Eleven holiday photographs of Irish summers over the last century
Life & Style

Eleven holiday photographs of Irish summers over the last century

WE'VE delved into the archives to get a glimpse into Irish summer life of decades past.

And as these pictures from the last 100 years show some things that never change – from the annual August race days to the Dublin Horse Show, which has remained an institution in the Irish capital since it was first held in 1864, 151 years ago.

The appeal of the pilgrimage, as seen in our picture below from 1933, still holds strong today. But some holiday traditions have been well and truly confined to the past.

You’re more likely to find today’s health-conscious bathing beauties vying for the title of Miss Sunscreen rather than Miss Suntan like this trio, above, can be seen doing in this souvenir beach snap from Margate in 1938.

Scroll down for more great pictures from the past...

races-n Picture by W. G. Phillips/Phillips/Getty Images

1. August, 1913: The two Miss Gilpins at the Leopardstown Races

weavers-n Picture by Walshe/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

2. August 9, 1922: Spinners at the Dublin Horse Show

dancers-n Photo by E. Bacon/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

3. August 4, 1925: Chorus girls of Katja the Dancer practicing for the high kicking competition on the roof of the Gaiety Theatre in London 

knock-n Picture by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

4. August 21, 1933: Pilgrims praying at the foot of the statue of Our Lady of Knock in Co. Mayo

DublinHorseShow-n Picture by Fox Photos/Getty Images

5. August 2, 1938: A competitor in the single harness horse event exercising in the grounds at Ballsbridge in readiness for the Dublin Horse Show

lambs-n Picture by Fox Photos/Getty Images

6. August 27, 1938: A farmer's twin daughters feeding twin lambs on a farm near Derry city 

KerryFair-n Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images

7. August 31, 1951: Horses at the Killorglin horse fair in Co. Kerry

nanny-n Picture by Folb/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

8. August 3, 1956: Noreen McMahon, a trainee nanny from Co. Donegal, in a classroom at the Norland Nursery Training College at Chislehurst in Kent

strongman-n Picture by Reg Speller/Fox Photos/Getty Images

9. August 18, 1960: Lightweight wrestling champion of Ireland and stuntman, Danno Donovan holds a motor cycle with his teeth as the driver revs his engine in an effort to get away

fishing-n Picture by D. Peacock/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

10. August 7, 1963: Two boys fishing at the harbour at Bangor in Co. Down