Irish History, Records, and Myths

History

A look at the Irish War of Independence

An overview of Ireland's War of Independence, which led to the partition of the island in 1920.

News

Dublin Viking dig uncovers Ireland’s first prison cells

The excavation took place beside Dublin Castle to investigate a 12th-century medieval quarry and a 19th-century police station.

History

Raise a glass to Robert Emmet, the Irish rebel leader executed on this day in 1803

The rebel leader was executed on September 20 after a one-day trial, for the charge of high treason against the king.

History

Irish Vikings had brown hair, not blond, new study finds

The study debunked the myth that all Irish Vikings had flowing locks of blond hair.

Top Destinations

Ancient Irish legends and myths surrounding the Cliffs of Moher

Tales of witches, corpse-eating eels, lost mystical cities, Celtic foals, and mermaids all share the same setting - the Cliffs of Moher.

History

Sean O'Casey, author of The Plough and the Stars, dies on this day in 1964

On March 30, 1880, Irish playwright Sean O'Casey was born. Today we celebrate his life and works and the controversy The Plough and the Stars at the Abbey Theater caused.

History

What did the Vikings do for the Irish?

Here are some aspects of Irish life the Vikings were responsible for introducing.

History

On this day: Irish Brigade suffers mass casualties at The Battle of Antietam

On September 17, 1862, some 22,000 soldiers, many of them members of the Irish Brigade, died during the Battle of Antietam.

History

Does a mythical island really exist off the coast of Ireland?

Imagination merges with reality where the island of Hy-Brasil is remembered in both travelers’ records and ancient Irish legends.

Culture

How Sybil Connolly led the Irish invasion into the fashion world

A look at how Sybil Connolly, raised in Ireland, shook up the American fashion market in the mid-20th century.

Other Writers

Irish Traveller Manor Donohue to scribe a book on his rich heritage

Irish woman Patricia Killeen discusses how Irish Traveller Manor Donohue found the confidence to pen a book about his rich heritage.

Top Destinations

Blarney Castle: Facts and history with some fantastic myths and legends thrown in

What's real and what's fake about the famous stone at Blarney Castle in Co Cork?

History

On This Day: Thomas Davis, composer of A Nation Once Again, passed away

Thomas Davis died on September 16, 1845. The Young Irelander was just 30-years-old.

Culture

On This Day: Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners is born in 1934

Ronnie Drew: an encounter with one of Ireland's most beloved singers

Roots

On This Day: John McCormack, one of Ireland's first radio megastars, dies in 1945

John McCormack died on Sept. 16, 1945. The Irish tenor is considered one of the world's first radio megastars.

History

Michael Malloy - the Irishman in The Bronx that could not be murdered

Remembered by some as The Rasputin of The Bronx, this Donegal man survived an estimated 20 attempts on his life in New York City.

News

Rare, signed copy of The Good Friday Agreement to be auctioned

A signed copy of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, as well as a signed copy of the 1993 Irish- British Joint Declaration, will be auctioned by Sean Eacrett Antiques.

Roots

Famine museum launches new 27-stage "National Famine Way"

The National Famine Museum has also launched special passports that enable holders to check off landmarks they have visited.

Roots

The truth about the "Nine Famous Irishmen" myth - It’s fake news mostly

For generations Irish and Irish Americans have believed the “Nine Famous Irishmen” story, but alas, it strays far from the truth.

Roots

Exploring the legend of the Molly Maguires

One of Findmypast’s recent journeys into historical news was to explore the legend of the “Molly Maguires."

Other Writers

Atlas of the Irish Revolution - one of the greatest Irish history books ever?

Weighing in at a hefty 10 pounds, this remarkable book contains everything you ever wanted to know about Irish revolutionary history—but were afraid to ask.

History