The Dublin Lockout: an exhibition at the National Library of Ireland

Ireland in 1913 was a country in turmoil, divided by the issue of Home Rule – self-government for the country. Against this backdrop, a violent industrial conflict took centre stage: The Dublin Lockout.

A free exhibition at the National Library of Ireland, which opened on 22 August 2013 and will run until 30 March 2014, examines the background, events and aftermath of the conflict.

Watch the RTÉ. News report on the opening of the exhibition.

The exhibition is part of a coordinated programme of events organised to commemorate the Dublin Lockout, and explore its contemporary resonance, as part of the Decade of Commemorations. It is a partnership between the National Library of Ireland and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ 1913 Commemoration Committee.

The exhibition draws upon the NLI’s extensive historical and literary collections. It combines original documents, such as Jim Larkin’s hastily scribbled advice to union colleagues on the eve of “Bloody Sunday”, with multimedia presentations. Through the exhibition, visitors can share the experiences of those who lived through the Lockout, gaining a greater understanding of the issues facing the people of Dublin in  1913, and hear the opinions of present day commentators through short films and interactive touch screens.

Watch Katherine McSharry of the National Library of Ireland take RTÉ Nationwide's Mary Kennedy through the lock-out exhibition.

22 August 2013 – 30 March 2014. Admission Free

Location:   2 Kildare Street, Dublin 2

Opening hours:   Mon – Weds:    9.30 – 19.45
                                 Thurs – Sat:      9.30 – 16.45
                                 Sunday:            13.00 – 16.45