Stories, discoveries and journeys
Irish Ancestral Adventures
Welcome to our collection of stories from Ireland and Scotland, where family history, local knowledge and the places we visit come together. Here we share discoveries from our research, traditions passed down through generations and experiences from the road, with photographs that bring those stories a little closer.
Choose an article below to read the full story and explore its photographs. There will be space to share your own memories and questions at the end.
Imbolc and the Promise of Spring
As winter begins to loosen its grip on the landscape, Imbolc marks a season of renewal, hope and new beginnings in the ancient Celtic calendar. Rooted in Irish tradition and folklore, this important festival celebrates the first signs of spring and the promise of brighter days ahead.
Thomas “Tip” O’Neill’s Inishowen Ancestry
Long before he became Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and one of the most influential figures in American politics, Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill’s story began in the rugged landscapes of the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal. Join us as we explore the Irish roots, family connections and ancestral homeland that helped shape one of the most significant Irish-American political figures of the twentieth century.