Unearthing the long history of our island, one object at a time

Objects can put us in touch with the past in a direct and immediate way. But they also help us to a more complex understanding of the past. There is a certain paradox that surrounds them. They seem precise and fixed, literally tangible. When so much about the past – especially the Irish past – is contested, physical things seem to provide secure anchors in history. They ought to make things simpler. And yet, when you actually examine any object, this apparent simplicity quickly falls away. Interesting objects tend to provoke more questions than they can answer.

More recently, the Royal Irish Academy, in partnership with the EU Presidency, the Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Adobe, released an multi-platform app and ebook, allowing readers a rich, interactive platform by which to explore the 100 objects.  Built by Joe Zeff design, the app was released as a free gift for St. Patrick’s Day and is now available to purchase.  So far, it has received over 35,000 downloads.  Order your copy here.