The collection comprises approximately 250,000 photographic items, including press cuttings, reports, brochures spanning over five decades. Of particular significance are the photographs taken between 1959–1998, which visually capture the Shannon Development story, and provide unique insights into the life in Ireland in the latter half of the twentieth century. It chronicles the evolution of Shannon town, as well as the broader Shannon region from a large agricultural base to a leading industrial and tourism centre. There is also material relating to the wider Clare Region, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, and Kerry.
The photographs include images of the many people of renown that passed through Shannon Airport, coverage of the world’s first duty free zone and images of newly acquired aircraft. The early construction days of Shannon Town and people at work in associated industrial settings are also captured. There are many photos of events at Bunratty Castle, Knappogue Castle, Dromoland Castle, Cragaunowen and the Cliffs of Moher, which provide a valuable insight into the development of new tourist attractions in the region during the 1960s.
Besides offering a visual account of the development of the airport and its environs, the collection offers unique opportunities to consider a range of topics including life, culture, dress, and some of the social norms of Ireland in the latter half of the twentieth century.
Black and white negative of Brendan O'Regan. Passport photograph. Envelope notes the initials T.J.C.
Shannon DevelopmentBlack and white negative of Rosaleen Brazil. Negative missing.
Shannon DevelopmentBlack and white negative of a group portrait taken at the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Shannon College of Hotel Management. Envelope notes the initials T.J.C.
Shannon DevelopmentBlack and white negative of the Spring Rice Memorial in the Peoples Park in Limerick, Ireland. Envelope notes the initials R.B.
Shannon DevelopmentBlack and white negative of the Sarsfield Memorial (top negative) and the Thomond Bridge with King John's Castle in the background (bottom negative). Envelope notes the initials R.B.
Shannon DevelopmentBlack and white negative of the Thomond Bridge with King John's Castle in the background (top negative) and the Treaty Stone (bottom) in Limerick. Envelope notes the initials R.B.
Shannon DevelopmentBlack and white negative of the Tait Clock Tower in Baker Place, Limerick. Envelope notes the initials R.B.
Shannon DevelopmentBlack and white negative of the O'Grady Memorial on Tipperary Road (top negative) and Tait Clock Tower in Baker Place, in Limerick (bottom negative). Envelope notes the initials R.B.
Shannon Development