Darrell Figgis

1882 – 1925

Palmerstown Park

A prolific propagandist on behalf of his Nationalist ideals, Darrell Figgis was born in Palmerstown Park in Rathmines in 1882, the son of a tea merchant, who shortly afterwards moved the family to Ceylon. Figgis began his career in the family business but left this work after the publication of his first volume of poetry in 1909. In addition to poetry, Figgis published plays, novels and critical studies, but in later life his work became highly politicised and from 1914 he was actively involved in Republican military activity. Between 1916 and 1919 he spent much time in jail, but after the Treaty he was heavily involved in the drafting of the 1922 Constitution. He stood for election in 1922 and 1923. Figgis died in tragic circumstances in 1925, committing suicide in rooms he had rented in London.

Browse a list of titles by Darrell Figgis in the library catalogue.