Women of the Irish Revolution – New Book

Photographic history of the women who had a key role in Ireland’s revolution

‘Women of the Irish Revolution’ tells the story of the women who played a role, both directly and indirectly, in the Irish revolution.

These women were vital to the revolutionary movement. They were part of a generation who made a conscious decision to stand up for not only their rights, but also the rights of future generations, at a time when society viewed the role of women as that of mother and wife. The independence movement could not have succeeded without their contribution, which saw them put themselves in great danger in order to help free their country.

The book also tells the story of those who, though not directly involved, lost so much as a result of that conflict. For they were the wives, mothers, sisters and girlfriends of the men who fought for Irish freedom, and their story is one that needs to be told. History, they say, is written by the victors, and more often than not the victors are men. The women from this period are the forgotten generation and it is now time to remember them.

Author Information

Liz Gillis was born and raised in the Liberties of Dublin. Her love of history was instilled in her by her father, Mick. She has a degree in Irish history. She has worked as a local history researcher for the St Nicholas of Myra Centre and since 2006 as a tour guide in Kilmainham Gaol. She has also carried out research for a number of historians, while also doing her own research on the revolutionary period. She is the author of three other books: ‘Ireland Over All’, ‘The Fall of Dublin’ and ‘Revolution in Dublin’. She has also developed a walking tour of the Liberties, focusing on the revolutionary history of the area, and has taken part in a number of conferences and lectures on the period.

Women of the Irish Revolution is published in hardback at €30 and is available in all good bookstores.

Mercier Press is Ireland’s oldest independent publishing house, based in Cork. We are currently celebrating 70 years in business.