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  • Irish Travellers in the Spotlight: Profiles of Famous Irish Travellers

Irish Travellers, a distinct ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage, have faced unique challenges and discrimination throughout history. Despite these obstacles, individuals within the Traveller community have risen to prominence, excelling in various fields and contributing to the cultural tapestry of Ireland.

In this exploration, we shine a spotlight on famous Irish Travellers who have made significant contributions in the arts, literature, sports, and advocacy.

1. John Connors

John Connors

John Connors, born into a Traveller family in Dublin, is a celebrated violinist and composer known for his evocative and soul-stirring music. Connors draws inspiration from his Traveller heritage, infusing traditional elements into his compositions. Through his talent and artistry, he not only showcases the richness of Traveller culture but also challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding through the universal language of music.

  • https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/celebs/john-connors-vows-make-mother-27995722

2. Kathleen Traveler

Kathleen Traveler, a pseudonymous Irish Traveller author and poet, has used her writing to shed light on the Traveller experience and the challenges of societal discrimination. Her works provide a platform for self-expression and storytelling, allowing readers to gain insight into the unique culture, history, and struggles of the Irish Traveller community. Kathleen Traveler’s literary contributions contribute to a broader understanding of the complexities faced by Travellers in Irish society.

Also See: Lithuanian Legends: Unveiling the Stories of Famous Lithuanians

3. Nano Nagle

Nano Nagle

Nano Nagle, an Irish Traveller artist and cultural activist, employs visual art as a medium to explore Traveller identity and address social issues. Her works often delve into themes of discrimination, cultural pride, and resilience. Through her art, Nagle advocates for understanding and challenges preconceived notions about the Traveller community, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

  • https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/nano-nagle-the-life-and-the-legacy-review-beyond-the-bad-nuns-stereotype-1.3701941

4. John Joe McGinn

John Joe Mcginn

John Joe McGinn, born into an Irish Traveller family in Glasgow, has become a prominent figure in professional football. Currently playing for Aston Villa in the English Premier League and representing the Republic of Ireland at the international level, McGinn openly celebrates his Traveller background. His success in football serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes within the Traveller community and challenges stereotypes associated with Traveller identity.

Explore More: Exploring the Legacy of Top Famous Melungeons

5. Margaret Cashin

Margaret Cashin

Margaret Cashin, a proud member of the Traveller community, has made significant strides in the political arena. Serving as a former politician, she became the first Traveller member of the Irish Seanad (Senate). Cashin has been a staunch advocate for Traveller rights, working to address issues such as discrimination, housing, and access to education at the national level.

  • https://rip.ie/death-notice/margaret-mary-cash-wexford-barntown-527427

The stories of John Connors, Kathleen Traveler, Nano Nagle, John Joe McGinn, and Margaret Cashin underscore the diversity of talents and achievements within the Irish Traveller community.

From music and literature to visual arts, sports, and political advocacy, these individuals have made indelible contributions to Irish society while proudly embracing and promoting their Traveller heritage. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we recognize the importance of fostering understanding and inclusivity for the Irish Traveller community in Ireland and beyond.

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A Brief History of Irish Travellers, Ireland’s Only Indigenous Minority

 © Heather Buckley

After a long battle, Irish Travellers were finally officially recognised as an indigenous ethnic minority by Ireland’s government in early March 2017. Here, Culture Trip takes a look at the origins of the Irish Travelling community and how the historic ruling came about. At the time of the 2011 census , there were around 29,500 Irish Travellers in the Irish Republic , making up 0.6% of the population. The community was found to be unevenly distributed across the country, with the highest number living in County Galway and South Dublin. Although – as the name suggests – Irish Travellers have historically been a nomadic people, the census showed a majority living in private dwellings.

famous travellers in ireland

Throughout Irish history, the Travelling community has been markedly separated from the general Irish population, resulting in widespread stereotyping and discrimination. The same year as the census, a survey conducted by Ireland’s Economic and Social Research Institute found that Irish Travellers suffer widespread ostracism; this and other factors have been shown to contribute to high levels of mental health problems among Irish Travellers. Indeed, the 2010 All Ireland Traveller Health Study found their suicide rate to be six times the national average, accounting for a shocking 11% of Traveller deaths.

famous travellers in ireland

Through the 2011 census, members of the Travelling community were also found to have poorer general health, higher rates of disability and significantly lower levels of education as compared to the general population, with seven out of 10 Irish Travellers educated only to primary level or lower.

Because of a lack of written history, the exact origins of the Irish Travelling Community have been difficult to clarify. Although it had been hypothesised, until relatively recently, that Irish Travellers may be linked to the Romani people, a genetic study released in February of this year revealed this connection to be false.

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famous travellers in ireland

The study found that Travellers are of Irish ancestral origin, but split off from the general population sometime around the mid-1600s – much earlier than had been thought previously. In one widely quoted finding, the DNA comparisons conducted in the course of the research found that while Irish Travellers originated in Ireland, they are genetically different from ‘settled’ Irish people, to the same degree as people from Spain.

famous travellers in ireland

The results of the study, conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University College Dublin, the University of Edinburgh and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, contributed significantly to Irish Travellers being officially designated an ethnic minority, defined as a group within a community with different national or cultural traditions from the main population.

famous travellers in ireland

Speaking to RTE on the day of the ruling, former director of the Irish Traveller Movement Brigid Quilligan said, ‘We want every Traveller in Ireland to be proud of who they are and to say that we’re not a failed set of people. We have our own unique identity, and we shouldn’t take on all of the negative aspects of what people think about us. We should be able to be proud and for that to happen our State needed to acknowledge our identity and our ethnicity, and they’re doing that today.’

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Life With the Irish Travellers Reveals a Bygone World

One photographer spent four years gaining unprecedented access to this close-knit community.

When Birte Kaufmann first encountered Irish Travellers, she was on a trip with friends in the Irish countryside and saw a girl and her little brother running toward a roadside camp. The caravans and horses reminded Kaufmannn, who is German, of the Romany camps she had seen elsewhere in Europe, but the people looked intriguingly different.

Who were they, she wondered, and how could she delve deeper into their culture?

"People said, You'll never get an insight into that community—forget about it," Kaufmann recalls of sharing with Irish friends her burgeoning plans to photograph the close-knit Travellers.

An ethnic minority in Ireland , the Travellers have lived on the margins of mainstream Irish society for centuries. Efforts have been made to incorporate the nomadic group into mainstream culture by settling them into government housing and enforcing school attendance. But even living among "settled people," they face ongoing discrimination.

Kaufmann describes theirs as a parallel world, where deeply-rooted gender roles and an itinerant lifestyle have kept them apart from the broader Irish community even as their freedom to roam has become increasingly curtailed.

To gain access to the community, Kaufmann first attempted to engage through human rights groups that work with them—to no avail. So she decided to do it "the hard way," she says. She had heard about a “halting site”—walled areas on the outskirts of large towns that contain houses as well as spaces for caravan parking—and on her next trip to Ireland, she simply showed up.

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She was met by barking dogs, one of which bit her. A young woman approached, speaking English with an accent so thick that Kaufmann had trouble comprehending. Undeterred, she decided to lay her cards on the table. "I was really honest. I told [her] I was coming from Germany , where we don't have our own traveling community, [that] I knew who they were and was interested in how [they live]," Kaufmann recalls.

The young woman "was totally surprised, but finally they invited me for a cup of tea. I was sitting in a caravan with her grandfather. I asked them if I could come back and stay with them." Kaufmann says they chortled, as if to say, Yeah, right.

When she next returned from Germany, it was with a camper van of her own, so that she could stay alongside the extended family clan that would become the focus of her project. "I knew it was a high risk," she says, “but I gave them some pictures I had taken in the caravan of the grandfather. And they said, 'Ok. Now you're here. We have the images. One cup of tea. Now go. We are busy.'"

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As a photographer, and especially as a woman, Kaufmann was something of a novelty given the strictly defined gender roles of the Traveller community—men tend to the horses and livestock, women to home and family. Girls marry young and only with the blessing of their parents. Men don’t typically speak to women in public.

She slowly gained their trust to the point that one of the family members—a young mother who took a particular shine to her and was perhaps even amused at her struggle to understand what they were saying—began teaching her Gammon, their unwritten language.

"She tried to teach me words to say if the guys are being rude," she says. "And then the father started telling me what I should say. [They] tried to make me feel more comfortable." Her knowledge of words selectively and seldom shared with outsiders demonstrated to other Travellers that one of their own had trusted her enough to share.

And in turn, understanding how they communicate with each other helped her get past the sense of feeling unwelcome and deepened her appreciation of their differences. "At first [the talk] sounds really rough," she says. "Then there was this point at which I realized it was their language. They don't really call anyone by name. It's 'the woman over there,' 'the man over there,' 'the child,'" she explains. "It's not personal, [but] at first it sounds very rude.”

Kaufmann made multiple visits to the family over the course of four years, eventually living with them. The men gradually accepted her and allowed her to photograph them hunting and trading horses at a fair. She was able to blend into the background and photograph them as an unobtrusive observer of their everyday lives—lives, she says, that are filled with a lot of idle time. As Ireland becomes less agrarian, the Travellers’ traditional work as horse traders, farm laborers, tinsmiths, and entertainers has become more scarce.

"The older generations can't read or write," Kaufmann says, "but they have their own intelligence. On the one hand life was so sad and boring because everything their lives were stemming from wasn't there anymore. On the other hand there was this freedom—they live their lives in their own way."

And then, she says, she found herself taking no photographs at all. "One of the boys who really didn't like to be photographed said, 'Do you know what's really strange with Birte now? She's here and she's not really photographing anymore.'"

And that's when she knew her project was done.

Birte Kaufmann's project on the Travellers is now available as a book . You may also see more of Birte Kaufmann's photographs on her website .

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History of Irish Traveller: The Legacy and Journey of Travellers

History of Irish Traveller

The Rich Tapestry of Irish Travellers: A Glimpse into a Unique Community

Introduction.

The story of the Irish Traveller community is woven deeply into the fabric of Irish history and society. A nomadic ethnic group with roots that are distinct from the settled Irish population, the travellers have endured centuries of both recognition and prejudice. This article explores the history, culture, and challenges of the Irish Traveller community.

The History of Irish Travellers: From Ancient Times to Today

1. origins of the irish travellers.

The true origins of the Irish Travellers remain a topic of debate among historians. Some believe their beginnings trace back to the time of the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, while others suggest they are an indigenous ethnic group with a lineage that predates this event.

2. Travellers in Ireland Through the Ages

For centuries, travellers in Ireland have led an itinerant lifestyle, embracing a nomadic culture distinct from the settled Irish population. Their unique language, a mix of English and Irish, further solidified their identity as a distinct group within the Irish society for centuries.

The Challenges and Triumphs of the Traveller Community

1. health and social issues among irish travellers.

The Ireland Traveller Health Study revealed startling disparities in health outcomes. The general population enjoys better health than the majority of Irish travellers. Challenges such as metabolic and congenital problems are notably higher among Irish travellers, making healthcare accessibility a major concern for the community.

2. Recognition as an Ethnic Minority

In March 2017, the Irish government finally recognised Irish travellers as a distinct ethnic group, a significant milestone for traveller rights groups. The Irish Traveller Movement and Pavee Point were among the community advocacy groups that hailed this recognition.

3. The Role of Traveller Women and Men in Society

Traveller women and traveller men have unique roles within their community, often influenced by a strict code of behaviour that dictates some of their moral beliefs and influences their actions. Despite facing political and cultural discrimination, many traveller women are now at the forefront of community development initiatives.

Irish Travellers Beyond the Shores of Ireland

1. irish travellers in the us.

The town of North Augusta has witnessed the settling of Irish travellers in America. Known as Irish Travelers, this community maintains a distinct identity, though they've integrated with the larger Irish population.

2. Global Diaspora

From the UK, where they are sometimes colloquially referred to as 'gypsies', to the broader diaspora including those of mixed English and Irish extraction, the influence and presence of Irish travellers are undeniably global.

Conclusion: A Call to Embrace and Understand

While the Irish state and Irish society have come a long way in recognising the unique identity of the Irish Traveller community, there is still a journey ahead. The hope is for a Republic of Ireland where both travellers and settled people coexist in mutual respect and understanding.

The Evolving Landscape of Irish Traveller Identity in Modern Times

1. the recognition of travellers as a distinct group in ireland’s contemporary landscape.

In a landmark move, Irish travellers were recognised as an ethnic minority group by the Irish government, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history. This recognition of traveller ethnicity aligns with Ireland’s ongoing efforts to appreciate the diverse tapestry of cultures and identities within its borders. It's notable that they are one of several groups identified as having a significant cultural and historical impact on the nation.

2. The Struggle for Identity: Beyond Stereotypes and Media Portrayal

Shows like "Big Fat Gypsy" have, for better or worse, shaped the perceptions many people have of the traveller community. While some argue the show offers insight, others believe it perpetuates stereotypes that don't reflect the life of the majority of Irish travellers. The Irish Times, a leading publication, has covered this debate extensively, shedding light on the travellers as a distinct group beyond the media caricatures.

3. Delving Deep into Traveller Traditions and Modern Interactions

Irish travellers have lived in harmony with the settled community for generations, often maintaining their distinct culture and identity. Known to follow a strict code of behaviour and values, the community places emphasis on traditions passed down over generations. The language of mixed English and traveller dialect further strengthens their distinct identity. While some traveller females take up roles deeply rooted in their traditions, there's a noticeable shift towards modern professions and lifestyle choices.

4. A Glimpse into Travellers' Socio-Economic Landscape

The Economic and Social Research Institute conducted a study that revealed startling statistics. It was found that the life expectancy of 167 travellers is significantly lower, sometimes by up to six times, within the general population. While challenges persist, the money allocated by the government post their recognition as an Irish ethnic minority is hopeful. Prominent figures like Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver have also voiced their support for the traveller community, bringing attention to their unique culture on a global stage.

5. Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

The journey of the Irish travellers, from ancient nomads to recognised members of contemporary Irish society, has been both challenging and inspiring. As the nation moves forward, it's essential for the Irish people to embrace the rich tapestry of cultures, recognizing the contributions and unique identity of each group.

Discover the World of Irish Travellers with Cunian App !

Explore the rich history, culture, and unique stories of the Irish Travelling community through Cunian, the digital tour guide app. Dive deep into the origins of Irish travellers, their nomadic lifestyle, and the challenges they've overcome. And the best part? All tours on the Cunian app are absolutely free. Download now and embark on a journey through time!

Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding the Traveller Culture

1. Are Irish Travellers and Roma the same? No, Irish Travellers and Roma are two distinct ethnic groups with different histories and cultures.

2. What is the Royal College of Surgeons' connection to the Irish Travellers? The Royal College of Surgeons conducted studies highlighting health disparities among travellers compared to the general Irish population.

3. What are halting sites? Halting sites are designated areas where the traveller families can legally park their caravans, a testament to their traditional nomadic way of life.

4. Why were Irish Travellers in the US, particularly in the town of North Augusta, in the news? Irish Travellers in the US, especially those in North Augusta, made headlines for their unique culture and traditions, distinct even from other Irish communities.

5. How does the Irish Traveller community perceive the show 'Big Fat Gypsy'? The show has been controversial. Some believe it doesn't accurately represent the lives of the majority of Irish Travellers.

6. How is the Irish Traveller Movement significant? The Irish Traveller Movement is a leading national platform advocating for the rights and recognition of the traveller community in Ireland.

7. What role do young travellers play in the community? Young travellers are the bridge between tradition and modernity, often leading initiatives for change within the traveller community.

8. How has the Irish government supported the traveller community in recent years? Following the recognition of travellers as an ethnic minority, the Irish government allocated funds and resources to support community initiatives and development.

9. What is known about the first traveller families in history? Historical records from County Galway and other regions highlight the presence of traveller families, but their exact origins remain a subject of research.

10. Are travellers significantly different genetically from the settled Irish community? Some studies suggest travellers are genetically distinct from the settled community, but this is an area of ongoing research.

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The Picture Show

Daily picture show, documenting the irish travellers: a nomadic culture of yore.

Lauren Rock

Bridget and Paddy Furey with their children, Loughrea

Throughout my life I have regularly traveled to my mother's home city of Dublin. During these trips I would regularly see groups of people living in caravans on the sides of the road, and I always wondered who they were and what their lives were like.

I later found out they belonged to a small ethnic minority called "Travellers" — nomads who spend most of their life, literally on the road. While their history has been hard to document — they have no written records — they are thought to have separated from the settled Irish community at least 1,000 years ago.

The Travellers (until recently also called "tinkers" or "gypsies") often live in ad hoc encampments, in direct contrast to "settled" people in Ireland. They are thought to be descended from a group of nomadic craftsman, with the name "tinker" a reference to the sound of a hammer hitting an anvil. (The reference is now considered derogatory.)

In 1965 Dublin-born photographer Alen MacWeeney stumbled across a Travellers' encampment and became fascinated with their way of life. He spent the next six years making photographs and recording their stories and music. Despite shooting the photos in the late '60s, it wasn't until 2007 that he found a publisher for his work.

famous travellers in ireland

Bernie Ward, Cherry Orchard Courtesy of Alen MacWeeney hide caption

Bernie Ward, Cherry Orchard

In his book, Irish Travellers: Tinkers No More — which also comes with a CD of Traveller music recordings — MacWeeny shows us a gritty, intimate portrait of the people he eventually came to call friends. He compares the Travellers to the migrant farmers of the American Depression: "poor, white, and dispossessed."

"Theirs was a bigger way of life than mine, with its daily struggle for survival, compared to my struggle to find images symbolic and representative of that life," he said in his book.

MacWeeney got his start at age 20 as an assistant for Richard Avedon in Paris and has since made a career as a portrait and fashion photographer. But his images of the Travellers reveal a raw and intimate side to his work.

"Traveller families have always been very close-knit, held together in a tight unspoken knot, with lifelong bonds and sometimes varying a lifelong set of troubles," he said.

Today, however, the Traveller lifestyle has changed dramatically from even a few decades ago. Many have embraced modern culture and become "settled," no longer living apart from the mainstream. There is even a reality TV show, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding , which showcases Traveller girls and their theatrical, over-the-top weddings.

But MacWeeney believes that the Travellers are "reluctant as settled and envy the other life of travelling." His book stands as a document of an era, and a way of life that is slowly fading into the past.

A Brief History of Irish Travellers, Ireland’s Only Indigenous Minority

Learn about the heritage of irish travellers, and how this ethnic minority was found to have a far different origin story to what experts thought..

mob-option-logo

After a long battle, Irish Travellers were finally officially recognised as an indigenous ethnic minority by Ireland’s government in early March 2017. Here, Culture Trip takes a look at the origins of the Irish Travelling community and how the historic ruling came about.

At the time of the 2011 census , there were around 29,500 Irish Travellers in the Irish Republic , making up 0.6% of the population. The community was found to be unevenly distributed across the country, with the highest number living in County Galway and South Dublin. Although – as the name suggests – Irish Travellers have historically been a nomadic people, the census showed a majority living in private dwellings.

Throughout Irish history, the Travelling community has been markedly separated from the general Irish population, resulting in widespread stereotyping and discrimination. The same year as the census, a survey conducted by Ireland’s Economic and Social Research Institute found that Irish Travellers suffer widespread ostracism; this and other factors have been shown to contribute to high levels of mental health problems among Irish Travellers. Indeed, the 2010 All Ireland Traveller Health Study found their suicide rate to be six times the national average, accounting for a shocking 11% of Traveller deaths.

Through the 2011 census, members of the Travelling community were also found to have poorer general health, higher rates of disability and significantly lower levels of education as compared to the general population, with seven out of 10 Irish Travellers educated only to primary level or lower.

Because of a lack of written history, the exact origins of the Irish Travelling Community have been difficult to clarify. Although it had been hypothesised, until relatively recently, that Irish Travellers may be linked to the Romani people, a genetic study released in February of this year revealed this connection to be false.

The study found that Travellers are of Irish ancestral origin, but split off from the general population sometime around the mid-1600s – much earlier than had been thought previously. In one widely quoted finding, the DNA comparisons conducted in the course of the research found that while Irish Travellers originated in Ireland, they are genetically different from ‘settled’ Irish people, to the same degree as people from Spain.

The results of the study, conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University College Dublin, the University of Edinburgh and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, contributed significantly to Irish Travellers being officially designated an ethnic minority, defined as a group within a community with different national or cultural traditions from the main population.

Speaking to RTE on the day of the ruling, former director of the Irish Traveller Movement Brigid Quilligan said, ‘We want every Traveller in Ireland to be proud of who they are and to say that we’re not a failed set of people. We have our own unique identity, and we shouldn’t take on all of the negative aspects of what people think about us. We should be able to be proud and for that to happen our State needed to acknowledge our identity and our ethnicity, and they’re doing that today.’

  • Researching Irish Traveller Ancestors

Tracing Irish Traveller family history can be extra challenging due to the lack of written records. However, there are clues to be found that can point to Irish Traveller ancestry, and a number of resources to help people discover more.

Researching Irish Traveller Ancestors

​ This resource is a work in progress; please feel free to add recommendations and suggestions to this message board thread .

An Lucht Siúil  ( Traveling Folk  lit. the Walking People) or Travellers can refer to a variety of people who lived life on the road. Irish Travellers aka Mincéir aka Pavee are a distinct Irish ethnic group with their own customs, language and traditions. Many live in the UK for all or part of the year. They are a recognised ethnic minority group.

Irish Traveller culture and ancestry

Irish Travellers are a separate cultural group that started migrating to Britain in the early 19th century and can be traced back to 12th century Ireland. 

Population structure & History of Irish travellers

Genetic research found that Irish Travellers are of Irish origin and have significant genetic makeup compared to their settled community. An estimated 40,000 Travellers (less than 1% of the population) are living in Ireland today. Although sometimes called gypsies, they have no genetic relation to  Romani . 

Gene study reveals Irish Travellers' ancestry

The Celtic Travellers DNA project is for descendants and members and of  Irish Travellers , Highland Scottish Travellers, Lowland Scottish Travellers, Fairground Travellers and other  Non-Romani  travelling families. However, Roma or mixed Traveller heritage are also welcome to join.

Celtic Travellers DNA Project

Searching Census & Vital Records for clues

Clues that can suggest Traveller ancestry include:

Occupations: tinker, tinman, tinsmith, whitesmith, dealer, pedlar, horse dealer, basket maker,  peg maker , knife grinder/ sharpener, hawker , musician , and sometimes labourer.

Place of Birth : All the children in the family being born in different places is also a big clue. 

Residence : Unusual residences such as "tent on common"

Irish Gypsies and Irish Travellers are distinct ethnic groups often referred to in parish registers as 'Pavees' or 'Minceir'. 

Irish Traveller Genealogy Resources

Here is a list of useful resources to help you trace Irish Traveller or Mincéir ancestors:

TravellerHeritage.ie

https://www.paveepoint.ie/ PaveePoint.ie

The Romany & Traveller Family History Society

Travellers Times

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IrelandXO Message Board

The IrelandXO message board can be a great resource for finding out more about Irish Traveller family histories and connecting with other descendants. Click on the links to read some interesting message board threads:

Need Information on "Tinkers", "Travelers"

McDonough/McDonagh family from Killedan

O'Brien/O'Leary

Doran in Galway

IrelandXO Traveller Timelines

  • Traveling Folk in the 1930s

Irish Traveller Buildings & Places

  • St Nicholas of Myra, Francis St, DUBLIN
  • Long Mile Road WALKINSTOWN

Irish Traveller Photo Collections

UCD Digital Collection

Common Irish Traveller Family Names

Berry, Brown, Cash , Carmody, Carthy, Casey, Cassidy, Cawley , Clark, Collins, Connors , Conroy, Corcoran, Cunningham, Delaney, Doherty , Donoghue/ O’Donoghue, Donovan , Doran, Dunne , Flynn, Furey , Gallagher, Green, Hanafin/ Hannifin , Hand, Hanley, Hanrahan, Harper, Hennessey, Joyce , Keating, Keenan, Kerrigan, Kiely, Lawrence, Lee, Lynch, Maguire, Malone, Maloney, Maughan , Mongan, Moorehouse McCarthy , MacDonald, McDonagh , MacDonnell, MacAleer, McCann, McDonnell, McGinley, McInerney, MacLoughlin, McRea, Nevin, Nolan, O’Donnell, O’Reilly / Reilly, Power, Purcell, Price, Quinn, Stokes , Sweeney, Ward , Wall, Windrum.

​Famous Irish Traveller Ancestors 

Sean Connery's ancestor: James Connery born circa 1840

A profile picture of Sean Connery

Margaret Barry born 1917

Maggie Barry

The Duchás Folklore Collection

Between 1937 and 1939, primary school pupils across the Republic of Ireland interviewed the elderly in their neighborhood to collect and record local stories and folklore from the 19th century. "The Schools Collection" as it became known is held by the Dúchas Folklore Collection in UCD and is and has been digitized online at duchas.ie. One of the topics schoolchildren were asked to write about were "Travelling Folk" or An Lucht Siúil. Click here  to read a selection of what "settled" children wrote about travelers in the late 1930s.

Are you descended from Irish Travellers? Add their story to the IrelandXO website and connect with other descendants living all around the world. 

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Additional Advice from our IrelandXO Community

My great-grandmother was from Galway Travellers, it took me years to put together the best family history I could manage.  If you are not sure the name you are looking for is a Traveling People name you might go to the Pavee Point site and search other sites under Traveller History, names, etc.   There are different groups of people who seem to come under the category of "Traveller", Irish, English,  UK, Scotland & Wales),  Roma, Romania & South Eastern European, Carnival & Show Travelers, and I'm sure others. Families often marry within particular other families, I saw an online list of which families marry into which other name families and first names are repeated thru generations like the Irish naming pattern used to be, these lists are usually individual observations and quite old.  In addition to the name on UK census records you might find the address listed as "in Tents",  "in Lanes", etc.  The occupation might be listed, such as it was for my great grandfather, as Tinman , as the Traveling people used to do pot mending and such things as they moved from place to place.  Location can be difficult because of moving from place to place,  often within a particular area, such as only Munster,  or Scotland to Ireland, I spent years finding a family member who had gone to Wales.  Then of course someone you are searching may have gotten Transportation to Australia or be in prison in England, sometimes waiting several years there before transportation. This might be a bit of luck for you as records for prison and transportation are online.   Of course you can always search the parish registers in a particular area you are interested in, as Traveling People are likely to be Roman Catholic and very likely to have their children baptized which would be recorded along with other church sacramental records, marriage etc.  Also consider that many people with Irish Travelling people heritage were settled and maybe had not been going from place to place for years, if not generations.   As far as DNA sites I recommend My Heritage , this site has more Irish, UK, English than any other I have seen.  If your DNA is on another site you probably can transfer it to My Heritage for free, its very worthwhile.  Make good use of your higher number DNA matches by checking the shared matches for repeat names. 

Elaine Walsh

** originally published in 2022

We hope you have found the information we have shared helpful. While you are here, we have a small favour to ask. Ireland Reaching Out is a non-profit organisation that relies on public funding and donations to ensure a completely free family history advisory service to anyone of Irish heritage who needs help connecting with their Irish place of origin. If you would like to support our mission, please click on the donate button and make a contribution. Any amount, big or small, is appreciated and makes a difference. 

Who are the Irish Travellers in the US?

They're one of ireland's oldest and most marginalized minorities but who are the irish travellers in the us.

A scene from the Murphy Village episode of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

One of Ireland's oldest and most marginalized minorities but how much to do you know about Irish Travellers in America?

In Ireland, nearly everybody is aware of the existence of the Irish Travellers  — they’re one of Ireland’s oldest and most marginalized minority groups, known for their itinerant lifestyle, distinct dialects and oft-questioned traditions.

However, many people know that there are also communities of Irish Travellers in America.

A few times each year, a headline will pop up about Irish Travellers in the US. Sometimes it’ll be from a local newspaper in South Carolina or Texas; on rarer occasions, such as the bust of a high-profile rhinoceros horn smuggling ring, it’ll be in Bloomberg Businessweek . Except for the occasional story expressing interest in the culture or history of the Travellers, the articles are typically from the crime section — detailing a theft or scam, or local concern that the Travellers have arrived in the area.

But if you don’t happen to live in those areas or catch those headlines, and if you missed out on that one famous episode of "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding," you’d be easily forgiven for not having any idea that the Irish Travellers have lived in the US for generations. They’re not recognized as a distinct ethnic group by the US Census, and, what’s more, Irish Americans  have never claimed them under the umbrella of the Irish diaspora.

What little we do know about the Irish Travellers here in America comes from those very news articles, and from a scant number of books and documentaries.

There are believed to be anywhere from 7,000 to 40,000 Irish Travellers in the US, though most estimates lie closer to the 10,000 mark. The Travellers here descended from groups who left Ireland around the time of the Great Hunger and settled in the US, carving out a similar lifestyle to the one they followed in Ireland.

Like their counterparts in Ireland, Irish Travellers in the US speak their own dialects of Cant, Shelta, or Gammon, which can include elements of Irish, Gaelic, English, Greek, and Hebrew.

Also similar to their Ireland-based counterparts, the American Irish Travellers identify as strictly  Catholic  and adhere to their own traditions and mores. The men travel and work and the women raise the children. Many of the women are promised to their future husbands in arranged marriages when they are very young.

Their primary trade is repair work, often categorized as dubious in nature (though the fairness of that generalization has been called into question). But the US Irish Travellers have also, over the years, amassed fortunes through a unique internal economy based on life insurance policies.

As Paul Connolly, who made a documentary about Irish Travellers in the US for the Irish channel TV3 in 2013, told The Journal : “Most of the income comes from insurance. . . In America, there’s a clause which allows you to insure anyone with a blood connection — and as they have intermarried for generations, there’s a likelihood there will be a blood connection.

"So they’ve worked out a way of profiting from this, and that, according to the Travellers I’ve spoken to, is how they make their money and how they’re so wealthy. Some of the more morbid characters we came across referred to it as ‘Death Watch’.”

Perhaps the most notorious instance of this system gone awry took place in 2015, when Anita Fox, a 69-year-old Irish Traveller woman in Texas, was found stabbed to death. Police later identified the perpetrators as Gerard and Bernard Gorman, who held a $1 million life insurance policy in Fox’s name.

There are Irish Traveller enclaves in Texas, in the Houston and Fort Worth areas, as well as in South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Florida, with smaller settlements found in rural New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Many of the groups identify based on where in the US their ancestors first based themselves, such as the Ohio Travellers, Georgia Travellers, Texas Travellers, and Mississippi Travellers.

The largest-known Irish Traveller community in the US is in Murphy Village, South Carolina, which, as noted in a report by the Florida Ancient Order of Hibernians, is home to approximately 1,500 people with only 11 different surnames.

According to a 2002 article in the Washington Post , “The Irish Travelers who settled in the United States in the 19th century migrated to different parts of the country and established their own clan groups, often with little intermingling across regions.

“The Sherlocks, O'Haras and others settled [in Murphy Village] in the 1960s, on land around a Catholic church whose pastor, the Rev. Joseph Murphy, became the patron and namesake of the growing community just outside the town of North Augusta.”

Far from a caravan or mobile home community, Murphy Village has become home to an increasing number of suburban “McMansions” in recent decades, as the US Irish Travellers build permanent homes, which they use as a base between travels and for holidays. In this regard, its closest Irish counterpart is Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, which was the subject of a New York Times story in 2012 , chronicling the massive homecoming that takes place every Christmas.

“The Riches,” a serial drama about a contemporary Irish Traveller family in the US, starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver, aired on FX for two seasons, in 2007 and 2008.

H/T Slate , The Journal , The Washington Post , Florida AOH .

* Originally published in Sept 2016.

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  • Current: Traveller culture, crafts and traditions

Traveller culture, crafts and traditions

Explore a selection of material related to the culture, traditions and crafts of the traveller community in ireland..

Museum staff, working in partnership with Traveller community representatives and others, have worked on special projects and initiatives to make Traveller community history and heritage better known. It is a critical value of the National Museum of Ireland that its collections are reflective of all of the people of Ireland and our shared experiences. It is also crucial to our values as an organisation that the Traveller community, a community that is marginalised, is consulted and engaged in the development of Museum exhibitions and programmes exploring their culture. The Museum continues to seek additional objects for this collection. Irish Travellers, or  Mincéirí , have a shared history, culture and language. They are a distinct ethnic minority group, as well as being a part of Irish society for centuries. The distinct ethnicity of Travellers was officially recognised in Ireland on 1 March 2017.

Exhibition: Crown beoir

Online gallery: traveller culture, discover the craft of the tinsmith, film: tinsmith at work, 1965, step-by-step: making a lidded tin can, exhibition: travellers' journey/minceir misl’d, film: this giant tent, film: 'tinsmith' by merchants gate films, learn about: tin lanterns, learn about: beady pockets.

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the St Patrick’s Festival Quarter will take up residence again at the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7, on Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 March 2024.

We regret that some of our Military History galleries at the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7, are temporarily closed for repairs

Our current restoration work means the first floor of our museum is closed. This limits our capacity so visitors should be prepared to wait in line outside for up to 1 hour

28 Famous Irish People That You Should Know

Categories Culture and Food

Are you looking for famous Irish people in history? 

Beyond St. Patrick , Guinness brewery founder Arthur Guinness, author James Joyce , and musicians Bono and Enya, there are many noteworthy personalities, both past and present, to consider while thinking of prominent Irish people.

Numerous artists, inventors, lawyers, statesmen, and even controversial sports people have been born and raised on the Emerald Isle . They have all shaped the country’s history and represented Ireland on the global stage in various ways.

Things you'll find in this article

1. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell – Astrophysicist 

2. john tyndall – scientist who discovered infrared radiation, 3. ernest walton – nobel prize-winning scientist, 4. micheal collins – revolutionary leader, 5. éamon de valera – revolutionary and 3rd president of ireland, 6. constance markievicz – revolutionary hero, 7. daniel o’connell – the liberator / emancipator, 8. mary robinson – ireland’s first female president, 9. w.b. yeats (1865 – 1939), 10. oscar wilde (1845 – 1900), 11. jonathan swift (1667 – 1745), 12. c.s. lewis (1898 – 1963), 13. liam neeson, 14. pierce brosnan, 15. michael fassbender, 16. graham norton – tv host and comedian, 17. maureen o’hara, 18. saoirse ronan , 19. ruth negga, 20. boyzone, 21. the corrs, 22. the cranberries, 23. kodaline, 24. conor mcgregor – controversial fighter, 25. katie taylor – inspiring female boxer, 26. grace o’malley – ireland’s pirate queen, 27. st patrick – patron saint of ireland, 28. ernest shackleton – explorer.

Here are some of the most fascinating and famous Irish people , as well as what they were known for.

28 Famous Irish People That You Should Know

Famous Irish People in Science

Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell – Astrophysicist

While growing up in Belfast, Bell’s father worked at the Armagh Observatory as an architect. Her fascination with astronomy was sparked as a child by her time spent there.

Because of the encouragement of the observatory’s staff, she decided to pursue a degree in physics.

As an astrophysicist, Jocelyn Bell Burnell made history when she discovered the first radio pulsars. In the wake of the finding, numerous more scientific advances were made, including the production of a map to direct extraterrestrials to Earth.

John Tyndall – Scientist Who Discovered Infrared Radiation

John Tyndall conducted experiments that are still relevant to our understanding of the physical and chemical worlds as far back as 150 years ago.

The results of several of his tests became his most significant contribution to the area of magnetism.

Today, infrared radiation, which was previously referred to as radiant heat, is more well understood.

Ernest Walton – Nobel Prize-winning Scientist

When Walton was a Cambridge scholar working with Sir John Cockcroft, they were given the challenge of splitting an atom’s nucleus using accelerated protons, a task that had never been done before.

The Cockcroft-Walton Circuit, which could deliver a massive charge of 7000 kilovolts, was the result of their collaboration.

They made their breakthrough on April 14, 1932, when they used this gadget to break apart the nucleus of a lithium atom.

Famous Irish People in Politics

Micheal Collins – Revolutionary Leader

Originally from Clonakilty, County Cork , Michael Collins is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Irish history.

Following the Easter Rising of 1916, Michael Collins climbed through the ranks of the Irish Republican Army to become Director of Intelligence, Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Provisional Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the National Army, among other designations.

In August 1922, he was slain during the Irish Civil War, and his legacy and sacrifice are still remembered and honored to this day.

Éamon de Valera – Revolutionary and 3rd President of Ireland

Éamon de Valera is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in modern Irish history. In the course of Ireland’s struggle for independence, his long history as a revolutionary and statesman directed the country’s politics.

In part because of his dual American-Irish citizenship, De Valera was spared by the British during the Easter Rising of 1916.

After his release from prison in 1917, he was elected president of Sinn Féin, an Irish political party. When Éamon de Valera became Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland in 1937.

In 1939, he declared Ireland to be neutral in the Second World War. Taoiseach De Valera served two more terms (1951-54 and 1957-59). He eventually became the third president of the Republic of Ireland in 1959 and served until his retirement in 1973.

Constance Markievicz - Revolutionary Hero

London-born Constance Markievicz was raised in Sligo by wealthy Anglo-Irish parents. She became a revolutionary heroine during the insurrection of 1916.

The Irish Citizen Army took notice of her, and she soon became one of its most significant members.

She took part in the Irish Civil War and the Battle of St. Stephen’s Green in 1916 as a Republican.

She was just the second woman in Europe to hold a cabinet ministerial role when she was appointed Minister for Labour in Ireland’s first government.

Daniel O Connell – The Liberator and Emancipator

Daniel O’Connell was born in County Kerry in 1775 and grew up with a deep cultural affinity. He became a lawyer and advocated for Catholic liberation by legal and nonviolent measures.

In his pursuit, he gained the backing of the Catholic Church and the people, propelling him into political leadership.

In 1829, the ruling British Protestants relaxed their restrictive rules that discriminated against Catholics.

O’Connell went on to become the first Catholic to hold a seat in the House of Commons in modern times. He also re-established the Irish Parliament, but he died before his campaign could make any substantial progress.

Mary Robinson – Ireland’s First Female President

As the seventh president (1990 – 1997) of the Republic of Ireland, Mary Theresa Wilford Robinson was the first woman to hold this role.

While in government, she was well praised for her efforts to modernize Ireland and reinvigorate the political process.

Robinson stepped down during her final year in office to devote herself to human rights work with the United Nations. Mary was a powerful woman who tirelessly fought for human rights around the world.

Famous Irish Authors

W.B Yeats - one of the most famous Irish authors

Notable Works : (poems) an ode to his favorite place in Sligo called ‘Lake Isle of Innisfree’ and the romantic ‘He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’.

William Butler Yeats was a gifted poet and one of the most famous figures in the late-nineteenth-century Irish literary resurgence. He was also one of the founders of the Abbey, Ireland’s most prominent theatre, and the first Irishman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

He became a Senator in the independent Irish government after becoming a regular commentator on Irish politics.

Most of his poetry was inspired by his public service job, his childhood travels to County Sligo, and his failed love life. He proposed to Maud Gonne, the love of his life, four times over several years, but she declined each time.

Oscar Wilde - one of the greatest irish authors

Notable Works : The Importance of Being Ernest, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854, and his legacy is still felt throughout the city. The house where he was born is now the academic center of Trinity College Dublin , where he studied.

In Dublin, there are also various museums dedicated to Oscar Wilde. While Wilde is most known for his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, he is also a fantastic playwright.

The Importance of Being Earnest is one of his most well-known plays. Later, he moved to London, where his plays were well-received.

Because of the harsh rules of the time, Oscar Wilde was imprisoned and exiled. He was accused of being in a same-sex relationship, which was illegal at the time.

READ MORE: Interesting Facts About Oscar Wilde

Jonathan Swift

Birth Place : Dublin, Ireland

Notable Works : Gulliver’s Travels

Jonathan Swift was a satirical writer, poet, and, strangely enough, cleric who served as Dean of Dublin’s Saint Patrick’s Cathedral during his lifetime. He was a prolific writer who completed several novels, essays, poems, and political papers.

He was born in Dublin to a family with multiple literary connections.

His journey, like Oscar Wilde’s, ends in misery, as he lost his ability to talk and became mentally disturbed following a probable stroke at the age of 75.

Following his death, the vast fortune he left behind was used to establish a psychiatric institution.

c.s. lewis

Birth Place : Belfast, Northern Ireland

Notable Works : The Chronicles of Narnia (a series of 7 books), The Screwtape Letters, The Four Loves Clive Staples

Lewis is frequently wrongly recognized as a British novelist. However, he was born and raised in Belfast before going to England at the age of eleven to attend boarding school.

He grew up surrounded by books and was a very imaginative boy, so it’s no surprise that he went on to write one of the best children’s books ever written.

When his childhood pet dog, Jacksie, died, he refused to go by any other name but Jack, a nickname he’d had since he was a boy.

He maintained a strong sense of his Irish identity throughout his life, frequently searching out Irish locals when he lived in Britain. He even spent his honeymoon in Crawfordsburn, Northern Ireland.

To know more about the famous irish authors, click here.  

READ MORE: Interesting Facts About C.S. Lewis

Famous Irish Actors and Comedian In Hollywood

Liam_Neeson

Liam Neeson’s first ambition was to be a teacher. But thanks to a pretty unforgettable event on his first day as a practice teacher, he was pushed to turn to drama.

Now with the teaching ambition gone, Neeson became a stage actor in Belfast and, later on, Broadway.

His rise to fame, however, took place in 1992, when American film director Steven Spielberg offered the Irish stage actor the role of Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List.  And the rest, they say, is history. Liam Neeson would star in the massively successful action film Taken in 2008.

Born in Ballymena in the County Antrim of Northern Ireland on June 7th, 1952, Liam Neeson is famous all over the world.

He has been nominated for several acting awards and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.

READ MORE:  15 Interesting Facts About Liam Neeson

Pierce Brosnan is one of the famous Irish actors

Pierce Brosnan is best known in his role as James Bond in the Bond film series, starring in four films from mid-1990s until early 2000s. He also player the character in multiple video games.

Born in May 16, 1953 in Drogheda, County Louth , Ireland, Brosnan is not only a renowned actor; he is also a film producer, an environmental activist, and an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland since 2001.

Brosnan was an artist before he became an actor. After leaving school, he pursued a career in art and worked as an illustrator.

Today he sells his paintings to raise money for charitable causes.

READ MORE:  14 Interesting Facts About Pierce Brosnan

Michael_Fassbender_Cannes

Michael Fassbender was born to a German father and an Irish mother on April 2, 1977. He was born in Heidelberg, then in West Germany, but moved to Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland, at age two.

His mother, a native of Larne, County Antrim, is said to be a great-grand-niece of Michael Collins, an Irish leader during the War of Independence. 

Nicknamed “Fassy,” the Irish-German actor is best known for his deep, calm voice mixed with emotionally intense performances and he played in some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies in Hollywood.

At home in a story from any period, he played Rochester in the film rendition of Jane Eyre, Jobs in the biopic Steve Jobs, as a Royal Marines lieutenant in Quentin Tarantino’s war epic, Inglourious Basterds and as Edwin Epps, a heartless slaveholder in the award-winning period-drama film 12 Years A Slave.

However, we know him best as the Marvel supervillain Magneto in the X-Men film series. 

READ MORE:  13 Interesting Facts About Michael Fassbender

Graham Norton – TV Host and Comedian

(1963 – present)

Norton, who is well-known for his flamboyant and innuendo-laden comedic style, has hosted his namesake BBC talk show since 2007. For his work as a host, he has received five BAFTA TV Award nominations.

In addition to his television appearances, he is a BBC Radio host and a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest.

To know more about the famous Irish actors in Hollywood, click here.

Famous Irish Actresses In Hollywood

Maureen O'Hara

Maureen O’Hara

Born Maureen FitzSimons on August 17, 1920 in Ranelagh, Dublin , Ireland, Maureen O’Hara started training with a theater company at age 10.

She would go on to become the most famous Irish actress in Hollywood throughout the 1940s to the 1960s.  A natural redhead known for portraying passionate but sensible heroines, O’Hara was the only red-headed child in the brood of six.

She was also a professional singer, having inherited her mother’s singing voice.  O’Hara was awarded the Career Achievement Award from the American Cinema Foundation in 1985. 

She was also the first woman to win the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award for “Outstanding American of Irish Descent for Service to God and Country.”

In October 24, 2015, Maureen O’Hara died from natural causes in Boise, Idaho, USA, at the age of 95.

Saoirse_Ronan

Deemed one of Hollywood’s most promising actresses at the young age of 13, Saoirse Ronan – pronounced “Sur-sha” – showcased such great talent far beyond her years.

While her first name is often mispronounced, Ronan is hands down one of the top talents Hollywood has seen in recent years. 

She has starred in numerous highly-regarded Hollywood movies such as Lady Bird, Hanna, and Brooklyn, and received various accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and 4 Academy Awards nominations, 4 Screen Actors Guild Awards, and 5 British Academy Film Awards.

Born on April 12th, 1994 in New York City, USA, Ronan’s parents are both Irish from Dublin who had left their home country due to the 1980s recession.

She moved back to Ireland with her family when she was three and continues to live in her home in Greystones, County Wicklow.

READ MORE: Fun Facts About Saoirse Ronan

Ruth_Negga

Considered by some to be a “reluctant” celebrity, Ethiopian-Irish actress Ruth Negga is also notoriously private.

She has no social media accounts and her world views, opinions, and most details of her personal life are unknown, unlike most celebrities around.

Born on January 7, 1982 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to an Irish mother and a Nigerian father, Negga moved to Limerick, Ireland , with her family when she was four.

Negga made her screen debut in the 2004 Irish film Capital Letters. Her breakthrough came when she landed her first high-profile role in the post-apocalyptic zombie film World War Z in 2013, co-starring Brad Pitt.

This was followed by the role of Tulip O’Hare in fantasy drama series Preacher in 2015 and Mildred Loving in the 2016 civil rights drama Loving.

The latter earned Negga various major nominations for best actress, including an Oscar. Negga now lives in the United States, but she still makes time to get back to Ireland as much as she can.

Best And Famous Irish Bands 

Boyzone is one of the famous irish bands

From: Dublin Known for:  “Love Me for a Reason”, “Isn’t it a Wonder”, ” No Matter What”, “I Love the Way You Love Me”, ”

Picture of You” Boyzone began in 1993 when manager Louis Walsh advertised for hopefuls to join an “Irish Take That” competition.

More than 300 people applied, and producers eventually narrowed the number down to the five members who became Boyzone. They quickly rose to prominence as one of the most successful boy bands in the world.

Before going on sabbatical in 2001, the group achieved 16 consecutive top 5 hit songs in the United Kingdom. Boyzone reunited in 2008 and scored two more top ten hits. One of the group’s two lead vocalists, Stephen Gately, died in 2009.

Boyzone regrouped in 2010 to release Brother, which debuted at number one in the United Kingdom. They followed it up in 2013 with BZ20, which reached number 6.

However, neither album produced any notable hit singles. The band announced in April 2018 that they would disband permanently following the release of one final studio album, a tribute to Stephen Gately, and a concert tour.

the corrs

From: Co. Louth Known for: “Only When I Sleep”, “Runaway”, ” Breathless”, “Radio” The Corrs are one of the most well-known Irish bands of all time.

Combining traditional Irish musical themes with pop rock has never been simple, but a group of brothers and sisters from County Louth have done so with style and tremendous success.

The Corrs have issued seven studio albums and countless singles since their inception in 1990, totaling forty million globally.

Two of them, Talk On Corners and Forgiven Not Forgotten, have been number one and two in the UK charts at the same time, making them one of only a few acts to do so. They are without a doubt one of Ireland’s top pop bands.

The Cranberries

From: Limerick 

Known for : “Zombie”, ” Linger”, Dreams”, “Just My Imagination”, ” When You’re Gone”  The Cranberries are an Irish rock band founded in 1990 and led by vocalist Dolores O’Riordan.

In the 1990s, the band was hugely successful around the world, selling over 40 million CDs. The track “Linger” from 1993 was the group’s first commercial success. The song and its music video were picked up by MTV, which helped it become a top ten pop smash in the United States.

With their following album, No Need To Argue, and the hit “Zombie,” which was inspired by Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising, the Cranberries shifted their sound to heavier rock.

From 2004 through 2008, the Cranberries were on sabbatical as members of the band concentrated on various projects.

Following the release of Dolores O’Riordan’s solo album No Baggage, they reunited for a North American and European tour in 2009.

Roses, the group’s next album, was released in 2012. It charted at #51 in the United States. Dolores O’Riordan, the band’s lead vocalist, died abruptly in January 2018 at the age of 46.

She was in London to work on new records. The band intends to finish a final album with O’Riordan’s vocals already recorded.

Kodaline

They gained a lot of attention in 2012 after releasing The Kodaline – EP and their debut album In a Perfect World, with singles like “All I Want” (which was featured in the 2012 Google Year in Review along with a variety of soundtracks), “High Hopes,” and “Love Like This” attracting a lot of attention.

Kodaline’s sound is varied, diaphanous, and beautiful; they can do it all, from motivational to nostalgic to quietly optimistic to conveying a simple picture of love.

Coming Up For Air, released in 2015, further broadening their horizons. Politics Of Living, their third studio album, was released on September 28, 2018. To know more of the best and famous Irish bands, click here. 

Popular Irish People In Sports

Conor McGregor – Controversial Fighter

People either adore or loathe McGregor, who is a polarizing figure. He is, without a doubt, one of the most famous Irishmen in the world.

Born on July 14, 1988, in Dublin , Ireland, he has since gone on to become one of the most well-known competitors in professional mixed martial arts.

He is one of the most popular Irish sporting celebrities, owing to his prowess in mixed martial arts, the controversies he got into, and for being bold and outspoken.

Katie Taylor – Inspiring Female Boxer

Katie went on to win a gold medal in the Olympics before transitioning into the realm of professional boxing, where she is currently reigning supreme.

In addition to being the most famous female boxer in the world, Katie Taylor is arguably the best female boxer competing right now.

Famous Irish People In History

(c. 1530 – c. 1603) Also known as Gráinne N Mhaille, O’Malley was a 16th-century woman from County Mayo . She was one of the most well-known and fearsome pirates ever.

Grace was known for her fearless leadership on the high seas and her political acumen on the ground.

Grace O’Malley also led her clan’s fleet of ships in conflicts against pirates from Spain, Turkey, and England with daring and determination. Smart partnerships were made and quickly dissolved so that she could maintain her family’s independence in their native homeland.

St Patrick – Patron Saint of Ireland

Nobody can deny that St. Patrick is the most well-known Irishman, regardless of religious affiliation.

The fact that he was enslaved in Ireland and then became a Christian missionary, even though he was Welsh greatly changed the course of Irish history.

Several myths abound about him, including how he exterminated all the snakes in Ireland and baptized many people at a well near where St Patrick’s Cathedral now stands in Dublin.

It’s also worth noting that St. Patrick’s Day is named after him, and he is also the patron saint of Ireland.

Ernest Shackleton – Explorer

During the early 20th century, Kildare native Ernest Shackleton left Ireland for a much harsher environment to embark on an extremely perilous Antarctic expedition.

As part of a series of disastrous journeys that saw him fall ill, get shipwrecked, and write his experiences, he traveled to the island four times.

With his incredible tales of survival against the odds, even if he was not the first one, he became a recognizable name and one of the most famous Irishman.        

famous travellers in ireland

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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20 Most Famous Travellers In History

  • by Jonny Duncan
  • February 17, 2024 February 18, 2024

These famous travellers, driven by curiosity, ambition, or a quest for knowledge, embarked on epic expeditions that expanded the boundaries of geographical understanding.

Famous Travellers

Throughout history, the world has been shaped by the journeys of these famous travellers, intrepid explorers and adventurers who dared to traverse distant lands, cross treacherous seas, and delve into uncharted territories.

From the ancient Silk Road wanderers to the modern-day spacefarers, their stories inspire awe and wonder, reminding us of the boundless spirit of exploration that resides within the human soul.

These are some detailed accounts of the lives of these famous travellers and explorers.

famous travellers in ireland

Marco Polo is one of the most famous travellers in history whom you have most likely heard of already. He was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who travelled extensively throughout Asia along the Silk Road.

Born in Venice in 1254, Marco Polo embarked on a journey to the East with his father Niccolò and uncle Maffeo in 1271, when he was only 17 years old. They travelled through Central Asia, reaching the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of the Yuan Dynasty in China.

Marco Polo served as an emissary and official in the court of Kublai Khan for approximately 17 years, during which he travelled extensively throughout China, Mongolia, and other parts of Asia. He documented his travels and experiences in a book titled “Il Milione” or “The Travels of Marco Polo,” which became one of the most famous travelogues in history.

In his book, Marco Polo described the geography, culture, and customs of the regions he visited, introducing Europeans to many aspects of Asian life for the first time. His accounts of the riches of the East, including spices, silks, and other exotic goods, fueled European interest in trade and exploration with Asia.

He died in 1324 in Venice, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of history’s most famous travellers.

Ibn Battuta

famous travellers in ireland

Ibn Battuta , fully known as Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Battuta, was a Moroccan scholar and explorer born in Tangier in 1304. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest travellers in history, known for his extensive journeys across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe during the 14th century.

In 1325, at the age of 21, Ibn Battuta embarked on his first major journey, which would span nearly 30 years and cover over 75,000 miles. He initially set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), a religious obligation for Muslims, but his travels went far beyond this initial goal.

Throughout his travels, Ibn Battuta visited places such as Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, Persia (modern-day Iran), Central Asia, India, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. He served as a judge, diplomat, and advisor in various courts along the way, gaining insights into the cultures, societies, and politics of the regions he visited.

Ibn Battuta documented his experiences in a travelogue called “Rihla” (The Journey), which provides valuable insights into the medieval world and remains an important historical source. His writings offer vivid descriptions of the places he visited, including cities, landmarks, people, customs, and traditions.

Ibn Battuta’s travels were remarkable not only for their extent but also for the diversity of the regions he explored and the challenges he overcame. His adventures have left an enduring legacy, contributing to our understanding of medieval geography, cultures, and interactions.

Charles Darwin 

famous travellers in ireland

Charles Darwin was a renowned traveller. His most famous voyage was aboard the HMS Beagle, a British naval vessel that embarked on a five-year expedition around the world from 1831 to 1836. Darwin was originally intended to be the ship’s naturalist, but his observations and discoveries during this voyage ultimately led to his groundbreaking work in evolutionary biology.

During the voyage, Darwin visited various locations, including the Galápagos Islands, where he made significant observations of the unique flora and fauna that would later inform his theory of natural selection. His travels also took him to South America, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and other parts of the world.

Darwin meticulously documented his observations in journals and collected specimens that contributed to his later scientific investigations and publications, most notably his seminal work “ On the Origin of Species ,” published in 1859.

Wilfred Thesiger

famous travellers in ireland

Wilfred Thesiger, born on June 3, 1910, was a British explorer, travel writer, and photographer known for his extensive travels in the deserts of Africa and the Middle East. He is renowned for his profound respect for traditional cultures and his vivid descriptions of the landscapes and people he encountered.

Thesiger’s most famous journeys took place in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. He first travelled to the region in the 1940s, where he lived among the Bedouin tribes of southern Arabia, including the Marsh Arabs of Iraq and the nomadic tribes of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali). Thesiger’s experiences during these journeys were documented in his classic books “Arabian Sands” (1959) and “The Marsh Arabs” (1964).

Backpackingman note: Arabian Sands is one of my favourite travel memoirs that I have read.

Thesiger’s writings reflect his deep admiration for the harsh beauty of the desert and his respect for the traditional way of life practised by the nomadic peoples who inhabit these regions. He was critical of the modernization and development that threatened to erode the ancient cultures and landscapes he cherished.

In addition to his writings, Thesiger was also an accomplished photographer, capturing stunning images of the landscapes, peoples, and cultures of the regions he explored. His photographs provide a visual record of a way of life that has since undergone significant changes.

Thesiger’s legacy continues to inspire adventurers, travellers, and writers today, as his works remain celebrated for their insight, empathy, and evocative prose. He passed away on August 24, 2003, at the age of 93.

Fridtjof Nansen

famous travellers in ireland

Fridtjof Nansen was a Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat, and humanitarian who lived from 1861 to 1930. He is best known for his groundbreaking explorations of the Arctic region and his innovative work in oceanography. Nansen’s achievements earned him international acclaim and left a lasting legacy in multiple fields.

Nansen gained fame for his daring expedition aboard the ship Fram (meaning “Forward”) in 1893-1896. His goal was to reach the North Pole by allowing the ship to become frozen in the Arctic ice and drift with the currents.

Although the expedition did not reach the pole, it set a record for the farthest north latitude attained at that time and provided valuable scientific data about the Arctic Ocean.

Freya Stark

famous travellers in ireland

Freya Stark was a British explorer, travel writer, and cartographer known for her extensive travels in the Middle East and her vivid writings about the region. She was born on January 31, 1893, in Paris, France, and grew up in England.

Stark began her travels in the Middle East in the 1920s and 1930s, at a time when few Westerners, especially women, ventured into the region. She explored remote and challenging areas of the Middle East, including parts of Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

Stark was known for her adventurous spirit, intelligence, and ability to connect with people from different cultures. She learned several languages, including Arabic and Persian, which allowed her to communicate with local inhabitants and gain insights into their lives and customs.

Throughout her travels, Stark produced numerous books, articles, and photographs documenting her experiences and observations. Her writings are celebrated for their lyrical prose, keen observations, and deep appreciation for the landscapes, cultures, and history of the Middle East.

Some of Stark’s most famous works include “The Valleys of the Assassins” (1934), “A Winter in Arabia” (1940), and “The Southern Gates of Arabia” (1936). Her books became bestsellers and earned her widespread acclaim as one of the most accomplished travel writers of her time.

Freya Stark continued to travel and write well into her later years, and her legacy as a pioneering explorer and cultural ambassador for the Middle East endures today. Her works remain influential and continue to inspire travellers, writers, and scholars interested in the region. She passed away on May 9, 1993, at the age of 100.

David Livingstone

famous travellers in ireland

David Livingstone was a Scottish physician and explorer who played a significant role in the exploration of Africa during the 19th century.

Over the course of his life, Livingstone undertook multiple expeditions across the African continent, with the primary goals of spreading Christianity, combating the slave trade, and exploring unknown regions.

Livingstone’s most famous expedition began in 1852 when he set out to explore the Zambezi River and its surrounding regions. During this journey, he became the first European to witness the majestic Victoria Falls. Livingstone’s explorations also led to significant geographic discoveries, including the identification of Lake Malawi and the exploration of the Zambezi River system.

Livingstone’s explorations and writings captured the imagination of people around the world and earned him widespread acclaim as one of the greatest explorers and famous travellers of his time. His accounts of his travels, including books such as “Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa,” inspired subsequent generations of explorers and missionaries.

Livingstone died on May 1, 1873, in what is now Zambia, while on his final expedition to explore the sources of the Nile River.

famous travellers in ireland

Zheng He was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat, and admiral during the Ming dynasty. He is best known for his extensive maritime voyages in the early 15th century, which took place decades before the famous European Age of Discovery.

Zheng He’s voyages were remarkable for their scale and reach. He led a series of expeditions from China to various parts of Asia and Africa, commanding a vast fleet of ships that included massive treasure ships, some of which were reported to be several times larger than the European ships of the time.

Zheng He’s expeditions visited countries and regions such as Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and the east coast of Africa. These voyages facilitated cultural exchange, trade, and diplomacy, with Zheng He presenting gifts from the Ming emperor to local rulers and receiving tribute in return.

Amelia Earhart

famous travellers in ireland

Amelia Earhart was an American aviator and pioneering woman in the field of aviation. Born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, Earhart developed an early interest in flying and became one of the most famous female pilots and travellers of her time.

Earhart set numerous aviation records during her career. In 1928, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, accomplishing the feat in her single-engine Lockheed Vega. This flight propelled her to international fame and established her as a symbol of women’s advancement in aviation.

In 1932, Earhart made history again by becoming the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic, replicating Charles Lindbergh’s famous feat from five years earlier. She flew from Newfoundland to Ireland in approximately 15 hours.

One of Earhart’s most ambitious goals was to circumnavigate the globe. In 1937, she embarked on an attempt to fly around the world along the equator. However, tragically, Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean during the final leg of their journey.

Despite extensive search efforts, their fate remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history.

Christopher Columbus

famous travellers in ireland

Christopher Columbus, born in the Republic of Genoa (in present-day Italy) in 1451, was an Italian explorer whose voyages across the Atlantic Ocean paved the way for European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Columbus made his first voyage in 1492 under the sponsorship of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.

Columbus’s initial goal was to find a westward route to Asia, particularly to India and the lucrative spice trade. However, he instead encountered the islands of the Caribbean, landing on an island he named San Salvador (though the indigenous Taíno people called it Guanahani). Believing he had reached the East Indies, Columbus referred to the indigenous people he encountered as “Indians.”

Over the next several years, Columbus made three more voyages to the Caribbean and explored various islands, including Hispaniola (present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Cuba, and Jamaica. His voyages initiated widespread European contact with the Americas and marked the beginning of the European colonization of the New World.

Columbus’s voyages had significant and far-reaching consequences, including the exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and cultures between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. While his expeditions were celebrated in Europe, they also led to the colonization, exploitation, and displacement of indigenous peoples, as well as the transatlantic slave trade.

Today, Christopher Columbus is a controversial figure, with his legacy debated in terms of his role in history and his impact on indigenous populations. While some view him as a courageous explorer who initiated global connections, others criticize him for his treatment of indigenous peoples and the lasting negative effects of European colonization in the Americas.

Ferdinand Magellan

famous travellers in ireland

Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who is best known for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe. He was born around 1480 in Sabrosa, Portugal, and he served as a navigator and explorer for the Portuguese crown before offering his services to the Spanish crown.

In 1519, Magellan set sail from Spain with a fleet of five ships and around 270 men, aiming to find a western sea route to the Spice Islands (the Moluccas) in the East Indies. On September 20, 1519, they departed from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain, and after a long and perilous journey across the Atlantic, they reached the coast of South America.

Magellan navigated through the treacherous waters of what is now known as the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the southern tip of South America.

After passing through the strait, Magellan and his crew sailed across the vast Pacific Ocean, enduring severe hardships such as starvation, scurvy, and storms. They reached the Mariana Islands and the Philippines, where Magellan was killed in a skirmish with local inhabitants on April 27, 1521.

Magellan’s expedition was a landmark achievement in the history of exploration, proving that the Earth was indeed round and demonstrating the vast extent of the Pacific Ocean.

Ernest Shackleton

famous travellers in ireland

Sir Ernest Shackleton was a renowned British explorer who led several expeditions to Antarctica during the early 20th century. He is best known for his heroic leadership and remarkable survival during the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917.

Born on February 15, 1874, in County Kildare, Ireland, Shackleton began his career as a seaman and later became involved in Antarctic exploration.

Shackleton’s most famous expedition, the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, aimed to make the first land crossing of the Antarctic continent. The expedition, launched in 1914 aboard the ship Endurance, encountered numerous hardships, including being trapped in pack ice in the Weddell Sea.

Despite the loss of their ship, Shackleton and his crew managed to survive for over a year on the ice before finally making a daring escape in small lifeboats to Elephant Island.

Realizing that rescue was unlikely on Elephant Island, Shackleton embarked on an epic voyage with a small crew in an open boat, the James Caird, across 800 miles of treacherous seas to reach South Georgia Island. After successfully reaching South Georgia, Shackleton and his companions completed a hazardous overland journey to a whaling station, eventually rescuing the remaining men on Elephant Island.

Miraculously, Shackleton’s leadership and determination ensured the survival of all the members of the expedition, despite enduring extreme cold, hunger, and danger. Their remarkable tale of endurance and perseverance has become one of the most celebrated stories in the annals of exploration.

Following his Antarctic expeditions, Shackleton continued to pursue various ventures, including further attempts at Antarctic exploration. However, he died of a heart attack on January 5, 1922, while on an expedition to Antarctica.

Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang)

famous travellers in ireland

Xuanzang, also known as Hsüan-Tsang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveller who lived during the Tang Dynasty. He is renowned for his legendary journey to India in the 7th century AD, during which he travelled overland across Central Asia to study Buddhism and collect Buddhist scriptures.

Born in 602 AD in what is now Henan Province, China, Xuanzang became a Buddhist monk at a young age and dedicated himself to the study of Buddhist scriptures and philosophy. Despite government restrictions on travel abroad, Xuanzang was determined to visit India, the birthplace of Buddhism, to deepen his understanding of the religion and to obtain authentic Buddhist scriptures that were not available in China.

In 629 AD, Xuanzang set out on his epic journey to India. He travelled overland through treacherous terrain, across deserts and mountains, encountering numerous hardships and dangers along the way. Despite these challenges, Xuanzang persevered, driven by his unwavering faith and determination.

During his 17-year pilgrimage, Xuanzang visited many Buddhist monasteries, universities, and sacred sites in India, studying with renowned Buddhist masters and scholars. He also collected thousands of Buddhist scriptures, which he later brought back to China.

Upon his return to China in 645 AD, Xuanzang was hailed as a hero and a scholar. He spent the rest of his life translating the scriptures he had collected into Chinese and sharing his knowledge and insights with others. His translations played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in China and had a profound influence on Chinese culture and philosophy.

Xuanzang’s extraordinary journey and his contributions to Buddhist scholarship have made him a legendary figure in Chinese history and in the history of Buddhism. His life and adventures have been immortalized in literature, art, and folklore, and he remains a revered figure in Buddhist tradition.

Isabella Bird

Isabella Bird was a 19th-century British explorer, writer, photographer, and naturalist. Born on October 15, 1831, in England, she defied the societal norms of her time by embarking on extensive travels, often alone, to various remote and challenging regions of the world.

Bird’s first major journey took her to North America in 1854, where she travelled extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Her experiences during this trip were chronicled in her book “The Englishwoman in America,” published in 1856.

Throughout her life, Bird continued to embark on remarkable journeys. She explored the Hawaiian Islands, Canada, Japan, India, Persia (now Iran), Kurdistan, Tibet, China, and many other regions. Her travels were not only adventurous but also pioneering, as she often ventured into areas that were little known to Westerners at the time.

Bird was an avid writer, and she published numerous books and articles based on her travels. Her writings were highly acclaimed for their vivid descriptions of landscapes, cultures, and people.

Isabella Bird’s adventurous spirit, keen observations, and literary talents have earned her a lasting legacy as one of the most remarkable female explorers of the 19th century. Her works continue to inspire travellers and readers around the world, offering unique insights into the diverse cultures and landscapes of the places she visited.

Amerigo Vespucci

famous travellers in ireland

Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer, navigator, and cartographer who played a significant role in the early exploration of the Americas. He was born in Florence, Italy, in 1454 or 1455, and he began his career working for the prominent Medici family in Florence.

Vespucci made several voyages to the New World between 1497 and 1504, primarily under the auspices of Spain and Portugal. While the details of his early voyages are somewhat unclear, Vespucci is best known for his accounts of his voyages, particularly his claim to have reached the mainland of the Americas before Columbus’s third voyage.

The German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller is credited with naming the continent after Vespucci, as he included the name “America” on his 1507 world map, the first to depict the Americas as separate from Asia.

While Vespucci did not make any significant discoveries or advancements in navigation himself, his writings and the use of his name for the continents had a lasting impact on European perceptions of the New World and its place in the world map.

famous travellers in ireland

James Cook was a British explorer, navigator, and cartographer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest explorers of all time. He was born on October 27, 1728, in England. Cook made significant contributions to the exploration and mapping of the Pacific Ocean and its islands during the 18th century.

Cook began his career in the British Royal Navy, rising through the ranks as a skilled seaman and navigator. He gained recognition for his precise cartography and his ability to navigate difficult waters.

In 1768, Cook was appointed as commander of the HMS Endeavour and embarked on his first voyage, which was commissioned by the Royal Society and the British Admiralty, to observe the transit of Venus from Tahiti and to explore the South Pacific.

During this voyage, Cook and his crew made extensive explorations of the South Pacific, including the mapping of the eastern coast of Australia, which he named New South Wales. Cook’s meticulous charting and observations laid the groundwork for later British colonization of Australia. Cook’s expedition also included the first recorded European contact with the eastern coastline of New Zealand.

Cook went on to make two more major voyages of exploration in the Pacific. His second voyage, from 1772 to 1775, aimed to locate the hypothetical southern continent of Terra Australis and further explore the Pacific. During this expedition, Cook became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle.

On his third voyage, from 1776 to 1779, Cook attempted to find a northwest passage between the Pacific and the Atlantic. Although he did not succeed in finding the passage, he made significant discoveries in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including the Hawaiian Islands.

Nellie Bly, born on May 5, 1864, was an American journalist, writer, and pioneering investigative reporter. She is best known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days.

In 1889, Bly embarked on her most famous adventure: a solo journey around the world inspired by Jules Verne’s novel “Around the World in Eighty Days.” She travelled by steamship, train, and other means of transportation, completing the journey in just 72 days, a record at the time. Her trip captivated the public’s imagination and solidified her reputation as one of the most famous travellers in history.

Throughout her career, Bly wrote about social issues, women’s rights, and travel. She worked for various newspapers and magazines and authored several books, including “Ten Days in a Madhouse” and “Around the World in Seventy-Two Days.”

Ernest Hemingway

famous travellers in ireland

Ernest Hemingway, the acclaimed American novelist and short story writer, was also an avid traveller who drew inspiration from his journeys around the world. Throughout his life, Hemingway travelled extensively, often immersing himself in the cultures and landscapes of the places he visited.

Some of his notable travel experiences include:

  • Paris, France: Hemingway spent much of the 1920s living in Paris, where he was part of the expatriate community of writers and artists known as the “Lost Generation.” His experiences in Paris, particularly in the bohemian neighbourhoods of Montparnasse and the Left Bank, would later influence his writing, including his novel “The Sun Also Rises.”
  • Spain: Hemingway was deeply influenced by his experiences during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), where he worked as a war correspondent. He spent time in Madrid and other cities, witnessing the conflict firsthand and drawing inspiration for his novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” which is set during the war.
  • Key West, Florida: Hemingway lived in Key West during the 1930s and 1940s, where he wrote some of his most famous works, including “A Farewell to Arms” and “To Have and Have Not.” His house in Key West, now a museum, is a popular tourist attraction.
  • Africa: Hemingway embarked on several safaris in Africa during the 1930s and 1950s, where he hunted big game and drew inspiration for his short stories “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.”
  • Cuba: Hemingway had a deep connection to Cuba, where he lived for many years and wrote several of his major works, including “The Old Man and the Sea.” His home in Cuba, Finca Vigia, is preserved as a museum and is a popular tourist destination.

Hemingway’s travels greatly influenced his writing, and his experiences in different parts of the world are reflected in the settings, characters, and themes of his novels and short stories. His adventurous spirit and love of travel are an integral part of his legacy as one of the greatest writers and famous travellers of the 20th century.

Ok, these last two aren’t in “history” as they’re still going even in their late age…

Ranulph Fiennes

Sir Ranulph Fiennes , born on March 7, 1944, is a British explorer, adventurer, and author known for his daring expeditions and record-breaking achievements in extreme environments around the world. He is often described as one of the greatest living explorers.

Fiennes has undertaken numerous expeditions throughout his career, often pushing the limits of human endurance and overcoming immense challenges.

In the Transglobe Expedition (1979–1982) Fiennes led the first circumnavigation of the Earth along its polar axis, traversing both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The expedition covered over 52,000 miles and took over three years to complete, making it one of the most ambitious polar expeditions in history.

First to reach both Poles by surface travel: Fiennes became the first person to reach both the North and South Poles by surface travel when he reached the South Pole in 1982 and the North Pole in 1986.

In addition to his exploration endeavours, Fiennes is also a prolific author, having written numerous books about his adventures and experiences.

Fiennes continues to be actively involved in exploration and adventure, inspiring others to push their limits and explore the unknown. His legacy as one of the world’s greatest explorers is firmly established, and his adventures continue to captivate and inspire people around the globe.

Michael Palin

famous travellers in ireland

I’m going to end this list with one of my favourite modern-day travellers, Michael Palin . I have loved his TV travel shows for decades now. Michael Palin is a British comedian, actor, writer, and television presenter known for his travels around the world documented in various television series and books.

Palin’s travel adventures began with the groundbreaking television series “Around the World in 80 Days,” which aired in 1989. In this series, Palin attempted to circumnavigate the globe without flying, following in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne’s novel. The journey took him through Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and back to Europe, and it was documented in a book of the same name.

Following the success of “Around the World in 80 Days,” Palin continued to travel and document his journeys in subsequent television series and books, including:

  • “Pole to Pole” (1992): In this series, Palin travelled from the North Pole to the South Pole, passing through Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
  • “Full Circle with Michael Palin” (1997): Palin embarked on a journey around the Pacific Rim, travelling through countries such as Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Australia, and Chile.
  • “Michael Palin’s Hemingway Adventure” (1999): Palin retraced the footsteps of the American writer Ernest Hemingway, visiting places significant to Hemingway’s life and work in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
  • “Michael Palin’s Sahara” (2002): Palin explored the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Sahara Desert, travelling through countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Niger, and Mali.
  • “Himalaya with Michael Palin” (2004): Palin journeyed through the Himalayas, from Pakistan and India to Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and China, exploring the mountains, cultures, and people of the region.

Palin’s travel adventures have inspired and entertained audiences around the world, making him one of the world’s most beloved travel presenters and one of the most famous travellers of them all.

The legacies of these famous travellers endure as testaments to the indomitable human spirit and the insatiable thirst for discovery. Their courage, resilience, and insatiable curiosity have left an indelible mark on history, shaping our understanding of the world and inspiring future generations to venture beyond the known horizon.

These are just a few examples, and countless other explorers and travellers have made significant contributions to our understanding of the world through their journeys and discoveries.

For a look at another well-known modern traveller have a look at my article about a good friend of mine who is regarded as one of the most travelled man in the world today.

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Best places to visit in ireland.

Ireland's rich culture, enchanting green landscapes and friendly locals are just a few reasons why so many travelers make the journey to this island country. But with so many cities, charming small towns and countryside wonders to choose from, it may be hard to decide exactly what should be on your Emerald Isle itinerary. U.S. News took into account sights, adventure, food and culture, plus expert opinions and traveler sentiment, to determine the best places to visit in Ireland. If you want to have a say in next year's list, be sure to vote below.

Dingle Peninsula

Cliffs of moher, iveragh peninsula, glenveagh national park, inishowen peninsula, connemara national park, aran islands.

famous travellers in ireland

With a stoic castle, wild coastline and great "craic" (fun, entertainment and good company), Donegal checks off many items on an Ireland vacation bucket list. Donegal visitors can see the 15th-century Donegal Castle, grab a pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish bar dating back to the 1700s or revel in one of the town's high-spirited festivals. Meanwhile, Donegal's northwest coast location makes it ideal for driving along the scenic Donegal Bay to the Slieve League cliffs – which are nearly three times as tall as the Cliffs of Moher – or hopping to islands known for their exceptional preservation of the Gaelic language and culture.

famous travellers in ireland

Though Dublin is Ireland's hub for politics, culture and music, its approachable and relaxed culture sets it apart from most European capitals. Before making a beeline for the Guinness Storehouse, consider a walking tour to take in popular attractions like Trinity College (and its swoon-worthy library), the 13th-century Dublin Castle and the always exuberant Temple Bar district. Save time to take in the arts, too: Dublin is home to the national theater of Ireland and plenty of festivals and museums dedicated to Irish literary greats. Plus, Dublin offers easy access  to alluring destinations like the fishing village of Howth and Wicklow Mountains National Park.

famous travellers in ireland

Located along the country's famous Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula consistently stuns with its otherworldly scenery (think: evergreen cliffs, craggy coastlines and vibrant blue waters). Begin your journey by driving along Slea Head Drive, a scenic route known for its photo-worthy vistas. If you'd rather see the peninsula on foot, head down the Dingle Way, a network of trails that spans the entire peninsula. Or, take a ferry to the Blasket Islands to explore jaw-dropping cliffs, look for wildlife like sheep and dolphins, and visit pristine beaches without rubbing elbows with other tourists.

famous travellers in ireland

For the quintessential Irish countryside experience, travel to Killarney. The town is surrounded by evergreen hills and valley on all sides, affording plenty of opportunities to become one with nature. Visitors gravitate toward Killarney National Park, which features Ireland's highest mountain range, MacGillycuddy's Reeks. If you aren't much of a hiker, you can still enjoy the scenic lakes or visit one of Killarney's centuries-old churches or castles.

famous travellers in ireland

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland's most popular tourist attraction, welcoming more than 1 million visitors each year. In fact, the cliffs are so popular that cities situated more than 100 miles away often offer full-day bus tours to the attraction. Once you lay eyes on this sight, you'll understand why so many people travel hours to gaze at it. Measuring more than 8 miles long and 700 feet tall, the cliffs provide breathtaking views of Galway Bay, parts of Connemara National Park and the Aran Islands on a clear day.

famous travellers in ireland

This peninsula in County Kerry is best known for featuring the world-famous Ring of Kerry, a 111-mile scenic drive that circles around the entire peninsula. Along the way, visitors will enjoy truly spectacular scenery both on the coast and inland. Can't-miss stops include Ladies View, Rossbeigh Strand, Derrynane beach and the Gap of Dunloe. Travelers should also save time for visiting some of the peninsula's picturesque small towns and castles, which are both developed and abandoned. Be sure to stay at least one night here for a glimpse of the stars in Ireland's first dark sky reserve.

famous travellers in ireland

Surrounded by a looming mountain, sandy beaches and charming countryside (dubbed "Yeats Country" after the county's famed poet), Sligo offers something for everyone. If you're up for an adventure, hike the loop around the iconic Benbulben mountain, take a surf lesson in Strandhill or watch the big-wave pros at Mullaghmore Head. Meanwhile, more leisurely travelers can visit Sligo town's popular sites like The Model art center and Sligo Abbey, or take a coastal drive to fine estates like the Lissadell House and Gardens (open seasonally). Just make time for a few stops along the Sligo Food Trail on your way.

famous travellers in ireland

After Dublin, Cork is Ireland's largest city. Located at the southern end of the country, this city of more than 200,000 residents is famous for being home to Blarney Castle and its Blarney Stone. According to local legend, the stone will grant you the gift of eloquence, if you dare kiss it. Cork is also where you'll find 18th- and 19th-century churches, the Cork City Gaol (a former prison converted into a museum) and lush Fitzgerald Park, among other noteworthy attractions. When hunger strikes, explore Cork's English Market, where you'll find everything from meat and fish counters to cafes and bakeries.

famous travellers in ireland

Located just 17 miles south of Cork, this enclave on Ireland's southern coast charms visitors with rainbow-hued buildings and a "riviera" vibe. Sailing is central to Kinsale, which hosts several regattas throughout the summer, but other water activities like kayaking and surfing hold equal appeal. Those who prefer to stay on land can visit nearby attractions like the scenic Nohoval Cove and historic Charles Fort. What's more, as one of Ireland's top culinary destinations, Kinsale entices foodies with more than 50 delectable eateries and food-centric celebrations like the Kinsale Gourmet Festival and Kinsale Street Feast.

famous travellers in ireland

Galway offers the best of both worlds for travelers. City slickers can revel in Galway's relatively light but palpable bustle, while outdoor lovers can venture outside the city to see many natural attractions, including the Salthill Promenade, Wild Atlantic Way and, farther afield, Burren National Park. If you prefer to stay local, stroll through the lively Latin Quarter, then check out historical attractions like the Spanish Arch and St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church.

famous travellers in ireland

Situated in the heart of County Donegal, Glenveagh National Park sets a picturesque scene, complete with a lakeside castle and lush mountains. Here, active sightseers can bask in the unspoiled natural beauty of the Emerald Isle, with nearly 40,000 acres that are completely free to access for hiking, biking, fishing and camping. Highlights include the Derryveagh Mountains, the sweeping valleys of the Poisoned Glen and the rugged shores of Lough Inshagh and Lough Veagh. For a small fee, visitors can also take a tour of the Glenveagh Castle, a stately granite structure representing the idyllic highland retreat, and explore its varied gardens and tearooms.  

famous travellers in ireland

Situated just northwest of Ireland's border with Northern Ireland, the Inishowen Peninsula is the country's largest peninsula. Its remote location 170 miles northwest of Dublin plus its otherworldly scenery and thatched cottages create a peaceful setting you won't find in Ireland's more tourist-heavy peninsulas. Must-see natural wonders here include Malin Head, Trawbreaga Bay and the Gap of Mamore. If you've always dreamed of seeing the northern lights , be sure to visit in winter when the aurora borealis' beautiful hues are typically visible throughout the peninsula.

famous travellers in ireland

Expect awe-inspiring scenery everywhere you turn when you visit this 5,000-acre national park during the warmer months. Connemara National Park is home to the Twelve Bens mountain range, plus woodlands, grasslands, heaths (wild, undeveloped flatlands) and bogs (wetlands) that you can explore via one of several trails. To get a good overview of the park's diverse scenery, hike the Diamond Hill paths and walk the Green Road along Killary Harbour. The latter is where you'll find one of Ireland's few glacial fjords.

famous travellers in ireland

Travelers keen on getting a taste of what old Ireland looked and felt like should consider visiting the Aran Islands. Accessible by plane from Connemara or by ferry from Rossaveal, Galway and Doolin on Ireland's western coast, the Aran Islands feature important historical sites, Celtic churches and lots of untouched landscapes (think: the "Banshees of Inisherin," some of which was filmed here). Plus, Gaelic is widely spoken, providing an authentic cultural experience. Though all three islands offer noteworthy sights, plan on spending the bulk of your time on Inis Mór (or Inishmore), where the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa is located.

famous travellers in ireland

Kilkenny offers a hearty amount of historical attractions for travelers to explore. This is largely thanks to the town's prior distinction of being the medieval capital of Ireland, a heritage that remains evident today  in the Medieval Mile, Kilkenny's top attraction. Within the Medieval Mile you'll find several interesting sights, such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral and the Medieval Mile Museum. This historic part of town is also home to the Smithwick's Experience, where you can learn more about how one of Ireland's most popular ales is brewed.

famous travellers in ireland

Head to this small seaport on Ireland's southeastern coast to catch a glimpse of the country's oldest city. Waterford is full of history, and its attractions reflect that. History buffs can learn more about the city's Viking roots at Waterford Treasures' Medieval Museum, Reginald's Tower and Bishop's Palace facilities. Or, they can take a tour of the 18th-century House of Waterford factory to see how the city's world-renowned crystal is made. For travelers who need a break from Waterford's rich history, there's the Waterford Greenway, a nearly 30-mile-long walking and bike path.

famous travellers in ireland

Those who plan on visiting Cork should save time for a daytrip to Cobh. This charming small town, which sits on an island in Cork Harbor, is known for its past as both a major departure point for Irish emigrating to the U.S. and as the last port of call for the Titanic. Travelers who want to learn more about these key roles in Cobh's history can visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and Titanic Experience Cobh. Before leaving, take a stroll around town to admire Cobh's striking Victorian-era architecture and brightly colored storefronts and homes.

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The Top 20 Places to See in Ireland

famous travellers in ireland

It is hard to narrow down the top places to see in Ireland because the country is filled with so many famous attractions. There is the rugged landscape of the mountains and natural wonders like the otherworldly Burren and the striking Cliffs of Moher, as well as historic castles and ancient abbeys. With so much to choose from, there is quite literally sometimes for everyone in gorgeous Ireland. Here are the 20 amazing sites that are among ​Ireland’s most universally loved places to see.

The Lakes of Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, Co Kerry

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

If you want to experience spectacular coastal scenery, breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient monuments and the tranquil old-world-charm of  Killarney 's lakes, castles and houses, this is the place to go. Bear in mind that thousands of tourists will have the same idea—the best time here is spring or fall (in order to avoid the crush of people that arrive in summer). Killarney is located in  County Kerry, part of the Irish Province of Munster . The nearest airport is Cork Airport or Killarney (though this has European flights only). 

The Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

When the undulating landscape suddenly ends in a sheer drop of more than 650 feet, straight down to the Atlantic, then you know you have reached the  Cliffs of Moher . One of the most spectacular coastal areas in Europe, the cliffs are best when the winds are low so that visitors can take a stroll along the (roped off) edge. The visitor center has been rebuilt on a grand scale and there is now a higher price of admission to see the national attraction for yourself. The Cliffs of Moher can be found in County Clare, in Ireland's Province of Munster. The nearest airport is Shannon Airport .

Newgrange and Bru na Boinne, Co Meath

Rather than a single sight, one of Ireland’s must-sees is a  complex historic landscape on the banks of the Boyne ,  dotted with prehistoric monuments . The largest are Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. Newgrange and Knowth can only be visited by taking a tour, which starts at the modern visitor center. Be there early and plan to stay for a half day (at least) to take in the whole experience. Newgrange is located in  County Meath, in the Province of Leinster . The nearest airport is Dublin Airport.

Dublin City

Dublin is a relatively small city which can sometimes feel more like a jumble of villages than a major capital. It is, however, rich in history, as well as full of sights and museums that are best explored on a day out on foot.  Dublin's top attractions  alone can keep the tourist busy for a whole week! Between live music, art, culture, and even a castle, Dublin is Ireland’s most popular stop (even for Irish visitors, who often head into the city on the weekends). Dublin Airport is outside the city limits, but a bus ride into town will only take about half an hour.

The Giant's Causeway, Co Antrim

The Giant's Causeway is made up of strangely regular basalt columns point that the way towards Scotland, which can be seen on the horizon on good days. It is possible to reach Northern Ireland's top sight by car and shuttle bus (if the fairly steep final mile seems too daunting). Travelers with some time on their hands can also take in the nearby Old Bushmills Distillery which is connected by steam train. Bushmills and the Giant's Causeway are located in County Antrim, in the Northern Irish part of the Province of Ulster. The nearest airport would be  Belfast .

Hill of Tara, Co Meath

The ancient seat of the  High Kings  of Ireland and one of the Irish royal sites, can look like little more than a mound covered with grass when you see the area for the first time. However, there is an excellent audiovisual show in the former church that will help visitors understand the importance of this site. Once armed with a bit of background information, visitors will soon see why the  Hill of Tara  is fascinating. This site is also located in  County Meath, in the Province of Leinster , a short distance from Navan. The nearest airport is Dublin Airport.

Sligo and Area, Co Sligo

Bernd Biege

The town of Sligo is not a major destination itself but the nearby treasures more than make up for it. Knocknarea boasts the grave of Queen Maeve (or so rumor has it) and offers a spectacular view as a reward for a steep climb. Carrowmore is  the largest stone age cemetery in Ireland .  Drumcliff  sports a (truncated)  round tower , a medieval high cross and the grave of W.B.Yeats (winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923) right next to the spectacular table mountain of Ben Bulben. All these are located in County Sligo, in the Province of Connacht . The nearest airports are either Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport or  Belfast —all of which are roughly the same distance away.

Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, Co Cork

The Irish gift of the gab? Some believe that comes directly from the Blarney Stone. The stone in question (which legend says you must kiss upside down, hanging over a sheer dropoff) is located at Blarney Castle in County Cork. Some of the rooms in the castle, which dates back to the 15th century, can also be visited. The fortified medieval home is surrounded by lush gardens along the River Martin. The must-see sight is a short drive from Cork City, making Cork Airport the closet to fly into.

The Burren, Co Clare

Wedged between the rough beauty of the Aran Islands and the bustling university city of Galway, the near featureless desolation of this limestone plateau has often been likened to a moonscape. Ancient monuments and bizarre rock formations abound. Some spectacular sights can be taken in by driving around the  Burren  next to Galway Bay. The Burren can be found in County Clare, in  Ireland's Province of Munster . The nearest airport is Shannon Airport.

Glendalough, Co Wicklow

In Glendalough, the valley of the two lakes, you will find one of the most important early Christian sites. History aside, the setting in the Wicklow Mountains in a valley beside tranquil lakes is simply beautiful. Visitors who do love of history and/or architecture can indulge in  a massive round tower , the quaint St Kevin's Kitchen (actually a church) and a cathedral (a ruin, but still imposing enough), all  in an ancient monastic setting . More into the outdoors? Nature lovers can enjoy the walks along the lakes. Glendalough is located in  County Wicklow, in the Province of Leinster , a short distance from Dublin which means the nearest airport is Dublin Airport.

Bunratty Castle, Co Clare

The Bunratty tower house is one of the best castles in Ireland and is beloved by locals and visitors alike. It was built in 1467 by the O'Brien family and has been renovated with no expenses spared. A medieval banquet is offered in the evenings, complete with period entertainment. During the day, the adjoining Bunratty Folk Park allows a glimpse into Ireland's past. Bunratty can be found in ​ County Clare, in Ireland's Province of Munster . The nearest airport is Shannon Airport, which is essentially just around the corner.

Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry

For a small country, Ireland is bursting with natural beauty but there is something particularly breathtaking about the Dingle Peninsula. From the sandy stretch of Inch Beach to the rugged cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way which look out towards the Aran Islands and the charming port town of Dingle itself, this promontory in southwest Ireland is full of gorgeous scenery. Dingle is located in  County Kerry, part of the Irish Province of Munster and the closest airport is Cork Airport.

Kylemore Abbey, Co Galway

Set on the shores of a lake an hour outside of Galway, Kylemore Abbey was built by the British Politician Mitchell Henry in the late 1800s. He hoped that his elaborate estate would serve as an example of what was possible in even the most remote corners of Ireland. In 1903, the castle and abbey were sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester who had bold plans for renovations and entertaining but soon had to let go the property in order to pay their gambling debts. In 1920, a group of Benedictine Nuns acquired the Abbey after their Belgian abbey was bombed during World War I. The estate is still owned by the nuns and was a Catholic girl’s school until 2010. In addition to the breathtaking castle, there is a walled Victorian Garden that has been restored and is well known as Ireland’s largest walled garden.

Titanic Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland

The ill-fated RMS Titanic was poorly piloted but it was certainly well built here in Northern Ireland. The Harland & Wolff shipyard where the massive ocean liner was created has now been transformed into an exceptional museum about the infamous boat. The Belfast museum has an impressive interactive exhibit that allows visitors to walk the decks and even virtually travel to the depths of the ocean. While the museum has a policy against displaying any ​artifacts from the wreck itself, they do have an impressive assortment of mementos (like china dishes and promotional brochures) that were created for the RMS Titanic.​

Connemara National Park, Co Galway

One of the six national parks in Ireland, Connemara National Park is found in County Galway. The large natural area is best known for its mountain walks, though there are also bogs and grasslands to be explored. Visitors particularly head for cone-shaped Diamond Hill above the village of Letterfack in order to enjoy near ​360-degree views of mountains and sea. The Visitor Center, which has a great audio-visual exhibit, is open daily from March to October, while the park itself is open year-round.

Skelling Michael, Co Kerry

Located eight miles out to sea off the coast of County Kerry, Skellig Michael is an isolated island destination. The island is sometimes known as Great Skellig and has a smaller neighbor which is fittingly named Little Skellig. No one lives on the Skelligs these days, but in the 6th century a group of monks felt that the rocky islands in the Atlantic made the perfect remote spot for a monastery. The ruins of this ancient monastery are now a UNESCO site and visitors brave the ocean passage between May and October for a chance to hike through the secluded archaeological site. If the monastery looks familiar that might be because it was featured as a sacred Jedi location in two Star Wars movies.

English Market, Co Cork

Ireland’s best covered market is a treat to explore in Cork City. It was named the “English Market” in the 19th century to distinguish it from Cork’s “Irish Market” that also existed at the time. The Victorian-style building was originally built in 1862, though an uncovered market has existed on the same spot since 1788. It was badly damaged by a fire in the 1980s but was carefully refurbished by the Cork City Council. It is one of the best places to shop for local foods or to stay for a meal on the second-floor café. Shoppers are in good company—Queen Elizabeth once stopped by for a bit of fish.  

The Rock of Cashel, Co Tipperary

Unofficial estimates guess that Ireland has around 1,000 castles in all. It could take a lifetime to seek out all the ruins and restored tower house beauties, but one of the most impressive of all is certainly the Rock of Cashel. Built atop a hill in County Tipperary, this was once the seat of power for the High Kings of Ulster. The rulers eventually turned the stunning fortified complex over to the church, and the ruins of the medieval cathedral are one of the major draws of the sight.  

Kinsale, Co Cork

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer 

Depending on which direction you decide to drive, Kinsale is either the start of the end of the famed Wild Atlantic Way—the coastal route that snakes 1,500 miles along western Ireland. The village is called after its Irish name:  Ceann tSaile , which means “Head of the Sea.” Originally a medieval fishing village, the boats that still bob in the harbor make for a postcard-perfect Irish setting. Away from the waterfront, the village is filled with brightly painted shops and plenty of traditional pubs and restaurants. The nearest airport is Cork Airport, and the village is about a 25-mile drive from Cork City. 

Slieve League, Co Donegal

The Cliffs of Moher may be more famous, but the stunning cliffs of Slieve League reach almost three times higher. Slieve League is a mountain (with slieve meaning mountain in the Irish language), which towers nearly 2,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at its highest point. For those who don’t bat an eyelash at death-defying heights, there is a windswept trail that can be hiked along the cliffs. It is also possible to drive up to the main viewing area or visit the family-run Visitor’s Center. Visitors who opt to explore on foot can seek out the ruins of ​an early Christian monastery and beehive huts along the mountain slopes.

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10 unmissable places to visit in Ireland

Vic O'Sullivan

Mar 5, 2024 • 9 min read

famous travellers in ireland

The sweeping landscape of County Kerry is only the beginning of the most incredible places to visit in Ireland © Matt Anderson Photography / Getty Images

Ireland is a country of contrasts. To the west, its ocean coastline has towering sea cliffs, powder-soft beaches, medieval castles, historic villages and forlornly beautiful islands where locals still nurture ancient traditions. The midlands harbor lesser-seen towns and meandering blue trails that follow the path of the River Shannon along rich green countryside. Dublin and Belfast to the east and north offer all the rich culture and diversity you’d expect to find in a large, modern metropolis.

With so many places to choose from, it’s not always easy to know where to go in Ireland , so we've handpicked the best places to stay to suit every taste and every changing mood.

Choose 3, 4, 5, or 7 top Dublin attractions and enjoy great savings with Go City. Taste the world-famous Irish drink at Guinness Storehouse, enjoy the sights on Big Bus Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, or discover Dublinʼs oldest building, Christ Church Cathedral - the choice is yours!

1. Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal

Best place for a road trip

This is the final slice (or trailhead) of the magnificent Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal odyssey that connects this most northerly tip of Ireland to the south along the western seaboard. Inishowen has a hundred-mile sign-posted loop trail that covers the major attractions around the peninsula from any starting point. It’s one of the best places to visit in Ireland for a weekend, as it’s easily navigated over a couple of days.

Start the drive north by navigating the easterly contours of Lough Swilly before moving inland from  Fort Dunree to discover a highlight, Mamore Gap. It’s a narrow, curving road that snakes through the Urris Hills with spectacular coastal views. Before weaving on towards Tullagh Strand , there’s a wonderful detour to Glenevin Waterfall. The route passes one beauty spot after another, like Five Finger Strand (which has hazardous swimming conditions) and Knockamany, before arriving at the top of the world at  Banba’s Crown on Malin Head.

Planning tip: Travel in the off-season (November to Easter) for the best chance to catch Inishowen’s famous northern lights (Aurora Borealis) stenciled onto a dark sky.

Sea stack standing in the ocean framed by other rocks on the cliff

2. Northwest Mayo

Best places for beaches

With a jagged, vast coastline, towering sea stacks and off-the-radar islands,  County Mayo offers beach settings that are framed by spectacular backdrops. Mulranny , with its bone-white powdery sand, has turquoise water that swirls around its contours. It once lured John Lennon and Yoko Ono on a "second honeymoon," and it’s also the gateway to Achill Island’s Keel Strand, which has miles of dunes to fly kites and jaw-dropping views of Slievemore and the Mweelaun Cliffs. 

Keem Bay is further west on Achill, and it is arguably Ireland’s most beautiful beach. It’s sheltered by giant cliffs that rise up to the north and south like a natural amphitheater. North of Achill is the Erris Peninsula which has Elly Bay, a safe beach with shallow waters, or Glosh and Crosshead Beaches, which offer dangerous, menacing waves. Head off-grid to Blacksod Pier to catch a ferry to the Inishkea Islands and discover a magnificent beach fringed by an abandoned village and pristine ocean waters.

Local tip: Rinroe, a secret cove north of Erris, has caverns that offer a good photo op.

3. Kilkenny

Best city for history

The medieval mile in Ireland’s prettiest city center is a living museum. Yes, there are countless ticketed heritage sites like  Kilkenny Castle and the  Medieval Mile Museum , which offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past (and rooftop views), but a ramble around "The Marble City’s" beating heart is the best way to discover its past. A self-guided walking tour of the Medieval Mile takes in sites like the  Black Abbey ,  Saint Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower and the Butter Slip – an atmospheric laneway that exudes old-world charm.

As one of the best nightlife spots in Ireland for centuries, expect the pubs in this pint-sized city to have a great backstory.  Kyteler’s Inn on St Kieran’s Street harbors a dark past with trumped-up witchcraft convictions, and Kilkenny’s brewing pedigree is showcased at the  Smithwick’s Experience on Parliament Street and  Sullivan’s Tap Room on John’s Street.

4. Limerick City

Best city for sport

Large stadiums and racetracks orbit the heart of Ireland’s third city while its narrow cobbled lanes and broad avenues have pubs, like  Jerry Flannery’s on Catherine Street or  JJ Bowles near  King John’s Castle , for post-match banter. The Limerick team is the reigning national champions at hurling, one of the fastest and oldest field sports on the planet, but it’s rugby that gets pulses racing in "The Treaty City."  Thomond Park Stadium gives the backstory to the 1978 match, when the local team and underdogs beat the famous All Blacks from New Zealand.

A brand new multistory  International Rugby Experience in O’Connell Street has redefined Limerick’s roofscape. Adare Manor , a resort and golf club a short drive from the city center, will host the 2027 Ryder Cup. The  Great Limerick Run draws crowds every May weekend, and cyclists venture to the countryside for mountain biking at  Ballyhoura or to the  Limerick Greenway for off-road trails as far as Kerry.

Group of gay men celebrating Gay Pride at home from their balcony

5. Dublin City

Best city for LGBTIQ+ travelers

A statue of playwright Oscar Wilde reclines on a bed of quartz near his home on Merrion Square with a wry smile that conveys playful puzzlement. About 120 years after he was imprisoned for gross indecency, almost to the day, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage by popular vote, and Wilde’s hometown was engulfed with rainbow flags for the occasion.

The  party continues in the capital’s landmark gay bar,  The George , which is one of the best places to visit in Dublin for members of the LGBTIQ+ community.  Pantibar on Capel Street and Street 66 on Parliament Street are more laid back, and Mother on Grafton Street is for weekend clubbing. The city’s annual Pride Festival rivals the St Patrick’s Day parade for bringing the city to a standstill. Both GAZE , a film event in September, and the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May mark the LGBTIQ+ community’s contribution to Ireland’s performing arts.  

6. Galway City

Best city for food

The scent of aromatic spices is carried on the fresh Atlantic breeze that passes through the cobbled lanes off Quay Street, the medieval heart of Galway . Top local restaurants like  Ard Bia at Nimmos cluster around its southern tip at  Spanish Arch because of its romantic setting, making it one of the best places for couples to visit in Ireland. It was once a trading post where galleons carried cargos of wine and food.

Cava Bodega continues that fusion of the experimental with traditional with their imaginative tapas, and on Middle Street,  Anair , the flagship restaurant of master chef JP McMahon is five minutes away.  Éan , a contemporary space down the moodily lit Druid Lane, sells exquisite artisan pastries. With fresh catch arriving from the ocean to the city by the trawler load, expect humble fish and chips with a difference at  McDonagh’s on Quay Street.  Sheridan’s Cheese on Nicholas Street offers the best dairy produce from the land.

Planning tip: Travel in the September shoulder season for the  Galway International Oyster Festival . 

O'Connor's Pub, group playing music at a table

7. County Clare

Best place to catch a tune

County Clare ’s coastline attracts visitors by the busload for the Micho Russel Festival in  Doolin , near the  Cliffs of Moher , late in February. It’s the place to catch a lively traditional (trad) music session at any time of year, with  Gus O’Connor’s Pub packing in visitors to the rafters.

For something slower and more sentimental, visit the medieval banquet at  Bunratty Castle or Knappogue , where you can listen to harpists and vocalists harmonize Ireland’s past over a glass of honeyed mead and spare ribs. Ennis hosts the annual Fleadh Nua every May, when the entire town moves in rhythm with the bodhrán (Irish drum). Its pubs showcase a nightly blast of trad at  Brogan’s and  Knox’s or contemporary live music at  Nora Culligan's on Abbey Street.

Local tip:  True music aficionados head to the east side of the county towards Lough Derg, where the pubs cupped in fern green valleys –like Shortt’s Bar in Feakle – host top performers nightly. 

8. Causeway Coast, County Antrim

Best place to hike

Located between Belfast and Derry on the north Antrim coastline, the Causeway Coast has a seascape that’s smooth as whipped cream in some locations and jagged as broken ice in others. But it’s always fascinating. At a 20-mile (34km) distance of moderate difficulty, and blessed with spectacular scenery, it’s one of the best places to hike in Ireland.

The eastern leg has stunning settings, like the Gobbins Cliff Path on Islandmagee Peninsula, but if time is restricted, travel west by train to hike to the heavy hitters that are crammed within 10 miles of each other. Starting at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which jigs and sways over the waves below, head west past the  Giant’s Causeway to the spectacular  Dunluce Castle that teeters on a cliff edge. Round off with a visit to the  Old Bushmill’s Distillery to get the blood flowing.

Planning tip:  Build in a detour to  The Dark Hedges ,  nine miles south of Carrick-a-Rede.

nice senior woman on mountain bike, cycling in sunset on the cliffs of Sheeps Head, County Cork, in the southwestern part of the Republic of Ireland

9. West Cork

Best place for families

Ocean spray and homemade ice cream are just a taste of why this expansive, meandering coastline, with its necklace of charming seaside villages, is one of the best places for families to visit in Ireland. Take a walking tour around pretty  Kinsale to discover stories of notorious seafarers like Alexander Selkirk, who inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, and Pirate Queen Anne Bonny. Or meander by the ramparts of star-shaped  Charles Fort . For another epic activity, take a whale-watching  boat tour from Baltimore to catch a glimpse of a magnificent humpback or baleen rise and fall beneath the clear ocean water.

Days can be spent lazing, surfing and horse-riding by the white dunes of  Barley Cove or  Inchydoney Beach , or k ayaking with seals near Glengarriff.  Ireland’s only cable car leaves from Beara  to cross ocean waters to Dursey Island. Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southerly point, has an interpretive signal station that is accessed by footbridge over wild Atlantic waves.

10. Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry

Best place for sensational views

For an out-of-this-world excursion, catch the ferry from brightly painted Portmagee to one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.  Skellig Michael, a small mountainous UNESCO World Heritage site, doubles as the windswept island sanctuary on the planet Ahch-To in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) and Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017).

Back on the mainland, the superlative landscapes will continue to impress with  Ladies View , which has panoramic views over the Lakes of Killarney.  Torc Waterfall on the northern tip of  The Ring of Kerry is better recorded than photographed with the powerful sound of the water pounding in the background. Head to Cronin’s Yard to scale and capture  Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, which towers over the entire peninsula and ocean.

Planning tip:  The ferry service to Skellig Michael is extremely popular (and weather dependent), so it’s necessary to book months in advance to secure tickets.

This article was first published May 2021 and updated March 2024

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The Irish Road Trip

8 Thoughtful Irish Travel Blessings (They’ll Love)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: October 27, 2023

8 Thoughtful Irish Travel Blessings (They’ll Love)

Irish travel blessings can be a great way to wish someone off on a new adventure.

You’ll most commonly see them written in cards or in text/Whatsapp messages and they add a dash of ‘Irishness’ to your well wishes.

They tend to be either reasonably formal or very  lighthearted, with the latter often used during toasts .

Below, you’ll find our favourite Irish blessings for safe travels. Dive on in!

Table of Contents

Our favourite Irish travel blessings

Irish blessings for travels

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s worth keeping in mind that many Irish travel sayings online aren’t actually Irish /have no link to Ireland.

Below, you’ll find some Irish travel blessings that have a strong link to Ireland . Enjoy!

1. To an easy journey

may the road rise up to meet you

Few traditional Irish travel blessings are as famous as the mighty ‘ May the road rise to meet you ‘ .

Although you’ll often see this one amongst Irish wedding blessings , the verse above focuses solely on wishing the listener/reader an easy journey.

Few Irish blessings for safe travels will spark nostalgia like this one.

“ May the road rise up to meet you. 

May the wind be always at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face, 

the rains fall soft upon your fields,

and until we meet again, 

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

2. Keep in mind

toast of wisdom

One of the more popular Irish travel blessings, this next one is perfect for a farewell card for a friend or acquaintance that’s off on a new adventure.

You’ll also see it crop up in our Irish drinking toasts as it’s suitable for going away parties also.

“May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been ,

The foresight to know where you are going,

And the insight to know when you have gone too far .”

3. To good fortune

luck of the irish toast

Although the term ‘ the Luck of the Irish ‘ comes from negative beginnings, it’s use here is acceptable.

Like most Irish blessings for safe travels, this one can be used to wish good luck and happiness to a person off on an adventure.

“May the luck of the Irish , Lead to happiest heights.

And the highway you travel, Be lined with green lights.

Wherever you go and whatever you do , May the luck of the Irish be there with you.”

4. To happiness

a slightly strange blessing

Next up is one of the shorter Irish blessings for safe travels and it’s steeped in meaning . It uses opposites to convey its message and tends to hook the listener from start to finish.

This one wishes a person that is at the beginning of a journey an easy path. It’s for that reason that it’s also often used as an Irish baby blessing.

“May you be poor in misfortune ,

Rich in Irish blessings, Slow to make enemies,

Quick to make friends , But rich or poor, quick or slow,

May you know nothing but, Happiness from this day forward.”

5. Green be the grass

may green be the grass

This is another of several short Irish prayers for safe travel that tends to be used during wedding ceremonies. It’s also a popular Irish birthday blessing .

Short and sweet, it gets to-the-point from the get-go and it’s easy to recite.

“May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

That pure be the joys that surround you,

May true be the hearts that love you.”

6. Well wishes

an irish prayer

Another good option for those of you looking for short Irish blessings for travels, this one can be used in a variety of manners .

You’ll regularly hear it used as a wedding reading along with several other short Irish wishes.

“May God give you… For every storm, a rainbow ,

For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial . For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer .”

7. May the hand of a friend

irish blessing quotes

Next is one of the more popular Irish travel sayings that follows the prosperity theme from start to finish.

You could also use this for a retirement toast or as part of a reading, if you like.

“May you always have work for your hands to do .

May your pockets hold always a coin or two.

May the sun shine bright on your windowpane .

May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.”

14. Lucky stars above you

famous irish sayings

Many of the most popular Irish blessings for safe travels revolve around a theme of ‘luck’, and this one is no different.

It’s also a good one to pop into a congratulations card for someone that’s had a baby as it is a thoughtful wish for the newborn at the beginning of their life.

“ Lucky stars above you, Sunshine on your way,

Many friends to love you, Joy in work and play.

Laughter to outweigh each care , In your heart a song,

And gladness waiting everywhere, All your whole life long.”

What Irish blessings for safe travels have we missed?

irish travel blessing

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant Irish sayings for safe travel from the guide above.

If you have any Irish travel blessings that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

Or, if you’d like to indulge in some more  ‘Irishness’ , hop into our guides to Irish slang , Irish jokes , Irish proverbs and funny Irish sayings .

FAQs about Irish prayers for safe travels

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are some funny Irish sayings for safe travels?’ to ‘Which are the most meaningful?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What is the traditional Irish blessing for travel?

The most traditional Irish prayer for safe travels is: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

What is the Irish saying for good journey?

If you don’t fancy the Irish travel sayings above, wish them ‘Go dté tú slán’, which means safe journey in Irish.

famous travellers in ireland

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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A Little Adrift Travel Blog

Best Books to Read Before Going to Ireland

Last updated on November 16, 2023 by Shannon

With a last name like O’Donnell, there was no chance that I would escape childhood without my Irish roots surfacing in various ways. Long before I made my first trip to Ireland , my parents and grandparents fed me a steady diet of the greatest Irish authors of all time.

By the time I reached adulthood, I had watched every great movie about the Emerald Isle, and all of those filmed there. I even spent years as a competitive Irish dancer!

I read many books about ireland while road tripping the northwest coast with my dad

Those are my street creds for this list of books about Ireland that every traveler should read before visiting. And given that Ireland is dear to my heart, that is doubly true for anyone planning to visit the “island of saints and scholars,” as Thomas Cahill calls it.

I strongly believe travelers should read widely of books from local authors and this gorgeous land has inspired some of the most beloved books of all time (the landscape in the Chronicles of Narnia heavily pull from northern Ireland), and is also the setting of a great many famous Hollywood shows (hello, Game of Thrones).

These fiction and nonfiction books form the basis of the best books you can read before traveling to Ireland, and the movie recommendations are a bonus—they’ll inspire you with the famous green Irish landscape, the delightful brogue, and a good dose of entertainment too.

Best Nonfiction Books About Ireland

hiking the famous green landscape that you can read about in books about ireland

Ireland’s rich and complex history spans thousands of years. From the Celts and Vikings, to the Norman invasion and the struggle for independence, there’s a lot to learn about this country’s past. Reading non-fiction books about Irish history, politics, and culture offers a deeper understanding of the country and its people, and can allow you to better appreciate the significance of the most notable landmarks.

Non-fiction books can also give you insights into the local customs and way of life that are tailored just to your interests. A music lover? Read books about traditional Irish music or biographies of famous Irish musicians. Or if you’re a foodie, reading about Irish cuisine and the history of specific dishes can give you a better appreciation of the local food scene.

1. How the Irish Saved Civilization  by Thomas Cahill

Could be because I’m Irish, but I really enjoyed this read about the untold story of Ireland’s heroic role from the fall of Rome to the rise of Medieval Europe and the case made for Ireland’s preservation of knowledge through the Dark Ages.

2. The Aran Islands  (Free on Kindle) by John M. Synge

The Aran Islands are a fascinating group of islands off of Ireland’s west coast and they remain today a pocket of charming Irish culture. Synge recounts stories and experiences from the islands in early 20th century and this is a must-download book if you know you’ll be visiting Ireland’s captivating Aran Islands (where I enjoyed some of the best music and traditional culture in all my months in Ireland).

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3. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

This captivating memoir is heartbreaking, poignant, and very often quite funny. It beautifully shares stories of McCourt’s childhood as he grew up during the Great Depression. Though born to Irish parents in Brooklyn, most of his childhood was spent in poverty in Limerick. It’s not an uplifting read, but it’s a tale that faced many immigrants and Irish during that era. I stole this off of my mother’s bookshelf years ago and never returned it—it’s a classic recommendation for anyone reading about Ireland because it so perfectly intertwines Ireland’s history of religion, poverty, and immigration.

4. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

This classic novel explores the corrupting influence of wealth and beauty. It’s set in the glamorous world of Victorian-era Dublin, which is a lot of fun to read about before you actual travel there. It’s a classic work of literature, but that shouldn’t stop you from reading it if you have flashbacks to highschool reading material—it’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. Since it costs less than $1 on Kindle, there’s no reason not to read this book before visiting Ireland.

5. The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne

I’ve yet to meet a person who isn’t completely sucked into this tale. It’s a sweeping epic that follows the life of Cyril Avery, a gay man living in Ireland from the 1940s to the present day. It’s a poignant and powerful story that explores themes of love, identity, and acceptance. Ireland has changed a lot in the nearly century since it takes place, but no place could be what it is without its history, so this is a book to read, enjoy, and absorb.

6. Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks

Not every book about Ireland need be a downer (though many of those above are a bit of a downer). This is a hilarious travelogue about a man who decides to hitchhike around Ireland with a mini-fridge as his companion. The Irish is famed for its hospitality, and it’s hilarious to see how that plays out even for when the wacky and unexpected show up on their doorstep. This is a light-hearted, entertaining read that’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the quirkier side of Irish culture.

Best Fiction Books About Ireland

blarney castle, cork

Reading fiction transports you to another world, so what better way to immerse yourself in Irish culture and vibes than through the characters in Irish literature? A vast array of novels, short stories, and poetry set in Ireland—or written by Irish authors—offer a unique and personal perspective of the country and its people. Reading fiction also shares a sense of place and atmosphere. When you’re walking the streets of Dublin or exploring the rugged landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way, you can imagine the stories that have been told about these places and the people who inhabit them. It makes your travels feel more meaningful and enriching.

7. Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore by W. B. Yeats

The Irish are known for their tall tales and their love of a good yarn. The first time I met a cousin when traveling there, he was more than 80 years old and took me around his land pointing out the spots where the fairies lived. So many travelers would not only better understand the culture of Ireland through the fairy tales, but also just enjoy the tales. For that reason, purchase this Kindle edition and enjoy.

8. Ireland: A Novel by Frank Delaney

Just say yes to this thoroughly beautiful book. An elusive, itinerant seanchaí visits the village of young boy in Ireland in the 1950s, and over the course of three nights—and his entire life—the storyteller’s tales history and folklore unfold. They change the young boy’s life. This eloquent tale is the perfect way to blend fact and fiction to expose yourself to Ireland’s most famous historical battles, its most evocative myths, and its unforgettable fables.

9. The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

With a number of classics on the list and some of Ireland’s most famous voices writing more than 100 years ago, this novel takes an entirely different approach. Set in county Sligo, it’s a fascinating and fast-paced novel that builds suspense and also teaches a good deal about Ireland’s cultural changes and turmoil over the span of a century. It’s a great way to get a solid dose of culture and history, but wrapped in a pleasing nonfiction story sure to engage and entertain.

famous travellers in ireland

10. Dubliners by James Joyce

I daresay it would be heresy to not include Joyce on the list, but Ulysses is a bit dense for most travelers just going to Ireland to see the sights and enjoy the country. Dubliners is a collection of short stories of Dublin’s middle class, and inspired by his childhood. It’s an easy read and since nearly all travelers pass through Dublin while visiting the Emerald Isle, consider this an essential book to download to your Kindle before leaving.

11. The Collected Poems of WB Yeats

Inspired by the rugged landscape of county Sligo, this collection of Yeats’ poetry is not only affordable, but it acts as a roadmap of the most beautiful spots on the northwest portion of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

12. Normal People by Sally Rooney

This modern-day love story follows the complex relationship between Connell and Marianne as they navigate their way through high school and then university in Dublin. It’s a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that captures the nuances of Irish culture and society. The setting in Dublin is also good fun and will get you ready for your adventure, since most travelers land in Dublin at the start of their journey.

13. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

Set in the 1950s, this novel tells the story of Eilis Lacey, a young woman who leaves her small town in Ireland to start a new life in Brooklyn. It’s a moving and heartfelt tale of love, loss, and the search for identity that beautifully captures the immigrant experience. If that intrigues but you want the cliff notes version, you can actually watch the movie , which is beautifully done and features the talented Saoirse Ronan.

14. The Commitments by Roddy Doyle

This hilarious and irreverent novel follows a group of young Dubliners as they form a soul band and try to make it big. It’s a fun and entertaining read that offers a unique insight into the vibrant music scene in Ireland.

Best Movies About Ireland

famous travellers in ireland

16. The Banshees of Inisherin

A large part of this award-winning movie was filmed on Inishmore , the largest of the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands stand as one of my favorite places in all of Ireland. The movie itself is a slow, plodding personal drama.

The movie is beautifully filmed, but both my dad and I kind of hated it. I’m clearly in the minority though—it took the Golden Globe for Best Picture in 2023, which is why I watched it.

17. The Secret of Roan Inish

This movie is utterly delightful and if you’re taking kids to Ireland, stream this family-friendly movie. Filmed in Donegal, it’s centered on an Irish folklore of selkies, or rather seals, that can shed their skins to become human. My dad and I watched this film together when it was released in 1995 and to this day I still remember the enchanting story and how it led me deeper into learning of Ireland’s most fanciful myths and legends.

18. Dancing at Lughnasa

This short play by Brian Friel is a quick read and I absolutely recommend it for the rich dialogue you can hear nearly pop off the page. Once you’ve read it, stream the movie version (which features Meryl Streep) and transport yourself to 1930s Ireland.

19. PS I Love You

This film is also a book —and a good one at that. Although critics panned the film, it’s a rollicking good time through all that makes a film about Ireland lovely: The music is top-notch, the countryside gorgeous, and the brogue a delight. Book or film (or both!), you can’t go wrong with either of these before you visit Éire, especially if you like heavy dose of romance in your books and flicks.

Best Travel Books: By Country, Region, & Review

I’m passionate about the value in reading books about the specific places you’re traveling. For that reason, I’ve rounded up a number of guides to books about countries like Spain and Ireland, regions like Africa and Central America, and a fair number of individual travel book reviews.

famous travellers in ireland

Books to Read Before Visiting Spain

rwanda africa, a place i read a fair few books about before visiting

The Best Books You Should Read Before Traveling Africa

traveling on a beach and reading a great travel book

The Best Travel Books I’ve Ever Read

I Am Malala book review

Travel Book Review: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Book Review: Geography of Bliss

Travel Book Review: “The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner

famous travellers in ireland

Travel Book Review: Without You, There Is No Us by Suki Kim

One Amazing Thing book cover

Travel Book Review: One Amazing Thing by Chitra Divakaruni

Book Review: River of Doubt by Candice Millard

Book Review: The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Travel Book Review: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

Travel Book Review: Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

famous travellers in ireland

Travel Book Review: Gold Rush in the Jungle by Dan Drollette

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Famous Irish quotes that will make you want to travel

Read on only if you're prepared for a serious case of wanderlust for Ireland!

Prepare to be inspired with a case of wanderlust for the island of Ireland after reading these iconic Irish quotes!

  • #Literature

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It’s true what they say: the Irish have a "way with words". Some Irish wordsmiths, though, have the magical ability to fill our hearts with a wanderlust for Ireland in just a few short phrases. Here are some we adore...

irishquotes-oscarwildeslieveleague

Slieve League, County Donegal

Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing Oscar Wilde

There are new sensations and experiences in every corner of the island. From soaring cliff top views to adrenaline-fueled watersports, Ireland is the ultimate adventure, so take a leaf out of Wilde’s book and jump right in.

Check out: Aerial adventures or just a quick paddle in the River Liffey? See what fun you can find in Dublin .

irishquotes-seamusheaney

Seamus Heaney HomePlace, County Londonderry

If you have the words, there's always a chance that you'll find the way Seamus Heaney

Poet and Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney drew his inspiration from the land of his childhood in beautiful Northern Ireland. He is buried in the churchyard in his hometown of Bellaghy in County Londonderry, close to which is the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, which you can find out all about his life, work and inspirations.

Check out: The landscapes of Ireland that are filled with tales of our best-loved myths and legends .

doolough-valley-irish-quotes

Doolough Valley, County Mayo

May the road rise to meet you Irish Proverb

For a small island on the northwest tip of Europe, Ireland has a network of roads – high and low – that can take you to magical locations, where friends you’ve never met yet will welcome you with open arms, and where the beauty of the landscapes will create lasting memories

Check out: Refresh the senses with wild Ireland’s  mountain beauty, sky-high sea cliffs and tranquil waterfronts.

irishquotes-jamesjoyceanniemoore

Annie Moore Monument, Cobh, County Cork

They lived and loved and laughed and left James Joyce

Are you one of the 70 million people around the world claiming Irish ancestry? It seems our global Irish family has achieved quite a lot over the years. Just take a look at the stories of more than 300 Irish people’s achievements in music, art, sport, fashion, and science at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. Or, if you prefer, kick start your own ancestry search.

Check out: The rest of your Ireland family likes to get connected over on our Facebook/IrelandFamilyHistory page, so come and join the conversation.

irishquotes-cslewisaslan

CS Lewis Square, Belfast

With the possible exception of the equator, everything begins somewhere CS Lewis

Did you know that the beloved Chronicles of Narnia author, CS Lewis, hailed from Belfast  in Northern Ireland? In his honour, begin your walk of the self-guided CS Lewis Trail from outside Holywood Arches Library to CS Lewis Square, which is filled with statues of his fabulous characters. But to find his inspiration for Narnia, you must head to the majestic Mourne Mountains .

Check out: Ireland's roads may twist and turn, but there's always great sights and adventure along every road, especially on these 5 road trips!

Keep exploring

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Test your knowledge of Ireland’s literature

Put your knowledge of literature to the test with our Ireland's literary legends quiz!

Unforgettable Ireland Tour

Escorted Tour inclusive of air

Unforgettable Ireland Tour

Discover the unique beauty of Ireland's coast, its stunning cliffs, and picturesque coastal towns on this self-drive tour with Indus Travels. Book now and save 20% per person.

Island of Ireland

Save 20% per person   

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Ireland’s islands quiz

Traditional living and an ocean of tales: test your knowledge of Ireland’s islands!

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Ireland's cities quiz

UNESCO gems and bustling streets: delve into the stories behind Ireland's cities!

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Game of Thrones® Quiz

Northern Ireland or Game of Thrones® film locations? Test yourself with our quiz!

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Quiz: the island of Ireland

Put your knowledge to the test with the ultimate quiz about the island of Ireland

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Quiz: where in Ireland should you visit?

Discover your dream visit to the island of Ireland with this quiz...

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Ireland's sports quiz

Explore Ireland's competitive spirit with this sports quiz!

famous travellers in ireland

Quiz: what’s your Irish name?

Take our fun Irish names quiz to find out!

famous travellers in ireland

Quiz: what's your ideal castle hotel

A castle hotel is the ultimate in style – but which one is right for you?

famous travellers in ireland

Quiz: Ireland's pubs

Take our quiz and uncover some fascinating facts about Ireland’s world renowned pub scene!

famous travellers in ireland

Test your taste with our Irish food quiz

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famous travellers in ireland

Quiz: Ireland’s historic houses

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Explore the Island of Ireland

From the Causeway Coast and the Wild Atlantic Way to the Sunny South East and the 11 cities in between...

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  1. Irish Travellers celebrate after their ethnic identity becomes

    famous travellers in ireland

  2. PICTURED: Rare insight into the lives and traditions of Irish

    famous travellers in ireland

  3. Photographer is granted rare access to Irish Travellers and spends

    famous travellers in ireland

  4. ‘Irish Traveller Family’, Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland, 1954 a

    famous travellers in ireland

  5. A Photo Series Documents the Lives of Irish Travellers Outside Dublin

    famous travellers in ireland

  6. A Photo Series Documents the Lives of Irish Travellers Outside Dublin

    famous travellers in ireland

COMMENTS

  1. List of Irish Travellers

    He has Irish Traveller roots on his father's side and is also distant cousins with Shayne Ward. Shayne Ward (born 1984), English singer and former winner of X Factor, whose parents are Irish Travellers who settled in England; Athletes. Francie Barrett (born 1972) represented Ireland at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996.

  2. Irish Travellers

    In Northern Ireland, opposition to Travellers' sites has been led by the Democratic Unionist Party. However, Travellers make frequent use of other, non-authorised sites. These include public common land and private plots such as large fields and other privately owned lands. A famous example was the occupation of Dale Farm in Essex in 2010.

  3. Irish Travellers

    Irish Travellers speak English as well as their own language, known variously as Cant, Gammon, or Shelta. Cant is influenced by Irish and Hiberno-English and remains a largely unwritten language. According to the 2016 census, there were nearly 31,000 Irish Travellers living in the Republic of Ireland, representing 0.7 percent of the population.

  4. Irish Travellers in the Spotlight: Profiles of Famous Irish Travellers

    In this exploration, we shine a spotlight on famous Irish Travellers who have made significant contributions in the arts, literature, sports, and advocacy. 1. John Connors. John Connors. John Connors, born into a Traveller family in Dublin, is a celebrated violinist and composer known for his evocative and soul-stirring music.

  5. Irish Travellers: Getting to Know these Indigenous People

    Traveller Community in Ireland Statistics. One of the most common misconceptions about Irish Travellers is that the Great Famine between 1845 and 1852 was the reason behind the displacement of the Travellers and parting from the settled Irish population. However, recent research by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland proved just how far from the truth this misconception was.

  6. A Brief History of Irish Travellers, Ireland's Only Indigenous Minority

    After a long battle, Irish Travellers were finally officially recognised as an indigenous ethnic minority by Ireland's government in early March 2017. Here, Culture Trip takes a look at the origins of the Irish Travelling community and how the historic ruling came about. At the time of the 2011 census, there were around 29,500 Irish ...

  7. The Irish Travellers Uphold the Traditions of a Bygone World

    An ethnic minority in Ireland, the Travellers have lived on the margins of mainstream Irish society for centuries. Efforts have been made to incorporate the nomadic group into mainstream culture ...

  8. History of Irish Traveller: The Legacy and Journey of Travellers

    1. Origins of the Irish Travellers. The true origins of the Irish Travellers remain a topic of debate among historians. Some believe their beginnings trace back to the time of the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, while others suggest they are an indigenous ethnic group with a lineage that predates this event. 2.

  9. Documenting The Irish Travellers: A Nomadic Culture of Yore

    His book stands as a document of an era, and a way of life that is slowly fading into the past. In the 1960s Alen MacWeeney photographed indigenous Irish nomads called the Travellers. Fifty years ...

  10. A Brief History of Irish Travellers, Ireland's Only ...

    After a long battle, Irish Travellers were finally officially recognised as an indigenous ethnic minority by Ireland's government in early March 2017. Here, Culture Trip takes a look at the origins of the Irish Travelling community and how the historic ruling came about. At the time of the 2011 census, there were around 29,500 Irish ...

  11. Irish Traveller's book on his rich heritage

    [1] In the 2016 census, it was estimated that there were approximately 30,987 Travellers in the Republic and 3,905 in Northern Ireland - Irish Travellers achieved recognised ethnic status in 2017.

  12. Researching Irish Traveller Ancestors

    An Lucht Siúil ( Traveling Folk lit. the Walking People) or Travellers can refer to a variety of people who lived life on the road. Irish Travellers aka Mincéir aka Pavee are a distinct Irish ethnic group with their own customs, language and traditions. Many live in the UK for all or part of the year. They are a recognised ethnic minority group.

  13. Who are the Irish Travellers in the US?

    As Paul Connolly, who made a documentary about Irish Travellers in the US for the Irish channel TV3 in 2013, told The Journal: "Most of the income comes from insurance. . .In America, there's ...

  14. Traveller culture, crafts and traditions

    Traveller culture, crafts and traditions. A barrel-top wagon on display outside the NMI - Country Life for the Travellers' Journey/Minceir Misl'd temporary exhibition. Welcome to the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin & Castlebar covering Archaeology, Decorative Arts, Folk & Country Life, & Natural History.FREE Exhibitions.

  15. 28 Famous Irish People That You Should Know

    5. Éamon de Valera - Revolutionary and 3rd President of Ireland. (1882 - 1975) Éamon de Valera is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in modern Irish history. In the course of Ireland's struggle for independence, his long history as a revolutionary and statesman directed the country's politics.

  16. How Tyson Fury's Irish Traveller heritage prepared him to be ...

    The Travellers, so named for their itinerant lifestyle, have stood on the bottom rung of Ireland's social and economic ladder for generations. A family of Irish itinerants in County Clare ...

  17. 20 Most Famous Travellers In History

    These famous travellers, driven by curiosity, ambition, or a quest for knowledge, embarked on epic expeditions that expanded the boundaries of geographical understanding. ... Ireland, Shackleton began his career as a seaman and later became involved in Antarctic exploration. Shackleton's most famous expedition, the Imperial Trans-Antarctic ...

  18. 17 Best Places to Visit in Ireland

    Cork. #8 in Best Places to Visit in Ireland. After Dublin, Cork is Ireland's largest city. Located at the southern end of the country, this city of more than 200,000 residents is famous for being ...

  19. The Top 20 Places to See in Ireland

    Newgrange, Newgrange, Donore, Co. Meath, Ireland. Phone +353 41 988 0300. Web Visit website. Rather than a single sight, one of Ireland's must-sees is a complex historic landscape on the banks of the Boyne , dotted with prehistoric monuments. The largest are Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.

  20. 10 best places to visit in Ireland

    4. Limerick City. Best city for sport. Large stadiums and racetracks orbit the heart of Ireland's third city while its narrow cobbled lanes and broad avenues have pubs, like Jerry Flannery's on Catherine Street or JJ Bowles near King John's Castle, for post-match banter.The Limerick team is the reigning national champions at hurling, one of the fastest and oldest field sports on the ...

  21. 8 Thoughtful Irish Travel Blessings (They'll Love)

    Few Irish blessings for safe travels will spark nostalgia like this one. "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.". 2. Keep in mind.

  22. 19 Best Books to Read Before Going to Ireland (+ Movies)

    Taking in the views of Dublin from the Guinness Factory while enjoying a pint of Guinness that I pulled myself! 10. Dubliners by James Joyce. I daresay it would be heresy to not include Joyce on the list, but Ulysses is a bit dense for most travelers just going to Ireland to see the sights and enjoy the country. Dubliners is a collection of short stories of Dublin's middle class, and ...

  23. Famous Irish quotes that will make you want to travel

    It's true what they say: the Irish have a "way with words". Some Irish wordsmiths, though, have the magical ability to fill our hearts with a wanderlust for Ireland in just a few short phrases. Here are some we adore... There are new sensations and experiences in every corner of the island. From soaring cliff top views to adrenaline-fueled ...