On day five of your adventure with Cupid's Crusade, we take a trip from Doolin, County Clare to the Aran Islands in the mouth of Galway Bay.  The Aran Islands are the birthplace of the sweater worn by so many the…

By John Bruton

The rebellion of Easter Week 1916 was one of the formative events in Irish history.

It led towards the independence we now enjoy, along with the enactment of Home Rule in 1914, the meeting of the First Dail in 1919, the…

When European settlement of North America started pushing inland from the coast, transportation problems repeatedly occurred. The biggest problem was the Appalachian Mountains, 400 miles from the coast.  This made it difficult to transport goods as well as…

Michael O'Hanrahan (Micheál Ó hAnnrachain, 1877 – 4 May 1916) is another one of the 1916 Leaders who is not universally  known.  He was born in New Ross, County Wexford to Richard and Mary O’Hanrahan (nee Williams).  He had a brother, Henry, and a sister, Eily.  His father was heavily involved in the 1867 Fenian Rising.  Michael's family moved to County Carlow when he was a young…

The game of 'Rings' is a traditional Irish game, brought to the four corners of the world by the emigration of the Irish during the famine years.  The other traditional Irish games of Bowls, Skittles and Horseshoes are played during the summer, while…

Fifteen days before Christmas 1988, "Aunt" Bridie Halpin died. At 85, she had lived a good life, but it was still sad for the Halpin family for their Bridie was the beloved matriarch of the clan in America. The first to come over, she had emigrated to New York in 1946. In turn, she…

Whether you’re studying Gaeilge as a native Irish person or as part of the Irish diaspora, the most important aspect to consider is staying motivated. It is true that there're several ways to achieve this goal, however, the best methodology to keep in mind is to maintain your…

On Thursday, March 5, 2015, Kate Cunningham from the Women's Museum of Ireland joined us for a LIVE interactive video discussion on the subject of Irish women's…

When someone picks up a pen from Peninsula Pens they aren’t just holding a writing instrument ... they’re experiencing a lovingly hand-crafted piece of art, and a pen full of history.  From his home studio in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, Terry Williams…

Patricia Horne is an Irish medical doctor who worked in Nigeria during in the 1950s at one of several medical missionary hospitals managed by Irish Catholic religious orders.

Horne came from a medical family. Her grandfather, Andrew Horne, was a founder and first…

Between the years of 1845 and 1852, Ireland’s population was reduced by about 20% due to the impacts of the Potato Famine, also known as The Great Famine or in our native language ‘An Gorta Mór.’  It is…

Much time has been devoted to analysing the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The politics, the violence and the impact this has had on the country as a whole has been extensively documented. But how often is a spotlight shone specifically on the lives of Republican women?…

Hanna Sheehy-Skefffington, (above, center) born 24 May 1877, was one of Ireland’s most ardent promoters of women’s rights. She was an influential figure during the suffragette movement, tirelessly campaigning for the equal status of men and…

Edward "Ned Daly" is one of the 1916 Easter Rising leaders less known for his role as Commandant in the Irish Military Brotherhood.  Out of a family of ten children, he was the only son born to Edward and Catharine Daly (nee O’Mara) in Limerick.  His father…

Trish O'Donnell-Jenkins and Michael Regan-Waugh operate Wild West Irish Tours, based in Richmond. Photo taken Wed. Feb. 18, 2015.

BY RANDY HALLMAN Richmond Times-Dispatch

Richmond husband and wife Michael Regan-Waugh and Trish O’Donnell-Jenkins want to introduce you to some of their dear friends — their dear, talented friends — in Ireland.  …

When you come along on your mature singles adventure of a lifetime with Cupid's Crusade, you will be creating wonderful memories as you explore some of the most beautiful places on earth.  Here's what day two of…

The Kylemore Abbey Campaign in the U.S. will host a very special Irish Concert in New York City on March 16th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in the Village.  An all-Irish concert will benefit the Benedictine Nuns at Kylemore Abbey, County Galway, hosted by the New York City…

Liam Mac Piarais (William "Willie" Pearse) was born on the 15th of November in 1881 and was the younger brother Patrick Pearse, the well documented iconic figure of the 1916 Easter Rising.  It has been said that, to some extent, Willie lived in the shadow of his famous older…

The following is a transcript of the LIVE members' chat hosted here at TheWildGeese.com on Saturday, February 21, 2015 with Dr. Laura Kelley.  Some editing has been applied for clarity.

The Wild Geese:  Hello and “fáilte” to Dr. Laura Kelley who joins us live from New Orleans,…

"That's Just How It Was" is a tribute to my grandmother.  It is a true story set against the background of the Famine (1844 -1847) the 1916 Easter Rising, and the War of Independence (1919-1921).…