Fingal Studies

Background

Fingal Studies is a local history journal dedicated to recording and uncovering the history of Fingal, from the earliest times to the present day. It also aims to showcase the wealth of historical research and writing talent in the county. Originally published from 2010 to 2015, it was re-launched as an annual journal in October 2024. It is produced by Fingal Local Studies & Archives.

Fingal Studies 6

Fingal Studies 6 was launched at the 2025 Fingal Festival of History and is available in hardcopy in branch libraries with an eBook version available on BorrowBox.

Volume 6 of Fingal Studies invites readers to explore Fingal’s past, from the everyday to the extraordinary. Cathal Dowd Smith and Niamh McGovern step into the world of folklore and infamy through a remarkable letter from Michael Collier (‘Collier the Robber’) to Charles Cobbe of Newbridge House. James Scannell takes readers skyward with an account of Dublin’s pioneering balloonists, whose daring flights marked the earliest chapter of Irish aviation. James Bennett examines the history of cricket in Fingal, the roots of which go deeper than many might expect. Dr Bernard Kelly explores the anti-vaccination movement in Fingal during and after the revolutionary period – a topic with echoes today. Thomas Brunkard, Martin Quinn, and Peter Rooney revisit a shocking but little-remembered Victorian-era crime, offering insights into justice, society, and scandal in 19th-century Fingal. Following on from his article in Fingal Studies 5, Brian Kavanagh discusses the opening of SS Peter & Paul’s Cemetery in Balbriggan. Catherine Keane opens a window onto Fingal’s social history through postcards that capture everyday connections, holidays and family ties. Karen de Lacey looks back at the Swords Heritage Project of 1987, specifically its photographic record which offers a visual snapshot of a town on the brink of change.

If you are interested in appearing in Fingal Studies 7 see the Call for Papers below!

Call for Papers 2026

Fingal Studies will consider any Fingal-related historical topic, with an emphasis on telling previously unknown stories of county history, or highlighting the role played by Fingallians on the local, national or international stage. Each volume will be a mix of articles. Contributions are sought for the following:

1.      Long form articles - (6,000 words max) on the history of Fingal;

2.      Hidden Fingal – shorter articles (1,000 words max) highlighting lesser-known heritage sites in Fingal;

3.      Fingaliana – short articles (1,500 words max) discussing lesser-known incidents and events in Fingal’s history;

4.      Photo submissions – previously undiscovered photographs of people, places and events in Fingal;

5.      Book reviews (1,000 words max) with an emphasis on books written by Fingal authors or concerning the history of Fingal.

The editors are happy to discuss any ideas for papers and their suitability with potential contributors prior to submission. Queries should be sent to [email protected] .

The deadline for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Fingal Studies is June 1st but submissions will be gladly received on an ongoing basis.

Those intending to submit long form articles should also note that they will need to conform to referencing guidelines available below:

• Fingal Studies Call for Papers 2026
• Fingal Studies Referencing Guidelines

Contact

Contact the editors at <span>[email protected] with any questions. All queries are welcome.

Back issues

Back issues of Fingal Studies nos. 5 and 6 are available from Fingal Local Studies & Archives, 46 North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. E-mail [email protected] to request a copy. There are no more hardcopy back issues of nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 available.  

E-book versions of Fingal Studies 1-6 are freely available on Borrowbox.