About the Collection

The Linen Hall Library Postcard Collection contains more than 7,000 images which capture Ireland in bygone days and gives a sense of what life was like in remote villages and towns over one hundred years ago with almost every city, town and village in Ireland featured. Social development in urban Ireland is also clearly captured in postcards depicting street scenes which illustrate the growth of cities such as Belfast, Dublin and Cork. From these historic images the viewer can trace changes in architecture, fashion and transport.

Alongside these scenic cards other visual aspects of everyday life flourish. Housing, local industries, sport and leisure are all covered and significant historical events mainly relating to British rule in Ireland are represented in a series of political cards. A selection of humorous and speciality cards depict a lighter side to life and complete what is truly one of the most interesting and comprehensive collections of its type in Ireland.