While we love people to come in and see our exhibitions in person, we realise that this is not always possible. This section provides links to ‘virtual’ exhibitions, where you can see all or part of what we have displayed. In fact, putting them online in this way not only makes them more accessible, it also prompts us to look at our collections in new and exciting ways.
Maynooth University Library
An Damer: A landmark in Irish Theatre
An Damer: A landmark in Irish Theatre is based on the archive of Irish language activist Caoimhín Ó Marcaigh
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
A selection of books at Maynooth University Library
Diamonds in the Rough : The Swayne Bequest and the Dublin Imprints
Diamonds in the Rough : The Swayne Bequest and the Dublin Imprints
Monsignor Seán Swayne, chairman of the Irish Episcopal Commission for the Liturgy and parish priest of Graiguenamagh, Co. Kilkenny, died in May 1996. His bequest to the library of Maynooth College included 100 books printed before 1850. The collection is primarily devotional and liturgical, with many of the books showing evidence of usage and regular handling. A number of the books belonged previously to Mgr. Swayne’s uncle, Peadar MacSuibhne. Nearly half of the books (47) were printed in Ireland, making this an important collection in terms of Irish print history. This digital exhibition explores some of the ‘diamonds in the rough’ – the highlights of the remarkable Irish imprints which are housed in the Russell Library, bringing them to life in a digital world.
For more information on the Swayne Collection, please see our Library Treasures Blog ‘Mgr. Seán Swayne’s Bequest’
African Women Writers
African Women Writers - Celebrating World Book Day at Maynooth University Library
To mark World Book Day 2021, Maynooth University Library is pleased to bring you this virtual exhibition of African Women Writers. These titles are part of our growing collection of writings by novelists from the Global South. They represent 13 countries and a wide variety of themes including emigration, education, marriage, family, the position of women in society, social justice and political upheaval.
Peadar Ó Laoghaire
Wellbeing resources at Maynooth University Library
Africa Day 2021
Africa Day 2021 - Celebrating Africa Day Ireland at Maynooth University Library
An Exhibition of African writers in our Collections.
Maynooth University Library Annual Art Exhibition 2020
New books from staff of Maynooth University and St Patrick's College Maynooth
Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The Ken Saro-Wiwa Archives at Maynooth University
On the 16th of November 2011 Sister Majella McCarron (OLA) donated the death-row correspondence she received from Nigerian writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, to Maynooth University. There were 28 letters, 27 of which were written by Saro-Wiwa while in military detention, and smuggled out in breadbaskets. The donation also included video recordings, photographs, a MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People) flag and t-shirt, a cap that had belonged to Saro-Wiwa, and newspaper cuttings and other ephemera. Saro-Wiwa and eight others (The Ogoni Nine) were executed on the 16th of November 1994, for protesting against the environmental destruction of their homeland by the international petrochemical industry.
The Second Reformation and Catholic-Protestant Relations in Pre-Famine Ireland: Bicentennial Perspectives
This exhibition launches on the bicentenary of the infamous sermon (charge) given by the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, William Magee (1766-1831) in St Patrick’s Cathedral on 24 October 1822. Archbishop Magee’s charge sparked religious controversy in Ireland, playing a significant role in driving the Second Reformation, including the 'Bible War', and being countered by the emergence of an assertive Irish Catholicism. To view the exhibition click here.
Rare Books Cataloguing
For International Love Data Week 2023, Yvette Campbell, Assistant Librarian will guide you through best practice techniques for describing basic elements of rare books cataloguing which requires "complete and faithful transcription of the title- page in its original language, greater details in the physical description area and careful thorough recording of various distinguishing features including signature statements, identification of format, annotations, pagination errors, illustrations techniques, printing methods, bindings, style and provenance" (DCRM). To view the exhibition please click here.
Celebrating Pugin "a man of genius". From the Collections of the Russell Library and Special Collections & Archives, Maynooth University
An exhibition celebrating the architect of the Russell Library, Augustus (Welby Northmore) Pugin, with a selection of material from the historic collections of the Russell Library and Special Collections & Archives in the John Paul II Library. To view the exhibition click here
Heritage Week 2023
The theme of Heritage Week 2023 is "Living Heritage" celebrating the practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed down from one generation to the next, and are still in use today.
This year we have used our MU Library Treasures blog as the inspiration for the Heritage week exhibition, to compliment the theme. The blog is a living document of heritage and allows us to share the contents from the historic collections of the Russell Library and the Special Collections in the John Paul II Library.You can view the exhibition here.
Scientific (P)ages of Discovery
Scientific (P)ages of Discovery is an exhibition of remarkable 17th and 18th century books and handwritten notes was hosted by the Russell Library, Maynooth for Science Week 2023.
'Reader Look Not on this picture, but his book' celebrating 400 years of the printing of Shakespeare's Folio
On 8th November 1623, the publication of Mr William Shakespeare's 'Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies' also known as the First Folio was registered. Without the publication of this important work, many of the Bard's most famous plays would have been lost.
To celebrate the quarter-centenary of this publication, Maynooth University Library is delighted to commemorate the anniversary with a digital exhibition: 'Reader Look Not on his picture, but his book'
'Six Wonders of the Printed World' A selection of the rarest books in the Russell Library
'Six Wonders of the Printed World' A selection of the rarest books in the Russell Library
A special exhibit for Research Week 2023 shines a light on the most exceptional period of book publishing through a showcase of six items which were recently catalogued from the rare book collections of St. Patrick’s Pontifical University held in the Russell Library. These six treasures are the only known recorded texts of their kind in Ireland.
Five Women, Five Moments: celebrating women in the archives at Maynooth University Library
MU Library celebrated ‘Explore Your Archive’ in 2023 with a Sway exhibition entitled ‘Five Women, Five Moments: an exhibition celebrating women in the archives at Maynooth University Library.’ The on-line exhibition highlights archival material relating to five notable women drawn from our collections in Special Collections and Archives, including Margaret Grubb, Caitlín Hutchinson, Teresa Deevy, Sister Majella McCarron, and Niamh Bhreathnach. The women selected are vastly different, but each has contributed to the history and culture of this island. The exhibition focuses on a key moment in each of the women’s lives, its impact, and the fascinating documents that help tell their story. The online exhibition is available to view here
Virtual Exhibition in Maynooth University Library to celebrate the Bicentenary of Presentation Convent Maynooth Foundation 1823-2023
John Paul II Library
Opening Hours 07:00-22:00
Service Hours 08:00-20:00
Russell Library
Opening & Service Hours
10:00-12:30 14:00-16:30