I found an old book on my father's shelves. It is called "Munster, Pictured by Alexander Williams, Described by Stephen Gwynn,” and on the frontispiece in elegant cursive writing: "Kathleen Byrne. 1913. From Mother.” Opposite this inscription, on the inside of the cover, my mother … Continue reading Munster: Kenmare River
Tag: hickson
Tim Fenian
What about this great breaking out in Ireland, is it doing any injury to ye in Kerry? I hope the next letter that you will write to me, that you will let me know all about it. (Letter home, November 6, 1865) So wrote young … Continue reading Tim Fenian
Sneem
While driving around the “Ring of Kerry” with my daughter Hanna in late August this year we passed through the colourful little village of Sneem. We had driven “the ring” counterclockwise and therefore came from the Atlantic coast where we had delighted in the beautiful … Continue reading Sneem
Places in Kerry – family origins
Our Irish forebears originated from County Kerry, in the South West of Ireland. A number of places in Kerry are significant in the family story: Killarney, home of the Byrne family, Killorglin, home of the Hicksons. Templenoe, home of the Needhams. Sneem, a few miles … Continue reading Places in Kerry – family origins
Our Irish roots
I have begun to dig into my Irish roots. My grandmother was the daughter of Irish migrants, George Byrne and Suzie Hickson. Both were born in Killarney, County Kerry, George in 1860, and Suzie in 1861. However, Suzie's parents decided to migrate to America when … Continue reading Our Irish roots
Forgotten tales 