Gillian Kenny

Dr. Gillian Kenny is a historian whose work spans the fields of medieval and early modern history, gender studies, and social history. She holds the position of Adjunct Associate Professor in the History Department at University College Dublin (UCD), where she contributes her expertise to the research of medieval and early modern history. Her research often explores the intersections of gender, power, and social structures in historical contexts, shedding light on the lived experiences of women and marginalised groups in the past.

In addition to her role at UCD, Dr. Kenny is a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Trinity College Dublin, where she engages in interdisciplinary research that bridges historical inquiry with contemporary debates on gender and sexuality. Her work at the Centre reflects her commitment to advancing understanding of how historical narratives shape and are shaped by gendered perspectives.

Dr. Kenny is also deeply engaged in public history, bringing her scholarly insights to a broader audience through various media platforms. She has made numerous appearances in documentaries and podcasts, where she discusses her research and its relevance to modern audiences. Additionally, she maintains an active social media presence, using these platforms to share historical knowledge, engage with the public, and promote the importance of history in understanding contemporary issues.

Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications on topics such as marriage, family, and women’s roles in Ireland and Britain. A meticulous attention to archival sources and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of historical identities characterises her research. She is also an active participant in academic conferences and public lectures, where she shares her insights with both scholarly and general audiences.