CORK, IRELAND
April, 2007
Cork was home base for the second part of our trip after visiting Dublin and Galway. The southern part of Ireland seemed to be more accessible to historical sites and activities by half-day excursion on train or bus. From here we also visited Blarney, Kinsale and Cobh.
It was exciting to be in this part of the country because our family roots can be traced back to this region. My great-great grandfather was born in Cork as well as several other relatives from the McCarthy line. Additionally, the Morgan line that originated in Wales can also be traced as having some establishment in Cork.
I picked up a few note cards in the tourist shop of my family crests that contained the brief text included below.
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McCARTHY
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McCarthy is one of the greatest of all Irish names. Cormac McCarthy, a twelfth century King of Munster, built Cormac's chapel on the Rock of Cashel. In later centuries in Cork and Kerry, building Blarney Castle and other strongholds. Notable family members include the American writer Mary MacCarthy. |
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MORGAN
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Morgan derives form an old Welsh name meaning 'sea-bright'. Many of the Morgans of Ireland are of Weslh descent, but in Ulster and Connaught the name was also used to anglecize Mac Morgunn (a Scottish clan) and O'Murchain (a Co. Monaghan sept). Famous members of the family include the nineteenth century authoress Lady Sydney Morgan. |
