A Mythological Rock, Fermanagh Surnames and the Irish Language

Céad míle fáilte, welcome to your Letter from Ireland “Shorts”.  Each Tuesday we’ll bring you a quick-read of some of our favourite and interesting Irish things for this week.

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FAVOURITE PLACES IN IRELAND 
Benbulbin, County Sligo. (see it on a map here)

Behold Benbulbin, a feast for the eyes and the imagination! This dramatic landmark isn’t just a geological wonder—it’s steeped in Irish lore. Legend tells that star-crossed lovers Diarmuid and Grainne found their eternal rest here. You can read all about that epic tale here. You can also check out this drone video of Benbulbin here.

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FEATURED IRISH NAMES – County Fermanagh Surnames

This week, we’re highlighting surnames that originate from County Fermanagh. Perhaps you’ll find yours among them! Click here to see our list of County Fermanagh surnames.

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BOOK I’M READING NOW

“Adventures of an Irishman in America” by J.P. Sexton. From Irish cop to American dreamer: Sexton’s “Adventures of an Irishman in America” picks up where his debut novel “The Big Yank” left off. This gripping memoir chronicles Sexton’s journey from patrolling Northern Ireland’s tense streets in the ’70s to navigating life as an immigrant in the USA. Click here to see the book on amazon.

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IRISH WORD OR PROVERB

“Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighne“

Which translates to “Beware the anger of the patient man”.

Click here to listen to how a native Irish speaker would say it

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IRISH CRAFT/PRODUCT WE LOVE

“As Gaeilge” ( means in Irish) makes printed products, like mugs, stationary, posters, and home decor, featuring plenty of witty Irish quotes or sayings. This mug says “everything is difficult till it’s easy”. Isn’t that the truth!  Check out their mugs for sale online here.

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RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

“If a man had ten sons and each son had a sister, how many children had the man?“

Click here to see the answer.

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That’s it for this week. Send us an email with any of your own favourites for inclusion in future emails, or if you’re a plus member leave a comment below.

Slán for now,
Mike & Carina.

*Note: The above article may contain some affiliate links (for example Amazon) which means we get paid a small amount should you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the show on the road!