John Crotty author
@itsjohncrotty.bsky.social
Published author & historian | Travel obsessed, 60+ countries | World Wonder weirdo | Love to share interesting history | Travel & writing | http://johncrottyauthor.com
I hope you enjoyed this Irish history
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Happy #saintpatricksday
#stpatricksday #stpatricksday2025
Please like, share and follow
Happy #saintpatricksday
#stpatricksday #stpatricksday2025
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
I hope you enjoyed this Irish history
Please like, share and follow
Happy #saintpatricksday
#stpatricksday #stpatricksday2025
Please like, share and follow
Happy #saintpatricksday
#stpatricksday #stpatricksday2025
These are just some of the symbols of Ireland
A nation deeply in touch with its past
Irelands Neolithic tomb builders left an indelible mark, being absorbed by the bronze age & early Celts
Modern Irish see themselves in the craft, community & culture of the ancient Irish (12)
A nation deeply in touch with its past
Irelands Neolithic tomb builders left an indelible mark, being absorbed by the bronze age & early Celts
Modern Irish see themselves in the craft, community & culture of the ancient Irish (12)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
These are just some of the symbols of Ireland
A nation deeply in touch with its past
Irelands Neolithic tomb builders left an indelible mark, being absorbed by the bronze age & early Celts
Modern Irish see themselves in the craft, community & culture of the ancient Irish (12)
A nation deeply in touch with its past
Irelands Neolithic tomb builders left an indelible mark, being absorbed by the bronze age & early Celts
Modern Irish see themselves in the craft, community & culture of the ancient Irish (12)
The Irish wolfhound:
Remarkably, the earliest description of large Irish dogs is a 391ad Roman reference
A gift of hounds were termed a 'wonder of Rome'
Their current impressive size is partly breeding with Great Danes
They became a symbol of Ireland in the 1800's (11)
Remarkably, the earliest description of large Irish dogs is a 391ad Roman reference
A gift of hounds were termed a 'wonder of Rome'
Their current impressive size is partly breeding with Great Danes
They became a symbol of Ireland in the 1800's (11)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Irish wolfhound:
Remarkably, the earliest description of large Irish dogs is a 391ad Roman reference
A gift of hounds were termed a 'wonder of Rome'
Their current impressive size is partly breeding with Great Danes
They became a symbol of Ireland in the 1800's (11)
Remarkably, the earliest description of large Irish dogs is a 391ad Roman reference
A gift of hounds were termed a 'wonder of Rome'
Their current impressive size is partly breeding with Great Danes
They became a symbol of Ireland in the 1800's (11)
The sunburst:
Associated with the ancient ‘Fianna’, an Irish mythological band of warriors
The 1st image of it dates to 1731
It was adopted by Fenians around 1858
Similar devices appear in Japan & China (10)
Associated with the ancient ‘Fianna’, an Irish mythological band of warriors
The 1st image of it dates to 1731
It was adopted by Fenians around 1858
Similar devices appear in Japan & China (10)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The sunburst:
Associated with the ancient ‘Fianna’, an Irish mythological band of warriors
The 1st image of it dates to 1731
It was adopted by Fenians around 1858
Similar devices appear in Japan & China (10)
Associated with the ancient ‘Fianna’, an Irish mythological band of warriors
The 1st image of it dates to 1731
It was adopted by Fenians around 1858
Similar devices appear in Japan & China (10)
Round Tower:
The late 19th century saw Ireland rediscover its heritage
Alongside High Crosses the round tower was revered
Built from 7th century, they were bell houses, stored valuables or held Scriptorium on monastic sites
They demonstrated power & prestige (9)
The late 19th century saw Ireland rediscover its heritage
Alongside High Crosses the round tower was revered
Built from 7th century, they were bell houses, stored valuables or held Scriptorium on monastic sites
They demonstrated power & prestige (9)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Round Tower:
The late 19th century saw Ireland rediscover its heritage
Alongside High Crosses the round tower was revered
Built from 7th century, they were bell houses, stored valuables or held Scriptorium on monastic sites
They demonstrated power & prestige (9)
The late 19th century saw Ireland rediscover its heritage
Alongside High Crosses the round tower was revered
Built from 7th century, they were bell houses, stored valuables or held Scriptorium on monastic sites
They demonstrated power & prestige (9)
Irish stone High Cross:
They became popular in Christian Ireland from the 8th century
They combine the Cross with a circle to represent the sun, God or eternal life - a unique feature
They became a symbol of Ireland in the late 19th century (8)
They became popular in Christian Ireland from the 8th century
They combine the Cross with a circle to represent the sun, God or eternal life - a unique feature
They became a symbol of Ireland in the late 19th century (8)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Irish stone High Cross:
They became popular in Christian Ireland from the 8th century
They combine the Cross with a circle to represent the sun, God or eternal life - a unique feature
They became a symbol of Ireland in the late 19th century (8)
They became popular in Christian Ireland from the 8th century
They combine the Cross with a circle to represent the sun, God or eternal life - a unique feature
They became a symbol of Ireland in the late 19th century (8)
The Celtic Tree of Life:
6000 years ago Ireland had as much as 80% forest cover
Druids believed all things are connected - all are one
The tree symbolises the connection between heaven and earth
Oak trees were revered as sacred (7)
6000 years ago Ireland had as much as 80% forest cover
Druids believed all things are connected - all are one
The tree symbolises the connection between heaven and earth
Oak trees were revered as sacred (7)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Celtic Tree of Life:
6000 years ago Ireland had as much as 80% forest cover
Druids believed all things are connected - all are one
The tree symbolises the connection between heaven and earth
Oak trees were revered as sacred (7)
6000 years ago Ireland had as much as 80% forest cover
Druids believed all things are connected - all are one
The tree symbolises the connection between heaven and earth
Oak trees were revered as sacred (7)
The Irish tricolour is a modern symbol
The 1st tricolour was the Netherlands in the 1500’s
Many nations adopted them following the French Revolution
Irelands emerged in the 1830’s & was adopted after 1916
Its colours stand for hoped for peace between Ireland's faiths (6)
The 1st tricolour was the Netherlands in the 1500’s
Many nations adopted them following the French Revolution
Irelands emerged in the 1830’s & was adopted after 1916
Its colours stand for hoped for peace between Ireland's faiths (6)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Irish tricolour is a modern symbol
The 1st tricolour was the Netherlands in the 1500’s
Many nations adopted them following the French Revolution
Irelands emerged in the 1830’s & was adopted after 1916
Its colours stand for hoped for peace between Ireland's faiths (6)
The 1st tricolour was the Netherlands in the 1500’s
Many nations adopted them following the French Revolution
Irelands emerged in the 1830’s & was adopted after 1916
Its colours stand for hoped for peace between Ireland's faiths (6)
The Harp:
Early references date to Egypt & Mesopotamia 5000 years ago
Harpists were revered in Gaelic Ireland, the Annals listing harpers in 630AD
They appear on High Crosses in the 8th century
It was used to denote Ireland by French heraldrists in the late 13th century (5)
Early references date to Egypt & Mesopotamia 5000 years ago
Harpists were revered in Gaelic Ireland, the Annals listing harpers in 630AD
They appear on High Crosses in the 8th century
It was used to denote Ireland by French heraldrists in the late 13th century (5)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Harp:
Early references date to Egypt & Mesopotamia 5000 years ago
Harpists were revered in Gaelic Ireland, the Annals listing harpers in 630AD
They appear on High Crosses in the 8th century
It was used to denote Ireland by French heraldrists in the late 13th century (5)
Early references date to Egypt & Mesopotamia 5000 years ago
Harpists were revered in Gaelic Ireland, the Annals listing harpers in 630AD
They appear on High Crosses in the 8th century
It was used to denote Ireland by French heraldrists in the late 13th century (5)
The Celtic Trinity:
Almost certainly derived from the Megalithic Tri-spiral
The Celts used the symbol extensively from 2500 years ago
It appears in Irelands most priceless book - the Book of Kells
Most recently it forms the Irish - Choctaw sculpture ‘Eternal Hearts’ (4)
Almost certainly derived from the Megalithic Tri-spiral
The Celts used the symbol extensively from 2500 years ago
It appears in Irelands most priceless book - the Book of Kells
Most recently it forms the Irish - Choctaw sculpture ‘Eternal Hearts’ (4)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Celtic Trinity:
Almost certainly derived from the Megalithic Tri-spiral
The Celts used the symbol extensively from 2500 years ago
It appears in Irelands most priceless book - the Book of Kells
Most recently it forms the Irish - Choctaw sculpture ‘Eternal Hearts’ (4)
Almost certainly derived from the Megalithic Tri-spiral
The Celts used the symbol extensively from 2500 years ago
It appears in Irelands most priceless book - the Book of Kells
Most recently it forms the Irish - Choctaw sculpture ‘Eternal Hearts’ (4)
The Tri-spiral / Triskele
The symbol appears at 5000 year old Irish tomb Newgrange
The site is older than the pyramids & all modern religions
The device has no beginning or end, using 1 continuous line
It is perhaps Ireland’s oldest symbol (3)
The symbol appears at 5000 year old Irish tomb Newgrange
The site is older than the pyramids & all modern religions
The device has no beginning or end, using 1 continuous line
It is perhaps Ireland’s oldest symbol (3)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Tri-spiral / Triskele
The symbol appears at 5000 year old Irish tomb Newgrange
The site is older than the pyramids & all modern religions
The device has no beginning or end, using 1 continuous line
It is perhaps Ireland’s oldest symbol (3)
The symbol appears at 5000 year old Irish tomb Newgrange
The site is older than the pyramids & all modern religions
The device has no beginning or end, using 1 continuous line
It is perhaps Ireland’s oldest symbol (3)
The shamrock was linked to St Patrick
It was 1st recorded in Irish association in the 1500’s
A recent link to the 1196 Topographia Hibernica implies much earlier use (pic 2)
The Irish wore them on St Patrick’s Day no later than the 1600’s
The symbolism has older Celtic roots (2)
It was 1st recorded in Irish association in the 1500’s
A recent link to the 1196 Topographia Hibernica implies much earlier use (pic 2)
The Irish wore them on St Patrick’s Day no later than the 1600’s
The symbolism has older Celtic roots (2)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The shamrock was linked to St Patrick
It was 1st recorded in Irish association in the 1500’s
A recent link to the 1196 Topographia Hibernica implies much earlier use (pic 2)
The Irish wore them on St Patrick’s Day no later than the 1600’s
The symbolism has older Celtic roots (2)
It was 1st recorded in Irish association in the 1500’s
A recent link to the 1196 Topographia Hibernica implies much earlier use (pic 2)
The Irish wore them on St Patrick’s Day no later than the 1600’s
The symbolism has older Celtic roots (2)
Ireland has millennia of symbology
Some of our oldest symbols are over 5000 years old
On #StPatricksDay what is the history & pedigree of Ireland's oldest symbols (1)
Some of our oldest symbols are over 5000 years old
On #StPatricksDay what is the history & pedigree of Ireland's oldest symbols (1)
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Ireland has millennia of symbology
Some of our oldest symbols are over 5000 years old
On #StPatricksDay what is the history & pedigree of Ireland's oldest symbols (1)
Some of our oldest symbols are over 5000 years old
On #StPatricksDay what is the history & pedigree of Ireland's oldest symbols (1)
March 3, 2025 at 10:46 PM
We didn’t get a white one in Ireland this year
Here’s a throwback of a snowfall at the beautiful port town of Cobh, Cork
- Last departure point of Titanic
- Emigration place to America for millions
- Service town for Spike Island prison
- Irelands 3rd largest cathedral
#ireland #Cork
Here’s a throwback of a snowfall at the beautiful port town of Cobh, Cork
- Last departure point of Titanic
- Emigration place to America for millions
- Service town for Spike Island prison
- Irelands 3rd largest cathedral
#ireland #Cork
December 26, 2024 at 10:17 AM
If anyone needs a book recommendation for a history lover for Christmas, you won’t go wrong with this
Brilliant read by Bettany Hughes - full of scope and insight delivered in a digestible fashion
#history #christmas
Brilliant read by Bettany Hughes - full of scope and insight delivered in a digestible fashion
#history #christmas
December 17, 2024 at 11:20 AM
If anyone needs a book recommendation for a history lover for Christmas, you won’t go wrong with this
Brilliant read by Bettany Hughes - full of scope and insight delivered in a digestible fashion
#history #christmas
Brilliant read by Bettany Hughes - full of scope and insight delivered in a digestible fashion
#history #christmas
If anyone is wondering how many times you see your book on a bookshop shelf before it gets old
Never
It never gets old
Keep writing - it’ll come
(Eason’s #Dublin #Spikeisland)
Never
It never gets old
Keep writing - it’ll come
(Eason’s #Dublin #Spikeisland)
December 16, 2024 at 3:04 PM
If anyone is wondering how many times you see your book on a bookshop shelf before it gets old
Never
It never gets old
Keep writing - it’ll come
(Eason’s #Dublin #Spikeisland)
Never
It never gets old
Keep writing - it’ll come
(Eason’s #Dublin #Spikeisland)
I live happily knowing Rome is just a 3 hour flight away
December 10, 2024 at 2:46 PM
I live happily knowing Rome is just a 3 hour flight away
Read the full monastic, military, penal and social history of this remarkable Irish location in 'Spike Island'
On sale in good bookstores and here - www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/spik...
On sale in good bookstores and here - www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/spik...
December 9, 2024 at 12:16 PM
Read the full monastic, military, penal and social history of this remarkable Irish location in 'Spike Island'
On sale in good bookstores and here - www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/spik...
On sale in good bookstores and here - www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/spik...
The fort stands today as testament to many things
To centuries of military advancement, from mud ditches to castles to star shaped forts
To Britain's determination to defend its empire
To Ireland's inextinguishable desire for freedom
All happening on Ireland's historic island..
To centuries of military advancement, from mud ditches to castles to star shaped forts
To Britain's determination to defend its empire
To Ireland's inextinguishable desire for freedom
All happening on Ireland's historic island..
December 9, 2024 at 12:16 PM
The fort stands today as testament to many things
To centuries of military advancement, from mud ditches to castles to star shaped forts
To Britain's determination to defend its empire
To Ireland's inextinguishable desire for freedom
All happening on Ireland's historic island..
To centuries of military advancement, from mud ditches to castles to star shaped forts
To Britain's determination to defend its empire
To Ireland's inextinguishable desire for freedom
All happening on Ireland's historic island..
The war passed without attack
The Irish army & navy held the site until a final prison arrived in 1985
Its arrival brought to an end a continuous military occupation of 206 years
Spanning the American Revolutionary War, Napoleonic wars, World War 1 & 2, & British & Irish army (16)
The Irish army & navy held the site until a final prison arrived in 1985
Its arrival brought to an end a continuous military occupation of 206 years
Spanning the American Revolutionary War, Napoleonic wars, World War 1 & 2, & British & Irish army (16)
December 9, 2024 at 12:16 PM
The war passed without attack
The Irish army & navy held the site until a final prison arrived in 1985
Its arrival brought to an end a continuous military occupation of 206 years
Spanning the American Revolutionary War, Napoleonic wars, World War 1 & 2, & British & Irish army (16)
The Irish army & navy held the site until a final prison arrived in 1985
Its arrival brought to an end a continuous military occupation of 206 years
Spanning the American Revolutionary War, Napoleonic wars, World War 1 & 2, & British & Irish army (16)
The Irish army manned the fort in World War 2
They feared the Germans would implement 'Operation Green', an invasion of Southern Ireland with 20k troops
There was also concern Churchill would send British troops to retake the base, despite his advisors advice the forts were redundant (15)
They feared the Germans would implement 'Operation Green', an invasion of Southern Ireland with 20k troops
There was also concern Churchill would send British troops to retake the base, despite his advisors advice the forts were redundant (15)
December 9, 2024 at 12:16 PM
The Irish army manned the fort in World War 2
They feared the Germans would implement 'Operation Green', an invasion of Southern Ireland with 20k troops
There was also concern Churchill would send British troops to retake the base, despite his advisors advice the forts were redundant (15)
They feared the Germans would implement 'Operation Green', an invasion of Southern Ireland with 20k troops
There was also concern Churchill would send British troops to retake the base, despite his advisors advice the forts were redundant (15)
The resolution to a 1930's trade war between Ireland & Britain saw the forts returned
In a momentous day, Eamon DeValera oversaw the handover, as 40k in Cobh erupted
A young nation celebrates a momentous occasion
It was not a moment too soon (14)
In a momentous day, Eamon DeValera oversaw the handover, as 40k in Cobh erupted
A young nation celebrates a momentous occasion
It was not a moment too soon (14)
December 9, 2024 at 12:16 PM
The resolution to a 1930's trade war between Ireland & Britain saw the forts returned
In a momentous day, Eamon DeValera oversaw the handover, as 40k in Cobh erupted
A young nation celebrates a momentous occasion
It was not a moment too soon (14)
In a momentous day, Eamon DeValera oversaw the handover, as 40k in Cobh erupted
A young nation celebrates a momentous occasion
It was not a moment too soon (14)
Winston Churchill fought tooth and nail to retain the island fortress
He had visited Cork Harbour in 1912 & knew its strategic importance
He was successful & Spike remained one of 3 British ports in Ireland held for 17 more years
1938 brought a different outcome (13)
He had visited Cork Harbour in 1912 & knew its strategic importance
He was successful & Spike remained one of 3 British ports in Ireland held for 17 more years
1938 brought a different outcome (13)
December 9, 2024 at 12:16 PM
Winston Churchill fought tooth and nail to retain the island fortress
He had visited Cork Harbour in 1912 & knew its strategic importance
He was successful & Spike remained one of 3 British ports in Ireland held for 17 more years
1938 brought a different outcome (13)
He had visited Cork Harbour in 1912 & knew its strategic importance
He was successful & Spike remained one of 3 British ports in Ireland held for 17 more years
1938 brought a different outcome (13)
When Ireland fights for independence in 1921, the fortress becomes a Republican prison
The Cameron Highlanders stand guard over 1200 proven rebels
The end of the conflict and Irish independence should see Spike Island returned
But one man fought to keep it (12)
The Cameron Highlanders stand guard over 1200 proven rebels
The end of the conflict and Irish independence should see Spike Island returned
But one man fought to keep it (12)
December 9, 2024 at 12:16 PM
When Ireland fights for independence in 1921, the fortress becomes a Republican prison
The Cameron Highlanders stand guard over 1200 proven rebels
The end of the conflict and Irish independence should see Spike Island returned
But one man fought to keep it (12)
The Cameron Highlanders stand guard over 1200 proven rebels
The end of the conflict and Irish independence should see Spike Island returned
But one man fought to keep it (12)