The Derry Walls, The Derry Girls and a Beautiful Castle…

Céad míle fáilte, welcome to your Letter from Ireland “Shorts”.  Each Tuesday we’ll bring you a quick-read of some of our favourite and interesting Irish things for this week.

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FAVOURITE PLACES IN IRELAND 
Derry City, County Derry. Have you ever been to the city of Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland? It’s a wonderful place to ramble about of a day. We recorded this video from the walls of this lovely city. Every time we go there, we always say we must go back soon. Did any of your ancestors come from Derry? Do hit reply and let me know. (Photo by K. Mitch Hodge)

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FEATURED IRISH SURNAME
Our Irish surname of the week is Bradley. For many in Ireland the surname Bradley will be of English origin. However in north Ulster – and especially Derry – the name is likely to derive from the Irish Ó’Brolacháin. They were an important Irish sept in the area and the name is now widespread there. To see where the name appears in Ireland in the mid 1800s go to this page on Johngrenham.com

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BOOK I’M READING NOW
“Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland” by Patrick Radden Keefe. It’s hard to visit Derry without thinking about “The Troubles”. This book is hugely immersive and not only tells the history but humanises it and makes it personal. Click here to see the book on amazon. 

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IRISH WORD OR PROVERB

“If she was chocolate, she’d eat herself“

This one comes from the hit TV show “Derry Girls” (see our picture at the top of this post) – a show which never fails to make me laugh.

If you’d like some more “Derryisms” from the show check them out on the Visit Derry site here.

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IRISH CRAFT/PRODUCT WE LOVE (not an advert – just things we like) 

To round off this weeks shorts, we suggest a virtual (or real) visit to the Castle Leslie Estate –  a beautiful old house on 1,000 acres in County Monaghan. It lies between Dublin and Belfast and would be a great base for exploring Ulster – but is probably well worth a visit to see it on it’s own merits.

The story of the castle and it’s incumbent family is quite a read and involves saving a Scottish Queen, battles against Cromwell, a 90 year old bishop riding by horseback for 24 hours, high treason and the battle of Waterloo. Have a read of it here.

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That’s it for this week. Send us an email with any of your own favourites for inclusion in future emails, or if you’re a plus member leave a comment below.

Slán for now,
Mike & Carina.

Note: The above article may contain some affiliate links (for example the Amazon link) which means we get paid a small amount should you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the show on the road!