Sir Henry Bunbury (1565-1634)

Sir Henry Bunbury (1565-1634)

Henry Bunbury was grandfather of the Benjamin Bunbury who first acquired the land in County Carlow, Ireland. Henry succeeded as head of the family in 1601 and was knighted two years later by the new king, James I. He appears to have been of Calvinist persuasion in...
Maule of Scotland and Ballynatray

Maule of Scotland and Ballynatray

The Norman family of Maule (sometimes Mawle) were much admired in Christian circles during the 13th and 14th century on account of their crusading zeal.  A junior branch of the family settled in Midlothian, Scotland, and became closely allied to the Earl of...
Sir Walter Raleigh in Ireland

Sir Walter Raleigh in Ireland

Sir Walter Raleigh was one of the most one of the most enigmatic adventurers, soldiers, scholars and courtiers to emerge in the Tudor Age. This essay looks at his multiple Irish connections, good and bad. Much of the information was gleaned from an excellent...

Catholic Converts from Carlow (1741-1812)

(With thanks to Sue Clements) The ‘Act to prevent the further growth of popery’ was passed in 1703 and it made it obligatory on converts from Catholicism to Protestantism to provide proof of conformity. According to the Act a Protestant was a member of the Church of...
The Massacre of Mullaghmast

The Massacre of Mullaghmast

In a matter of minutes, the massacre is over. 40 men lie dead, including the chiefs of the Seven Septs of Leix - O'Moore, O'Lalor, O'Kelly, O'Doran, O'Dowling, McEvoy and Devoy - and the chiefs of the O'Dunne, O'Molloy, O'Connor and O'More clans. Only two men escape....