In today’s post we’ll unravel the history of Irish tweed, traditional woolen fabric woven in County Donegal. The skillful weavers of Donegal have been producing tweed for centuries using local wool and natural dyes to create distinctive caps, suits and vests. Today I’m delighted to introduce you to the history and traditions behind tweed in […]
County Longford – The Heart of Ireland
County Longford lies at the heart of Ireland and is steeped in ancient Irish mythology and lore. From the reedy shores of Lough Gowna to the banks of the River Shannon, the quiet countryside of County Longford overflows with rural charm. A low-lying, inland county, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dreamland. Image Credit Come join me […]
Monthly Update From Anne Driscoll
It’s time for our monthly update from Anne Driscoll, an American living in Ireland, who shares her Irish adventures and insights into what it means to be Irish, and to become Irish. And so, without further ado, let me hand you over to Anne….. Introducing Ireland To Friends: It’s exactly three years and eight months […]
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 […]
Family Fun In Killarney
Did you know Trivago named Killarney in County Kerry as one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world for 2016? Wow! Now that’s high praise indeed for one of the friendliest places on earth. Killarney is a very special little corner of the world and this little town has so much to offer […]
Furrowed Fields
In the west of Ireland furrowed fields hug the coastline. Many a passer-by pays little to no attention to this ridged farmland, totally unaware these markings are the remnants of our ancestors’ toil. Referred to as lazy beds, these scars on the Irish countryside are evidence of an abandoned system of potato cultivation that once […]
Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is a craggy island off the coast of Ireland’s County Kerry. Every summer this rocky outcrop in the Atlantic ocean welcomes tourists to climb its steep, jagged steps to explore an ancient monastery built upon its stony ledges. Beehive huts and stone oratories, constructed by monks of olden days, have stood the test […]
Irish Roadside Art
Driving Ireland’s highways and byways is a feast for the eyes, as motorists pass by some magnificent works of art. I love Ireland’s roadside art displays. Some may disagree with me, considering them a distraction, but for me these motorway masterpieces add a little intrigue to every journey. Today I thought I’d share some of the […]
Furze – The Yellow Flower Of The Irish Landscape
Ireland’s hills and hedgerows are blooming with the golden glow of yellow furze. This prolific plant adds stunning color to the Irish landscape each and every year. A Plant Of Many Names: Now this hill brightening plant bears many names throughout Ireland. I grew up calling it furze. In northern counties this landscape illuminator […]
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 […]
