We are (hopefully) at the closing stages of a pandemic as I write. However, our ancestors had to endure many pandemics and famines through the centuries - and all without the same access to medicines we enjoy today. Today's show is all about one famous Irish author whose mother had to endure a pandemic in her native Sligo town before heading off for a new life in Dublin.

Did you ever wonder how the Irish surnames in your family tree originated and evolved? This handy guide talks you through many Irish first names - and how they eventually led to Irish surnames - with plenty of examples along the way!

Would you like to join us on a tour of County Cork as we emerge from Covid restrictions here in Ireland? We take you on a circuit of a part of County Cork - stopping in 6 different places full of Castles, Stone Circles, Villages and Market Towns.

As we reach the end of series 4 of the Letter from Ireland Podcast show, we'd thought we would share just 7 of our favourite Irish Ancestry moments. It was a tough choice and we hope you enjoy them!

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Show, we interview Jayne McGarvey - an Irish-based genealogist. Drawing on her expensive experience, we ask her to share 3 signs that you are making progress with your Irish family History research and she make made some very interesting suggestions that may surprise both those beginning their Irish family history and the more experienced researchers. See what you think!