To accompany a series of Thomas Davis lectures on RTE radio, this publication draws on contributions in history, archaeology and historical geography to examine in detail the development of Belfast, Cork, Derry, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford and Dublin. The 15 essays discuss the early and later periods of development of these cities. Contributors include Louis Cullen, Jacinta Prunty, Avril Thomas, Gearoid MacNiocaill and Howard Clarke. Howard Clarke is a co-editor of "The Irish Historic Towns Atlas".