Cuimhneamh an Chláir broke new ground in 2024, investigating new and innovative ways to manage, interpret and share our community archive. Working with experts from America’s James Madison University, we tackled a question that’s becoming increasingly important: how can we use new technology to preserve our local stories while ensuring we do it the right way?  The project, led by researcher Tatjana Titareva from The Cohen Center for the Humanities, looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) could help protect the oral histories we collect. But rather than rushing to adopt new technology, we focused on creating guidelines to ensure that AI is used respectfully and ethically when handling these precious memories.

“It’s about finding the balance between embracing new tools while protecting stories bequeathed by Clare’s older citizens,” explains Cuimhneamh an Chláir chair Cormac McCarthy. The result is a clear set of rules and guidelines that other heritage groups can follow when using AI in their own work. 
Read the report here.
This collaboration has once again illustrated Cuimhneamh an Chláir’s ambition to be at the cutting edge of heritage practices in Ireland, showing how local community led groups can lead the way in using modern technology while staying true to traditional values.  This work could not have been undertaken without the support of The Heritage Council and Clare Libraries

We are proud to announce the publication of our comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for archiving oral histories with the Digital Repository of Ireland.

Working with expert archivist Clare Lanigan and Cuimhneamh an Chláir Project Manager Paula Carroll, we’ve created a detailed roadmap for preserving Ireland’s rich oral heritage in digital format using established DRI guidelines and including additional information relevant to digital Oral Heritage. This guide transforms complex archival processes into clear, actionable steps that any heritage organisation can follow.

Key features include:
• Detailed metadata creation templates
• Strategic subject term mapping
• Step-by-step batch ingest processes
• Best practices for digital preservation

This resource represents a significant step forward in standardising oral history preservation in Ireland. We’re sharing it openly here to help other heritage organisations protect their valuable collections for future generations. This project would not have been possible without The Ireland Funds and  The Heritage Council

For Heritage Week Cuimhneamh an Chláir will present a public interview with the vibrant, compellingly interesting and hugely entertaining 88 year old Kitty Leyden from Tulla. It’s a live recording for The Clare Oral History Podcast, hosted by Paula Carroll (https://tinyurl.com/y99ket3h) It’s free but ticketed. See booking details below 

It takes place in Cnoc na Gaoithe, Tulla on Sat 17 Aug. Doors open at 6.30pm. Refreshments will be served at 6.30.pm. Interview starts at 7pm sharp. 

Kitty embodies an important part of the social history of Co. Clare. She was the youngest of 11, born on a small farm in West Clare. She lived her young years in the exciting immigrant city of New York. Then she settled in Tulla, where she raised 8 children. Hers is a story of the ordinary joys and hardships of women’s lives in 20th century rural Ireland. The difference is that she tells it with great good humour, insight, compassion and a turn of phrase that only the gifted storyteller has.

This event is free but must be pre-booked. Bookings here: https://tinyurl.com/3h94m2r6

On the night we will also demonstrate Cuimhneamh an Chláir’s oral history collection at the Digital Repository of Ireland, and how to access the diverse oral histories of Clare life recorded in the last 15 years.  This archival project is supported byThe Heritage Council. More information here.

Cuimhneamh an Chláir runs an annual nationwide Oral History Mentoring Programme for Heritage and Community groups who wish to add an oral history dimension to their work. 

The 2024 trainees have been collecting stories around the country from Tallaght to the Galtees. Come along and listen to them at a celebratory event on Saturday 29 June in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis. 

Refreshments served at 1.30pm. Showcase (livestreamed ) at 2pm sharp

If you can’t be with us in person, join us online at this link: https://vimeo.com/event/4408761/0f065fd0fc

This is a free event, all are welcome. No booking needed. More information here. Supported by The Heritage Council.