Did you know that over 35 million Americans claim to have Irish heritage? That’s almost seven times the population of the island of Ireland [which is about 7.5 million.] Irish ancestry is the second most popular heritage to claim, second only to German. New York is particular boosts about a 13% Irish-American population.
Do your know your Irish ancestry? Perhaps you carry one of the popular family names associated with Irish heritage, or you’ve heard stories at family gatherings. Today, it’s easier than ever to trace your family history and your link to Ireland. Â
On my first trip to Ireland in November 2017, I set off with the knowledge that my mother’s side of the family immigrated to the United States from Ireland is the 1910’s. Going off of that knowledge and the fact that their last name of Hoban, I did a little research on my own. I found out that Hoban [originally O’Hogan] is based in the Mayo-Galway area. A look at this cool map pinpoints everyone currently living in Ireland with the last name of Hoban. Upon further research, I learned about some famous “Hogan’s” including: “Galloping Hogan”, hero of Sarsfield’s destruction of the Williamite siege train at Ballyneety (1691), and John Hogan (1800 – 1858), the Sculptor.
While traveling through Westport, I got the chance to pass by a local pub favorite, Hoban’s, which my mother requested I get a photo of for her. It was such an exciting feeling to see a piece of what potentially could be my family history, in person.
Interested in finding out where in Ireland your family is based? Use this link to type in your last name! Tell us in the comments what Town/County your Irish heritage stems from.
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