Forget Lapland visit Ireland this Christmas!

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

No matter where you go in the world the magic of Christmas is alive and well and like most countries, Ireland has plenty of Christmas traditions to keep you entertained. Over the coming weeks we’ll keep you updated on the different Christmas themed events taking place up and down the country. In this blog we’re going to focus in on our younger readers!

For those who have been very well behaved this year, Christmas is a very exciting time as Christmas Eve marks the beginning of Santa Claus’ mammoth journey. He has the very demanding task of delivering all the presents to the deserving boys and girls.  If you would like to meet the man himself while you’re on your Ireland vacation than look no further! Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland, Ireland vacations | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Derry fourth in 2013 Lonely Planet Guide

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Good news for Ireland for next year, not only will 2013 see the Irish Gathering in full force, but one of the islands key cities has been cited in Lonely Planets top ten list of cities worth visiting in 2013. Four years after the Republic of Ireland’s Cork city came third in 2009; it is now the turn of Northern Ireland’s Derry to step into the Lonely Planet city guide list for 2013, with the Northern Ireland city placing behind San Francisco, Amsterdam and India’s Hyderabad in the fourth spot.
Continue reading →

Posted in Best Places to visit in Ireland, Ireland | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Corona Cork Film Festival gets off to a great start with 8 days of great cinematic experience

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Whilst the festivals have been rather quiet nationwide of late, Cork city is again the place to be for culture and entertainment fans as a fortnight after the Jazz Festival, it is back with another culture rich festival as film fans this time are in for a treat this next few days as the Corona Cork Film festival (11-18th November) kicked off on Sunday 11th November. Off to a great start the highlight of the films on offer on the first day of the 8 day festival was undoubtedly the gala show of The Great Flood, a documentary on a 1927 Mississippi deluge by Bill Morrison featuring live music performed on the night by the great guitarist Bill Frisell and his quartet. Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland vacations, Irish Festivals | Tagged , | Leave a comment

International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award Long list Announced!

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

The long list of books that have been nominated for the 2013 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award was announced today. Nominated by libraries in 120 cities, within 44 countries and in 19 different languages, there are 154 books making the long list this year, making it the most International of Awards.
Continue reading →

Posted in dublin | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Fitzgerald Family History

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

fitzgeraldThe roots of the name Fitzgerald derive from the French Normans. When the High King of Ireland died in the early 12th century, Diarmait Mac Murchada of Leinster was exiled. He persuaded the British British King Henry II to allow him to recruit some Norman knights to regain his land. Part of this gang were the FitzHenrys and FitzStephens and fitz Godbert de Roche. De Roche was the first Norman knight to set foot in Ireland. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Surfers flock to Ireland’s west coast in search of big waves

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

This Weekend Surfers from all over the world will join our own Irish surfers in search of the biggest waves this winter that are expected to hit Ireland’s west coast.
Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland, Sport in Ireland | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Trace your Irish Roots Today – Part 1

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Throughout the ages, the Irish have found themselves leaving our own Emerald Isle in search of a better life. America, Canada, Australia and of course our neighbours in the UK have been on the receiving end of the influx!

We know that Ireland is known for being notoriously difficult for tracing up records but over the coming weeks we are going to investigate the best and easiest way for YOU to find your Irish ancestors. In the first part of our series, we give you our top tips for beginners tracing your family roots.

1.    Write down as much as you know

Before you begin your adventure you need to sit down and write down as much information as possible. Start with yourself and your parents before continuing to work backwards. Most of you will be aware of your grandparents’ names and perhaps even great grandparents. This will also allow you to see any gaps and questions that need answering. Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland, Ireland Family History, Ireland vacations | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Be Inspired by the Dublin Book Festival this November

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

From 13th – 18th November, over 140 authors will take part in this year’s Dublin Book Festival, which will happen in and around Smock Alley Theatre, Temple Bar.

A celebration of Irish writing and publishing, the crammed programme of events includes readings, interviews, political debates, current affairs discussions, poetry, book-binding, children’s entertainment and much much more.
Continue reading →

Posted in arts festivals Ireland, dublin, Festivals in ireland, Ireland vacations, Irish Festivals | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Experience Traditional Irish Storytelling at the Sneem International Storytelling and Folklore Festival

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

From November 9th to November 11th 2012, the annual Sneem International Storytelling and Folklore Festival will take place yet again. As usual you will find the best traditional storytellers, singers and musicians from Ireland and beyond. The festival is fronted by Kerry’s own  seanchaí Batt Burns who provides the perfect methods of capturing of old Irish traditions, tales and folklore. Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland vacations | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Lyons Family

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu
lyons family

Credit to Eddie from Araltas

As promised we research another family name. The roots of the Lyons family are said to have been taken from the County Galway name of Ó Laighin which means ‘grey’.

It could also be a variant of the Irish Ó Liatháin name from County Cork.

Click here to learn about the Lyons familys involvement in the Crannford Mills restoration project.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment