Senior citizens of Gortrummagh and Fakeeragh in 1836 On a recent trawl through early nineteenth century newspapers in the National Library, I found this fascinating item on the inhabitants of the townland of Gortrummagh and Fakeeragh in 1836. This rather interesting letter to the editor of the Galway […]
The following is an excerpt from the Illustrated London News, which was the world’s first fully illustrated newspaper, founded in 1842. In the issue of January 5th 1850, the following piece ‘Condition of Ireland, Illustrations of the New Poor Law’ was printed, detailing the journey of the writer through the […]
First Report of the Commissioners Of Inquiry The State of the Irish Fisheries in 1836 The quay of Clifden is near the eastern extremity of Ardbear Bay, contiguous to the village, and on the estate of Mr. John D’Arcy. Clifden is not a place of rendezvous from whence boats […]
The end of the 18th century and the early 19th century was the boom time for Irish gardens. Before this the situation within the country was not conducive to the construction of gardens. Obviously there would have been some gardens and most houses would have had vegetable gardens, but the […]
The Galway to Clifden railway was in operation for forty years from 1895 to 1935, it was a single line of standard gauge, 5 feet 3 inches, with a total length of 48 miles 550 feet. The line ran through central Connemara and had seven stations, Moycullen, Ross, Oughterard, Maam […]
What makes a saga, formal history? How does lore become fact? When bits and pieces — recollections, traditions, memories — find themselves laid down on the page, or passed down in oral yarns or song. Those are the chronicles that ensure longevity, a place in collective consciousness, a position within […]
Batallón de San Patricio: the Irish Heroes of Mexico Paper appears courtesy of Martín Paredes – http://www.martinparedes.com/ Introduction On September 12, 1997, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo held a ceremony in Mexico City in honor of the 150th anniversary of the San Patricio Battalion. Representing Ireland, Ambassador Sean O’Huighinn was also […]
Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland. By Michael Gibbons The area of Clifden has been settled for at least 7,000 years, and possibly as far back as 10,000 years. This Age, known as the Mesolithic or middle Stone Age, was dominated by a hunter/gatherer lifestyle based on fishing, […]
