Irish History, Records, and Myths

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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.

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These Halloween traditions all have Irish origins

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

100 years ago this week, first IRA hunger striker died during the War of Independence

Michael Fitzgerald was the first IRA soldier to die on hunger strike during the War of Independence.

History

President John F. Kennedy was likely related to Michael Collins

A new investigation is underway in West Cork to prove President John F Kennedy was related to Irish leader Michael Collins.

History

A real-life horror story of the Irish cannibal who terrorized Australia

Sent to Australia for stealing shoes, Alexander Pearce would later be hanged as a murderer and cannibal.

Travel

Historic spots in Ireland where public executions took place

Public executions are a thing of the past in Ireland, but here are some famous spots where they previously took place.

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Prince William’s Earthshot Prize was inspired by John F. Kennedy

Prince William says he was inspired by JFK's ambition to land a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s.

History

Recalling the ancient traditions of Irish funerals this Halloween season

Irish funerals are deep-rooted in traditions that can be traced back to the 12th century.

History

Roscommon's Lady Betty - thief, murderer, and executioner

Widowed, evicted, raising two young boys, a violent temper - how the desperate life of Elizabeth Sugrue unfolded and she became Roscommon's executioner.

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English author calls for "Irish Giant" Charles Byrne to be laid to rest

Charles Byrne stood at 8ft 4in and achieved celebrity status in London due to his height.

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.

History

The Irish round tower built by immigrants in Massachusetts

These Halloween traditions all have Irish origins

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

Celebrating the US presidents with Irish roots and connections

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

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

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

Scariest monsters and demons from Celtic myth for Halloween

Ireland's most famous haunted pubs

When 265 Irish service members defected from the US to Mexico

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

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

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

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

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

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

100 years ago this week, first IRA hunger striker died during the War of Independence

President John F. Kennedy was likely related to Michael Collins

A real-life horror story of the Irish cannibal who terrorized Australia

Historic spots in Ireland where public executions took place

Prince William’s Earthshot Prize was inspired by John F. Kennedy

Recalling the ancient traditions of Irish funerals this Halloween season

Roscommon's Lady Betty - thief, murderer, and executioner

English author calls for "Irish Giant" Charles Byrne to be laid to rest

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

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An Post launches Community Focus initiative as Ireland goes back into lockdown

Couple found guilty of murder of champion Irish dancer

Coronavirus live updates: Signs NI has "turned the corner"

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

Co Kerry icon Fungie the Dolphin spotted after fears he was dead

The Irish round tower built by immigrants in Massachusetts

These Halloween traditions all have Irish origins

Places to see in Ireland before you die – part one

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

Colcannon and barmbrack - Traditional Irish recipes for Halloween

These Halloween traditions all have Irish origins

Traditional Irish brown bread recipe

Places to see in Ireland before you die – part one

Colcannon and barmbrack - Traditional Irish recipes for Halloween

American bride's heartwarming journey to get married in her Irish ancestor's village

Ireland's most famous haunted pubs

Places to see in Ireland before you die – part one

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

Historic spots in Ireland where public executions took place

What are the most beautiful buildings in Ireland?

This Irish author's new children's book is perfect for lovers of Irish folklore

Meet your local Irish store: Celtic Crossroads NW

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