Exploring Irish Childhoods: An Irish Writer in her Time

A centenary conference on the writings of Eilís Dillon organised by the School of English took place on 6th and 7th March.

Although Eilís Dillon’s many published books earned her critical recognition in her lifetime, since her death it has been difficult to place her work in the canon of Irish writing. In her centenary year, a reassessment is due. Her reputation as a children’s writer is secure; in the words of Nancy Watson she is a “foundational” writer in the field of Irish children’s literature. Several papers at the forthcoming conference will address her books for young people, but other aspects including her historical novels will also feature. A panel discussion of her cultural context will include speakers from publishing and the arts. The political and cultural dimension of her work as a whole will be discussed in lectures by Declan Kiberd and Gerald Dawe. https://www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub/whats-on/details/event.php?eventid=141697508

Prof Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin

Panel including Prof Cormac Ní Chuilleanáin (far right)