What is Irish Worldwide Connections ?
We are a new and unique way to explore Ireland and Irish art. Here you can connect with and enjoy over 900 original art prints painted by renowned Irish artist Val Byrne.
Why are we unique ?
Irish Worldwide Connections is unique because with us you can do something special. You can search our art by your personal family name ! For instance if you search a famous Irish name like Barry, we will show you images directly related to that family place of origin, County Cork. The name Barry has been associated and is synonymous with Cork since the late 1100s. If you already know which county your family came from you can go directly to our county galleries.
So how does your ancestral family county look today ?
Why not find out. Simply type your Surname into our search engine and we can show you.
We are a new and unique way to explore Ireland and Irish art. Here you can connect with and enjoy over 900 original art prints painted by renowned Irish artist Val Byrne.
Why are we unique ?
Irish Worldwide Connections is unique because with us you can do something special. You can search our art by your personal family name ! For instance if you search a famous Irish name like Barry, we will show you images directly related to that family place of origin, County Cork. The name Barry has been associated and is synonymous with Cork since the late 1100s. If you already know which county your family came from you can go directly to our county galleries.
So how does your ancestral family county look today ?
Why not find out. Simply type your Surname into our search engine and we can show you.
Who is Val Byrne ?
Val was born in Dublin, he attended University College Dublin and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. After working in London he returned to Ireland and set up a successful architectural practice. He became a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and was elected a Fellow in 1985. In the 70’s his practice expanded into Africa and eventually had offices in Nigeria, Sudan and Libya.
Val has always had a strong interest in genealogy hence the development of this site. In 1992 he was elected Chieftain of Clan O’Byrne, he was also elected Chairman of The Clan’s of Ireland.
Val has always painted, in the early nineties he retired from Architecture to indulge in his artistic aspirations and open an art gallery. His work is very much influenced by the urban environment of an island surrounded by water. Many of his paintings reflect typical Irish buildings in landscapes and the many harbours around the coast of Ireland.
Patrons include three Presidents of Ireland, Jean Kennedy Smith, former US Ambassador to Ireland, Dept. of Foreign Affairs and many other Government Departments, Private and Corporate art collectors in many countries.
Is this a genealogy website?
We do not purport to be a genealogical website. However, Val and other genealogists have researched extensively to bring this unique site together. Through their work we can bring the Ireland of today together with your original ancestral family place. Over 900 images are currently included. Many many more are to be added.