The new year brings lots of opportunities for everyone to engage with Classics in UCD!

1. Ancient Greek art and architecture (Lifelong Learning evening course)

As described on the UCD website: “This 8-week course will offer a visually rich and engaging introduction to the art and architecture of ancient Greece. From Bronze Age palaces to the grandeur of the Classical Parthenon and the expressive realism of Hellenistic sculpture, learners will explore how Greek visual culture evolved across time and space. Through discussion, close visual analysis, and consideration of archaeological and historical contexts, participants will gain insight into how art and architecture reflected and shaped ancient Greek society, religion, identity, and politics. No prior knowledge of ancient history or art history is required.”

The classes will take place in person on the UCD Belfield campus on Tuesdays (beginning 27 January), 6-8pm. There is a fee for this course, and booking is essential. Secure your place here.

2. UCD Classical Society Inaugural Lecture

Hotly anticipated every year, the 2026 UCD Classical Society Inaugural Lecture is set to be one of the best yet! On the evening of Thursday, 26 March, Dr Cezary Kucewicz (Cambridge & Gdansk) will speak in UCD on “Commemorating the War Dead: Ancient and Modern”, followed by a reception. Venue and time TBC, but keep an eye here for more information! This in-person lecture is free and open to the public.

3. UCD School of Classics Research Seminars

We are delighted to announce our line-up of research seminar speakers for Spring 2026. Times and locations (Belfield campus) will be announced prior to each lecture. Keep an eye on the Access Classics website or the School of Classics’ Instagram or Bluesky for details. Everyone welcome!

• Dr Mengzhen Yue (Royal Holloway) “Rendering Adultery and Homosexuality in the Chinese Translation(s) of Aristotle’s Rhetoric“ [11 February 2026]
• Dr Helen Dixon (UCD) “Music in Tibullus” [25 February 2026]
• Eleanor Kellett (PhD candidate, UCD) “Body of Work – Classical Athenian Perceptions of Tattooed Thracian Women” [25 March 2026]
• Dr Edward Herring (University of Galway) “Mourning Glory: honouring the dead on Apulian red-figure vases” [8 April 2026]