Most Recent Post and Other Highlights

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.

 

 

 

Sixty Years of Sive

In today’s guest post, Mattie Lennon shares the story and history behind the play”Sive,” which is one of John B. Keane’s most popular plays. Now running at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, here’s how the Druid Theatre Company describes the play … “Nana and Mena bicker and provoke one another in the small smoky cottage where they live with Sive and Mena’s husband, Mike. While Nana dotes on her orphaned granddaughter, Sive, Mena plots to marry the young girl off to an old local farmer for the promise of land and a chance to escape from poverty.”….. Read more here.

 

 

 

Baileys Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée is a classic French dessert consisting of baked cream custard with a crispy caramelized sugar top layer, that simply cracks with lusciousness once you break it with the side of your spoon. Now to give this famous French dessert an Irish flair I decided to add a little of Ireland’s favorite cream liqueur to the custard, taking this classic dessert to decadent new heights… Read more and get the complete recipe here.

 

 

 

The Chieftains In Las Vegas

Great news for all Irish traditional music lovers. The Chieftains, an iconic Irish band, are embarking on an impressive tour this year and are kicking things off with a show-stopping performance at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas on Feb. 22, 2018. Anybody who may find themselves in Nevada next week, prepare for an unforgettable night celebrating the very best of Irish music and dance…. Read more here.

 

 

Eve’s Pudding

Eve’s pudding was a favorite dessert in Ireland when I was growing up. A baked sponge tops deliciously sweetened and stewed apples, making it a comforting winter treat. A traditional British pudding, it was cooked in Ireland too and probably brought across the Irish sea by the many wonderful Irish cooks who worked in the kitchens of England’s aristocratic homes…. Read more and get the recipe with step-by-step photo instructions.

 

 

 

New Book Giveaway – The Missing Wife by Irish Author Sheila O’Flanagan

Sheila O’Flanagan’s most recent novel “The Missing Wife” will be released in the United States on February 6, 2018. To mark Sheila’s US publishing debut I am delighted to offer a copy of her novel for a reader to win. Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sponsoring this prize. Sheila was ever so kind to answer a few questions about her novel, her writing and her inspirations…. Read my interview with Sheila O’Flanagan 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.