Historical Tours Ireland - We provide tours around Scotland and Ireland

Why Do We Celebrate New Year's on Jan. 1?

A New View of the Birthplace of the Olympics

Proteins Solve a Hominin Puzzle

Universe May Have Lost 'Unstable' Dark Matter

Historian Dan Snow introduces the Must Farm site where archaeologists have revealed incredibly well-preserved Bronze Age dwellings. The excavation in the East Anglian fens is providing an extraordinary insight into domestic life 3,000 years ago. The settlement, dating to the end of the Bronze Age (1200-800 BC), would have been home to several families who lived in a number of wooden houses on stilts above water. Find out more: http://bit.ly/1KaHOZg

The Dukes of Burgundy, the “Great Dukes of the West”

Éilís Kennedy: Westward review – a fresh-faced beauty : Éilís KennedyWestward 4 starsIndependent Release

Ammonia Detected in Earth's Atmosphere for First Time

Is the Bermuda Triangle Really Dangerous?

The 9 Biggest Archaeology Findings of 2016

History of English

Standing resolute against the elements on remote and romantic outcrops of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s beautiful lighthouses have been beckoning ships at sea for centuries. With stories of sunken treasure, captivating wildlife, pirate queens and many offering unforgettable overnight stays, it’s no wonder that they continue to lure our interest with the drama, wonder and spectacle of the natural and unique landscapes of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way acting as the perfect backdrop - (Drone footage shot by Bigomedia and Raymond Fogarty) http://bit.ly/20olEu8

A Manx traditional tune called Shelg yn Drean (Hunt the Wren) and danced to around the Wren Pole on St Stephen's Day, December 26th. Arranged by Mactullagh Vannin Tenor Banjo - Mai Ying Lee-Ellis Bodhrán - John Corlett Fiddle - David Collister Guitar - Sue Jaques Flute - Peddyr Cubberley © Mactullagh Vannin

Wren Day, also known as Wren's Day, Day of the Wren, or Hunt the Wren Day (Irish: Lá an Dreoilín), is celebrated on 26 December, St. Stephen's Day. The tradition consists of "hunting" a fake wren and putting it on top a decorated pole. Then the crowds of mummers, or strawboys, celebrate the wren (also pronounced wran)[1] by dressing up in masks, straw suits, and colourful motley clothing. They form music bands and parade through towns and villages. These crowds are sometimes called wrenboys.

The Black Death killed millions as it swept across medieval Europe and Asia, but its impact has long been unclear due to a lack of contemporary data. Professor Carenza Lewis will talk about her innovative 10-year research programme which has involved thousands of members of the public in new archaeological excavations in their own back gardens, producing finds which reveal exactly where the impact of the Black Death was most and least severely felt while also developing volunteers’ knowledge, skills and aspirations. These outcomes highlight the potential for similar publicly engaged research to be carried out anywhere, in the UK, Europe and beyond. Carenza Lewis is Professor for the Public Understanding of Research at the University of Lincoln, having previously been director of archaeological outreach at the University of Cambridge, TV presenter on Channel 4’s Time Team, investigator with the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments and Research Fellow at the University of Birmingh...

Here's where you can find the 10 Game Of Thrones doors The intricately carved doors, depicting moments inspired by the current season, were carved from trees blown down in Storm Gertrude at the Dark Hedges

Morocco is a sovereign country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Geographically, Morocco is characterized by a rugged mountainous interior and large portions of desert. It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Morocco has a population of over 33.8 million and an area of 446,550 km2 (172,410 sq mi). Its capital is Rabat, and the largest city is Casablanca. Other major cities include Marrakesh, Tangier, Tetouan, Salé, Fes, Agadir, Meknes, Oujda, Kenitra, and Nador. A historically prominent regional power, Morocco has a history of independence not shared by its neighbours. Since the foundation of the first Moroccan state by Idris I in 789, the country has been ruled by a series of independent dynasties, reaching its zenith under the Almoravid and Almohad dynasty, spanning parts of Iberia and Northwestern Africa. Marinid and Saadi dynasties continued the struggle against foreign domination, and Morocco remained the only North-African country to avoid Ottoman occupation...

The Rock of Cashel (Irish: Carraig Phádraig), also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland. According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 20 miles (30 km) north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church. The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Few remnants of the early structures survive; the majority of buildings on the current site date f...

Dublin Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath) off Dame Street, Dublin, Ireland, was until 1922 the seat of the United Kingdom government's administration in Ireland, and is now a major Irish government complex. Most of it dates from the 18th century, though a castle has stood on the site since the days of King John, the first Lord of Ireland. The Castle served as the seat of English, then later British government of Ireland under the Lordship of Ireland (1171–1541), the Kingdom of Ireland (1541–1800), and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1800–1922). After the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921, the complex was ceremonially handed over to the newly formed Provisional Government led by Michael Collins. Dublin Castle fulfilled a number of roles through its history. Originally built as a defensive fortification for the Norman city of Dublin, it later evolved into a royal residence, resided in by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland or Viceroy of Irel...

Lismore (Irish: Lios Mór, meaning "great ringfort") is an historic town in County Waterford, in the province of Munster, Ireland. Lismore is located in the west of County Waterford, where the N72 road crosses the River Blackwater at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains (Irish: Sléibhte Chnoc Mhaoldomhnaigh), the mountain range which divides the counties of Tipperary and Waterford. Since December 2015 significant improvements to the frequency of the Local Link (formerly known as Déise Link) bus service are in effect. A bus shelter has also been provided in the town. There are now four services a day each way Mondays to Saturdays inclusive to Dungarvan via Cappoquin including a commuter service. Connections to Waterford and Rosslare Europort can be made at Dungarvan. In the other direction there are four services to and from Tallow where connections can be made for Fermoy.[2] On Saturdays a local bus company operate a service to Cork. On Sundays Bus Éireann route 366 li...

Glendalough is a glacial valley in County Wicklow, Ireland, renowned for an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. Kevin, a descendant of one of the ruling families in Leinster, studied as a boy under the care of three holy men, Eoghan, Lochan, and Eanna. During this time, he went to Glendalough. He was to return later, with a small group of monks to found a monastery where the 'two rivers form a confluence'. Kevin's writings discuss his fighting "knights" at Glendalough; scholars today believe this refers to his process of self-examination and his personal temptations. His fame as a holy man spread and he attracted numerous followers. He died in about 618. For six centuries afterwards, Glendalough flourished and the Irish Annals contain references to the deaths of abbots and raids on the settlement. Around 1042, oak timber from Glendalough was used to build the second longest (30 m) Viking longship ever recorded. A modern ...

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George's Channel. Ireland is the second-largest island of the British Isles, the third-largest in Europe, and the twentieth-largest on Earth. Politically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), which covers five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, in the northeast of the island. In 2011, the population of Ireland was about 6.4 million, ranking it the second-most populous island in Europe after Great Britain. Just under 4.6 million live in the Republic of Ireland and just over 1.8 million live in Northern Ireland. The island's geography comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain, with several navigable rivers extending inland. The island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild but changeable climate which avoids extremes in tempe...

Jamaa el Fna (Arabic: ساحة جامع الفناء saaHat jamaaʻ al-fanâʼ, also Jemaa el-Fnaa, Djema el-Fna or Djemaa el-Fnaa) is a square and market place in Marrakesh's medina quarter (old city). It remains the main square of Marrakesh, used by locals and tourists. The origin of its name is unclear: Jemaa means "congregation" in Arabic, probably referring to a destroyed Almoravid mosque. "Fanâʼ" or "finâ'" can mean "death" or "a courtyard, space in front of a building." Thus, one meaning could be "The assembly of death," or "The Mosque at the End of the World". Another explanation is that it refers to a mosque with a distinctive courtyard or square in front of it. A third translation is "assembly of the dead", referring to public executions on the plaza around 1050 AD. Marrakesh was founded by the Almoravids 1070-1072. After a destructive struggle, it was falling to the Almohads in 1147. Following this, ...

Jamaa el Fna (Arabic: ساحة جامع الفناء saaHat jamaaʻ al-fanâʼ, also Jemaa el-Fnaa, Djema el-Fna or Djemaa el-Fnaa) is a square and market place in Marrakesh's medina quarter (old city). It remains the main square of Marrakesh, used by locals and tourists. The origin of its name is unclear: Jemaa means "congregation" in Arabic, probably referring to a destroyed Almoravid mosque. "Fanâʼ" or "finâ'" can mean "death" or "a courtyard, space in front of a building." Thus, one meaning could be "The assembly of death," or "The Mosque at the End of the World". Another explanation is that it refers to a mosque with a distinctive courtyard or square in front of it. A third translation is "assembly of the dead", referring to public executions on the plaza around 1050 AD. Marrakesh was founded by the Almoravids 1070-1072. After a destructive struggle, it was falling to the Almohads in 1147. Following this, ...

Spread a little emerald cheer, to those who live both far and near... Merry Christmas from everyone on the island of Ireland.

The Standing Stone: Clonony Castle, Co. Offaly. : Location – The castle is on the R357, not far from Clonmacnoise . OS: N 052 216 (map 47) Longitude: 7° 55' 19.55" W Latitud...

Who were the Georgians? Innovators. Consumers. Slavers. Emancipators. In an era spanning over a century, with four kings (one mad), all called George. This film provides a brief introduction and guide to the architectural details that will teach you how to spot a Georgian shopfront, using examples from across London.