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.
The serene beauty of Donegal’s Glenveagh National Park, with its majestic Glenveagh Castle, belies a tumultuous past marked by suffering, displacement, and struggle. This article delves into the dark history of the Derryveagh evictions, an episode of profound injustice and cruelty that remains a poignant chapter in Ireland’s history. We explore the events...
Glenveagh Castle, a striking castellated mansion nestled in the heart of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal, Ireland, stands as a monument of architectural grandeur and historical significance. Constructed in the late 19th century, this majestic estate captures the essence of Scottish baronial architecture, set against the rugged and picturesque landscape of...
Doe Castle, or Caisleán na dTuath, stands majestically on a small peninsula jutting into Sheephaven Bay in County Donegal, Ireland. Renowned for its strategic location, surrounded on three sides by water with a protective moat cut into the rock on the landward side, Doe Castle has been a witness to numerous historical events and transitions. Initially built as a...
The Ballyshannon CDR Railway Station, once a bustling hub of activity and transportation in County Donegal, Ireland, boasts a rich and intricate history. From its inception to its eventual closure, the station played a pivotal role in shaping the local community and the broader Irish railway network. This comprehensive exploration delves into the station’s...
The surname Murphy is a patronymic name, which means it was formed from the given name of an ancestor. It is of Gaelic origin, derived from the Old Irish personal name “Murchadh,” which is composed of two elements: “muir,” meaning “sea,” and “cadh,” meaning “warrior.” Therefore, the name can be interpreted...
The Walsh surname is of Irish origin, stemming from the Gaelic name Breathnach, which means ‘Welsh’ or ‘Breton.’ It was used to denote those of Welsh origin who came to Ireland during and after the Anglo-Norman invasions in the late 12th century. Etymology and Meaning The name Walsh essentially means ‘Welshman’ or...
The surname Gallagher is of Irish origin, descending from the Gaelic Ó Gallchobhair, where ‘Ó’ denotes ‘descendant of’, and ‘Gallchobhair’ can be translated to ‘foreign helper’. Etymology and Meaning The surname Gallagher, as derived from its Gaelic roots, is believed to mean ‘foreign helper’, indicating...
The Moore surname is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic “O Mordha,” where “O” signifies “descendant of,” and “Mordha” translates to “proud” or “noble.” Etymology and Meaning Moore, from its Gaelic origins, can be translated as “the proud” or “the noble one,”...
The Kennedy surname, known in Irish as Ó Ceanéidigh or Ó Cinnéide, is one of the most distinguished names in Ireland. Its roots trace back to the ancient Gaelic tribes of the Emerald Isle. Etymology and Meaning The name Kennedy is derived from two Gaelic words: “ceann” meaning head, and “éidigh” translating to wretched or ugly. Thus, the...
The Lynch surname is of Irish origin, with deep roots in the country’s history. It’s among the oldest surnames in Ireland and is particularly associated with the province of Connacht, specifically in County Galway, where they held a family seat as a significant tribe of the region. Etymology and Meaning The surname Lynch has two possible derivations. One...