County Kildare is Dublin’s western neighbor. This inland county offers plenty of history, spectacular scenery, ancient castles and warm welcoming towns. Image Credit Location of County Kildare: In 1297 Kildare was first shired. It is the ancient home of the Fitzgerald family, and is one of the twelve counties of the province of Leinster. […]
Archives for May 2015
On Being A Blow-in
In small rural Irish villages the term ‘blow-in’ is often used to classify anyone not born in the immediate surrounding locality. In other words a blow-in is a person who has relocated to an area, who has no roots there. Image Credit Using Irish terminology I am a ‘blow-in’ to Kentucky. In fact I’ve been […]
Irish Myths And Legends Audio Book Giveaway
Ireland is a land of myth and legend, with epic tales from days gone by describing mysterious worlds, where nature and magic exist side by side. Irish children grow up hearing stories of brave warriors and fearless saints. Today I’m delighted to publish a guest post by David Murphy, co-author and presenter of two new […]
The Thatched Cottage As A Symbol Of Ireland
The thatched roof cottage with whitewashed walls is a powerful symbol of Ireland, often featured on postcards. This quaint, traditional image immediately represents Ireland for many people throughout the world. I love thatched cottages so I made a short video to accompany this blog post, as a tribute to the rural homes of my ancestors. I […]
Irish Poems For Mother’s Day
Ireland is a land of poets and poetry. What better way could there be to celebrate Mother’s Day, than to explore how Irish poets have immortalized mothers in lyrical words and verses over the years. Image Credit If you have visited my blog before, my love of poetry will be no surprise. Little ditties, Irish […]
Introducing Crestleaf – An Outstanding Genealogy Website
Sifting through family history resources and genealogy websites can be a daunting task if you are one of the many Americans eager to trace your roots. Notice: Crestleaf is no longer in existence. However, if you are one of the 33.3 million Americans of Irish ancestry help is close at hand. The […]
Bring Me Back A Rock!
A stick of rock! Who remembers these tubes of hardened sugar, we savored as kids. In Ireland these traditional, cylindrical, boiled sweets were usually dyed pink and white, or sometimes festooned in our patriotic colors of green, white and orange. When a friend or relative was heading to the beach, or seaside as we say […]
History Of The Aran Sweater Plus A Giveaway From Standún, Spiddal
Hand knitting is an ancient craft, perfected by the people of Ireland, where sheep and wool are plentiful. The Aran sweater has evolved into a national icon, and I consider it to be Ireland’s most significant contribution to international style. In today’s post we’ll explore the origins of these traditional Irish sweaters and I’ll introduce […]
If I Were A Lady …. I’d Wear A Hat
It’s Kentucky Derby weekend, and the people of Louisville are donning their finest attire for a day at the races. Ornate hats will balance atop the heads of well-heeled ladies, as they watch the Run for the Roses tomorrow. Image Credit These fashion statements of Churchill Downs may be relics of the past, yet Kentucky […]
