Irish Queer Archive, LGBTQ+ archive in National Library, Dublin, Ireland
The Irish Queer Archive is a collection housed at the National Library of Ireland containing approximately 250,000 press clippings, publications, and documents documenting LGBTQ+ experiences across the island. The materials span decades of organizations, events, and personal accounts that reflect how this community developed over time.
The collection began forming in response to the 1969 Stonewall riots and grew through contributions from the Northern Irish Gay Rights Association and the Irish Gay Rights Movement. Organizations on both sides of the island donated materials, creating a comprehensive record of activism and community life.
The archive holds materials from groups like Alternative Miss Ireland and Dublin Pride Festival that shaped how Irish society developed. These collections show how people expressed and organized themselves around LGBTQ+ experiences on the island.
Access to the archive materials requires contacting the National Library of Ireland in advance by email or phone to arrange a research appointment. It helps to have a clear idea of what you are looking for before visiting to make the most of your time there.
The archive holds every lesbian and gay publication released on the island of Ireland since 1974, creating a complete literary timeline spanning decades. This collection is rare and valuable because it preserves voices and stories that might otherwise have been lost.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
