The O’ Breen Surname History

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

obreenThe O’ Breen surname is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic-Irish name “O’Braion”, descendant of “Braon” and dates from the 11th century.  To this day it is a widely distributed name throughout Ireland. It can be translated by name meaning “moisture” and “drop”.  Originally there were different clans of Breen, Mac Breens and O’ Breens. The Mac Breens were located near Knocktopher, County Kilkenny. By 1659 the prefix “Mac” (son of) had been dropped. The O’Breens were located in the counties of Westmeath and Offaly.

Some notable O’Breens: Continue reading →

Posted in Irish Genealogy | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

G8 Summit to be held in Ireland

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

UK Prime Minister, David Cameron has confirmed on a visit to Northern Ireland today that next year’s G8 summit of world leaders will be held in County Fermanagh.

The five-star Lough Erne hotel and golf resort (of Rory McIlroy fame) will be the venue for next June’s meeting of the leaders of the world’s eight richest nations.

This is a huge boost for “the Irish Gathering 2013” as one of the world’s biggest meetings will be taking place on the island of Ireland. We expect millions of people from all over the world to vacation in Ireland as part of the year long celebration.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Bulmers Comedy Festival Clonmel

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

The Bulmers Comedy Festival at O’Keeffes in Clonmel now in its 6th year will host probably its biggest and best line up so far as some of the best comedians from Ireland and around the world entertain the crowds between 22nd – 25th November.
Continue reading →

Posted in Comedy Festivals Ireland, Festivals in ireland | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

NorthWest Film and Music Fest

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

From the 14th to the 25 of November the NorthWest Film and Music Fest will take place in County Sligo. In simple terms, the festival celebrates the crossover between music and cinema.  Through concert films, live musical acts, screenings and sing alongs, patrons will be able to celebrate the connection between music and film. Q&A’s with directors are a popular event where enthusiasts can question the professionals on all their skills and experience. Continue reading →

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

West Cork’s Finest Foods Hit UK Supermarkets

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Two of West Cork’s finest fares will soon be appearing on the shelves of UK Supermarkets nationwide!
Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland, Irish Food | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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