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 7

Fingal Studies 7 was launched at the 2026 Fingal Festival of History and is available in hardcopy in branch libraries with an eBook version available on BorrowBox.

Volume 7 of Fingal Studies invites readers to explore Fingal’s past, from the everyday to the extraordinary. Fingal Studies is the local history journal of Fingal County Libraries which invites readers to explore Fingal’s past, from the everyday to the extraordinary.

Claire Bradley undertakes a sensitive discussion of the circumstances surrounding the La Mancha murders in Malahide in 1926. Marking the centenary of this terrible crime, this article remembers the victims and considers the long-term impact on the town

Dr David Sorensen examines the evolution of St George's Schools in Balbriggan offers insight into changing educational and religious traditions over more than 150 years.

Brian Kavanagh explores the life of Harry Reynolds, the celebrated ‘Balbriggan Flyer’, whose achievements as a cyclist have recently been commemorated in an art installation along the road that bears his name in the town.

Catherine Keane further illuminated sporting history in the county through an examination of race meetings at Baldoyle and the ephemera relating to them preserved by Fingal Local Studies & Archives.

Karen de Lacey traces the history of St Fintan's Cemetery in Sutton, a place of great importance to many families in Fingal, from its origins as an ancient burial ground to the modern cemetery it is today.

Marking the 125th anniversary of its opening, the story of the Hill of Howth trams is revisited. From 1901, this feat of engineering opened up the scenic views of the Howth peninsula to thousands of tourists and cemented Howth’s place as a favoured seaside resort for generations of Dubliners. Closed in 1959, it is still affectionately remembered by many today.

The changing nature of 20th century transport is further explored through an article by James Scannell of the final days of the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) in September 1958, before its incorporation into C.I.É.

Thomas Brunkard, Martin Quinn, and Peter Rooney look at the Balrothery Poor Law Union during the Famine and highlight the importance of local institutions in understanding the experiences of past generations.

If you are interested in appearing in Fingal Studies 8 see the Call for Papers below!

Call for Papers 2027

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 highlighting lesser-known heritage sites in Fingal;
3. Fingaliana – shorter articles 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 editor is happy to discuss any ideas for papers and their suitability with potential contributors prior to submission. The current editor is Karen de Lacey. Queries should be sent to [email protected] . The deadline for inclusion in the 2027 Fingal Studies is June 1st 2027 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:

Call for Papers - Fingal Studies 8

Fingal Studies Referencing Guidelines

Contact

Contact the editors at [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 1-7 are freely available on Borrowbox.