These papers document Kevin O'Neill's engagement with Irish and Northern Irish politics, history, and culture, including his collection of political posters and government press releases from the 1970s-1990s, the period of political unrest termed The Troubles. O'Neill's papers also include posters from activist groups in the United States in similar years, and for theatrical productions of Irish playwrights, primarily Sean O'Casey, in the United States and Ireland.

Materials created by O'Neill include a selection of his correspondence and working documents created as co-founder and co-director of the Boston College Irish Studies Program, showing the program's expansion over the years. Letters document the first Boston College students to study abroad as part of a collaboration with University College Cork, the beginning of the summer Gaelic Roots Festival, and proposals to increase the program scope and staffing structure. Also included are video recordings of O'Neill's interviews of Irish and Northern Irish politicians created as the basis for an educational documentary demonstrating the complexities of the political future for Northern Ireland, for an American audience.