Celebrate Your Irish Heritage

Hi, we're Mike and Carina. We travel Ireland and the Irish ancestral trails of the world, connect with people of Irish descent and share the resulting stories, photos, videos and podcasts with you.

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Recent Articles

Blog 14 - Which Part of the Irish Diaspora do you come from?

Which Part of the Irish Diaspora do you come from?

I first remember the word being used in the context of an “Irish Diaspora” when President Mary Robinson used to light a candle of welcome each night in all the windows of the presidential residence. A symbol of guidance and welcome for people of Irish descent spread throughout the world. Now there are about 80…

Carrigahowley Castle County Mayo, Ireland

The Two Graces Of County Mayo Ireland

Let me start by asking you to do something. Close your eyes and think of Ireland. Let the images and sounds come wafting into your consciousness. Perhaps you are seeing green fields with stone walls? Or a wild blue sea beating off high cliffs and flowing onto white sands? How about empty bog land stretching…

blogfeaturedimage - The Irish Famine and Dear Old Skibbereen

The Irish Famine and Dear Old Skibbereen

This is a very different sort of letter today. My original plan was to talk a little about the pattern of emigration from Ireland over the last 300 years—and how that has been so linked to climate and harvest failures. But, sometimes feelings overtake facts. As I went through much of the wonderful literature—especially the…

featuredimageforblog - County Down Genealogy, Pictures and Surnames with Van Morrison

County Down Genealogy, Pictures and Surnames with Van Morrison

I don’t know about you – but I am a big fan of the music of Van Morrison – I think most people would find something of beauty in his vast repertoire. But this morning, we’re going to use just one of his songs – “Coney Island” to guide us around south County Down. “Coming…

21730756 m - Do You Use an Advent Calendar in Your House?

Do You Use an Advent Calendar in Your House?

This time of year – the lead into Christmas – seems to become more commercial each year here in Ireland. It’s as if shops are willing Christmas to stretch back in to November. But I also find that this time of year has a quiet beauty all of its own. A time that calls us…