In the harbor, a testament to An Gorta Mór

By John McColgan
March 4, 2020
John McColgan

An Gorta Mór – Ireland’s ‘Great Hunger’ – saw an estimated 1.5 million people die of starvation and disease between 1845 and 1852.  Another 2 million emigrated, and many of them perished from the plagues they fled: thousands during Atlantic crossings, and thousands more on the shores of their destination. This monument commemorates the men, women, and children of the Great Hunger who sought deliverance in the New World only to perish while in quarantine on Deer Island in Boston Harbor.

 

Historical Background

The who, what, and when of the St. Patrick story

By Tourism Ireland
March 4, 2020
Tourism Ireland

When St. Patrick set foot in Ireland in the 5th century AD, he faced an uncertain future in a little-known country. Warring Celts were scattered in tribal groups across the island, ruled with iron might by five provincial kings. Eerie dolmen monuments and ancient ruins dominated the landscape. Even the Roman conquerors of Britain had not ventured this far – apart perhaps from the odd traveler or adventurer.

Looking for a touch of gracious living? To Ireland’s Blue Book you should turn

By Ed Forry
February 27, 2020
Ed Forry

Ireland’s Blue Book is a joint venture of a collection of descriptive listings of selected Irish country houses, hotels, and restaurants located all across the island. A visit to one of these gracious spots affords a unique experience of living and sleeping in glorious old grand estates, all preserved, maintained, and featuring a variety of outdoor activities: fishing, hiking, some golf. It’s really about decompressing from the pace of modern-day life. Having stayed now at four of these properties, I recommend them and the unique experiences they afford.

Bob and Maisie: our family’s giants

By Martin McGovern, Special to Boston Irish
February 27, 2020
Martin McGovern, Special to Boston Irish

As Ireland entered Europe in 1973 and the “troubles” raged in the North, I was lost in teenage heartache. So much so that I took refuge in my grandparents’ house one night to watch a BBC2 documentary about Joseph Stalin.

Distracted by the footage of Soviet terror, I was surprised when Gran sidled up beside me. Hand soft on my shoulder, she leaned in and said, “Never mind, chuck, there are more fish in the sea.”

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