Fiona Fitzsimons was invited onto BBC Woman’s Hour to discuss women in the records with presenter Emma Barnett. Listen to her here or find the full episode through the link: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001wh9q Irish Family History Centre · Fiona Fitzsimons on BBC Womans Hour The post Fiona Fitzsimons on BBC Woman’s Hour appeared first on Irish Family History Centre ..read more

 We’re delighted to present a preview for the Summer 2023 Issue (59) of Irish Lives Remembered; a fascinating interview with biographer Christopher Fitz-Simon about The Lifelong Love of Micheál Mac Liammóir and Hilton Edwards, founders of the Gate Theatre in Dublin. Our Summer Pride Issue will be out later this month, but for now – to celebrate 30 years (to the day) of the signing into law the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland – we have an interview by Brigit McCone with the writer of ‘The Boys’ biography Christopher Fitz-Simon. Enjoy!   The post ILR Preview: 30th An ..read more

 We’re delighted to present a preview for the Spring 2023 Issue (59) of Irish Lives Remembered; a fascinating article on the Irish family history of Bruce Springsteen by researchers Fiona Fitzsimons and Helen Moss.   The post Bruce Springsteen’s Irish Roots by Fiona Fitzsimons and Helen Moss appeared first on Irish Family History Centre ..read more

Fiona Fitzsimons, Research Director of the Irish Family History Centre, writes a fascinating article on researching the Irish family history of  President Joe Biden in the Summer 2020 Issue (49) of Irish Lives Remembered, which you can read below     The post President Joe Biden’s Irish Roots by Fiona Fitzsimons appeared first on Irish Family History Centre ..read more

Even if you’ve never stepped foot on the Emerald Isle, you probably know the shamrock as a famous symbol of Ireland. For centuries, this herbaceous plant has been woven through stories about Saint Patrick, leprechauns, and other Irish tales. However, you may not know the differences between shamrocks and four-leaf clovers.  If you’re looking to understand more about these national symbols of Ireland, you’re in luck. This article will discuss the differences between shamrocks and clovers. We’ll also go over the history of each of these plants in Ireland.    Shamrocks vs Clovers N ..read more

The Irish culture touches everything from our way of life right down to the jewellery we wear. But no piece encapsulates Irish tradition more than the Claddagh ring. This distinctive Irish ring has centuries of history, and men and women all over the world wear it today as a symbol of love, friendship, and loyalty. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the Claddagh ring. We’ll cover everything from this ring’s origins to the many meanings behind its design. What Is a Claddagh Ring? The Claddagh ring, known by its Irish name of fáinne Chladaigh, is a traditional Irish piece ..read more

If you’re of Irish descent, you may be interested in resources to help you trace your ancestors. It may feel daunting, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible to discover the stories and characters that make up your Irish family history. Below, we’ll cover five great resources to help you find your Irish ancestors and learn more about your heritage. Whether you’re just getting started or searching for years, these tools can help you unlock new information and get a clearer picture of your family’s story on the mystical island of Ireland.  How to Find Your Irish Ancestors  ..read more

The History of the Ned Kelly Gang Written by Ronald Land   Once we know the stories of our ancestry, they emerge in the most interesting places. It happened to me when I heard about the Australian Seminar evening at Trinity College in Dublin. That’s because I’m the great-grandnephew of the police officer in command during the capture of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. Ned Kelly was undoubtedly the most well-known wholesale horse thief, bank robber, police murderer, and all-around folk hero in Australian history. Read on to learn more about him and the Kelly Gang and how their story became en ..read more

Actor John Cusack is well-known for his roles from early films like Sixteen Candles (1984) up to present-day productions like Pursuit (2022). He’s made a name for himself in Hollywood, but many don’t know about the actor’s family history. You can trace Cusack’s ancestry back to Ireland’s centuries.  Continue reading to explore Hollywood star John Cusack’s Irish roots. We’ll share some exciting facts about the actor, his Irish ancestors and family members, and the history of the Cusack family name. Who Is John Cusack? John Cusack, born on June 28, 1966, is a famous American actor with Iris ..read more

Each of Ireland’s 32 counties has its own unique history, culture and landscape. If you’re interested in researching your Irish roots, learning about the counties can offer fascinating insights into the lives your ancestors may have led.  This article will give you a brief overview of each of the counties of Ireland. We’ll cover the historical background of the Irish counties, along with their Irish names and locations. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the counties of Ireland.   Historical Background of the Counties of Ireland The historical counties of Irel ..read more