Peter Desmond Harbison (14 January 1939 – 30 May 2023)[1][2] was an Irish archaeologist and author.
[3][4] His main scientific work was the three-volume publication The High Crosses of Ireland from 1992.
In addition to his monument guide, however, Harbison became widely known through numerous publications aimed at the general public, which provide an introduction to the early history of Ireland and its artistic monuments.
[citation needed] After the Austin Cooper (1759-1830) archive of archaeological and historical was given to the National Library of Ireland Harbison was encouraged by the Director to publish ' Cooper's Ireland: Drawings and Notes from an Eighteenth-Century Gentleman.'
These drawings and diaries were considered by Harbison to be of importance because 'they add to the compendium of visual records of Ireland's historic monuments as they were in the late 18th Century.'