Questions & Answers

Monday, June 3: What is the longest placename (as written in the Irish language) in Ireland, and in which county would you find it?

*  Answer: Sliabh Phlochóige agus Leadhb Reannach Thuaidh (41 letters); a townland found in County Donegal.

Sunday, June 2: What was the name of the master horticulturalist who laid the Japenese Gardens at The Irish National Stud in County Kildare?

* Answer: Tassa Eida laid out the gardens between the years 1906-1910.

Saturday, June 1: There are four provinces in modern-day Ireland. In the Irish language, what is the word for "province," and what is its literal meaning?

*  Answer: Cúige literally means "fifth part", and indicates that there were once five provinces in Ireland. The fifth province, Meath, was once distinct from Leinster.

Friday, May 31: Name the man who in June of 1912 transported two of his own Connemara Ponies from Connemara to London to take part in the 1912 World Exhibition of Breeds, thus bringing awareness to what was, at the time, a rare breed and saving it from extinction.

*  Answer: Michael O'Malley of Rosmuc transported his stallion, Irish Dragoon, and his mare, Eileen Alannah, to London revealing Ireland's traditional pony to the outside world for the first time.

Thursday, May 30: Dearbhfhorghaill, wife of 12th century King of Bréifne, Tigernán Ua Ruairc, is buried in Mellifont Abbey (County Louth) facing west instead of the traditional east. Why is this?

*  Answer: As a "punishment" of sorts for her elopement with Diarmait Mac Murchada (King of Leinster) in 1152, which precipitated the Norman invasion in 1169 thus altering the course of history in Ireland from that point forward.

Wednesday, May 29: Name the Irish composer, born in Cork City, who is credited with the revival of Irish traditional music during the 1960s.

*  Answer: Seán Ó Riada

Tuesday, May 28: Name the Tyrone-born general who went on to serve several states in the U.S. Senate.

*  Answer: James Shields

Monday, May 27: In which lough would you find the actual island of Inisfree featured in the famous W.B. Yeats poem?

*  Answer: Lough Gill

Sunday, May 26: What is the name of the diacritical marking used to elongate vowels in the Irish language?

*  Answer: Fada

Saturday, May 25: What is the title of the 1952 film set in the west of Ireland which starred John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara?

*  Answer: The Quiet Man

Friday, May 24: What is the name of the artificial mound, near Quin, County Clare, which was the inauguration site of the Dalcassian Kings?

*  Answer: Magh Adhair

Thursday, May 23: Which Irish county has won the most All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships?

*  Answer: County Kilkenny, with 34 Championships

Wednesday, May 22: What was the name of the blind harper considered by many to be Ireland's national composer?

*  Answer: Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin.  Sorry, we cannot accept the anglicised version.  Just kidding. :-)  Turlough O'Carolan is fine, too.

Tuesday, May 21: What was the name of the Rapparee who guided Patrick Sarsfield on his raid to intercept the Williamite artillery train at Ballyneety in 1690?

*  Answer: Michael "Galloping" Hogan

Monday, May 20: What is the name of Ireland's holy mountain where St. Patrick fasted for 40 days in A.D. 441?

*  Answer: Croagh Patrick (Cruach Phádraig)

Sunday, May 19: Who first introduced stout/porter beer into Ireland?

*  Answer: James Farrell of Dublin

Saturday, May 18: What Wexford-born man, many would argue, should be known as "The Father of the American Navy"?

*  Answer: Commodore John Barry

Friday, May 17: What is the name of Ireland's only fjord?

*  Answer: We were looking for Killary Harbour, which Ireland's only natural fjord (which is an important distinction).  Since we should have been more specific with the whole "natural" thing, we've also accepted those who took the time to research the matter and submitted Lough Swilly and Carlingford Lough.  :-)

Thursday, May 16: Which country has the largest number of individuals of Irish descent?

*  Answer: The United States of America

Wednesday, May 15: How many counties comprise the historic nation of Ireland?

*  Answer: 32

Final Results