Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emerald Archives?
Emerald Archives is an independent digital history project that presents Ireland’s past in an accessible chronological format. Its central feature is the Irish History Timeline, which allows visitors to explore individual reference years and the wider historical context surrounding them.
What period does the archive cover?
The timeline begins at 32,000 BCE and continues to the present. For prehistoric periods, exact calendar-year precision is often impossible, so the year shown should be understood as a reference point within the best available archaeological and scientific dating.
Does every year represent a precisely dated event?
No. In periods before written records, dating may only be possible within broad archaeological or scientific ranges. Where this applies, the article explains those limitations rather than presenting a reference year as an exact historical date.
How are the articles researched?
Articles are developed from historical, archaeological and other relevant sources. Emerald Archives aims to distinguish established evidence from later tradition and interpretation, while providing source information so readers can investigate subjects further.
Why are the images in a lithographic style?
Images are created or adapted specifically to illustrate the articles. A consistent lithographic style gives the archive a recognisable visual identity while helping us avoid reproducing copyrighted photographs, artworks or other protected material. When historical visual references are needed, public-domain, appropriately licensed or otherwise permitted sources are used.
Are the illustrations documentary photographs?
No. They are interpretive illustrations intended to support the atmosphere and understanding of an article. They should not be treated as direct photographic records of the events, people or places described unless an article explicitly states otherwise.
Is Emerald Archives free to use?
Yes. The project is being developed as a freely accessible historical resource for general readers, students, teachers, family historians, researchers and Irish communities around the world.
Is the archive complete?
No. Emerald Archives is a continuing project. New articles, sources, images and improvements are added over time, and existing material may be corrected or expanded when better evidence becomes available.
Can I report an error or suggest a correction?
Yes. We welcome well-supported corrections and useful additional information. Please use our Contact Us page and include the relevant article, year and any supporting source details where possible.
How does Emerald Archives protect visitor privacy?
Emerald Archives aims to collect and use personal information only where necessary for operating, securing and developing the website or responding to visitors. Our Privacy Policy explains the types of information that may be processed, cookies and third party services, retention, security and visitor rights.
Can I reuse material from Emerald Archives?
Text, illustrations and other site material may have different rights or licensing conditions. Please check the relevant page, image information or site policy before reproducing material elsewhere. Our Terms and Conditions explain acceptable use, copyright, reuse and other conditions, while our Privacy Policy explains how personal information may be handled when visitors use or contact Emerald Archives.
How can I contact Emerald Archives?
Use the Contact Us page for general enquiries, corrections, source suggestions, rights questions or privacy-related requests.
From 32,000 BCE to the Present, One Year at a Time.