About the Classical Association
Brief History
The energies released by the Irish University Act of 1908 were a significant factor in the founding of The Classical Association of Ireland in that year. The combined impetus of the two new universities, the National University of Ireland and the Queen's University, Belfast, together with Trinity College launched the Association into a successful decade.
The Association went into abeyance in the 1920's leaving a gap which was not filled until the founding of the Association of Classical Teachers in 1958. In 1993 that Association relaunched itself to appeal to the wider circle of those interested in the ancient world and thus revived the original concept of the Classical Association of Ireland. In 1994 the first volume of a new journal Classics Ireland was published and a volume of Latin poetry Carpe Viam. The Association continues to expand its activities; a new branch has been founded in Limerick and further branches are planned.
Why the Classical Association?
The common European heritage from the world of Greece and Rome has a wide appeal for a great many people - those with a general interest in the civilisation of the past and those who teach Classics at second and third level.
All of these people enjoy and appreciate the achievement of the Greek and Roman world and wish to explore its relevance to our world today in philosophy, art, technology, law and political organisation.
The Classical Association of Ireland exists to help people to cultivate their interest in a lively group setting and to share it with the rest of the community.
What does the Association do?
The Association provides lectures and field trips for those interested in the civilisation of Greece and Rome. It organises social and other events to bring lovers of the Classics together. For Classical teachers it is working to retain and expand the place of Classics in the curriculum; to assist in the development of methodology and teaching aids and to raise the awareness in the community at large of the advantages of studying the Classics particularly in view of the Classical heritage shared by Europe.
The CAI also has a teachers group, called CAI-T. For more details click here.
What is the CAI-T?
The CAI-T is a division of the CAI, and specialises in supporting the teaching of the classical subjects in Ireland. Members can choose to also join the CAI-T when renewing their membership online [click here]. CAI-T hold events during the year, and are actively involved in the CAI Academy, which teaches the classical languages to students who do not have these subjects on offer in their own schools.
1908
Foundation of Classical Association of Ireland, partly due to impetus gained from Irish University Act (1908).
1958
Foundation of the Association of Classical Teachers (ACT) by dedicated teachers and professors of Classics.
1966
First Summer School held in Muckross (Dominican) School.
1970s-1980s
A more limited version of the current journal published annually. Summer schools continue on annual basis. Branches of ACT founded in Cork and Galway.
1993
ACT Revamped:
Membership extended to all those with an interest in the ancient world.
1994
First volume of new journal, Classics Ireland is published.
2008
Centenary Year for the Association