Support us in 2026
Membership, Donation, Patronage
We appeal to you for support and we are asking for this help and support through, Membership, Patronage or Donation. We would like to thank all those who have contributed and supported us through the years and we actively encourage anyone who has an interest in Irish Palatine Heritage to support our endeavours by these means.
The IPA is a voluntary organisation and we rely on support from all people of Irish Palatine Heritage to help with the operation of the Irish Palatine Museum and organisation. Membership of the Association is 50.00 euros per year. The membership year runs from January to December each year. When membership is received in the course of the year, any literature published in the prior part of the year is mailed at the time of subscription. To learn of the many different ways you can help support us, please visit our SUPPORT section for details.
Irish Palatine Association Journal (No.33)
As the palatine numbers increased in the original settlement colonies, offers were extended by other regional landlords to attract them onto their respective estates by offering them more land and prosperity. One such settlement was at Castle Oliver, where the landlord offered the palatines as much as thirty acres of land if they moved and settled on his estate. We also have a transcript of an agreement between Adam Bovenizer Snr and Adam Bovenizer Jnr and his brother George when he move to a new settlement on the Oliver estate.
We have a story of the Elwedritsche which is the story of a mythical bird associated with the Palatinate and shows what happens when fear becomes story, story becomes ritual and ritual becomes identity.
We have a letter from Louie Ann McDonogh 'Palatine Grit in the Garden' where everything growing in her small garden has a story and is so reminiscent of the characteristics and experiences of our Irish Palatine ancestors. We have an article on Jacob Dolmage illustrating palatine settlement in New York in 1757/1758 which challenges the long-held belief that the migration to North America in 1760, led by Philip Embury and Barbara Heck, was not necessarily the first of its kind.
We have an article and more research into the Palatine families who settled on the Kilcooly estate in County Tipperary. 'Brothers (or not) of John Switzer of Kilcooly - Clarifications and Corrections and why the Palatine credentials of the Kilcooly Switzers has sometimes been called into question.
We have an article on the updated Teskey family tree which are based on the 1850 letters of Nathaniel Switzer to his daughter Sarah. In our Journal No. 32, Patrick Breen discovered new information on the parentage of Sarah’s mother, Elizabeth Teskey. Ken McDonald provides further evidence in support of these conclusions in his contribution to this edition. . ...(more)
While our main aim is to include articles of general interest on the Irish Palatine story, this issue also features information of particular interest related to Bovenizer | Dolmage | Fitzell | Steepe | Switzer | Teskey.
Recent Visitors
Tom Upshaw, Mary Liston (IPA), Mary Lou Simac, Austin Bovenizer (IPA) and Carolyn Heald.
New Irish Palatine Play REFUGE cast visit
Saturday 26th September
We had a visit from some cast members of the new Irish play with Palatine links - ‘REFUGE’ which was playing in Limericks Lime Tree Theatre until 29th September and then moves on to the Dublin Theatre Festival for further performances in the Pavillion Theatre from 30th September - 11th October.
L-R: Mary Murray, Hannah von Peinen, Steve Wickham & Holger Kraft.
New Irish Play with Palatine links
September 24th - 26th 2026 (Limerick) / September 30th - October 11th 2026 (Dublin)
A new Irish play titled ‘REFUGE’ by playright, Deirdre Kinahan explores Ireland’s complex history with migration through the experience of an 18th Century German Palatine family and a more recent arrival from Afghanistan. The play traces their journey and explores the connections between displaced communities of the past and those seeking refuge today. The play will be premiered in Limerick’s Lime Tree Theatre 24th– 26th September with further performances in Dublin’s Pavillion Theatre on 30th September - 11th October.
Deirdre was interviewed by Dearbhal McDonald on RTE Radio’s Brendan O’Connor show where she gave a brief outline of the upcoming play amongst other topics.
To listen to the interview, please CLICK HERE
Book Tickets (Limerick) - CLICK HERE
Book Tickets (Dublin) - CLICK HERE
Production Shots
© 2026 Fishamble
REFUGE (Trailer)
Sunday Miscellany
A recent Radio One piece from RTE's Sunday Miscellany radio programme featured a short story by Jody Clarke on the Irish Palatines who came to rest in the golden vale in 1765.
 Click on MP3 to listen
German and Irish Ambassadors Visit Limerick to Strengthen Links between the two countries.
Thursday September 17th
L-R: Councillor Adam Teskey; His Excellency Mr David Gill, German Ambassador to Ireland; Mr Austin Bovenizer, Chair and Curator of the Irish Palatine Association and Her Excellency Ms. Maeve Collins, Irish Ambassador to Germany, pictured during the Ambassadors’ recent visit to the University of Limerick.
The occasion marked a significant opportunity acknowledging and strengthening the historical, cultural and diplomatic ties between Ireland and Germany, while recognising the important contribution of Irish Palatine heritage to the shared history of both nations.
German Day at St. Mary's Cathedral
Saturday September 5th St. Marys Cathedral Limerick
Austin Bovenizer IPA with Prof Gisela Holfter University of Limerick at the German Day at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick.
As part of German Day at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick, Austin Bovenizer gave a talk in conjunction with the exhibition The Irish Palatines: Our Shared Journey, which was on display in the Cathedral. This event formed part of a wider programme of events marking Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union. As part of the initiative, each of Ireland’s 26 counties has been paired with a specific EU Member State. Inspired by Limerick’s pairing with Germany, an Art Trail has been curated across Limerick city, exploring the rich and diverse German-Irish connections found in museums, galleries, colleges, universities, and cathedrals. The Irish Palatines: Our Shared Journey highlights the enduring historical and cultural links between Germany and Ireland and provides a fascinating insight into the shared heritage of the Irish Palatine community.
Following its display at St. Mary’s Cathedral, the exhibition will travel to libraries and other centres throughout County Limerick during the six-month period of Ireland’s EU Presidency (July to December 2026). Present dates include:
Watch House Cross Library 7th to the 14th of September
Lime Tree Theatre (in conjunction with the play Refuge) 21st to the 28th September
Rathkeale Community Council Centre 21st to the 28th of October
German Day Celebration - Deutscher Tag
Saturday September 5th St. Marys Cathedral Limerick
All are invited to attend St. Mary's Cathedral Limerick for a special celebration marking the Irish Presidency of the European Union and honouring Limericks twinning with Germany. Celebrations commence at 12.00noon.
12.00 noon - Lecture on the German Palatine connection
2.00pm - Ecumenical service with the German Lutheran congregation (followed with refreshments)
3.00 pm - Organ recital of German music
A small exhibition will be on display throughout the day.
Visitors
Joe & Susan Rowe pictured with Vera Speiran
Mary and Eveleen Becker from Dublin.
Tracy Dixon from Melbourne, Australia.
Wales family from Australia
Norm, Brendan & Sarah Smyth from BC, Canada
Aisling and Ann O'Brien from Dublin.
Philip and Janet Murphy from Carlow
Patricia Coles UK, Ann & John Lillis, Limerick
Anne Sparling and friend from UK
Matthew, Jane and Edward Rose from UK
Elizabeth Miller & Sara Palin UK.
Marie & Heinz Lambach with Austin Bovenizer
Michael & Ann Keane with Chris Baker, Wicklow.
Gerda & Adam Berry, Dublin
Ed and Margaret O'Connor, Limerick
Visitors from the Palatinate, Germany
Madeline and Robert Wilkins, Limerick
Hildegard Cahill with the Glenageary Trekkers walking group, Dublin
Margaret Hennessy and friends from Limerick
Eleanor Clapp with Austin Bovenizer
Elma and Jim Sutton from Wexford
Dan & Martha Vining with Julie Spadeccini from NY
Emery, Margaret and Heather Williams, USA
Sandy Kreuser, Dean, David & Judy Ruckel, USA
Mary Gillan and Groves family UK
Tamara and Tanner Litwin from USA
Mary Joan Cornett and Jim Foster from Canada
Mary Lou Simac pictured with Austin Bovenizer
Austin Bovenizer with Carolyn Heald and Tom Upshaw
Marilyn & David Seiter from Australia
Mick Reunion 2026
Saturday August 1st 2026
The Mick Reunion will be held on Saturday, August 1 st, at Micksburg Hall (Ball Park), 2769 Micksburg Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 6W4. Registration is at 11.00am followed by lunch at 12.00 noon.
Annual Field Meeting
Sunday June 21st 2026
This years Annual Field Meeting service will take place on Sunday, 21st June in Ballingrane church grounds at 3.00pm. It is planned as an oudoor event but will be moved indoors should the weather not be favourable. This event commemorates the occasion when in 1756, John Wesley spoke to an assembled crowd from under an Ash tree on the Dunraven estate in Adare. Refreshments will be served after the service. All are welcome.
Visitors who called to us on the day of the Field Meeting, pictured (L-R) Arthur Guest, John Walsh, John Unsworth, Rev Dr Janet Unsworth (President of the Methodist Church), Gillian Kingston, Robert Ruttle, Tom Kingston, Elizabeth Guest.
Shier Reunion 2026
Sunday June 21st 2026
The 103rd Shier Reunion will be held on Sunday, June 21st at the Cannington Legion, which is located at 72 Peace St. Cannington Ontario L0E 1E0, starting at 12:00 noon. Enjoy!
Cappagh Womens Cave
Wednesday May 27th 2026
We were delighted to welcome members of Cappagh Womens Cave for a talk and presentation of the Irish Palatine story.
Coffee Morning Fundraiser
Friday May 15th 2026
A big THANK YOU to all who participated and helped support our Coffee Morning Fundraiser. We were so blessed with the weather as it allowed everyone to linger outdoors and to chat and have a really nice time and sample some of the tasty treats on offer.
Dolmetsch/Delmage/Dulmage
Thursday March 19th 2026
You are invited to join the Social hosted by the IP-SIG of the Ontario Genealogical Society, which will be focused on the surname of Dolmetsch/Delmage/Dulmage (or variants thereof). Some may be in a direct Dulmage line, others may be descended from Irish Palatines who married into a Dulmage family. Whatever the case may be, you are welcome to participate.
You are invited to join this Social hosted by the IP-SIG of the Ontario Genealogical Society which takes place on Thursday, March 19th at 7.00pm (EDT) 12.00am (GMT).
Webinar - Princes, Prelates and Palatines
Saturday February 21st 2026
Join Dr. Claire McCormick who will be presenting a talk titled Princes, Prelates and Palatines – some new perspectives on the Great Migration of 1709. In her recently published book 'European Migrants in Eighteenth Century Ireland: The Great Palatine Migration of 1709 and its Aftermath' (published by Boydell and Brewer), she suggests overlapping networks of religious groups across Europe, alongside British colonists, keen to settle the New World, enabled the movement of Palatines. She will also share some new insights into the early experiences of Palatines in Ireland.
You are invited to join this Webinar hosted by the IP-SIG of the Ontario Genealogical Society, on Saturday, February 21st at 10.00am (EDT) 3.00pm (GMT).
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Long time supporter of the Irish Palatine Association Laura Coates called in to see us on her recent visit to Ireland. Pictured with Austin Bovenizer.
Jill and Rob Kennedy spent an afternoon with us recently.
Denise & Corinne Wood-Grans from Canada
Mary and Rose O'Connor from Co. Cork.
Andrea and Paul Moore from UK
Johnson family from Co. Offaly.
Visitors from the Greenway
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Palatine Parade (print) 
The Palatinate region of Germany, or “die Pfalz” as it is more commonly known today, is renowned for its parades and wine festivals. Each year over 300 such festivals take place in the towns and villages throughout the region. See our SHOP for more details.
Interview with Dorothy Teskey
Enjoy an interview with Dorothy Teskey from RTE Radio One’s (Irish Radio) The Nine O'Clock Show hosted by Brendan Courtney. Dorothy became a TikTok hit with her song "Remember me". The Limerick great grandmother's video has 1.6 million views. She has also written a book called, Stories of my Life.
A Rathkealean Traverse
I traverse a road between townlands.
Enniscoush on the right is trim and tidy, nursery of a rural order;
Courtmatrix on the left catches the ribbons of modernity
Spilling out from town. I meet with an old Palatine in a car,
His craggy, lived-in face a testament to humour and diversion.
He salutes as he passes. We are in the waving zone.
The sun dances in a blue sky and irradiates the earth.
Hedges and ditches carry the mayflower in full glory
And sumptuous displays of foliage. Rhythms of land and season
Weave into the rhythms of life.
Copyright © Dr. Patrick J. O'Connor 2017 from his book 'Home and Reach-a life in writing'
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