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Gillian O'Brien

@gillianobrien.bsky.social

Professor of Public History. Author of 'The Darkness Echoing'. Public History/Museums/Heritage/Memory/Death/Dark Tourism/Spies/Nuns/ Board member Irish Museums Association

3,106 Followers  |  1,095 Following  |  144 Posts  |  Joined: 20.11.2023
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Posts by Gillian O'Brien (@gillianobrien.bsky.social)

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How to get to Heaven and my Grandmother β€” Gillian O'Brien My Grandmother and How to Get to Heaven

I'm convinced my grandmother's time as a fake corpse was the inspiration for this scene! 🎬 #darknessechoing #howtogettoheavenfrombelfast #netflix www.gillianobrien.net/blog/my-gran...

04.03.2026 12:25 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Really looking forward to this screening of Sinners. We're at maximum capacity (not a spare seat in the house!)

There will be a waitlist, so if you're still hoping to join us, but don't yet have a ticket, please do come & see if there's room.

If we can, we'll 'let you in' πŸ˜‰

26.02.2026 14:50 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

We are very sad to learn of the death of Dr Deirdre McMahon. Deirdre was an historian nonpareil, as well as a staunch advocate for archives and archivists. She was a great friend of UCD Archives over all the decades of our existence. We will miss her. Ar dheis DΓ© go raibh a hanam.

22.02.2026 20:36 β€” πŸ‘ 23    πŸ” 10    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 5
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Sharing Lands screening of 'Sinners' Join us for a special 'Sharing Lands' screening of 'Sinners', focusing on connections between African-American, Choctaw & Irish history.

Join us for a special 'Sharing Lands' screening of 'Sinners', focusing on connections between African-American, Choctaw & Irish history.

πŸ—“οΈFriday 27th February
πŸ••18.00-21.00
πŸ“Goldsmiths, University of London, Richard Hoggart Building Cinema

Book your free tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/sharing-la...

16.02.2026 11:25 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

It's the hardback version.

13.02.2026 20:54 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Blood Runs Green is a bargain $9.99 on the #Chicago University Press website. If you like true crime, #murder, Irish republicanism, #spies, Chicago & Irish #history it should be right up your street. #truecrime

13.02.2026 16:06 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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We can't reveal too much for now, but the Sharing Lands team have been doing some filming in the West of Ireland for as part of their collaboration with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. More news soon @ sharinglands.com #choctawgift #irishfamine @gillianobrien.bsky.social @padraigkirwan.bsky.social

13.02.2026 15:03 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

It does indeed!

12.02.2026 13:32 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Inching towards finishing the manuscript of my book on the history of #Dublin & doing some final checks! #irishhistory #urbanhistory #ireland

12.02.2026 10:22 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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β€˜A very tough moment’: how Trump has put museums in jeopardy A study has shown the devastating impact of arts funding cuts on institutions across America and many within the industry are concerned for what’s next

Funding cuts, political pressure, interference ... US museums in crisis #museums #heritage #culture www.theguardian.com/culture/2026...

13.01.2026 22:50 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Ireland’s undiscovered past: the 1800s
The history of 19th century Ireland was dominated by big events, big men and big problems. The Act of Union of 1800, the Great Famine, and the campaign for land rights and Home Rule are among the… Ireland’s undiscovered past: the 1800s

The third, 'Ireland’s undiscovered past: the 1800s' (featuring @gillianobrien.bsky.social) delved into the VRTI in search of lesser-known men and women to reveal new interpretations of Ireland’s recent past. youtu.be/dsuWzs00AXM?...

12.12.2025 13:05 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Top day in #Belfast with discussing complex histories Thanks @brionywiddis.bsky.social for hosting & Triona White Hamilton of @ulstermuseum.org Also great to run into colleagues & friends from @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social & @ljmuhistory.bsky.social V useful for @sharinglands.bsky.social too!

04.12.2025 20:46 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

On this the Taoiseach is absolutely right. Herzog Park should not be renamed. The proposal is populist politics & not grounded in any historical or other basis.

30.11.2025 19:16 β€” πŸ‘ 12    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Basket weaving

Basket weaving

I'm so excited about our @sharinglands.bsky.social online event on Thursday about #Irish & #Choctaw basket weaving traditions that I learnt the basics of basket weaving! But you can just make a cup of tea & tune in. It's free, just register at www.eventbrite.com/e/weaving-to...

18.11.2025 08:46 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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In response to the elderly man who thought I'd agree with his anti-immigrant stance (or at least he did until I told him that I'm an immigrant too)

09.11.2025 21:19 β€” πŸ‘ 19    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Great day at @beinghumanfest.bsky.social with the @sharinglands.bsky.social crew. Sharing #Choctaw Bvnaha & #Irish Yellowmeal Bread will all & collecting related #recipes from all over the world. #baking #cooking #sharing #bread #deptford

08.11.2025 19:33 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Heritage sites in wales and Ireland

Heritage sites in wales and Ireland

A week of diverse heritage meetings, talks & launches - Plas Newydd in #wales, #kilmainhamGaol, #GlasnevinCemetery, #heritageireland2030 Irish Museums
Association conf at #nationalmuseum.
@irishmuseums.bsky.social @heritagecouncil.ie @curioustravellers.bsky.social @glasnevincemetery.bsky.social

29.10.2025 17:44 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Heritage Ireland 2030

Heritage Ireland 2030

Heritage Ireland 2030 summit. Anne Cassin & Deirdre MacMathΓΊna extolling the importance of History & how it encourages critical thinking. Music to my ears. #heritageireland #history #irishhistory #heritage #education #teachers

29.10.2025 12:37 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Go see the new exhibition @kilmainham.bsky.social The photographs in 'The Prisoners' Lens' are revealing & moving (& there are dogs!) Brilliant work by Aoife Torpey & Brian Crowley. #exhibition #history #museums #darktourism #penalhistory #speirgorm

29.10.2025 11:39 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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If only every work day could be like this! #plasnewydd #llangollen #wales #research #ladiesofllangollen

22.10.2025 20:23 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

🀣

18.10.2025 11:36 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Nice to see MichaelD watched over by Jesus at the #Liverpool Irish Centre. It was great to be there at the launch of the Liverpool Irish Festival which runs until 26th Oct. Check out all the events here: www.liverpoolirishfestival.com #LIF2025 #liverpoolIrish #ireland #festival #michaelD #president

18.10.2025 08:43 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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A thrill see Michael Collins' slippers finally on display in the #ChangingIreland exhibition @nmireland.bsky.social. Seems a long time since @brendamalone.bsky.social & I made them a social media sensation! Great to see a packed house for the launch this eve. #michaelcollins #museum #exhibition

15.10.2025 22:37 β€” πŸ‘ 18    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 5
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It's #IndigenousNations Day in the US & it great to mark it listening to Chief Deskaheh #Haudenosaunee, Kenneth Deer, #Mohawk & Anders Oskal, #SΓ‘mi speak at the World Food Forum in #Rome. Tomorrow I'll speak about reciprocity in the context of the #Irish #Choctaw relationship. #wff2025 β€’

13.10.2025 21:42 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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A privilege to be representing @sharinglands.bsky.social at the World Food Forum in Rome this week. A great start with Peter Cleary noting the importance of Choctaw Irish relations which I'll expand on tomorrow. #betterfoodsbetterfuture #wff2025 #sharinglands #rome #fao

13.10.2025 14:56 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Cork City Libraries, Cork CL GJ

Cork City Libraries, Cork CL GJ

Professor Gillian O'Brien (https://www.gillianobrien.net/about)

Professor Gillian O'Brien (https://www.gillianobrien.net/about)

This Fri, 3 October at 2pm β€” 3rd and final talk in @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy's "Finding Ireland" online series: "Ireland's undiscovered past: the 1800s" from @gillianobrien.bsky.social. More info on how to join here:

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/eve...

29.09.2025 12:05 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Cork's Butter Museum curator Dr Danielle O’Donovan:Β β€˜I found meaning in my life through art’ Marking Culture Night, Butter Museum curator Dr Danielle O’Donovan talks to Helen O’Callaghan about finding her life’s purpose as a teenager on a school art trip – and how she sees museums and what th...

A gorgeous piece by my friend Danielle O'Donovan on the power of teachers, art & not being afraid to not follow the crowd. www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/pe... #art #arthistory #museums

23.09.2025 21:18 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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World Expo Osaka. A cross between a theme park & a trade show but worse! Massively overcrowded, limited content, queues for hours-3 hours to visit the merch store, 5 hours to visit the Italian pavilion. It's all fur coat, no knickers! Last photo is how I felt at the end of it! #worldexpo #osaka

20.09.2025 02:50 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Incredibly moving to see Japanese school children observe & minute's silence & leave origami peace cranes at the National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. #japan #nagasaki #memorial #darktourism #research #peace

17.09.2025 12:33 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Evening light #nagasaki #japan

16.09.2025 15:14 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0