Una Sinnott

Why you should talk to relatives when researching your family tree - Una Sinnott The best way to begin your genealogy research is to talk to relatives about the stories that have been passed down through the generations

The most important first step in building your family tree is talking to older family members, here’s why

Galway's marriage stones - Una Sinnott Galway's marriage stones are a fascinating reminder of the city's history. Here's a quick look at what they are and where to find them.

We have a long history of reusing old masonry in Galway. In my latest post, I look at the city's marriage stones, which provide an interesting glimpse into our past unasinnott.com/galways-marr...

Galway: City of the Tribes walking tour - Una Sinnott Uncover the captivating history of Galway and get to know the City of the Tribes in this 90-minute walking tour.

Get to know the City of the Tribes with a walking tour all about the 14 Tribes, the powerful merchant families who once ruled Galway, and find out how their legacy is still celebrated in the city today

What will you find in Ireland’s 1901 and 1911 Census records? - Una Sinnott If your Irish ancestors were in Ireland in the early 20th century, the 1901 and 1911 Census returns are a great place to start your genealogical research.

If your Irish ancestors were in Ireland in the early 20th century, the 1901 and 1911 Census returns are a great place to start your genealogical research

Private walking tours of Galway - Una Sinnott I am available for private walking tours of Galway for groups, couples or individuals, with an itinerary tailored to meet your specific needs or interests.

Discover Galway with a private walking tour, taking in the city’s cultural highlights, medieval landmarks, and more!

What is a townland? A guide to the Irish land divisions used in genealogy records - Una Sinnott A guide to townlands and other land divisions you will come across in Irish genealogical records, and why you need to know them.

What is a townland? Here’s a breakdown of the land divisions you will come across in Irish genealogical records, and why you need to know them #genealogy #Irishgenealogy #familyhistory

Guided walking tours of Galway - Una Sinnott There is no better way to get to know Galway city than with a guided walking tour, led by a professional local tour guide

I am now taking bookings for my walking tours of Galway - let’s explore the city together, and discover some of the fascinating stories behind Galway’s great landmarks! Find out more 👇

The mythology and history of how Galway got its name - Una Sinnott Galway is a byword for arts and music, festivals and craic. But what does the name Galway mean? Well, it's complicated.

How did Galway get its name? Here's a look at the legend of Galvia, the princess said to have inspired the name of the city that grew on the banks of the river where she drowned unasinnott.com/mythology-hi...

Statue of Padraic O Conaire in Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland

A statue of him was unveiled in 1935 by Eamon de Valera, later president of Ireland; this limestone statue was in Eyre Square until the mid-2000s. The original statue is now on display in Galway City Museum, with a replica bronze statue in Eyre Square, #Galway

Unfortunately, like his protagonist Nora, Ó Conaire turned to alcohol for comfort. He died, aged just 46, in Dublin in 1928.
#Irishhistory

Ó Conaire was influenced by Russian writers of the early 20th century, and many of his characters were marginalised by their circumstances or poor choices. Nora Mharcais Bhig, one of his best-known characters, was an emigrant whose choices and circumstances led her to alcohol abuse and prostitution.

Orphaned at 11, Ó Conaire spent several years in Ros Muc in the Connemara Gaeltacht, where he learned Irish, and as an adult, he moved to London, where he became involved in the Gaelic League, taught Irish to other ex-pats, and married and had four children. He eventually returned, alone, to Galway.

Ó Conaire was born Patrick Conroy #onthisday 28 February 1882, in his family's home and bar overlooking Galway Harbour, which now houses Ruibín restaurant. Surprisingly, Irish was not his first language, and some of his most celebrated works were written in England.

Photo of Padraic O Conaire

Pádraic Ó Conaire is one of Ireland’s most significant writers in the Irish language, and was a key figure in the Irish language revival of the early 20th century. During his short life he wrote 26 books, 473 short stories, 237 essays, and six plays.
#Irishliterature