Have you ever pondered what exactly you love about Ireland? Why does this little island on the edge of Europe capture our imaginations?
Visitors to Ireland speak fondly of their memories and cherished moments on the highways and byways of this often rainy little corner of the world. Many who have not yet traveled to Ireland report it's the country right on top of their bucket list of places to visit.
In today's blog post, Irish American author, Martha Geaney, answers this question about her love of Ireland and shares why Ireland is the setting for her mystery novel series.
Plus a little good news. Today's post is a giveaway. Martha has graciously provided some signed copies of her books for a lucky reader to win.
But before we delve into the details of the competition, let me first hand you over to Martha so we can learn how Ireland inspires her writing....
Table of Contents
What is it about Ireland that you love?
Is it the landscape, the history, the culture, or the people?
I have to admit that I love it all.
It may seem odd then that I choose to write a cozy mystery series (which features at least one death in each book) in one of the places I love so much: County Mayo, Ireland. Let me try to explain.
Céad Míle Fáilte
Ireland: Land of a Hundred Thousand Welcomes. This Gaelic phrase is something I’ve seen and heard countless times since I was four years old. That’s when I made my first visit to Counties Mayo and Cork with my parents. Over the years I’ve traveled to Ireland many times and have always experienced the warmth and welcoming spirit of the Emerald Isle.
For me the land of a hundred thousand welcomes has an even deeper meaning. My mother left Ireland when she was sixteen years old. Fortunately, she has returned to her homestead many times. She and my father even lived in County Mayo for a few years after they purchased a family cottage in French Hill, Castlebar when I was in my thirties.
But my mom was the only one of her siblings who left Ireland. So, for me and my two brothers growing up in New York and New Jersey, it was a special treat to go to Ireland. What a welcome! The excitement of meeting aunts, uncles, and cousins. It didn’t matter how many times I went to Ireland; the welcome was always there, always fresh.
People here in the US would often ask: “Aren’t you afraid to travel alone?” Me: “no”. Not when my trip took me to French Hill, Castlebar, County Mayo. There was family to see. Tea to be brewed. (Oh, as much as they love me, they wouldn’t want me to brew the tea…too weak), brown bread and butter to eat.
It doesn’t matter where you go in Ireland…someone will always welcome you. There will always be a cup of tea (cupán tae) if you need it.
In my opinion, it takes trust, respect, love, and the idea of liability for each other to create and live in community with each other. Yes, we are all individuals but I believe our sense of being also comes from our relationships with others. These relationships often shape who we are, our spirit, and our mind.
My Heart Belongs to County Mayo
All the welcomes, the cups of tea, the love, the support, and understanding for someone who pops into the country once in a while have become the foundation of who I am as an Irish American.
I often say that my heart belongs to County Mayo. I’ve visited so many of its thin places: those stunningly spiritual places in Ireland where I feel like there is heaven on earth collapsed into one. They are places like Croagh Patrick, Clare Island, Achill Island, Cong Forest, and Blacksod Bay. I could go on and on.
And so, when I began writing my mystery series, I had no choice. I had to set my stories in County Mayo. And, they had to be set in real places. The stunningly beautiful places. The thin places.
Star O’Brien, the main character in the mystery series, encounters this sense of the beauty and culture of Ireland when she, an American, arrives in County Mayo.
Star, who is searching for her Irish mother, also experiences Ireland’s welcoming spirit as she unravels a local murder mystery and continues her relentless search for her mother.
Meet Star O’Brien
“That morning, the sky rose beyond the sea in a luminous ultramarine palette reminding me of Vermeer’s Woman in Blue Reading a Letter. Treading the grassy path from the Clare Island Lighthouse bed and breakfast down to the harbor, I pictured my mother when she received a letter, many years ago from Clare Island.” (excerpt from “Death on Clare Island: A Star O’Brien County Mayo Mystery”)
The Journey Continues
Over the course of the book series, Star’s life journey will continue to reveal itself as she solves a standalone mystery in each book.
For me, the journey also continues. I continue to write about the places I love. The thin places that call me back to my Irish roots. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, some threads cannot be broken.
About Martha Geaney
Martha Geaney is the author of the Star O’Brien cozy mystery series set in County Mayo, Ireland. Born in New York City, she lived in New Jersey before moving to Florida in 2017.
Her passion for Ireland grew out of her love for her parents and their families. Her father moved to the US from County Cork; and her mother is from Mayo. She has kissed the Blarney Stone twice!
At sixteen, she moved to Castlebar to attend school for two years. Her connections and love of her ancestral homeland deepened during this time spent with her cousins, aunts and uncles. Ireland intrigued her, with it's contrasting lush and rugged landscapes, its welcoming people, and ancient heritage.
Her heroine, Star O’Brien came to life in her imagination, inspired by the people and places of County Mayo.
Before becoming a writer, Martha was a teacher, management consultant, university professor, and dean of a business college. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is currently working on her third Star O’Brien mystery.
You can follow Martha on Facebook, or subscribe to her newsletter here.
Death on Clare Island
The first book in the Star O'Brien series is set on Clare Island, off the coast of County Mayo and is available from Amazon.
Star O'Brien, a successful American information broker who can’t solve the mysteries of her own life, comes to Clare Island in County Mayo, Ireland to settle her dead lover’s estate and look for her Irish mother, who’s been missing since Star was six years old.
As if everything wasn’t complicated enough already, a body is discovered while Star is there. It seems like a closed case involving a drug addict who wandered too close to the edge of Clare’s famously treacherous cliffs. But Star isn’t so sure. She didn’t believe it when the police dismissed her mother’s disappearance. Star must separate fact from fiction in the testimonies of those who were closest to the victim.
As she meticulously uncovers the truth, the fiercely independent Star O’Brien must also own up to her own past while deciding on her future with a charming new confidante.
Death at Ashford Castle
The second Irish cozy mystery, set in County Mayo, brings Star O'Brien back to Ireland. As an independent, inquisitive, amateur sleuth Star O’Brien finds herself chasing down a mysterious woman named Evelyn Cosgrove who may or may not have information about Star’s mother, who’s been missing since Star was six years old.
As if Star’s life isn’t complicated enough, she discovers a female corpse while walking through Cong woods. Star finds herself travelling back and forth from Castlebar to Cong to figure out the motivation behind the victim’s murder.
There are ghost sightings, mysterious break-ins, and a creepy encounter as Star tries to put all the pieces together. You'll find links for purchasing Martha's books on her website.
The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a signed copy of the first two books in the Star O'Brien series.
To enter simply leave a comment on this blog post by noon Eastern Time on Saturday, June 12th, 2021.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you like mystery novels, or books set in Ireland.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, June 12th, 2021, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries here.
A bit thank you to all who support this giveaway and share it with family and friends.
Any many thanks to Martha for so generously sponsoring this prize.
Update - Winner Chosen
Our winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress.
And the lucky reader is ….
Veronica
I’ll send an email to arrange mailing of her prize. A big thank you to everyone for supporting this giveaway by leaving comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every comment.
Thank you all for supporting our Irish American community.
Stay tuned for more stories and giveaways over the coming weeks and months.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Disclosure: I do not have any financial connection with Martha Geaney. The link for purchasing this book is an Amazon affiliate link, which means that if you should purchase this book through this link, I will earn a small commission. The price you pay is not affected.
Images republished with permission from Martha Geaney.
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy…
Lembi
Someday I will go to Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Lembi - I hope it won't be long before you make it to Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Veronica Leigh Vatter
I so want to go to Ireland one day. Not by Ryan Air though 🤣
Irish American Mom
Hi Veronica - Too funny - that was a crazy incident for sure. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Glenna Ehrlich
Loved our trip to Ireland, the people, the food, the landscape.
Irish American Mom
Hi Glenna - Thanks for choosing to celebrate your Irish heritage by following my recipes and ramblings. I really appreciate it. Lovely to hear you had a wonderful trip to Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Brian Casey
Where do I start? Aside from the scenery (breathtaking) and the history (powerful), what I love most is it’s people. The warmth, the hospitality, the acceptance, all unforgettable. Irish people. That’s what I love most about Ireland!
Kathy Gerardi
If a trip to Ireland is not in my future, to read of real places will do. The hope for travel there is always present.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathy - I hope you enjoy my ramblings about Ireland, which I truly love to share. May they bring a little piece of Ireland to you, and help you feel connected to Ireland and all things Irish. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Brian - Beautifully said. It's lovely to hear your take on what there is to love about Ireland. Many readers comment on the warm welcome they experience, and it makes me proud to be Irish. Long may the hundred thousand welcomes or céad míle fáilte of Ireland last. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Nancy Sujeta
I’ve been to Ireland, visited family always kind people warm and engaging. I have loved reading mysteries and novels set in Ireland. I could read all of Maeve Binchy’s books again and again.
Irish American Mom
Hi Nancy - Maeve Binchy's books are keepers on my library shelves. They definitely are books to read and reread, not the ones you read and pass on. Lovely to hear you have been lucky to visit Ireland. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Rachel
I want to go back to Ireland! It is beautiful!
Irish American Mom
Hi Rachel - Lovely to hear you would like to return to Ireland. I hope you make it there soon. Thanks for stopping by to check out my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
sharon Youngblood
I have been to Ireland twice now and dream of may more trips. I immediately felt a deep connection, as if I was returning home. The next beat thing to being in Ireland is to submerge myself in a book so can be transported their in through the story.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - I hope you will get to return to Ireland for another trip someday very soon. In the meantime, a good book with an Irish setting is the best way to transport us there in spirit.
All the best,
Mairéad
Tricia
I have relatives in Ireland and would love to visit!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Tricia - I hope you make it to Ireland someday soon. Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Suzanne
Hello, I made my life long dream trip to Ireland in 2017. I don’t know why, but Ireland has always had a pull on me and, I can’t wait to return.
I love, love, love mysteries, most notably those that take place in Ireland. One of my favorite authors is Tana French, I have read all her books and now I look forward to reading Martha’s books! I love finding new authors! Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Suzanne - I'm so glad this post introduced you to Martha's books. Lovely to hear you are fan of good mysteries, and a mystery set in Ireland is even better yet.
Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Brenda Chambers
I would love to see the castles
Irish American Mom
Hi Brenda - Ireland has many amazing castles dotted all over the landscape. They definitely are worth seeing.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Vivian Latimer
My maternal relatives arrived in South Carolina , USA from County Antrim in the early 1700's. So far, I have yet to visit Ireland except for a brief stop at Shannon Airport on my way to London many years ago. I still hope to visit Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Vivian - Hopefully you'll get to see Ireland and County Antrim someday soon. The scenery along the northern causeway coastal route is spectacular, and the Giant's Causeway is an amazing natural wonder of the world. Many thanks for supporting this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Terrie Sullivan
My maternal great-grandmother was born in County Mayo. I had the pleasure of spending a day there, on an extended trip to Ireland. It felt like "home", and my husband and I plan on going back to Mayo. The mysteries sound fascinating, and as an avid reader I would love to get lucky in the drawing!
Irish American Mom
Hi Terrie - I hope your next trip to County Mayo will not be too far away, and that you will get time to spend a few weeks there. It is a beautiful county with so much to see, do and experience. The scenery is spectacular and there is history all around.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Adrienne Barth
What’s not to love about Ireland!As an Irish immigrant from Dublin there’s nothing like going back home ! As soon as the plane lands in Dublin airport and you hear those familiar Dublin accents you know you’re home and nothing beats showing my American born children the landscapes and a bus ride into town on the familiar double decker buses I could go and on ! Also going out for a meal to the local pubs and having dessert such as bannoffi pie now my daughters fave! Thank you for including the beautiful recipe I cant wait to try it !
Irish American Mom
Hi Adrienne - Lovely to hear you too immigrated from Dublin to the US. My kids loved taking the bus to town. The front seat by the window on the top deck was their favorite when they were young. They were so disappointed if that seat was taken when we boarded the bus. They also loved taking the Dart to Bray. The views of Dublin Bay are amazing once the Dart leaves the city centre on its southbound journey. I hope you will like my banoffee pie recipe. It's a favorite in our house - a little sweet and decadent, but perfect for a special occasion. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Adrienne
Lol yes the front seat in the bus a favorite with the kids but not my dear old mom! Too hard to get down the stairs !lovely to know you are also a fellow Dubliner ! i luv your “ chats /stories behind the recipes the Rice Krispie cakes made me laugh and reminisce ! Please keep it up, it really is like having a cuppa and a chat with an old friend or family member at the table!
Irish American Mom
Hi Adrienne - Thank you so much for your kind words about my blogging efforts. It does my heart good to know that you enjoy these recipes and ramblings. Lovely also to know we have so much in common.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kim Leckey
Would love to visit Ireland some day!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kim - I hope you get to see Ireland in the not too distant future. It's as beautiful as all the photos show it to be.
Many thanks for stopping by,
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kathy
I visited Ireland for 22 hours because of a delayed airplane. I had great cups of tea and saw a bit of Dublin. I want to visit for at least a month and take tea in many different areas.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathy - Next time when you visit Ireland you should treat yourself to afternoon tea. It's such a lovely experience. Nice to hear you got a little taste of Dublin in Ireland during your whirlwind visit. Many thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sabrina
I would love to visit Ireland, one day. The scenery looks absolutely beautiful and the people incredibly friendly! Love the history. Would love to learn more!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sabrina - I hope someday your dream of visiting Ireland comes true. It's a beautiful island, offering a wide variety of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Suzanne
I enjoy reading mysteries and in fact, recently finished one set on a rugged island off Ireland. It was called The Guest List, by Lucy Foley. It was a very good book. I would love to win the books by Martha Geaney!😊
Irish American Mom
Hi Suzanne - Lovely to hear you enjoy reading cozy mysteries. I'm so glad Martha was able to introduce you to her writings, set in Ireland, through this blog post. I really appreciate the support of readers like you who appreciate the books and giveaways I love to share here on my blog.
All the best,
Mairéad
Geraldine Farrell
Both my parents came to NY in their teens leaving much of their families in Ireland. I have 16 first cousins there. We visit almost every year. One year it was 3 times. It just feels like home sitting in my cousin’s kitchen catching up.
Irish American Mom
Hi Geraldine - Lovely to hear you are so connected with your family in Ireland and feel that you are going home when you visit family there. I hope it won't be long before we can all start traveling again and reconnect with our families.
All the best,
Mairéad
Paula
I love mysteries and even better if it's setting is in Ireland!
My grandparents on both sides are from County Mayo and County Kerry, and I'm always trying to learn more about the places of my ancestors. I visited Ireland about 20 years ago and will never forget how welcoming the people were to us- total strangers. I felt like I was home.
Thank you for this giveaway and everything you do!
Irish American Mom
Hi Paula - It sounds like these books would be perfect for you. It's lovely to hear that you experienced such a warm welcome and feeling of coming home when you visited Ireland. I hope you will be lucky enough to return someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Karen B O'Brien
My paternal grandmother was a Barrett from co. Mayo and my married name is O’Brien so this book will be particularly fun for me to read!
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - Thanks for being such a loyal reader and for sharing your family's connections to County Mayo and Ireland. It sounds like these books would be perfect for you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Callie O'Connor
I am Irish from both parents and my great grandparents came from cong Ireland! Which I was 🍀 lucky to visit in 2017 my whole life my heart 💚 belonged to Ireland. I love it there.
Irish American Mom
Hi Callie - Cong is one of the most beautiful villages in County Mayo and Ireland. It is so peaceful there. I'm so glad you had the opportunity to visit the are and walk in the footsteps of your ancestors. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Maureen Koebel
I would love to win this set of mysteries! Win or not...I will be sure to read them 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - Best of luck in our giveaway. Thanks as always for stopping by to check out our new blog posts.
Take care,
Mairéad
Jeff
One of these days, I will have to get a book like this. I have often wondered what day-to-day life is like in (present-day and ancient) Ireland.
Thanks, Mairead!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeff - Reading books set in Ireland is definitely a great way to learn about Irish life. Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Merryellen Towey Schulz
Though I was born and raised in the the US, I love the feeling I have in Ireland of somehow being home when I am there. It took me over 50 years to get to the land of my grandparents, but I have been there three times in the last ten years. I hope to go there many more times.
Irish American Mom
Hi Merryellen - Once you visit Ireland once, it keeps calling you home. Lovely to hear you have been lucky to visit the Emerald Isle on three different occasions. I hope you will have many more wonderful trips home, and that it won't be long before you will be on your way.
All the best,
Mairéad
Donna
This series sounds wonderful and I would love to win the 2 books. I feel such an affinity to Ireland and continue to search for where in Ireland my 2nd great grandparents were from. I would love to take a trip to Ireland. I love reading books that are set in Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Donna - Thanks for being such a loyal reader and for sharing your family's connections with Ireland. I hope someday you will take a trip to Ireland and discover your family roots there. I'm so glad you appreciate the books and giveaways that I share.
All the best,
Mairéad
Abigail Newell
My father’s side came over from Ireland in the early 1900s. I hope to visit some day and see the many wonderful things it has to offer!
Irish American Mom
Hi Abigail - I hope your first trip to Ireland will not be too far away, and that you will get time to spend a few weeks there. Ireland is a beautiful country with so much to see, do and experience. Just be prepared for rain, and you may be pleasantly surprised if the sun shines. The scenery is truly spectacular, even more beautiful than photographs. It has to be seen to be believed.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary Ann
Always so good to see you in my inbox! ❤️
This sounds like a great read, may the luck of the Irish be with me.
Warm regards to you and yours.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ann - I'm delighted to hear you look forward to my emails. Thanks for being such a loyal reader and for supporting our little giveaways.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Maureen
There is so much I love about Ireland. The landscape, the history, the music, etc but what I love most of all is the people. I love to take what I call a magical mystery tour - taking the car and driving in no particular direction and stopping off to talk to all the characters I meet in shops, pubs, wherever. Charming, crabby, funny, animated; they all have their own charm. Entertainment and endearment at its finest. Nowhere like it in the world .
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - Your magical mystery tours sound wonderful. I believe it is the best way to travel, without a set plan, being ready and willing to experience everything and stop and enjoy the moment when opportunities arise. Getting off the well beaten tourist track is highly advised, to wander the highways and byways and the road less traveled. That's where the magic and mystery of Ireland are waiting to be discovered.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Jane C Ruge Petz
When I was in Ireland, I felt like I had finally reached my home. I loved everything about it. The people are so friendly and I just enjoyed seeing the architecture in the cities and the surrounding landscape. I even did a little genealogy research but that proved to be daunting since I had no accurate birthdates or parents names help in the search.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jane - Lovely to hear you felt so connected to Ireland when you visited. Family research is not always easy. It's like piecing a jig saw together, but first you must find the right puzzle. I hope that someday a little clue about your family origins will come your way.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Power
My heart belongs to County Waterford. When I visited Ireland it was the people, so warm and kind. I visited a pub on N25, announced my name, Mary Power, and he gave me my pint and said "I've been singing with your cousin Bernie for years!". I borrowed a guitar and sang The Water is Wide. I was home. From the Blarney Stone, to Dublin, to Cong and Althlone and Galway. Everything was familiar though it was my first trip. I was home.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Lovely to hear about the warm welcome you experienced in that Irish pub, and that you sang for the locals. County Waterford is another lovely spot in Ireland. I lived there when I was very, very young so I have faint memories of my times there. The coastline and the Comeragh Mountains are spectacular. It's lovely to hear you felt so at home all over Ireland, even though it was only your first trip. I hope you make it home again someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Susan Rasmussen
Mysteries are my favorites books but I also loved Maeve Binchy's books set in Ireland, so these novels sound perfect!
Irish American Mom
Hi Susan - So glad to be able to introduce this new series of mysteries set in Ireland. I too love Maeve Binchy's books. Years ago she wrote a column for an Irish newspaper and it was so entertaining. She truly was a talented writer.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ellen Snowdon
Mysteries are a favorite of mine, but to have them set in Ireland makes them even more special However, the people, the history, the beauty are even more reasons. I’ve been there numerous times and can never go enough!
Irish American Mom
Hi Ellen - It sounds like these books with be just perfect for you. Lovely to hear you have experienced such a warm welcome in Ireland. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Elaine Cobb
Mysteries are my favorite novels to read. Being set in Ireland would make it even better.
My maternal Grandmother’s family came from Ireland. It’s always pulled at me.
Irish American Mom
Hi Elaine - Ireland always keeps calling her children home, no matter how many generations separate us from our Irish roots. Thanks for being such a loyal reader and for supporting this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Dineen Stegemiller
For me it is the people of Ireland I love the most.
I have been many times and delighted in every visit.
All my ancestors are from Ireland and I certainly felt
at home. Love mysteries and your settings sound perfect.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - So glad to hear you have experienced the warm welcome of Ireland and her people which made you feel so at home in your ancestral homeland. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway and for being such a loyal reader.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Marilyn
My ancestors are Irish and my first trip to Ireland was with my grandmother, who dearly wanted to visit the "home country" before she died. I was 15 years old and we spent Christmas in Dublin. I have been back many times since and have travelled all around the country. But I'll never forget that first visit when everyone thought my grandmother was Irish. She still had the Irish in her voice as well as her blood.
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - What a wonderful experience to have with your Irish grandmother. You must treasure your memories of that trip home with her. Lovely to hear you have returned over the years and that Ireland still calls you home. Thank you for sharing your memories and story with us today. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Fitzgerald
I am blessed that I have the best friends living in County Mayo. I would visit as much as I could from the U.S. I can't wait to get back for a visit soon I hope! One of our favorite things to do is go for a good walk on the beach and have a seaweed bath. Then eat mussels and have a glass of wine. Ahhh.....the plane ride over will be the longest yet because this is the longest I've ever been away. God willing soon!! Meanwhile - a good read about Mayo will be the next best thing and these books sound really fantastic 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Fingers crossed it won't be long before you can enjoy a seaweed bath in County Mayo. I can taste those fresh mussels as I type. You surely will savor that glass of sine with your mussels when you finally make it back. So many readers are waiting in anticipation of their next trip back to Ireland. Happy planning and hopefully you'll be on your way very soon.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Lisa Mosher
I would to read these novels, they sound very interesting. My mom's great grandma came to America from Ireland so to experience some of that life through these books would be incredible. My dream vacation is a trip to Ireland to see where my family is from. Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lisa - I hope your dream comes true and that you make it to Ireland someday soon. It sounds like these books would be perfect for you. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings and for supporting our little giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Ruth Center
Can't wait to start the County Mayo Mysteries!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ruth - I hope you will enjoy these stories set in Ireland. There perfect for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Celeste Watt
I spent time in Ireland a long time ago and I've never forgotten it. I avidly read books set in Ireland, and I always enjoy mysteries. I have the Irish love of books and stories.
Irish American Mom
Hi Celeste - Your love of stories and books is definitely an Irish thing. Lovely to hear you have such fond memories of your trip to Ireland. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sheila McTeague
Thank you for this opportunity. My favorite genre, mysteries. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Ireland. And miss it. I find the history, landscape, just being in the moment, not to mention family that draws me to this beautiful country.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway. I'm delighted this post could introduce you to a new mystery series set in Ireland. Lovely to hear you feel so connected to Ireland and that Ireland calls you back. I hope you get to visit again someday soon.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
John Ongena
Coming back this year finally for an extended trip, thanks for the articles and the memories.
John
Irish American Mom
Hi John - That's wonderful to hear. I think many people will visit once we're free to roam the world again. Have an amazing trip and thanks for being such a loyal reader.
All the best,
Mairéad
Regan Walker
I love the blog, not just the food, which is great, but learning about the Irish culture. I am impressed from all I've read about the spirit of the Irish. They have endured so much yet they stand strong. And I do love mysteries so a new series would be grand. Thanks!
Irish American Mom
Hi Regan - I too am enjoying everyone's comments on this blog post. It's lovely to learn so many people have experienced the warm welcome offered by the Irish to visitors, but also how much the spirit and tenacity of our Irish ancestors is appreciated all over the world. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Colleen Parenteau
Where do I start, Ireland is just LOVELY! I was born in Minnesota, but
have been beyond blessed to visit Ireland three times. The people are so warm, friendly, inviting. I have family who came from Ireland, to Canada so I've been told and down into Michigan and also Minnesota on my father's side. I wish I knew of family there that I could hug and visit. The scenery is fabulous, the history and stories I could listen to for hours. I enjoy the food (scones, soda and brown bread, yum) and could sit in a pub and just soak up the ambiance. I can't wait to volunteer at the Irish Fair in Minnesota again this year. I enjoy reading a lot and of
course I'm sure I would enjoy the books Martha wrote. I also enjoy your recipes and blog Mairead, thank you for sharing with us. Blessings
to all.
Irish American Mom
Hi Colleen - Hopefully all of the Irish fairs and festivals will be able to go ahead this summer. It will be wonderful to get back to celebrating our Irish heritage. Thanks you for sharing your family story and your love of Ireland. Thanks for being such a loyal reader.
All the best,
Mairéad
Malone
I love mysteries, and would love to visit Ireland. My grandmother was from Cork, but went to school in Dublin before coming to America. She was the very best story teller I’ve ever heard! She had a most beautiful voice and could play the fiddle and the violin. It’s my dream to go over some day and visit all the places she told me about when I was growing up.
Irish American Mom
Hi Malone - Your grandmother inherited the Irish love of storytelling and it's lovely to hear she shared her stories with you and your family. I hope you make it to Ireland someday to visit the land of your ancestors. The people and places may bring your grandmother's stories to life.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ernie Dowd
I am very fortunate to have traveled many times "back home", well my 2nd home, Connemara. I expect to be back in June of 2022. Though Connemara is my favorite for the family ties, Mayo is my favorite place to travel around, Clare Island, Achill Island, Keem Bay.Just too much ground to cover in a lifetime, let alone in one trip! One thing I love is to listen to the different accents within ireland. From Kerry to Connemara to Mayo to the North.....Let's hope this Covid will be behind all of us soon so we can all enjoy family again.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ernie - Lovely to hear you are at home in Connemara and you are so connected with your family in Ireland. June 2022 will be here before we know and I hope you will have a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing your love of all these wonderful places in County Mayo. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Angela Dougherty-Way
Love Ireland and when flying Aer lingus is fantastic way to arrive and depart! So which they would expand to in US flights as well. Wish you all safe travels to Ireland when you are able it is so worth it as you will enjoy it and your health seems to improve from the visit.
Irish American Mom
Hi Angela - I love flying with Aer Lingus too. Glad to hear you too have had great experiences with them. It will great to be able to board an airplane again. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Thank you for this giveaway. I love cozy mysteries. The name Star O'Brien perks my interest. My paternal great grandmother was an O'Brien. I love to read anything about Ireland.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - It sounds like this book is perfect for you, especially since the main character shares a family name. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Bernadette
I love mystery books.
Irish American Mom
Hi Bernadette - Best of luck in our giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad
Kitty
Reading this book while in Ireland would be the best thing. One of my first purchases when I was there was a book to read.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kitty - A good book is a must for any vacation. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Joan
Mairead I have been doing Genealogy for many,many years. My Irish roots are just names of Great Grand parents. I love reading books on Ireland,Mystery,history and many books about Michael Collins. Would love to win this book.
Joan
Irish American Mom
Hi Joan - Lovely to hear you like reading Irish themed books, both fiction and non-fiction. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Marion
This series sounds so good. I am wanting to read it since our paternal great grandmother's name was Mary O'Brien and we know a girl whose name is Star. We think the family comes from Cork since seeing many photos of people in Cork through the years there are many that look like my twin Marilyn and me. Recently a picture of a young girl in Communion clothes is almost identical to my other sister Joan. There are several photos of men that look like dad.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - There are some distinct features that Cork people share, so it's amazing to hear you think you see similarities between Cork people and your family. All my family hails from Cork. There probably was less of a Viking influence in Cork compared to Dublin and Waterford, so there are more dark haired people from around Cork. Thanks for sharing your family story. It's amazing how the name of the heroine in this book series resonates with you. Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
anna connolly
All these lovely comments about Ireland warms my heart as i was born in County Meath but have visited lovely Mayo a few times . Excited about this book--thanks for bringing it to us
Irish American Mom
Hi Anna - Lovely to connect with another Irish born reader. Reading the comments on posts like this is so heart warming, for sure. I too love to learn how Irish Americans view and experience Ireland. It's always nice to know that the world famous Irish welcome still survives. Thanks for stopping by to check out my recipes and ramblings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Charlene
I've read countless books set in Ireland. My mother's grandmother was from Clare, & I lived in Co Kerry a few years ago. 'Sure would love to read your mystery!
Irish American Mom
Hi Charlene - I always enjoy a good book with an Irish setting. I think you might enjoy these mysteries set in County Mayo. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sara Rice
I have read many books set in Ireland - mostly Dublin and Cork. County Mayo sounds magical and I would love to read the new books by Martha Geaney. How special to read a signed copy!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sara - Martha has been so kind to offer signed copies of her first two books for a lucky reader to win. Lovely to hear you have read many books with an Irish setting. Thanks for supporting this little giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Victoria Althoff
Ireland is a hoped-for destination, too long diverted by family crises. Hoping this year will be different. Meanwhile, I continue to read about County Mayo and general Irish myths. Thank you for the opportunity to try the recipes and apply for the giveaway as I'm an avid reader and writer.
Irish American Mom
Hi Victoria - I hope your dream of visiting Ireland will come true very soon. Thank you for reading my recipes and ramblings. I hope they help you feel connected to Ireland and all things Irish.
All the best,
Mairéad
kellie rogers
This book series sounds like one I’d like. We were supposed to take a 3 week land tour of Ireland last May, but Covid…😢. We are now planning on May/June 2023. Ireland has always been in my heart and I can’t wait to go there-I’m afraid I’ll keep wanting to go back!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kellie - I'm so glad you think you would like this book. So sorry to hear your trip to Ireland got postponed, but it's lovely to hear you are planning to try again in a few years time. I hope Ireland will be everything you ever dreamed it might be, and that you'll experience a warm Irish welcome.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ginger
Ireland calls to me! I've not been able to travel there for a few years and can't wait to return. Thanks Mairead for all you do to keep us all feeling connected to it. I love reading books that take place in Ireland. This sounds like another fun read.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ginger - It sounds like you would enjoy this book series. Lovely to hear that you too feel Ireland calling to you. Hopefully it won't be long before you can return.
Best wishes and thanks for supporting our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deborah Egizii
I love love love a good mystery! And I would so enjoy reading her work.
Irish American Mom
Hi Deborah - Lovely to hear you are a fan of mysteries, and what could be better than a mystery set in Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
m broderick
i really like a good mystery spent hours watching mysteries on television growing up with Irish parents
Irish American Mom
Hi there - We Irish love all things mystical and mysterious. Lovely to hear you enjoyed watching mysteries with your parents. I too loved a good mystery as a child. From Enid Blyton's Famous Five, to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys - I read them all. I also read Agatha Christie and loved the TV show "Murder She Wrote." Thanks for bringing back good childhood memories.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ann Augeri
THE IRISH CITIZENS ARE THE BEST!! so friendly...and the chocolate. Those are my top reasons for loving Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Ann - Lovely to hear you too like Irish chocolate. It's just so creamy compared to American varieties. Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much for spreading the word about your guest post, Martha, and for introducing new readers to Irish American Mom.
Best wishes,
Mairéad