Events from the year 1788 in Ireland. Incumbent Monarch: George III Events 1 August – English Market in Cork is opened. Belfast Reading Society is established in Belfast, later to become the Linen Hall Library.

Births 12 September – Alexander Campbell, religious leader in Britain and the United States (died 1866). 14 October – Edward Sabine, astronomer, scientist, ornithologist and explorer (died 1883). James Murray, physician (died 1871).

Deaths 5 March – Guy Johnson, military officer and diplomat (born c1740). 9 June – Hector Theophilus de Cramahé, Lieutenant-Governor of Province of Quebec, and Lieutenant Governor of Detroit (born 1720).

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