Since 1991, the Burns Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies program has brought to Boston College a long and distinguished series of academics, writers, artists, journalists, librarians, and notable public figures who have made significant contributions to Irish cultural and intellectual life. Burns Scholars teach courses, offer public lectures, and engage with the rich resources of the John J. Burns Library in their ongoing research, writing, and creative endeavors.
The Burns Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies program is a cooperative venture between Boston College's interdisciplinary Irish Studies program and the Boston College Libraries. It was established by and receives continuing support from the family and friends of the Honorable John J. Burns (Class of 1921), who also generously contributed to the creation of the John J. Burns Library and support the growth of its extraordinary collections pertaining to Irish history, literature, music, and culture. The Burns Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies program has also benefited from support by the Office of the Provost.
Click on the links below to learn more about each of our previous Burns Visiting Scholars and to listen to a selection of their public lectures, the most recent of which are available from our Burns Library Lectures YouTube playlist.
Claire Connolly (Academic Year 2023-2024)
Fearghal McGarry (Spring 2021)
Guy Beiner (Academic Year 2019 - 2020)
Patrick Lonergan (Spring 2019)
Colmán Ó Clabaigh (Spring 2016)
James H. Murphy, CM (Fall 2015)
Peter Fallon (Academic Year 2012-2013)
Dermot Keogh (Academic Year 2011-2012)
Thomas Bartlett (Academic Year 2009-2010)
Diarmaid Ferriter (Academic Year 2008-2009)
Tom Garvin (Academic Year 2006-2007)
Maria Luddy (Academic Year 2005-2006)
Margaret Kelleher (Academic Year 2002-2003)
Breandán Ó Buachalla (Academic Year 2001-2002)
Patricia Donlon (Academic Year 2000-2001)
Paul Bew (Academic Year 1999-2000)
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill (Academic Year 1998-1999)
Alvin Jackson (Academic Year 1996-1997)
Kevin Whelan (Academic Year 1995-1996)
Maurice Harmon (Academic Year 1993-1994)
