Origin of the Surname The surname Clarke is one of the oldest and most widespread names in Ireland. Its roots go back to ancient times when surnames were first being used in Ireland, around the 10th century. The name has clerical origins, primarily denoting a secretary, clerk, or cleric in religious houses or administrative offices. Etymology and Meaning Derived from...
Origin of the Surname The Brennan surname has roots deeply ingrained in the Irish soil, tracing back to the time of Gaelic tribes in Ireland. Etymology and Meaning The Brennan surname originated from the Gaelic personal name “Braonán”, which is a diminutive form of “braon”. “Braon” translates to “moisture” or...
Origin of the Surname Campbell is a Scottish Gaelic origin surname that made its way into Irish history and heritage. This surname can be traced back to a Scottish clan, Clan Campbell, one of the largest and most powerful clans in the Highlands. Etymology and Meaning The name Campbell is derived from two Gaelic words: “cam” and “béul”...
Origin of the Surname The O’Brien surname originates from Ireland, where it has been borne by a powerful and historical family. The O’Briens trace their lineage back to Brian Boru, one of the most famous High Kings of Ireland. Etymology and Meaning The surname O’Brien is an Anglicized form of the Irish Ó Briain, meaning “descendant of Brian...
Origin of the Surname The Byrne surname is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic “Ó Broin,” which belongs to a prominent clan that traces its lineage back to ancient Irish royalty. Etymology and Meaning The surname Byrne is derived from the Gaelic “Ó Broin,” which means “descendant of Bran.” The name Bran, in the...
The Old Church in Dunlewey, Ireland, is a mysterious and captivating relic of a bygone era. This tiny church, perched on the edge of the dramatic and windswept Dunlewey Lake, has withstood the test of time and the elements for over 150 years. The church was originally built as a memorial to James Russell, a wealthy hop merchant and local landlord who died in 1848 and...
Hidden away in the rolling hills of County Donegal, Ireland, lies the Beltany Stone Circle, a remarkable and little-known archaeological site just outside the village of Raphoe. Comprising of 64 stones arranged in a circular pattern, the Beltany Stone Circle is one of the largest stone circles in Ireland and remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The origins of...
Nestled in the rolling hills of County Clare, near Ballyvaughan, lies the abandoned ruins of Corcomroe Abbey. Founded in in 1190, this once-grand abbey is now a forgotten piece of history, known only to the few who take the time to seek it out. Corcomroe Name The abbey takes its name from Corco Mrua (meaning “seed” or “kernel” of Muaidhe)...
In the depths of the Atlantic Ocean lies the remnants of the SS Laurentic, a British passenger liner that was repurposed as a military transport ship during World War I. This ship is a testament to both the ingenuity of naval engineering and the tragedy of war, and remains one of the most fascinating shipwrecks off the coast of Ireland. The SS Laurentic was...
Tucked away off the coast of County Donegal in Ireland lies the rugged and windswept isle of Tory Island. This remote speck of land, just three miles long and one mile wide, has been the home of a tight-knit community for centuries and is steeped in myth, legend, and history. The earliest known inhabitants of the island were a clan of seafaring people known as the...