Faith flattens mountains is an old Irish saying and an example of the deep spiritual wisdom of our ancestors. Pearls of wisdom found in old Irish proverbs were passed on by our forebears for centuries and millennia. I would go so far as to say, these old adages and dictums can even provide a reliable, […]
Wise Old Words From Ireland
Here you'll find a collection of wise old words from our ancestors, that includes proverbs, sayings, expressions, Hiberno-English, blessings and much more. I hope you enjoy exploring your Irish heritage on these pages.
Irish Proverbs About Proverbs
The Irish or Gaelic oral tradition is replete with numerous proverbs and sayings. Our ancestors composed many little nuggets of advice, and some of their words are overflowing with Irish wit and wisdom. Around this little corner of the internet we love to examine these old sayings and immerse ourselves in the soft whisperings of […]
Irish Turf Giveaway
How many Irish childhood’s involved raking up ashes of the previous night’s turf fire? How many of us have inhaled the special earthy herbal aroma of burning sods of turf? And how often did we warm ourselves by the hearth, the very heart of Irish homes in days gone by? Image Credit Irish thatched cottages […]
Irish Potato Sayings
Irish people love potatoes, so as you can imagine, there are many wise old words from Ireland that place great significance upon the potato. I grew up eating potatoes everyday for dinner in Ireland. Pasta and rice may have gained popularity in my homeland over the past few decades buy many of my parent’s generation […]
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, […]
Irish Words of Wisdom For Labor Day – The Importance of Hard Work
As we Americans celebrate Labor Day today, I thought it might be interesting to gather old Irish sayings that speak to the importance of work and labor in our lives. The Irish throughout the world are not known for their riches or affluent lifestyles, but throughout the ages the Irish have never been afraid of […]
Irish Sayings About Education
Wise old words from Ireland abound including advice on the importance of education. Our ancestors held plenty of opinions and their respect for a good education is clearly evident in some old Irish sayings. Back to school time is upon us. Kentucky kids are already waiting in line for school buses every morning, and […]
When Life Gives You Lemons
Summer is here and lemonade season is upon us. Every time I squeeze a lemon for juice, I smile and think of the old proverbial saying … “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” What an encouraging, optimistic, can-do phrase, loved throughout America! Today let’s explore the origins of this phrase and let […]
The Triads Of Ireland
The Triads of Ireland refer to a collection of early Irish proverbs presented in threes. Here’s an example of an Irish triad … “Three things which justice demands: judgment, measure, conscience.” First compiled in the 9th century these usually wise words comprise three items that share a memorable trait. The reason I say […]
Irish Wisdom And Sayings About Horses
Horses were highly prized in ancient Irish culture. Deference for our equine companions continues to this very day. Both Ireland and Kentucky, my two homes on either side of the Atlantic, are renowned for breeding magnificent racehorses. So I thought it was high time I explored the connection between the Irish and horses. This collection […]
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