes a variety of scholarly, analytical articles dealing with aspects of the folklore of Ireland and neighbouring countries, particularly Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Library holdings: Vols. 1 to 9 (1927-1939), further volumes from 1940s, 1980s, 1990s & 2000s

The Capuchin Annual

The Capuchin Annual was published by the Irish Capuchin Franciscans from 1930 until 1977. It was a unique journal in Irish publishing, containing many literary, historical, photographic, theological, biographical and artistic articles. It claimed a readership of 25,000 worldwide at the height of its success in the 1950s.

Library holdings: run of all from 1937 to 1977 (except 1976)

Duffy’s Hibernian Magazine

Duffy’s Hibernian Magazine

A miscellany journal published by James Duffy in Dublin between 1860 & 1864 it is described by the publisher as a monthly journal of legends, tales, and stories, Irish antiquities, biography, science, and art.

Library holdings: Vols. 1, 3, 4 & 5

Ériu

Ériu

Published by the Royal Irish Acaedmy, this journal features aspects and periods of Irish philology and literature and is one of the principle Irish journals devoted to Celtic Studies. Published annually, the journal contains peer-reviewed articles written by academics, mostly in English, with occasional articles in Irish. Ériu was founded in 1904 as the journal of the School of Irish Learning and was incorporated into the RIA in 1926.

Library holdings: Early vols. From 1904, 1905, 1907, 1910 & 1911-12. Also some volumes from 1920s, 30s, 50s & 60s. Run of volumes from 1990 to 2014.

History Ireland

History Ireland magazine has been in production since 1993. In 2003 the Wordwell Group assumed publication. Each issue of History Ireland covers a wide variety of topics, from the earliest times to the present day, in an effort to give the reader a sense of the distant past but also to offer a contemporary edge. Every article is illustrated with photographs, maps or paintings to provide a vivid impression of the topic. [extracted from History Ireland website, https://www.historyireland.com/]

Library holdings: full set (with some gaps)

Ireland of the Welcomes

The first Ireland of the Welcomes magazine was published 70 years ago. Today, it is the largest Irish-interest magazine in the world. Produced in Ireland by a team of top writers and photographers, each issue features lavishly-illustrated pieces on Irish beauty spots, its rich culture and millennia-spanning history. [from Ireland of the Welcomes website, https://irelandofthewelcomes.com/]

Library holdings: issues from 1980 to 1994

The Irish Ancestor

The Irish Ancestor

Written by the renowned genealogist Rosemary ffolliott, The Irish Ancestor was published from 1969 to 1986. It is one of the most significant publications in the arena of Irish genealogical research.

Library holdings: all volumes

Irish Architectural & Decorative Studies

Irish Architectural & Decorative Studies

This journal, produced by the Irish Georgian Society, is a unique, peer-reviewed periodical focussed on Irish architecture and the decorative arts. It is a publication with extremely high production values.

Library holdings: vols. 1 (1998) to 11 (2008) (except vol. 10)

irish book lover

The Irish Book Lover – A Monthly Review of Irish Literature & Bibliography

The Irish Book Lover ranks as the longest-lasting of all twentieth-century Irish literary journals, with a run of 227 issues published from 1909-1957. As a bibliographical and reviewing journal rather than a forum for commentary, poetry or fiction, it is less often consulted than literary journals but nevertheless illustrates with great clarity some of the key changes in modern Irish culture and society between early and mid-twentieth century Ireland. [adapted from Colin Smythe Limited website, https://colinsmythe.co.uk/bookstag/the-irish-book-lover/]

Library holdings: Vols. 1 (1909) to 28 (1941-42) (some gaps in collection)

View the journal at our digital library
Irish Economic and Social History

Irish Economic and Social History

Irish Economic and Social History, the journal of The Economic and Social History Society of Ireland, has been published annually since 1974 and “has given a marked impetus to professional publication in the field.” It comprises articles and shorter notes on all aspects of Irish economic and social history from the Middle Ages to the present day. [from Sage Journals website, https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ies]

Library holdings: Early volumes (2, 3, 6), vols. 9 to 33

Irish Family History

Irish Family History

An annual publication from the Irish Family History Society.

Library holdings: No. 4 (1988) to no. 22 (2006)

The Irish Genealogist

The Irish Genealogist has been the official publication of the Irish Genealogical Research Society since 1937. It is widely recognised as a forerunner in the field of Irish genealogy and for making a unique scholarly contribution to Irish genealogical studies for over 80 years. [from Irish Genealogical Research Society website, https://www.irishancestors.ie/the-irish-genealogist]

Library holdings: Vol. 1 (1937) to Vol. 11 (2002)

Irish Geography

Irish Geography

Irish Geography, the journal of the Geographical Society of Ireland since 1944, is a peer-reviewed journal devoted to the geography of Ireland. It has an international distribution and is read on six continents.

Library holdings: vol. 1 (1944) to vol. 46 (2013)

Irish Historical Studies

Irish Historical Studies, the joint journal of the Irish Historical Society and the Ulster Society for Irish Historical Studies, is published twice yearly. Established in 1938 under the editorship of T. W. Moody and R. D. Edwards, it publishes articles and select documents, with editorial comment, and lists of theses completed. IHS pioneered the publication of annual lists of writings on Irish history. [from JSTOR website, https://www.jstor.org/journal/irishiststud]

Library holdings: Vol. 1 (1938-39) to vol. 39 (2015)

The Irish Link – The Irish Family History Magazine – Australia & New Zealand

The Irish Link – The Irish Family History Magazine – Australia & New Zealand

This is a history sources journal, published annually by the Catholic Historical Society of Ireland in co-operation with the departments of history at the National University of Ireland Maynooth and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. It specializes in publishing source material for the study of Irish and European religious, political and cultural history.

Library holdings: Vols. 1 to 8 (1912-1941) and two further volumes from 1955 & 2015

The Irish Monthly

The Irish Monthly

The Irish Monthly was an Irish Catholic magazine founded in Dublin, Ireland in July 1873. Until 1920 it had the sub-title A Magazine of General Literature. It was founded by Matthew Russell, who was its editor for almost 40 years. The success of the Irish Monthly was remarkable at a time when the average Irish magazine had a five-year life span. It ceased publication in 1954. [adapted from Wikipedia article, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Monthly]

Library holdings: All volumes 1873 to 1900 and all volumes 1917 to 1924. Also 1927, 1930 & 1939.

Irish Palatine Association Journal

Irish Palatine Association Journal

Journal published by the Irish Palatine Association annually since 1990, from its base in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. The largest concentration of descendants of Palatines in Ireland is in a wide area around Rathkeale. There have been 29 volumes of the journal published to date.

Library holdings: Volumes 2 (1991) to 12 (2004) and vol. 19 (2011)

Irish Roots

Irish Roots

A popular magazine for those seeking to connect with their Irish heritage and ancestry. It has been in production since 1993.

Library holdings: No. 1 (Spring 1992) to no. 92 (4th Quarter 2014) (some missing issues)

The Irish Sword

The Irish Sword

The Irish Sword is the official journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, containing articles on the military history of Ireland, book reviews, notes, notices, queries, illustrations and proceedings. It has been published since 1949, normally with two issues a year.

Library holdings: Vol. 1 (1949-53) to issue no. 134 (Winter 1922)

Irish Texts Society

Irish Texts Society

The Irish Texts Society / Cumann na Scríbheann nGaedhilge was founded in 1898 to promote the study of Irish literature. It issues annotated editions of texts in Irish with English translations and related commentaries. The organisation was created in London, in 1898 and Douglas Hyde was its first president. [adapted from Wikipedia article, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Texts_Society]

Library holdings: Volumes 1 (1899) to 45 (1957)

The Journal of the American Irish Historical Society

The Journal of the American Irish Historical Society

Not strictly an ‘Irish’ journal but obviously of great interest to an Irish readership. It was a scholarly journal devoted to Irish settlers of America. From 1898 to 1942 thirty-two volumes were published by the American-Irish Historical Society. As well as containing fascinating history content, they contain information that can greatly aid genealogists. Limerick Library appears to be the only Irish public library service with a collection of the early volumes, while later volumes can be found in Cork County Library.

Library holdings: Volumes 1 (1898) to 14 (1915) (missing vol. 7), and vols. 23 & 24 (1924 & 1925)

The Journal of the Irish Memorials Association

The Journal of the Irish Memorials Association

The Irish Memorials Association, formerly the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland, published these journals annually from 1888 to 1934, with volunteers reporting from various counties, sending in transcriptions, rubbings, drawings and sometimes photographs of gravestones, tombs and monuments in cemeteries throughout Ireland. The entries can be an invaluable resource for family historians. As far as we can see, Limerick Library may be the only public library in Ireland with a near to full set of this journal.

Library holdings: Vols. 1 (1888-91) to 12 (1926-31)

Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland

Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland

This journal appears annually and is one of the leading peer-reviewed publications in its field. The principal subjects covered include Irish archaeology, Irish history, literature and tradition up to the end of the seventeenth century, and the history of Irish antiquarianism, archaeology and historical study. The journal also contains reviews of other publications in these and related fields. The journal has been published continually since 1849 but in its early years appeared under a series of different names and numbering systems, as its parent society itself evolved and changed. First title was Transactions of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society [adapted from JSTOR description, https://www.jstor.org/journal/jroysocantirel]

Library holdings: first volume, 1849 to vol. 144-45 (2014-2015)

The Leader

The Leader

Sub-titled A Review of Current Affairs, Politics, Literature, Art and Industry, this journal was published and edited by D. P. Moran, beginning in 1900. It appears to be quite rare in Irish public libraries but is regarded by historians as a key 20th century periodical of Irish politics and culture. Limerick Library has a collection from volume 5 in 1903 up to volume 45 in 1923. This is an extensive collection of almost 300 issues of the journal. The collection has been digitised as part of Limerick City & County Council’s Decade of Centenaries 2023 programme.

Library holdings: vol. 5 no. 20 (January 1903) to vol. 45 no. 2 (August 1923) [there are gaps in this run]

View the Journal at our digital library

Peritia

Peritia is an annual, peer-reviewed academic journal covering Celtic and Insular medieval studies in the context of the European Middle Ages and European medieval studies in general. It is published by the Medieval Academy of Ireland. [from Wikipedia article, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peritia]

Library holdings: Limerick Library only holds the first five volumes of this journal (1982-1986). [note: Cork City Library holds a more extensive collection].

proceedings of RIA

Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy

The Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy (PRIA) is the journal of the Royal Irish Academy, founded in 1785 to promote the study of science, polite literature, and antiquities.

Library holdings: Vol. 1 (1836) to vol. 89 (1989)

The Royal Munster Fusiliers Association Journal (editions from 2010 named The Bengal Tiger)

The Royal Munster Fusiliers Association Journal (editions from 2010 named The Bengal Tiger)

The Royal Munster Fusiliers Association was set up in 1992 with the ‘aim…to perpetuate the memory and traditions of the regiment [and] study its history…’ In 2010 the publication was completely revamped as The Bengal Tiger, in a new, A4 format, with high production values.

Library holdings: No. 2, Spring 1993 to 2019

Studia Hibernica

Founded in 1961, Studia Hibernica is devoted to the study of the Irish language and its literature, Irish history and archaeology, Irish folklore and place names, and related subjects. Its aim is to present the research of scholars in these fields of Irish studies and so to bring them within easy reach of each other and the wider public.

Library holdings: No. 1 (1961) to no. 31 (2000-01) [vol. 27 missing]

 

The Spark

A nationalist journal published during the year running up to the 1916 Rebellion

View the Journal at our digital library
Studies – An Irish Quarterly Review

Studies – An Irish Quarterly Review

Published quarterly by the Irish Jesuits since 1912, Studies examines Irish social, political, cultural and economic issues in the light of Christian values and explores the Irish dimension in literature, history, philosophy and religion. [from JSTOR description, https://www.jstor.org/journal/studiesirishrev]

Library holdings: Volumes 6 (1917) to 69 (1980) (missing vol. 28, 1939)

 

Transactions of the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland

Limerick Library holds a small collection of this journal, with a selection of twelve volumes from between 1921 (vol. 45) and 1954 (vol. 80).

The Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy

Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, 1787-1907, 33 vols. After 1896 the Transactions were divided into three sections – mathematics, astronomy and physics; biological, geological and chemical, science; and archaeology, linguistics and literature. Transactions was the foremost Irish learned publication during its 121 years of publication. [from JSTOR description, https://www.jstor.org/journal/tranroyairisacad]

Library holdings: Twenty-one volumes from between 1789 and 1902

The Ulster Journal of Archaeology

The Ulster Journal of Archaeology

The Ulster Journal of Archaeology is the longest established and foremost repository of excavation reports and other papers on archaeological research in Ulster. It is one of the most highly-regarded sources of archaeological information on the island of Ireland and is internationally recognised as such.

Library holdings: Volumes 1 (1853) to 9 (1861-62)

Wolfe Tone Annual

A republican magazine published by Brian O’Higgins, The Wolfe Tone Annual came out on an annual basis between 1932 and 1962.

Library holdings: 1932, ‘35, ‘36, ’38, ’39, ’40, ’42, ’43, ’45, ’47, ’48, ’49, ’50, ‘52’ & 1954 to 1962

Journals from other counties

Clogher Record

Library holdings: No. 1, 1979 to 2014

Dal gCais (Co. Clare)

Dal gCais (Co. Clare)

Library holdings: Volumes for 1977, ’79, ’84, ’88 & ‘91

Journal of the Cork Historical & Archaeological Society

Library holdings: Vols. 1, 2 & 3 (1892-1896), vols. 12 to 17 (1906-1911), 1928 to 1931 and 1950 to 1988

Journal of the Kerry Archaeological & Historical Society

Journal of the Kerry Archaeological & Historical Society

Library holdings: Volumes 1969, ’71, ’75, ’76, ’80, ’93 and from 2003 to 2013

The Kerry Magazine – Kerry Archaeological & Historical Society

Library holdings: Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 14, then from no. 17 to 30 (missing no. 20)

Knocknagoshel – Then and Now (Co. Kerry)

Knocknagoshel – Then and Now (Co. Kerry)

Library holdings: Vol. 1 (1984) to vol. 32 (2015) (some missing issues)

The Old Kerry Journal

The Old Kerry Journal

Library holdings: Vols. 1 (2006) to 7 (2020-21)

The Other Clare

The Other Clare

Library holdings: Vols. 1 to 37 (missing vols. 9, 27 & 29)

Sliabh Aughty – East Clare Heritage

Sliabh Aughty – East Clare Heritage

Library holdings: Vols. 1 (1989) to 14 (2009)

Sliabh Luachra – Journal of Cumann Luachra (Co. Kerry)

Sliabh Luachra – Journal of Cumann Luachra (Co. Kerry)

Library holdings: Nos. 3 (1985), 4 (1987), 5 (1989) & 7 (1993)

Tipperary Historical Journal

Library holdings: 1988, ’89, & 1995 to 2022 (missing 1999)