The O’Neal surname, with its varied spellings including O’Neill, O’Neale, and O’Neil, is steeped in a rich tapestry of Irish history and tradition. As one of Ireland’s most distinguished and ancient surnames, its origins and evolution provide a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s past, from its early medieval society through...
The Fomorians, or Fomóire, are a supernatural race in Irish mythology, often depicted as hostile and monstrous beings. These entities are considered one of the oldest and most powerful forces in the mythological history of Ireland, embodying the dangerous and chaotic elements of nature. They are central to numerous Irish mythological narratives, frequently appearing...
McDermott’s Castle is located on Castle Island, within Lough Key, County Roscommon, Ireland. It is recognized as a protected national monument. The site has hosted fortifications since the 12th century, reflecting a long history of occupation and use. The current structure includes remnants from various periods, with significant modifications and additions...
Castle Saunderson, located near Belturbet in County Cavan, Ireland, stands as a site of considerable historical and cultural significance. This former family seat of the Saunderson family is now in ruins, marking centuries of history from its origins during the Ulster Plantation to its present state. Situated along the northeastern edge of the Castle Saunderson...
Portlick Castle is located on the shores of Lough Ree, near Glasson in County Westmeath, Ireland. This historical site includes a late medieval tower house with subsequent Georgian and Victorian additions. It serves as an example of the architectural development in Ireland from the 12th to the 19th centuries. The castle’s position on Lough Ree has made it a...
The Royal City of Dublin Hospital, initially known as the Baggot Street Hospital, stands as a monument to Dublin’s medical and architectural heritage. Established in 1832, the hospital’s foundation was laid by a group of pioneering doctors from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. It marked the beginning of a significant era in healthcare provision...
Rosserk Friary, nestled along the serene banks of the River Moy near Ballina in County Mayo, Ireland, stands as a testament to the country’s medieval ecclesiastical architecture and the Franciscan order’s enduring legacy. Founded in the mid-15th century, this preserved Franciscan friary provides a window into the religious, educational, and architectural...
Prelude to Conflict The year 1608 marked a pivotal moment in Ireland, particularly after the influential Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnell fled the country. This departure seemingly left the northern province vulnerable and compliant under King James I’s rule. Dr. Russell’s account, chronicled in the “Calendar of State Papers 1608-1610” at the...
Castle Grove, nestled in the heart of County Donegal, stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich historical tapestry. This near-original Georgian house, built in 1695, offers a glimpse into the architectural and familial legacies that have shaped the North West of Ireland. Beyond its structural beauty, Castle Grove embodies centuries of history, encapsulating the...
Danu, often shrouded in the mists of Celtic mythology, remains an enigmatic figure with an elusive presence in ancient texts. Despite her scant direct mention in primary Irish mythological sources, Danu is recognized as a profoundly significant deity, embodying the essence of motherhood, fertility, and the ancestral lineage of the gods themselves. Her name is...