James Hardiman (February 1782 – 13 November 1855), also known as Séamus Ó hArgadáin, was a librarian at Queen's College, Galway and an important historian. Hardiman is best remembered for his History of the Town and County of Galway (1820) and Irish Minstrelsy (1831), one of the first published collections of Irish poetry and songs. The University of Galway (formerly Queen's College Galway) library now bears his name. Hardiman Road in Drumcondra, Dublin is named after him.

Biography

Hardiman was born in Westport, County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. His father owned a small estate in County Mayo. He was trained as a lawyer and became sub-commissioner of public records in Dublin Castle. He was an active member of the Royal Irish Academy, and collected and rescued many examples of Irish traditional music. In 1855, shortly after its foundation, Hardiman became librarian of Queen's College, Galway.

Eponyms

The University of Galway (formerly Queen's College Galway) library was named in his honour. Hardiman Road in Drumcondra, Dublin is named after him. The Hardiman hotel in Galway is named after him.

Works