The Colour of Ireland County by County 1860-1960

A photographic celebration of the history, culture, people, and places that make up a century of life in Ireland. 

Covering all 32 counties, this beautiful, meticulously researched collection takes a past only ever viewed before in black and white and—in glorious color—breathes fresh energy and emotion into it. With close to 200 colorized photographs set alongside their black and white counterparts, here is a world seen for the first time: a treasure trove to fire the imagination and reignite our connection to the past as it was actually lived.

From the thatched cottages of Meath to the libraries of Trinity College, from 1920s sunseekers in Dún Laoghaire to women spinning and carding wool in County Mayo, all Ireland is vividly brought to life. Along with key moments from the Irish War of Independence and the turbulent history of the 32 counties, these images capture rural landscapes, villages, towns, and cities.

Endlessly, uniquely fascinating, The Colour of Ireland offers a wealth of perspectives on the bygone ages of an ever-changing land.

Diarmaid Ferriter is an Irish historian, broadcaster and university professor. He has written eleven books on the subject of Irish history, and co-authored another. Ferriter attended St. Benildus College in Kilmacud in Dublin and University College Dublin.

Donal Fallon is a historian, writer and broadcaster based in Dublin. His work has appeared in History Ireland, Spiked, Jacobin and other outlets. He is editor of the Dublin history blog Come Here To Me.

Rob Cross is originally from Limerick City in Ireland and has an extensive professional background in the field of Architecture. Rob has a great passion for Irish history, especially the preservation of its architectural heritage and culture which has resulted in his ‘Bringing Ireland’s History to Life’ project in which he faithfully restores and colorizes historical photos for future generations to enjoy. The project began as a hobby but has now become a viral hit with a worldwide following on Twitter which attracts people from all walks of life.