Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Songs and Stories

There is no doubt that The Liberties holds a special affection for many Dubliners. Locals will tell you that it’s because they are ‘the real Dubs’; that here is where the story of city began over 1,000 year ago. Certainly, The Liberties has an undeniable charm and character, centred on the people of the area and their social history and strong sense of community.

Songs and stories and personal histories are all around you on the streets of The Liberties. If you know where to look, you’ll find connections to some of the pivotal moments in Ireland’s history – the rebels and revolutionaries who marked the years of the 19th and 20th centuries. You can uncover the layers of past communities such as Huguenots and Quakers, who left an indelible legacy on the area. And discover the street characters of yesteryear, many of whom remain fondly remembered.

Raised on Songs and Stories...Heroes of Renown

The Blind Bard of The Liberties

Michael J Moran (ca. 1794 – 1846), popularly known as Zozimus, was an Irish street rhymer and resident of The Liberties.  Popularly known as the “Blind Bard of the Liberties” and the “Last of the Gleemen”. Stony Pockets and Bernard Warfield tell his story (video courtesy of www.storymap.ie).

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