The Famine years were particularly harsh all over the west of Ireland, and especially in the Connemara region whose population of tenant farmers and labourers depended almost entirely on the lumper potato. Thousands died when the potato crop failed in the summer of 1845 and failed again over the following […]
Three O’ Sullivan headstones on Inchagoill, Sarah O’ Sullivan, nee Joyce Who was Elisabeth Evans? When I was a young boy my father would bring my brothers and I to Inchagoill on Lough Corrib, each year in early August, to attend mass and pray that we would not drown […]
Just published! This booklet celebrates Clifden’s 200 year past featuring a fascinating mix of articles on wide range of topics of both local and international importance, along with some early period photos of the town. The booklet also features a programme of events that are taking place throughout the year. […]
Teaching was disorganized from 1700 – 1800 due to the Penal Laws. But Hedge Schools were in existence in this area. The Public Records from the archives in the Four Courts state— 1) School in Clifden kept by Michael O’Brien average 50-60 2) School in Clifden kept by John […]
The Emerson and O’Brien Families & their part in the Early History of Clifden O’Brien Family Michael O’Brien (1791-1871) set up a Classical School in the townland of Ardbear, just outside Clifden, at the junction of Roundstone Road and the lane leading to the Rugby pitch. Michael was a […]
An Early Tour Guide to Clifden The following excerpt is taken from ‘Picturesque Ireland’ by John Savage, a well known Dublin born Fenian poet, journalist and author who emigrated to America in 1848. The work was first published in 1856; the version reproduced here is taken from an edition […]
From Cleggan Coastguard Station to Ohio This is a family photo of my ancestors from Connemara taken in 1870, here in Ohio where they settled. My great great Grandmother was Georgianna Freyer, daughter of Peter J. Freyer, Chief Officer of the Coastguard Station at Cleggan 1845-1850, and her husband William […]
BENJAMIN TYRRELL AND FAMILY, 1840-1859, by Jan Kelly, Australia Introduction Benjamin Tyrrell the elder (my great great grandfather) was born in Arklow, Co Wicklow in 1805. He joined the Royal Navy in 1826. Between 1826 and 1834, Benjamin served on various ships which plied from Plymouth or Portsmouth to various […]
