'From Turmoil to Truce: Photographs of the War of Independence’

‘From Turmoil to Truce: Photographs of the War of Independence’ is a new National Library of Ireland exhibition at the Library’s photographic archive in Temple Bar.

Having visited this exhibition today it would be tempting to post all the photographs here – such is the quality of those chosen for this exhibition. Some photos are potentially distressing, it is an exhibition of photographs taken during a period of war, but it is wonderfully curated and well worth a visit.

It draws on the NLI’s rich and varied holdings of photographs and newspaper cuttings, and explores the key aspects of a dramatic, brutal and extreme period of Irish history, in which Irish republicans fought to win Ireland’s freedom from centuries of British rule. In telling the story of Ireland’s pursuit of independence, the exhibition highlights the increasing normalisation of violence at the time; the impact felt across the country and at all levels of Irish society; and the personal experiences of both individuals and families.

The exhibition is free to visit, and is open seven days weekly: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and 12noon to 5pm on Sundays.

The exhibition runs in the NLI’s National Photographic Archive, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar until May 2020. A programme of events complements the exhibition, comprising panel discussions, events and tours.

For more information, visit www.nli.ie.