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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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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