IRELAND

Updated January 2024

Below is a schedule of successful restitutions made by Ireland, together with other Irish restitution news. Entries are updated regularly

January 2024

The discovery of a sacred warrior's stick in Dublin, seized from Chief Maqoma of the Xhosa nation during the South African wars of the 19th century, has led to calls for its repatriation

Irish Examiner

December 2023

First meeting of a new expert committee has been held to advise the Government on the restitution of historically and culturally sensitive objects held in Irish collections

gov.ie

November 2023

Isabella Walsh from Limerick has been inspired to repatriate a collection of 19th cent African and Aboriginal objects, collected by her father Larry Walsh

The Guardian

June 2023

Ireland's arts minister Catherine Martin announces establishment of a new expert committee to advise Government on issues relating to the restitution of culturally sensitive objects in Irish collections

gov.ie

December 2022

University College Cork has agreed to return a number of ancient items to Egypt, including a sarcophagus and mummified human remains

The Irish Times

December 2022

Trinity College Dublin has set up a Legacies Review Working Group to examine legacy issues, including the return of thirteen ancient skulls

The Herald Series

April 2021

The National Museum of Ireland announces they are ready to make full restitution of twenty-one Benin Bronzes in their collection

ARTFORUM

April 2021

The Hunt Museum in Limerick considers the return of a Benin artefact, on loan to its collection

Irish Examiner