New Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Archives Collections now available online

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are delighted to have the collections of the La Touche Family, Joseph McGrath and Thomas Cullen digitised and published in the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI), an online archive for the preservation of Irish cultural heritage. These collections were discovered in Marlay and Cabinteely houses, and represent two different, extraordinary eras of Irish life.

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Jim Gildea, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council warmly welcomes the launch of these significant archival collections in partnership with the Digital Repository of Ireland. This initiative ensures that valuable historical and cultural records are preserved, and made accessible to the public for generations to come. This project strengthens public access to shared heritage and highlights the importance of collaboration between local authorities and national cultural institutions in safeguarding Ireland’s collective memory.”

The first of these collections contains documents relating to the genealogical history of the influential Digues La Touche Family prior to their arrival in Ireland. The collection also includes documents relating to their time living in Marlay House. There are several items relating to the Irish La Touche family’s banking interests, notably payment orders signed by the Irish politician, Henry Grattan.

DLR/LA10/2/1
Certificate of Nobility issued to Jean Nicolas Etienne and Jean Jacques François de Bock, 21st April 1777.
The McGrath and Cullen collections showcase the political workings of the early years of the Free State and the personal lives of two men who were instrumental in the fight for Irish Independence. McGrath served Ireland chiefly as a politician and Cullen as a close associate of Michael Collins and a member of his famous Squad. Both were members of the Anglo-Irish Treaty Delegation and in 1922 supported the new Government. The collections contain political papers on the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the 1924 Army Mutiny, the foundation of the short‑lived 1924 National Party, and personal correspondence from both men.

DLR/LA6/2/26
Letter addressed to Mr. J. McGrath T.D. suggesting the establishment of a Party within Cumann na nGaedheal to carry out the declared policy – that the Treaty was accepted as a stepping stone to the Republic.
10th December 1923

DLR/LA6/2/41
Letter addressed to President Cosgrave and written on behalf of the I.R.A.O, presenting the organisation’s ultimatum to the Government and demanding a meeting to discuss the removal of The Army Council and the suspension of Army demobilisation.
6 March 1924

While the archival collections are catalogued and viewable in person in Dún Laoghaire, having them digitised and available on the DRI means that these valuable historic collections can reach a much wider audience. Researchers who might not have the means or time to travel to Dún Laoghaire can now access the collections instantly, wherever they may be. We hope that the availability of these papers facilitates further research into the influence of these families in Irish history as well as important men involved in the creation of our young State.

These collections are part of the Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council’s Archives. More information on the DLR Archives service on our website.