It is New Year’s Eve, and around the world people are celebrating. Very many of them are toasting the happy memories of 2015 and the promises of 2015 with a glass of sparkling champagne, which is entirely traditional, appropriate and tasty. But December 31st is not only the end of the year; it is also […]
Tag: feature
Even Rudolph Has Relatives in Ireland
Red nosed reindeer are not native to Ireland, and while they do visit annually, Ireland is not home to reindeer per se. But three other types of deer do call Ireland home: the Fallow Deer, the Red Deer and the Sitka Deer. And no doubt they all share the nation’s delight at seeing Rudolph and […]
Wish You Were Here? An Irish Christmas Primer
Do you ever dream of spending Christmas in Ireland, not in a hotel but with family having a really traditional Irish Christmas? Maybe the details are a bit hazy. What exactly would you be doing? Remember, unlike the some places where Christmas is only one day, in Ireland it is really three – Christmas Eve, […]
The Irish Christmas Candle Tradition
Irish Christmas decorations are similar to those in the USA, but not exactly the same. While some enjoy the lights around the window, most houses seem to prefer a few larger light-up decorations. Signs pleading ‘Santa please stop here!’ and images of the jolly man himself are always popular, but one image stands out for […]
Can Even Santa Claim Irish Roots?
Across Ireland, towns and villages are starting to get into gear for Christmas. Streets are being festooned with garlands of lights, but of course it is too soon to turn them on. Christmas puddings are mostly made by now and waiting for the big day. Christmas craft market organizers are frantically doing their last minute […]
Brrr…Signs of Winter in Ireland
Winter is not a popular time of year for tourists in Ireland or much of northern Europe. True, it is cold and wet, but Ireland offers a lot of compensation for that. Of course, air fare and hotel rates are usually less, but the real joys of an Irish winter are priceless. With a good […]
The Quiet Magic of a Mayo Marriage
Apparently, Ashford Castle in Mayo is a dream wedding location for many people. Located in Quiet Man territory, it might be Ireland’s most romantic castle. If you’re considering a marriage in Mayo, you might want to know a bit more about Ashford Castle, the town of Cong and the surrounding area. It is not only […]
Banshees and Púcas and Faeries, Oh My!
Ireland has a unique way of doing most things. There’s something distinct about everything from our beer to our ancient ruins to our sense of humor. Even the spooky spirits we might encounter on Samhain/ Halloween are distinctly Irish. Many people around the world with Irish heritage have researched their family roots, but what about […]
The Bodies in the Bogs
Ireland can be just a tad spooky this time of year with the fog and the howling winds, but if you are passing by a bog at night, you are probably better off not thinking too much about what… or who… is buried there. If any souls have ever had a reason to roam the […]
Haunting Historic Graves in Dublin
Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery has long been on the itinerary of tourists who are real history buffs, but in recent years the famous graveyard has gone out of its way to be more accessible and appealing to visitors. It is home to the remains of more than a million Dubliners, including many who shaped Ireland’s political […]