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. Christening dresses are often called baptismal gowns. In the past, Irish babies of both genders wore a gown when being baptized. Today, […]
Symbols Of Ireland
Ireland has many famous emblems - the Irish tricolor, the shamrock, and the harp to name a few. But many, many things remind me of Ireland. Every time I see a rainbow in the sky, I think of the Emerald Isle. But these are easily identifiable symbols of Ireland. My list of iconic symbols is far longer and includes sods of turf, Irish dressers, round towers, ogham stones and Celtic knots. The list goes on and on. Join me in this section as we discover the many things in life, both big and small, that trigger a nostalgic longing for Ireland in our souls.
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? Origins Of The Word Boreen: The word ‘boreen’ literally means “little […]
Discover The Book Of Kells Through Trinity College’s Free Online Course
The Book of Kells is one of Ireland’s most famous cultural treasures, and can be found carefully preserved and on display in Trinity College, Dublin. The Book of Kells is the world’s most famous medieval manuscript and dates from the 9th century. It is a richly decorated copy of the four Gospels and portrays the […]
Introducing Claddagh Design – A Modern Twist On Traditional Irish Jewelry
The Claddagh ring is a beloved symbol of Ireland and today I’m delighted to introduce you to a very talented silversmith from County Cork who is creating magnificent Claddagh jewelry with a modern Irish twist. Plus do read on. Claddagh Design is offering a generous 20% discount for Irish American Mom’s readers, valid until August […]
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. Image Credit I think of dolmens as symbols of Ireland. When I was a little girl we would always be on the lookout […]
Aran Sweater Giveaway From Standún, Spiddal
Did you know the Aran sweater, a highly recognizable symbol of Ireland, will feature as an iconic fashion design of the twentieth century in an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York? Is Fashion Modern? opens on October 1, 2017 and runs through January 28, 2018, at the Museum of Modern Art, West […]
Bog Cotton
Trembling in summer breezes, bog cotton brightens the Irish landscape. These fluffy, feathery blooms are found where their name suggests, bang smack in the middle of Ireland’s beautiful bogs. Ireland’s bogs and peatlands may not hold precious memories for those who were forced as kids to cut and stack turf, but trust me Ireland’s bogs […]
The Metal Gate – Ireland’s Picture Frame
Metal farm gates are found dotted around Ireland’s countryside. Whether separating fields, or protecting the entrance to verdant green pastures these functional entryways are part of my Irish memories. These gates are so widespread around Ireland I am going to venture so far as to say, I consider them a symbol of Ireland. I know, […]
Painted Clans Giveaway For Father’s Day
Irish clans are traditional family or kinship groupings that share a common surname and heritage. The Irish last names we bear so proudly are handed down to us from our fathers. So, I thought Father’s Day would be the perfect time to explore our Irish clans and crests. And to really help us celebrate Father’s […]
Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge
Dublin’s iconic Ha’penny Bridge turns 200 years young this week. The bicentenary of the opening of this ornate, metal, pedestrian bridge was celebrated on May 19th, 2016. And so I thought today I might share some photos of this magnificent structure that elegantly spans the River Liffey, connecting the north side and the south side […]
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