Irish Roots - History, Genealogy, Traditions & More

Culture

How the Irish ward off evil spirits at Halloween

Ensure you're not stolen away by fairies on October 31st. Tools to keep those devilish, ghastly ghouls at bay on Samhain.

Genealogy

This map takes the guesswork out of your Irish genealogy research

If you have a common last name finding what county your ancestors are from is crucial.

News

Major funding boost for Irish organizations in the US to be announced in NYC today

Ireland's Minister for the Diaspora will announce more than $1.1 million in fresh funding to 24 organizations in the US as part of Ireland's Emigrant Support Programme.

History

History rewritten: DNA evidence shows Vikings weren’t all Scandinavian, some were Irish

The study finds Scottish and Irish people have integrated into Viking society well enough to receive a full Viking burial.

Travel

What you're missing out on in Ireland of the Welcomes magazine

Subscribe to Ireland of the Welcomes and receive Ireland's longest-running Irish interest magazine delivered to your door every two months.

History

Original Irish Jack-o-Lanterns made of turnips were truly terrifying

The Jack-O-Lantern story comes from Irish folklore, and the original was a far cry from the cute friendly Halloween decoration we know today!

Genealogy

The most famous people in the world with Irish roots

So many famous faces have Irish heritage and here are some that may surprise you.

Roots

These terrifying Halloween figures all have Irish origins

The scariest of Halloween monsters and ghouls have the Irish to thank for their terrifying origins.

History

This centuries-old Irish ghost story will give you all the chills ahead of Halloween

An Irish ghost returning from the dead in warning makes this super creepy tale one of Ireland's greatest ghost stories for Halloween.

Genealogy

Mariah Carey - Proud to be black, and proud to be Irish

An Irish American mother and half-black, half-Venezuelan father - the pop star Mariah Carey hangs on to some childhood trauma.

History

How Féile Na Marbh or 'Feast of the Dead' became Halloween

All Hallows Eve actually began as a harvest festival, the Celtic Feast of the Dead, several millennia ago in Ireland. Here are some Halloween recipes to help you celebrate.

Genealogy

What baby names were most popular in Ireland a century ago?

Have popular Irish baby names changed over the years?

Genealogy

JFK's strong Irish roots hail from in Limerick, Fermanagh, Cork and Clare

John F. Kennedy has roots from all over Ireland, not just Wexford, as was thought back in the '60s.

Food & Drink

Irish smoked salmon over potato boxty pancakes recipe

October is National Seafood Month - whip up this quick and easy treat to celebrate!

History

Ghosts, fairies, goblins - Irish old timers share Halloween memories

Hear the best of Irish Halloween superstition and tradition straight from the mouths of people who lived it.

History

Michael Collins, Oscar Wilde, and Eugene O’Neill all celebrate their birthdays today

Three of Ireland’s greats celebrate their birthdays on October 16.

Entertainment

Interesting facts about the Irish and Halloween

The history of Halloween is fascinating - thanks, in large part, to the Irish.

Other Writers

For Irish Americans, Thanksgiving used to be Halloween

Ragamuffin Day is still celebrated each year with a Thanksgiving parade in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Genealogy

Ten signs you have Irish ancestors

So, you’re sure your ancestors came from the Emerald Isle?

Genealogy

Singing in the Rain" star, Gene Kelly was hugely proud of his Irish roots

"He was very proud of being Irish...he really felt his Irish roots were at the core of his being."

Genealogy

Marilyn Monroe's ancestral clan has Irish link, DNA project confirms

Marilyn Monroe's ancestral Clan Munro has been found to have a direct link to Ireland.

Genealogy

5,000 year old DNA reveals the surprising origins of the Irish

Research published in 2015 delivered proof of Irish people's ancient connections to the Middle East and Russia.

Events

Win tickets to the next Masters of Tradition Irish folk concert

Take a journey to the heart of Irish music with this unique performance by Ireland's leading musicians in the spectacular setting of Future Forests, a unique garden center in rural West Cork.

History