Musings, ramblings and thought provoking articles from our team of talented writers - all views expressed are their own!
A lot of people think that wedding bells are only rung on your wedding day. But an old Irish tradition says otherwise. Ireland has two wedding bell traditions. Church bells are rung, of course. That started because people believed that the sound of bells scared off any evil spirits lurking around. (You’ll have to provide […]
They say talk is cheap, but the written word is another matter entirely. Today, we have predictive text on our mobile devices and universal education and we think nothing of typing out quick comments as we skim social media throughout the day. But our ancestors had a very different relationship with the written word. They […]
Ireland was influenced by Scandinavia long before Ikea built their massive shop in north Dublin. The first wave of Scandinavian invaders were rather different, however. Sure, they brought some interesting fashions and built a lot, but their ventures didn’t pull in bored families with a bit of dosh to spend. The Vikings were a pretty […]
Ireland’s national holiday is upon us. It’s time to go green and break out the shamrock, cheer on parades, listen to trad music and celebrate this little island on the western edge of Europe. It’s St. Patrick’s Day. So who was he and what did he do? Why is Patrick so revered and what does […]
If you haven’t heard it said yet this season, you’ll probably hear it soon. Someone who thinks they’re clever will try to rain on your St. Patrick’s Day parade by saying that Patrick wasn’t Irish. Then, if they really like to stir it up, they’ll add that Patrick was British. It’s a very begrudging attitude […]
Patrick used the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity when he converted Ireland to Christianity. Now those three leaves are one of the most widely recognized symbols of Ireland. But our beloved shamrock isn’t the only symbol for Ireland. Many are much older. Before Patrick, Ireland had a very rich spiritual life, and it gave […]
Streets throughout Ireland are twinkling with Christmas lights. From Dublin’s bustling Grafton and Henry Streets to the main streets of tiny villages across the island, the Christmas spirit is bright. Lights shine in arches across the roads. Trees are festooned with garlands. Shop windows show off dazzling displays. Electric candles and signs pleading ‘Santa stop here’ […]
Halloween began as Samhain, the New Year’s Eve of the ancient Celts. They believed spirits from the other side of the grave could visit. Celebrate your spooky roots this year with some traditional fun and frights. In ancient Ireland, our ancestors were finishing the harvest now. They were storing food and preparing for winter. They […]
More than a century later, we are no closer to knowing who stole the Irish crown jewels. One man’s life and career were ruined by the theft, but was he an innocent scapegoat or a legendary jewel thief? The prep work preparing for a visit from higher ups at work is stressful for anyone. Colleagues […]
The romantic story of how an enslaved Irish fisherman crafted the first Claddagh ring for his beloved is well known, but where did he get the idea for the design? The ring has roots that go deeper than one man’s artistry and devotion. The Claddagh design first used on a ring but now seen on […]
