Poetry Ireland/Austin Clarke Collection

UCD Library Special Collections holds the Poetry Ireland Collection, which includes the personal library of leading Irish poet Austin Clarke.

The Collection

• Poetry Ireland or Éigse Éireann is an organisation dedicated to developing, supporting and promoting poetry throughout Ireland.
• Poetry Ireland has transferred to UCD Library, on deposit, a collection of books including the library of Austin Clarke and some books formerly owned by the poets John Jordan and Tanya Touwen.
• The collection consists of over 5000 volumes, the majority of which were owned by Austin Clarke.
• Clarke’s personal library contains works of poetry, prose, drama, literary criticism and biography.
• The collection’s main value is the insight it gives into the author’s interests and influences.
• Material from this collection formed the basis of and provided the sources for an Irish Virtual Research Library and Archive (IVRLA) research project entitled ‘(opens in a new window)Austin Clarke at the Poetry Ireland Library.’

Biographical History

• Austin Clarke (1896-1974), was a literary journalist, dramatist, novelist and broadcaster.
• Clarke is best remembered as a leading Irish poet of the 20th century.
• Clarke’s poetry is distinguished by his novel use of Gaelic rhythms and for its perceptive social commentary.
• His book collection is a valuable resource in the further study of his poetry and an example of the interests and tastes of Irish literary men of the 20th century.

Access and Use

• The material in this collection is available by appointment to students, teaching staff, and independent researchers. We also welcome interested members of the public.
• Please contact us at (opens in a new window)special.collections@ucd.ie for further information. To book an appointment (opens in a new window)click here.
• Note: Part of the Austin Clarke Collection is on display in cases on Level 2 of the James Joyce Library. If you would like to look at any item from the collection it can be requested from Special Collections.
• UCD Archives holds the Poetry Ireland papers.

More Information

Find information on Austin Clarke in the (opens in a new window)Dictionary of Irish Biography.

Find information on Austin Clarke in the (opens in a new window)Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (UCD only).