Irish Families and Place Names of Ulster (1/4) 

I’m from England but my ancestral research shows that my mother comes from the Keeley family and my father from the O’Neill family, so I definitely feel a connection with the wonderful Emerald Isle. I seem to have got my red hair, blue eyes and freckles from both sides of the family.

I've recently been delving into family research again - long story short for a bit of context, outside of abandonment trauma, the only thing my father left me was my surname of Cassidy. Being the only one in my family with reddish, curly hair I was singled out and bullied relentlessly by my family (and especially stepdad). The thing that kept me going was doing research about the family name (Ó Casaide, descended from the curly headed! Really gave me a sense of pride mixed with the shame from others bullying from a very young age). I've struggled with my sense of identity for so long, and not having a through line and connection with my father's side of the family left a lot of information on my own background. Clan Cassidy hails from County Fermanagh. As an aside, I was finally able to do a DNA test and it's helped me fill in blanks in my family line, and I found the connecting ancestor from Ireland, even! Came to Canada (Quebec) in the 1840s -- which explains all the French also in my ethnicity 😅 (Nothing wrong with it, I was just unaware of that part of my makeup!) From Canada, the family migrated south into the US where they stayed in the east coast for sometime until my dad decided to head cross-country to chill in the west coast. As a further aside, not only did my dad abandon me (he cheated on my mom, had a son out of wedlock and she kicked him to the curb), but his dad also abandoned him to run off with a woman he just met and live in the Philippines. One of the few times I was able to get in contact with my aunts, they said they had no idea what happened to him and assume he was murdered. With my research into my genealogy, I found the guy's death record. He died in 2002, so while he still could have been murdered it looks more like he just lived his life there. While my mind is eating itself thinking on all this I've discovered, it turns out there is also Irish on my mother's side and looking into the people, turns out it was from an O'Neal (I don't remember the anglicized spelling off the top of my head). Sorry for the ramble, informative video!

I am a Brassil, we're usually ignored and also after the plantation we were expelled to Kerry which probably didn't help. Cheers for including us.

I'm an O'Neill but raised in Wales. My dad's traced his roots back to a traveller but no further. I'd be so happy to find out that we descend from Tyrone. Thanks for the video ❤❤❤❤❤

I have heard that Fermanagh county is also known as MaGuire country. They had close ties to the O'Neils. In the 1960's in Springfield, Ohio, two McGuire men married two O'Neil women. Used to love going to O'Neils restaurant in Springfield. Mr O'Neil ran that place until he passed. Very energetic and dignified man. He would always take time to visit our table.

Thanks for briefly mentioning the Maguire's of Fermanagh. As I'm sure you know, Enniskillin Castle, Lisnaskea and Devenish are all at the very heart of our heritage.

Great video -- this is an excellent channel! Keep up the good work; NYC fan.

Great channel. The very tip of Ireland's northerly point at Malin Head in Inishowen, County Donegal is called Banba's Crown, named for the sister goddess of Erin and Fodhla. Intrigued how her name came to survive here and how her wish like her two sisters to have the island named after her survives at least here despite Erin's successful plea to the Milesians.

Fermanagh is is considered named for the Fir Manach as is Monaghan. The Fir Manach are the Menapii, a Belgic tribe from Gaul who landed in Leinster and later moved north where they were part of the Fir Bolg. Also compare the name Fir Galloin (the Laigin that Leinster is named for) and Fir Domnain (Dumnonii). The Menapii were a P-Celtic tribe but the p in their name changed to q/ch in Ireland where Q-Celtic is dominant so Menap(ii) became Manach. In the Fenian Cycle one of the clans associated with Finn's Fianna are Clan Morna who come from Connacht near the border with Fermanagh. Morna is possibly from the Morini tribe who lived next to the Menapii in Gaul.

Looking forward to the other videos

great info ,keep it up

Thank you for preserving the History of Ireland! 💚 I love your channel! O’Reilly clan from the US.

The origin of Ulster itself is “Land of the Ulaidh”. Some people who came from that area, and were of Ulaidh” origin, took up the surname “Mac (or “Ni” fem) An Ultaigh”, or McNulty.

A Stateside descendant of FarDowners I wish to Thank You for this video. They had a real love for the northern region of Ireland that they passed on to me in my first name. You'll recognize Mt Errigal hidden between the J and E. - Co. Donegal! JeriGale Cohen Fitzgibbon Shane

Intelligent video, thankyou.

My 4th (John Black) and 3rd Great Grandpa Andrew BLACK were from Co. Armargh. My 3rd Great Grandma, Margaret Black (nee COUSINS) was from Co. Tyronne.. before they immigrated here to Australia, during the Great Famine. I'm desperately trying to research my family tree, as MANY (most!!) of my ancestors were from Ireland, but due to so many records being lost in the fire where the records were held.. it's been really hard if not impossible (so far)..for some to be verified. Especially some of my female ancestors. Eg; My 2nd great Grandma Julia Kellehe, from Cork, born about 1846. The majority of my Irish ancestors were from Kerry and cork. I wasn't surprised to learn this years ago, as I'm a green eyed, red head..although I'm the only one in my family. My siblings have brown eyes and hair, like my dad. I can't wait for my Ancestry DNA results to come through. Hopefully then I can knock down the brick walls I've hit!! :-)

O’Neill descendant here

One of my parents is O’Rourke and the other is O’Ruanaidh (which has been anglicized to Rooney) the O’Ruanaidh comes from ulster I think? I don’t know much about either of them to be honest. I spent most of my time around Galway, Connemara, and Mayo when I was in Ireland (I’m an American so haven’t been there much) I’m planning on perhaps heading back in autumn. I have kinnavey ancestors who lived on inchagoill island in Lough Corrib. I am told they were famous for building currachs. They have graves on the island, but sadly poor weather didn’t permit me to visit their graves this year. Perhaps this trip I will finally get to see the island. Anyway, neat little video. Great channel.

I have ancestors by the name of Kirkpatrick that paddled a rowboat across from Scotland to make a temporary home in ulster Ireland

My Great grandma said we were direct descendants of Hugh O’Neil, the last King of Ulster. Come to find out that’s true, he’s my 13th great grandpa! I can’t wait to go see where the O’Neils came from.

Absolutely fascinating! I've always wanted to trace the path my great grandfather took to the US and find out exactly where in Ireland my branch of the Spillane family originally hailed from. I really wish my forefathers kept better records...and no, there's no known relation to either of the world famous Spillane boys lol!

I'm a McCann and proud of it. Son of the wolf. We all have dogs in our family and served and were related to the ONeils.

Interrestin Tyr in gaelic and Terra in Latin. Much of Gaelic is heard in the other European languages and it is amazing how old the common tongue is

Would like to hear about County Derry. Given the political differences in the name of the county, it would be interesting to hear about the clans of the area.

I live in the north east border of the ancient kingdom. 5 miles from the lower bann river in south co Derry . Interesting video. We have a few ancient forts and dolmans in this area. Movanagher in Kilrea on the Derry side of the bank’s of the river bann is an ancient settlement area of celts and vikings. Subbed to your channel 👍

I do enjoy these videos especially the Gaelic music in the beginning on a cold rainy night however with my surname being Keenan ( Ó Cianáin ) allegedly coming from northern Ireland I didn't hear it on being announced ( I might have missed it ) but best of luck to your channel

My great great grandfather John Watson McCLain came to Canada from County Tyrone sometime in the 1850s when he was 15 years old. The McCLain family settled in Tottenham Ontario. He didn't speak much English and refused to learn it other than how to order his beer and to tell people he is free on Thursday.

Great informative video mate, but what about Antrim, Derry and Down? There must be a reason you have omitted them..curious as to why?

My grandfather came from N.W. Cavan close to where the Shannon river starts. He worked in Glasgow, Scotland he got to the east coast of America after a bare knuckle fight with a big Scot by the name of Angus MacDonald. He was a Maguire on both sides of his family. He married a dark- hared cailin from Mayo with connections to Tir Connail.

I would love to visit Fearmanagh one day. My earliest known direct Irish ancestor from there is a Patrick McHugh, born around 1750. He would later marry a McManus. Their son Matthew and his wife were the first to travel to the US, likely around 1815/1820. They were followed by their two sons (James and Michael) and their wives. Michael's wife, Elizabeth (nee McManus), actually gave birth to a daughter on this journey, probably in 1822. Michael and Elizabeth's son, James, is my 4x great grandfather.

My Late Mother’s Maiden name was Macmenemy.I was told it was a north west Irish name similar to Macnamee.

What a great informative video , delivered very professionally, thank you for sharing this info , i am now intrigued to find out more as i see 3 places that ended in "agh " what does this mean ? is it son of ? or something like that

great info 10/07/2023

I’m a patrilineal descendent of Clan O’Hagan (O’h-Again) who were Chief Brehons, Lord of Tullaghoge and custodians of the Tullaghoge Fort in County Tyrone (Tir Eoghain). By hereditary right O’Hagan inaugurated The O’Neill at the fort by placing the shoe above his head and presenting him the rod of office. For centuries we were born and lived in County Tyrone, in Tullaghoge near modern Cookstown. In the 1750’s we emigrated to Rowan County, NC. From there we fought in the American Revolution under Col. William Sharpe in the 2nd Rowan County Regiment. In the early 1800’s we settled in Ohio for 5 generations and then in Florida. 🇮🇪🇺🇸

My mom is a kelliher and her parents were both immigrants from kerry and Roscommon but my dads side and my last name is baird. My grandfather was the son of “red leg immigrants from Barbados “white barbadians descended from Irish and Scottish indentured servants” my dads fathers family had been in Barbados for a few generations but we were always told my grandpa was Scottish and Irish . Apparently baird is a common surname in ulster

The flight of the Earls left from Stewartstown Lough , here there is abandoned Castle. I owned a house 50 yards from this mustering point to which the Earls left with heavy hearts for Lough Silly. The end of an era. Chichester of Carrickfergus sacked the Castle and Tullyhogue Fort upon discovering the escape of the Earls. What is sad not one sign, or item was ever erected to show this.

Hello, have you any information on the McMunn family from Sligo, Dromore area or Ulster County please? Stay safe!

My last name is Mc Conville, a Belfast and Ulster name, but did not see it listed here. The Mc Conville clan were Jacobites in service to Charles 2nd, in the conlict and war against William, Duke of Orange. They were also believed to be mercenaries, or of service to Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. One Mc Conville of prominence is James Gordon Mc Conville, a Presbyterian theologian and lecturer. Mc Convilles have also settled and resided in Scotland.

This was some Great information. I'm doing some research and would really appreciate any information. As a McConnell, could I trace my heritage back to Donegal?

My homeland

Very interesting. I just did my dna and I’m 30% Irish (Ulster)!!!! My dad was from England so that was interesting to see. But anyways, this is the area that showed up in my dna chart ❤

I found something interesting of late. My mom's mom was named Stafford from Kentucky. I went back in the family tree to the 1600s and found a few relatives in Ulster who had migrated there from Staffordshire and Kent. Did they move there for estates? Were they nobility? Or did they move to Ulster out of any opportunity and had the Stafford name due to where they were from rather than relation?

Thank you,lovely video.Where did the "Burns" family originate.Also,Maloney &Judge I believe the Maloney's were Irish travellers,not sure how much. Hve a lovely day.

Great series. Go raibh mhait agat

Thank You!! Take Care & Stay Safe... ~ Carl; Lamar County, ALABAMA ~

My great great and great grandfather were from ulster ,Duffy's.

My relatives [robert hall] left Derogratery county Tyrone in 1841 and came to Australia..Any info on where Derogratery is on a map....I can't find and info on that??

Trying to research my family tree, everything dead ends in Northern Ireland. No firm knowledge, but a McDowell and an Eagan(?) married somewhere around Tyrone, and I just wish I knew more than that...

I'm looking for information on my gr grandparents, John and Mary (Kyle) Garland from Co. Armagh.

Hey, what about the O'Hanlons of Armagh! They make plenty of maps including prominent Irish families - they were allied with the O'Neill's, but not the same family!

Our name is Mc Conville with roots in Down and Armagh.

Anyone know about the surnames: Hawkins, Franklin, Ayers, Kelley, Jacobi, Jolly, Griffing... ? These are the surnames of my parents grandparents and great grands. Both sides.

my last name, Muldrew also spelle Muldrow (this last name was a mistake on the part of the people at ellis island not understanding heavily accented english), is O'Maolruadh in anicent irish and i am a direct descendant of the last pagan king of ireland. my family has been doing the research for decades and my cousin, who's a geneticist, has proven we are from the same bloodline of niall of the nine. i have one of the rarest last names in ireland and what family i do have that still live in ireland live in armagh in northern ireland all around Ballycastle. i'm sure i have a bunch of relatives in these comments too so if your from clan Ui fiachrach or related to niall of the nine... hi, cousin

I was always very interested as to why there was a split in the McGrath's with the Ulster Branch and Southern Branch there is quite a few castles in the north and south But they are not really one of the major families

My ancestors on my Dad's side came from Ulster. How can I find info on the Winton name?

My Mum was an O'Neill ❤

I thought that breifne was the the last kingdom to be taken by Britain, there’s a castle/prison on an island near me that was supposedly the last castle to still oppose Britain in Ireland, only half of the round castle remains standing because Cromwell sent ships with cannons to destroy it

I wish my families ancestral surname Fee from ancient O’Fiach was more prevalent in the history records It’s there sporadically but much more difficult to find, especially from the US because we can’t access the local Irish records without paying someone in Ireland more than we can afford. We strongly believe it’s from Fermanagh or there about, but as difficult it is to find surname origins, finding our actual ancestors who lived and died in Ireland is very very difficult.

Do you have anything on the Savage family?? I understand that they were lords of an estate in Ulster, and has some rivalry with the O’Neils. The last family member I know being a lord was Roland Savage of Lecale, Ulster, I believe

I’ve been doing ancestry research. AncestryDNA says some of my ancestors came from Ulster. I’m interested in learning all I can about the surname Gribben.

I am looking for information on the Mcglory surname, but I can't find much online. Can anyone help?

Anything on the Name Barnes ? My Grandfather.

Is there an existing historical index of all the different families by name circa 1400 before Queen Elizabeth began her purge to reference a current index of today’s families of Ireland? I was wondering how many families have totally disappeared from Irish society.

Oh, ok when my aunt went to Ireland, she met some relatives I guess most notably was the Owen, when she brought down a family tree. My great great grandmother came from Ireland, so I’m not that Irish, well I have Irish from my all different sides of the family, but I digress my great great grandmother was a funny lady who claimed to see the future in her dreams, started off as a maid but then ending up running her own service and work under Johnny Carson who gifted her a vase. People were interesting back then, too bad I’m not one of those people, if I’m looked up it will be she lived, and she die this year and that’s it.

The red hand is zarah from tribe of judah.zarah and pharez left Egypt for greece.before the exodus.the anointed bloodline went to hibernia.or bernia.kalcol was his son or grandson.

I’m related to someone called the black Douglas

I'm shocked that when talking about Armagh you didn't mention the O'Hanlon clan in South Armagh, Lords of Upper Orior.

Does. Anyone know the history of Magbie Hill

I'm trying to find Molloy. Any ideas

My last name McCloskey supposed to come from ulster the name was Mac Bhloscaidh before it got anglicized

do you know if Irish Stewart is descended of Walter Fitzalan / Walter the Steward of Scotland?

Colla Uais descendant here :D

A relative surname Kane from Antrim.

Can you tell me about Quinn my uncle and mom blood line shows that they are from Ulster and I think county Claire area could be way wrong about that. I was told they went down to Dublin.

Any info on the surname BRYAN in Ulster? Thanks 👍

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Alas, not a stir of note from any MacMenamins, O'Dochertaighs, or Mac Aodha Bhuidhe. I'll have to reread the Four Masters, ochon.

Where does the O'coffey come from

Does anyone know where O'Reannachain, Renehan are from?

what about north of Tyrone?

any info on the Irish Stewart which descends from the Royal Stewards of Scotland? distant Cousins to my Royal Stewart Scotland direct Ancestry?

I am keen to find out about the Mooney. Name antrim I think

My family name is McEvoy!

Monahan from Monaghan

always wonder about mckenna.

Any idea about the name Dickey? For example, Dickeystown in Ulster?

Hi there I have Irish and Scottish ancestry my surname is McNulty and I thought it was a name in ulster Ireland. I didn’t hear my name and I was wondering if my name is associated with another county or if it isn’t even Irish at all. I’ve been trying to figure out my roots and it would be nice to know my Irish clan.

I know people with all the clan last names

Who's got info on where Quinn come from

Antrim is named for occupants

Tippsy O'Neil .

Brysons are from there too

I live in Tyrone ulster

what of McCormick and Coffey origin? Cormack is ancient McCormick I should look this up

Derry? Magilligan ?

also my Harris is English my last name is not Ireland Harris but what story does Ireland's Harris have?

What about Antrim

I am trying to find our origins I know Blackthorne Odreighnan our name is Drennan we are related to andersons

Where’s County Antrim?

I thought there was Co Antim, Down & Londonderry, shame you missed these counties.