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Derry
Derry

Derry Nairn is Marketing & Sales Manager at Vagabond Tours. A published non-fiction author, Derry holds a BA in History & Politics from University College Dublin and an MSc in Electronic Publishing from City St George's, University of London. Heโ€™s is Vagabond & Driftwood's expert on Irish history, heritage, genealogy and all things ancient.

Blog Articles

Ireland's Castles & Their Fascinating Facts

19th May 2025
Travel expert Derry has picked his favourite Irish castles. Learn all about the history of Ireland through these amazing fortresses, their builders, battles and besiegers! Castles in Ireland At A Glance โš”๏ธ Dunluce Castle ๐Ÿ’‹ Blarney Castle โ˜˜๏ธ Rock of Cashel โ›ต Dunguaire Castle ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Aughnanure Castle ๐Ÿฏ Kilkenny Castle ๐Ÿฐ Donegal Castle
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An aerial view of Dunluce caslte in the sun

Historical Places in Ireland That Will Leave you Speechless

12th May 2025
Check out travel expert Derry's top historical places in Ireland. You can see every one on a Vagabond & Driftwood small-group tour of Ireland! Historical Places in Ireland At A Glance โ›ช The Rock of Cashel ๐Ÿฐ Blarney Castle โ›ฐ๏ธ Skellig Michael Island โš”๏ธ Dunluce Castle โ›ช Monasterboice โ˜˜๏ธ Poulnabrone Dolmen โญ• Uragh Stone Circle ๐ŸŒ„ Kylemore Abbey
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Ballycarbery castle in Ireland

Did Your Irish Ancestors Live In A Castle?

7th April 2025
Did your ancestors live in a castle? Look no further! Claim your ancient birthright with travel expert Derry's genealogical guide to 5 amazing Irish castles. Castles In Ireland At A Glance ๐Ÿฐ Kilkenny Castle ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Doe Castle ๐ŸŒŠ Dunluce Castle ๐Ÿ’‹ Blarney Castle โš”๏ธ Carrigafoyle Castle
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A statue of St. Patrick with guests standing in front of him

What Would Ireland Be Like Without Saint Patrick?

10th March 2025
With St. Patrick's Day 2025 upon us, Irish expert Derry asks: what would we do without Paddy? And what is the REAL history of Saint Patrick and his festival? History of Saint Patrick At A Glance ๐Ÿ˜‡ Shock Horror! Saint Patrick Wasn't From Ireland โ›ช Neither Was He The First Person To Evangelise In Ireland โ˜˜๏ธ March 17th Marks His Death (You Can Visit His Grave In Northern Ireland) ๐Ÿ False: Patty Banished Snakes. True: It Was The Ice Age. ๐Ÿฅณ Paddy's Day Became A Global Party Largely Due To Emigration ๐Ÿ’š Green Is Not The Only Colour Associated With Patrick (Or Ireland) โ›ฐ๏ธ There Are Countless Places Named After Patrick (Like This Holy Mountain)
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Two tour guests in front of a blue sky and ocean in Ireland

How To Trace Irish Ancestry: Frequently Asked Questions

8th November 2024
Irish history expert, Derry, answers some common questions about Ireland's diaspora, genealogy and how to trace Irish roots. ๐Ÿค” Are Irish-Americans Really Irish? ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ Mac Vs. Mc โ€“ Which Is Irish? Which Is Scottish? ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Are Irish People Descended From Vikings? ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Why Are There More Irish in America Than In Ireland? โ˜˜๏ธ Where In Ireland Do Irish Americans Come From?  
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Two figures viewed from behind while they are standing looking at a green field in Ireland with sheep in it

How You Can Trace Your Irish Roots

9th August 2024
Trace your Irish heritage all the way back to its roots with Ireland history expert Derry. Read his step-by-step Irish genealogy guide including tips and links to lots of free resources. Tracing Irish Roots At A Glance ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Do Your Homework ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ Study Clues In Your Name ๐Ÿ†“ Use These Free Geneaology Tools ๐Ÿ›ฌ Visit Archives in Dublin and Elsewhere In Ireland ๐ŸŽฏ Widen Your Net Beyond Ireland
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