Local Studies forms the foundation stone of National History. It is where we first experience historical artefacts, locations and personalities. The workshops will examine the skill set needed to carry out research in social history, landscape studies, historical fiction, cartography and poetry. The approach will be interactive and engaging.

Local Studies under the Microscope comprises two workshops on 3rd and 10th October 2026 where the focus will be entirely on enabling participants undertake research with a view to publication on five core areas of the discipline: Social History (Dr Ciaran Mc Cabe), Landscapes Studies (Dr John Feehan), Cartographic Skills (Paul Gosling), Historical Fiction (Anne Murtagh), Poetry as source, the male perspective (Dr John Ennis), Poetry as source -the female voice (Margaret Kiernan). The workshops are free and specific skills are not a prerequisite - just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and participate. The approach is specifically on the 'how to' rather than the 'what' so engagement with the participants will feature throughout. Handouts will enable participants develop the skills shared when they begin the research phase in their own good time. We have been facilitating these workshops over a number of years and they have always been really enjoyable. The presenters are all highly qualified in their particular disciplines and all have published widely.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.