Do you have an Irish Animal Surname in your family tree? The people of Ireland have long had a strong connection with the animals they share their island with. Part of being an agricultural community is living in harmony with the creatures you raise, and depend on for survival. This important relationship has seeped into the surnames of Ireland.

Religion in Ireland – A Methodical Approach

This morning I sat down to write about “The 13 Pubs of Ballydehob“. As I pulled out my notes and started to write, I noticed something that took me on a completely different route to the one planned. So, the wonderful tales of Ballydehob and its 13 pubs will have to wait for another day.…

Skibbereen to Mizen Head on the Wild Atlantic Way

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…

Irish Norman Surnames.

A couple of weeks ago, we were travelling around County Mayo for a Green Room Feature, and we made our way into Matt Molloy’s bar for a little refreshment, as you do. Sitting at the bar, we were soon talking to a local schoolteacher by the name of John Salmon. While I won’t go into…