In this letter – we look at the journey of an ancient Irish Royal family around the north half of Ireland over many centuries. This “journey” was typical of many Irish families following the arrival of the Normans and the later plantations.

Irish potato famine statues with fresh flowers decorating them

Reporting The Great Irish Famine (#733)

In this episode we look at the many ways the Great Irish Famine was reported outside of Ireland – and the reaction from some of the groups that were exposed to that reporting. In one case, Mike’s own ancestors were included in a report that went out in English newspapers in the 1840s. One of…

The Great Evolution of Irish Surnames – Where Your Irish Surname Fits

In this article, we look at Irish Surnames – their origins and evolution. See if you can find the Irish surnames in your family tree in one of the sections below.

Irish Civil Records – and the Origins of One Irish Grandmother

One of the best things about Irish family history research is the availability of so many Irish records online and for free. One of the most useful sets are the civil records which were centralised by the Irish administration starting in the middle 1800s. The Irish Civil Records. A centralised Civil registration system for marriages…

Where Did The Irish Come From? The Origins of the Irish.

Céad Míle Fáilte – and welcome to your Letter from Ireland for this week. We’ve just passed mid April – and the weather is finally turning milder around here with a promise that we’ll see the back of the rain for a while. But, what of it, Ireland has a “Green” reputation for a reason! I’m having…