On 2 June 2026, Castletownbere in County Cork made history when 1,848 O’Sullivans gathered on the Beara Peninsula, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest same-surname gathering. Here is what happened, who the O’Sullivans are, and why this remote corner of West Cork matters to the Irish diaspora.
Trim Castle in County Meath is the largest Norman castle in Ireland. Discover its history, its famous film appearances, and everything you need to know before you visit.
Skellig Michael is a rugged island off the Kerry coast, home to a 6th-century monastic settlement and one of the world’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
The meaning, origin and story behind the Irish girl name Áine. How to pronounce it, where it comes from, and why Ireland loves it.
The four treasures of Ireland — the Lia Fáil, Sword of Nuada, Spear of Lugh, and Cauldron of the Dagda — were brought by the Tuatha Dé Danann from four mythical cities. One still stands in County Meath today — plus get weekly Ireland stories free in our newsletter.
Discover Irish surnames from County Kildare – FitzGerald, Lawlor, Dempsey, O’Toole and more. Origins, Gaelic meanings, and how to trace your Kildare roots.
Discover the origins and meanings of Irish surnames from County Tyrone – O’Neill, Quinn, Donnelly, Devlin and more. Includes a practical guide to tracing your Tyrone ancestry.
Cobh, County Cork, was the last piece of Irish soil millions of emigrants ever stood on. Here’s what the town still holds — and why St. Colman’s Cathedral still dominates the skyline today.
Hy-Brasil appeared on European navigational maps for over 500 years before vanishing from cartography in the 19th century. Discover the real history of Ireland’s most enduring phantom island — and the west coast it left behind.
Discover the Irish townland your ancestors called home. A step-by-step ancestry research guide for the 70 million people worldwide with Irish roots — all free resources included. Plus get weekly Ireland stories free in our newsletter.
Dunquin Pier on the Dingle Peninsula sits at one of the most westerly points in Europe. This guide covers how to get there, what to expect, the Blasket Islands ferry, and practical tips for your visit.