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Gillian O'Brien

@gillianobrien.bsky.social
3.2K followers 1.1K following 153 posts

Professor of Public History. Author of 'The Darkness Echoing'. Public History/Museums/Heritage/Memory/Death/Dark Tourism/Spies/Nuns/ Board member Irish Museums Association

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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Do come along to the UK premiere of Drowned Land on 11 Sept at 6.30 in London. It's an amazing story of resilience amid environmental destruction. And a story of Native American courage & persistence. And it's free! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drowned-la...
eventbrite.co.uk
Drowned Land - UK premier
Special screening of a stirring documentary that shares the stories of a group of water protectors determined to preserve the Kiamichi River
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Exciting post (for me at least) as I got my mitts on my new book - The Shortest History of Dublin. This ed is out in Australia at the end of Sept. The Irish/UK/North America ed is out in Spring 2027. #history #dublin #ireland #australia #newbook #publishing
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Had a great time at Kilkenny Arts Festival. Full houses for the talks, loads of great questions, lots of stories shared & people kindly laughed at my jokes. #KAF26 #Kilkenny #Ireland #death #wake #history
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Great to be in #Killkenny again for #KAF26. Looking forward to speaking tomorrow at 1pm & Thursday at 5pm in the parade tower. Come along if you're in the city.
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
It's been a while since I posted anything about research but back on the #DarkTourism trail. First up the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu #Malta share.google/K3ZAn3BCb4qG... (& I've a couple of talks in Ireland coming up next month where Maltese #witches will get a mention - check out the events page!
share.google
Roman Inquisition - Maltese Style — Gillian O'Brien
The Roman Inquisition in Malta
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James Crossland @jamescrossland.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
This week's episode with @gillianobrien.bsky.social picks apart the first terrorist campaign conducted on British soil - the Irish "Dyanmite War" of the 1880s #history 🗃 🎧 🇮🇪 Listen here ⬇️ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
#otd 4 May 1889 Dr Patrick Henry Cronin was brutally murdered in #Chicago. The murder trial was sensational & the repercussions for Irish-America & Irish Republicanism were enormous. You can read about it in my book Blood Runs Green #USHistory #IrishAmerica #irishhistory.
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National Museum of Ireland @nmireland.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Marking the 150th anniversary of the rescue of six Fenian leaders from Fremantle Prison by the whaling ship Catalpa. The flag of the Catalpa will be on display at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, on Saturday, 18th and Sunday, 19th April 2026 only. www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museum...
A large historic American flag is laid flat on a white floor inside a museum gallery, surrounded by photography lighting stands and softbox lights, with wall displays and a mezzanine level visible above.A close view of a large American flag spread on the floor in a museum space, with two people working nearby and studio lights positioned around the flag for documentation.A person stands on a mezzanine operating a camera mounted on a tripod, photographed from below, with ceiling beams and a large fan visible in the background.A historic American flag photographed flat against a white background, showing thirteen stars in the canton and alternating red and off-white stripes, with visible signs of age and wear.
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
For #stpatricksday I chatted to the good folk @thehistoryofmurder.bsky.social about the murder of Dr Cronin in #Chicago. Listen here, or watch on YouTube podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i... #ireland #history #irishrepublicanism
podcasts.apple.com
Ireland's Cause, America's Crime: The Story of Patrick Henry Cronin
Podcast Episode · The History of Murder · 17 March · 39m
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Why women's stories should be told in all museums not just one www.gillianobrien.net/blog/limeric...
gillianobrien.net
Limerick you’re a lady… — Gillian O'Brien
Limerick You’re a Lady: Why women’s stories should be told in all museums…
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RTÉ Brainstorm @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Why Irish women's history belongs in every museum and not just one. Opening a standalone women's museum in Ireland in 2026 risks reinforcing separation at a time when integration should be the goal, writes @gillianobrien.bsky.social @ljmuofficial.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
rte.ie
Why Irish women's history belongs in every museum & not just one
Opening a standalone women's museum in Ireland in 2026 risks reinforcing separation at a time when integration should be the goal
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
I'm off to France next week to talk about film, mother & baby homes, Magdalen Laundries & difficult history www.gillianobrien.net/events-2
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
I'm convinced my grandmother's time as a fake corpse was the inspiration for this scene! 🎬 #darknessechoing #howtogettoheavenfrombelfast #netflix www.gillianobrien.net/blog/my-gran...
gillianobrien.net
How to get to Heaven and my Grandmother — Gillian O'Brien
My Grandmother and How to Get to Heaven
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sharinglands.bsky.social @sharinglands.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Really looking forward to this screening of Sinners. We're at maximum capacity (not a spare seat in the house!) There will be a waitlist, so if you're still hoping to join us, but don't yet have a ticket, please do come & see if there's room. If we can, we'll 'let you in' 😉
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UCD Archives @ucdarchives.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
We are very sad to learn of the death of Dr Deirdre McMahon. Deirdre was an historian nonpareil, as well as a staunch advocate for archives and archivists. She was a great friend of UCD Archives over all the decades of our existence. We will miss her. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
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sharinglands.bsky.social @sharinglands.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Join us for a special 'Sharing Lands' screening of 'Sinners', focusing on connections between African-American, Choctaw & Irish history. 🗓️Friday 27th February 🕕18.00-21.00 📍Goldsmiths, University of London, Richard Hoggart Building Cinema Book your free tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/sharing-la...
eventbrite.com
Sharing Lands screening of 'Sinners'
Join us for a special 'Sharing Lands' screening of 'Sinners', focusing on connections between African-American, Choctaw & Irish history.
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Blood Runs Green is a bargain $9.99 on the #Chicago University Press website. If you like true crime, #murder, Irish republicanism, #spies, Chicago & Irish #history it should be right up your street. #truecrime
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sharinglands.bsky.social @sharinglands.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
We can't reveal too much for now, but the Sharing Lands team have been doing some filming in the West of Ireland for as part of their collaboration with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. More news soon @ sharinglands.com #choctawgift #irishfamine @gillianobrien.bsky.social @padraigkirwan.bsky.social
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Inching towards finishing the manuscript of my book on the history of #Dublin & doing some final checks! #irishhistory #urbanhistory #ireland
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Funding cuts, political pressure, interference ... US museums in crisis #museums #heritage #culture www.theguardian.com/culture/2026...
theguardian.com
‘A very tough moment’: how Trump has put museums in jeopardy
A study has shown the devastating impact of arts funding cuts on institutions across America and many within the industry are concerned for what’s next
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Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland @virtualtreasury.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
The third, 'Ireland’s undiscovered past: the 1800s' (featuring @gillianobrien.bsky.social) delved into the VRTI in search of lesser-known men and women to reveal new interpretations of Ireland’s recent past. youtu.be/dsuWzs00AXM?...
youtu.be
Ireland’s undiscovered past: the 1800s
The history of 19th century Ireland was dominated by big events, big men and big problems. The Act of Union of 1800, the Great Famine, and the campaign for land rights and Home Rule are among the…
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Top day in #Belfast with discussing complex histories Thanks @brionywiddis.bsky.social for hosting & Triona White Hamilton of @ulstermuseum.org Also great to run into colleagues & friends from @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social & @ljmuhistory.bsky.social V useful for @sharinglands.bsky.social too!
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
On this the Taoiseach is absolutely right. Herzog Park should not be renamed. The proposal is populist politics & not grounded in any historical or other basis.
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
I'm so excited about our @sharinglands.bsky.social online event on Thursday about #Irish & #Choctaw basket weaving traditions that I learnt the basics of basket weaving! But you can just make a cup of tea & tune in. It's free, just register at www.eventbrite.com/e/weaving-to...
Basket weaving
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
In response to the elderly man who thought I'd agree with his anti-immigrant stance (or at least he did until I told him that I'm an immigrant too)
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
Great day at @beinghumanfest.bsky.social with the @sharinglands.bsky.social crew. Sharing #Choctaw Bvnaha & #Irish Yellowmeal Bread will all & collecting related #recipes from all over the world. #baking #cooking #sharing #bread #deptford
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
A week of diverse heritage meetings, talks & launches - Plas Newydd in #wales, #kilmainhamGaol, #GlasnevinCemetery, #heritageireland2030 Irish Museums Association conf at #nationalmuseum. @irishmuseums.bsky.social @heritagecouncil.ie @curioustravellers.bsky.social @glasnevincemetery.bsky.social
Heritage sites in wales and Ireland
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Heritage Ireland 2030 summit. Anne Cassin & Deirdre MacMathúna extolling the importance of History & how it encourages critical thinking. Music to my ears. #heritageireland #history #irishhistory #heritage #education #teachers
Heritage Ireland 2030
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Go see the new exhibition @kilmainham.bsky.social The photographs in 'The Prisoners' Lens' are revealing & moving (& there are dogs!) Brilliant work by Aoife Torpey & Brian Crowley. #exhibition #history #museums #darktourism #penalhistory #speirgorm
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
If only every work day could be like this! #plasnewydd #llangollen #wales #research #ladiesofllangollen
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Nice to see MichaelD watched over by Jesus at the #Liverpool Irish Centre. It was great to be there at the launch of the Liverpool Irish Festival which runs until 26th Oct. Check out all the events here: www.liverpoolirishfestival.com #LIF2025 #liverpoolIrish #ireland #festival #michaelD #president
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
A thrill see Michael Collins' slippers finally on display in the #ChangingIreland exhibition @nmireland.bsky.social. Seems a long time since @brendamalone.bsky.social & I made them a social media sensation! Great to see a packed house for the launch this eve. #michaelcollins #museum #exhibition
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
It's #IndigenousNations Day in the US & it great to mark it listening to Chief Deskaheh #Haudenosaunee, Kenneth Deer, #Mohawk & Anders Oskal, #Sámi speak at the World Food Forum in #Rome. Tomorrow I'll speak about reciprocity in the context of the #Irish #Choctaw relationship. #wff2025 •
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
A privilege to be representing @sharinglands.bsky.social at the World Food Forum in Rome this week. A great start with Peter Cleary noting the importance of Choctaw Irish relations which I'll expand on tomorrow. #betterfoodsbetterfuture #wff2025 #sharinglands #rome #fao
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Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland @virtualtreasury.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
This Fri, 3 October at 2pm — 3rd and final talk in @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy's "Finding Ireland" online series: "Ireland's undiscovered past: the 1800s" from @gillianobrien.bsky.social. More info on how to join here: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/eve...
Cork City Libraries, Cork CL GJProfessor Gillian O'Brien (https://www.gillianobrien.net/about)
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
A gorgeous piece by my friend Danielle O'Donovan on the power of teachers, art & not being afraid to not follow the crowd. www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/pe... #art #arthistory #museums
irishexaminer.com
Cork's Butter Museum curator Dr Danielle O’Donovan: ‘I found meaning in my life through art’
Marking Culture Night, Butter Museum curator Dr Danielle O’Donovan talks to Helen O’Callaghan about finding her life’s purpose as a teenager on a school art trip – and how she sees museums and what th...
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
World Expo Osaka. A cross between a theme park & a trade show but worse! Massively overcrowded, limited content, queues for hours-3 hours to visit the merch store, 5 hours to visit the Italian pavilion. It's all fur coat, no knickers! Last photo is how I felt at the end of it! #worldexpo #osaka
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Incredibly moving to see Japanese school children observe & minute's silence & leave origami peace cranes at the National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. #japan #nagasaki #memorial #darktourism #research #peace
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Evening light #nagasaki #japan
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
On 3 Oct I'll be talking online about 19th century #ireland for @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy & @virtualtreasury.bsky.social On 4 Oct I'll be in #thurles at an event organised by #Tipperary #Museum of Hidden History about death & burial. Info about both here: www.gillianobrien.net/events-2
gillianobrien.net
News & Events — Gillian O'Brien
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Peacocking.
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Peacocking.
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sharinglands.bsky.social @sharinglands.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
We caught up with Skylee Glass, a former Choctaw-Ireland scholar at @ucc.ie this summer to find out more about her experience of studying in Ireland. Read Skylee's reflections on the future relationship between the Choctaw and Irish peoples over on our blog. sharinglands.com/2025/08/20/r...
sharinglands.com
Reflections on the Choctaw-Ireland Scholarship: Rediscovering Identity and Forging Lasting Alliances
Former Choctaw-Ireland scholarship recipient Skylee Glass reflects on her time in Ireland and the lasting bond between peoples that continues to this day.
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Busy avoiding meteors!
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
About time & Palestine should be recognised even if Israel abides by a ceasefire www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
UK to recognise state of Palestine in September unless Israel holds to ceasefire
Cabinet agrees to support Middle East roadmap at emergency meeting called amid humanitarian crisis in Gaza
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
#sunset by the #sea #whitstable #kent
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Oxfam GB @oxfamgb.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
We have all watched in horror as Israel crosses red line after red line in Gaza. If you agree please share this post on, help us send this message across social media, then contribute a picture to our powerful visual at bit.ly/3HW2ePI Let’s speak out, in our masses, right now. #RedLineForGaza #Gaza
Black background with red lines. White text reads; "Targeting children, killing civilians, starving people, killing the hungry, targeting medics, killing aid workers. Too many red lines continue to be crossed. #RedLineForGaza".
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Anyone in #Cork this weekend who is interested in the Irish Choctaw link do come along to the Kindred Spirits sculpture in #Midleton on the 13th at 4pm. My @sharintaint.bsky.social colleague @padraigkirwan.bsky.social will be there.
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Visited the Oratory in #DunLaoghaire today. It's exquisite. A gem of Celtic Revival art - all painted by Sr Concepta Lynch in the 1920s & 30s. Tours are free but tickets must be booked. #art #celticrevival #oratory
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Gillian O'Brien @gillianobrien.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Sadly unsurprising, but yet another deeply concerning development. www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/u...
nytimes.com
University of Virginia President Resigns Under Pressure From Trump Administration
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