Interesting Facts This Week from the Irish Newspaper Archives

For this week we have chosen five interesting facts to present, some of which are detailed in the newspaper archives, some might have been mentioned, or some are just so well imbedded in popular culture that just can't be overlooked.

26^th of May

The first of our interesting facts this week, has an Irish connection! On this day in 1897, the first copies of the classic vampire novel Dracula, by Irish writer Bram Stoker, appear on the shelves of bookstores in London. Bram Stoker took seven years to write the novel! Continue Reading

Amelia Earhart - her Irish Landing

On the 21^st of May, 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo, non- stop across the Atlantic. Five years previously, Charles Lindberg had achieved the trans-Atlantic crossing from New York to Paris.

Amelia Earhart left Harbour Grace, Newfoundland at 10:51pm (Irish time), Friday 20^th of May, to her final destination, Paris. However, her flight was disrupted by a petrol leak and forced her to land in Ireland, “In a small field on the side of a hill overlooked by the Donegal Mountains, near Derry” (Irish Press, 23^rd of May 1932) at 2 pm on Saturday.

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This Week in the News 18th May to 22nd May

A lot has happened this week through the years. Some events were signaled in the Irish newspapers, some failed to make the headlines. However, we have selected a few diverse facts and events for you to enjoy. Read below what happened this week in the news:

18th of May

A family favourite, Shrek, was launched 14 years ago today! The friendliest and funniest green ogre has its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

19^th of May Continue Reading

Moments that Made History

If you read the papers today you might have missed information about events which will help shape history. This week is marked by some tragic events which had a great impact on Irish history, music and motoring sports to name just a few. These are moments that made history.

11^th of May

Moments that made history

On May 11, 1981, Bob Marley, the reggae music icon and legend, died in Miami, Florida at 36 years of age.

12^th of May

On this day 99 years ago, James Connolly was executed for his role in the Easter Rising. Read the announcement here: James Connolly

You can read more about this tragic event or other moments that made history during the Easter Rising in the archives. Continue Reading

Interesting Events this Week through History Archives

There have been many interesting events this week which have made a mark on Irish Theatre, on the transport system, nature programmes that we all love and the list can continue.

5^th of May

Today is Cinco de Mayo! Originally a celebration of the victory of the Mexican army in the Battle of Puebla, today is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the US. In Mexico, there are a few places that celebrate this day, such as the state of Puebla, where the battle took place. Americans of Mexican origins consider this day as a source of pride and a way of honouring their ethnicity. Facts you did not know about Cinco de Mayo

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