County Derry

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Are Your Irish Surnames On This Saintly List?

Have you ever had something in your possession that you are minding for future generations? Perhaps a ring, a piece of jewellery a book or a piece of furniture? Here, in Ireland, we often tend to pass down baby christening robes through several generations. Our grandson was recently christened in a robe that was also used by his father and his grandmother – both standing proudly beside him!

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Niall of the Nine Hostages

Do You Carry Niall of the Nine Hostages DNA?

Today we look at a very old Irish boy’s name. It’s one that has worked its way around the world as both a given name and a surname. The name is “Niall” (pronounced “Nile” in Ireland). Do you have a relative with the name Niall (or maybe Neil or Neal)? Did you know that the name Niall means “champion” in old Irish? It’s a name with an important place in Irish culture. Let’s take a closer look.

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The walls of Derry and the city in the background with Carina standing in the foreground

The Walls of Derry, County Derry

Derry city has a youthful and exciting energy about it, despite the layers of history that surround you wherever you go in the town.


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Danny Boy and the Music and Songs of Ulster (#734)

In this episode we take a musical trip around the nine counties of Ulster: Derry (Londonderry), Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan. Alongside the immortal “Danny Boy”, we feature at least one tune or song from each of the counties. I refer to a map while talking – and you can see…

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Solving The Mystery of Irish Surnames – Two Examples (#723)

Have you ever been to the lovely County Donegal? Perhaps some of your ancestors came from that county? A few years back, Carina and myself visited the beautiful sandy beach of Portnoo, County Donegal. We could see the nearby coastal islands – some of which could be reached at low tide. One of these islands…

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