Ireland's “Big Houses” were the large country homes of local landlords. The images reveal much about the architecture, gardens, families and staff of the landed estates, across the island of Ireland, before the political revolution in the early twentieth century changed their role in Irish society.

In Ireland, many supported the cause and joined up or travelled to serve in nursing and auxiliary services. Others objected to the war on moral, social or political grounds. By the time the conflict ended in 1918, its impact had been felt through the length and breadth of the country.

The exhibition draws on the National Library of Ireland’s collections of letters, diaries, recruiting posters, newspaper reports, cartoons, and handbills from 1914-1918.

MacSwiney had been arrested and interned or imprisoned many times, but following his arrest in August 1920 he went on hunger strike.

Artefacts from the collections of the National Library of Ireland reveal how MacSwiney’s slow death was a terrible personal tragedy for his family, and a critical event in the War of Independence. It was also a powerful international propaganda coup for the cause of Irish independence, and a moral and political nightmare for the British government.

From Turmoil to Truce: Photographs of the War of Independence explores key aspects of the Irish War of Independence through the National Library of Ireland’s photographic collections. 

Ireland is a dangerous place in 1920 and 1921. Across the country, repressive British Forces are ranged against increasingly agile, aggressive IRA units. In between those opposing sides are ordinary people trying to live in extraordinary times.