Gallagher Clan

31/05/2026

Congratulations to the O'Sullivans in Cork in beating the Gallaghers Guinness World Record. I know it has been on their mind for a number of years and when I was asked, I was glad to offer what help I could re the organising of suxh an attempt. Competition is the life of trade.....! We Gallaghers canbe proud that with a much smaller number to pick from, we got our record at the first time of trying and that it has held for almost 20 years. No small feat! And who is to say, but some Gallaghers may take up the challenge if regaining "our" crown!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18jC5w7nLp/

15/05/2026

Researching Ulster Ancestors 1800 - 1914

This morning I received my copy of Researching Ulster Ancestors 1800 - 1914, by William J. Roulston, from the Ulster Histirical Foundation. Its almost 600 pages will give lots of information, hints and tips to anyone interested in researching ancestors in the nine counties of the province of Ulster. It will also be useful to anyone, like myself, involved in a one-name study with the Guild of One-Name Studies, Guild of One-Name Studies - Ireland Region as they undertake their research. It also gives a great introduction into the governance systems, and life in general, of the area covered by the book.


Raymochy Historical Society
Irish Genealogical Research Society
Clans of Ireland
Donegal Diaspora

09/05/2026

Being in the area I decided to have a look at the prehistoric Beltany Stone Circle, near Rphoe, Co. Donegal. As dusk closed in, it was quite an en experience!

Beltany Stone Circle

Composed of 64 standing stones, though originally it is thought there were over 80, Beltany Stone Circle sits on the summit of Beltany Hill at a height of over 300 feet, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It is said that it overlooks Magh Itha, once the ancient site of the first battle of Ireland, according to Celtic Mythology.

At 45m in diameter, Beltany is one of Ireland’s largest stone circles. However, Beltany may actually have once been a megalithic passage tomb. In 1846, Thomas Fagan visited the monument and found the circle interior to be heavily disfigured. Locals claimed that the raised earth actually covered graves, where decayed bones were previously found.

It was in the surrounding area of Beltany that the Beltany Stone Head was discovered, which is estimated to date back to the Iron Age.

The name Beltany is likely derived from the May Festival Beltaine, the feast held on the first of May to mark the arrival of summer.

There are various iterations as to the significance of Beltaine, but all note the connection to fire, and the symbolism of lighting a fire in praise of a Celtic sun-god, or for the protection of cattle for the coming year, or to stave off the evil spells of witches and faeries.

Beltaine translates to ‘Bright Fire’, and when the sun hits the Stone Circle at Beltany, it’s not hard to understand where it received its name.
Credit: https://heritageireland.ie/unguided-sites/beltany-stone-circle
Ancient Clans
Donegal Diaspora

05/05/2026

Sunday gave me the opportunity to attend a talk given by historian Belinda Mahaffy on the American legend, Davy Crockett, and his family origins in Co. Donegal. This was hosted by Raymochy Historical Society in Manorcunningham.

I grew up at a time when youngsters, enen in Ireland!, were steeped in the tales of the "Wild West" and spent our free time in "cowboy and Indian" antics. So, it was interesting to get to hear the real story of Davy and of his Donegal roots, something we would not have been aware of in those days.

Later in the afternoon, I visited the ruins of the nearby Balleighan Abbey, which is located on the eastern shore of Lough Swilly. It is thought to have been a sister abbey to Killydonnell Abbey , whose ruins are located directly across the Lough.

Across the road from Balleighan Abbey lies the birthplace of Captain Henry Gallaugher DSO (1886–1917). He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry at the Battle of the Somme.

He was killed at Messines Ridge on the 7th June 1917 and posthumously recommended for the Victoria Cross for his brave actions at the time of his death. See https://gallagherclan.org/military/

04/05/2026

Today was a good day to enjoy the beauty of the area along the cliffs of Horn Head, Co. Donegal.
Donegal Diaspora
Donegal Gathering

29/04/2026

A beautiful evening for a walk on Tramore Beach, from the Boardwalk to Rosapenna, Downings, Co.Donegal.

27/04/2026

It was great to see an article in last weeks Donegal News telling of a golden wedding anniversary celebration for Neely Gallagher and his wife and we too send our congratulations.

He was a Donegal GAA Football player in the 1960s, and was a hero to many of us who were youngsters at the time.

In fact, quite a number of Gallaghers have played for the county. The expert on Donegal GAA, Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir, has a list of over 60 and we hope that towards the end of the year we could come together to celebrate their legacy.

If anyone is a family connection to any of those people, please get in touch. We would particularly welcome associated photos or press clippings, in fact any information by anyone. Please contact us via Messenger or through www.gallagherclan.org
Donegal Airport
Donegal Bay Waterbus
Donegal Gathering
Donegal Diaspora

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

Donegal Stays Blue - Hiking Knockalla Mountains

With the sun still shining and the temperatures rising, it was time to ditch the gardening ......again! I headed out along the eastern side of Mulroy Bay towards Portsalon.

Then I went along Ballymacstocker Beach before travelling up the Knockalla Hill Climb route to find a car park that looked out over the Beach to the mouth of the Lough Swilly estuary and across the bay to Dunree Head on the Inishowen Peninsula..

Now it was time to pull on the hiking boots and head up on Knockalla Mountains to enjoy the scenery and sinshine, and there was plenty of both over some five hours of hiking.
Donegal Diaspora
Ancient Clans
Donegal Democrat / Donegal Live
Donegal Airport
Donegal Bay Waterbus
Eddie Crawford
Donegal Gathering
Donegal Daily
Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter
Heather Nixon McLaughlin

23/04/2026

I suppose I should have added this short video of yesterday's hike at Lough Salt. It catches the combined views. I was hesitant at the time because the wind had upset my balance a little, so the horizon is a little off-kilter!

Ancient Clans
Donegal Daily
Donegal Diaspora
Donegal Democrat / Donegal Live
Donegal Airport
Donegal Bay Waterbus
Donegal Gathering