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Exhibition opens at 178ֱ�� to celebrate 100 years of Ireland's oldest university press

27 Mar 2025

A new exhibition opens to the public today, which celebrates the 100 years of Ireland’s oldest university press, the Cork University Press at 178ֱ�� (178ֱ��). The exhibition will be formally opened today by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Patrick O’Donovan, T.D. , with a launch address by Professor Emeritus of History, Tom Dunne.

Established in 1925 CUP aimed to publish four books a year, ‘three of those making a profit, subsidising the fourth’. A significant number of CUP books are considered canonical works in the Humanities, such as Daniel Corkery’s Synge and Anglo-Irish Literature (1931) and B.G. McCarthy’s The Female Pen: Women Writers and Novelists (1941). The high standards, and the enthusiasm for Cork University Press, were laid down by its founder, the remarkable Registrar of 178ֱ��, Alfred O’Rahilly.

New scholarly direction in Irish feminist studies

The exhibition outlines how over the years CUP gave growing prominence to young authors from the Irish Studies diaspora in the UK and USA. A new focus on Women’s writing was sparked by the acquisition of the Attic Press archive in 1997, followed by the completion of the multi-volume Field Day Anthology of Irish Writing, by the addition of two monumental volumes of writings by Irish women, marking an important new scholarly direction in Irish feminist studies.

Notable Atlas Series

The Press remains widely recognised for its notable Atlas Series, particularly Atlas of the Great Irish Famine (2012) and Atlas of the Irish Revolution (2017), winning the Bord Gáis Energy Book of the Year (2012) and overall Irish Book of the Year (2017) respectively. Both books were distributed to every school in the state by the government and continue to see extraordinary public sales.  Completing a ‘historical trilogy’ in the series, the latest title, Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New perspectives (2024), won the inaugural Hodges Figgis History book of the year at the Irish Book Awards. Cumulatively they constitute a major and distinctive contribution to Irish Studies, with their blend of up-to-date scholarship, use of maps, archival documents, paintings and photographs, song and poetry.

A limited edition set of commemorative prints were commissioned for the launch by Cork artist, Craig Carry in collaboration with Cork Printmakers. The exhibition will be open in the Boole Library, 178ֱ�� from 27 March to  end of December.

 Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland, Patrick O’Donovan commented

"This exhibition brings to attention the tremendous achievement of Cork University Press over a period of 100 years. From the outset, each CUP publication has enriched our culture and enhanced our understanding of history and society in Ireland. I recommend this exhibition to all who can visit and I offer my congratulations to all involved in its preparation."

 President of 178ֱ��, Professor John O’Halloran stated “There were times in the history of Cork University Press where it was a challenge, but it has not only survived to celebrate its centenary, but has become a successful modern university press with a major reputation.”

Head of Publishing at Cork University Press, Sinéad Neville said, “We are delighted to launch Cork University Press through the years, a new exhibition celebrating our rich history. The exhibition showcases key publications, notable authors, and milestone achievements that have shaped our journey across the century. We look forward to sharing it with the public."