Welcome

The TU Dublin Centre for Irish Studies brings together an active research community with a long track record of output across many varied disciplines (cultural studies, Franco-Irish relations, literature, gastronomy, religious identity, tourism) that contribute to our understanding of Irish culture.

The Centre strengthens TU Dublin’s national and international reputation as a hub for Irish Studies, building on its impressive record of high-impact publications, international collaborations, and innovative dissemination methods. Its open-access philosophy, exemplified by the award-winning Irish Food History: A Companion, aligns with TU Dublin’s commitment to research accessibility and societal engagement.

The TU Dublin Centre for Irish Studies arises out of co-operations by researchers across campuses, schools and faculties over many years, including the AFIS (Association of Franco-Irish Studies), the DGS (Dublin Gastronomy Symposium), and Food and Drink as... conferences. It deliberately seeks to reach out to new research disciplines and areas, to work collaboratively with them and to offer a sense of generous curiosity, where all are welcome and feel they belong.

The Centre offers tangible benefits to students and staff by continuing to integrate research into teaching and mentoring, providing students with practical, transferable skills and opportunities for professional development. The Irish Studies Centre will build on the quite remarkable level of publications that has been established to date - including access to the largest academic book series in Irish studies, Reimagining Ireland, for which the joint PI, Dr Eamon Maher, is General Editor, and that was described by Professor Luke Gibbons as constituting ‘the cutting edge of what it is to be Ireland.’ In addition, its journals, JOFIS (Journal of Franco-Irish Studies), the European Journal of Food, Drink and Society and Stirring Words provide opportunities for established and early-career academics to disseminate their research findings. Finally, another book series, Studies in Franco-Irish Relations, again under the editorship of Dr Maher, supplies additional potential outlets for academic publishing.