Most Recent Post and Other Highlights

Irish Style Easter Eggs

Easter eggs are part of Irish life and have been for decades. However, Irish Easter eggs are different to the American variety. Today’s blog post explores Irish Easter egg traditions and how eggs and bunnies came to be associated with Easter. Plus you’ll find information on where to buy Irish Easter eggs online in the United States…. Read more here.

Inspirational Irish Words And Sayings

Irish language words are lyrical and soothing and can bring peace and calm.  My Irish ears find solace in these uplifting sounds, and in the lilting syllables of the Irish language, one of the six Gaelic languages. And so today, let’s examine the power of Irish words to soothe our troubles…. Read more here.

The Irish Cookbook Giveaway

The Irish Cookbook, by acclaimed Irish chef Jp McMahon, is a celebration of Ireland’s rich culinary heritage, the unique flavors and produce of this fertile land, and the warm welcoming hospitality of the Irish people. I’m delighted to host a giveaway for a copy of this spectacular book…. Read more and enter for a chance to win by March 22nd, 2020.

Donegal – The Most Beautiful Place On Earth

Today I have a treat for you – a gorgeous song written and performed by John Lindsay, that celebrates the amazing coastline of Donegal, along the Wild Atlantic Way.  Fantastic drone video shot on location in Donegal is accompanied by the poignant, nostalgic lyrics of this original song. I hope you enjoy this magnificent video, highlighting the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way…. Read more and watch the video here.

Innovative Educational Books By Boys Town Press

Boys Town Press is the publishing division of Boys Town, an amazing organization founded in Omaha, Nebraska by an Irish priest, Father Edward Flanagan. Boys Town Press is a mission-driven organization, whose publications are based on the proven techniques used in their Boys Town Programs. Thanks to the good folks there I have a gift bundle of children’s books to giveaway…. Read more and enter to win here.

Saint Brigid’s Links To Lisbon, Portugal

Did you know that Saint Brigid of Ireland is highly regarded and revered in Portugal? In the village of Lumiar, about six miles from Lisbon, and in the parish church of St. John the Baptist, is a chapel, dedicated to Ireland’s beloved Saint Brigid.  Here a relic of the saint, her actual skull, has been preserved and revered for centuries… Read more here.

Doneraile Park Calendar Giveaway

Doneraile Park in County Cork is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Boasting 166 hectares of land, with a beautifully restored old house, an 18th Century landscaped park, the Awbeg river, deer, forest pathways and mature groves of deciduous trees, this is truly one of North Cork’s hidden gems. Today I have five Doneraile Park 2020 calendars to give away to readers. Featuring lovely scenes of the 18th century home and surrounding park, this is a perfect way to celebrate Ireland throughout the year…. Read more and enter the giveaway here.

Slieve Binnian – A Peak In The Mourne Mountains

Slieve Binnian is a mountainous peak nestled in the Mountains of Mourne. It’s the third highest peak in Northern Ireland reaching a height of 2,451 feet or 747 metres. On a sunny day, those who make it to Binnian’s summit are rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery in all of County Down, or in all of Ireland, or even in all the world…. Read more and take an armchair tour here.

The Hadley Academy For The Improbably Gifted By Conor Grennan – Book Giveaway

The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted is a fantasy novel that follows a teenage boy’s unlikely journey to save the world. Written by New York Times best selling author Conor Grennan, I’m delighted to let you know about this young adult, dystopian thriller…. Read more and enter the giveaway here.

Discover Dursey Island On Ireland’s Only Cable Car

Dursey Island lies off the coast of County Cork at the south westerly point of the Beara Peninsula, a mountainous promontory jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Come take a photographic tour of this spectacular Ireland, and learn about its place in Ireland’s tragic history…. Read more here.

Introducing Celtic Roots Apparel – Irish County Baseball Caps

Celtic Roots Apparel is a new Irish American company specializing in high quality, sustainably manufactured baseball caps, that celebrate our Irish heritage and Ireland’s unique contribution to American culture. Celtic Roots Apparel is sponsoring a giveaway for Irish American Mom readers…. Read more and enter to win an Irish county baseball cap.

Wrap Yourself In Ireland

Loominations, is an Irish company specializing in custom throws with beautiful Irish designs. Their spectacular Map of Ireland throw blanket truly caught my eye. This is a stunning design featuring the awe inspiring Irish landscape and rich heritage sites. With this throw, you can quite literally wrap yourself up in Ireland… Read more here.

The Dog Who Lost His Bark By Eoin Colfer

Eoin Colfer is an Irish Children’s Laureate. His new book, The Dog Who Lost His Bark, is a poignant, uplifting story of a young boy, his new puppy, and the power of music to heal. This short novel boasts beautiful hand-drawn, emotive and detailed illustrations by PJ Lynch,which bring the story to life for young readers…. Read more and enter for a chance to win a copy of this Irish children’s book.

Strong Roots And HOME: Irish Trees And A Giveaway From My Irish Jeweler

You could reasonably say that trees are firmly rooted in Irish culture. The ancient Celts revered them, with sacred trees located in the heart of their settlements, rooting them to their home. In today’s post we’ll travel back through Irish history, through the lens of Trees in Ireland. From the time before the era of the Celts, through to today, with a look to Ireland’s forested future. Plus we have a beautiful Sterling Silver Tree of Life Pendant from My Irish Jeweler for one lucky reader to win…. Read more and enter the giveaway here by Sunday, October 13th, 2019.

Canvas Ireland Shoulder Bag Giveaway

If you love your Irish heritage, why not display your pride with a lovely canvas shoulder bag with a fun, and funky Ireland logo. Today I’m delighted to share a lovely canvas shoulder bag, designed with the traveler in mind, as a prize for one lucky reader to win….. Read more and enter the giveaway here by Sunday October 6th, 2019.

Words Of Wisdom And Faith Found In Saint Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer

St. Patrick’s Breastplate is a faith-filled prayer from the 5th century, and is attributed to Ireland’s patron saint. This litany or invocation is said to have been written by Saint Patrick in the year 433 A.D. as he appealed for divine protection… Read more here.

Visual Proof You Must See Sherkin Island

Visiting an Irish island can be a truly memorable experience, especially when the sun shines. Ireland is an island itself, but did you know there are about 80 large islands off the coast of the Emerald Isle, and about 20 of these islands are still inhabited? Today we’re going to take a photographic tour of one of these small isles off the Irish coast…. Read more and check out my short video photo gallery here.

A Tribute To My Irish American Mom

Irish mothers are unique and exceptional, supportive and attentive, caring for us in their uncomplicated and quiet ways. Here is a poignant tribute to one reader’s Irish American Mom…. Read more here.

Celtic Christening Gowns As Family Heirlooms

Christening gowns are part of our Irish cultural heritage. For centuries these gowns have been a meaningful way for Irish families to express their faith and family traditions. They’re symbolic works of art. This post introduces the beautiful work of Helen Marie Moore from County Galway who designs hand crafted christening gowns with embroidered Celtic designs…. Read more here.

Old Irish Boreens

Boreen is a word used frequently in rural Ireland. It’s a beloved term, conjuring homesickness and nostalgia for many. But have YOU ever wondered what this frequently used little word means? And so, today I thought we might explore, WHAT is a boreen?…. Read more here.

Irish Immigrant Song Tugs On The Heartstrings

Remembering those who have gone before us, and paved the way for us here in America, is important in this little corner of the world wide web. Today I have a lovely immigrant tale to share with you, one that is memorialized in a touching folk song that tugs on the heartstrings….. Read more here.

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Irish Famine Burial Pits In Skibbereen

Ireland is home to many Famine Memorials and Graveyards. Abbeystrewry Graveyard located in Skibbereen in County Cork is a beautiful, yet poignant memorial to the victims of the Great Irish Famine.  This unmarked, mass grave is the resting place of over 9000 men, women and children. Let’s explore the significance of this Irish Famine Memorial in Skibbereen, County Cork….. Read more here.

Turas Éireann – An Irish Tour Company That Goes The Extra Mile

Turas Éireann, a new Irish tour operator, is offering experienced, driver-guided, luxury tours of Ireland for groups of up to ten people.  The good folks at Turas Éireann bring you Ireland at your leisure. Dermot, the Irishman behind the company, contacted me to share the curated travel services he offers, so I asked him to write a guest post to help spread the word about his goals and dreams for these personalized tours of Ireland….. Read more here.

Brave Hearts By Jean Mahoney – Book Giveaway

Brave Hearts, by Californian author and fellow Irish American, Jean Mahoney is a novel of tenacity and resolution, bravery and love, recounting the story of her family’s American journey.  I’m thrilled to introduce you to this unforgettable story of grit and determination, set in the colorful San Francisco Bay area and to offer a copy as a prize for a lucky reader to win….. Read more and enter the giveaway here.

Famine Memorial At Ireland Park, Toronto

On Toronto’s waterfront you will find a poignant tribute to Irish immigrants, who made the harrowing transatlantic journey to Canada to escape starvation and disease during the Great Irish Famine of 1845 to 1850.  Created by Irish sculptor, Rowan Gillespie, this memorial creates an artistic link between his original sculptures on the banks of the River Liffey…. learn more here and take a photographic tour of Ireland Park, Toronto.

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The Many Names For Ireland

Ireland is a country of many names. For such a small island it bears an incredibly wide and varied array of titles, from the Ould Sod to the Emerald Isle, the Land of Saints and Scholars to Inishfail, and from Hibernia to Scotia, to name but a few. From the Greeks to the Romans people from far and wide have had their say when naming the island of Ireland. And so today to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, let’s explore the many names for Ireland…… Read more here.

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County Longford – The Heart Of Ireland

County Longford lies at the heart of Ireland and is steeped in ancient Irish mythology and lore.  From the reedy shores of Lough Gowna to the banks of the River Shannon, the quiet countryside of County Longford overflows with rural charm. Come join me today on a photographic tour of this inland treasure, which may seem off the beaten path to many.  However, County Longford is an area of great natural beauty, just waiting to be explored…. Read more here.

Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and leek soup is an Irish classic.  This creamy, filling soup is delicious, especially when served with Irish brown bread.  Learn how to make this simple, soup with step-by-step photographic instructions ….. Get the recipe here.

Irish Hot Whiskey

Hot whiskey is made by mixing smooth Irish whiskey with lemon and cloves and topped off with hot water to create an Irish style cure for colds and flus.  Known as a hot toddy in Scotland, learn how to make the perfect hot whiskey….. Get the complete recipe here.