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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Listowel Food Fair

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

The Listowel Food Festival runs from the 31st of October to the 04thof November 2012 and should not to be missed! The annual festival in the Kerry town of Listowel, attracts visitors from far and wide and can boast appearances from celebrity chefs such as Darina Allen, Kevin Dundon, Nevin Maguire and Catherine Fulvio throughout the years.

The festival aims to create awareness of the range of quality Kerry Irish food products through tastings, seminars and cookery demonstrations.  New chefs and culinary talent are also featured during the festival with prizes given for categories such as the Irish Food Book of the Year, National Farmhouse Cheese Awards, Home Baker of the Year and Best Emerging Food Product Awards. Continue reading →

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Bon Jovi will headline Slane Castle in 2013

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Bon Jovi announced his forthcoming gig at Slane Castle in style yesterday as he flew over the surrounding area and the castle in a helicopter!

The singer and his band will headline a concert at Slane Castle in County Meath on 15th June 2013, and as he posed with Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mountcharles yesterday, Bon Jovi remarked how he felt that there was something about Ireland that is more special to him than anywhere else.
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Halloween – an Irish Tradition

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Halloween is arguably most celebrated in the United States every year but did you know Halloween is said to come from an Irish tradition?

Although, the origin of the word ‘Halloween’ is Christian, it is said to have pagan roots and linked to the Celtic festival known as ‘Samhain’ which was normally held around October 31st. The festival is based on the old Irish for “summer’s end” and marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. This is where the preparations for the harsh winter ahead began as cattle were brought back down from the unsheltered fields and livestock were slaughtered for some well needed Winter supplies.   Continue reading →

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Kilkenny Artisan Food Trail Guide

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

Last night, coinciding with the opening day of the Savour Kilkenny Festival of Food, which runs over the bank holiday weekend finishing on Monday 29th October, a Kilkenny Food Trail Guide was launched, which is aimed at bringing lovers of food on a journey around Kilkenny’s artisan producers and food outlets.
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Ireland is in the Top 5! Another great reason to come and visit

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

It has been revealed that Ireland’s gender gap is now one of the lowest in the world! In fact Ireland is now in the top 5 countries to be a woman terms of education, health and politics according to the Gender Gap Index 2012. Ireland ranks in behind Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Education levels in particular amongst Irish women were also particularly high. Irish women are more likely to go on to secondary and third level education than anywhere else in the world. Continue reading →

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Pumpkin Festivities in Virginia County Cavan

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

As mentioned earlier in the week, one of the many festivals happening over this forthcoming bank holiday weekend is the annual Virginia Pumpkin Festival in County Cavan.

With over 20,000 expected in Virginia, the festival promises a pack programme of events including; a boxing exhibition with Olympic Medal Boxer John Joe Nevin, Street entertainment, monster festival parade and fireworks, artisan food fair, haunted forest walk, fancy dress ball, monster bingo, children’s party and music from the Hothouse Flowers, who play the Pumpkin Dome on Saturday night.
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Expect lots of laughs at the Bulmers Galway Comedy Festival

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Seamus O'Murchu

For something a bit different why not head to Galway this upcoming bank holiday weekend for a fun filled six days of great comedy with the Bulmers Galway Comedy Festival. Throughout the 6 days and 50 comedy shows running from Wednesday October 24th to October 29th Bank Holiday Monday expect to see such headlining acts of the calibre of Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop, Pat Shortt, Ardal O’Hanlon of Fr Ted fame, Jason Byrne, Andrew Maxwell, and the Rubberbandits.  Other guests to take note will well known international acts Rich Hall and Reginald D. Hunger of the US and Britains Phil Jupitus who will bring their international talent to the festival alongside many lesser known local acts including Danny Dowling and John Donnellan. Whilst long-term Galway resident Tommy Tiernan is planning an extra special comedy showing this year playing in six shows at six different venues on what’s described as a Six and The City tour. Continue reading →

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