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  The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter 
                  January 2008
 
The Newsletter for people interested in Ireland 
 Now received by over 50,000 people worldwide 
      https://www.ireland-information.com 
          https://www.irishnation.com
              Copyright (C) 2008  

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		IN THIS ISSUE
=== Foreword
=== News Snaps from Ireland 
=== New free resources at the site
=== 5 Unusual Things to do on your Irish Vacation
=== The Firbolg, Tuatha De Danann and the Melesians
=== Saint Brigid - The other Irish Saint
=== Gaelic Phrases of the Month
=== Monthly free competition result

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FOREWORD
========

Hello again from Ireland where 2008 will bring the 
tenth anniversary of this newsletter. It is great 
to look back at all of the past issues. When our 
anniversary does occur in September next over 120 
monthly newsletters will have been despatched to 
people from every corner of the globe, all of whom 
are interested in Ireland. Tell a friend about us!

until next month,

Michael

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NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND
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INFLATION WORRIES CONTINUE TO DRAG IRISH ECONOMY

The slowdown in the Irish property market is not 
the only negative influence dragging on the 
Irish economy at the moment. Inflation remains 
stubbornly high near 5% and is well ahead of the 
Eurozone average. Of course Ireland cannot now 
raise interest rates to quell inflation as it might 
have previously done as interest rates are now set 
by the European Central Bank once Ireland adopted 
the Euro.

High wage costs relative to cheaper labour markets 
in eastern Europe and beyond are also certain to 
cause employment problems with a rash of 
manufacturing jobs having already been lost this 
year.

IRELAND BANS LIGHT-BULBS

The influence of the Green Party in the current 
coalition government is being felt! Ireland is the 
first country in the world to announce a complete 
ban on light-bulbs. Well, not exactly! Laws are 
being introduced to force householders to switch 
their old incandescent light bulbs to long-life 
low-energy bulbs within a year. Old style 
light-bulbs will be banned for sale from 2009.

IRISH HOPEFUL OF OSCAR SUCCESS

Ireland has 3 chances of glory at he upcoming 
Oscar ceremonies. Daniel Day-Lewis will compete 
in the best actor category for his role in 
'There will be Blood'.

Thirteen year old County Carlow girl Saoirse 
Ronan has been nominated for her part in the 
film 'Atonement'. In the best original song 
category the Irish film 'Once' will take its 
chances with the song 'Falling Slowly' penned 
by Glen Hansard (of Commitments fame) and 
Marketa Irglova.

DEBATE ON NUCLEAR ENERGY TO BE REIGNITED

The ongoing debate about energy resources that is 
taking place across the world has started to focus 
the attention of Irish people on nuclear energy. A 
previous plan to create a nuclear reactor in County 
Wexford in the 1970s failed miserably when negative 
public reaction forced an end to the project.

Since then it has become clear that Ireland is one 
of the most oil-dependent countries in Europe 
despite the various opportunities the country has 
to develop renewable energy, particularly from 
wind and waves.

Ireland continues to import huge amounts of energy 
from Britain, some of which is generated from their 
nuclear power stations so, in one way, Ireland is 
already using nuclear power. Whether an actual 
nuclear power station should be built on this 
island is likely to be a very contentious issue 
but it is becoming apparent that the debate on 
this subject cannot be avoided.

IRISH VISITORS TO US MAY HAVE TO PRE-REGISTER ONLINE

New regulations are being drafted by the US 
Homeland Security office that will force Irish and 
EU citizens to register online before they travel 
to the US. This will give the US authorities more 
of a chance to complete a criminal record check 
on visitors who at the moment do not require a 
full travel visa.

'LONELY PLANET' GUIDE: IRELAND IS A GREAT PLACE!

The latest edition of the 'Lonely Planet' travel 
guides has boosted Ireland as 'great place to 
live' but has also revealed a lot about the 
national character. According to the guide the 
Irish 

* love to complain
* are obsessed with being ripped-off
* love to wallow in false modesty
* admire self-deprecation
* practice begrudgery with religious fervour

The wonderful scenery, especially along the 
Atlantic coastline, as well as the ancient 
Newgrange site are listed as the greatest 
attractions of the country.

It wasn't all good news though. The tourist centre 
of Temple Bar in the heart of Dublin City was 
slated in the guide, an opinion often matched by 
natives of Ireland's capital city. The guide also 
noted that the Irish have a carbon-footprint 
nearly double the global average.


Voice your opinion on these news issues here:

https://www.ireland-information.com/newsletterboard/wwwboard.html

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NEW FREE RESOURCES AT THE SITE
==============================

NEW COATS OF ARMS ADDED TO THE GALLERY:

The following 5 coats of arms images and family
history details have been added to the Gallery:

B: Barber, Bircumshaw
F: Forbes
G: George, Guilfoyle

View the Gallery here:

http://www.irishsurnames.com/coatsofarms/gm.htm

THE PERFECT WEDDING, ANNIVERSARY OR BIRTHDAY GIFT!
We now have over 100,000 worldwide names available.
Get the Coat of Arms Print, Claddagh Ring,
Screensaver, Watch, T-Shirt Transfer or Clock for
your name at:

https://www.irishnation.com/familycrestgifts.htm

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5 UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO ON YOUR IRISH VACATION
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#1 JUMP OUT OF AN AIRPLANE

The Irish Parachute CLub is the longest 
established Parachute club in Ireland with 
years of experience and thousands of successful 
jumps to their name. The club has its own 
designated drop zone, aircraft, clubhouse, as 
well as catering and camping facilities.

You can jump by tandem (secured to a professional 
instructor) from 10,000 feet and freefall for 30 
seconds - the experience of a lifetime. Solo 
jumps are also available. The club is located in 
County Offaly, less than 1 hour's drive from 
Dublin.

Visit www.skydive.ie for more information.

#2: TAKE PART IN IRELAND'S WOMEN'S MINI-MARATHON

The first Monday in June sees Dublin host the 
Women's Mini Marathon. The marathon is the biggest 
all-women's event of its kind in the WORLD. Some 
forty thousand women participate and it is no less 
than a 'Festival of Women', a truly inspiring 
event. 

Women of all ages, all sizes, all fitness 
abilities take part. All you need to do is be fit 
enough to walk, jog, run, crawl, hop, skip or jump 
the 10 kilometre - 6 mile course. There is a 
separate starting line for runners, joggers,
walkers, wheelchair users and the blind. Once 
you finish the course you receive a commemorative 
medal and ribbon to mark your achievement. 

The course itself begins in the city centre and 
stretches out to some of Dublin's oldest and
finest suburbs.

The carnival atmosphere is friendly and fun as 
the city centre fills with women, each sporting 
the tee shirt of their chosen charity. Its also 
fun to see the many people who dress in costume 
and hilarious to see the few brave men who dress 
in the most outlandish women's costumes in order 
to take part. There are organised fun events on 
the different roads to keep the runners amused 
until the race start time of 3pm, but most of 
the time is spent chatting to everyone, and 
just enjoying the sights and sounds.

The real winners of the event are the charities. 
Since its debut in 1983 the event has raised 
over 80 million Euro for Irish charities.

Overseas entries can be downloaded on the
official website www.womensminimarathon.ie  
These are generally available in March or April.

#3: GO SURFING

The Irish coastline is one of the best kept 
surfing secrets. The optimum time of the year to 
surf is from September to May when the ocean 
swells are at their best. Unfortunately these are 
also the times when the waters are at their 
coldest! 

The main starting points for surfers keen to 
experience Ireland are Donegal Bay in the very 
north-west of the country. Lahinch is in 
County Clare while another popular spot is 
Easkey in County Sligo. A big advantage of surfing 
in Ireland is the sheer space - Irish waves are 
usually very uncrowded! Check out the Irish Surf 
Association at http://www.isasurf.ie for more 
information about surfing in Ireland

#4: GO HORSE-RACING

The Irish horse-racing tradition is as strong as 
ever and with over 300 meetings held at 27 
courses annually, you are never very far from 
the action. 

Irish race courses have undergone amazing 
development in recent years. The larger courses 
offer the very best of facilities as well as some 
of the biggest races in Europe. The bigger 
courses are all located near to Dublin but there 
are lots of smaller courses around the country. 

The Curragh, Punchestown, Fairyhouse and 
Leopardstown are perhaps the best known but don't 
forget Galway with its annual July racing festival 
that attracts huge numbers of visitors. Most Irish 
courses allow you to bet with a bookie or on the 
'Tote'. Collecting your winnings is easy (so is 
losing our shirt!), but if all you want is a fun 
day out with a chance to meet some locals in 
their original habitat, then this is a way to do 
it.

There is an excellent free beginners guide 
available from the Horse Racing Ireland website 
here:

http://www.horseracingireland.ie/racing_info/default.asp

#5: GO ROCK-CLIMBING!

Rock-climbing in Ireland, like most adventure 
pursuits, has greatly increased in popularity 
in recent years. A hugely popular climbing 
destination can be found at Dalkey Quarry, 
along the south coast of the Dublin city, beyond 
Dun Laoghaire. More than 300 climbs have been 
developed in the quarry making it the most popular 
climbing destination in the country. The Irish 
Mountaineering Club holds Thursday evening 
sessions for beginners. 

Streaky Slab is another fine climbing destination 
located near Bray, County Wicklow, not far along 
the coast from Dalkey. Nearby Glendalough in 
Wicklow, home to the famous monastic settlements, 
also has 300-foot climbs, while a greater 
challenge can be found at the coastline off the 
Burren, near the Cliffs of Moher. Perhaps the 
ultimate challenge for climbers in Ireland can be 
found on Achill Island, which is home to some of 
Europe's tallest sea-cliffs.

For those who want to try some indoor climbing 
there are facilities at Dublin City University 
(Santry, North-City Dublin), UCD (Belfield, 
South-City, Dublin) and at the University of 
Limerick at Plassey (just outside the city at 
Castletroy on the Dublin Road).

Useful websites:

www.irishclimbing.com
www.climbing.ie
www.indoorclimbing.com

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YOU CAN HELP TO KEEP THIS FREE NEWSLETTER ALIVE!

Visit: 
https://www.irishnation.com
where you can get great Irish gifts, prints, 
claddagh jewellery, engraved glassware and 
much more.

Anne MacDonald ordered a family crest plaque:

 Hello, Michael,

 Received my plaque, carefully wrapped, 
 in good order. It is splendid! I am 
 thrilled, and I know that my dad, for whose 
 81st birthday this was ordered, will love 
 it. I would like to order another one! 

 Everyone who has seen the plaque has been 
 really impressed, even those who, as my 
 daughter says are 'not into ancestor 
 worship!'

 Again, my hearty thanks for this 
 first-class product.

 Best wishes for happy holiday season.

 Sincerely, Anne MacDonald

THE PERFECT WEDDING OR ANNIVERSARY GIFT!

View family crest plaques here:

https://www.irishnation.com/familycrestplaques.htm

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THE FIRBOLG, TUATHA DE DANANN AND THE MELESIANS
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THE FIRBOLG

The Firbolg were an ancient race of people that 
ruled Ireland before the Tuatha de Danaan and the 
Melesians. The origin of the name of these peoples 
is still subject to conjecture with 'men of 
spear', 'men of the bag' and 'men of boats' being 
suggested translations.

Legend has it that the Firbolg were enslaved by 
the Greeks. For three centuries their persecution 
continued before they eventually stole some Greek 
ships and set sail for Ireland. The leaders of the 
escape were five brothers, Slainge, Rudraige, 
Genann, Gann, and Sengann. The 5000-strong tribe 
headed to the west coast of Ireland but were soon 
scattered by the rough seas and had to land at 
different bays. They reformed at the Hill of Tara 
where the country was divided into 5 Provinces. 
These boundaries substantially survived into 
modern times and became four Provinces, with two 
of the original five being merged.

Ireland prospered under the Firbolg. They had a 
political structure, administration and a kingdom. 
They brought bronze-age technology to Ireland. 
They fought off persistent raids by the Fomorians, 
who they united with on several occasions to ward 
off would-be invaders. For 37 years there were 7 
successive Firbolg kings who ruled over a thriving 
land. A new wave of invaders were on the way 
however, the Tuatha de Danaan.

Despite negotiations and time-stalling tactics by 
the Firbolg, defeat to the technically superior 
Tuatha de Danaan was inevitable. Despite staring 
defeat in the face the Firbolg petitioned the 
Tuatha de Danaan for once last chance of victory: 
a battle between equal forces. 

Bravery was not enough though. The Firbolg were 
finally defeated at the Battle of Moytura but not 
before they impressed the new rulers of Ireland 
with their fierce courage and honour. The country 
was divided again with the western part of the 
country, Connaught Province, being assigned to 
the Firbolg.

From this time on the power of the Firbolg 
waned. They continued to live in the West of 
Ireland and, together with the Tuatha de Danaan 
and the Milesians, are regarded as one of the 
great Celtic tribes of Ireland.

THE TUATHA DE DANANN

The Tuatha de Danann, the people of the Goddess 
Danu, were one of the great ancient tribes of 
Ireland. The important manuscript 'The Annals of 
the Four Masters', records that they ruled 
Ireland from 1897 B.C. to 1700 B.C.

The arrival of the tribe in Ireland is the stuff 
of legend. They landed at the Connaught coastline 
and emerged from a great mist. It is speculated 
that they burned their boats to ensure that they 
settled down in their new land. The rulers of 
Ireland at the time were the Fir Bolg, led by 
Eochid son of Erc, who was, needless to say, 
unhappy about the new arrivals. 

The Tuatha de Danann won the inevitable battle 
with the Fir Bolg but, out of respect for the 
manner in which they had fought, they allowed 
the Fir Bolg to remain in Connaught while the 
victors ruled the rest of Ireland.

The new rulers of Ireland were a civilised and 
cultured people. The new skills and traditions 
that they introduced into Ireland were held in 
high regard by the peoples they conquered. They 
had four great treasures (or talismans) that 
demonstrated their skills. The first was the 
'Stone of Fal' which would scream when a true 
King of Ireland stood on it. It was later 
placed on the Hill of Tara, the seat of the 
High-Kings of Ireland. The second was the 
'Magic Sword of Nuadha', which was capable of 
inflicting only mortal blows when used. The 
third was the 'sling-shot of the Sun God Lugh', 
famed for its accuracy when used. The final 
treasure was the 'Cauldron of Daghda' from 
which an endless supply of food issued.

The original leader of the Tuatha was Nuada 
but, having lost an arm in battle it was 
decreed that he could not rightly be king. 
That honour went to Breas, a tribesman of 
Fomorian descent. His seven year rule was not 
a happy one however, and he was ousted by his 
people who had become disenchanted with hunger 
and dissent. Nuada was installed as King, 
resplendent with his replacement arm made 
from silver.

Breas raised an army of Fomorians based in the 
Hebrides and they battled with Nuada at Moytura 
in County Sligo. The Tuatha again prevailed and 
the power of the Fomorians was broken forever. 
The victory had cost the Tuatha their King as 
Nuadha had died in the battle. A hero of the 
conflict named Lugh was instated as the new King 
of Ireland.

The grandsons of the next King, Daghda, ruled 
during the invasion by the mighty Melesians. The 
Tuatha de Danann were defeated and consigned to 
mythology. Legend has it that they were allowed 
to stay in Ireland, but only underground. Thus 
they became the bearers of the fairies of Ireland, 
consigned to the underworld where they became 
known as 'Aes sidhe' (the people of the mound 
- fairy mounds).

The Melesians used the name of one of the Tuatha 
de Danann gods, Eriu, as the name of their new 
kingdom. Eriu or Eire is still used in modern 
times as the name of Ireland.

THE MELESIANS

The 'Leabhar Gabhala' or 'book of invasions' is 
a manuscript that records the ancient history of 
Ireland. It was written in the eleventh 
century and gives a vital account of the invasion 
by the Gaels, the 'Sons of Mil', the Milesians.

The story of the Milesians begins in Scythia in 
the very south-eastern part of Europe in the 
millennium before Christ. These were a nomadic 
people famed for their prowess with horses. They 
were ruled by King Fenius who had a grandson 
named Gaedhuil, or 'green gael'. Having been 
bitten by a snake the boy was taken by his 
father to Moses, who cured him with his staff. 

Moses told the boy that he would travel to a land 
without snakes, an island to the west, where his 
descendants would remain.

The boy travelled throughout Europe and settled 
in Spain where he was known as Milesius and became 
King. His brother, Ith, discovered the island that 
Moses had told him about, but was killed by the 
Tuatha de Danaan, the people of the Goddess Danu. 
By this time Milesius had also died but his wife, 
Scota, and his sons, swore vengeance on the Tuatha 
de Danaan and set off for Ireland. Victory was 
theirs despite Scota being a casualty of the war. 
The sons of Milesius, Eber and Eremon, became 
rulers of Ireland, the land without snakes. The 
two rulers divided the country between them with 
Eber ruling the North and Eremon the South. 
Needless to say, the peace of the land was 
short-lived with a battle ensuing to claim the 
hill of Tara. Eremon prevailed, and became King 
of Ireland.

Academic scholars are unsure of when exactly the 
Milesian invasion occurred. Some estimate it at 
1000 bc, others as early as 3500 B.C. Despite the 
difficulty with verifying traditions and legends 
there is good evidence to prove the existence of 
the Milesians as a Celtic race of people. The 
descendants of the Milesians include 'Niall of 
the Nine Hostages' (from whom all O'Neills are 
descended), Conn of the Hundred Battles, and 
Ugani Mor. It is based on this pedigree that the 
Milesians are regarded as the true fathers of the 
Irish people.

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SAINT BRIGID - THE OTHER IRISH SAINT
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Although Saint Patrick is known worldwide, Ireland 
does have a female patron Saint: Saint Brigid. 
Known as Bridey, Mary of Gaels and even as Biddy, 
Saint Brigid was born near Dundalk to a pagan 
Gaelic chieftain named Dubtach (Duffy) and to a 
Christian slave mother named Brocessa, who was 
sold soon after Brigid's birth. She was baptized
by Saint Patrick with whom she was to become 
friends.

As a child the young Brigid enjoyed a position of 
some comfort and privilege, the family being in 
receipt of financial support because of their 
position of authority. Upon reaching adulthood 
however, she assumed a role of servitude and was 
charged with caring for her father and family.

She never forgot her mother however and, despite 
being forbidden to do so, she left the family 
home, located her mother, negotiated her release 
from slavery and returned home to her fathers 
house. To her dismay, her father had arranged her 
marriage to a poet, who were among the most 
prestigious men of the time. Brigid had already 
vowed to remain celibate and to do God's work
so once more, she left her home, this time 
forever.

Together with seven other dedicated women she 
formed the first ever female monastic community in 
Ireland in the year 468. They helped the poor of 
the time and were attributed with many miracles. 
Despite having limited resources they never seemed 
to be without food or supplies for their good 
works. She founded a school of Art and a Monastery 
at Cill Dara, about which the modern town of 
Kildare now stands.

The most famous miracle associated with Brigid 
tells of her confrontation with an Irish 
chieftain. She asked him for a quantity of land 
so that she could build a monastic community. The 
chieftain replied that she could have whatever 
amount of land her cloak could cover. Brigid
took the cloak from her shoulders and cast it on 
the ground where it covered over 12 acres of the 
chieftains lands. He gave it willingly.

The date of her death is now that of her feastday,
February 1st. which is still celebrated with the 
traditional creation of the Saint Brigid Cross, 
made from reeds. She is buried next to Saint 
Patrick in Downpatrick.

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YOU CAN HELP TO KEEP THIS FREE NEWSLETTER ALIVE!

Visit 
https://www.irishnation.com

where you can get great Irish gifts, prints, 
claddagh jewellery, engraved glassware and 
much more.

Wendy Walker of Columbia, Missouri got a
family crest signet ring with the Donnelly family 
crest engraved on it for her son

 Michael,
 I received by registered mail today the ring I 
 ordered for my son with the Donnelly family crest.

 I am very impressed and thrilled with the ring. 
 It is beautiful and the service I received 
 throughout the whole process of ordering and 
 receiving this unique gift has been superb. Thank 
 you for all your assistance and prompt responses 
 to my questions.

 I will most certainly order other items from you 
 and will highly recommend you.

 Thank you

 Wendy Walker

THE PERFECT WEDDING, ANNIVERSARY OR BIRTHDAY GIFT!

See here for family crest gifts:
Visit:

https://www.irishnation.com/familycrestgifts.htm

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SHAMROCK SITE OF THE MONTH:	CELTICATTIC.COM

Shop online for everything you need to decorate 
your home and life with a Celtic Twist: Art, 
Crafts, Irish & Scottish Baskets, Suncatchers,
Wind-Chimes, Music and Celtic Gifts. We offer a 
delightful variety of Celtic Jewelry: Pendants, 
Crosses, Rings, Hair Ties & more. All your 
Irish Bath, Beauty and Herbal needs are in one 
convenient location! The Majority of our products 
are Irish, Scottish, Welsh made.

http://www.celticattic.com
Phone orders 360-765-0186

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GAELIC PHRASES OF THE MONTH
===========================

PHRASE:		Mo seanathair agus seanmathair
PRONOUNCED:	muh sean-ah-hirr ogg-us shan-wah-hirr
MEANING:	My Grandfather and Grandmother

PHRASE:		Dearthair, deirfiur, aintín, uncail
PRONOUNCED:	dre-harr, dre-furrh, on-teen, un-kol
MEANING:	Brother, sister, auntie, uncle

PHRASE:		Mathair, athair, mac, inin
PRONOUNCED:	wah-hirr, ah-hirr, mack, ineen
MEANING:	Mother, father, son, daughter

View the archive of phrases here:

https://www.ireland-information.com/irishphrases.htm

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JANUARY COMPETITION RESULT
===========================

The winner was: gary.wilson@vodacom.co.za
who will receive the following: 

A Single Family Crest Print (decorative) 
(US$19.99 value)

Send us an email to claim your print, and well 
done! Remember that all subscribers to this 
newsletter are automatically entered into the 
competition every time. 

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I hope that you have enjoyed this issue.

Until next time,

Michael Green,
Editor,
The Information about Ireland Site.


https://www.ireland-information.com

Click here to contact us