Portrait of Douglas Hyde
A portrait photo of Douglas Hyde. Hyde founded the Gaelic League in 1893 with Eoin MacNeill. He was the first President of Ireland, and served in that role from 1938-1945.
Image courtesy of UCC.Portrait of Douglas Hyde
Image courtesy of UCC.
Image courtesy of UCC.
Portrait of Douglas Hyde
A portrait photo of Douglas Hyde. Hyde founded the Gaelic League in 1893 with Eoin MacNeill. He was the first President of Ireland, and served in that role from 1938-1945.
Image courtesy of UCC.Early years in Longford
Douglas Hyde was born on 17 January 1860 at Longford House, Castlerea, Co.Roscommon
Map of Co. Roscommon
This is a detailed map of Co. Roscommon, showing all the towns and villages that occupy it.
He was the son of an Anglican clergyman, Arthur Hyde.
His early years were spent in Sligo. In 1867, his family moved to Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.
Due to a childhood illness, he was educated at home. Much of his boyhood was spent roaming the Roscommon countryside in the company of an old Fenian called Johnny Lavin.
Frenchpark Church
This is Frenchpark Church, which houses the Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre. It is located in Tibohine, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.
Frenchpark Church
Frenchpark Church
This is Frenchpark Church, which houses the Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre. It is located in Tibohine, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.
He and Lavin spent time fishing and shooting together, mixing with the people of Roscommon. As a result of this, Hyde learned to speak the Irish language. He also studied an Irish language New Testament owned by his father.
As a child, Hyde was enchanted by the folk tales and songs of the people of Roscommon. As a result of this, he developed a strong interest in the Gaelic elements of Irish culture, which was to dominate the rest of his life.