Hy-Brasil, the phantom island 321 kilometres off the Galway coast, appeared on European maps for over 500 years before mysteriously vanishing from the records. Discover who saw it, why cartographers removed it, and why some west of Ireland fishermen still avoid that stretch of ocean — plus get weekly Ireland stories free in our newsletter.
Standing at the Giant’s Causeway is humbling in the best possible way. Discover why this ancient wonder of Northern Ireland stops visitors in their tracks.
Discover the most common Irish surnames from County Tipperary, their Gaelic origins and meanings, plus how to trace your Tipperary family heritage — plus get weekly Ireland stories free in our newsletter.
Discover Irish surnames from County Leitrim – O’Rourke, Reynolds, Clancy and more. Origins, Gaelic meanings, and how to trace your Leitrim roots today.
Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Mhaol) was the Irish pirate queen who commanded 20 galleys, defied English rule in Connacht, and met Queen Elizabeth I in 1593 — and left with everything she demanded. Plus get weekly Ireland stories free in our newsletter.
The meaning, origin and story behind the Irish girl name Fionnuala. How to pronounce it, where it comes from, and why Ireland loves it.
The best pubs in County Kilkenny according to Ireland’s biggest pub poll of 2026. See the current rankings and cast your vote.
Discover Irish surnames from County Monaghan – McMahon, McKenna, McArdle, Connolly, Keenan and more. Origins, Gaelic meanings, and how to trace your Monaghan ancestry.
In rural Ireland in 2026, $3,000 a month covers a comfortable retired couple’s life with money to spare. Here is the full cost breakdown by county — rent, energy, groceries, healthcare, and more — plus get weekly Ireland stories free in our newsletter.
The O’Sullivan clan gathered 1,848 people in Castletownbere, County Cork on June 2, 2026, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest same-surname gathering. Diaspora from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US joined the homecoming — and every week, 64,000 Ireland lovers get stories like this in their inbox.
Planning to retire in Ireland? Here’s how GP fees, Medical Cards, the Drug Payment Scheme, and private health insurance work for expat residents — plus get weekly Ireland stories free in our newsletter.