Most Recent Post and Other Highlights

Irish Language Learning Project In Northern Ireland

Today, I’m delighted to publish this guest post from Trinity College Dublin, explaining their investigation of the “Turas” Irish language project in East Belfast that encourages exploration and study of the Irish language as a reconciliation initiative. Language-learning projects can help revise destructive understandings of history in a polarized society. A study by Dr. David Mitchell of Trinity College Dublin of the East Belfast ‘Turas’ Irish language project found language classes help groups in conflict find shared heritage…. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

Our Irish Heritage

Here in the Irish American Mom Community we love to celebrate our Irish heritage. But what is it about our heritage that makes us so proud? Is heritage the memory of our ancestors and the legacy they have gifted us? For some of us it surely is. But others have only recently discovered their Irish roots through DNA testing, and never knew their Irish forebears. A while back I asked a favor of members of our little Irish community.  I sent subscribers an email and posed a complex question in search of insights into the meaning of our Irish heritage. Here’s the question I asked: “What’s the most important thing to you about your Irish heritage?” In today’s post let’s explore some of the amazing answers I received….. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

Ice Cream Sandwiches

An ice cream sandwich consists of a slice of ice cream between two rectangular wafers and is a favorite summertime treat in Ireland. The ice cream layer for these little slabs of summer is sliced from a pint block of ice cream. And did you know the pint block of ice cream was first created in Ireland in the 1930’s. You can learn a little Irish ice cream history in today’s post….Read more here.

 

 

 

May God Give You For Every Storm A Rainbow

Today’s post explores an old Irish saying that’s perfect for wedding speeches. A reader requested I share a Gaelic or Irish language blessing so I created today’s post with a recording of this old Irish blessing recited in the Irish language. I also included a link for two free printables for the Irish and English versions of this saying, which feature old Gaelic scripting, and a Celtic border and knotwork…. Read more and get the free printables here.

 

 

 

 

Irish Potato Sayings

Potatoes holds such significance in Irish history, and therefore it’s no surprise that Irish folklore is replete with sayings about the potato. Today, I thought I would gather some of these potato sayings together in one blog post, so that we can all enjoy the wisdom of our forefathers, and further understand the significance of the potato in their lives….. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

The Rock of Dunamase

The Rock of Dunamase dominates the County Laois countryside. The ruined remains of an ancient castle stand atop a rocky outcrop in the middle of the fertile plains of this midland Irish county. Today’s post is a tour of this old Irish fort. I created a short video to help you feel as if you are right there, climbing amongst the castle walls and rocks of Dunamase…. Read more and check out the video here.

 

 

 

Claddagh Cross Pendant Giveaway For Easter

The Sterling Silver Claddagh Cross Pendant by Solvar pays tribute to Ireland’s enduring symbol of love and loyalty, the Claddagh, and to our ancestors who created magnificent Celtic Crosses all over the island of Ireland. To celebrate Easter I am delighted to offer this timeless Celtic gift as a prize for a little giveaway….. Read more and enter the giveaway here.

 

 

 

 

Be Thou My Vision

Camille Nelson is a fingerstyle guitar player and violinist from Utah. Her most recent album, “Lead Me Home” features a beautiful version of the Irish traditional hymn, “Be Thou My Vision.” Since today is Good Friday, I thought it would be the perfect day to share Camille’s magnificent video of this old Irish hymn, and good news, the video was shot in Ireland…. Read more here.

 

 

 

Chocolate Easter Nests

Chocolate Easter Nests are a favorite treat in Ireland. Made with shredded wheat to create realistically twiggy looking nests, these are a simple, no-bake treat for Easter. If you are in search of a tasty Easter cooking project for children that involves absolutely no baking, then these easy chocolate crispy nests are the perfect answer… Read more and get the complete recipe here.

 

 

 

 

The Gospel of Mary – Book Giveaway

The Gospel of Mary is a Celtic mystery and the third book in the Sister Deirdre series by author Philip Freeman. In 6th century Ireland, a young nun from the monastery of St. Brigid in Kildare, finds herself the guardian of a mysterious manuscript claiming to be the lost gospel of Mary.  Realizing leaders of the church are willing to kill to get their hands on it, Sr. Deirdre is faced with a dilemma.  Does she hand it over to the authorities or is she willing to risk her life to save the manuscript…. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

Putting The Kybosh On Things

“That put the kybosh on things!” Have you ever heard this phrase? I know it is one I often heard when I was growing up in Ireland. My granny loved to use the word “kybosh.” The word “kybosh” means to put an end to something, to stop or halt its progress, and I know it is a favorite word in County Cork. And so today, I thought we would dive into a little Irish linguistics and try to discover the origins of the word “kybosh.”…. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

The Demon Drink

Today being the day after St. Patrick’s Day, I can safely say there are many Irish people, or people who thought they were Irish yesterday, who are awakening with an almighty headache. Our Irish ancestors, whose affinity for a wee drop is world renowned, were also keenly aware of the dangers of the demon drink, and the adverse affects that must be endured after a night of excessive imbibing…. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

Irish Wit, Wisdom And Humor By Gerd De Ley

Irish Wit, Wisdom & Humor collects over 1000 witticisms, musings, deep thoughts, and one-liners from and about Ireland and its people. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today Irish American Mom is hosting a giveaway for a copy of this wonderful compilation. Before I share the giveaway details, let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s day by delving into some of the quotes selected from Irish Wit, Wisdom & Humor…. Read more and enter the giveaway here.

 

 

 

 

Irish Words of Wisdom – Book Giveaway for St. Patrick’s Day

Irish Words of Wisdom is a wonderful gift book that truly lifts your spirits. Written by Irish woman, Kate Hamilton, this book is inspired and dedicated to the memory of her father, Jim McEvoy, who had a saying for every situation, good and bad. Jim taught his daughter that if you don’t have faith you have nothing…. Read more and enter the giveaway here.

 

 

 

Cod and Parsley Sauce

Cod and parsley sauce is a simple, traditional Irish meal. The cod is dredged in seasoned flour before frying, then smothered in a creamy white sauce infused with parsley and a hint of onion. Simply delicious…. Read more and get the complete recipe with step-by-step photo instructions here.

 

 

 

Irish Champ

Champ is a traditional Irish potato side dish. Mashed potatoes are mixed with green onion infused warm milk, and served with a knob of butter melting in the center….. Read more and get the complete recipe with step-by-step photo instructions here.

 

 

 

Johnny Magory – Children’s Book Giveaway

Today I’m going to tell you a story about Johnny Magory. I’m sure that saying brings back memories for anyone who grew up in Ireland. I’m delighted to introduce you to Emma Jane Leeson, the creator of a lovely series of Irish children’s picture books, featuring our childhood favorite, Johnny Magory. And Emma Jane has provided a three book gift bundle for one lucky reader to win…. Read more and enter the giveaway here.

 

 

 

 

 

What Is A Dolmen?

Dolmens are megalithic monuments found dotted around the Irish landscape.  Standing for millennia, they perch majestically on grassy hillsides,  on craggy cliffs, on winding roadsides, and even right between modern day homes. Ireland is home to over 150 of these ancient portal tombs, and so I think it is fair to consider these historic monuments as symbols of our ancient past. And so today, I hope you’ll join me as we take a little tour of Ireland’s wondrous dolmens, both great and small….. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

Dublin Coddle

Dubliners. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines potatoes, sausages, bacon and onions. Cooked slowly in water or broth the result is a filling stew loved throughout Ireland’s capital city. For real Dubs, coddle is a nostalgic dish. One that reminds them of childhood, and the tastes of home. But this isn’t just a dish from the past. It’s alive and well and continues to be made in Dublin homes to this very day… Read more and get the complete recipe here.

 

 

 

 

Farmhouse Beef Stew

When the weather turns cold, a good beef stew is on the menu in our house. This very easy winter dinner is perfect for warming up when temperatures fall. This is not a spiced up, or boozed up stew, but a more traditional recipe that featured frequently on the menu of my Irish childhood. The vegetables I use are carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic and mushrooms. The herbs are simple – thyme and bay leaves. The flavors are subtle, typically Irish and definitely not hot and spicy like many stews from other countries and cuisines…. Read more and get the complete recipe here.

 

 

 

 

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a favorite after dinner drink all over the world and consists of sweetened coffee with a shot of Irish whiskey, topped off with a layer of lightly whipped cream. But did you ever wonder how on earth Ireland became famous for a coffee cocktail rather than a tea based tipple?… Read more and learn the history of Irish coffee here.