The Cistercian Order in Ireland

The Cistercian Order in Ireland

Between 1142 and 1270, the Cistercian Order built 38 abbeys in Ireland from which, at their peak, they owned almost half a million acres in Ireland, including 48,000 acres at their mother-house, Mellifont Abbey. Famed for their agricultural prowess, the Cistercians...
Saint Brigid of Kildare

Saint Brigid of Kildare

In Ireland, St Brigit became known as "Muire na nGael" (Mary of the Irish), as venerable as the Blessed Virgin, mother of Christ, and second only to St Patrick in the hierarchy of patron saints. However, her story is infinitely more complex, embracing the deities of...
The Irish Roots of the Brontë Sisters

The Irish Roots of the Brontë Sisters

Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey are considered three of the greatest literary classics of all times. The three novels were published in 1847 by the brilliant Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne. This is the lesser known story of their father, an...
The Sea Lodge, County Louth, Ireland

The Sea Lodge, County Louth, Ireland

It is the sound of the sea and the winds upon it that so entranced Alicia Chawner when she first found her house near Dunany Point on the south coast of Dundalk Bay. Now she is hooked, as defined by her location as the sea kale on the rocky shores or the winkles on...