1742 in Ireland

Incumbent

• Monarch: George II

Events

• c. March – Newry Canal opened. On 28 March the Cope brings the first load of Tyrone coal carried from Lough Neagh to Dublin by this route.
• 13 April – first performance of Handel's Messiah staged at Neal's Music Hall in Fishamble Street, Dublin in aid of local charities. Matthew Dubourg leads the orchestra. Handel leaves Ireland on 13 August.

Births

• John Prendergast Smyth, 1st Viscount Gort, politician.

Deaths

• September 27 – Hugh Boulter, Anglican Primate of All Ireland
• ;Full date unknown
• :*James Arbuckle, poet and critic.