Tour Guide & Cultural Heritage Writer
Trade unionism in Ireland stretches as far back as the 1700s. By 1800 the labour organisations of Irish workers had taken root, but many attempts were made by employers and local and central governments to stop the Irish workers’ efforts. Despite this, improvements in the working conditions for certain skilled workers were seen. One such… Continue reading Ireland | The Challenges in Unionising Women Workers in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
There is much deliberation as to how the language shift from Irish to English occured. It has been difficult for experts to agree on an explanation as to why and how this happened. Irish has had many challenges over the centuries with the invasion of the Vikings and the Anglo-Normans. Despite this, the Irish language… Continue reading Ireland | Language Shift from Irish to English in the 19th Century
Ireland has some beautiful islands off its coast. I've been to a few but none stand out as much as Inishbofin off the coast of Co. Galway. I was lucky to visit Inishbofin on a college field trip a few years ago for an Adventure Tourism module. Of course it wasn't all fun and games… Continue reading Ireland | Inishbofin Photo Essay
A few years ago I shared some photographs I took of Moore Hall in my Moore Hall Photo Essay. I'm very lucky to live only a few miles from this beautiful 'Big House' and I have fond memories of walking around the estate and having picnics as a little girl with my family. I thought… Continue reading Ireland | A Short History Of Moore Hall
Harry Clarke is an Irish artist I came across many years ago and thanks to my younger brother John fell in love with his work. St. Mary's RC Church, in my hometown of Ballinrobe in Co. Mayo is lucky enough to have nine Harry Clarke Windows and draws visitors from all over. We have local… Continue reading Irish Artists | Harry Clarke
Christmas is a special time for me. It's even more special when I get to experience it in my adopted city, Galway. Every year in mid-November the Christmas Market is opened and the Christmas lights are turned on to great fanfare. There's a buzz around the city now. Take a look for yourself. Have you… Continue reading Ireland | A Galway Christmas Photo Essay
Well it's the end of an era. Friday November 2nd was my last day working in The Quiet Man Museum. I still can't quite wrap my head around the fact that I've finished up and launched my own business conducting walking tours. I don't know where the last five summers went to; time flies when you're having… Continue reading Farewell Quiet Man
I fell in love with Mainie Jellett and her work when I was given an assignment in college as part of a Modernism module. The brief was to give a ten minute presentation on an Irish modern artist and tie in what makes them a modern artist. I can't remember exactly how I came across… Continue reading Ireland | Mainie Jellett
I'm back! Yes, it has been months since I last wrote a post but I won't bore you with reasons and excuses as to why I haven't. I have another photo essay I want to share with you. Last summer B and I took a day trip from Dublin to Belfast with Extreme Ireland. Our… Continue reading Northern Ireland | Belfast Photo Essay
Inis Mór is one of three islands that make up the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Inis Mór translates into English as 'big island', making it the main island of the Aran Islands. With 850 inhabitants, 14 villages and 5 pubs, it's like stepping into a John Hinde postcard. See for yourself… Continue reading Ireland | Inis Mór Photo Essay
Marteen Lane 