Heritage Week 2016 in RCPI
Harriet Wheelock

Heritage Week 2016 in RCPI

We are delighted to announce an exciting programme of events for this year’s Heritage Week, running from Monday 22 to Friday 26 August. In the centenary year of the 1916 Rising and the Battle of the Somme we will be commemorating the medical involvement in the tumultuous events of 1916.


Irish Medicine in War and Revolution Exhibition

The period of war and revolution in Ireland between 1914 and 1923 presented unique challenges to the medical profession. Shortages of staff and supplies were compounded by conflicting professional, personal and political loyalties. Our exhibition, featuring unique items from our collections, explores some of these challenges, and allows you to discover the experiences of individual doctors, including Dr Kathleen Lynn.

Open Monday 22 August to Friday 26 August, 10am to 4pm; no booking required


Dr Kathleen Lynn Triptych

This triptych of artworks, by artist Geraldine O’Reilly, celebrates the life and works of Dr Kathleen Lynn. A committed republican, Lynn was the chief medical officer for the Irish Citizens Army during the 1916 Rising. In 1919 she founded Saint Ultan’s Hospital for Infants in Dublin, providing much needed support, both medical and educational, for impoverished infants and their mothers. O’Reilly’s artworks draw on the Saint Ultan’s Hospital archive held by RCPI, and items from this collection will be on display alongside the artworks

Open Monday 22 August to Friday 26 August, 10am to 4pm; no booking required


Kathleen Lynn – The Rebel Doctor

To tie in with the theme of the exhibitions we will be screening LoopLine Film’s documentary Kathleen Lynn – The Rebel Doctor. The documentary charts the life of one of Ireland’s most extraordinary women, and her contribution to politics and medicine.

Screenings on Tuesday 23 August and Thursday 25 August at midday.

Spaces are limited, please contact us at heritagecentre@rcpi.ie, or on 01 6698817, to book.




Tours of 6 Kildare Street 

For those who have always wanted to see behind the facade of RCPI’s splendid Victorian home at 6 Kildare Street, we will be offering guided tour of the building. On the tour you can discover the secrets of he building, and over 350 years of medical history.

Tours Monday 22 August to Friday 26 August at 11am and 2pm.

Spaces on the tours are limited,  please contact us at heritagecentre@rcpi.ie, or on 01 6698817, to book.


National Heritage Week is a co-ordinated by the Heritage Council to build awareness of, and engagement with, our heritage. Every year thousands of events are run across the country during Heritage Week in August. Details of all events taking place during Heritage Week can be found on the National Heritage Week website.