UCD Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Institute

The Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Institute for the Study of Irish History and Civilisation, University College Dublin is a leading research institute in the field of Irish studies. It was founded in 2000 as part of the UCD-OFM (Order of Friars Minor) Partnership which also initiated the transfer of the priceless Irish Franciscan archive to University College Dublin. The Institute supports researchers in their pursuit of major projects and theses and promotes Irish studies among academics and the public through conferences, seminars and publications.

Mission Statement / Ráiteas Misin

Our mission is to continue the tradition of learning in Irish history and civilisation established by the Irish Franciscans in the seventeenth century; to conserve the legacy of manuscripts and books entrusted to University College Dublin by the Irish Franciscans; to make the collection available as a research tool for scholars of Irish studies; to act as an educational resource for scholars in Ireland and abroad; to encourage an appreciation of the country’s rich inheritance from the past in contemporary Ireland; to renew and strengthen the historical scholarly tradition pursued by the Irish Franciscans in Ireland, Europe and worldwide.