James Hardiman facts for kids

James Hardiman (born February 1782 – died 13 November 1855) was a very important Irish historian and a librarian. He was also known by his Irish name, Séamus Ó hArgadáin.

He is most famous for his book History of the Town and County of Galway, published in 1820. He also created Irish Minstrelsy (1831), which was one of the first books to collect Irish poems and songs.

Today, the main library at the National University of Ireland, Galway is named after him. You can also find Hardiman Road in Drumcondra, Dublin, which is named in his honor.

About James Hardiman

James Hardiman was born in Westport, County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. His father owned a small area of land there.

James trained to become a lawyer. Later, he worked for the government at Dublin Castle. He helped to manage public records and important documents.

He was also an active member of the Royal Irish Academy. This is a group that promotes learning and research in Ireland. He worked hard to find and save many examples of traditional Irish music.

In 1855, a new college called Queen's College, Galway, opened. James Hardiman became its first librarian. He worked there until his death later that year.

Things Named After Him

Many places are named to remember James Hardiman and his important work.

The main library at the National University of Ireland, Galway is called the James Hardiman Library. This university was once known as Queen's College Galway.

There is also a street named Hardiman Road in Drumcondra, Dublin.

In Galway city, a well-known hotel is also named The Hardiman.

His Important Books

James Hardiman wrote several important books that helped people learn about Irish history and culture.

• The History of the Town and County of the Town of Galway. This book tells the story of Galway from its very beginnings up to Hardiman's time. It was first published in 1820.
• Ancient Irish Deeds and Writing. This book, published in 1828, looked at old Irish documents. Many of these documents were about land ownership from the 12th to the 17th centuries.
• Irish Minstrelsy, or Bardic Remains of Ireland. This famous collection came out in 1831. It gathered many old Irish poems and songs. Hardiman also included English translations so more people could enjoy them.