I am planning a “genealogy trip” to Ireland for 2017. Not sure the when yet, but it will be the Northern part of Ireland. Not only do I hope to find some kind of information, but I hope to sneak in a quick hello to my cousins in Donegal!
The BIG trip will be for the Clan Home Gathering in August of 2018 in Ireland! Yep.. so excited about going to that. And Scottish you say… yes, it is there. MY THEORY is.. our Holmes (once way back Home) came from Scotland into Ireland. I use to think the stories were crazy.. NAH we’re Irish… well Scotts-Irish.. and I have to admit.. even my DNA shows Scottish Ancestry.. its like the 4th or 5th generation.. but ya… it’s there. Plus it will be a marvelous time to see the Home Castle
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Borders Visit & Clan Gathering 2018 Dates
November 19, 2016NewsCharles Home
In early November, Gos Home (Chairman of the HCPT) and Charles Home (CHA Convenor) spent a few days in the Borders, staying as usual at Mansefield, a brilliant B&B at the eastern end of Greenlaw, run by Pippa & Tim Culham. They are, in addition to being excellent hosts, mines of local information and their place is unreservedly recommended.
The Borders looked beautiful. Clear blue skies and autumnal trees showed the area off at its best.
The task there was twofold:
Firstly, now that the extra land to the south of Hume Castle is in Association and Trust hands, meetings had been set up with Tweed Forum, the Borders Council and Historic Environment Scotland in Edinburgh. These meetings were very positive and a path forward, towards the goal of archeological works showing parts of the original Hume village on the castle slopes, was identified.
Secondly to start planning the main locations for the Clan Gathering in August 2018. The Gathering dates have been set for the weekend of 11th and 12th of August with possible events on the Friday 10th and also Monday 13th. More details about these venues will be available once firm bookings have been confirmed. It seems a long way away, but plans have started, hopefully to make the 2018 Gathering the best yet. Some task after the huge success of the 2013 event, admittedly, but very doable.
The time spent around Hume was fast-paced and exhilarating. A wonderful reminder of how fortunate we all are to be associated with such a beautiful landscape, people and ever-intertwining story.
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I also know.. through DNA testing that our Rev William Holmes (two of them) of Islandmagee and Donegal both attended seminary school in Scotland. Plus we have also had a cousin do extensive research and before she passed, wrote an article about our Holmes being Scotts. So as far fetched as you think this might be.. it is actually very possible. DNA is a fascinating world, if you haven’t had it done.. I highly suggest it. It can answer a lot of questions. Has NOTHING to do with telling you medical facts.. but the DNA is fascinating to tell you the history. I had my oldest Uncle do DNA.. and I never would have gotten as far back with out it if I hadn’t. I use FTDNA (Family Tree DNA) and my Uncle is HO31, on GeneticCousins. It costs if I remember right (just paid for a DNA test) $99.00 to start, that is for a 12 step. Gives you a few connections and 63 is actually the best to narrow things down.. but the start is exciting and exhilarating! They also have funds donated to help people get tested if you can’t afford it. So if you don’t want to have it done.. feel free to donate if you want.
ANWAY enough on DNA..
I hope to make progress in 2017.. and add onto that in 2018 at the Clan Gathering.
As always feel free to contact me; sitkasky@msn.com if you have any questions or can provide ANY information or if you have anything to share. I love to hear from you all and I am ALWAYS searching for Holmes info..
Take care and check out the Holmes Facebook page, that is updated more often, search under: ThomasHolmesFamilyReunion… make sure you use all 4 words and no spaces
🙂