Ireland

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Ireland, a country with a storied past, holds a compelling history that has witnessed a multitude of momentous events and remarkable figures. Originally populated by Celtic tribes, the island was subject to invasion by the Vikings in the 8th century and later by the Normans in the 12th century. The signing of the Treaty of Windsor in 1175 formalized English control over Ireland, ushering in an era of English dominance. The tumultuous relationship with Britain culminated in the early 20th century, when the Easter Rising of 1916, led by figures such as Pádraig Pearse and James Connolly, ignited a broader struggle for independence. After years of fierce conflict, the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty established the Irish Free State, with Éamon de Valera, another influential figure, playing a critical role in the nation's development. De Valera, Pearse, and Connolly represent Ireland's struggle for autonomy and the indomitable spirit of its people.

The provinces of Ireland

Ireland is traditionally divided into four provinces, which are then subdivided into counties:

Leinster: Located in the east of Ireland, it is the largest in terms of population. Key cities include Dublin, the nation's capital.
Munster: Situated in the southern part of Ireland, it's known for cities like Cork and Limerick.
Connacht: Located in the west, it's the smallest province in terms of population and includes the city of Galway.
Ulster: Predominantly located in Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom), it also contains three counties of the Republic of Ireland. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is in Ulster.

Irish history

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Irish geography

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Irish geography

Researching family history in Ireland

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Irish ethnicity

Ireland is predominantly home to people of Irish ethnicity, who are of Gaelic origin and form the largest ethnic group in the country. However, the nation has become increasingly diverse over the years due to immigration. People of British descent constitute a significant minority, owing to the historical ties between the two nations. Other notable ethnic groups include Poles, Lithuanians, and Romanians, reflecting more recent immigration trends from Eastern Europe. Additionally, smaller communities of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern origin have been growing in recent decades, contributing to the multicultural fabric of contemporary Ireland. The country's ethnic diversity is more pronounced in urban areas, particularly in cities such as Dublin and Cork.

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Irish surnames

Irish surnames offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Ireland's past, embodying centuries of history, heritage, and family stories. Rooted in the Gaelic tradition, many surnames are patronymic, derived from the given name of a family ancestor, often beginning with "O'" (meaning "descendant of") or "Mac" (meaning "son of"). Other names can denote occupations, geographical locations, or physical attributes. Examples of these include O'Brien (Ó Briain), O'Connor (Ó Conchobhair), O'Neill (Ó Néill), O'Sullivan (Ó Súilleabháin), and McCarthy (Mac Cárthaigh) for patronymic origins. Murphy (Ó Murchadha) is an example of a name based on a personal attribute, meaning "sea warrior". Doyle (Ó Dubhghaill), meaning "dark stranger", hints at a Viking origin. For occupational names, examples include Smith (Mac Gabhann, meaning "son of the smith") and Ward (Mac an Bháird, "son of the bard"). Geographical surnames are less common, but one such example is Sutton (Ó Sochlacháin), meaning "from the South".

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Explore more about Ireland

Irish Historical Records on MyHeritage
How to Trace Your Irish Genealogy on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
Exploring Irish Genealogy in the Aftermath of the Great Potato Famine on the MyHeritage Blog
Tracing Your Immigrant Ancestor to Ireland at Legacy Family Tree Webinars