Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day will be very different this year, with no large gatherings, parades, or dancing in the streets. Many had planned trips to Ireland for this special day, which unfortunately needed to be canceled. March 17th will be a much more sedate affair this year, with the annual global greening in honor of […]
Irish Tweed Giveaway
Irish tweed is part of Ireland’s cultural heritage, and this fabric continues to be made in County Donegal to this very day. Anna Dobson, from the Love Mo Chuisle brand of Irish tweed clothing, says about Irish tweed … “I believe there is beauty in tradition. Add contemporary innovation. With tweed you can never […]
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 […]
History Of The Aran Sweater Plus A Giveaway From Standún, Spiddal
Hand knitting is an ancient craft, perfected by the people of Ireland, where sheep and wool are plentiful. The Aran sweater has evolved into a national icon, and I consider it to be Ireland’s most significant contribution to international style. In today’s post we’ll explore the origins of these traditional Irish sweaters and I’ll introduce […]
Irish Cultural Artifacts
Ireland is a country rich in heritage and culture, and is well known for its Celtic history, music, and time-honored clothing. From aran sweaters to claddagh rings, many of the patterns and designs used in traditional Irish clothing and jewelry have hidden symbolism and can be traced to intriguing Irish stories and legends. In this […]
Five Irish Craft Makers To Watch Plus A $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway From USofIreland
In Ireland something of a mini revolution is taking place. The creative and design industry is beginning to find a growing audience of buyers looking for something different outside of the obvious. Being Irish means something, especially to anyone who has a cultural connection to Ireland. It’s a sense of ancestry and home, even if […]
The Ring Of Kerry – Distinctive Irish Jewelry by Paul F. Kelly
The ancient Irish were accomplished goldsmiths. The earliest golden ornaments discovered in Ireland date back as far as 2000 B.C. Lunulae were thinly beaten sheets of metal worn around the neck by our noble predecessors. Image Credit Celtic craftsmen from the first millenium created astonishingly beautiful artifacts like the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch, […]
Handmade Cards – Perfect For The Holidays
Handmade Christmas cards are a perfect way to let friends and family know you are thinking of them this holiday season. Today I thought I might introduce you to the beautiful handiwork of one of my most loyal readers. Believe it or not, her name is Mairead (rhymes with parade) also. She is an Irish-born […]
