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 […]
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. An Armchair Photo Tour Of Slieve Binnian: On a sunny day, those who make it to Binnian’s summit are rewarded with some of the […]
The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted By Conor Grennan
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. Plus I’m also thrilled to introduce you to Conor Grennan, an […]
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. Today I have a visual treat for you. Come take an armchair tour of this lovely island with me. Thanks to Barb, a reader in Boston, for sending […]
Wren Day – An Irish Tradition On Saint Stephen’s Day
The day after Christmas is known as Wren Day in Ireland. Dressing up in straw costumes and parading around town or the countryside on Saint Stephen’s Day, is part of our ancient Irish heritage, especially in rural parts of the country. When I was growing up in Ireland my father would always recite a […]
Christmas Pantomimes – An Irish Cultural Tradition
A trip to the theater to see a pantomime is an Irish Christmas tradition that dates back many years. These shows run in theaters all over Ireland from December, right through January. The days after Christmas are a favorite time to go see a pantomime or “panto” as we say for short. This is a […]
May You Never Forget What Is Worth Remembering
Here’s a lovely lesson for all of us at Christmas time, brought to us by our Irish ancestors. I believe this is a good motto for life. “May you never forget what is worth remembering, Or remember what is best forgotten.” As you celebrate the holiday season with family and friends, let this old […]
Happy Christmas 2019
Wishing all the readers of Irish American Mom all over the world a very happy and peaceful Christmas. In Irish we say… Nollaig Shona Duit This is pronounced like this – null-ig hun-ah dh-itch This is how we say happy Christmas to one person. If you would like to wish a happy Christmas to […]
A Dip In The Forty Foot – A Dublin Christmas Tradition
Taking a plunge in the icy waters of the Irish sea off Dublin’s coastline is a Christmas Day tradition in Ireland’s capital city. This is not a feat for the faint of heart. Throngs of hardy Dubliners brave the freezing waters off the Forty Foot in Sandycove, one of Ireland’s most historic bathing spots. […]
May You Be As Contented As Christmas Finds You
Christmas is a time for peace and contentment, and finding the joy in life. Here is a beautiful Irish blessing or toast, reflecting the peacefulness of the season. “May you be as contented As Christmas finds you, All the year round.” If you would like to print this blessing here are some free […]
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