I'm just someone who enjoys knowing a little about my local area, and helping others to learn about theirs too.
If you'd like to contribute to this website, please get in touch.
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...
In the rich tapestry of Irish mythology, few figures are as central or as emblematic as Nuada, the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a mythical race of divine beings who once ruled Ireland. Known by his epithet, “Airgetlám,” translating to “Silver Hand/Arm,” Nuada’s tale is one of triumph, tragedy, and the timeless pursuit of justice...
In the rich tapestry of Irish mythology, few figures stand out as prominently as Lugh, a deity renowned for his multifaceted roles and profound impact on the ancient tales of Ireland. A member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the pantheon of pre-Christian gods, Lugh is celebrated for his mastery over numerous skills, making him a symbol of versatility, intelligence, and...
The Dagda stands as a towering figure within Irish mythology, embodying a complex blend of strength, wisdom, and paternal care. As a pivotal member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the race of deities that represents the quintessence of pre-Christian Gaelic gods, the Dagda’s narrative weaves through the tapestry of Irish myth, marking him as a central figure in the...
The building that once housed the Royal Bank of Ireland, originally established as the Belfast Bank, stands as a significant architectural and historical landmark in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Constructed in 1878, this building not only served the financial needs of the community but also became an integral part of the town’s streetscape and history...