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.
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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 →

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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.
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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 →

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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.
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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 →

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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.
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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 →

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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.

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West Cork Pub is new entry into Michelin Pub Guide 2013

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Deasy’s Harbour Bar and Seafood Restaurant in Clonakilty has received the much sought after accolade and entry into the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide 2013, which recognises pubs in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for their food, character and setting.
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