Francis Joseph (Frank) O’Meara one of Ireland’s most famous International Impressionist artists, was born in his family home, 37 Dublin Street, Carlow on the 30th March 1853. He is thought to have been educated at Knockbeg College, a Diocesan College close to Carlow town. He completed his education in Dublin where he resided at different…
Carlow Castle – Caisleán Cheatharlach
Carlow stone castle was not the first Anglo-Norman castle on the site of the remains of Carlow Castle. Shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans to Ireland in 1169, the lands of Carlow were granted to the Norman Knight, John de Clahull. Hugh de Lacy as ‘Keeper of Ireland’, built an earthwork timber castle circa…
The Blackthorn (An Draighean)
Latin name: Prunus spinosa The blackthorn (an draighean in the Gaelic language) is one of the earliest flowering trees, flowering in late March/early April and interestingly, it flowers before its leaves appear. The blackthorn is a hardy plant, with thorns and thick brambles and can be seen in many hedgerows in the Irish countryside. It…
Festival of Samhain – Halloween
Origins and traditions of Samhain Samhain is a Celtic fire festival, celebrated at the beginning of the Celtic year. It is one of the eight Celtic festivals of the wheel of the Celtic year. Other festivals include winter and summer Solstices, spring and autumn Equinoxes, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa. There are four quarter year festivals,…
Brownshill Portal Dolmen/Tuama Ursanach Chnoc A Bhrúnaigh
Brownshill Portal Dolmen was built as a burial place by Ireland’s first farmers sometime between 4000 and 3000BC. Brownshill, also called Kernanstown, has not been excavated, so there is very little known about it, but both burnt and unburnt burials have been found in other portal tombs. Pottery vessels, flint arrowheads, scrapers and personal ornaments,…