This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information.

Mapping

Map Monday - St. Patrick's Day edition

  • Mar 16, 2014
  • 130 words
  • 1 minutes
Expand Image
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

I have a confession to make. Despite my red hair and very Irish last name, I am not Irish by birth. But I can see where my adoptive father’s ancestors likely emigrated from, thanks to this map. (Turns out, the majority of them hailed from the coastal county of Wexford.)

Using data from the 1890 census, two cartographers mapped out what they call the “Geo-Geneology” of Irish surnames. The point, says co-creator Ken Fields, was “to evoke feelings of longing, recollection, and familiarity.” To read more about map’s design, go here.

So whether you’re Irish by birth, adoption, or spirit, you can explore the map by simply typing in a common Irish surname, and seeing where they came from.

Advertisement

Help us tell Canada’s story

You can support Canadian Geographic in 3 ways:

Related Content

Patrick hunter sits with artisan canoe paddle

People & Culture

Interview: Ojibway artist Patrick Hunter talks about his latest collaboration

The painter and graphic designer discusses his roots, his craft — and his new collection of artisan canoe paddles

  • 1086 words
  • 5 minutes

Environment

Spotlight on conservation: Fitzpatrick Island, Quebec

Thanks in part to a donation from Kruger Products, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, in collaboration with Kebaowek First Nation, is protecting this ecologically significant island in the Ottawa River

  • 499 words
  • 2 minutes

Wildlife

What we learn from birds with Patrick Nadeau

Episode 24

The new president of Birds Canada gives us an inside look at Canada’s largest citizen science movement

  • 29 minutes

Mapping

Map Monday – Bad Maps

Nothing will get you in trouble quicker than a bad map. For instance, scandal brewed in Romania when

  • 604 words
  • 3 minutes
Advertisement
Advertisement