Samhain: The Celtic Origins

It is necessary to investigate the Halloween customs’ old Celtic roots in order to comprehend them in Ireland. More than 2,000 years ago, the Celts observed Samhain, a pagan celebration that means “summer’s end” in Gaelic. It signalled the conclusion of the harvest season and the start of winter, a season when it was thought that the lines separating the living from the dead blurred.

The Celts held that fairies and spirits wandered freely among the living on the eve of Samhain. The Celts would light bonfires and dress in animal hides as a way to placate these otherworldly beings and shield themselves from evil energies. These customs served as the model for contemporary Halloween festivities in Ireland.

Barmbrack: Fortune-Telling in a Fruitcake

Barmbrack, a simple fruitcake, is central to one of Ireland’s most beloved Halloween customs. This sugary confection, typically savoured with a hot cup of tea, has secret meanings that provide insight into one’s destiny. Every ingredient cooked into the cake has a distinct purpose:

• A ring: Finding a little ring in your Barmbrack is a lucky charm that indicates you will soon be getting married. For individuals who find the ring, this custom represents the promise of love and dedication in the future. For young couples or those waiting impatiently for a proposal, it might be an extremely exciting discovery.
• A coin: It is said that finding a coin in your Barmbrack slice would bring prosperity and money into your life in the following year. This coin is a representation of good fortune, bringing wealth and success in all that you do. Many look forward to this pleasant surprise, which portends a year of plenty and stability in terms of money.
• A pea: Discovering a pea in your Barmbrack slice has a humorous and unusual meaning. The pea indicates that you won’t be getting married in the upcoming year if you stumble across it. This wacky custom gives the event a lighthearted sense of anticipation by making people ponder about their chances of finding love in the upcoming year. It serves as a reminder that not all surprises in life have to be negative ones, and it frequently sparks jokes and friendly taunting among loved ones.

Costumes and Trick-or-Treating

Ireland is not an exception to the global Halloween practise of dressing up in extravagant costumes. Nonetheless, Ireland’s rich history and traditions are frequently honoured in its clothing. Youngsters may decide to dress up as leprechauns, banshees, or even figures from well-known Irish folktales.

Another popular Halloween activity in Ireland has changed over time: trick-or-treating. Kids knock on doors, frequently offering candy or change in exchange for reciting a Halloween poem or song. Every child that visits is given a warm welcome and a treat because the Irish take great pleasure in their hospitality.

Pumpkin Carving with a Twist

Although many people associate pumpkins with Halloween, Ireland has a custom that stretches back to before pumpkin carving became common. Originally, turnips were carved into lanterns in Ireland. Known as “Jack-o’-lanterns,” these carved turnips were named after the naughty character Stingy Jack, who was said to prowl the countryside with a lantern made entirely of carved turnips.

Since then, the custom of carving turnips has given place to the easier-to-carve pumpkin. Still, Stingy Jack’s folklore endures, and Irish families frequently narrate this story when carving pumpkins. It’s a distinctive take on a well-known Halloween custom that preserves the essence of Irish folklore.

Derry’s Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival

The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival in Derry is a must-attend event for everyone looking for a memorable Halloween celebration. This event, which is held in the historic city of Derry, is known as one of the greatest Halloween festivities in the world. It provides a unique window into Irish Halloween culture with its fusion of traditional customs and modern celebrations.

Elaborate parades, breathtaking fireworks displays and spooky theatrical productions that bring the city’s myths and history to life are all featured during the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival. The events are set against the breathtaking backdrop of the city’s mediaeval walls, drawing thousands of tourists to Derry from all over the world.

The Fear of the Puca

During Halloween celebrations, the Puca, an Irish mythological creature known for its mischievous and sometimes malevolent actions, assumes a central role. Family and friends gather around crackling fires to share ghost stories that have been passed down through the centuries, adding an ominous atmosphere to the festivities. Ireland’s Halloween customs are set against the intriguing and sometimes eerie backdrop of the Puca legends.

Ireland’s unique celebration of Halloween is attributed to the customs and tales surrounding the Puca, which distinguish it from other countries. The way that myth and fact, the past and present, are combined results in a Halloween experience that is both fascinating and firmly ingrained in the nation’s culture. The Fear of the Puca adds a seductive aspect of the unknown as the night deepens and the wind whispers old secrets, reminding everyone involved in these customs that Ireland’s eerie past is very much alive.

Conclusion

Ireland’s Halloween customs are a fascinating fusion of contemporary celebrations and old Celtic rites. From the beginnings of Samhain to the modern-day festivities in Derry, the Irish have succeeded in maintaining their distinct cultural legacy while accepting Halloween’s worldwide appeal.

Ireland’s Halloween customs are proof of the lasting force of mythology and community, whether it’s the excitement of discovering hidden riches in a slice of Barmbrack, the narrative surrounding the Puca or the eerie beauty of Derry’s Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival. That being said, be ready to be mesmerised by the enchantment of Irish Halloween if you ever find yourself on the Emerald Isle during the ghostly season.

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In the place of Dublin in ancient times, there was a Celtic settlement. And only later, at the beginning of the 9th century, the Viking kingdom appeared near the coast of the Irish Sea. To this day, modern Vikings roll through the streets of the city.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is an important national site. Earlier, it was the residence of English kings. And after the end of the War of Independence, it was taken over by Ireland in 1922. Most of the original buildings have not survived. Most of the buildings date back to the 18th century. The present appearance of the complex of buildings was acquired after major reconstruction.

The castle’s construction began in 1204 by order of King John (John) of England. Initially, it served as fortification walls of the city of Dublin. Later, for many centuries, it played an important role as a defense structure of Ireland. And as a political and military center. It was the seat of parliament and the courts.

Nowadays, Dublin Castle is the working building of the Irish government. Important state events are held here.

In the castle, you can explore the magnificent halls, art gallery, and throne room. Walk through the exhibition halls in the former royal bedchamber. The most magnificent is St Patrick’s Hall, where banquets for dignitaries and the inauguration of the President of Ireland take place. Concerts are held in the dungeons.

Open every day from 9.45 to 17.45. A guided tour costs 12 €, on your own, 8 € (not all rooms are available). The castle has a café with a terrace.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is the main cathedral of Dublin. The denomination is Anglicanism and Catholicism.

It was founded in 1031 by the Viking king. The wooden church was intended for the first archbishop of Dublin – Donatus. Stone buildings appeared in 1172 and were completed during the century.

Open every day throughout the year. There is a charge to enter. Self-guided tour €6.5, with a guided tour €11. Check times and prices on the official website.

From this temple, you can cross the covered bridge/overpass to the Viking Museum – Dublinia.

Dublinia

An archaeological museum that tells the ancient history of Dublin and its surroundings. The Viking period is extensively covered. This is the site where legend has it that ancient Dublin was located. Website dublinia

St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest in Ireland. The date of its foundation is 1191. As a result of the English Reformation in 1537, the cathedral became part of the Anglican Church of Ireland.

The cathedral hosts concerts and many important national ceremonies besides regular church services.

St Patrick is considered one of the first preachers of Christianity in Ireland. According to legend, the cathedral was built near a natural spring where St Patrick performed baptismal rites. On 17 March, St Patrick’s Day (also the day of death of Ireland’s patron saint) is celebrated as a public holiday. In recent decades, the holiday has been more cultural and recreational than religious, symbolizing the adoption of Christianity in Ireland. This is due to the commercial influence. Large-scale festivals, dance and beer parties are organized. The festivities in different cities and countries can last a few days to a month. The symbols of the holiday are green clothes and a clover leaf (shamrock/cross).

It is noteworthy that in the 18th century, the rector of this cathedral was the famous writer Jonathan Swift. You can visit the church from 9 am to 5 pm for 7€ or during concerts. For more information about events and visiting times, see the St.Patric website.

Next to the church is a beautifully maintained small park. The entrance is free for everyone.

Guinness Beer Museum

The Guinness Beer Museum is probably the most visited in Dublin. Long queues at the entrance and crowds of people coming out already “tipsy”. Tip – buy your ticket in advance online.

The Enterprise is a whole working town, which includes production and office premises. The museum itself is located in a seven-story brick building, a former fermentation shop.

The story of this popular drink begins with a young brewer in the 18th century. Arthur Guinness brewed ale with his father as a child, the traditional drink of the time. In 1756, Arthur opened his first brewery near Dublin. And in 1759, looking to expand his business, he found an abandoned brewery, then on the outskirts of the capital. On 31 December, he signs a lease for 9000 years. The first name of the brewery was St James’s Gate Brewery.

It’s a very distinctive museum. First, there’s a short introduction to the history and process of beer production. And then a lot of bars and restaurants offer beer and products with the addition of this drink. You will be taught how to pour from bottle to glass and properly drink this foamy drink. From the 7th floor there is a panoramic view of Dublin.

It is better to visit the museum in the morning and on weekdays, when there are fewer tourists. It is open all 7 days from 9.30 to 17.00. Allocate at least 2 hours. You can stay there until closing time.

Kilmainham Prison

Dublin’s former prison now turned into a museum. The place is creepy, not for the faint-hearted. After all, here, in the period from the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century, not only held prisoners but also executed them. And their souls probably dwell among these walls.

In addition to adults, there were children aged 7 in the prison. And even in prison, there was gender discrimination. Conditions for women were worse than for men. It is necessary to book a day and time to visit the museum. The ticket is 8 and 4 €.

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin was founded by Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1592. It is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning. A college and university in one.

Initially, the college was founded in an abandoned monastery of All Saints. And later, new buildings were gradually constructed. Entrance to the campus is free, available to all.

Students live in the old buildings.

For tourists, this place is famous because the school has an ancient library, the hall of which resembles a Gothic temple. Its fund totals 4 million volumes. The rarest, richly illustrated book of the library is a handwritten gospel “Book of Kell”. Supposedly written in the year 800 by Irish monks. Entrance to the library charges 10-14 €, depending on the time chosen. You can buy tickets through the website or on-site.

Grafton Street

The lively, wide pedestrianized area of Grafton Street is popular with locals and visitors alike. It is one of the two (the other being Henry Street) main shopping streets in Dublin. It stretches from St. Stephen’s Green Park and a major shopping center (St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre) to Trinity College.

Already in 1709, the planned development of this street began. Many shops, department stores, cafés and services are along the street. Street musicians, artists and poets perform here. There is plenty to see and do.

Dublin’s main post office

Quite an impressive building for a post office. Its construction began in August 1814 and opened in January 1818. The whole building, except for the pillars, is built of granite.

The historic building, in the Georgian style, is famous for its architectural appearance and because the Declaration of the independent republic was read before it. During the Easter Uprising of 1916, it was the rebels’ headquarters.

There is also a small museum there.

Dublin Needle

The Dublin Needle is a monument of light as a symbol of the millennium. Its height is 120 metres. It is located on the crowded city centre street O’Connell Street. It was erected in 2003. It was chosen due to a competition to reconstruct and improve the appearance of the street. During the day, the steel spire shines in the sunlight.

These are just a few of the important landmarks of Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Choose what is closer to your heart and make your itinerary. Museums take a lot of time to visit. If you don’t have one, stroll through the streets of Dublin to familiarise yourself with it. The city is interesting for its architecture, evening hangouts, and happy and hospitable people.

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What to see in Ireland?

1. Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is one of the main attractions in Ireland. It is a whole complex of government buildings located in the capital. It is located south of the River Liffey and its main structures were built in the early 13th century on the site of an old Viking fortress. Dublin Castle was built as a powerful defence structure – thick walls and several watchtowers testify to this. However, it has never been besieged or stormed in its history. In the XVIII century, after the biggest fire at the end of the previous century, the castle underwent a major reconstruction, during which most of the fortifications were dismantled and the defence moat was filled in. Only the tallest tower, the Record Tower, built in 1230, has survived. Visitors to Dublin Castle can see the remainder of the wall, which adjoined the Birmingham Puddle Tower. The castle was occupied by the English government until 1922. Since 1930, it has been the venue for most ceremonial events and the inauguration of Irish presidents.

2. Cashel Rock

This castle is located near the town of the same name and is among the most visited attractions in Ireland. For several hundred years, the castle served as the residence of kings until the Normans took over. It was also here that St Patrick preached his sermons, converting the king himself to Christianity. Conall Cork founded the first fortifications of the castle in the 4th century A.D. However, in 1101, the castle was given to the church, and half a century later, in 1152, it became the seat of the bishops. When the civil war broke out in 1647, the castle was sacked by parliamentary troops, killing many civilians and clerics (over 3,000). As a result, Cashel Rock became a symbol of the brutality of the invaders and the courage of the Irish. Now the castle is open to all, and the complex’s buildings are undergoing reconstruction.

3. Cliffs of Moher

Ireland’s landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher are the country’s calling card. On average, the height of these cliffs reaches 120 metres at Hags Head, but there is a section rising to 214 metres, located 8 kilometres north, not far from O’Brian’s Tower. The Cliffs of Moher are located on the Atlantic Ocean, forming a cliff.

Thanks to the excellent view, the place is visited by more than 1 million tourists every year, and back in 2006, the cliffs were named one of the most visited places in the country. A year later, a visitor centre was opened there. It was specially made environmentally friendly and disguised as a hill covered with grass. The base of the cliffs consists of shale and sandstone, and the cliffs are home to more than 30 thousand birds of 20 different species, among which there are quite rare ones.

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4. St Patrick’s Cathedral

This cathedral is the largest in Ireland. It was erected in Dublin and given to the Anglican Church. The head is a dean, not a bishop. The most famous person to head the cathedral was Jonathan Swift. Mentions of the structure date back to 1191, when Archbishop John Comyn gave the church cathedral status. Subsequently, a whole complex of various buildings and the archbishop’s palace were built around it. After 1212 the church acquired full cathedral status, and 13 years later reconstruction began, which brought the English Gothic style to the appearance of the building. In the XVII century the cathedral was destroyed, but the monks in 1660 began to restore it. Now this cathedral is one of the main symbols of Irish culture and a famous landmark of Dublin.

5. Guinness Brewery

Guinness is one of the most popular brands of beer. It all started when Arthur Guinness, having received 200 pounds as a gift in 1752, decided to spend it on renting a brewery. Subsequently, it was bought out and his descendants started to expand the family business actively. The Guinness Storehouse Brewery is located in Dublin and is Ireland’s most popular tourist destination. A total of 9 million tourists visit the country annually, and one in eight of them visit this Irish attraction. Here, anyone is able to participate in the process of creating a drink, as well as try different recipes. In addition, on the top floor, there is a pub where you can exchange your entry ticket for a pint of fresh beer.

6. Irish Museum of Modern Art

The museum opened in 1991 in the former Royal Hospital, which dates back to the 17th century. A refurbishment was carried out beforehand, glass stands were erected, and aluminum railings were made. Lighting was installed according to the location of the exhibits. The exhibited rarities relate to the city’s history and reflect the events there. Viking artifacts represent a separate category. In general, this museum will be interesting to visit for anyone interested in the history of Ireland.

7. Castle Cairn

Caire is a large Irish castle. It is located between Waterford and Limerick. The first stone fortifications appeared on the site in 1142 on the orders of Connor O’Brian, Prince of Thomond. Subsequently, the castle grew to become a huge fortress. In 1650, the garrison surrendered to Oliver Cromwell, allowing it to remain in excellent condition until modern times. In the 1960s, Castle Cair was given to the government and opened to tourists, becoming one of Ireland’s top attractions.

8. Bunratty Castle

In the west of Ireland, in County Clare, lies Bunratty Castle, the last of four castles built on the site of a Viking trading outpost. It was built by the O’Brien and McNamara clans in 1425 and has survived virtually unchanged. Now there is a museum on the castle’s territory opened in 1960. There are collections of antique wooden furniture decorated with carvings and tapestries of the XV-XVI centuries.

The park, near the castle, shows Irish life in the Victorian era. Visitors can explore shops and houses typical of the time, collected from all over Ireland. Antique utensils, detailed furnishings and the smallest decoration elements create a real-life atmosphere typical of an 18th century Irish settlement. Bunratty Castle is a very popular attraction. This is not only due to its proximity to the airport, but also to the medieval banquets held in the castle. In summer, tourists are invited to the Banquet Hall in the evenings, where musicians play and girls dressed in national costumes serve at the tables.

9. Kell Abbey

64 kilometres from Dublin there is a monastery founded by St Columba in 554. The building – “Columba’s House” – has survived. For defence against numerous enemies, an Irish round tower was erected. The Abbey became famous because the main part of the legendary Book of Kells was created within its walls, which was kept there until 1650, when the book, by order of Cromwell, was not transferred to Dublin. It is currently housed at Trinity College in the capital. The Abbey was featured in the famous animated film The Secret of Kells in 2009, making it a popular tourist destination in Ireland.

10. Jameson Distillery Museum

The Jameson Distillery Museum is a unique Irish attraction that most tourists and visitors to Dublin are keen to visit. The most famous brand of Irish national drink has been created here since 1780. Visitors will be taken on a real journey into the world of the past, the history of the drink’s creation, and tasting it. The Jameson Whiskey brand is considered one of the most popular – annual sales amount to more than 2 million cases. A resident of Ireland, John Jameson, established the production of this alcoholic beverage in 1780. Increased demand helped the rapid growth of the enterprise and by 1823 Jameson Distillery took the second place in whisky production in Ireland. In the 20th century, the company went through many ups and downs, and then in 1975, the main production was transferred to the newly built distillery in Cork, and the old distillery began to continue to work as a demonstration production, partly combined with a museum.

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Newfoundland and Labrador experienced sudden economic prosperity in the early 19th century, as the Napoleonic (1803-1815) and Anglo-American (1812-1814) wars gave the colony a near monopoly on the international saltwater fish trade. This, in turn, helped change coastal fishing from a migratory industry to a permanent one.

At the same time, Britain reduced its migratory fishing fleet to avoid the dangers of transatlantic trade and to attract fishermen to its navy – the number of British ships heading to Newfoundland decreased from about 300 in 1792 to less than 50 in 1817 and only 15 in 1823. In contrast, the permanent population of Newfoundland and Labrador increased steadily during the wars as immigrants arrived to avoid service in the British military and to participate in the colony’s growing fisheries. The emergence of a local shipbuilding industry, seal hunting, and the winter trapping season helped diversify the colony’s economy and make year-round living possible.

Most of the immigrants landed in St. John’s, where the Irish population grew from about 2,000 in 1794 to 14,000 in 1836. Others landed in Placentia, Treasure, and other fishing centers on the east coast. Many chose to leave their landing sites and settle elsewhere on the island, although the vast majority remained on the Avalon Peninsula at St. John’s, Placentia, and points in between. Significant numbers have also settled in Conception Bay and areas along the island’s northeast coast.

Often, new migrants found work with relatives or other Irish settlers who had already settled on the island. Many worked in the fishing industry, catching and treating fish, or less commonly as merchants and sales agents. A smaller number found work in other sectors; these included farmers, shop and saloon keepers, tailors, artisans, masons, bakers, domestic servants, and general laborers.

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The largest concentration of Irish settlements occurred on the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland in the 18th and 19th centuries. Most of the immigrants settled in St. John’s, Placentia, and along the coast connecting the two communities. These areas lay along established shipping routes connecting Newfoundland to Irish ports, were near productive fishing grounds, and close to major centers of trade and commercial activity. Most Irish immigrants worked at least part of the year in fishing, but a smaller number also worked as artisans, shopkeepers, tradesmen, farmers, carpenters, bakers, general laborers, and other occupations.

Seasonal and temporary migrations

The cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador was the strongest factor in attracting Irish immigrants from the late 17th to the early 19th centuries, as it provided an affordable source of work for unskilled laborers. Every spring, English ships would stop at Irish ports before crossing the Atlantic to load up on provisions and hire laborers for fishing. The Irish laborers were mostly young, unmarried, and relatively poor men who wanted to work abroad as indentured servants for planters or traders. Most agreed to work for one or two summers and return home in the fall.

Irish indentured servants arrived in St. John’s and other ports to work in the English migratory fisheries on the Avalon Peninsula. The north and south coasts of the island, which included modern-day Placentia, were part of the French fisheries and thus off limits to most workers from the British Isles. The situation changed after the Treaty of Utrecht was signed in 1713, which granted England sovereignty over the entire island of Newfoundland, but allowed France to retain fishing rights on the north shore, between Pointe Reach and Cape Bonavista.

The English expanded into Placentia and other territories in the southern Avalon Peninsula, but were largely dependent on Irish labor to catch and process fish. This was partly due to a shortage of English fishing laborers during the first three decades of the 18th century. While England was at war with France from 1702 to 1713, military service prevented many young men from working in the fisheries. By the time peace was restored, the migrant fishery had entered a depression that did not end until 1728. Knowledge of the recession was commonplace in the English West Country and deterred potential laborers from working as indentured servants for planters. This was not the case in Ireland, however, where captains and merchant agents could still hire laborers with relative ease.

The Irish quickly became an important part of the transatlantic fishery, and the number migrating to Newfoundland and Labrador grew steadily throughout the 18th century. Most worked in St. John’s, Placentia, and other areas. English laborers dominated the Avalon Peninsula north of St. John’s, while the French were active on the north shore of the island. Placentia became the center of Irish activity on the island, and by 1729, 80 percent of its population was Irish.

The vast majority of migrants were still men, but during the 18th century, more and more women arrived in Newfoundland, often working as domestic servants for planters and traders. Some married wintering male servants and settled permanently on the island. The Avalon Peninsula also saw an increase in the number of Irish planters and traders, who tended to recruit labor from their ports of call in southeastern Ireland, further contributing to Irish immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador. By the late 1770s, approximately 5,000 Irish migrated to the colony each spring, and a growing number settled there permanently.

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The Republic of Ireland was born in agony. Its citizens had been under British rule since the 13th century and struggled to rid themselves of British rule for the next several hundred years.

Ireland’s situation changed dramatically in the early 20th century. In 1919, the Irish nationalist party Sinn Féin proclaimed the Irish Republic. Faced with civil war in Ireland, Britain divided the island in 1920 with separate parliaments in the predominantly Protestant northeast and the predominantly Catholic south and northwest. This formula was opposed by republicans, however, and the Irish Free State was formed in 1922. Almost immediately, the northeast, Northern Ireland, broke away and accepted self-government as part of the United Kingdom.

Dublin was designated the capital of the Irish Free State, and in 1937 a new constitution renamed the nation Eire, or Ireland. In 1949 it became a republic and withdrew from the British Commonwealth.

The Protestant majority and Catholic minority in Northern Ireland were in conflict almost from the beginning. In 1969, increasing violence between the groups led to the creation of the British army to keep the peace, and three years later terrorist attacks in Ireland and Britain led to direct rule of Northern Ireland by the British Parliament. In 1985, the Anglo-Irish Treaty gave the Irish Republic a consultative role in the governance of Northern Ireland. In 1993, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom agreed a framework for resolving problems and securing lasting peace in a troubled region.

The Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland joined the European Community on January 1, 1973, and were integrated into the European Union in 1993.When the United Kingdom announced plans to leave the European Union following a closed referendum in 2016, the initiative’s impact on Northern Ireland became a major topic of debate.

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FACT 1
Until the 1900s, most Irish land (97%) was rented. The majority of the population before the famine had little or no access to land ownership. Indeed, in the 1780s, 5000 landlord families owned over 95% of all productive land.

FACT 2
Before the famine, it was often said that intermarriages were arranged between a bride and groom who lived within 5 miles of each other. Families often married into the same families for several generations. Additionally, small communities were established within land holdings through which individuals played a role in the community, such as the ability to make clothing, repair tools, and build walls.

FACT 3
Traditionally, land was located in a cooperative settlement known as a klochan. This meant that a plot of land was occupied by several related families. Each of them cultivated their own fields, and some fields were shared. Due to penal laws, most Catholic families could not own land, but they often had the opportunity to enter into long-term leases or leases for several lifetimes, which allowed them to stay on the land for several generations.

FACT 4
Tenancies for life were made by landlords and tenants, who often listed young children as one of the tenants. This allowed for a lifetime lease if the young child lived to a ripe old age.

FACT 5
In order for families to support themselves and run their households more efficiently, marriages were often arranged on the basis of land owned by the bride or groom. If the tenant had no sons, the daughter who married often had a land dowry, and the husband “married on the spot”. This helped ensure that the family continued to occupy the land, although the name often died.

FACT 6
The famine changed many land tenure traditions. Many families found that their holdings were no longer sustainable and they needed to either add to them or allow their children to emigrate from the land. Sons and daughters who were sent abroad were often required to send money home so that land could be leased and added to the property.

FACT 7
The tenants’ rights movement, which began before the Great Famine but gained momentum during the 1840s and 1850s, was the beginning of a push for greater self-determination over property. This ultimately led to the Land Acts of the 1880s, which allowed tenants to seek rent reductions from the courts, and the Land Acts of the early 1900s, which enabled tenants to purchase their land through the purchase of land rents.

FACT 8
Storing land and property records online has never been easier, and if you are looking for ancestors before the mid-1800s, the records below will be invaluable.

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These early settlers in Ireland made weapons and tools from a sharp stone called flint, especially axe points. Initially, they lived mostly along the coast of Ireland or near rivers because they were hunters. They mainly ate berries, fruits, wild animals and roamed from place to place. Around 3500 BC, Stone Age people began to cut down forests to create farmland.

The Stone Age lasted a very long time and many changes took place. So we call Stone Age people by different names depending on when they lived during this long period of time. People who lived at the beginning of this time were known as Early Stone Age people. People in the middle of this period were known as Middle Stone Age people or Mesolithic people. People at the end of this period became known as New Stone Age people or Neolithic people.

Late Stone Age people or Neolithic people in Ireland were farmers. This late Stone Age period falls between about 4000 BC and 2000 BC, which means that the first farmers lived in Ireland about six thousand years ago. These peasants knew how to cultivate the land and raise cattle.

We know that the Late Stone Age people had a lot of respect for their dead because they built large stone tombs and monuments from about 4000 BC. Some of these tombs are very large and are called megalithic tombs or dolmens. Many of them can still be seen in Ireland, for example, at Glencolmcille in Co. Donegal. One well known dolmen in County Clare is called Poulnabrone. It was built around 2500 BC and was found to contain the remains of about seventeen adults and sixteen children. Stone Age peasants often decorated stones on their graves. An example of this can be seen in the large tomb at Newgrange.

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