Aran Islands, Cycling and the O'Flaherty's...

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.

FAVOURITE PLACES IN IRELAND
Inishmore (Inis Mór), Aran Islands, County Galway. The Aran islands are a microcosm of what Ireland would have been like over the last few centuries. If you have an idealistic picture of what Ireland looks like – then the Aran islands probably fit the bill! Have a look here at some of the videos we took on our last visit by clicking here. There are some brilliant insights from our local guide and Cyril O’Flaherty.

FEATURED IRISH SURNAME
Our Irish surname of the week is O’Flaherty. From the Irish “O’Flaithbheartaigh” (meaning “descendant of” “bright prince” or “ruler”). They originally controlling territory east of Lough Corrib but moved westward due Anglo-Norman expansion into Connacht by the 13th Century. Their realm stretched across Connemara and the Aran Islands. The sept’s leader was titled “Lord of Moycullen and Iar-Connacht” until the early 18th Century. In Ulster, the name also appears as Laverty or O’Laverty. Their Coat of Arms features two red lions, a red hand, and a black eight-oared boat. To see where the name appears in Ireland in the mid 1800s go to this page on Johngrenham.com

BOOK I’M READING NOW
“A History of Ireland in 250 episodes” by Jonathan Bardon. Irish history served in 250 savoury morsels. All you need to know from the Ice Age to the Peace Process. Click here to see the book on amazon.

IRISH WORD OR PROVERB

“Ní neart go cur le chéile“

Which translates as “There is strength in unity”

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

Together we are better – at least that is how I think of the 80,000 subscribers to this letter!

IRISH CRAFT/PRODUCT WE LOVE (not an advert – just things we like)

Wilderness Ireland bicycle tours can bring you closer to the countryside than you ever would by bus or car. It’s not for everyone but they do tours by e-bike and are guided, so you don’t need to worry, just pedal and enjoy the fresh air and views. Have a look at this west cost tour where you can cycle on roads like the one shown below.

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 the Amazon link) 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!