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.

The Warrior Galloglass Surnames of Ireland

Many Irish surnames derive from a group of warriors who arrived in Ireland as mercenaries from the 13th century onwards. They were called the “galloglass”. A few weeks back, I received the following mail from Brenda Mills – one of our regular readers: I would love to know more about the McCoy’s and where they came…

Irish Surnames – County Cork Surnames and Places

Do you have a County Cork Irish surname in your Irish family tree? Here we include ALL the County Cork surnames belonging to our readers – and lots of pictures too!

Tralee to Kilkee on the Wild Atlantic Way

Coming into the town of Tralee – the administrative capital of County Kerry – my mind always goes back to the Rose of Tralee festival. Specifically to the early 1980s and heading down to Tralee for the craic, sleeping only when necessary and wherever possible. Funny how those memories can colour your impressions of a…

The Ring of Kerry 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…