County Dublin

Sherlock film poster

The Elementary Truth Behind Some Irish Surnames

There is so much talk of immigrants in the news around the world today – so I thought it would be useful to examine an Irish view of “immigrants” in ancient times through the names, nicknames and surnames that were often labelled on these immigrants. Names were given according to appearances – and one word…

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Red Hair

Beautiful Maureen O’Hara and 3 Irish Surnames

I was working on an Irish surname last week – and was reminded by a reader just how important it is to understand Irish history and the origin of Irish surnames just a little bit so that you can start making more educated guesses as to where your Irish ancestors came from in Ireland (if…

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Magdalene Laundry

Modern Slave Labour and The Magdalene Laundries

How important is your name to you? That may seem like a ridiculous question given the fact that a name is so fundamental to our identity and how we interact with all the people around us. In this week’s letter, we meet just one of the many Irish women who had her name “removed” as…

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Irish Song in London Town - An Irish Song in London Town

An Irish Song in London Town

Later this week, Carina and myself are heading off to London to visit the places associated with Irish immigration and to meet up with some of our Green Room members. Now, to say that Ireland and England have had a “complicated” relationship down through the years would be an understatement! However, it’s also amazing to…

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Copy of 07 10 2019 - Saint Valentine of Dublin - His Life and Final Resting Place (#203)

Saint Valentine of Dublin – His Life and Final Resting Place (#203)

In this show, we look at a a very special connection between Saint Valentine and Ireland – and share lots of insights on the first name Valentine.

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