Eugene O’Curry

Biographical History

Born at Dunaha, County Clare, O’Curry was an autodidact and a major authority on Irish manuscript material. From 1834 he was employed by the Ordnance Survey working in conjunction with John O’Donovan on historical and topographical material. From 1837 he was engaged on a programme of examining, copying and translating Irish language manuscripts in the major British and Irish libraries. He was appointed Professor of Irish History and Archaeology in the newly founded Catholic University in 1854 and his lectures there were published as Lectures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish History (1861).

Archival History

This collection was transferred to UCD Archives from UCD Library in September 1988.

Scope and Content

Correspondence relating to his work with the Ordnance Survey (1835–9) and the Royal Irish Academy (1843–53) and general correspondence on antiquarian, genealogical, linguistic and literary matters (1838–62), the main correspondents including Fr Mat Horgan, Blarney, County Cork, Revd William Reeves, Ballymena, County Antrim, James McCurtin, Lahinch, County Clare, and D.H. Kelly, Castlekelly, County Roscommon.

Correspondence as Professor of Archaeology and Ancient Irish History in the Catholic University, mainly concerning his academic and research interests (1855–62).

Some personal correspondence, and personal financial and family documents (1839–63).

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Language: English

Finding aid: Descriptive catalogue