On the cool, pleasant night of St. Stephens day, December 26, 1920, over two hundred men and women were dancing, eating and enjoying themselves at Caherguillamore House, three miles northeast of Bruff, in County Limerick. The Martin brothers from Bruff were providing the music. This was not a commonplace dance. It had been…

Once upon a time, I spent a year living on the western coast of Ireland, in an area of Connemara called Inverin, which is thirteen miles up the coast road from Galway City. Last October, I had good cause to return for nine days, and had invited a childhood friend to accompany me sans…

This interesting and uncommon name is of Old French origin.  It was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and derives from the Old French "avril(l)."  The month of April, ultimately from the Latin "aprilis", a derivative of "aperire", to open, has reference to…

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we invite you to try your hand at writing a limerick!  The three best submissions will each win a child-size T-shirt from our friends at Hairy Baby Clothing Company.  Post your…

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…

Seán Heuston is yet another young man who is scarcely known as one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.  He does not share the historical iconic status that is accorded to James Connolly or Patrick Pearse, for example.  He was and still remains one of many leaders of the 1916…

Geneticists at Trinity College, Dublin have recently discovered that the Irish gene pool is the least diluted in all of Europe if not indeed, the world. They have also discovered that the Irish traveling people (tinkers) are purely…

I have been trying to find out who Mrs. Anne Banks was for the project, "The Very Generous Mrs Banks", but it is proving to be extremely difficult. Even though she was a wealthy woman, who left thousands of pounds…

A lot of changes can occur in a place in 20 years. That is how long since I last visited the University of Limerick. At that time it was relatively easy to find ones way around the campus. Parking was plentiful.…

Ireland has recently received criticism for offering favorable tax rates to American companies who relocate there. The governor of California was particularly scathing. Other EEC countries see it as being unfair to them. Everyone concerned has a valid point but it is difficult right now for the Irish government to change its policy. The fake economic boom known as the Celtic…

High bridge of the South Side Railroad across the Appomattox. Capture of this bridge allowed Union troops to catch up to Lee at Farmville

LUAIN --…

I am amazed at how often the descendants of Limerick emigrants come back to Limerick and are shocked that we do not look like the photo above, with barefooted children an women in shawls:

It has been said to me "Oh! I thought you all lived in the…

Following on the heels of The Gathering, 2014 will introduce the Irish and tourists alike to Limerick, Ireland’s first City of…

The Wild Atlantic Way will be Ireland’s first long-distance driving route, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in west Cork.  With a launch date of March 2014, this route consists of existing roadways, but it will offer visitors an opportunity…

Baile Átha Cliath – Is minicí a aistrítear leabhra ó Ghaeilge go Béarla, ná a mhalairt.

Ocáid neamhghnáthach, dá bhrí sin, a bhí ann nuair a iarradh ar an scríobhnóir agus údar as Gaeilge,  Pádraig Breathnach,  leabhar Frank McCourt as Béarla, “Angela’s Ashes,” a aistriú go Gaeilge.



Cé gurb as Maigh Cuilinn i gCuntae na…

DUBLIN -- It is more common for books in the Irish Language to be translated occasionally into English, than vice versa.

It was an unusual occurrence, therefore, when Irish language writer and author Pádraig Breathnach was  commissioned to translate Frank McCourt’s best seller, “Angela’s Ashes,” into the Irish language.

Originally from Maigh…

Ah! Why, Patrick Sarsfield, did we let your ship sail

Away to the French Flanders from the green Innisfail.

For far from your country you lie cold and low:

Ah? Why Patrick Sarsfield, ah, why did you go.

We prayed, Patrick Sarsfield, to see you sail home,

Your flag waving victory across the white…