IRISH AMERICA DAY
New Ross, Co Wexford

The area is home to the ancestors of John F Kennedy and the Dunbrody Famine Ship & Emigration Centre, and now it’s where you’ll find one of Ireland’s biggest 4th of July parties. They’ll be re-enacting the Boston Tea Party, Reading the Declaration of Independence, holding a prom, serving up an American-style barbeque, and the list goes on… this one has more ties to American independence than most US celebrations. And if you show your US Passport, you’ll get 10% off in the special market. The only thing missing is fireworks and sparklers.

4TH JULY LIMERICK
Limerick, Co Limerick

The city on the Shannon gets in on the Yankee action with an Irish American Sport Expo, a picnic and mega-barbeque, an American poetry night, cookie making (and I thought apple pie was the all-American dessert), and several other events. Still no sign of fireworks and sparklers.

ULSTER-AMERICAN FOLK PARK
Omagh, Co Tyrone

I’m cheating a little on this one. The Ulster-American Folk Park always shows a bit of it’s red, white, and blue. The living history museum takes a look at life of many Irish families from before the Famine through emigration and settlement in the US. There aren’t any special events posted on their calendar, but you can bet they’ll be in top form… Conestoga wagons and all.

]]> http://irishfireside.com/2012/05/22/4th-of-july-ireland-gets-in-on-the-fun/feed/ 1 http://irishfireside.com/2012/05/21/irish-coin-cufflinks-giveaway-for-fathers-day/ http://irishfireside.com/2012/05/21/irish-coin-cufflinks-giveaway-for-fathers-day/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 13:10:10 +0000 Corey http://irishfireside.com/?p=15174 It’s been a while since we had a giveaway, and with Father’s Day just around the corner (June 17th), Birthday Cufflinks has stepped in to give us a way to celebrate Ireland AND our dads. One lucky Irish Firesider will win a set of cufflinks crafted from Irish threepence coins.

The great thing about Birthday Cufflinks is that you can choose coins from your dad’s birth year… or maybe the year he and mom got married or maybe even the year YOU were born (afterall, that’s a year he’ll never forget, right?).

Visit Birthday Cufflinks for details about their beautiful Irish coin cufflinks.

To enter this giveaway, you’ll need to answer the trivia question below (BTW, the answer is on the front page of the Birthday Cufflinks website). The winner will be announced in this post on June 4, 2012.

Episode Guide – Podcast

In this edition, Michele Erdvig and Corey Taratuta cover some of the most popular Irish travel news in preparation for the 2012 tourism season. This one is loaded with details of changes at popular attractions, new offerings, and tips to help plan a trip to Ireland.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are available on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

Show Notes

00:00

• Intro: The Devil’s Bit by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

00:55

• Michele Erdvig – www.irelandyes.com
• Michele’s Book: Ireland Dream Trip – www.irelanddreamtrip.com

01:25

• Cliff of Moher Visitor Centre and Irish Weather – www.cliffsofmoher.ie

02:05

• Tourism Ireland Event – Jump Into Ireland – www.discoverireland.com
• Sceptre Tours
• Jameson Distillery
• Manor House Hotels
• Celtic Tours
• Shannon Development
• CIE Tours
• Dungannon Golf Club
• Fermanagh Lakelands
• Ramada Portrush

A snapshot of Guinness served at a Tourism Ireland event in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Michele Erdvig

3:30

• Music by Sephira – www.sephira.ie
• Monaghan the Border Country

Michele Erdvig with Sephira at a Tourism Ireland Event in Atlanta

4:20

• Titanic Belfast – www.titanicbelfast.com

5:45

• Giants Causeway Visitor Centre – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway

6:25

• Traveling in the Shoulder Season in Northern Ireland

7:00

• Ireland’s New B&B Star Ratings – www.bandbireland.com/Pages/Bed_and_Breakfast_Ireland_Classification.html

10:10

• Ireland’s DNA Project – www.irelandsdna.com

10:55

• Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak – www.honoringourancestors.com

11:55

• The Gathering in Ireland – www.thegatheringireland.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2WylVJB4AY

13:10

• Dublin’s City of a Thousand Welcomes Program – www.cityofathousandwelcomes.com

14:07

• Bunratty Lodge Closes after 35 years

15:15

• Daniel O’Donnell Visitor in Dungloe, County Donegal – www.danielodonnellvisitorcentre.com

16:30

• Bus Eierann tour of Carlingford and Mourne: www.buseireann.ie/news.php?id=1082&month=Apr

18:10

• Dublin Airport Security in Question – www.independent.ie/national-news/two-months-to-bring-security-measures-in-line-with-european-rules-at-dublin-airport-3109254.html

18:55

• Shannon Airport Supervision – www.clareherald.com/news/3821-full-autonomy-for-shannon-airport.html

22:10

• Shannon Heritage Sites with Entertainment – www.shannonheritage.com
• Knappogue Castle Banquet
• Ireland of Kings and Legends
• Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
• Bunratty Corn Barn
• Dunguaire Castle Banquet
• Bunratty Banquet Footage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqLRPzjNBCc

Do you happen to have a countdown/to do list for getting ready for a trip to Ireland? We leave on June 1st. I feel like I should be doing something, but not sure where to start.

– Katie Malloy (@Mini_Malloys) via Twitter

Katie, no matter how much I plan, I always feel like I’m forgetting something… so I understand how you’re feeling. There’s no one-size-fits-all checklist, but here are the things on my pre-trip to-do list:

The Months Before Your Trip

• Book Airline Tickets: although you can book your ticket at just about any time, many airlines don’t let you book more than a year in advance… and it is rare that airfare from North America to Ireland drops in the 60 days before your flight… it usually goes up.
• Book Rental Car and Understand Your Insurance Coverage: learn the ins and outs of Irish car hire before you arrive at the rental desk. Remember to confirm that your drivers license is valid for your entire stay in Ireland as well. Your US drivers license is all you need to rent a car; you will not need an international drivers license.
• Book Accommodations: If you have specific properties in mind for your stay, book them early. If you plan to “wing it,” at least have your first and last nights booked. Remember, you’ll be taking an overnight flight, so if you leave on the 1st, your first overnight in Ireland will be on the 2nd.
• Check Passport: Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Ireland. If it’s set to expire… or you don’t have one, processing will take up to 6 weeks, you can pay extra to get it within 3 weeks, and if you’re really strapped for time you’ll have to show up at a passport office in-person for same-day service. There is a lot of misinformation out there (and companies trying to get you to pay extra for services you can do yourself), so get your passport information directly from http://travel.state.gov/. You can even find official phone numbers at http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/agencies/agencies_913.html.
• Consider Trip Insurance and Examine the Overseas Coverage of Your Health Insurance: These are safe guards for those who find comfort in knowing what’s what in a just-in-case situation.

Before Your Trip

• Fill Prescriptions: Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about how much medication you should bring. It’s a good idea to keep all medicines (even non-prescription) in their original packaging.
• Print Confirmation Emails: You’ll want a printed version of anything you have booked in advance (or a digital version that is saved on your mobile device – don’t expect to have access to your email or “cloud” storage at all times). This will include flights, accommodations, cars, and tours.
• Print Name, Location, and Contact Details for Destinations: This is especially important for accommodations. You’ll want the name, phone number, address, directions, and if you can get it, the GPS coordinates.
• Create a Packing List: You can look over the one we use here.
• Determine Communications Plan: If you intend to keep in touch with family and friends back home, discuss how you plan to do this… email, phone, text, Skype? Stopping at an Internet cafe every few days tends to be the cheapest, but some travelers like to add an international plan to their phone (if you have a smart phone, you may choose to add a data plan), or opt to use a calling card and make calls from hotels or Internet cafes with call rooms. There are also options to rent phones and to change your current phone’s SIM card with an Irish version (those require some research on your part). Remember to account for the time difference, and don’t “over commit” — promising to call mom every day might be a little too much.
• Call Credit and Debit Cards: International charges raise red flags in the fraud department, so call the number on the back of any card you intend to use and let them know when and where you are traveling BEFORE YOU LEAVE. Remember Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, not the Republic, so it’s a good idea to mention both. While you have them on the phone, ask the representative about international service fees; most cards are charging an extra 1-3% on international transactions, that fee can be countered by the fact that they will likely get you the best exchange rate available.
• Think About Cash: Decide how much cash you intend to carry and what currency you intend to use (I usually board with about 200 US dollars), then use my ATM at a bank in Ireland to withdraw money every few days. I opt for not carrying more than €200 at a time and use my credit cards and ATM to handle expenses, but everyone has their preferences on this topic. Remember, Northern Ireland is on British Pounds Sterling and the Republic of Ireland is on the Euro.
• Evaluate Carry On Luggage: If you’re traveling with liquids in your carry on, realize that no containers can be over 3 oz, and they all must fit in a 1-quart see-through bag (like a Ziploc).
• Charge Camera: You’ll want your camera battery charged and ready to go. Make sure you bring all the cords required to keep it powered up for your trip… which will likely include a plug adapter (Ireland uses the same electrical outlets as the UK).
• Make Arrangements to Get To the Airport: Plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight.
• Leave the Laptop at Home: Unless it’s absolutely required, lugging a laptop on a one or two week trip tends to be more of a liability. Instead, consider extra memory cards for your camera (you can buy them in Ireland if necessary), and use computers at accommodations, libraries, and internet cafes for email.
• Unpack a Few Items… DON’T ADD MORE: Most people pack way more than they need. Anything that makes your load lighter will be easier to carry and will leave more room for souvenirs.
• Wake Up Early, Get Some Rest and Drink Lots of Water: The more rested and hydrated you are before your travels, the more you can enjoy the trip. I also start getting up ten minutes earlier every day for a week before the trip. I figure it’ll put me 70 minutes closer to Irish time and help avoid jet lag (it’s just a theory, but it works for me).
• Make Note of Passwords: If your home computer automatically “remembers” the login for your email and other sites you visit, make sure you know your passwords for days when you use a computer away from home.
• Get Itinerary Help: If you have questions about your travel plans, stop by one of the free travel forums, search to see if the question has been asked before, or post a question of your own. Michele Erdvig’s IrelandYes Forum is reliable and friendly.

Right Before You Leave

• Print Boarding Pass.
• Check Passport One More Time.
• Pack an Ink Pen in Your Carry On: The flight attendants will be giving you a form to fill out before you land, and it’s just easier to have a pen handy.
• Double check Medications.
• Label/Tag Luggage: Make sure you name, phone number, and address appear on your tags… it’s also a good idea to add an email address that you’ll have access to while traveling.
• Set Mobile Device: If you’re bringing your phone, you may need to turn on certain settings or turn off features that could lead to extra charges, like international roaming charges. These vary based on how you plan to use your device and your carrier.
• Take an Inventory of Important Documents.
• Start Writing and Photographing: It’s good to start documenting details of your trip early. For some this starts with a handwritten journal, for others it’s a series of emails sent to themselves, still others rely on their phone, Kindle, or laptops. Photos can also help tell the story of your trip; I’m constantly taking photos of place signs, maps, and restaurant menus, so I don’t have to hand write technical information and focus on the sensory details in my notes.

What other actions are on your pre-trip to-do list? Leave them in the comments below…

My wife and I travel in the US in our motor home, mostly in Arizona. We were wondering if there are campgrounds in Ireland and if we can rent an RV (recreational vehicle) while we’re there?

– Jesse Marcus via email

Absolutely. there are a handful companies offering motor home rentals, and there are well over 100 campgrounds scattered across the country. Tent camping is also popular and facilities are available to rent gear upon arrival.

Here are a few tips:

• Look over the amenities and Failte Ireland grades for campgrounds… a three-star campground will likely compare to a standard campground you would find in the US.
• While many US National and State Parks are famous for their camping, Ireland’s National Parks do not generally accommodate overnight guests. The good news is that it’s easy to find a privately-owned campground nearby.
• Most motor homes available for rent in Ireland are under 25 feet long, which is good for driving on Irish roads, but you might feel cramped if you’re used to a 30 to 40 foot long rig with multiple slideouts.
• While on the road, be very aware of the shoulder – soft shoulders and rocky hedgerows are common and can damage your unit.
• In Ireland, travel trailers are called caravans, and your campsite might be referred to as a pitch. Meanwhile “mobile homes” aren’t really mobile; they are semi-permanent trailers that are often available for rent.
• Although you may see caravans parked on the side of the road, it is not recommended you roadside camp. Most of those caravans on the side of the road do not belong to tourists, they are home to members of the Irish Traveller community.

Useful Links:

• Irish Caravan and Camping Council: offers a full listing of their Failte Ireland-approved campground members, sales/rental companies, and camping accessory rental. Their “Camping Info” and “FAQ” sections will cover other topics of interest. Meanwhile, their “Special Offers” could save you some euros.
• Glamping in Ireland: Discover Ireland recently introduced us to the luxurious world of Glamping… that’s GLAMOUR + CAMPING + a wee bit of PAMPERING.
• Camping and Caravanning in Northern Ireland: this overview of Northern Ireland camping includes a downloadable guide.
• 10 Best Irish Camping Sites: this article by Pol O Conghaile will give you an idea the prices and amenities at some of Ireland’s best parks.
• Total Camping Ireland: click the “Specialised Camping” link on their homepage for campgrounds grouped by themes… like surfing, 5 Star, and Winter Camping.

Sure, it’s another social media popularity contest, but we can’t resist voting for Ireland as Most Beautiful Country via Pinterest and Twitter. If you’re on either of those networks, it’s easy to cast your vote at http://blog.firstchoice.co.uk/conflict-of-pinterest-infographic/#/map.

James Burke shares his love for Irish gardens with this video from Altamont Gardens in County Carlow. You can learn a bit more about the place at www.carlowgardentrail.com/altamont.htm and more about James’ photography at www.biggerpictureweb.com.

Irish inspiration can be found in every bit of Karen Newhouse’s work. In this intaglio print, the necks of the birds create an intricate Celtic knotwork design. For these prints, Karen makes all her own plates and runs them on an etching press in her tiny studio. For this piece, she draws the design directly on a metal plate with a steel stylus which limits the number of final prints from each plate to less than twelve.

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An Irish country road in County Tipperary.

The thought of driving on the left side of the road terrifies many potential visitors to Ireland. However, those who overcome that fear are treated to an itinerary that perfectly suits their interests and timetable.

That said, it is easy to overload an itinerary by zipping around Ireland on the “green blur tour.” Here are five tips to help coordinate your self-drive tour…

5 Tips

1. Consider a 60 miles (95 km) per day maximum. Limiting how far you drive per day can drastically enhance your experience. Averaging less than 60 miles per day can be an excellent way to balance your desire to see as much as possible while avoiding a “green blur” tour. If you decide to travel more than 60 miles one day, reward yourself with a lighter day later in the trip (the route planning feature at www.aaroadwatch.ie can help).
2. Stay close on the first day. Give yourself some time to adjust and avoid driving with jet lag by spending less than 60 minutes on the road on the first day. From Dublin, that could put you in some wonderful locations such as Drogheda, Kildare, Kilkenny, or Wicklow. From Shannon, you could enjoy Adare, Doolin, Ennis, Killaloe, Limerick, Doolin, and if you want to push it, even Galway.
3. Get off the N and M roads. Ireland’s modern road system is great for getting between places, but finding an alternative to the N (National) and M (Motorways) roads are the best way to see the “real” Ireland. Even if it’s only for an hour of your journey, the minor roads will take you to unforgettable places.
4. Know what towns are ahead. Roadsigns in Ireland might be different from what you’re used to, but if you know the names of a few towns in the direction you’re heading, it’ll be easier to follow the road signs.
5. Understand Ireland’s car insurance policies. Ireland is one of the few countries in the world where most credit cards DO NOT cover car rental (car hire) insurance. Familiarize yourself with basic insurance coverage often called CDW (collision damage waiver) and full-coverage Super CDW – let me warn you, coverage can be pricy (here are tips from Ireland With Kids, IrelandYes, and us).

Feel free to add your tips below…

photo by fortinbras

On my second day in Ireland my Irish friend took my husband and me out to lunch. I ordered iced tea, something I did not do again. The server, who I believe was also the owner, was very polite and said, “We don’t have that. But I’ve had it before. It’s good.”

Tea in Ireland is hot. My friend, who is well acquainted with Americans, said he had another American friend visit who kept ordering hot tea, and the Irish found that very funny. Of course it’s hot. Who would order it lukewarm?

The Iced Tea Threat

It only recently occurred to me that the server might have thought I wanted a bar drink. I didn’t. I guess I could have thrown ice cubes into the tea myself! But being a visitor, I was trying to mind my manners. The BBC reported on a suspicious package left at the front door of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Stormont Building. It contained a bottle of iced tea. I swear it wasn’t me, but I wonder about the message it sent. Give us our iced tea! What do you think?

The Proper Service

It’s no secret that the Irish love their tea. The Irish drink more tea per capita than any other country. And I truly do love it as well. It did not bother me a bit that tea was offered breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the presence of tea making facilities (forget the coffee) was considered essential in a bed and breakfast room. I suppose that is in case breakfast, lunch, and dinner was not enough tea for you.

My first encounter with Irish tea, in Ireland, was at the café at Newgrange. Sandwiches and salads came in Styrofoam, but the tea was served in a small tin pitcher with china cups and a wee pitcher of milk. And I soon discovered that from small café to bread and breakfast to elegant restaurant, tea was served essentially the same way. I love that!

Irish fruit brack, photo by slyvar

Of course you have to have your late afternoon tea time complete with biscuits and brack.

Why Irish Tea is Special

It’s interesting to note that Irish breakfast tea is a blend of black teas, mostly Assam, which is from India. The British Empire, as we know, once included India. There is more to the story about how particular the Irish have been about imported tea, which resulted in the finest quality. This web site explains more. http://www.owensirishtea.com/history.html

photo by Diane Duane

The tea is strong and dark, appealing to many coffee drinkers. It’s said the richness of the tea is why it’s served with milk (and sugar, of course) but I’m a rebel, I guess. I prefer mine straight.

The most popular Irish brands of tea are Bewley’s, Barry’s, and Lyon’s.

Why is tea so important in Ireland? Perhaps one reason is that it’s a wonderful way to welcome someone—sit down, have a cup of tea. Since ancient times the Irish have insisted on showing hospitality to visitors. To see how important tea can be, watch this Barry’s TV commercial.

Anyone thirst for a pot, yet?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk68Znjabd4

Cindy Thomson is the author of Celtic Wisdom and Brigid of Ireland. She enjoys exploring Irish history, especially the Early Christian period. She has written numerous articles on Irish genealogy. Visit her blog Celtic Voices and her web site where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter.

This row of standing stones from County Kerry was captured with pen and ink by Cork artist JG Donoghue. He shares his interest in ancient Ireland on his blog and Etsy store where you can learn a bit about the unique locations and find out more about his work.

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Our days were spent seeing the common (Cliffs of Moher, Waterford Crystal, Rock of Cashel) and the lesser-visited (Annestown beach, The Vee Pass, mass at a Holy Well, a session at Jim O’ the Mill)… and of course I “had” to introduce them to various Irish beverages as well.

Well, the ladies have insisted they get a chance to return my Irish hospitality with a bit of their Southern hospitality. So next week, Corey and I are making our way to Louisiana to take them up on the offer. I’m not sure what to expect, but there have been whispers of plantation tours and Cajun cooking… and with Carla, Beverly, and Rene in the mix, as well as Jim, Emily, and Jackie (three other Baton Rouge guests) involved, it’s sure to be grand.

The Ladies from Louisiana: at the half-door of my cottage, at the new Waterford Crystal Factory, and at a Mass at a Holy Well on Lough Derg.

A sampling of pendants made from Irish chanies.

Shipwrecked Shards Debut

As part of the visit, the women have organized a special showing for my shard jewelry. For the event, I wanted to do something very unique and Irish-themed, so I dug into my secret stash of shards. From that, I selected my favorite Irish “chanies” — those are pieces I found on the beach in County Waterford, Ireland… many of them come from English ships that wrecked in the Irish Sea. The result is a gorgeous collection of pins and pendants dating back to the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Made from a shell and a piece of a Virgin Mary statue I recovered on the beaches of Ireland.

If you are in the area, you can come down to Gabriella Rothschild’s in Baton Rouge (if you make it, be sure to let us know you’re from the Irish Fireside!), or if you can’t get to Louisiana, you can take a peek in my online store.

The most unique piece is made from a porcelain Virgin Mary statue I found at Annestown Beach in County Waterford. While I was in Ireland, I thought long and hard about what to do with the little figure. Inspiration struck when I found an oddly-shaped oyster shell on Brittas Bay in County Dublin. Combining the two, I created my own version of an Irish Marian shrine… it’s truly a one-of-a-kind.

Check out the Irish “chanie” jewelry >>

One of sixteen new crossover lanes currently under construction on Ireland's first right-hand-drive roadway.

In an effort to promote Ireland as a self-drive tourist destination, the Irish Roads Authority has announced that the M6 linking Dublin and Galway will be switched from a left-hand-drive motorway to a right-hand-drive highway in early June.

The 200 km route serves as a major gateway for those traveling to the country’s west coast, and officials expect the change to encourage more visitors from North America and mainland Europe to make the journey.

“Tourists are afraid of driving on the wrong side of the road,” said Niall Gibbons, chief executive for Tourism Ireland. “This change will make it easier and safer for them to travel across the country.”

More than 1,200 roadsigns will be replaced and sixteen crossover lanes will be installed to complete the adjustment. Fergus Moone of the Irish Roads Authority said, “With these changes, you can expect the M6 to rank among the world’s most popular driving routes.”

Ring of Kerry Next

Plans are already underway for a similar lanes shift in County Kerry in Ireland’s Southwest. To mark the right-hand-drive switch, officials intend to change the name of the “Ring of Kerry” to “Kerry’s Emerald Loop.”

“We’ll have reprint a lot of brochures, but we think the new, modern name will attract new visitors, especially those named Kerry, Kerri, and Carrie.”

The M6 changeover is the largest new roads project in Ireland since severe budget cuts halted plans to build a state-of-the-art suspension bridge to connect Ireland with Scotland.

A peek inside Titanic Belfast

Today is the grand opening of Titanic Belfast and the kickoff to the month-long festival connected to it. Between that and all the other wonderful things going on in Ireland, there are plenty of web links to enjoy with your weekend coffee or tea. In case you missed our last e-newsletter, here’s a few of our favorites…

Swimming with Titanic News

1. View some never-before-seen-images of the Titanic.
2. Explore the Titanic story on a commemorative cruise… or in Belfast, Cobh, Pigeon Forge, Branson, San Diego, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Orlando.
3. OR Explore the Titanic story in South Hampton (UK), Cherbourg (France), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Singapore, Washington DC, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Georgia – yeah, everybody’s doing something for this anniversary.
4. Discover the Titanic’s Canadian connection.
5. Place your bid on an original “Titanic Sinking” telegrams (the 1912 equivalent of email).
6. Take in some artwork that celebrates those who built the Titanic.
7. Follow the new Titanic signs in Belfast.
8. Download the latest FREE edition of Belfast in Your Pocket and start planning your visit.

Breaking Away from the Big Ship and Onwards to Ireland

1. Take a pop quiz and test your knowledge of Ireland.
2. Hear four Irish bloggers answer “Why Ireland?“
3. Find the 5 Irish foods worth traveling for.
4. Learn a few tips from an Expert’s Guide to Ireland.
5. Win a luxury weekend in Connemara.
6. Take in some Shakespeare in Wexford.
7. Find out which ancient herd has been around Ireland for 5,000 years.
8. Break for spring with these Irish treasures.
9. Listen in as the Irish Fireside pays a visit to This Week in Travel.
10. Spend some time on the Aran Islands.
11. Learn how Ireland was literally 20 minutes ahead of the times.
12. Find inspiration on the lakes of Fermanagh.

For anyone with a creative bent, there’s nothing like a trip to Ireland to get those creative juices flowing.

We came upon The Art Hand in County Waterford when our friend Ruby Clover was invited to teach a course there (her 3-day session on making waaaaay cool collage boxes will be held July 4-6th).

If you’re looking for an artistic endeavor to add to your itinerary, take a look at their offerings. This season’s lineup includes a mix of mediums like drawing, painting, claywork, photography, cartooning, collage, and stained glass.

The opening of Titanic Belfast tomorrow looks like it will be one of the biggest events in Northern Ireland this year, and Discover Ireland takes us on a sneak peek. You can learn more about the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience at www.titanicbelfast.com.

Many visitors may have dipped into County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, on a visit to the Belleek Pottery factory, but many people don’t realize taht the waterways of the county offer several different ways to experience the inland county beyond Belleek.

To my delight, they’ve put together an excellent website with loads of fantastic information and even some perfectly planned itineraries.

www.fermanaghlakelands.com

Here’s a video peek at some of the county’s treasures…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBFUv6ao_hI

It was a bit of a post-Saint Patrick’s Day get-together where we chatted about travel news, Ireland, RVing, Hawaii, Cuba, Charleston, fear of flying, Ryan Air, frequent flyer miles, wifi, jilted lovers, Amelia Earhart, free/discounted e-books, and the tours we host on the Emerald Isle. Yeah, I’d say we covered a bit of everything.

You are welcome to have a listen by clicking the play button below, or you can subscribe via iTunes.

As we plan our next Irish itinerary, we’d like to know the places you’d like to hear more about.

Having wandered around all 32 counties, and I can tell you, each of them is worth a visit. So, take a moment and really think about this…

• Which counties have you visited, but don’t think get much notice?
• Which counties have you never visited, but would like to know more about?
• Which counties are you hearing about for the time while looking at the list below?

Leave your preferences in the comments below… remember, we’re not looking for your favorite counties, we’re looking for the ones you want to learn more about. To “refresh” your memory on Irish counties, we’ve got a handy map above and list below…

Counties of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

They might be shorter than you and have a reputation for being cranky, but, heck, they’ve got a pot of gold, right?

It’s St Patrick’s Day, and although Leprechauns really have no real connection to the saint other than they both hung out in Ireland, here’s a collection of leprechaun photos to bring a smile to your face.

Click here for our interview with Liam the Extra Large Leprechaun >>

Click the photos for photo credit.

The leprechauns were here...

]]> http://irishfireside.com/2012/03/17/oh-those-sexy-leprechauns/feed/ 1 http://irishfireside.com/2012/03/17/25-links-that-will-improve-your-st-patricks-day/ http://irishfireside.com/2012/03/17/25-links-that-will-improve-your-st-patricks-day/#comments Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:09:37 +0000 Corey http://irishfireside.com/?p=14985

St Patrick’s Day has arrived, and your internet browsing has probably yielded way too many photos of pets decked out in shamrock gear, generic Irish Top Ten lists, and an abundance of things turning green that simply aren’t supposed to be.

All is not lost. There is still plenty of great Ireland-inspired content out there…without the Paddy vs Patty faux pas. We’ve included our favorite St Patrick’s Day distractions:

1. Savor the drama of Ireland’s forgotten buildings.
2. Peek at the glorious reproduction of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase.
3. Follow the footsteps of Saint Patrick.
4. Act like a local in Dublin.
5. Find the Irish language alive and well.
6. Dust off your dancing shoes with some Irish trad.
7. Experience the passing of the seasons through beautiful photos.
8. Partake in Irish whiskey’s comeback.
9. Explore New England’s Celtic heritage.
10. Ogle some mature Irish men.
11. Tell the world you believe in shamrocks… even if experts say they don’t exist.
12. Discover the health benefits of Guinness.
13. Expand your knowledge of Irish saints.
14. Ask those nagging questions you’ve had about leprechauns.
15. Insult your comrades… start acting Irish (warning “bold” language in this one)
16. Meet the people and artifacts of Ireland.
17. Get to know Irish butterflies.
18. Trek along one of Ireland’s scenic hikes.
19. Whip up some Irish recipes in your own wee kitchen.
20. Amp up your full Irish with some of these tasty morsels.
21. Find out what it meant to be Irish in 1912, 1932, 1972, 1992.
22. Blend in at the pub.
23. Download a free e-book on Kindle or Nook… or a Dublin Guide on the iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch.
24. Uncover Dublin’s lost buildings.
25. Take a virtual tour of Northern Ireland.

There’s an Irish motor coach tour (bus tour) for foodies, history buffs, golfers, ghost hunters, castle-lovers, even new-agers, but year after year tourists can’t resist the itinerary that has been bedazzled with the longest list of sites… no matter how many hours they’ll end up bumping around in the bus.

If you’re finding yourself wooed by the big-list tour, PUT DOWN THE BROCHURE! It’s those laundry list schedules that give bus tours a bad name. Instead, consider these tips when choosing a tour:

1. Avoid “grand tours.” In tour operator talk, “grand tour” usually means “we’re-packing-in-more-than-we-should-because-people-like-to-see-a-really-long-checklist-of-places-they’ll-visit.” Instead, choose a tour that focuses on a region or theme, and although you won’t cover as much ground, you’ll actually see more. Fact is, if you want to “see it all,” you’ll need to extend your visit.
2. Watch out for “bribed” tour guides. Although distilleries, crystal factories, and woolen mills can be fascinating stops, be on alert if every stop on your itinerary describes gift shops and souvenirs… some tour guides stick to places that offer kickbacks. The best tours also include experiences and access to things the average visitor might miss.
3. Research your accommodations, meals, and other “extras.” Some travelers choose a tour solely on the itinerary and price. Looking a little deeper may help you avoid frustration with lackluster accommodations, sub par meals, unexpected add-on fees, or getting stuck with a crowd that is older or younger than you were expecting.
4. Sign up for email updates. If you’re not sure when you plan to travel, but you’ve found some tour operators you like, sign up for their email list. They’ll let you know about specials and new tours. Discover Ireland also announces specials via email. Just remember to refer to #3 above when you find a deal.
5. Don’t be afraid to travel solo. Tours attract a diverse group of people, so they can be a wonderful way to share your travel experience. Tour companies usually charge an extra “single suppliment” fee for solo travelers, but you can sometimes avoid this fee by booking at off-peak times or offering to “share” your accommodations with another traveler. And if you really want to go, pay the extra and take the tour you want.
6. Extend your visit. Tour operators are happy to help you extend your stay a few days or weeks. This can give you extra time to see sites not covered on your tour, conduct some genealogical research, or visit with friends. If you’re leery about transportation, buses, trains, cabs, and day tours can get you where you want to go.

Do you have a bus tour tip? Add it to the comments.

Well, with the Emerald Isle in the spotlight, this week’s theme is GREEN… interpret it in what ever way you choose, and if you’ve got a Twitter account, be sure to share your pics with the hashtag #FriFotos.

A special hat tip goes to our #FriFotos co-host Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts… here’s a peek at the Four Seasons Dublin.

And now… a few of our favorite photos… they’re all green and all from Ireland…

The green train cars at Connolly Station in Dublin

Irish Hunger Memorial New York City

Fairy Bridge at Kilfane Glen and Waterfall, County Kilkenny

The green tour with Foxy amd Liam at Knockahopple, County Tipperary

Palm Garden at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin.

The green shores of the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry

The bridge over the green rushes at Athassel Priory, County Tipperary

Waterlily at Mount Congreve Gardens, Co Waterford

Hunting for green in the The Vee, County Waterford

Up the green garden path near Hollyford, County Tipperary

Surrounded by green on Lough Ennell, County Westmeath

Running free in a field of green, County Tipperary

Mostly green

Lismore Castle Gardens, County Waterford

A very green view while bloggin in Ireland

Clare Glens, Counties Tipperary and Limerick

A scene from one of the cottages at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare

For those who aren’t Twitter-savy, just click the links below to see the “Green” photos people are sharing.

The folks at GoIreland are at it again. After letting us know about 10 Weird Things You Never Knew Came from Irish Inventors last month, today they’re examining the health benefits of Guinness in their new infographic called The Health Benefits of Guinness vs. Beer.

A Screen Shot of the Lonely Planet Dublin Guide on the iPhone.

Lonely Planet is getting into the St Patrick’s Day spirit by offering a version of their Dublin City Guide for FREE with their Guides, Phrasebooks, and Maps App. The offer runs in the iTunes store until until 11:59 pm PST on March 17.

Since we have a really slooooow internet connection today, we didn’t get to download the app to confirm Dublin is in there. If you download, be sure to report back.

Visit the iTunes Link Now >>

Other Apps >>

Amid all the celebrations, shamrocks, and green beer it’s easy to forget that St. Patrick was a real man. In Northern Ireland you can easily follow St. Patrick’s footsteps. It’s all marked out for you in a 92-mile drive with 15 key sites. Or, you can just hit some of the highlights. When driving in Northern Ireland you might see these signs marking the trail.

Find the Trail in Downpatrick

Downpatrick, County Down, is good place to start, not only because it’s just outside Belfast and easy to get to, but also because it’s the home of the Saint Patrick Centre and the traditional burial site of the patron saint himself.

The Saint Patrick Centre is a multimedia exhibition site where you can learn the history of Saint Patrick. It’s a great place for kids but adults will enjoy it as well. Special events are often held at the centre. Even visiting online is educational. Go to www.saintpatrickcentre.com

Located on top of a hill, as most cathedrals are, is Downpatrick Cathedral. Next to the church is St. Patrick’s burial place, also said to hold the remains of St. Brigid and St. Columba.

There are more options, such as visiting the church at Saul two miles away, the site where St. Patrick first built his church. (The church building there was built in 1932 and the round tower is a replica.) St. Patrick is also said to have died in Saul on March 17. From that site you’ll get a glimpse of Slieve Patrick where a huge statue of the saint looks out over Strangford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. The statue was erected to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of St. Patrick in Ireland.

 Visit the City of Saints and Scholars

Roman Catholic St. Patrick's in Armagh

Don’t miss Armagh, the city of saints and scholars, the ecclesiastical headquarters since St. Patrick’s day. The site of two cathedrals on opposite hill tops, you can visit both–the Roman Catholic St. Patrick’s Cathedral and The Church of Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Armagh’s historical significance as an important spiritual site predates Christianity. Eamhain Mhacha (or Navan Fort) at the city’s edge, is an ancient pagan site. Also you’ll want to see St. Patrick’s Trian to learn more about St. Patrick and Armagh.

Armagh has libraries and shops and cafes to explore as well.

Find the Trail to an Ancient Convent

Photo by Ross

There are many sites and ruins you can visit on this driving tour that will bring to light the early Christian period of Ireland. You can learn more about them on the Discover Northern Ireland web site.

These are the most ancient of Celtic Christian sites to be found in Ireland, evidence that this part of Ireland was truly the path St. Patrick traveled.

Cindy Thomson is the author of Celtic Wisdom and Brigid of Ireland. She enjoys exploring Irish history, especially the Early Christian period. She has written numerous articles on Irish genealogy. Visit her blog Celtic Voices and her web site where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Just got word that the ebook is also free for the Nook at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-myths-legends-and-lore-of-ireland-amy-hackney-blackwell/1104687926

Thanks to Jody Halsted at www.irelandwithkids.com for giving us a heads-up on the special deal

Transplanted to Dublin, Emily Westbrooks has learned a thing or two about Irish pubs.

When most people come to visit Ireland, they have a long list of places to see and things to do. High on that list is usually a pint of Guinness at a local pub to soak up the local culture.

Here are a few tips from visitor-turned-local Emily Westbrooks to keep you from looking like a tourist at the pub – including what to order, wear and avoid.

How to Blend in at the Pub >>

Emily Westbrooks is a freelance writer from Maine who now lives in Dublin. She writes daily about her life and travels on her blog, From China Village.

For the last few months, Corey and I have been trying to come up with something we could offer Irish Firesiders that:

1. would celebrate Ireland and Irish heritage
2. we could make ourselves
3. would raise money for the Irish Fireside (or as we like to say “add some turf to the Fireside”)… and
4. would cost less than $20.

Well, we did it! We’re excited to unveil our exclusive line of charms and pendants that feature vintage images and notable sayings that anyone with a passion for Ireland will adore. Each piece is reversible, and there’s a bit of Irish history included as well. The pieces are available in my online store for $20 each or 2 for $30, and the proceeds go directly to enhancing things at the Irish Fireside.

Corey and I want to thank you in advance for your generous support!

Six Designs to Choose From

St Patrick of Ireland/the Book of Kells	If you're Irish, come into the parlour/shamrock	St Brigid of Ireland/St Brigid's Sacred Cross
The pipes, the pipes are calling/vintage postcard	May the road rise up to meet you/Eire Stamp	May the road rise up to meet you/Eire Stamp

We’re curious about some of the special things you like to do on the big day.

Tell us about your St Patrick’s Day tradition in the comments below >>

Any day is a good day to visit Ireland, but depending on your interests, you may determine there are “better” times. Here’s my take on when to plan your trip.

Weather

Irish weather likes to keep meteorologists on their toes. As a guest, you could enjoy sunny, warm conditions in February or wet, cold days in August. Heck, you could have rain lashing at your ankles in the morning and find yourself taking in the sun on the beach in the afternoon.

Despite its reputation for being cold and damp, Ireland’s climate is actually quite mild (especially if you come from a place with snowy winters). In fact, palm trees grow on many parts of the island thanks to the the wind patterns that keep temperatures between 40° and 45° F (5° and 8°C) in the winter and between 60° and 70° F (15° and 20° C) in the summer.

Extreme conditions can occur. On occasion temperatures may drop below freezing and above 80 degrees. Ireland is also subject to hurricane force winds. Fortunately, these severe conditions are usually short-lived.

Seasons

Springtime in Ireland delivers landscapes bursting with color and fields filled with baby animals tottering alongside their mothers. You are arriving ahead of the main tourist crush, which can mean lower prices.

Summer in Ireland offers the bonus of extra hours of daylight due to island’s high latitude. This prime tourist season offers the most options for things to do, but it can also mean higher prices and crowds.

Autumn in Ireland treats us to comfortable temperatures and the chance to watch as 20 of Ireland’s 50 shades of green turn to rich golds, oranges, purples, and reds. Some attractions may close, but you will have no trouble filling your itinerary.

Winter in Ireland can be chilly with temperatures around the 30s F (1-3° C). With very few hours of daylight, touring can be limited. This can mean only one thing… spending your evenings enjoying the country’s famous pub culture.

Tips

1. Travel in the “shoulder season.” High season runs from late June through the end of August. The two months before and the two months after high season often offer great rates.
2. Disregard the weather statistics. Most guidebooks publish rainfall and sunshine charts. Those are great for some destinations, but Ireland gets statistically “punished” for fluctuating weather patterns that don’t look good on paper. Those charts don’t take into account that misty conditions might only stick around for a few hours or cloudy skies don’t always mean rain.
3. Plan your weekend around a festival or event. A quick peek at the calendar could influence when you travel. There’s something for every interest… gardens, food, music, history, agriculture, art, theater, and plenty more.

What other tips do you have for when to visit Ireland? Leave them in the comments below.

Nominate Your Favorites

Today we’re asking you to nominate your go-to places on the web… the places that get you dreaming about Ireland. We’ve added a few categories to help out. From now until March 14, you can follow the nomination form link below. Nominate all your favorite Ireland-related sites by including a title and a full website url.

We’ll sort through the nominations and feature the very best right around St Patrick’s Day. That’s when interest in Ireland seems to explode, and we want to shine the Irish Fireside spotlight on the best content out there.

If you fill out the form and think of more sites later, you are welcome to fill out another nomination form.

<< Nominations Now Closed >>

As the ship’s 100 year anniversary approaches, there’s a buzz around all things Titanic. The Titanic Belfast facility opens March 31st and the RMS Titanic‘s hometown surely will not overlook the food. A hard cover cookbook called Last Dinner on the Titanic provides cook-it-yourselfers some instruction, and a handful of restaurants are recreating the menus from the fateful night.

Gilbert’s in Cobh, County Cork, not only plans to recreate the menu, they are also celebrating their hometown history… Cobh was the last port-of-call of the RMS Titanic. Their meal will set you back €45 (about $60). Read the Irish Examiner article here

Meanwhile in New York City, a collective of foodie personalities are hosting a dinner called 41° North, 49° West (the coordinates where the ship went down). Tickets run between $300 and $450 each — a limited number of seats become available on March 14, 2012.

St Louis celebrates it Titanic connection with a last meal as well — the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scooped the world’s newspapers in 1912 because one of their reporters was aboard the RMS Carpathia, the ship that rescued the RMS Titanic‘s survivors. Today, they’re hosting a Titanic Centennial Weekend that includes a $500-a-plate meal and a $45 Champagne brunch. Read the examiner.com article here

The exhibition runs March 8-April 19, 2012 with a special storytelling event on Thursday, March 22 from 6 to 7 pm.

Here’s an exciting find. Celtic harpist Anne Roos has teamed up with Irish and Celtic Music Podcast host Marc Gunn to give you a hearty supply of Irish and Celtic music for your St Patrick’s Day celebrations!

For a limited time, you’ll get a FREE Best of the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast CD when you place an order with Anne. Be sure to mention Irish Fireside in the “add questions or comments about your order” section at checkout.

So in addition to Anne’s glorious music, you’ll also enjoy Irish and Celtic songs from several other great musicians. Now the hard part… deciding which of Anne’s CDs to choose

Find out more HERE.

Add a FREE Download

You can also score a special free music download for St. Patrick’s Day at http://celticharpmusic.com/UserPages/celticForm.aspx. You’ll need to join the Celtic Club… from there, it’s easy to access.

Located 7.5 miles (12km) from Sligo town, Parkes Castle and a driving tour around Lough Gill make for a wonderful day out. The castle offers several rooms to explore, but a visit is made memorable by walking the high walls and taking in the view of the lake.

The History of Fairy Faith

When the Milesians, that mythical race described by an 11th century scholar in Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions), came to Ireland they banished the natives to the underground and they became the Sidhe, the fairy folk who live underground and sometimes reside in certain trees or bushes, usually of the hawthorn variety. You don’t want to disturb the fairy folk or you might bring some kind of misfortunate on yourself.

The Trees Today

photo by shannon mcneice

Cutting down one of those fairy trees would certainly disturb them. The Irish would go out of their way not to do that. That’s why you might see a lone tree in the middle of a farmer’s field, the base piled up with stones just to be sure one did not accidentally bump into it.

You also might see a road or even a highway routed around such a tree. You can read one story here.

I took the picture below of a fairy tree in the rooftop garden of the Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick. How did it get there? I’m sworn to secrecy!

Tips for Visitors

It’s probably best not to mention the trees to the people who plow around them. And I’ve also heard that the fairies themselves do not appreciate being called by that name. Refer to them as the wee folk, please, if you must bring up the topic at all.

Hawthorns sport pretty blossoms in the spring. Don’t be tempted to bring a branch inside a house, however. Some people believe it’s good luck to hang one outside over a doorway, but not inside the house. Bring your host something else if you’re trying to make a good impression.

More About Hawthorns

These trees are among Ireland’s most ancient. They can live to be 400 years old. The Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland is working to find these trees and record them. In fact, they are asking for the public’s help. Hmm, wonder why folks aren’t more forthcoming in identifying them. Bad luck, maybe?

The ancient Greeks used to carry Hawthorn branches in wedding ceremonies, but somehow during medieval times the tree took on a lore that might help, in part, to explain why people avoid them. The crown of thorns that Christ wore during his crucifixion is said to have been made from a Hawthorn tree.

Trees in Ireland have always held significance. Some clans had their own speccies of tree and the ancient druids held some trees, like the yew and oak, in great esteem. I wrote about that in a previous post.

If you have anything to add about fairy trees or tree lore, I’d love to hear!

Cindy Thomson is the author of Celtic Wisdom and Brigid of Ireland. She enjoys exploring Irish history, especially the Early Christian period. She has written numerous articles on Irish genealogy. Visit her blog Celtic Voices and her web site where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Christy over at Green Dragon Artist introduced us to this video which uses modern technology to colorizes1900s Irish postcards. The effort results in a colorful tour of Ireland.

Read the original article from World Irish here.

We’ve got a little something to ward off the winter blahs… some Irish music by songwriter Martin Byrne from The Blackhills overlooking the scenic fishing town of Skerries, North County Dublin.

Giveaway

We’ve got a signed copy of his CD My Ireland that could be delivered to your door. Enter to win by listening to some of his music — either the video above or via the links below — then leave a comment on this post. The winner will be announced on Friday, February 24, 2012.

Congratulations to Maureen! She was randomly chosen as the winner.

More About Martin

• Buy a signed copy of My Ireland

Website: www.martinbyrne.ie
Youtube: Youtube.com/MartinByrneIreland
Facebook: Facebook.com/MartinByrneMusic

Besides St. Patrick and St. Columcille (Columba) there is another revered saint. Mary of the Gael, Ireland’s female patron saint, Ireland’s first nun–however you refer to her, today is her feast day and a great day to celebrate!

St. Brigid's Catherdral in Kildare, built in 1223. Photo by Chris Cotterman

People often ask me how I got interested in St. Brigid. It’s not a very profound story, but I suppose you can say that she found me. Several years ago I knew little about Irish saints, but I was beginning to get more interested in my Irish heritage. I did what many of you do to connect to your Irish side. I went to an Irish festival, the Dublin Irish Festival in Ohio. I was browsing around in a cultural tent and began to read about St. Brigid.

Who Was St. Brigid?

Photo by Lawrence OP

Briefly, this is what I learned that day at the festival.

Brigid lived from approximately 451 AD to 525 AD. From ancient times Celtic pagans worshipped a goddess named Brigid. Some believe that St. Brigid is actually the goddess adapted by the church as a saint. Others believe that she was a real person named for the goddess. Her father was Dubthach. Her mother a slave girl named Broicsech. Her birth was foretold: she would be special–neither born inside the house nor outside–and she was born on the threshold when her mother slipped on her way inside. She was born a slave to her very own father because her mother was his slave. She was Ireland’s first nun. She was known as a generous soul. She even gave away her father’s jeweled sword to a passing beggar because she had nothing else nearby. If she gave away milk and cheese from her dairy to the poor, it was always returned to her, miraculously. She wove a special cross out of rushes to explain salvation to a dying pagan. She once hung her cloak up on a sunbeam.

I was enthralled. And then my son called. He needed to be picked up from work and couldn’t wait. So, I had to leave the festival, but I hadn’t learned everything I wanted to know about this woman so I continued the research on my own.

That eventually turned into my first novel, Brigid of Ireland. I also wrote a chapter on her in my non fiction book, Celtic Wisdom, Treasures from Ireland. And St. Brigid has continued to fascinate me ever since.

Making a St. Brigid Cross

Especially that odd shaped cross. Traditionally school children in Ireland wove a new Brigid’s cross every Feb. 1. In some parts of Ireland the eldest daughter in a family would play the part of St. Brigid and knock on a door. In Irish she would say, “Go down on your knees, do homage, and let blessed Brigid enter the house.” The people inside would say, “O, Come in, you are a hundred times welcome.” In some places in Ireland (and in Scotland) people hang strips of cloths on a bush on St. Brigid’s Eve in hopes that St. Brigid would pass by and bless them.

You can buy a cross made from authentic Irish rushes at Irish import stores. You can also make your own. Any flexible material will do. I teach people how to weave them using pipe cleaners. You can use straw.

This is one of the best instructional videos I’ve found. This Irish girl shows you how to weave a cross from rushes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eDUXepmNLY

Cindy Thomson is the author of Celtic Wisdom and Brigid of Ireland. She is currently working on a three book historical series set to begin releasing in Feb. 2012. She enjoys exploring Irish history, especially the Early Christian period. She has written numerous articles on Irish genealogy. Visit her blog Celtic Voices and her web site where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Have a look. I think you’ll enjoy it: http://blog.goireland.com/

I simply can’t resist the charm of this Irish lottery video.

And here’s a peek at the making-of the colorful event.

National Lottery :: Rainbow Over Dublin from Myles of Smyles on Vimeo.

In addition to finding amazing places to take your kids, there are many other ways to prepare your children for experiencing new cultures. Our friends Dr. Jessie Voigts and her daughter Lillie Forteau over at www.wanderingeducators.com have written a nice resource guide that offers some suggestions for parents looking to raise “Intercultural Kids.”

The Kindle book is only 99 cents… FREE if you shop today.

Every once in a while it’s nice to be swept away to Ireland. Here’s a great mix if scenery and music.

Well-known visitors, a bump in tourism numbers, new travel apps, great deals for travel, and a renewed interest in Irish heritage filled the plus side

Rough economic times, an increase in taxes (not for Irish tourism products though), and the passing of Ireland Expert Pat Preston on the negative end.

As we look back on the year, we celebrate the many wonderful posts published last year by highlighting our favorite Irish-interest stories of 2011.

It’s almost 2012 (at least in my corner of the world), and I was thrilled to spot this list of Irish toasts at the Irish American Mom blog…

http://www.irishamericanmom.com/2011/12/30/irish-toasts-blessings-for-a-happy-new-year/

Irish Moonshine from Richard Bangs on Vimeo.

Richard Bangs has a very nice series of Irish segments that are worth a viewing. This one gives us a taste of poitín!

It reminds me of this day from our Irish-American Roadtrip… which includes our friend Bit telling us the connection between cowboy music and Irish music…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1BpDvP3UjI

Ireland’s Brown Bag Films made this animated short in 2008… now they’ve got a series that will be appearing on the Disney Junior channel. Mind you, it will NOT be starring Ding Dong Denny.

• Felicity’s Blog: An Irish Christmas Eve Tradition
• Irish Culture and Customs: An Irish Christmas – the Day Before
• Irish Culture and Customs: Memories of Christmas Eve Past
• Merry Little Irish Mince Pies
• Engaging Ireland: Christmas Traditions Episode
• Bitesize Irish Gaelic: Phrases for an Irish Christmas
• Irish Christmas Music
• The Irish Connection to the Twelve Days of Christmas
• Recipe: An Irish Kiss for Christmas
• Christmas in Ireland: Married an Irish Farmer Interview
• Perceptive Travel: Oiche Nollag, Christmas Eve
• Every Christmas we listen to this song by our friend Theresa Larkin

In the Perceptive Travel post by Kerry Dexter that we found this video featuring Máire Mhac an tSaoi’s Christmas Eve poem… it’s in Irish but the English words appear in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GallVs75Qw

Our Christmas gift to you

Bitesize Irish Gaelic is offering Irish Firesiders an exclusive FREE LESSON and 50% OFF coupon code. After you enjoy the free lesson, you’ll find an exclusive coupon code for 50% off your first month of Bitesize Irish Gaelic. They offer a full 30-day moneyback guarantee, so if it’s not your thing, you can try it risk-free… AND a portion of your membership will benefit the Irish Fireside!

Here are a few of the gift reports… we’ll add more as they come in:

Episode Guide – Podcast

Karl Elliston answers all our questions about the new Certificate of Irish Heritage.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

Our Podcasts are availble on iTunes – here’s our link for Techies

Show Notes

http://www.heritagecertificate.ie/

00:00

• Intro

00:20

• Intro: The Devil’s Bit by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

00:40

• Giveaways
• Michele Erdvig Ireland Dream Trip guide book
• Ursula Cerano notebooks
• Irish Coin Cufflinks
• Jodi Halsted’s Favorite Irish Recipes
• www.bitesizeirishgaelic.com Membership
• Irish Tea Cozy
• Liam Shard Jewelry

01:12

• Our Favorite Ireland-Inspired Gifts
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Blog
• www.irishcultureandcustoms.com
• Secret Santa

01:33

• Certificate of Irish Heritage

02:30

• Karl Elliston

02:50

• The Global Irish Economic Forum

04:00

• Purpose of the Certificate

04:20

• Certificate Designs and Content

06:20

• A Unique Program

07:00

• Benefits for Certificate Holders

08:11

• What Are the Steps for Application?

10:00

• Online Application and Timeframe

11:40

• Validation and Behind the Scenes Support

13:10

• What has been the Response from Certificate Holders

14:40

• Certificates as Gifts
• Celebrating Heritage

15:30

• Reminding Young People of Their Irish Background

16:40

• Family Members Usually Share Documentation

17:40

• How Much Does It Cost?

18:40

• Any advice for people having trouble tracing their ancestors?
• Help locating your documents

24:40

• Using Irish Talent and Craftspeople

Closing Song – Ashokan Fareweel / The Grey Chair by Theresa Larkin & Noel McQuaid

http://www.heritagecertificate.ie/

Winter Solstice at Newgrange

For over 5,000 years a mystical celestial event has occurred in Ireland. On the winter solstice every year the rising sun penetrates a 60-foot-long passageway inscribed with mysterious carvings and lights up the interior chamber of Newgrange. Is it a tomb? A temple? A calendar? Perhaps we will never know the Neolithic mind-set that built such a complicated monument.

Although described by archaeologists as a passage grave, Newgrange keeps its secrets. Why is the inner chamber lit up for 17 minutes at the solstice – and for several days on either side of that date? What is the meaning of the triple spiral symbol inside the cave-like chamber and the beautiful abstract art inscribed on the stones? Why are we today fascinated by an ancient pile of rocks? Thousands of articles and hundreds of books raise more questions than answers.

Instead go to Newgrange at Brú na Bóinne and see for yourself. Walk where the ancients walked. View prehistoric carvings and Viking graffiti. Marvel at the sparkling wall of white quartz interspersed with granite boulders. Gaze out over the majestic Boyne River Valley. Touch the weathered standing stones. Enter the cramped passageway into the surprisingly large inner chamber with its corbelled roof. Listen to the history and legends of warriors, gods and kings.

More in-depth info:

Watch the Newgrange winter solstice streamed live at 8:30 am Irish time on Dec. 21, 2011: Heritage Ireland & RTE

Mythical Ireland

Knowth

2011 Solstice Photos

Stone Art Blog

Videos

Newgrange by Celtic Woman

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

Custom Itineraries

Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

Follow Michele on Twitter

FREE Ireland Travel Forum

An Irish fireside via www.ballybegvillage.com

We’re usually busy giving things away and sharing bits of Irish news, but today, we could use your help to keep the Fireside going. Sure, you can give money (we appreciate every penny), but there are many other ways you can help our community grow.

Donate

Your financial contribution helps pay the bills that keep our site and podcasts going.

If you have a business or service that would be of interest to Irish Firesiders, you should consider contributing to one of our giveaways or becoming a sponsor. Both are excellent ways to get great exposure to a targeted, engaged audience.

Shop for Shard Jewelry

When we’re not creating content for the Irish Fireside, we’re busy making jewelry from shards of broken dishes. Support our online store, and you help make it possible for us to continue the Fireside.

Write an Article or Leave a Comment

We’d love to include your article on Irish or Irish/American travel, history, culture, etc. If you have an idea for an article, email us. You maintain all rights to your work and are simply granting us permission to do some basic editing and to reprint. We’ve also had some great photos and videos submitted, so feel free to get creative.

Every time you leave a comment on our blog, you’re contributing to our online community, and we appreciate every single word you type. So comment often and participate. Same holds true for our Facebook Page and our Twitter updates.

Tell Your Friends

I realize most of you do this already, but if you know anyone with a true passion for Ireland, be sure to tell them about the Irish Fireside and our e-newsletter.

Happy holidays, everyone… and here’s to another year of sharing our love of Ireland.

2011 Continental Christmas Market by Patrick Dinneen www.photoblog.ie

Patrick (Pa) Dinneen hails from Cork but lives in Galway. His photos capture many scenes from around Galway and elsewhere. This image was from the 2011 Continental Christmas Market in Galway’s Eire Square. Be sure to visit Patrick’s website where you can see more gorgeous photos from Ireland and purchase cards and prints of his work.

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Celtic Christmas

The fellowship and festive side of things is the focus of Celtic Christmas, a collection from Putumayo World Music which includes artists from Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, and the United States through its eleven tracks. That hearty song of holiday invitation Here We Come a-Wassailing is the opener, as performed by the Albion Christmas Band. You can almost see the steps of medieval dancers and you listen to Druid Stone sing Noel Nouvelet, and David Huntsinger continues the dance idea, turning the carol Angels We Have Heard on High into a piece that will have your feet tapping as well. Harpist Aine Minogue adds a wintry feeling with the Jezebel Carol, Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola sings White Christmas in Irish, and Dougie MacLean closes things out with a song from his fellow Scot Robert Burns, Auld Lang Syne.

Song of Solstice

Jennifer Cutting and the Ocean Orchestra hold both festive and contemplative sides of the season in good company with each other on Song of Solstice. The orchestra comprises instruments including bouzouki, acoustic bass, accordion, flutes, whistle, bodhran, guitar, keyboards, and voice. The title track, Song of Solstice, celebrates both the joys and the work of winter, and the good fellowship which come along with all that. It may just become a seasonal classic, and it will certainly have you singing along, and as the song suggests, raising your glasses high, as well. People Look East invites a quieter look at the season, as does Christmas Day in the Morning, which is offered in a spare version featuring just Celtic harp and bodhran. Green Man takes things in a lively direction, in a celebration of flourishing through winter and the male spirits of Celtic legend. From celebration to contemplation and back again, Song of Solstice is a fine weaving of traditional and original music for the winter season.

An Nollaig

Her parents came from the west of Ireland to New York, which is where Eileen Ivers grew up and became, among other things, a top notch fiddle player and composer whose background includes Cherish the Ladies and Riverdance. With the album An Nollaig, she offers holiday themed jigs and reels mixed in with seasonal favorites to make a collection of music both old and new, “Like the ornaments of the Christmas tree, lovingly passed down over the years,” Ivers says. Susan McKeown adds her voice to Don OIche Ud i mBeithill, and there’s a very Celtic twist on Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring among the offerings.

Fine Winter’s Night

You’ve met Matt and Shannon Heaton’s music in the Irish gift list here at the fireside, and I’ll second that recommendation. Their seasonal album, Fine Winter’s Night, is a lovely mix of voice and instrument, lead and harmony, and new songs with familiar ones. The title track, in which Shannon contemplates the work, beauty, and changes of winter, is one of my favorites, as is Matt’s original imagining of the beginning of a holiday romance, First Snowfall of December. There’s a tender version of O Little Town of Bethlehem, and the crisp instrumental set Day Dawn which pairs a an air on the flute with two jigs on guitar is also a keeper, as are all the tracks in this gathering of song and tune.

The Best of Celtic Christmas

Narada Presents the Best of Celtic Christmas really sounds like Christmas in Ireland and Irish America. There are two discs. One is all music by the Ireland based group Dordan, and it’s called The Night Before. Through songs and tunes including Wayfarer’s Welcome, Oiche Nollag, and Mistletoe Waltz, they invoke the sense of anticipation that the holiday season brings. On the second disc, Cathie Ryan starts things off with an understated take on It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, with just her voice and guitar, and fiddler Bonnie Rideout caps the collection fifteen tracks later with an anthemic version of Adeste Fidelis.. In between, Kathy Mattea offers a lullabye, Boys of the Lough play a set of jigs, Mairi MacInnes and William Jackson join for Silent Night, and Maddy Prior takes a rollicking look as I Saw Three Ships. John Whelan, Altan, and Natalie MacMaster are among the artists who also join in.

Irish music around the fireside is always a good choice. May these suggestions add to your holiday celebrations.

Kerry Dexter writes about music, the arts, Ireland, and Scotland at Music Road. Strings, Perceptive Travel, and other places

The Christmas Market in Eyre Square, Galway from Mark Coughlan on Vimeo.

Because it’s Christmastime and I’m feeling a bit homesick for Ireland right now… Here’s the scene in Galway’s Christmas Market in Eyre Square.

This holiday season has Irish Firesider Pam Stucky thinking about great tunes. Here are two brilliant CDs she recommends from two amazing sister acts:

Sephira Starlight

The brand new Christmas CD “Sephira Starlight” features Ruth O’Leary and Joyce O’Leary, violists/vocalists/sisters from Ireland. Ruth and Joyce, who together are Sephira, toured for two years with the group Celtic Thunder and are now touring on their own with their unique, emotive, engaging and energetic sound. “Starlight” is their first Christmas CD and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Their Carol of the Bells is heart-pounding and dynamic; their Believe and O Holy Night top Josh Groban’s versions. This is absolutely a perfect gift for oneself or anyone with the Christmas spirit!

Web – www.sephirastarlight.com
iTunes
Amazon

Gothard Sisters’ Christmas

The Gothard Sisters are three amazingly talented sisters from Edmonds, Washington, a little north of Seattle. They started Irish dancing when they were young, and then to help pay for competitions they began doing performances with a little singing, a little dancing, a little singing, a little dancing. They have won world titles in Irish dancing and are now making waves in the music world with their vast talents. They sing, play violin, and each of them is also skilled on several other instruments. Their newest album, “Story Girl” is their sixth CD, full of original compositions that will get feet tapping!

Web – www.gothardsisters.weebly.com/store.html
Recent article – http://edmonds.patch.com/articles/family-matters-a-trio-of-singing-sisters-releases-their-6th-album
iTunesAmazon

You can read more from Pam Stucky on her blog at www.pamstucky.com

With Christmas just around the corner, here’ s a list of great gift ideas that might round out your holiday shopping this year. Have a look, but be warned, you might be adding a few things to your own list for Santa.

Donegal Pens

They’re only 14 and 10, but brothers Ronan and Conor from Loughanure in West Donegal craft each pen by hand. Not only are they the youngest members of the Irish Woodturning Guild, they have established themselves as two of Ireland’s most promising entrepreneurs.

Ursula Celano’s Irish-Themed Notebooks

Launched earlier this year, Ursula Celena’s cheerful notebooks capture scenes from Ireland… Irish dance, Dublin landmarks, Irish hedgerows, the Aran Islands, and my favorite, Green Cottages. Each notebook has been crafted in Ireland.*

Artware by Wannaree

Wanaree Tanner has created a line of Celtic-inspired artwork that is unlike anything we’ve seen… a bit ancient Irish, a touch steampunk, a hint of elegance. For those with an interest in Celtic knotwork and ancient symbolism, her work is sure to please.

Aileen Clarke Crafts

Much of Aileen’s work is inspired by her favorite remote parts of Ireland and Scotland. To create her vibrant jewelry and art pieces, she combines hand dyed and carded fibres to felt her artwork using traditional wet felting and needle felting techniques.

Irish Song and Sayings Posters by Paul Gibson

Dublin-based artist Paul Gibson takes his favorite Irish phrases and traditional music lyrics and gives them his own visual artistic spin. His collection of striking graphic posters manage to be both modern and nostalgic… not an easy task.

Irish Turf Fire

There’s no substitute for a real Irish fireside, but Dermot Ryan at least gives us an alternative. His Irish Turf Fire DVD brings that wee bit of Ireland to any home without the cost of an airplane ticket. As an added bonus, this video features hand-cut turf! Dermot also handpicks the products featured at www.Eportireland.com.

Liam Shard Jewelry

With a keen eye for detail, Liam recovers pieces of antique and contemporary dishes in Ireland. He then transforms them into shard jewelry. His collection includes Irish Belleek, Donegal Parian, Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Arklow Pottery, and transferware shards dating to the 1800s.*

Dublin, Ireland Print

Featuring the Fair City’s landmarks – the Poolbeg Chimneys, the Spire, Liberty Hall, and a PINT OF GUINNESS, this screenprint from me&him&you uses the same paper on which the original Guinness posters were printed… and for good measure, there’s a drop of Guinness in the ink.

Favorite Irish Recipes

Jody Halsted put together this assortment of recipes, photos, and recollections from Ireland for her website www.irelandwithkids.com. Fortunately, family members of all ages can enjoy this book which is available in hardbound and digital editions.*

Charles Gallen Irish Linen

It’s becoming harder and harder to find true Irish linen, but Charles Gallen Irish Linen in Northern Ireland has been in the business since 1870. And if you’re looking for a more contemporary style for your linen, be sure to check out their line from Jackie Llewelyn.

Irish Coin Cufflinks

These unique cufflinks are made in Ireland from old Irish coins — the Irish Punt coins that were Ireland’s official currency before the euro). To make your gift even more personal, they also offer coins based on a specific year and you can also choose coins from other countries.*

Ruby Clover Bookmarks

An Ireland photo bookmark from Ruby Clover would perfectly compliment a great Irish book… for those who haven’t gone completely digital yet. In addition to three bookmarks, you may also find other photos, jewelry, and art for that creative Celt on your list.

Bitesize Irish Gaelic

Whether someone wants to tap their Irish heritage or are planning to visit one of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions, the online lessons at Bitesize Irish Gaelic help them understand the basics and begin learning to speak the language at their own pace.*

A Cut Above Coins

Wally Charm captures the beauty of Ireland’s old coins and continues the ancient craft of piercing which involves drilling small holes in a piece of metal (in his case unique coins) and cutting out an often detailed design by hand. He works with coins from around the world and includes many Irish coins… including coins that were in circulation before the introduction of the Euro in Ireland.

Celtic Harp Music by Anne Roos

The splendor of the Celtic harp in the hands of Anne Roos creates an absolutely mesmerizing experience. She offers a diverse collection of CDs for everyone on your holiday list. May I recommend “Blue Jeans” for a mix of something contemporary with a classic feel?*

Icons by Agnessa Kessiakova

Agnessa Kessiakova from Sofia, Bulgaria creates old-style icons in the orthodox tradition. She combines traditional centuries old techniques with modern materials by using tempera paints on wood panel, gold leaf and matte finishing varnish. Her Saint Patrick, Christ, and Virgin Mary icons might be of special interest to Irish-Americans.

Music from Matt and Shannon Heaton

The Heatons have been creating beautiful music together for quite some time. Their holiday album is always a favorite, and those with an love for traditional Irish music will savor any musical treasure from their acclaimed collection.

Ireland Dream Trip Guidebook

Our regular contributor Michele Erdvig has been publishing her travel guide for over 20 years. With that many Irish breakfasts and fairy-led adventures under her belt, she has acquired an unmatched volume of knowledge about where to visit and memorable places to stay.*

A few other items to consider:

• Bit Devine’s Ireland-Inspired Calendars & Accessories*
• Camillion Creations Celtic Mermaid Prints
• CapallGlas Fine Art and Hand-Pulled Prints
• Celtic Journey Artwork
• Christy Nicholas’ Magic of Ireland Calendar*
• Earthen Craft Pottery*
• Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
• Irish Turf Incense
• Michele Erdvig’s Ireland-Inspired Items*
• Michelle Masters’ Irish & Celtic Topiary Art*
• Soapourri Irish-Themed Soaps
• Tanya Bond Art from Ireland
• Texas Eagle Gallery Ireland Art Prints
• The Wider Eye Panoramic Prints of Ireland*

Did I miss anything? Feel free to suggest a few things in the comments section

* These businesses have provided items in our holiday giveaway or have served as site sponsors in the past.

Bitesize Irish Gaelic‘s online language lessons teach Irish from the perspective of a beginner, and Eoin from Bitesize Irish Gaelic has offered year-long memberships to FIVE Irish Firesiders!

To enter, you’ll have to post a message in Irish below. Include the Irish and English versions, and PLEASE, let’s save the naughty words and phrases for another time

Need some help learning a bit of Irish? Get some inspiration from this article from their blog or these Irish Fireside articles. Winners will be announced Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

Keep track of all our 2011 Holiday Giveaways by bookmarking this page.

The online application is open to persons who were not born on the island of Ireland who provide supporting documentation connecting them to one or more Irish ancestors. The process is easy to use provided you have a digital copy of your ancestor’s birth certificate, death certificate, census document, affidavit, or other document.

Applicants can choose from three certificate designs and they also offer an selection of Irish-made frames. Certificates begin at €40.00 (US-$54 plus delivery costs). Learn more about how to apply >>

Listen to Our Certificate of Irish Heritage Interview

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5McSnfPduY

This gift will make it to the home of one lucky reader, AND she’s “sweetening the pot” by including a box of tea, a teapot, and one of her hand-crocheted angels. Someone is going to be very lucky.

For your chance to win, answer this question…

Congratulations to our winner, Mary Devine.

If you could have tea with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose?

Leave your answer in the comments below… the winner will be announced Wednesday, December 20, 2011.

For your chance to win, tell us about your favorite Irish/Ireland-inspired recipes in the comments below. The winners will be drawn Monday, Dec 19, 2011.

This book makes a great gift, and you can purchase a hardbound copy for $25 or a digital copy for $4.99 (save an extra $2 by using the code IRLXMAS through December 24, 2011). Details at http://irelandwithkids.com/best-irish-recipes-st-patrick/.

Congratulations to Julia Sacco for winning this prize!

Keep track of all our 2011 Holiday Giveaways by bookmarking this page.

Here’s a giveaway item you probably haven’t seen before… Ursula Celano’s new line of handcrafted Ireland-themed notebooks.

Ursula’s handcrafted notebooks are designed and made right in Ireland and feature images inspired there… Irish dance, Dublin landmarks, the Aran Islands, Irish hedgerows, and the cottages of Eire.

Ursula is giving away some of these beauties, but in order to be entered into the giveaway, you’ll have to visit www.ursulacelano.com.

Once you’ve poked around her website (be sure to read her detailed product descriptions), come back here and use the comments section below to tell us why you’d choose her notebooks for yourself and for a gifts.

The winner will be drawn Sunday, December 18, 2011.

Congratulations to SJ Velasquez… her comment was randomly selected as the winner of this giveaway!

Keep track of all our 2011 Holiday Giveaways by bookmarking this page.

A vintage shard of Irish Belleek china from Co Fermanagh

Liam is offering a piece of his Irish Belleek shard jewelry to one lucky Irish Firesider, by offering a $115 gift certificate to his online store (answer the question at the bottom of the post to enter).

He has several pieces crafted from broken dishes that were recovered in Ireland, so you can take home a bit of Ireland.

$10 OFF

Use the coupon code “IRISHTEA2” and get $10 off your online order or shard jewelry (one coupon per customer/cannot be combined with other promotions/online sales only/expires December 31, 2011).

To enter, simply leave a comment below by Thursday, December 22, 2011, that tells us:

What is your favorite Irish or Ireland-inspired product?

Leave your reply below… winner will be announced December 24, 2011…

Congrats to Tonia M the winner of the $115 gift certificate.

Keep track of all our 2011 Holiday Giveaways by bookmarking this page.

For those who don’t know, these cufflinks are made from the coins used in Ireland before the arrival of the euro in 2002.

This prize will be given away on Saturday, December 17, 2011. To enter this giveaway, you’ll have to answer the following trivia question.

Keep track of all our 2011 Holiday Giveaways by bookmarking this page.

We’re starting with a copy of Michele Erdvig’s travel guide “Ireland Dream Trip.” Currently in its 20th edition, you’ll find the annually updated book a one-stop resource for planning a trip to Ireland… especially because it’s filled with all of Michele’s favorite places in Ireland.

The prize doesn’t stop there. Michele has added several other goodies to the mix… just for good measure:

• A copy of Ireland Dream Trip
• A Map of Ireland
• Celtic Christmas CD
• A copy of Bed & Breakfast Ireland 2011 Guide
• A copy of A Flavor of Ireland (71 page book about food in Ireland – includes recipes)
• A copy of Irish Country Hotels 2011-12
• A copy of Manor House Hotels 2011-12
• A Tourism Ireland shamrock pin

To win… Leave a comment below telling us the #1 site or experience you want to include in your Ireland Dream Trip. Winner will be announced in this post, on Facebook, and on Twitter on Monday, Dec 12, 2011. This prize is available to US-based entries only.

Congrats to our winner Roy Nelson!

More about Michele:

• Visit Michele’s Website and Irish Travel Q&A Forum
• Read Michele’s Irish Fireside Posts
  
• Read Our Interview with Michele
• Listen to Our Fireside Chat: Michele vs the Volcano
• Listen to Our Fireside Chat: Michele on Ireland

Keep track of all our 2011 Holiday Giveaways by bookmarking this page.

The Local Way Dublin—from Trad to Jazz from RPP PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.

Thought you might appreciate this look at some of Dublin’s music venues with the city’s residents at www.dublinthelocalway.com.

Leah Carri tells about her visit to Wexford's Great Saltee Island and includes photos from her sister Elva.

We’re heading to the Saltee Islands on the advice of my mother. I’m home from Australia with my Aussie husband, and she deems it a fitting daytrip for us and my two younger sisters. She’s been there before. Although Great Saltee is Ireland’s largest bird sanctuary, she assures us we won’t need binoculars or an extensive knowledge of ornithology to enjoy it’s many charms.

The Saltee Islands lie about 5 km off the southern coast of County Wexford in Ireland’s Southeast. The islands are uninhabited but have been privately owned by since 1943 when they were bought by the late businessman and farmer Michael Neale. Neale was a colourful character who gave himself the tongue-in-cheek title of ‘Michael the First, Prince of the Saltee Islands.’

Great Saltee covers a distance of 89 hectares, and the Neale’s have kindly made it accessible to birdwatchers and day-trippers. Little Saltee, which is about half the size, is not accessible due to hazardous landing conditions.

Across the Water from Kilmore Quay

The boat to Great Saltee leaves from Kilmore Quay. It’s a charming little village in it’s own right, particularly today, brightly lit with blue skies and August sunshine. We admire the fishing boats and quaint seaside cottages, conjuring up romantic images of an alternate life where we owned one or the other.

We also make a mental note of seafood and fish ‘n’ chip outlets with which we may reward ourselves on our return. It is Ireland of course… the sun shines now, but we’re not naïve. We could be pelted by wind and rain rolling in off the Celtic sea for the next few hours. We may return drenched and miserable. Chips are the best cure for that.

We buy a few final bits and pieces to add to our picnic. We each have a bag; extra clothes and rain gear in case the weather turns, sandwiches, flasks of tea with little plastic cups, swimsuits in case we get brave (or crazy). You need to be prepared heading out to Great Saltee. There are no facilities out there. No shop, café, toilets, shelter. That’s the beauty of it.

It’s best to book your boat trip from Kilmore Quay in advance. The trips are made weather permitting and generally you’ll leave around 10am and they’ll return to collect you at around 4pm. Expect to pay approximately €20 per head for a round trip.

It’s a short and enjoyable boat trip. We watch as the already small Kilmore Quay shrinks in the distance. The sea is blue and sparkling. The salty breeze is refreshing. We smile and nod to our fellow passengers and keep our eyes peeled for the dolphins that are sometimes seen in the area.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

We pull into the landing point for the island where steps lead up from a rocky cove to a welcome sign from Michael the First which says that, “All people young and old, are welcome to come, see and enjoy the Islands, and leave them as they found them for the unborn generations to come, see and enjoy.”

We decide the first thing we should do is eat our picnic and find a good spot near one of the island’s large gannet colonies. We watch as hundreds of birds wheel and glide and circle and land and squawk and repeat, as we enjoy our sandwiches and tea.

It’s a birdwatchers paradise with over 220 species of bird recorded on the island including Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and a range of other seabirds that breed here.

Seals and Other Wildlife

Picnic finished we set off to explore, chatting and admiring the beautiful scenery as we go. Our plan is to follow the route along by the cliffs to ‘The Head’, the highest point of the island.

Along the way, we spot a grey seal in one of the island’s little coves. Then we spot another, and another. There are six altogether, their calm doglike faces bobbing gently in the swell. They bob and stare, seeming as interested in us as we are in them.

We continue on to ‘The Head’ at the south end of the island, home to the biggest bird colony. It’s an amazing sight, and we take our time watching hundreds of birds swirl and soar all around us.

As the afternoon presses on, we make our way around the other side of the island. We take our time and watch out for wildlife, spotting wrens, rabbits, black and red cinnabar moths and blackberry bushes whose fruit is unfortunately not yet ripe.

Eventually, we arrive back at the cove where we were dropped off earlier in the day. We still have time to spare. Some of our fellow passengers are already there. Like us they want to make sure they’re there in good time – there’s only one boat back to the mainland this afternoon. We relax on the warm rocks, pleasantly tired from all our walking. We spot another seal a bit away from shore. The sun sparkling on the water, the happy looking seal and the sun warmed rocks prompt us to consider a swim as the perfect end to the day. Dipping our toes in the water changes our mind. It’s freezing! The bikinis stay in the bags, but it’s nice to cool off our feet with a paddle, until the boat arrives, and we head back to Kilmore Quay for a seafood dinner.

Leah Carri is an Irish freelance writer now living in Australia. You can read her blog at www.leahshome.com. Photos by Elva Carri – all rights reserved by the author and photographer.

Every year, the travel blog community unites to support Passports With Purpose (PWP)… a very special fundraiser offering you a chance at a full menu of desirable prizes.

This year, Ireland with Kids sponsors two nights at any Irish bed and breakfast in the B&B Ireland network… that basically means two FREE nights anywhere in Ireland! Score!

Click the “Donate” button at PWP to see the very loooooong list of great prizes.

In the past, the effort has raised money to build a school in rural Cambodia and an entire South Indian Village. This year, Passports With Purpose works to build two libraries in Zambia.

Irish Fireside and our online community have been involved with PWP in some form since the beginning, and we’re happy to support it again. Please give generously… it increases your chances of winning the prize of your choice

Give Some PWP Love >>

Before you begin imagining a dark, dank, cold vault, realize that the Cathedral’s crypt offers a much more elaborate (and warm) environment than one would expect from the city’s oldest building.

The Christmas Market will be held at Christ Church Cathedral every Saturday through the 17th of December from 11am-4pm.

Restoring the Church and Saving the Belfry

2011 is an important and challenging year for the Cathedral. In need of urgent repair and restoration work, a major fundraising campaign to raise the €2 million needed has been launched and all proceeds of the Christmas Market will go towards its upkeep. The high profile campaign has already seen a host of names get behind the donation drive to save Christ Church including model Rosanna Davison, dancer Michael Flatley, singer Roger Whittaker, actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Irish Ambassador for Culture, Gabriel Byrne.

Situated in the heart of medieval Dublin, Christ Chuch Cathedral is one of the best known and loved landmarks in the City. Easily reached by public transport or on foot from the main shopping areas, the Cathedral attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to enjoy the unique and magical experience that Christ Church has to offer.

Read our post about The Secrets from Christ Church Cathedral >>

There’s no shortage of information about County Kerry, Ireland, but I couldn’t help feeling enchanted by the place hearing Jessie Voigts talk about Ireland’s most famous corner on The Amateur Traveler Podcast.

Gotta admit, Jessie’s giggle is contagious, and she was was quite honest about the Kingdom County’s abundance of tourists while still showcasing its appeal. Yes, it’s got a lot of tourists. Yes, it’s got must-see sites. Yes, there are still some lesser-known experiences to be found.

Here’s to Kerry… and all the other wonderful places to visit in Ireland!

Have a listen at The Amateur Traveler Episode 304: Travel to The Ring of Kerry in Ireland

You can also read more about Jessie’s trip at Wandering Educators: Ireland or her posts here on the Irish Fireside.

B&B Ireland Blog – This newcomer to the blog scene has become a consistent source for authentic Irish travel information. Check it out.

Bitesize Irish Gaelic Blog – For those interested in learning the Irish language, these folks keep everything fun and informative. Be sure to sign up for their e-newsletter.

Discover Ireland Blog – Since it’s launch, Irish tourism’s official blog has been providing a steady stream of original articles covering every corner of the Emerald Isle.

Diddlyi Magazine – Centered around the Irish dance community, Diddlyi also gives a generous helping of Irish culture and history.

Engaging Ireland Podcast – Their latest audio episodes visit Northern Ireland, but their archives give great tips for sites all over Ireland.

In Your Pocket Belfast and In Your Pocket Dublin – these sister publications have both capital cities covered.

Ireland Yes – When it comes to travel forums, Michele and her online community have answers for everything you want to know about Ireland. And her book is a hit as well.

Ireland with Kids – This site goes beyond family travel in Ireland and offers suggestions everyone can use.

Irish and Celtic Music Podcast – Irish Music! Celtic Music! Need I say more?

Married an Irish Farmer – We’re still charmed by Imen’s accounts of life on an Irish farm… and her site is loaded with delicious recipes from the countryside.

Irish Culture and Customs – Bridget has compiled a veritable encyclopedia of information on Ireland. Click around and you’ll love what you find.

Looking for a few more sites of interest. Visit our Links Page.

To be considered for our guide, suggestions must:

• Have a connection to Ireland or Irish-interest
• Deliver a unique gift idea for individuals with a passion for Ireland
• Offer a product online

Tell Us Your Suggestions

(entries for this year’s gift guide is closed, but you are welcome to use the form below to recommend products)

*(denotes required field)

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List any Ireland-related products or companies you would us to consider for our Holiday Gift Guide (include website addresses).

Please note if you have an affiliation with any companies or products listed.

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2. Buy or make a gift valued at about $10.
3. Wait for your Secret Santa Assignment to arrive on Dec 10, 2011.
4. Mail the gift and a short note to your Secret Santa Assignment by Dec 17, 2011 – we know, it’s not that secret
5. Open your gift and send us a Secret Santa Report… we LOVE when you send us snapshots of your presents!

If you sign up, PLEASE fulfill your duties as a Secret Santa… we’ve had a few deadbeat Santas in the past – don’t be a deadbeat Santa… it goes on your permanent Kris Kringle record.

• Secret Santa Report 2010
• Secret Santa Report 2009

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Photo by FreckledPast

The Tale of the Irish Bees

The history of beekeeping is a long one in most cultures, and the Irish are no different. As mentioned in Early Medieval Ireland, 400-1200 by Dáibhí Ó Cróinín, honey was utilized as a sweetener in brewing ale and in making dairy spreads.

The Bee Laws

Bech Bretha (Bee Judgments) was a part of ancient Brehon Law. Ownership of hives was to be clearly determined. There were laws against stealing hives, and even compensation for those stung by another man’s bees. Destruction of bees was a grave offense and a devastating tradegy. The Annals of Ulster in 993 recorded a plague of people, animals and bees across the island.

Honey was not to be given to the ailing because it caused digestive problems, but owners of hives were expected to share their honey if their neighbors came down with a craving. I wonder if we could apply the same rule today to chocolate chip cookies.

The Monks as Beekeepers

The ancient monks were beekeepers, as were many common folks. Tracking a swarm of bees was one of the few activities the church allowed on Sundays. Beeswax candles came to be popular and beeswax was also used for practice writing tablets in monastery schools.

Photo by Andreas

Kerry Ross has written an interesting blog post on Irish beekeeping laws you might be interested in.

How the Irish Got Their Honey

Mo-Domnóc, a 7^th century Irish saint is traditionally credited with bringing the first honeybees to Ireland. Apparently he was working with the bees in a monastery in Wales, and when he returned to his native land he unknowingly brought the bees with him. Bees are so loyal that way, you know. They follow you, unless your name is Winnie the Pooh. In that case you have to go raid the hives. Mo-Domnóc’s bees, however, supposedly never returned to the Welsh monastery.

Some sources say that Mo-Domnóc was actually Welsh, not Irish. In that case this is something the Irish can thank the British for.

St. Gobnait, a 5th or 6th century nun from County Clare is the Irish saint of beekeepers. Gobnait is Irish for Abigail, but she’s also known as Deborah (Honeybee.)

The believed burial site of St. Gobnait in County Cork. Photo by Buckeye Beth

I picked this up at the grocery store recently. You know, for research!

Cindy Thomson is the author of Celtic Wisdom and Brigid of Ireland. She enjoys exploring Irish history, especially the Early Christian period. She has written numerous articles on Irish genealogy. Visit her blog Celtic Voices and her web site where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Tourists flock to Kilkenny in their droves all year round, drawn to the compact city’s medieval heritage, its vibrant atmosphere, and its packed calendar of cultural events.

Amongst the best-known attractions are Kilkenny Castle and gardens, the remaining City Walls, Saint Canice’s Cathedral, and Rothe House and Garden – but Kilkenny’s appeal runs much deeper. Spend a few extra days there to enjoy the craic and dig a bit further into the region’s food and heritage, and you’ll have the chance to try traditional dishes in one of the hundreds of Irish pubs dotted about town, and to hunt down dozens of far-fetched, weird and wonderful local stories of medieval madness, witchcraft, and ghostly goings-on.

Whatever time of year you visit Kilkenny, you’ll find traditional regional dishes on the menus in many of the local pubs and restaurants. And while you’ll stumble across a pub every few steps you take, the Kyteler’s Inn on Kieran Street has a particular allure for those with an interest in history – or the paranormal. With Irish Stew and Bacon & Cabbage on the menu, washed down with local beers or Guinness, you can enjoy a bite to eat while learning about the inn’s amazing history from the information board on one of the walls.

The site of the inn was once the home of Dame Alice Kyteler, born in Kilkenny in 1263, who gained increasing notoriety as her succession of four husbands each passed away in turn – while she accumulated a healthy fortune.

Suspicious locals conspired to accuse Alice of witchcraft, and
she became the first person in Ireland to be accused and condemned for witchcraft. As the angry mob approached her home, she is said to have fled the country – but her maid, Petronella de Meath, was captured instead, perhaps mistakenly, then flogged and burned at the stake on 3rd November 1324. And adding to the Inn’s fascination is the fact that local paranormal enthusiasts say the maid still haunts the site to this day.

Amongst other Kilkenny ghostly legends is the female form that is said to occasionally appear on a staircase and in the garden at Kilkenny Castle, a presence which is said to guarantee that no guest enjoys a restful night’s sleep in the castle. And in the vicinity of St John’s Parochial Hall, sightings have been reported of a tall, thin woman using crutches who wears a long coat, no stockings and has flowing white hair.

Foodie appeal

If you’re more into food and fantasy, time your visit to coincide with October’s Savour Kilkenny festival, which takes place over Ireland’s October Bank Holiday weekend. The festival features a free, open-air food market on the Parade Plaza and in the Design Yard where visitors can sample gourmet treats from local and regional producers.

Cooking demonstrations take over the Set Theatre in John Street, featuring celebrity chefs such as Donal Skehan and Catherine Fulvio, and other highlights include the Dame Alice Medieval Banquet on Sunday 31st October in the Kilkenny Castle Kitchens.

This article was written by Rebecca Burns on behalf of InsureandGo Travel Insurance.

Photo of Kilkenny Castle & Garden by seanP on Flickr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWadjU5gF68

An unexpected early announcement by the New 7 Wonders Foundation of the top ranking 14 candidates in the New 7 Wonders of Nature online global contest were announced today. The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s finalist in the global campaign, did not appear in the list and therefore the Cliffs cannot now be named among the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The Cliffs of Moher vote, which had gained significant momentum in the final weeks of the campaign, was not sufficient to overtake the front runners.

Ennis, county town of Clare where the Cliffs are located, is twinned with Phoenix, Arizona, where the Grand Canyon also missed out on a Top 14 spot. The Bay of Fundy in Canada which had linked with the Clare landmark early this year was not named in the list either.

Speaking from the County Clare landmark earlier, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Katherine Webster congratulated the front runners and thanked all those who had supported the Cliffs campaign over the four years of the contest. “We have been delighted to have the Cliffs of Moher contending for a spot in the New 7 Wonders of Nature and we know that a great number of Irish people and members of the Irish diaspora around the world weighed in with their support”

Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Hayes had this to say, “All of us in County Clare know that the Cliffs of Moher is a special place and this campaign has put the Cliffs of Moher on the “must see” list of many potential visitors to Ireland. Of course, we’re disappointed the Cliffs of Moher didn’t make it to the final 7, but it was always going to be a huge challenge given the relative sizes of the population versus some of the successful candidates. More people than ever have heard of the Cliffs of Moher now and we will certainly look forward to welcoming them to County Clare in the years ahead.”

The New 7 Wonders of Nature contest was organized by the Swiss non-profit New 7 Wonders Foundation, an organization who in 2007 completed a previous campaign to choose the New 7 man-made Wonders of the world which saw over 100 million votes cast. They had previously estimated that the current campaign would see one billion votes cast. The foundation have announced plans to release verified voting tallies in the coming days and they are already planning for their next voting campaign – New 7 Wonders Cities.

More info on the competition at www.n7w.com >>

More about the Cliffs of Moher at www.cliffsofmoher.ie >>

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

A chance encounter and shared moment with one of natures greatest and most fleeting phenomena.

In one of nature’s amazing occurances, two British women captured a flock of starlings (known as a murmur) over Lough Derg.

Starlings over Lough Derg

To tell the story of his grandfather’s life, Daniel McGarrigle turned to film, animation, and the “Sharing Stories” project run by the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny (Republic of Ireland) and the Nerve Centre in Derry (Northern Ireland).

As part of a social media experiment, “Sharing Stories” is using YouTube and Facebook to promote Daniel’s film “Brighter Days.” Over the next three weeks, they will track how people use social media to view and share the film, and they will present that information to show how artists can use technology to reach an extended audience.

You can get involved

Just by watching the film… (we’ve embedded it below), you are taking part in the experiment. However, you can help the project (and the fine folks in Ireland Northwest) by sharing it with friends.

• Like the Film on Facebook – www.facebook.com/sharingstoriesbrighterdays
• Visit the Film’s Blog – www.sharingstoriesbrighterdays.blogspot.com
• Watch the Film on YouTube – http://youtu.be/gC_T6y9Oy9U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC_T6y9Oy9U

Colm Melly (Daniel’s grandfather) was born in 1923 and lives in Glenties, county Donegal.

Daniel McGarrigle was born in Derry in 1986 and raised in Letterkenny, County.Donegal. A keen artist from a young age, his academic achievements include an MA in Motion Graphics, a Bachelors Degree in Design for Visual Communication and a BTEC Diploma in Art & Design.

More recently Daniel has been an Artist in Residence at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny, county Donegal and worked as a graphic designer as well as a documentary film director and editor. Daniel currently lives in Toronto, Canada.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQFyxOLH2Vw

Ireland’s Harry Clarke created masterpieces of stained glass. Although he died young his reputation was comparable to Tiffany. His art can be found worldwide but Ireland contains the largest concentration of his glorious artwork.

You can watch Part Two of the documentary about Clarke  on YouTube.

Harry Clarke Window in Saint Joseph's Church, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

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Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

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 Free Ireland Travel Forum

For me, it was a visit to Woodstock Gardens in Inistioge, County Kilkenny. We wandered the gardens, and then when we tried to get a photo of Liam and me next to a California redwood… the camera wouldn’t work. The photo came out with haunting hands and hooves…

Liam and mysterious hands at Woodstock Gardens, County Kilkenny.

Truth is, there was low light and a long exposure on the digital camera… those hands were mine, but boy oh boy, getting back to the B&B and seeing the haunting hands kind of freaked us out.

What’s your favorite spooky destination or experience in Ireland? Share below…

And remember, you can always submit a story or photo.

Emily on her rented Dublin Bike. Photo by Sebastian Rasch - all rights reserved.

Emily Westbrooks tells us, “One of the best ways to get around Dublin City Centre is on a Dublin Bike. The rental bikes arrived in Dublin last year, and they’re a huge hit!”

Emily gives us five excellent tips for a smooth ride at www.fromchinavillage.com/2011/10/dublin-bikes/

Emily Westbrooks is a freelance writer from Maine who now lives in Dublin. She writes daily about her life and travels on her blog, From China Village.

A traditional Halloween treat is the Barmbrack Cake (or “Bairin Breac”). The dense bread is served year-round, but the Halloween tradition inspires a fruitcake baked with a piece of rag, a gold ring and a silver coin that is shared by the family after dinner.

Great interest is taken in the hidden trinkets and their ability to foretell the future. Beware if you get the slice with the rag, for your financial future is in doubt. However, if you reap the slice with the coin, you can look forward to a most prosperous year. And the slice with the ring is a sure sign of impending romance or continued happiness.

Halloween Barmbrack Cake
3-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp mixed spice (a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, coriander, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, ginger)
1/4 tsp of nutmeg
pinch of salt
3 tbs butter
1 pkg (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1 cup milk
1 egg beaten
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried currants
1/3 cup candied peel
ring, coin, thin piece of rag all wrapped in parchment paper
1 egg yolk
water
1 tbs sugar

Sift the flour, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl. Using your fingers (or a pastry blender) work butter into the flour until it forms coarse crumbs

In a small saucepan, warm the milk (do not get it too hot).

In another medium bowl, mix yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Then add one teaspoon of warm milk. Stir and allow to rest for 4 minutes until bubbles form. Then add the remaining warm milk and egg to the yeast mixture.

Add remaining sugar to flour mixture and add yeast mixture. Knead until stiff and elastic. Fold in raisins, currants and candied peel. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and leave in a warm place until dough doubles in size (about 1 hour).

Punch down dough and knead for 2 to 3 minutes. Divide dough into two balls and place in two loaf pans. Add ring, coin and rag in the dough. Allow to rise for 30 to 60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix egg yolk, water and 2 tablespoons of sugar and brush over loaf. Bake for 1 hour or until golden.

Slow But Easy Brambrack Recipe

1 cup currants
1 cup raisins
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup cold tea

Mix the above ingredients together, cover and soak overnight.

The next day, prepare the following:
1-1/2 cup flour
1 level tsp. baking powder
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. mixed spice (i.e. cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.)
warmed honey

Add flour, baking powder and spice to soaked fruit mixture. Mix in beaten egg. Spoon mixture into a well-greased loaf pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. When cool, brush top with warmed honey for a beautiful glaze.

You can listen to a podcast with Claire Nolan on The Writer’s Passage. The novel was adapted into a play, which met with local success. You can read about it here.

The Historical Setting

Kilkenny Castle Photo by jpverkamp John-Paul Verkamp

In the 13th century on the banks of the River Nore, the town of Kilkenny, located in the center of County Kilkenny, was a Norman stronghold.

Dame Alice was the original owner of Kyteler’s Inn, a 13th century establishment still serving folks today in Kilkenny after it was saved from destruction in the 1960′s.

Photo by By byasoni

The inn is a popular gathering spot for both tourists and locals who enjoy the history, food, drinks, and live traditional music. But as with many sites in Ireland, there is a story or two to tell about Kyteler’s Inn.

Fiction Comes to Life

But sometimes the most creative authors cannot pen a tale more spooky than what happens in real life. I asked Claire about a painting that hangs in Kyteler’s Inn in Kilkenny.

Well, a gentleman by the name of Paddy Shaw, who works in New York, came across a reference to Alice in some records late at night in the Public Library. In 2003 he painted a picture of Alice Kyteler, and this was later exhibited in New York, as well as Japan. Eventually, he donated the painting to Kyteler’s Inn, in Kilkenny.

I started writing my novel in 2004, and it was published in 2008.  When the painting arrived in Kyteler’s, it made quite a fuss, as there was a feeling that the Alice depicted in the painting looked very much like me. The subject in the painting has pale skin and long red hair, and this would be a fair description of me. She also wears a long black velvet dress and I would in fact have done my readings in just such a dress. However, the Alice in the painting is very fierce looking, and I’m pleased to say that I don’t normally look like that!

More About Author Claire Nolan

“Claire Nolan is a 38year old woman who is originally from Kilkenny. She has always written, but only recently considered publication, and the history of her beautiful home town is an excellent place to start. Having learnt of the story of Alice Kyteler as a child, she decided in 2005 to write her own version of the story. The Stone is the result.

She lives and works in Dublin and is currently working on her second novel which will be about the Ladies Marathon, which takes place in Dublin in June of each year.

If you would like to contact Claire you can reach her at thestonenovel@gmail.com.”

Cindy Thomson is the author of Celtic Wisdom and Brigid of Ireland. She enjoys exploring Irish history, especially the Early Christian period. She has written numerous articles on Irish genealogy. Visit her blog Celtic Voices and her web site where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter.

A sea of Celtic crosses in a cemetery at Glendalough Abbey in County. Photo by www.greendragonartist.com - all rights reserved by the artist.

Submitted by Kat Behling
Each November 1st, a decrepit old woman with an iron hammer appears across the Irish countryside, pummeling the ground with such mighty force that her hammer turns the soil to solid rock. She then takes to the sky casting stones every which way from her massive apron creating majestic, snow-capped mountaintops in her path.

Known in Irish folklore as Cailleach, the Goddess of Samhain, she is considered the female version of who we know as Old Man Winter. Often at odds with her nemesis Brigid, the Goddess of spring, Cailleach possesses the magical power of renewing her youth and vitality with the change of the seasons.

Winter is known in ancient Ireland as Samhain (pronounced “Sow-in”) and is one of four seasons marking the Celtic calendar. The others are Imbolc (spring), Beltane (summer) and Lughnasadh (autumn). Each season consists of three months, each concluding with a communal celebration.

A Time for Reflection and Renewal

The festival of Samhain is held the eve of October 31st and celebrates both the end of the harvest and the welcoming of the New Year. As the days become shorter, the nights become colder and the lightness fades, the growing cycle has come to a close. The trees, having shed the last of their leaves and nuts, appear stark and lifeless. Not coincidentally, this important festival marks the beginning of the “dark half” of the Celtic calendar.

The ancient Celts believed Samhain opened the “gateway” to the rest cycle, as it is during these long dark days of winter that the cycle of renewal is set into motion – seeds quietly germinate anticipating the first gentle rays of spring’s light. The seasons were believed to possess a spiritual energy connecting its people to the layers in time. As a result, Samhain has long been – and continues to be – a sacred time for introspection, remembrance of loved ones and personal reflection.

Of Spirits and Saints

According to ancient beliefs, the gateways to the physical and spiritual worlds are overthrown on the Eve of Samhain, making it possible for humans, ancestors, gods and faeries to visit each other’s realms. Beloved elders were honored and ancestors remembered. Souls were thought to return in the guise of a faerie or spirit, seeking out their descendants, offering loving guidance and words of wisdom. Over the centuries, the celebration of Samhain eventually became known as “All-Hallow-even”, “All Hallow’s Eve” and finally, “Hallowe’en”.

In fact, what began as a pagan festival evolved over the centuries into a Christian-interpreted holiday when Pope Boniface instituted “All Saints Day” (also known as “All Souls Day”), a Catholic day of observance loosely based on pagan traditions and honoring those saints who did not have a specific day of remembrance. Originally observed May 13th, the date was later changed to its present day of November 1st by Pope Gregory III.

Hallowe’en Traditions Alive Today

With the Christian observance of All Saints Day, Hallowe’en eventually evolved into a celebration for children. Dressed in scary masks and costumes resembling wandering spirits, children roamed door-to-door, begging for sweet treats along the way – or beware the trick played on the owner of the house. The custom was brought to America with the Irish immigrants of the 1840’s. Today, better known as “Beggar’s Night” or “Trick or Treat”, witches, goblins and ghosts remain the most popular choices for Hallowe’en costumes.

Hallowe’en is also known in Ireland as “Pooky Night”, referring to a “púca” or mischievous faerie. Although unseen to the mortal eye, faeries were said to live among humans, so it was considered to be in one’s best interest to stay in good relations with these kindred spirits throughout the year. For instance, it is considered extremely bad manners to remove an ash, hawthorne or oak tree to make way for a new home, as faeries tend to seek out these favorite trees for their own habitats.

Instead, the Irish have a custom of placing a small gift or token under a hawthorne tree on Hallowe’en to attract good-natured faeries. In return for the hospitality, faeries are known to bring good fortune and protection the remainder of the year.

The tradition of the bonfire has its roots in Ireland where the highlight of village festivities was the gathering of neighbors and loved ones and the anticipation of the lighting of the great fire, usually atop a hill. Once the fire reached towering heights, the head of each family then solemnly took from this common flame to light their hearth at home, a powerful symbol of solidarity. Today, it is customary to leave a candle burning in the window on Hallowe’en.

Another custom included leaving the door open and food on the table on Hallowe’en in the event a departed loved one might return that night. The candle in the window also served as a sign of welcome.

Carving faces into turnips and setting them on doorsteps was said to ward off evil spirits. Irish immigrants who migrated to America carried on the tradition by carving pumpkins, which were more plentiful here than turnips. The tradition actually dates to the 18th century when an Irish blacksmith named Jack was said to have colluded with the devil. As a result, not only was he denied entry into Heaven, but was condemned to eternally wander the earth in complete darkness and given a single burning ember as light which he placed inside a hallowed-out turnip. Thus, the tradition of the “Jack O’Lantern” was born.

Placing a perfect ivy leaf into a cup of water before going to bed was believed to tell the fate of family members. If in the morning, the leaf was still perfect and had not turned spotty, then the person who placed it in the cup would have twelve months of good health.

“Bobbing for Apples,” once a popular Hallowe’en game, was known in Ireland as “Snap the Apple.” Instead of placing apples in a tub of water, an apple was suspended from a string and children were blindfolded.

A traditional Irish Hallowe’en dinner might include Colcannon – boiled or mashed potato, curly kale (a type of cabbage) and raw onions. Sometimes clean coins were placed inside the potatoes for children to find.

Dublin experienced some serious flooding yesterday… thought you might want to check out some of the images via Irish Weather Online. Fortunately, the waters have receded since this footage was collected.

A sample of the Irish artwork from Ruby Clover

I know you all love a good Irish-themed giveaway (our autumn giveaway is underway), so I thought I’d alert you to some gorgeous images from Ireland that Ruby Clover has on offer. Right now, if you LIKE and SHARE her work on Facebook, you’ll be entered to win some prints.

Here are the details >>

Dublin-based Paul Gibson takes his favorite Irish phrases and traditional music lyrics and gives them his own visual artistic spin. His striking graphic posters manage to be both modern and nostalgic… not an easy task. Browsing his online gallery reveals the inspiration behind each piece, such as the first Irish phrase he learned, “glens” hidden in the images, and the songs that prompted the artwork.

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It may be unpredictable, but Ireland manages to be beautiful no matter what Mother Nature kicks up. Enjoy this video collection of images from Irish Weather Online.

Kick off the cool, crisp days of Autumn with an Irish Fireside giveaway! The winner will be able to snuggle into a warm, cozy hat and scarf set hand-crocheted by the Crochet Divas.  Done in the colors of Ireland – green, white and orange – the scarf has a whimsical shamrock fringe. The fringe can easily be snipped off if you prefer a plainer scarf.

How to Enter: Visit the Crochet Divas’ website and view their items under the Shop tab. Leave a comment here telling us about your favorite crocheted product on their website. Be creative! Give us a good description of the product. Then tell why you would like to win the hat and scarf set. NOTE: This giveaway is for those in the USA only. The scarf and hat set can only be mailed within the US.

Closing Date: The giveaway will close on November 1, 2011. The winner will be announced by November 3, 2011. Let the fun begin!

UPDATE: Congratulations to our winner… Sharlene Peerson.

http://www.crochetdivas.com/

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

Custom Itineraries

Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

Follow Michele on Twitter

Photo by Jim Berkeley - http://www.dublinontheliffey.ie/ - All Rights Reserved

It wasn’t long after reader Joe Conway sent me a link to Dublin on the Liffey that I found myself hypnotized by Jim Berkeley’s images of Ireland’s capital as reflected by the River Liffey. It’s a whole new way to see Ireland’s capital. Have a look for yourself.

www.dublinontheliffey.ie

Scone & cream at McCathy's Tea Room www.donegalsquare.com

Liam and I pretty much ate our way through the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, PA, September 23-25. Our visit began with hearty meal at McCarthy’s Tea Room. Then was time for some pre-festival drinks at the Bethlehem Inn.

Once the festival kicked off, we had to sample a little bit of everything. I have to say, Celtic Classic serves up some of the best festival food we’ve tasted… and we’re at a lot of fests. And our calorie count didn’t include the snacks we picked up at Donegal Square and the tea and scones from McCarthy’s.

The food, combined with great entertainment, Highland games, great vendors, and a warm welcome, made for a memorable weekend.

Saying “Hi!”

While we were there, we met a few folks who wanted to say a heart-felt, “Hello,” from the Celtic Classic.

Links to the folks above:
www.celticfest.org
www.celticsigns.com
www.DonegalSquare.com
www.ecptile.com
www.haymancelticjewelry.com
www.heartsofgalway.com
www.HealyEngraving.com
www.LiamShardJewelry.com
www.pamelasforgetmenots.com
www.theCelticCross.com
www.twitter.com/fatstinkindrunk
www.twitter.com/gingirlee

Just off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry are the scenic Blasket Islands. They poke out of the ocean like the tops of drowned mountains, so close yet so far away. In 1953 the hardy Irish-speaking  islanders left their insular homes to relocate to a more friendly environment. In their books they recorded a poignant lost way of life that seems romantic and sad at the same time. Today their once snug homes are abandoned ruins left to the elements. Their accomplishments are celebrated at the Blakset Island Center in Dunquin. The next Parrish is America!

© 2011 Michele Erdvig

“Ireland Travel Expert”

Web: IrelandYes.com

Book: Ireland Dream Trip

Custom Itineraries

Michele’s Irish Shop: www.zazzle.com/irelandyes*

Follow Michele on Twitter

T With the Maggies CD release concert at City Halls in Glasgow. Photo courtesy Kerry Dexter - All Rights Reserved

A collection featuring the music of Northern Ireland, the debut recording of a New England based Celtic band, and a collaboration of four superstar musicians from Donegal: three more Irish and Celtic recordings to know.

Sound Neighbours

Is the music of Northern Ireland different from the music in the counties to the south which make up the republic? I’ll give a resounding yes and no on that one. As you’ll know if you’ve spent time on the island of Ireland, there are different accents and phrases and rhythms to the way people speak, in Irish and in English, all through the counties, north and south. The same is true of tune and song, which well may vary from one townland to the next, never mind county, in accent and emphasis.

That said, the twenty track collection Sound Neighbours, produced by Smithsonian Folkways and with liner notes by Northern Ireland musician Colum Sands, is good introduction to both music and musicians of the six counties. Sands himself has a song, The Donegall Road, which speaks of history and the promise of a new day.

Colum’s brother Tommy is there too, with There Were Roses, which puts a human and next door neighbor face on the sadness of the Troubles. It’s not all about politics by any means, though. Northern Man, performed by Different Drums, talks of love across borders, while Briege Murphy offers a traditional love song with a different ending in The Verdant Braes of Screen. Brothers Niall and Cillian Vallely join up for the tune The Singing Stream, while Roisin White offers the lively and funny praise of place in Omagh Town, and piper Jarlath Henderson gives a taste of the best of contemporary piping with The Old Bush Set.

Alternate Routes

Sarah Blair, Ariel Friedman, Liz Simmons, and Shannon Heaton each have careers as professional musicians, teaching, touring and performing in a variety of ways. None of them was exactly looking for another band to join. Still, the four friends found that the music they made together and the ways they thought about presenting music kept calling them to do just that — and so they did. The result is the band Long Time Courting. Their first album is called Alternate Routes.

It’s an engaging gathering of songs and tunes, which kicks off with Maggie Dean, which takes a twist on the story of a woman disguising herself as a sailor. Shannon Heaton wrote the words which she set to a traditional melody, and sings the lead. Polska Efter Elias Tallari is a set of tunes which takes things in a bit of a quieter direction for a moment, as does the band’s take on the song Barbara Allen, which they treat almost as a lament. In the Dog House is a set of tunes that kicks things up into high gear, pairing the set’s namesake tune, an original by Shannon Heaton, with two tunes from the tradition. Liz Simmons gives the right touch of storytelling to the lead on the tale My Johnny Was a Shoemaker. The York Street Stepper is another lively set of tunes, started off by the namesake piece, penned by fiddler Ellery Klein, founding member of Long Time Courting. Sarah Blair handles fiddling with the group these days. Friedman plays the cello, Simmons guitar, and Heaton flutes and whistles.

T With the Maggies

Moya Brennan, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill each spent part of their growing up years Donegal, in the far northwest of Ireland. Each of them also went on to make a career in music, gaining acclaim as members of bands including Clannad, Nightnoise, and Altan, and as solo artists as well. As the years drew on, the women would cross paths, and they’d remember how much they ahd enjoyed singing with each other when they were growing up. Several years ago Maighréad’s daughter invited them to perform together at the the Temple Bar Trad Festival in Dublin, and the seed of an album was planted

That seed has come to flowering on the album T With the Maggies, which is also what the four women call the group they’ve formed together. It’s a thoughtful and graceful collection, including songs from the tradition and several that the women wrote themselves. In them you can hear and feel the salt sea of of the Donegal coast as well as its haunting mountains and glens, and the humor and sorrow of the people.

Many of the songs are in Irish, but they start of with the lively and perhaps a bit enigmatic song Wedding Dress, which gives a taste of the fine harmony and stellar playing which carry through the project. Ceol an Phíobaire, A Stór A Stór A Ghrá and Bíod Orm Anocht are among the songs in Irish. Mother Song, which the four wrote together is a spare song inspired by the fact that people are emigrating from Ireland again these days. Domhnach na Fola, the most haunting song of on the album, is a response to the recent release of the findings of the Bloody Sunday enquiry in Derry.

Kerry Dexter writes about music, the arts,Ireland, and Scotland at Music Road. Strings, Perceptive Travel, and other places. More Irish Fireside posts from Kerry.

Cahir Castle - Photo courtesy Peter and Dalene Heck - all rights reserved by the artist.

Among Ireland’s largest and most memorable castles, Cahir Castle in County Tipperary finds its way to the favorites list of many visitors. Dalene and Peter Heck from www.hecktictravels.com would likely agree. The couple shared this image of Cahir Castle… follow the path and it will take you to the enchanted Swiss Cottage.

More photos of Cahir at:

www.hecktictravels.com/photos/cahir-castle-cahir-ireland

www.hecktictravels.com/cashel-cahir-ireland-photos

Dalene & Peter Heck, a Canadian couple, sold everything and have been on the road since 2009. Join their journey at www.hecktictravels.com.

We’re making our way from Milwaukee and will be hanging out in the Donegal Square tent all weekend long. We would LOVE to see you there. If you’re in the area, stop by and say, “hello.”

A Special Giveaway

We’ll be having a special giveaway for everyone who stops by and tells us they follow the Irish Fireside, so be sure to chat with us when you visit.

We’ll also have my shard jewelry on display… with an emphasis on the shards I recover in Ireland. You can save $10 on your favorite piece of shard jewelry at the Celtic Classic or in my online store.

$10 Off a piece of shard jewelry at www.LiamShardJewelry.com or the 2011 Celtic Classic. Use the code CLASSIC when checking out online to redeem your discount. Mention “Irish Fireside Discount” to Corey or Liam to get your discount at the Celtic Classic. Valid for shard jewelry only. Expires September 29, 2011.

The unique environment found in northern County Clare known as The Burren has been awarded the prestigious designation of membership of the UNESCO-supported Global Geopark network.

The Burren now becomes part of a unique group of world locations that form part of the Global Network of National Geoparks. There are currently 78 Geoparks in 26 countries worldwide and only two other sites in Ireland and Northern Ireland — Copper Coast Geopark and  Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh Mountain Park.

Vincent Cunnane of Shannon Development said “the Burren is recognised throughout the world as an iconic landscape of outstanding geology and breathtaking coastal scenery.  North Clare is famous for traditional music, dancing, match-making, Gaelic games, food, art, and literature. Integral to all of this is a thriving natural and cultural landscape that is difficult to find anywhere else in the world. This award now gives a platform for the further development of eco tourism businesses and other initiatives in the area.”

The new designation will not change anyone’s visit to The Burren or the nearby Cliffs of Moher, but it will raise International awareness for the this beautiful and unusual gem on Ireland’s West Coast.

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Following a recent visit to Ireland I felt compelled to tell the story of my father who, like many men and women in the early 1950’s, left Ireland for British shores for what he perceived as a better life.

On arriving in England he made his way to Sheffield where some former school friends and a cousin were already residing. They helped him find accommodation and, most importantly, work.

A few years later he headed further south to Birmingham where, on the brink of the modern Industrial Revolution, one can imagine work was a plenty. It was in Birmingham that he met and married my mother and went on to have seven healthy children, of which I am the youngest.

However, the marriage was not a happy one. My father suffered underlying depression – such a condition was poorly recognised in those day’s and so, went untreated only to find the condition worsened and his health deteriorated over the subsequent years.

Making Memories in Ireland

Despite this however, this unhappily married couple made their way to County Offaly, Ireland, to my grandparents’ home each summer without fail. My family would stay sometimes for the duration of six weeks, while dad would return to England, to work. These were happy times. We kids had freedom and played from dawn till dusk amongst ourselves and also, of course, our cousins, our extended family. It was here that I recall first tasting a gooseberry.

Our Grandmother was so very kind to us and gracious to us, but you’d see the other side of her when she found out we were chasing her hens!

Of course, the most wonderful thing about our visits to Ireland was my father whose whole demeanour would change, as soon as he touched Irish soil, it seems. He would become relaxed, animated and joyful. Only at these times were we ever to witness such an attitude in him.

A Return to Offaly

Years later, my mother and father became officially divorced, my mother citing she could no longer ‘cope’ with my fathers ‘condition’.

My father returned to his native Offaly, a place he loved, buying a house which had belonged to an old school pal, Jimmy Mulligan, who resided at the ‘Old Post Office’, in Fahy Cross.

Visiting the town of Rhode now as I do with my own two children , one cannot help feeling a profound sense of vulnerability and intense sentiment in equal measures, as I walk throu’ the wonderful countryside, taking in the breath taking views along Ballyburly and even as far as Croghan Hill – a place which will always hold significant memories for me.

My dream now is to return to Ireland as often as circumstances permit me to do so.

I am proud to be Irish and truly value my Irish roots and would never deny my two children the chance to know their rich, cultural, lively and diverse heritage that is, IRELAND.