Irish History, Records, and Myths

News

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.

Roots

Roots

Why Easter is such an important holiday to the Irish

Easter is a major holiday in Ireland, second only to Christmas, for a host of reasons, some of which are religious and some historical.

Genealogy

Genealogy

In 1912, my Irish grandmother was booked to sail aboard The Titanic

The incredible good luck of a woman who should have perished on the Titanic on April 15, 1912, and instead went on to start a new life, in the New World.

History

History

On this day: Henry Ford, the man behind the Model T, passed away

On April 7, 1947, Henry Ford passed away due to a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 83. Here we a look at Ford's strong Irish roots.

History

History

The Irish woman who shot Mussolini in the face

In April 1926, a woman raised on Merrion Square in Dublin attempted to assassinate the Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini.

History

History

Horrendous Belfast losses during WWII bombing blitz started on this day in 1941

In April 1941, Belfast suffered the first of four air attacks by the Germans Air Force, the Luftwaffe. At least 1,000 people were killed in the attacks as the city lay unprepared and undefended.

History

History

Titanic survivor's indignant letter fetches thousands at Boston auction

Titanic survivor Lady Duff Gordon's letter fetched over $11k.

History

History

Mutiny of the Connaught Rangers

An excerpt from "Echoes of Their Footsteps, Volume II: The Irish Civil War" by Kathleen Hegarty Thorne.

Other Writers

Flying Columns soared during Irish War of Independence

With so many men being sought by the Royal Irish Constabulary, Black and Tans, and British Army, the vulnerable Volunteers began banding together.

History

Overlooked and disremembered - Ireland's Forgotten Past

Turtle Bunbury's new book, Ireland's Forgotten Past, examines the wonderful tales of Ireland's history that we have largely forgotten all about.

Entertainment

The Shields Brothers: From 1916 Dublin to "The Quiet Man"

How brothers Arthur Shields and Barry Fitzgerald went from Dublin to Hollywood.

History

When Guinness trademarked symbol of the harp before the Irish Government

Do you know the difference between the Guinness harp and the Irish government's harp symbol?

History

19-year-old Cork man sent message in a bottle from the Titanic

Chilling last words of a 19-year-old Cork man who died on the RMS Titanic after it struck an iceberg, en route to New York.

History

County Mayo Titanic survivor Delia McDermott

Delia McDermott survived the Titanic despite climbing out of a lifeboat to retain a prized possession. She was one of 14 people from Addergoole in Co Mayo who boarded the liner, 11 of whom perished.

Other Writers

Boston’s cherished memories and deadly fear

This should have been the week when politicians of all stripes march out to the pitching mound, prove they never played baseball growing up, and people cheer just the same

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

Gunrunners and front-line fighters: The women of the 1916 Rising

Did you know that approximately 300 women took part in the Easter Rising?

Culture

What does the Irish term “American wake” mean?

As the name suggests, an American wake is quite similar to a funeral wake, except for one key difference; the person being waked is still alive.

Culture

National Tweed Day: a look inside Donegal's Molloy & Sons tweed company

Today, April 3, marks National Tweed Day! We celebrate with a look inside the family-run artisans Molloy & Sons.

History

Irish Titanic Officer Hugh Walter McElroy lost his life but was "larger than life"

Being Chief Purser on the Titanic was a huge responsibility – and it was filled by an Irishman who was larger than life and the last word in gallantry.

Travel