We pick up on our next leg of the Wild Atlantic Way – travelling from Skibbereen to Mizen Head in County Cork – after leaving Cape Clear behind us. This leg feels like “home territory” for me as I know the area well – my own family of Collins’ came from outside the village of Ballydehob.

Kinsale to Clonakilty on the Wild Atlantic Way

We start our journey along the Wild Atlantic Way in the lovely town of Kinsale. We are very fortunate to have this on our doorstep as we live about twenty minutes away. Every school child in Ireland knows this place for the Battle of Kinsale which took place in 1601 and made real the English…

The ruins of Ballincollig Castle - Home of the Barretts.

One Irish Castle and Many Irish Names

All of these castles and tower-houses have a history – and that history is usually intertwined with the history and genealogy of different Irish families. Just this morning, I took the car to Ballincollig – our local town – to get two new tyres. Instead of waiting, I decided to go for a walk and…

The Irish Character – What Does it Mean to you to be Irish?

Do you have Irish ancestors/an Irish surname in your family tree? What is the Irish character and what does it mean to you? Read on to find out various opinions on what it means to be Irish!

Irish Norman Surnames.

Skibbereen always presents a bright and cheerful face, specially on a sunny weekend. It’s the sort of town that I like to wander around – nipping into a coffee shop for a chat and a catchup – or wandering around some of the back lanes and roads. There is also a very good Heritage Centre…