In this episode we take a trip inside the “Hedge Schools” of Ireland – places of learning that were dotted around Ireland right up to the mid-1800s. We also look at the prevalence of so many biblical/latin first names in Ireland – names such as Jeremiah or Cornelius – and explain just why they were…

The Islands of Ireland

Have you ever lived on an island? OK – I realise that places like Ireland ARE islands, but I mean the smaller islands like the ones that hug the wild coast of the west of Ireland. Earlier this week, I came across the following in a local newspaper: The births of six babies on Sherkin…

Ernest Shackleton and the Irish Antarctic Connection.

Carina and myself were settling down in front of the TV last night – and up came the story of one Ernest Shackleton, in this case played by Kenneth Branagh. About 30 minutes into the movie, we are introduced to the Irishman who accompanied Shackleton on his South Pole voyage in 1914 – one Tom…

The Hedge School Teachers of Ireland

Do you have any school teachers in your family tree? Perhaps they have fond memories of the hallowed halls in which they taught, the ordered classrooms, fully stocked with the supplies of a good education. In this letter, we will visit a humbler school setting, that was the only option for many Irish schoolteachers during lean times.

Hartnett

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Inside the Hedge Schools of Ireland (#722)

The Islands of Ireland

Ernest Shackleton and the Irish Antarctic Connection.

The Hedge School Teachers of Ireland

Have you Unpacked Your Irish Family Tree?