Associate Lecturer in Ireland Dr Ruth McManus gave a talk on Upper Buckingham Street, Dublin, illustrating its physical, social, cultural and economic changes since the 1700s through to the present day, as part of the event. The story of Upper Buckingham Street, from its initial layout in 1788 to the present day, reflects the ups and downs of Dublin city and its people, and you can find out more - including maps, stories and images - by visiting OpenLearn.
Attending was His Excellency the British Ambassador Dominick Chilcott CMG and Dublin City Councillor Mary O'Shea, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Director of the OU in Ireland John D'Arcy, said: "Ireland plays an important role within The Open University, not just in terms of serving some 7,500 students in Ireland – North and South – each year, but also in terms of the academic contribution Irish tutors and lecturers bring to the university's work.
"Celebrating the inclusion of Buckingham Street in our newly refurbished offices is an excellent way to kick start the new academic year."
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Naoise Ó Muirí said: "I am delighted that Upper Buckingham Street was included in The Open University/BBC2 Secret History of our Streets initiative.
"As The Open University’s Irish operations have been based here in Dublin since 1996, it is meaningful and appropriate than the first non-UK street in this programme is a Dublin street. I would like to thank The Open University in Ireland for its contribution to providing high quality, distance and flexible learning to people across Ireland."
Pictured, from left, are John D’Arcy, Director, OU Ireland; Councillor Mary O’Shea, Dublin City Council; and His Excellency the British Ambassador to Ireland Dominick Chilcott CMG.
