IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. Official Souvenir of Irish International Exhibition, Dublin, 1907.

Illustrated. Dublin: Printed & Published by Hely's Limited, Dame St & Acme Works, Dame Court, 1907. Oblong octavo. pp. [2], [18 (plates)]. Green stapled printed wrappers. A very good copy. Very scarce.

The Irish International Exhibition (sometimes Dublin International) was a world's fair held in Dublin in 1907. The decision to hold the exhibition was taken at the Irish Industrial Conference in April 1903, and was inspired by the Cork International Exhibition. The main aim of the exhibition was to improve the trade of Irish goods. The leading force behind the project was William Martin Murphy, a prominent businessman and owner of the Irish Independent, Clerys Department Store, the Dublin United Transport Company and many other Irish and overseas ventures. Three million visitors attended the Irish International Exhibition from May to November 1907 at the 30-acre site we now know as Herbert Park, Ballsbridge.
The focal point of the exhibition was an enormous central palace with four wings representing the provinces of Ireland. Massive losses of about £100,000 sterling were incurred, although this was underwritten by guarantors. As well as contributions from countries including Canada, France and New Zealand there were displays of motor cars, electric and gas lighting and machinery; fine art displays including work by Eva Henrietta Hamilton; funfair amusements; a display depicting life in British Somaliland, the 'Somali village', was the exhibition's most popular attraction. The pond at the end of the water chute is the only reminder of those days and the quiet groves and pathways in the park make it hard to imagine the hustle and bustle of those six months in 1907.

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