Sir Arthur Guinness, founder of the Guinness Company, is reportedly born in Co. Kildare on this day in 1725. There is much historical debate over whether this is the actual birthdate of Sir Arthur, yet to end further debate, the 1991 Guinness Company chose September 28 as his official birth date. After inheriting money from his godfather, 27 year old Arthur established a … [Read more...] about September 28, 1725
Today In History
April 27, 1718
Thomas Lewis, a pioneer of the state of Virginia, was born on this day in 1718, in Co. Donegal to John and Margaret Lynn Lewis. John emigrated from Ireland to Philadelphia in 1728 and sent for his family to come over in 1730. In 1732 the Irish family made the bold move to Spotsylvania County, an area near the Shenandoah River, along what was then the western frontier of the … [Read more...] about April 27, 1718
December 14, 1715
Thomas Dognan, the 2nd Earl of Limerick, member of the Irish Parliament and governor of the colony of New York, died on this day in 1715. Dognan was born to a Catholic family in County Kildare. Because of their religion, they fled to France. He served in an Irish regiment in France and achieved the rank of colonel in 1674. Due to the order that called all British subjects … [Read more...] about December 14, 1715
December 30, 1691
Robert Boyle, a famous 17th century chemist and physicist, died on this day in 1691 at the age of 64. Boyle was born in Co. Waterford to a wealthy Irish family. His father Richard Boyle was the 1st Earl of Cork and held a great deal of land. He attended Eton College in England. He visited Italy in 1641 and met and studied the work of Galileo Galilei. Today, Boyle is regarded as … [Read more...] about December 30, 1691
July 12, 1690
Protestant William of Orange and his forces defeated Catholic James II on this day in 1690 at Battle of the Boyne. William's victory rendered James II's attempt to regain the British throne unsuccessful and allowed for a continuation of Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. The battle was fought across the River Boyne near Drogheda. July 12 is also known as "The Twelfth" or "Orange … [Read more...] about July 12, 1690