The Evening Herald: A History of Dublin's Iconic Publication
Established in the heart of Ireland's capital, the Evening Herald has served as a staple of Dublin's media landscape for over a century. From its origins as a traditional broadsheet to its evolution into a modern digital-era publication, the paper has mirrored the shifting trends of the Irish news industry.
The Early Years and Evolution
The Evening Herald first entered circulation in Dublin on December 19, 1891. In its early decades, it established itself as a key voice in the city, featuring contributions from writers such as Joan Tighe. For much of its early life, the paper adhered to the broadsheet format—a large-page layout typical of traditional newspapers—before transitioning to a more compact tabloid size in 1982 to better suit the needs of its readership.
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Production and Infrastructure
For nearly a century, the paper was synonymous with Independent House on Middle Abbey Street in Dublin 1. This location served as both the production hub and the printing site until November 2000. At that time, the basement's monochrome (black and white) printing facility was retired in favor of modern technology.
Production shifted to a purpose-built plant in Citywest, enabling the paper to be printed in full color. This facility also handles the printing for the Irish Independent, the Sunday Independent, and several other regional titles owned by Independent News & Media (INM). In 2004, the paper's offices moved from Independent House to Talbot Street. The original Independent House site was subsequently sold to the department store Arnotts for an estimated €26 million.
Key Facts
- Founded: December 19, 1891, in Dublin.
- Format Change: Switched from broadsheet to tabloid in 1982.
- Printing Shift: Moved from monochrome printing at Independent House to full-color printing in Citywest in 2000.
- Ownership: Historically owned by Independent News & Media (INM).
- Real Estate: Former headquarters sold to Arnotts in 2004 for approximately €26 million.
Modern Transitions and Challenges
The 21st century brought significant structural changes to the publication. In March 2013, reports indicated that the paper would be renamed The Herald and transition from an evening publication to a morning newspaper.
The latter half of the decade saw a trend toward consolidation. In March 2017, INM merged the newsrooms of The Herald and the Sunday World. This trend continued in October 2020, when Independent News & Media announced the closure of the Herald website's dedicated support and the merger of its newsroom into the general INM newsroom.
More recently, the publication has faced financial uncertainty. In 2023, it was reported that Mediahuis had ceased investing in The Herald, effectively leaving the publication to "sink or swim" in a competitive market.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1891 | First published in Dublin on December 19. |
| 1982 | Changed format from broadsheet to tabloid. |
| 2000 | Printing moved to Citywest; transitioned to full color. |
| 2004 | Offices moved to Talbot Street; Independent House sold. |
| 2013 | Renamed The Herald and shifted to a morning schedule. |
| 2017 | Newsroom merged with the Sunday World. |
| 2020 | Website support ended; newsroom merged with INM. |
| 2023 | Mediahuis reported to stop investing in the title. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Evening Herald founded?
The Evening Herald was first published in Dublin on December 19, 1891.
When did the paper change its physical size?
The publication transitioned from a broadsheet format to a tabloid format in 1982.
Where is the newspaper currently printed?
Since November 2000, the paper has been printed in full color at a purpose-built plant in Citywest.
What happened to the original Independent House building?
After production moved to Talbot Street in 2004, the building was sold to the department store Arnotts for an estimated €26 million.
Has the paper's name or schedule changed?
Yes, in March 2013, it was reported that the paper would be renamed The Herald and change from an evening to a morning newspaper.
Who is the current investor in The Herald?
While previously under Independent News & Media, it was reported in 2023 that Mediahuis is no longer investing in the publication.