Irish History, Records, and Myths

Entertainment

Art pieces stolen in infamous Boston heist could be hidden in Dublin

The notorious Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist has remained unsolved for 30 years.

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

Some of the most popular Irish surnames in the US, explained

From Murphy to O'Connor - the popular Irish family names now big names in the United States.

Roots

The Irish round tower built by immigrants in Massachusetts

A unique round tower in Massachusetts built by 19th century Irish immigrants stands as one of the only round towers in the United States.

Roots

These Halloween traditions all have Irish origins

Halloween was originally a pagan ancient Irish festival called “Samhain,” meaning “end of summer.”

Roots

The Irish immigrant who chased the American Dream with just $200

It's amazing how far $200 went in the mid-1900s.

History

Celebrating the US presidents with Irish roots and connections

Since JFK's trip to County Wexford in 1963, almost every US President has traveled to Ireland, many visiting their ancestral homes.

History

3,000-year-old baby skeleton discovered at the Irish birthplace of Halloween

A 3000-year-old skeleton of a baby was found at Tlachtga on the Hill of Ward, which is considered to be the birthplace of Halloween in Co Meath, Ireland.

Roots

How Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” was linked to Sligo’s cholera outbreak

Bram Stoker’s mother was haunted by what she saw after her family escaped cholera, and there is a strong belief that the stories she told echo through her son’s famous novel.

History

This month in history: Samuel Beckett wins the Nobel Prize for Literature

The famed Irish novelist, playwright, theater director, and poet Samuel Beckett won the Nobel Prize for Literature in October 1969.

History

Scariest monsters and demons from Celtic myth for Halloween

Have an Irish ghost adventure exploring the Irish demons, monsters, and ghosts from ancient Celtic mythology.

Travel Tips

Ireland's most famous haunted pubs

You can find a haunted pub to visit in almost every county in Ireland, but here is a rundown of the spookiest haunted Irish pubs just in time for Halloween.

History

When 265 Irish service members defected from the US to Mexico

A battalion of around 265 Irish service members in the US Army once defected to the Mexican Army when the two countries went to war over Texas

Roots

WATCH: Ireland's megalithic tombs, the departed, and Samhain

"Mists of Time" is a portrait of the mythology surrounding Ireland’s megalithic tombs, and their interplay with the pagan festival of Samhain.

History

"The Walking Gallows" Edward Heppenstall - soldier, jury, judge, and executioner

Worthy of a Halloween horror story, this 1798 Rebellion Lieutenant invent a new mode of execution.

History

When British politicians attempted to pass the "Drunkenness (Ireland) Bill" in 1905

Irish MPs vociferously opposed the Drunkenness (Ireland) Bill of 1905.

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.

History

As important as Newgrange or Tara - an ancient Irish site you’ve never heard of

Most tourists, both Irish and international, will be unfamiliar with Rathcroghan in County Roscommon, but it used to be Ireland's ancient royal capital.

History

The Irish American journalist who faked her way into an insane asylum

Irish American journalist Nellie Bly led a daring career as an investigative journalist that included feigning madness to expose abuse at an NYC asylum.

History