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 […]
Irish Life Today
Here you'll find ramblings and reflections about Irish life today in modern Ireland. We'll explore the cultural nuances that make life in Ireland unique and worthwhile.
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. […]
Irish You Were Here – Monthly Update From Anne Driscoll
A few weeks ago I introduced you to Anne Driscoll, an American living in Ireland who loves to share her Irish evolution through her writing and books. Anne has graciously agreed to send me monthly updates on her shenanigans and adventures which I’m delighted to share with you today. And so, without further ado, let […]
Introducing “Fields of Rye” By Des Garvin
County Mayo is the setting for Des Garvin’s new book, Fields of Rye, based on the folklore and genealogy of Shrataggle and its surrounding villages. Two hundred years of family histories are shared, including stories of the two prominent families in the area, the Garvins and the O’Malleys. Other family names from the area include the O’Tooles, […]
A Candle In The Window – An Irish Christmas Tradition
Lighting a candle in the window is a Christmas Eve memory I cherish from my Irish childhood. Every Christmas Eve we placed a single red candle in the window. My mother always told me we were lighting the way for Mary and Joseph on their way to find the stable in Bethlehem. Our family candle […]
Taphophiles and Graveyard Seats – Guest Post by Mattie Lennon
Graveyard seats may seem an unusual topic for a blog post, but in today’s installment Irish writer Mattie Lennon explores the idea of adding seats to Irish cemeteries. Graveyards, both old and new, are an integral feature not only of the Irish rural landscape, but are also painstakingly preserved and cherished amidst urban city sprawl. […]
Old Irish Ways Heritage Museum
I believe preserving the past for the future is a very important task, and today I’m delighted to introduce a rural heritage museum where Ireland’s past is treasured and shared. Located just outside Bruff, County Limerick, Old Irish Ways is a folk heritage museum, where memorabilia from our past is lovingly restored and preserved. Denis […]
Pop Up Pub – An Innovative Business Idea From Ireland
Irish pubs are renowned the world over for their warm welcome and atmosphere. Traditionally the Irish pub was a community center, used as a gathering place where people could chat, tell stories, and share a drink or two. Mother of two, Catriona Mulhern from Donegal has launched a new business idea in Ireland and the […]
The Aromas Of The Irish Countryside
Ireland is a land of magnificent scenery. But did you know a trip to Ireland is not merely a feast for the eyes? The Irish countryside not only stimulates the visual senses, but can at times over stimulate the olfactory nerve. Yes! That poor old nerve, that carries our sense of smell, works overtime when […]
The Mother by Patrick Pearse
Today, May 3rd 2016, marks one hundred years since Pádraig Pearse (1879-1916) was executed for his part in the Easter Rising of 1916. Today my thoughts turn to his mother, who not only lost Pádraig, but merely one day later lost a second son, Willie. As people all over the United States prepare to celebrate […]
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