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.

The Stone Circles and Druids of Ireland

We’re just back from a wonderful trip to the County Down in Ulster – travelling between the Mountains of Mourne, the Linen Museums and some Castles that you may recognise from “Game of Thrones” (if you are a fan!). Just before we left for County Down, we took a trip to Drombeg Stone circle located…

The Journey of an Irish Royal Family.

Céad Míle Fáilte – and welcome to your Letter from Ireland for this week. We’ve just passed the 1st of May – and the weather is finally turning milder around here – and bringing the rain. But, what of it, Ireland has a “Green” reputation for a reason! I’m having a cup of tea made…

The O’Neills of Ireland – Fact and Fiction

Welcome to my attempt to dispel the fiction from the facts about my ancestors. But first a little recent history. I was born 77 years ago at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland to Thomas James O’Neill and Helena Margaret Wess O’Neill, October 4, 1937. I have a brother Thomas James O’Neill Jr. and a…

A Birthday Trip to Ireland.

When we look at Irish surnames today, it’s easy to get confused when we see names that appear to have several different spellings, some look very English or Scottish – how could they be Irish you ask – while other names appear to randomly have an “O” or “Mac” in front of them. Before We…