The Princess Grace Irish Library is kicking off 2023 with an in-person lecture by Donough Cahill, Executive Director of the Irish Georgian Society, who oversees the delivery of its conservation, education and advocacy programmes from the headquarters in Dublin.

“For much of the twentieth century there was little official recognition or appreciation of the rich architectural heritage of Ireland’s cities, towns and countryside,” says the library. “Allied with the pressures of development from the 1960s onwards, and a scarcity of public or private funding to invest in conservation works, many buildings of architectural interest were lost forever. However, over the decades, attitudes changed through the efforts of organisations such as the Irish Georgian Society and, with this, measures were introduced to protect Ireland’s historic building stock. New legislation provided tentative protection while improved economic circumstances provided funding for essential works. Sadly, threats remain today but there are also success stories which provide encouragement for the future. In his talk, Donough Cahill will explore this wide-ranging topic and consider select buildings including examples demonstrating connections with the United States from the 18th century and more recent times.”

With a nod to the library’s theme this year ‘Irish-American influence on culture’, he will also explain the scope of the IGS’s branch in the USA.