Public libraries may provide photographic collections, census information, newspaper archives, historical maps and other local history material for reference and use in the library.
Carlow Libraries Local History Department is dedicated to preserving and promoting the study of the history of Co. Carlow, and below is an introductory list of archival material available for research. These include the Carlow County Library Photographic Archive, The Burton collection, Maps and Minute Books, Archives of Carlow Grand Jury and a catalogue of small private collections.
Carlow County Library Newspaper Archive
The Department holds an extensive newspaper collection online, on microfilm and/or in hard copy. These include the Nationalist and Leinster Times, Carlow Sentinal, Carlow People, Carlow Morning Post, Finns Leinster Journal, Irish Times and more. To book an appointment on a microfilm machine phone 059 9129712. Since 2017 Carlow Library Service has subscribed to the Irish Newspaper Archives online service. It is the world’s largest online database of Irish newspapers from which it is possible to search, retrieve and view Ireland’s past in the exact format in which it was originally published. The service is available in the Local Studies Department or from any public access PC in all library branches.
Periodical Collection:
The Local Studies Department also has a wide range of Irish and Local Periodicals which are all available for reference. Titles include:
Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland
Irish Historical Studies
The Irish Sword
Irish Economic and Social History Review
Locally published titles include Carloviana; a number of annual journals from villages around County Carlow as well as back editions of non-current titles like Carlow Past and Present.
Map Collection:
Maps also form an important part of the Local Studies Collection. Holdings include:
Down Survey Barony and Civil Parish maps with terriers of County Carlow (1654)
Ordnance Survey 6″ maps of County Carlow (1839 & 1879)
Ordnance Survey Large Scale 5 foot town maps for Carlow, Muinebheag and Tullow (1873)
Archaeological Survey maps with index volume of County Carlow (OPW 1986)
Other Collections:
Tyndall Collection: An important collection made up of books from various bequests either by or about John Tyndall, the famous Co. Carlow born scientist.
Genealogical Sources: Include indexes to Parish Baptisms and Marriages for Roman Catholic Parishes in County Carlow
Tithe Applotment Records: on microfilm with some in hard copy for County Carlow
Griffith’s Valuation: for County Carlow with some areas of County Laois bordering Carlow in hard copy and accompanying maps
Census: 1901 and Census 1911 for County Carlow on microfilm
Thom’s Directory: dating from some decades of the 19th Century
Carlow Schools Folklore: on microfilm from 1937-38
Irish Life and Lore: Carlow Collection
Ephemera: includes Domestic and Commercial Property Development brochures from the 1980s and a comprehensive collection of posters and other materials from a range of business, cultural and sporting organisations and past events around County Carlow
Online Resources:
The Ask about Ireland website is full of interesting information from many different public libraries, museums and archives throughout Ireland including Carlow. Many different areas of Irish history and culture have been examined in detail with a strong emphasis on the local history for each area. Carlow County Library has so far been involved in nine main areas: Architecture, Poor Law Union, Transport, Sport, Carlow Artists, Carlow Writers, Folklore and Carlow in 1798.
Class & Group Visits:
Reservations will now be taken from teachers and lecturers for class/group visits to the Local Studies Department of Carlow Central Library. Students will be shown the wide variety of Local Studies sources on offer and will be given general guidance in their use. Students preparing for their Leaving Cert Special Topic will find this especially useful as will history students in third level colleges at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Groups of Adult Learners are also very welcome. All of these introductory programmes are free of charge. Reservations to 059 9129705; by email to library@carlowcoco.ie or by calling to the main issue desk in Carlow Central Library.
Reservations will now be taken from teachers and lecturers for class/group visits to the Local Studies Department of Carlow Central Library. Students will be shown the wide variety of Local Studies sources on offer and will be given general guidance in their use. Students preparing for their Leaving Cert Special Topic will find this especially useful as will history students in third level colleges at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Groups of Adult Learners are also very welcome. All of these introductory programmes are free of charge. Reservations to 059 9129705; by email to library@carlowcoco.ie or by calling to the main issue desk in Carlow Central Library.
Public libraries may provide photographic collections, census information, newspaper archives, historical maps and other local history material for reference and use in the library.