The Irish people have been celebrating Halloween since 1000AD, although back then it was called “Samhain” or “end of summer.” The pagans believed that on the eve of Halloween, beings from the spiritual world came to visit mortals. So traditions from that lineage have stuck and are still done around the world. Jack-o-lanterns are rumored […]
Category: News
Exploring “Delightful Dublin with Emily Westbrooks”
Irish Fireside’s 139th podcast opens up talking to author Emily Westbrooks, the brains behind the new book “Delightful Dublin.” The radio host talks to Emily all about places to eat, shop and play in the wonderful capital city of Dublin. And the conversation also covers ideas for lodging in and around the city, as well […]
What Should Ireland’s National Motto Be?
A non-profit group called Better Together is posing a question to the people of Ireland: What should our national motto be? The Unites States says “In God We Trust” and France has “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite.” So what should Ireland’s be? Better Together, who works to encourage public support of charities, is asking Ireland. Some suggestions […]
Irish American Jim Brett Being Honored by Mass Special Olympics
Jim Brett, the Irish American business man living in Boston is set to be honored by the Massachusetts Special Olympics organization. He will be inducted into the organization’s hall of fame for his efforts to improve the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. He will be receiving the John “Jack” Brett Champion’s Award, an honor […]
University Receives $260,000 to Study Irish Tongues
Do you know a word or two of the Irish language? If you live on the Emerald Isle and sheepishly answered no, you’re not alone. In fact, only 3% of the Irish population speaks Irish on a daily basis. Two researchers, Jaye Padgett and Maire Ni Chiosan, have received a $260,000 grant from the National […]
Top 10 Wise Quotes from Literary Legend Brendan Behan
Famous Dubliner Brendan Behan, whose name is the object of more than a few bars, like this one in South Boston, was an outspoken writer and poet. Some of his most famous quotes include “I am a drinker with writing problems” and “one drink too many for me and a thousand not enough.” He was […]
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival Returns
If you hear a tight band and bluesy voices coming over the banks of the River lee in Cork, you’ve probably stumbled upon the annual Guinness Jazz Festival. The event, which will take place this year from October 23-27 will feature over 1,000 musicians. Enjoy family fun with the festival fringe events like Jazz Camp […]
Dublin Ranked World’s 2nd Friendliest Urban Destination
A recent survey put out to the reader’s of travel magazine Rough Guides asked them to rank the world’s friendliest cities. The Irish capital of Dublin came in just behind Glasgow Scotland. The Rough Guides article told visitors to “[enjoy] the Georgian townhouses…and historic churches among some of the friendliest people in the world.” Chief executive […]
What the Vikings did for the Irish
The Irish have cold feelings towards the memory of the Vikings. But, aside from their horrible raids and murders, the Vikings did do some good for the Irish. For example, one of Dublin’s most visited churches, the Christ Church Cathedral was built by the order of Norse King Silkbeard around year 1030. Additionally, some of […]
iBam! 2014 Set for October 4-5
From Irish authors to actors to artists, iBam! 2014 is set to be a hit. Meet your favorite writers like Frank Delaney, who will be signing books and receiving an award for his contributions to literature. Or have the chance to see Irish artist Barry “Jazz” Finnegan create one of his famed charcoal drawings live. […]