Dublin City University, 1980–2020

Designed to be different

Eoin Kinsella

“The publication of DCU’s first authoritative and rigorous history represents an important milestone in the university’s 40th anniversary year. The motivation for commissioning the book was not only to mark these significant milestones but also to ensure that the historical record of such a rapidly changing and impactful institution could be captured as accurately as possible, when many of those directly involved in its development could contribute their personal recollections.” Professor Brian MacCraith (President of DCU) 

“Eoin Kinsella has delivered a comprehensive and dynamic history, which traces the development of the culture of excellence, innovation, and engagement that makes DCU distinctive. He pinpoints not merely the University’s unique place within the landscape of Irish Higher Education, but the extent to which DCU has shaped the tertiary system itself". Professor Daire Keogh (President-designate of DCU)

“DCU was "designed to be different", as the book's subtitle indicates. Kinsella has written usefully of aspects of an Irish institution that reflects changes in Irish education and society in 1980. The include the successful integration of St Patrick's College, Mater Dei and the Church of Ireland College of Education into a university that started just 40 years ago as a small but ambitious project - located 'out in the sticks on Dublin's northside'". Colum Kenny (History Ireland, November-December 2020)

“Dublin City University (DCU) was forty years in existence in 2020. This fine comprehensive study marks that anniversary … The DCU campus at Glasnevin (best-known to the general public today for the Helix Centre) and its constituent parts is a still-young and vibrant hub of Irish third-level education. Its conception, birth and early history is recounted here in a comprehensive and very readable manner.” PJP. Dublin Historical Record. Vol. 74. 2021