Latest news with #Anglo-Norman
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Pioneering project releases more lost Irish records spanning 700 years
Seven centuries of lost historical records covering espionage, political corruption and the lives of ordinary people in Ireland have been recovered and are being released. A pioneering project to fill gaps in Irish history is making 175,000 more records and millions more words of searchable content freely available to researchers and members of the public. The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland, a global academic collaboration led by Trinity College Dublin, deployed historians, computer scientists and other specialists to digitally recreate parts of a vast archive destroyed in Ireland's civil war. The project launched in 2022 on the centenary of the burning of the Public Record Office in Dublin in a five-day battle that began on 28 June 1922. It is now marking the 103rd anniversary of the calamity by adding freshly recovered material that takes in the Anglo-Norman conquest and the 1798 rebellion and a genealogical trove from 19th-century censuses. 'It's a very significant scale of data,' said Peter Crooks, a Trinity historian and academic director of the project. HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading 'It's an enormous stretch of time from the 13th century up to the 19th century. The scale of what can be brought in, in terms of reconstruction, continues to amaze me.' Once the envy of scholars around the world, the six-storey Public Record Office at the Four Courts by the River Liffey contained priceless troves dating from medieval times. It was obliterated as troops of the fledgling Irish State battled former comrades hunkered in the building. It was long assumed that all was lost but the project enlisted 75 archives and libraries in Ireland, the UK and around the world to source transcripts and duplicates of documents, many of which had lain, forgotten, in storage. The latest troves to be catalogued and digitised bring the total to 350,000 records and 250m words of searchable Irish history. Culture minister Patrick O'Donovan said international collaboration underpinned the 'riches' that had been rediscovered. 'It offers an invaluable historical resource for people of all ages and traditions across the island of Ireland and abroad, and democratises access so that our shared history is more accessible and engaging for everyone.' The project has fused old-fashioned academic investigation, artificial intelligence and support and expertise from institutions that contain Irish records, notably the National Archives of Ireland, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the UK National Archives at Kew and the Irish Manuscripts Commission. 'The circle of collaborators has widened and deepened,' said Mr Crooks. The latest material includes 60,000 names from the lost censuses, creating a data hoard for genealogists and Irish diaspora descendants, among others, to trace family lineage, says Ciarán Wallace, a Trinity historian and co-director of the project. 'This is only a fragment of what's missing but 60,000 is a huge improvement on a blank slate.' The project's 'age of conquest' portal contains parchments in Latin and 5m words of Anglo-Norman Irish history, spanning 1170 to 1500, that have been translated into English. Uploaded State papers, spanning 1660 to 1720, comprise 10m words, including extensive intelligence reports from the Tudor era when English monarchs tightened their grip on England's first colony. A diary that ended up at the US Library of Congress is now accessible and sheds light on dodgy deals that led to the abolition of the Irish parliament in 1800 and Ireland's incorporation into the UK. 'You find out about some of those underhanded dealings,' said Joel Herman, a research fellow who works on the project. 'One member of parliament said he can't vote for it because of the corrupt methods that have been used to win votes.' Along with the new material, a search tool called the Knowledge Graph Explorer is being introduced that can identify people, places and the links between them. The Guardian
Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Lucinda O'Sullivan's restaurant review: While lunch in Cobh needed refining, dinner in Garryvoe demonstrated excellence
Keeping it nautical, our critic took in a giant cruise ship and two meals in Co Cork 'Cobh is having a moment,' said my East Cork friend, Farmer Browne, as we drove past the fab five-star Fota Island Resort and Fota Wildlife Park, on over the bridge to the Great Island at the mouth of the River Lee, and past the restored Anglo-Norman tower of Belvelly Castle. An evocative place of tragedies and triumph, Cobh was formerly known as Queenstown, a significant garrison town, and the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912. Today, the town is a destination for cruise ships and those on the trail of both the Titanic and the Lusitania, which was sunk by a German U-boat during WWI.
Wales Online
21-06-2025
- Wales Online
Bucket-list beach with a stream running to the sea, a castle and surfers love it
Bucket-list beach with a stream running to the sea, a castle and surfers love it It's brilliant for families, has picture perfect scenery and is just as pretty as some of the better known destinations Manorbier Bay, Pembrokeshire. (Image: ChrisAt - Getty ) If you're looking for a beach that flies a little under the radar but still delivers on views, great surfing conditions and golden sand, Manorbier might be worth a visit. Tucked into the south Pembrokeshire coastline just west of Tenby, this sandy, dune-backed beach sits in the shadow of a medieval castle. It has a bit of everything with rock pools, jaw-dropping views and even a stream that cuts down through the dunes before spilling into the sea. The beach faces south-west which makes it a popular spot for surfers although this particular beach can have some strong currents, so there are a number of warnings online advising people to stay cautious. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Manorbier has been described as being 'perfect for rock-pooling' (Image: Getty ) According to Bluestone Wales, it's 'a favourite among families, perfect for rock-pooling and for water activity enthusiasts.' The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs right past it, so it's an ideal spot to add to your beach bucket list if you're taking on some of the walk. Article continues below Sea waves crashing against the rocks (Image: Getty ) Manorbier Castle also overlooks the beach which was built in the late 11th century by the Anglo-Norman de Barry family and later came under the control of the Earls of Pembroke. The main entrance is a fortified gateway with a portcullis and heavy door, while a smaller postern gate gives access to the beach, and the entire castle looks like it was purpose-built to be the perfect beach backdrop. If you head south east along the cliffs, you'll also find King's Quoit which is a Neolithic burial chamber that's been perched there for around 5,000 years. Manorbier castle as seen from the beach, is a Norman castle which was founded in the 11th century. (Image: Getty ) Visit Pembrokeshire describes the beach itself as 'a sandy, dune-backed beach with a stream running down the northern end,' and gives the usual local advice to check tide times before you head down even if you're not surfing, as it can shrink quickly on an incoming tide. (Image: Getty ) Parking is fairly limited as there's space for around 30 cars in the National Park car park just above the beach and a few more along the road toward Freshwater East. Toilets are available, and an ice cream van is usually parked up during peak times, so it's perfect if you're heading on a family day out. Manorbier Bay in the spring sunshine (Image: Getty ) In the village itself, you'll find a couple of cafés, a pub, and a mix of places to stay with everything from guesthouses to a Youth Hostel at nearby Skrinkle Haven which is definitely a good base if you're looking to explore this quieter stretch of coastline away from the more crowded tourist spots. Although if you are sticking around for a few days, there are some brilliant beaches nearby that are worth the extra drive (or walk, if you're up for a longer stretch along the coast path). Freshwater West Beach is one of Wales' best (Image: Mario Sánchez Prada ) Freshwater East is the closest and has a wide, gently shelving bay that's great for swimming and tends to stay pretty calm even when it's windy elsewhere. A little further west you can also find Swanlake Bay which is a real hidden cove that's only accessible via the coast path or footpath from the road above. There's no car park or facilities, but you'll usually have it almost to yourself. If you're after postcard-perfect scenery, Barafundle is about a 20-minute drive away and is often described as one of the best beaches in the UK (though it does get busy in summer). It's a bit of a walk from the car park at Stackpole Quay, but you're rewarded with golden sand, turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. For something wilder and more remote, Broad Haven South and the Bosherston Lily Ponds are also close by and you can walk from one to the other and back again in a big loop. But if you don't mind spots with a bit more buzz, you could also head over to one of the beaches named in the UK that's also in Pembrokeshire if you'd prefer more things to do inland while making the most of the sea air. Saundersfoot is one of 20 coastal towns to make the Sunday Times list of best in the UK. Article continues below The beach itself backs onto the cute and quirky village with stunning foodie options and lovely residents who instantly make you feel welcome, so is well worth stopping off at if you're in the area. Let us know if you have a favourite beach in Pembrokeshire, or anywhere else in Wales in the comments below.
RTÉ News
10-06-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
What have the Anglo-Normans ever done for us anyway?
Analysis: Not much really apart from giving us counties, the Pale, fortified towns, stone castles, gothic architecture and markets... In August 1967, Arthur Butler, the sixth Marquis of Ormond, gave the keys of Kilkenny Castle to James Gibbons, chairman of the Kilkenny Castle Restoration and Development Committee. This symbolic gesture marked the end of centuries of Butler family stewardship of the castle, a lineage that traced back to the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. The onlookers included then Minister for Finance Charlie Haughey and, surprisingly, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull, who were seeking refuge from the British press following a recent drug scandal. From RTÉ Archives, 1967 RTÉ News report on the handing over of the keys to Kilkenny Castle by the Butler family witnessed by Charles Haughey, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull Rock 'n' roll luminaries aside, the event signified the closing chapter of one of Ireland's most prominent Anglo-Norman dynasties. Arthur Butler was descended from Theobald Walter, the first Chief Butler of Ireland (c. 1150- c. 1206). The Butlers were among many families whose roots in Ireland began with the 12th century Anglo-Norman invasion. Over the following eight centuries, these families brought a new form of governance, feudalism, to Ireland and became deeply embedded in Irish political, social, and cultural life. Who were the Normans? The Normans originated from Viking marauders who eventually settled in northern France, in a region now known as Normandy. There, they adopted Christianity, spoke Norman French and integrated into local aristocratic networks. Their success as colonisers stemmed from their ability to blend local customs with a distinct Norman identity, creating a hybrid culture. For instance, after William the Conqueror's 1066 invasion of England, Norman Romanesque architecture became widespread. Gradually, they incorporated local English elements, as seen in the west front of Ely Cathedral. Meanwhile, the English St. George became a celebrated figure across the Norman world. This pattern of cultural integration was a hallmark of Norman expansion. From RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline, listeners call in to give out about and praise the Normans The Anglo-Normans arrive in Ireland By the time the Normans arrived in Ireland in 1169, they had adopted so many 'English' customs that Irish annalists described them as Sasanach, Saxons. In Ireland, as elsewhere, they intermarried with aristocratic families and adopted local customs, while bringing Norman innovations. The creation of counties Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Meath would form the core of what became known as the Pale, where English Common Law was eventually adhered to. The Normans built impressive stone castles, like Trim Castle in Co. Meath. Gradually, walled towns emerged that hosted markets. Drogheda, Kilkenny and Waterford all owe their medieval layout to the Normans. New town charters outlined the mutual obligations between citizens and corporations. Gothic architecture (which replaced the earlier Romanesque style) adorned Irish churches (see Duiske Abbey in Co. Kilkenny and St Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedrals in Dublin). Within Norman territories, however, the cultural boundaries between English and Irish were porous. The famous 1366 Statutes of Kilkenny (which were originally written in Norman French) banned Normans from dressing like Irish lords and speaking Irish. Yet, contemporary Irish legal (Brehon) tracts contain Anglo-Norman terms like jury, guarantor and seneschal, showing us how both cultures influenced one another. The Norman legacy in Irish culture Perhaps the most fascinating legacy of the Normans in Ireland was the cultural hybridity they fostered. Many Anglo-Norman lords adopted Irish customs and patronised Gaelic poets and scholars. One notable example is Gearóid Iarla, or Gerald fitz Maurice FitzGerald (1338-1398), a descendant of Maurice Fitzgerald, a key figure in the original Anglo-Norman invasion. Gearóid Iarla composed poetry in Irish, drawing on Irish mythology while also engaging with French courtly poetry. In the 1600s, Seathrún Céitinn, of Anglo-Norman descent (his father was James fitz Edmund Keating) authored Foras Feasa ar Éirinn, a compendium of wisdom about Ireland and a seminal history that drew on native traditions and celebrated Irish culture. Meanwhile, in Dublin, descendants of Normans had adopted St George as the city's patron saint. By the 1500s, the annual St George's Day pageant had become a major civic event. Actors portrayed St George and his legendary battle with the dragon – played by a mechanical dragon maintained by the city corporation. From RTÉ Radio 1's Late Debate, should Ireland commemorate the Norman invasion? A recent project between Maynooth University, the Royal Irish Academy, and the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland has recently published online a manuscript that describes the distinct identity of an Anglo-Norman community in 17th-century Wexford. Allegedly, they still wore the same style clothes and spoke 'old Saxon English' like their 12th century ancestors. Despite their deep integration into Irish society, many Anglo-Norman families retained elements of their original identity. More Irish than the Irish themselves? The question of whether the Anglo-Normans became "more Irish than the Irish themselves" has long been debated, particularly during periods of Anglo-Irish political tensions. In reality, Anglo-Norman lords had to navigate a complex web of local allegiances, dynastic ambitions, and obligations to the English Crown. A telling example is that of George Darcy of Dunmoe, Co. Meath. The Darcys could trace their origin to John Darcy, Viceroy in 1324 who ordered the arrest of Alice Kyteler for witchcraft (fun fact). Their story is not one of simple conquest or assimilation, but of enduring influence, adaptation and cultural fusion. During the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, it is purported that both King James II and his rival, William of Orange, were hosted by Darcy on successive days. When asked where his loyalties lay, Darcy allegedly replied "who will be king I do not know; but I'll be Darcy of Dunmoe." This anecdote encapsulates the balancing act performed by many Anglo-Norman families: rooted in Ireland, yet navigating the shifting tides of English and Irish politics. So, what have the Anglo-Normans ever done for us? Well, apart from counties, the Pale, feudalism, fortified towns, English Common Law, corporations, stone castles, gothic architecture, markets, 'Foras Feasa ar Éirinn', St George pageants, and Norman French – not much, really! Yet what appears from this brief analysis, is that their story is not one of simple conquest or assimilation, but of enduring influence, adaptation and cultural fusion.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Longford: Sample the breathtaking delights of Center Parcs and take in a slice of history at 20th Annual Vintage Show & Family Fun Day
From the rolling hills of north Longford to the enchanting Royal Canal Greenway of its mid and southern equivalent, there isn't many boxes this rapidly developing midlands tourism county doesn't tick. Here are a flavour of just some of the many attractions that you can find over the course of what's sure to be a long weekend to remember. Longford Vintage Show & Family Fun Day Longford Vintage Club Vintage Show and Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday, 1 June 2025 in Connolly Barracks, Longford town. The occasion is one its members are particularly relishing as it is their 20th anniversary and an afternoon that promises to tick every conceivable box. There will be free kids entertainment, face painting and train rides, as well as a motorbike stunt show, ride-on lawnmower racing, a dog show, a wood carving exhibition and plenty of live music. Gates open at 12pm with kids going free. Go dancing in Edgeworthstown Miss Mary is an outdoor solo dance, tracing the footsteps of Ireland's traveling dance masters. Created by Kristyn Fontanella, it explores her dance lineage and heritage, inviting the audience to connect with the land, share stories, and ask: Where did you come from? How do you move? Will you dance with me? This is an outdoor solo dance piece you will be standing and possibly moving around the space… so bring your comfy shoes and enjoy. Both the workshop and performance are taking place in Edgeworthstown Library this Friday (May 30) at 11am and 2pm respectively. Take in a visit to Granard's Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre The bustling north Longford town of Granard is steeped in no shortage of history, a repute that is perhaps best exemplified by its Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre. This immersive visitor experience that brings visitors on a journey through the town's Anglo-Norman history. During the self-guided tour, you'll come face to face with Henry II and King Rory O'Connor, visit a recreated Norman home and dig for artefacts in the Norman CSI room. Kids dress up in Norman clothes, receive their Norman name and a list of duties for their visit, including completing an interactive quiz - that should keep them entertained for the hour-long tour. Dedicated to Granard's most-famous resident, your journey ends at Kitty Kiernan's Drawing Room where you'll find out about Kitty's place in the War of Independence and her fiancé Michael Collins. Bask in the delights of Center Parcs Set in the mature woodlands of County Longford near Ballymahon, Center Parcs holiday village is a great place to escape to any time of year. There's a full line-up of outdoor and indoor activities for all ages and the popular dome-covered swimming pool is heated to a balmy 27 degrees. There's also a relaxing spa with a full range of holistic treatments. Stay in one of the 400 lodges that range from one-bedroom apartments to eight-bedroom lodges with saunas, steam baths and hot tubs. Take a stroll in north Longford's picturesque Derrycassin Wood North of Granard and hugging the shoreline of Lough Gowna, picturesque Derrycassin Wood is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. There are three popular waymarked walks to choose from; the Nature Trail (1.2km), Walled Garden Walk (2.3km) and the Main Avenue Walk (3.2km), each bringing you along spruce-scented river paths and past scenic viewing points on the lake shore. In late April or early May, the Nature Trail is particularly beautiful with a carpet of bluebells dancing in the spring breeze. Keep watch on the long walks for the fascinating foundations of an old mansion and walled gardens demolished in 1939 and the remains of a historic ringfort in the woods, formerly the dwelling place of the earliest inhabitants of the area. You can finish your walk with a picnic under a canopy of trees by the riverside. With so much history, gastronomic delights, and natural beauty to discover, it's hardly surprising why this unspoiled and charming county is being billed as the jewel in Fáilte Ireland's 'Hidden Heartlands' tourism brand.
