February at the Linen Hall Library

To secure a place in heaven, simply repeat the ancient Gaelic poem, the Amra, every day! That’s the ancient rumour anyway. In February the Linen Hall Library brings this significant 1400-year-old poem to the public in the form of sumptuous calligraphics and paintings.

Also in February the Library displays more of its hidden treasures, including an account of the Battle of the Boyne from 1690.

The February events calendar is as follows:

Amra Choluim Chille Exhibition
1 February – 9 March
Exhibition/Free
There is an ancient tradition that reciting the Amra every day could secure a place in heaven! Whilst we can’t promise that, we can share the experience of this, the oldest dateable poem in Gaelic (translated as ‘eulogy of Saint Columba’). It was produced shortly after the death of Colm Cille, the man credited with introducing Christianity into Scotland, in 597. This most significant piece of Irish history is presented through a series of artistic interpretations including calligraphy by Donald Murray and paintings by award-winning artist Brian Ferron.

Unearthing Hidden Treasures
1 February – 9 March
Exhibition/Free
Features a contemporary account of the Battle of the Boyne in the London Gazette 7 – 10 July 1690. This hitherto unknown material is the centerpiece of an exciting new look at Irish history and culture as we and our European neighbours experienced it.

Art 4 U
1 – 29 February
Exhibition/Free
Four different artists; four unique styles. Includes works by Ronnie Burton, Graham Catney, Lendrick Catney and Mary Hamill-Booth.

Queer Up North: F.J. Bigger, Roger Casement and Irish Historiography
By Dr. Mark Phelan
Wednesday 8 February at 6.30pm
Talk/Free
This talk is organised by The Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society. (www.belfastsociety.com).

Mary Ryan Blues Trio
Thursday 9 February at 6pm
Performance (£10 and £8 for members)
Mary “…delves beneath the surface of the song and unearths a reading that is all her own.” (Irish Times) Accompanied by singer and guitarist Mark Braidner and ragtime pianist Simon Templeton, audiences will be treated to a selection of Irish/Scottish songs and Gospel blues.

Children’s Story Time
Saturday 18 February at 11am/free
All 4 -7 year olds are welcome to come along and hear popular stories read by Library staff.

Linen Hall Reading Group
Thursday 23 February at 1.10pm/free
Reading groups are becoming more and more popular. Come along and join the crowd discussing and debating chosen books. This month it’s The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.

Holy Island: The Rathlin Catechism
By Andrew Sneddon (University of Ulster)
Wednesday 29 February at 1pm
This is part of the PRONI (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland) series of talks.

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