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New book about Tourmakeady

Tourmakeady, History and Society has just been published by Mayo Historic Estates. Written and researched by historian and archivist Brigid Clesham this a detailed study of the social and economic history of Tourmakeady and its hinterland.

Aimed at the general reader the book will appeal to all those with a connection to the Tourmakeady area as well as anybody interested in the history of the West of Ireland.

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The Tourmakeady Ambush

A new book has just been published to coincide with the centenary of the Tourmakeady ambush.

Tourmakeady Ambush 1921 – Comóradh Luíochán Thuar Mhic Éadaigh is written by Sean O’Luideain & Tomas O’hEanachain and tells the story of the ambush and those that took part.

On the 3rd May 1921, men from the South Mayo Brigade of the Irish Volunteers carried out a daring ambush in Tourmakeady village against members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and The Black and Tans. These men were led by Brigadier Tom Maguire and Adjutant Michael O’Brien. There were over seventy men on the Irish side, men from Cross, The Neale, Cong, Ballinrobe and Srah in Tourmakeady.

Copies of the book are available through our website by clicking here

 

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Mayflies in the Heather

A new collection of poetry by local author Art Ó Súilleabháin is now available from Rare & Recent Books. 

Mayflies in the Heather is the debut collection of poetry from Art Ó Súilleabháin. In the words of his publisher “He is deeply rooted in the landscape and language of Lough Corrib, illuminating every wing-picked insect, every curlew flight, reed and stone, replete with the lore of places. Ó Súilleabháin draws the reader into his keenly observed world with each well-tuned, musical line.”

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Cunga 2020

Cunga 2020 has arrived in the shop and is full of local news, articles, history and photographs. It is also available to purchase online here.

We also have limited stocks of back copies of Cunga. More details on our website or call into the shop.

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New Catalogue of Books related to Irish History published before 1950

We have recently acquired two collections of books related to Irish history that were published before 1950 and compiled a short catalogue of titles. The catalogue includes titles covering a long period of Irish history but has a number of notable titles related to the nineteenth century including a rare copy of “Three Lectures on Gaelic Topics” by Padraig Pearse. The catalogue is available here.

Further information is available about any of the titles.

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George Macnemara of Cong

“George Macnemara of Cong. Folklore and Facts. 1722-1760” is a fascinating and very readable account  of the life of one of the most celebrated characters in the history of Cong. The work is the culmination of many years of research by local historian and archivist Brigid Clesham.

George, a Catholic gentleman from County Clare, leased the Cong Abbey estate during the 18th century and is celebrated in local folklore as the highwayman of Cong. But his real life is just as complex and fascinating as that of the folk hero that was created during the 19th century. Drawing on documents and archives from around the world Brigid has meticulously reconstructed the life of a Catholic middleman during the Penal era. 

Hero or villain? Outlaw or philanthropist? Brigid has written a detailed account of the life of George Macnemara which contributes substantially to our knowledge of the history of Cong during the 18th century and illustrates life under the Penal Laws in the West of Ireland. The book is highly recommended to all interested in the history of the period and the West of Ireland particularly Cong and the surrounding area.

Click here to purchase a copy of the book.

George Macnemara of Cong. Folklore and Facts. 1722-1760. Brigid Clesham. Mayo Historic Estates. Cong. 2020. 9781916366701

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Leabhar Breac

The Leabhar Breac, known also as Leabhar Mor Duna Doighre, was compiled from older sources at the beginning of the fourteenth century near to the town of Loughrea in east County Galway.

The book mostly contains religious texts but also includes an early glossary of the Irish Language and a number of histories. The book passed through various private hands until the 18th Century when it came into the possession of the Royal Irish Academy.

During the 1870’s the Royal Irish Academy published a limited number of facsimile copies in two parts. They rarely become available but we have been lucky enough to obtain a copy of Part Two (published in 1876) which we are currently offering for sale at our shop in Cong.

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Please call in and browse awhile…

We are very pleased to be back in new premises in Cong. Our new shop is located next door to Ryan’s Hotel (just fifty yards up the Main Street from our old shop).

We have more space available and have extended our range of books to include a larger number of antiquarian and collectible books and a greater selection of new books.

As always we continue to specialise in Irish Interest and Fishing books while stocking books of all categories and for all interests.

I look forward to welcoming you……..