The Mater, in collaboration with Phizzfest, welcomes visitors to the popular talk Phibsborough 1926 – A Suburb in Full Swing for Culture Night Dublin 2026.

Guest Speaker Grainne MacLochlainn, National Library of Ireland, will present a fascinating talk on the local area of Phibsborough, including the Mater Hospital, one hundred years ago. Step back a century and discover Phibsborough as it was in 1926, a lively sophisticated neighbourhood buzzing with trams, cinemas, churches, wine merchants and bustling public houses while at the same time housing big institutions such as the Mater Hospital and Mountjoy Prison. This richly illustrated talk brings the area’s past to life through remarkable National Library photographs, headline grabbing stories of the day and insights drawn from the recently released 1926 Census.

Entry is via the original hospital entrance on Eccles Street (stone steps). Wheelchair and buggy access to this drop-in event is available via the Eccles Street hospital entrance beside the original building.