As the country’s longest running magazine, Ireland’s Own has weathered many recessions and withstood turbulent changes to the media landscape, and has even seen an increase in readership since the Covid-19 pandemic. But why has the magazine’s popularity endured when others haven’t?
In 1805, the scale of wind force – which is still in use today – was developed on board the HMS Woolwich by its Irish-born Commander Francis Beaufort. Read the full story.
Padraic Colum was a key figure in the Irish literary revival, but he also played a role in preserving Hawaiian folklore. So how did a writer fascinated with life in Ireland’s Midlands end up recording local legends on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? Read the full story.
James Joyce’s beloved short story ‘The Dead’ is set on January 6th – and marks the first major event in every Joycean’s calendar. It is the final story in his short story collection Dubliners and unites the themes found throughout the book. As readings and film showings can’t go ahead as usual this year, we decided to celebrate ‘The Dead’ by sharing some trivia you might not be aware of.
The Irish have inspired, influenced and contributed to countless Hollywood films over the decades – and it’s no different when it comes to your favourite Christmas flicks. Though, in some cases, the connection isn’t always obvious.
Emigration has long been a central theme of Irish music. There are countless songs and ballads inspired by nostalgia and love for Ireland – as well as feelings of loss and exile. As many Irish people living abroad can’t make it home for Christmas this year, we’ve pulled together some emigrant songs from the past 30 years that will remind you of home.
For many years, Irish people at home and abroad relied on postal services to send Christmas wishes to their loved ones. From emigration, international post and the evolution of Christmas stamps, read more about the history of postal services in Ireland, and why our small island has always sent more letters and cards abroad than other European countries.
When we look at Ireland’s musical impact on the world, the mark made by the descendants of emigrants is staggering. From The Beatles and Dusty Springfield to The Smiths and Oasis, the descendents of Irish immigrants have had a huge impact on British pop music.
The story of how The Clancy Brothers’ Irish ballads inspired a young Bob Dylan to write his own form of rebel songs.
Monica de Wichfeld: Chanel designer, gun-runner and rebel to the end. The Fermanagh woman gathered intelligence on the Nazis for Britain.
Barry Fitzgerald: the civil servant who became one of Ireland’s first Hollywood stars. ‘The Quiet Man’ actor Barry Fitzgerald described as ‘one of the greatest comedians who ever went on stage’.
GAA abroad: How Irish immigrants shared their sporting passions and skills. A by law was introduced in Quebec in 1845 banning hurling in narrow back lanes and alleyways of the city as it was considered too dangerous.
Maureen O’Hara: ‘An Irishwoman has guts and stands up for what she believes in’. The story of the late actor who grew up in Ranelagh, Co Dublin and would become an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
As part of our weekly supplement with the Irish Times abroad, we have explored the lives of many extraordinary Irish emigrants throughout history.
Further reading for those who have visited Irish Educators Abroad: Building Something Wonderful exhibition at EPIC and would like to know more.
From research to news interviews, read about what DFAT Historian-in-Residence Dr Angela Byrne got up to in April with her monthly diary of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC.
From hosting historical panels to exhibition launches, read about what DFAT Historian-in-Residence Dr Angela Byrne got up to in March with her monthly diary of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC.
From researching stories to creating exhibitions, read about what DFAT Historian-in-Residence Dr Angela Byrne got up to in February with her monthly diary of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC.
The role of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC is varied and involves many exciting projects. Follow what DFAT Historian-in-Residence Dr Angela Byrne got up to in January with her monthly diary of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC.
Across the Waves: The Seafaring Irish is a new exhibition at EPIC that explores the history of the Irish at sea and their stories of adventure, opportunity and tragedy. This article collates further information for those who have visited the exhibition and would like to read more.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we have gathered the stories of six pioneering Irish diaspora women and the paths they blazed in science, design, politics, sport and beyond.
Did you know 23 US Presidents boast Irish heritage? From Andrew Jackson to Barack Obama, the Irish diaspora punch well above their weight in terms of political clout across the Atlantic!
November has come around fast. Follow what DFAT Historian-in-Residence Dr Angela Byrne got up to in her monthly diary of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC.
October has been another busy month! Follow what DFAT Historian-in-Residence Dr Angela Byrne got up to in her monthly diary of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC.
This Sunday, the 11th of November, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which brought an end to the first World War. To mark the occasion we remember those Irish who fought as part of the ANZAC forces.
The role of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC is varied and involves many exciting projects. Follow what DFAT Historian-in-Residence Dr Angela Byrne got up to in September with her monthly diary of Historian-in-Residence at EPIC.
