The Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco is pleased to welcome back Neal Doherty for a compelling multimedia talk that will bring the West of Ireland vividly to life.
A lecturer, guidebook author, and qualified tourist guide, Neal will explore County Mayo and its deep connections to the Kelly family and their ancestral home, now owned by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and his family.
The talk, which takes place at 7 pm on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, will launch the Library’s 2026 cultural programme.
Neal will trace the Mayo roots of Princess Grace (née Kelly), focusing on the early 19th century and the life of her grandfather, John Henry Kelly. Born in County Mayo, he left Ireland at just 20 years of age, driven by the devastation of famine, its harsh aftermath, and the lack of opportunity that forced so many to emigrate. Neal will outline these conditions and explain how they shaped the decision to leave one’s homeland.
Achill Island, near Newport, features prominently. It was from here that countless emigrants departed on so-called “coffin ships,” notorious for their deadly conditions en route to the United States. Drawing on his published The Complete Guide to Achill Island and the Corraun Peninsula, Neal will share stories of the island’s history and heritage, including the construction of the Westport-Achill Sound railway, Grace O’Malley’s Castle (home of the Pirate Queen), the Deserted Village, and the Tuke Emigrations.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco with his then fiancée Charlene Wittstock visiting the ruins of the Kelly homestead in County Mayo during the Sovereign’s first State Visit in 2011 to the land of his ancestors. It was exactly 50 years after His own parents visited Ireland for the first time during Prince Rainier III’s State Visit in 1961. Photo © Eric Mathon – Archives du Palais princier
The Tuke Emigrations were an assisted migration scheme led by English Quaker philanthropist James Hack Tuke between 1882 and 1884. Supported in part by the British government, the initiative helped around 10,000 impoverished families, particularly from Connemara, emigrate to the United States and Canada in an effort to escape famine and grinding poverty.
The talk then moves to the modern era, revealing the Mayo that John Henry Kelly’s granddaughter visited in 1961 when she accompanied her husband, Prince Rainier III, on his State Visit to Ireland. Along the way, other notable figures from the Irish diaspora may also make an appearance.
About the Speaker
Born and educated in Dublin, Neal Doherty began his working life with Nestlé, where he managed the company’s chilled food business in Ireland. After retiring, he embarked on a new career as historian and tourist guide. Now based in the west of Ireland, he works as a freelance guide in both English and French for private clients through Alchemy Tours.
His tours include a visit to Drimurla, the birthplace of Princess Grace’s paternal grandfather. In March 2023, Prince Albert II unveiled a sculpture of his mother in nearby Newport, marking the family’s enduring connection to County Mayo. Neal has appeared on RTÉ’s Nationwide and is the author of several guidebooks.
Video via AlchemyTours YouTube channel
Event Registration & Payment
Admission is €10.99 per person and €5.99 for students. You may also pay at the door, but please note that cards are not accepted, only cash or cheque made out to ‘Fondation Princesse Grace‘
Tickets may be purchased
- online
- by emailing the Library info@pgil.mc
- or by calling + 377 93 50 12 25
There is also the option this year of reserving your seat – just let the Library know at the time of booking.
Event Details
Event: A talk by Neal Doherty – A voyage of discovery across history and Ireland’s wild landscape in County Mayo
When: Thursday, 22nd January 2026 at 7 pm sharp
To note: The talk starts at 7 pm – please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand. Doors close at 7 pm to avoid disturbing the speaker.
Courtesy The Princess Grace Irish Library
VENUE DETAILS
Princess Grace Irish Library
9, rue Princesse Marie-de-Lorraine
98000, Monaco Ville
Tel: +377 93 50 12 25
PHOTO CREDITS
- Lead image – Princess Grace arrives in Ireland in June 1961 for the first time. The occasion is the official State Visit by her husband HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco – © Princess Grace Irish Library Archives
- All other photos, images and videos as credited
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