History of Local Government Exhibition

Tinahely Library presents an exhibition of the history and development of local government, produced by Wicklow County Archives as part of a project by the Local Government Archivists and Records Managers group, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The exhibition explores the history of Irish local government, including the pivotal first local elections in 1899, as well as examining some of the important services provided by local councils across the country. The first local elections, held in April 1899 changed the landscape of local government in Ireland dramatically. The extension of the franchise beyond the landed gentry allowed many more to vote, bringing democracy to Irish local government and huge success to national candidates. It is of particular significance that women were given the franchise, albeit a limited one, for the first time in Ireland in the 1899 elections. Tracing these events and the development of modern local authorities replacing the earlier systems of Grand Jury and Boards of Guardians, the exhibition includes images and content relating to County Wicklow.

The exhibition can be viewed during the following dates and times:
Sat 16th: 10.30am - 1.30pm
Tue 19th: 1.30pm - 5pm and 6:00pm - 8pm
Wed 20th: 10.30am - 1.30pm and 2.30pm - 5pm
Thu 21st: 10.30am - 1.30pm and 2.30pm - 5pm
Sat 23rd: 10.30an - 1.30pm