Bolton Library Film Launch in Cashel Marks New Chapter for Historic Collection
The story of one of Ireland’s most remarkable private collections of rare books was celebrated in Cashel last week with the launch of a new film documenting the history, preservation, and future of the Bolton Library. The event, held in Cashel Library, brought together community, church, and academic leaders to honour the legacy of the 12,000-volume collection and its ongoing care.
Honouring a National Treasure
Among the speakers were Damien Dullaghan, Head of Tipperary County Libraries; Cathaoirleach Cllr John Carroll of Tipperary County Council; David Ritchie, Chief Officer of the Representative Church Body (RCB); and Dr Susan Hood, RCB Librarian and Archivist. The programme also included the screening of the Bolton Library film and a demonstration of the new digital catalogue by Dr Ken Bergin, custodian of the collection on behalf of the Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick (UL).
Opening the event, Cllr John Carroll described the Bolton Library as “a treasure not only for Cashel but for the entire country,” and praised the collaboration between local government, the Church of Ireland, and the University of Limerick in safeguarding the collection.
A Painful but Necessary Decision
In his remarks, David Ritchie of the RCB recalled the difficult decision to relocate the collection in 2016, after it became clear that the historic but unsuitable building in Cashel could no longer provide the conditions necessary to prevent deterioration. “Trust matters and sometimes this involves making tough decisions to do the right thing at the right time,” he said. “Without the transfer, the Bolton Library could have been lost to future generations.”
Since arriving at UL’s Glucksman Library, the books have undergone painstaking conservation, cleaning, and cataloguing in a dedicated, climate-controlled environment. Dr Susan Hood emphasised that this achievement was the result of years of collaboration and commitment: “This is a celebration of survival and of partnership. The Bolton Library’s future has been secured, and it now stands as a resource not just preserved but ready to be explored.”
The Film and Catalogue
The newly launched film, commissioned by Tipperary County Council, brings the collection’s story to life through interviews, historical accounts, and stunning visuals of some of its most precious treasures. Viewers were given a vivid sense of the library’s extraordinary journey from its origins in the early 18th century through its challenges in Cashel, to its new home at UL. Parishioners, scholars, and heritage experts all contributed, ensuring that the film reflects both the scholarly significance and the deep local connection to the collection.
Following the screening, Dr Ken Bergin showcased the new Bolton Library catalogue, which allows researchers and the public to explore the collection in detail. The catalogue represents almost a decade of work, much of it carried out by rare books cataloguer Olivia Lardner, whose dedication was warmly acknowledged. Every item now has a detailed bibliographical record, accessible online via the UL Library.
A Collection of Global and Local Importance
The Bolton Library, also known as the Cashel Collection, was accumulated by Archbishop William King and Bishop Theophilus Bolton in the early 18th century. It includes rare manuscripts such as a medieval encyclopaedia (1168–1220) and one of only three surviving handwritten Irish missals predating 1500. Its holdings span science, technology, medicine, and Irish history from the 1640–1660 period, reflecting the bishops’ ambition to gather as much of humanity’s knowledge as possible.
Looking Ahead
The University of Limerick has committed not only to the long-term preservation of the collection but also to ensuring access. Further information is available through the Library’s website on this link https://www.ul.ie/library/explore-collections/bolton-library
Plans are also underway for a permanent exhibition, while ongoing discussions between all stakeholders including the RCB as owner, with Tipperary County Council, the Office of Public Works, and local heritage groups will explore ways to ensure the collection’s treasures remain connected to the town where it was first housed.
Closing the event, attendees reflected on the combined efforts that saved the Bolton Library. What could have been a story of loss has become one of renewal and opportunity, as future generations of scholars, students, and the public will benefit from both the film’s storytelling and the catalogue’s accessibility.
As Damien Dullaghan of Tipperary Libraries remarked, the launch was not only a cultural celebration but also “a reminder of what can be achieved when communities, institutions, and heritage bodies work together in trust.”
📽️ You can watch the new Bolton Library film here: Bolton Library Film Project on YouTube.
The film was funded by Tipperary County Council, Creative Ireland, and the Heritage Council, whose support made its production possible.
Report by Mr Shane Reynolds, Diocesan Communications Officer, Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory
Photo credit – (c) Tom Ryan Casey Photography