Famine ships, Irish walking sticks, and your favourite Letters from Ireland…

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
Dunbrody Famine Ship, County Wexford. (See it on a map here.)

The Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, County Wexford, is a full-scale replica of a 19th-century emigrant vessel – or more commonly known as “coffin ships”. It offers visitors quite a vivid glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by Irish immigrants in the 1840s. Perhaps your ancestors journeyed on a ship just like this! You can read more about these “coffin ships” here. 

For Letter from Ireland Plus members: Also check out our County Wexford Homelands Feature here for much more.

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FEATURED IRISH SURNAMES – Surnames that say where you came from

Are you familiar with these surnames – Walsh, English, Fleming, Scott, even Ireland? Perhaps you even have them in your family tree. These are “toponymic” surnames, or surnames that basically tell you where you come from. Read more about it here – and see if you can spot your own surname in the mix!

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BOOK I’M READING NOW
“A Letter from Ireland: Stories from Your Irish Ancestors” by Mike Collins

Are you someone who likes the feel of a good book? The 3rd volume of “A Letter from Ireland” compiles some of our favourite past letters in one place. All full of great conversations and stories about Irish ancestry, history, culture, folklore, and more. It’s also a great way to support the letter and make sure it keeps being sent out! Check out the book on Amazon.

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IRISH WORD OR PROVERB

“Comhghairdeas”

Which translates to “Congratulations”, a nice little Irish word to mix into your everyday speech.

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

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IRISH CRAFT/PRODUCT WE LOVE

Deep in scenic Derryhick, County Mayo is the workshop of Derryhick Sticks – a seller of handmade, custom-crafted walking sticks, such as these Blackthorn ones that we adore. Sourced from various types of local wood and carved and finished entirely by hand, each stick makes for a splendid companion on long, scenic walks in the beautiful Irish countryside. Check out their shop here. 

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RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

“As round as an apple, as deep as a cup and all the water in the world would not fill it up.”

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!