Here’s a new monthly feature – a little recap to keep you updated on everything that happened on and off the blog this month. I’m calling it our virtual cuppa tea and a chat, so pour yourself a cuppa and let’s have a chat about our little corner of the internet. Here I’ll feature new […]
The Celtic Festival Of Samhain
Samhain is an ancient Celtic Feast and seasonal festival that dates back to pre-Christian times in Ireland, and other Celtic nations like Scotland and Wales. In modern times, people all over the world celebrate Halloween, but very few are aware of its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain – The Celtic New […]
Origins Of The Jack O’Lantern
Did you know that our Halloween Jack O’Lanterns have Irish origins? These beloved symbols of Halloween are carved throughout the United States and Canada each and every year, but their roots are firmly Irish. Did you know this annual Halloween tradition of carving out pumpkins or rutabagas to create light-up lanterns was a tradition brought […]
Christmas Chocolate Yule Log
Chocolate Yule Logs are a Christmas time treat in Ireland and a baking tradition in many Irish homes, that started many, many years ago to remember a very old tradition. Christmas Chocolate Yule Logs are baked as a more modern representation of the enormous logs once burned in the open hearth all through the Christmas […]
Holly And Ivy As Christmas Decorations
Holly branches festooned in red berries together with ivy leaves were transformed into festive Christmas decorations when I was growing up in Ireland. Have you ever wondered why this beautiful greenery is associated with Christmas? Why are we drawn to nature at this time of year, when the days are longer and the nights seem […]
Most Popular Halloween Candy In America – State By State Analysis
Have you ever wondered which candy is most popular in America at Halloween? Does candy corn beat out all other sweet and spooky treats? Today’s post is for Halloween and candy lovers. It’s an interactive map exploring candy favorites throughout America. Simply hover your mouse over the map below to discover the most popular Halloween […]
Easy Pumpkin Carving – Book Giveaway
This Halloween 64 million Americans will carve a pumpkin, but did you know the Irish brought the tradition of carving pumpkins at Halloween to America? Note: This post contains affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission should you choose to purchase a product through this link. The price you pay does not […]
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 […]
In The Words Of Saint Patrick
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Today’s the day when the whole world is a little bit Irish. But this year, rather than getting carried away with the wearing of the green, or drowning of the shamrock with green beer, or indulging in fluorescent green “Irish” food, I thought I would simply take a look at some […]
Why Celebrating New Year In January Is A Relatively New Custom In Ireland
Did you know that marking the beginning of each new year on January 1st is a relatively new custom in Ireland? Believe it or not, this practice is less than 300 years old. Until recent years New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations were very subdued in Ireland. The Irish national folklore archive does […]
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