Did you know that Cork is the largest county in Ireland (both north and south)? The surnames of that county are the subject of today’s Letter from Ireland.

Inside the Hedge Schools of Ireland (#722)

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 Yew Tree of Ireland

Do you have a favourite tree? Maybe the majestic oak, or graceful willow? In Ireland, the most ancient and revered is the mighty Yew tree, used to guard entrances to homes and cemeteries. In this letter we talk about how a tree came to name both the sons and townlands of Ireland.

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.

Tralee to Kilkee on the Wild Atlantic Way

GREETINGS FROM THE LARGEST COUNTY IN IRELAND Cork is, by far, the largest county in Ireland, so it’s not a surprise many of our readers have a County Cork ancestor. Within its boundaries, it has mountain ranges, dramatic shorelines, expansive bogs, fertile land, long rivers, a wide range of market towns and ports as well…