Letter Archive

Welcome to the letter archive page for the weekly "Letter from Ireland". We started to write these letters in 2013 covering Irish Genealogy & Family History, Irish Surnames, Irish Culture & Customs and Ireland Travel, here you'll find a link to all of them.

 

Browse the letters listed on this page and jump to one that interests you, or enter a placename, surname or other item in the search box below to see related letters.

All of our weekly letters to date

3547883 s - The Delightful Butter Roads of Old Ireland

The Delightful Butter Roads of Old Ireland

Isn’t it amazing how butter has been “rehabilitated” in our medical literature. Apparently, it contains good fats that can help ward off all manner of neurological diseases – what good news! You see, Ireland has always had a reputation for its dairy products and I think we are all fond here of that dark, yellow…

48645121 s - Do You Like this Irish Folklore collection?

Do You Like this Irish Folklore collection?

Have you ever wondered what life was like in Ireland at the time your ancestors lived here? Well, this week’s letter is based around just one reader’s recent letter – but towards the end I direct her towards a very unique source that tells us a lot about Irish life in the olden days through…

Ballydehob Pier - Welcome to Jack's World - An Irish Obituary

Welcome to Jack’s World – An Irish Obituary

There was a significant event in our own family earlier this week – but before I tell more, I’d like to share the story of one man. As we tell the story of his journey through life, you may even recognise the story of one or two of your own Irish ancestors. See what you…

34979317 s 1 - A Journey into Irish DNA

A Journey into Irish DNA

Did you know that “DNA Day” was celebrated earlier this week? I wonder who made that one up! To celebrate , we recorded a podcast that will come out next week – so do watch out for it. In the meantime, we thought it would be good to lay out the facts (and best guesses)…

ALetterFromIreland jpg - From the High King of Ireland to South Australia

From the High King of Ireland to South Australia

If we go back in time in Ireland – all the way back to about 1,000 years ago – we come to a period when the island of Ireland was occupied by a number of Gaelic “tribes”. These tribes occupied specific areas and their boundaries shifted backwards and forwards as the power of one tribe…

facebook4 - The Irish Language and a Terrible Story of Injustice

The Irish Language and a Terrible Story of Injustice

Have you ever been to the west of Ireland? This would be the region occupied by counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork. These counties contain many places of outstanding natural beauty and today they draw tourists by the thousand – but just a few decades ago, people were leaving their…

facebook7 - From County Mayo to a Wagon Train out West

From County Mayo to a Wagon Train out West

We’re going to have a look at the family history of just one of our Green Room members – Thomas O’Mahony of Minnesota, USA. Thomas shares the story of just some of his County Mayo and County Cork ancestors – and also has a few thoughts to share and questions to ask! I have edited…

Ballarat 1 - An Irish Rebellion in Australia

An Irish Rebellion in Australia

We’re just back from our trip to Australia – following the Irish Ancestry Trail in that part of the world. And what it trip it has been! We were delighted with the welcome and the stories – and had plenty opportunity to take lots of photos and videos. We look forward to sharing many of…

one armed wonderboy of oriel copy - The One-Armed Wonderboy of Oriel

The One-Armed Wonderboy of Oriel

We’re officially a few days into Spring here in Ireland – with Saint Brigid’s Day just behind us on February 1st. There is a “grand stretch in the evenings” and the promise of Spring with daffodils starting to bloom by the roadside. I’m having a cup of Lyon’s Tea as I write, and I do…

Beautiful Irish greenery

Top 10 Irish Surnames

The Top 10 Irish Surnames. When you embark on your journey of tracing your Irish roots, you most likely have a surname to launch your search from.  Chances are you may even have one of the top 10 Irish surnames somewhere in your tree.