Isn’t it ironic that the conquistadors of Spain, who first brought the potato to the attention of those outside the Americas, were relatively indifferent to the vegetative gold that they stumbled upon in the 1530s? They rode over the tubers, in pursuit of the Inca leader Atahualpa and his fabled riches. Little did they realise … Read more
Archaeological sites and artefacts represent the only available sources for the pre-Celtic tradition of Ireland, and interpretation of these is a complex and generally risky task. It is generally held that the origins of the Celtic culture in the country lie in or about the fifth century BC, and the nature and import of our … Read more
Sir,—With regard to Thomas O’Loughlin’s ‘Giraldus Cambrensis’s view ofEurope’ (HI Summer 2000), would the fact that Reggio di Calabria isemphasised in the map have anything to do with the fact that the HolyRoman Emperors resided at that stage mainly in the very south of Italyand in fact later in Sicily which had come to Henry … Read more
History of the Diocese of Derry, Henry A. Jefferies and Ciaran Devlin (Four Courts Press, hardback £19.95) ISBN 18512824901 Religious Renewal and Reform in the Pastoral Ministry of Bishop James Doyle of Kildare and Lieghlin, 1786-1834 ,Thomas McGrath (Four Courts Press, £35) ISBN 1851823719 Politics, Interdenominational Relations and Education in the Public Ministry of Bishop … Read more
Historical Insights Ireland has been organising historical walking tours Dublin for ten years or more. The walks commence at the front gate of Trinity College and are led by history graduates of the college. During the leisurely two-hour perambulation from Trinity to the old parliament (Bank of Ireland), Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Christchurch and the … Read more