Two things strike one in this gallery of the "glories of Ireland." The great majority of the faces are of the Anglo-Irish or Scoto-Irish type; and the collection owes its existence to an accomplished public officer, who bears an Irish name, who is a devout Catholic, and who is also an outspoken opponent of the Home Rule contention as now carried on.
The gallery is open on liberal conditions to students.

Mr.Doyle tells me that a young sister of Mr.Parnell was at one time an assiduous student here.

He used to stop and chat with her about her work as he passed through the gallery.

One day he met her coming out.

"Mr.Doyle," she said, "are you a Home Ruler ?" "Certainly not," he replied good-naturedly.