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.
Turning the Year the Old Way
For centuries, the changing seasons shaped the rhythm of life in Ireland, with communities marking the passing of the year through ancient festivals, customs and traditions rooted in the land. Turning the year the old way invites us to rediscover these enduring connections to nature, heritage and the wisdom of generations past.
When Kings Fell and the Name Changed
For centuries, the Mac Lochlainn (McLaughlin) dynasty stood amongst the most powerful ruling families in Ireland, producing High Kings, warriors and rulers whose influence extended far beyond their ancestral homeland of Inishowen. When Kings Fell and the Name Changed explores the dramatic rise and decline of this great Gaelic dynasty, tracing how the fortunes of a royal family were transformed by conflict, conquest and survival, while their descendants carried the McLaughlin name across Ireland and throughout the world.