Tipperary Studies
Introduction
Tipperary Libraries Local Studies and Archives collection is presently located at The Source, cathedral Street, Thurles. Tipperary Studies is a reference library and research centre dedicated to the collection of material on all aspects of County Tipperary. Tipperary Studies aims to collect and make freely accessible as comprehensive a collection of material relating to the history of Tipperary as possible, including published books, journals, newspapers, photographs, audio visual material microform, manuscripts and ephemera.
Cover of George Henry Bassett's Guide to Tipperary 1889
The definition of Local Studies encompasses all aspects of life in County Tipperary, past and present. The collection of books, journals, newspapers and other resources reflect that broad definition. The majority of visitors are primarily interested in the local history portion of the collections. Local Studies and Archive material cannot be borrowed; it may be viewed in the Reading Room only.
Tipperary Libraries is also home to the County Tipperary Historical Society.
Books
Tipperary Studies collects all published material relating to Tipperary, all books by Tipperary authors and any general publications containing Tipperary material. The Tipperary collection contains a large number of titles dealing with the archaeology, economy, history and topography of the county. Directories, almanacs, topographical and commercial directories, novels, verse, unpublished theses and projects all form part of the collection. The general Irish collection comprises numerous titles on natural history, social studies, and all aspects of Irish life.
Knocknagow or the Homes of Tipperary by Charles J. Kickham
Journals
A comprehensive collection of journals is available for consultation in Tipperary Studies. Titles of major historical significance such as the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, North Munster Antiquarian Journal Archivium Hibernicum, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy are held as are the Tipperary published Tipperary Historical Journal, Tipperary GAA Yearbook and Clonmel Historical Journal. Annual parish newsletters and some school publications are also available.
Molua 1940
Newspapers
Tipperary Studies has a large collection of local newspapers, some in hard copy format but the largest proportion on microfilm. The local papers are probably the most widely used resource in Tipperary Studies. Originally a thesis, the History of Tipperary Newspapers by Joe Hayes was updated and published in the 1989 issue of the Tipperary Historical Journal with further additions in the 1990 issue. This pamphlet is a brief account of the newspapers published in Tipperary since 1770, with their origins and policies and all known locations for surviving issues. (See Tipperary Historical Society) See the full list of newspaper titles available for consultation.
Title page of The Cashel Gazette
Genealogy
It is important to point out that Tipperary Studies is not a repository for either church or civil records for the county. These records are divided between the three genealogical centres of the county. Staff members are happy to provide researchers with details of the centre relevant to their particular query.
Title page from Joseph Benedict Chifley, Australian Prime Minister 1945-1949
The Tipperary Connection
Valuable genealogical sources available for consultation include the Primary Valuation of Tenements, popularly known as Griffiths Valuation, ca. 1850 with the accompanying maps, the slightly earlier Tithe Applotment Books, ca. 1826-1833 and Tithe Defaulters lists, ca. 1831 and both the 1901 and 1911 census manuscript returns. Some general CD resources are available including Grenham’s Irish surnames, 1831 Tithe Defaulters, Ireland’s Memorial Records; World War 1 1914-1918, Directory of Waterford, Kilkenny and the southeast 1839 and other directories.
Rate Book: Ballycahill Electoral Division
Irish Tourist Association
In the early 1940s, the Irish Tourist Association (ITA) commissioned researchers to compile files of local historical interest at town and parish level, which would be of assistance and interest to visitors. The files include information of local historical interest, tourist attractions in the area, local industries, times of religious services and other details. A small collection of photographs, mainly of historical buildings accompanies the manuscripts.
Birthplace of Sean Treacy
National Schools Folklore Collection
This major collection was compiled in 1937-38 on the initiative of the Irish Folkore Commission. Senior pupils in the primary schools recorded stories and oral history from older people in their communities. The objectives of the scheme were to collect, maintain and safeguard Irish myths, legends and stories. The collection covers folk tales, legends, songs, customs, games, local cures, pastimes and traditional crafts and work practices. The original manuscripts are held in the Department of Irish Folkore, UCD, Belfield, Dublin. Microfilm copies of the County Tipperary collection are available in Tipperary Studies. Those wishing to publish any portion of the collection must contact the Department of Irish Folklore giving precise details of school, page and volume number.
Folklore note pertaining to the May Bush, 1944
Grand Juries
Grand Juries played an important role in local government in nineteenth century Ireland. The members of the Grand Juries consisted mainly of local landowners. The High Sheriff appointed them and their responsibilities included the maintenance of roads, bridges and upkeep of courthouses and lunatic asylums, financed by a County Cess. Archives hold an extensive collection of the Presentment Books for north Tipperary for the period 1842-1910. The Grand Juries were abolished in 1898 and most of their functions were transferred to the County Councils.
Tenant Right in Tipperary
Board of Guardians
The Board of Guardian were set up under the 1838 Poor Law Act. They were responsible for the administration of the poor relief throughout the country. The minute books for Borrisokane, Cashel, Clonmel, Clogheen, Nenagh, Roscrea, Thurles and Tipperary unions are all available for consultation. The 1898 Local Government Act assigned the sanitary matters of the Boards to the newly formed Rural District Councils leaving the Board of Guardians with responsibility for poor relief. The Board of Guardians were abolished in the early 1920s and the RDCs a little later.
HAY WANTED by Cashel Board of Guardians
Archives are easily damaged and are irreplaceable. Consequently, photocopying of the Archival material is not permitted. Some material may have to be withdrawn due to its fragile state and may not be available for consultation.
Detail from Cashel Poor Paw Union Minute Book
Cover of Rent Book from the Colonel Bagwell Estate
Map detail of a Poor Law Union Workhouse
Photographs
At present Tipperary Libraries is in the process of expanding its photographic collection. Donations of local material will be gratefully received. The largest collections are:
Selections from the Lawrence collection
Cambridge Aerial Photographs
Irish Architectural Archive
Thurles Camera Club
Historical Postcards.
However there are copyright restrictions on the copying of the above collections
Ormonde Castle, Carrick-on-Suir [from postcard]
Dromineer Castle & Lough Derg, Nenagh [from postcard]
Maps
OS
RMP
Down Survey
Ordnance Survey Map detail of Peter Street, Nenagh
Griffiths and cancelled town plans (CD Rom)
Castle Street, Roscrea [from postcard]
Is an appointment necessary?
Although not strictly necessary, it is advisable to ring in advance. Some material requires the use of a microfilm reader and this facility needs to be booked in advance. Archives need to be removed from storage and made available in the Reading Room.
Access
Materials in Tipperary Studies are for research purposes only. They are not available for loan. Because of their unique nature, items from these collections are accessible only under the supervision of library staff. Where multiple copies exist, some titles (mainly recent publications) are made available through the branch libraries.
Opening Hours
Click here for OPENING HOURS
Contact Details
Telephone: (0504) 29278
E-Mail studies@tipperarylibraries.ie
last updated on: Monday, 17-May-2010 18:24:11 IST
Beidh leagan Gaeilge den leathanach seo le fáil gan mhoill
nuashonraithe ar: Monday, 17-May-2010 18:24:11 IST