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Blackrock Society Talks – Updated 24/09/2026

Blackrock Society “Scientia Sit Liberalis”
Blackrock Dolmen by Rowan Gillespie
Rowan Gillespie’s Dolmen (1987) at N11/Temple Rd junction

FORTHCOMING LECTURES & ACTIVITIES – Spring 2026 onwards

Afternoon talks 2.30pm at our new venue!

Friday 9th October 2026 at Newtownpark Pastoral Centre, Church of the Guardian Angels, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

We Are Black and Tans: Children and the Irish Revolution

by Liz Gillis

This talk by historian, author and TV presenter Liz Gillis looks at the varying experience of Irish children during the tumultuous times from 1916 to 1923 which frequently led to dislocation, deprivation and death. Their experiences at such an impressionable age frequently left an indelible mark on their later lives.

A Dublin Liberties lady, Liz Gillis is multi-talented: historian, author and TV presenter are just some of the strings to her bow. Liz has a broad sweep of knowledge, but has specialised in the Irish Revolution. She is the author of six books including, ‘The Fall of Dublin’, ‘Revolution in Dublin’, ‘Women of the Irish Revolution’, ‘The Hales Brothers and the Irish Revolution’ and ‘May 25: The Burning of the Custom House 1921’. She is also the co-author of ‘We Were There: 77 Women of the Easter Rising’.
Liz has frequently appeared on TV and, as resident historian, co-presented the popular Marty’s Big Picture Show with Marty Morrissey. She is Historian in Residence for Dublin South County Council for the Decade of Centenaries, lectures at Champlain College Dublin, was a recipient of the Lord Mayor’s Award for her contribution to history, and is the owner of Revolution in Dublin Walking Tours.

See further details of currently planned 2026 talks and previous ones for 2025,’24,’23,’22,’20 and 2019 HERE

Please note there is an attendance charge of €5 for non-members of Blackrock Society

Further talks and lectures for the Spring, Autumn/Winter of 2026 will be confirmed shortly and we will be hosting these at Newtownpark Pastoral Centre on mostly the second Friday of the month. We will be confirming details, and this site will be updated, as talks are arranged.

If you are interested in giving a talk, please contact Douglas by email at info at blackrocksociety.ie

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All current lectures are at 2.30pm and are going to be held at Newtownpark Pastoral Centre,
Guardian Angels Church, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin A94VF74 for Spring and early autumn 2026 depending on arrangements.

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Blackrock Society was established in 1921 and is supported by local businesses and is a Member of the Federation of Local History Societies.

Blackrock Society – Aims

Blackrock Main St at the turn of the 19th century

The aims of Blackrock Society are to:

To create an awareness of the history, culture, science and literary contributions, architecture, people and, indeed, the peculiarities of the County Dublin town of Blackrock, together with its surrounds, thus adding to the local community’s sense of itself.

To help preserve the unique character of Blackrock from diffusion or loss.

To record details of events, both local and national, consider their impact, and disseminate them through lectures and visits.

To publish an annual illustrated journal of our activities including lectures, discussions and trips.

We have been endeavouring to promote these aims from our inception in 1921.

Want to join Blackrock Society? Then please click here to download our membership form