For many North Americans, discovering Irish ancestry begins with a family story. Maybe a grandparent mentioned a county in Ireland. Perhaps there’s an old photograph, a faded letter, or a surname that has been passed down through generations. The excitement of uncovering those connections can quickly turn into frustration when records become difficult to find…
Whether you’re shopping for the Ireland lover in your life or planning your own adventure, these gifts bring a little bit of Ireland right to your doorstep. From Irish-made crafts and cozy favorites to travel tools and experiences that inspire your next trip, this year’s guide has something for every kind of traveler and dreamer….
Our annual Irish Feast, held in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, has become the most anticipated gathering of the year for our friends and family. I spend days cooking, baking, and prepping. Guinness is flowing and cider is sparkling. Whiskey is enjoyed (responsibly, of course). And everyone departs happy and full of terrific Irish (or…
If you’ve waited too long to do your shopping and want to give an Irish gift – or even the gift of Ireland – this year, I’m here to help! Give an Amazing Irish Experience Even if you aren’t sure of your travel dates, many tours and attractions offer vouchers and gift cards. A few…
Is corned beef Irish? Many people will tell you that it isn’t – and that was the story I had heard as well. But according to a thesis written in 2011 by Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire from the Technological University Dublin and Pádraic Óg Gallagher, owner of Gallagher’s Boxty House, corned beef does have a…
Many thanks to my friend Leigh Maher who writes for the online store Irish Celtic Jewels. On his blog, he gives tips and information about all things Irish, including weddings, history, culture, symbolism, jewelry and the Claddagh ring. Ireland’s Ancient Symbolism Ireland offers families the chance to experience stunning medieval beauty at almost every turn….
Ireland’s Tailteann Games date back almost as far as the ancient Greek Olympics and are testament to the island’s passion for sport. Ireland’s Gaelic games have a long history. In fact, hurling is the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, dating back almost 3,000 years and featuring strongly in Irish mythology. It is…
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and its historical and mystical significance can be felt at Ireland’s ancient sites. One of the eight sacred days in Ireland’s Celtic tradition, the summer solstice, falling this year on June 20, is associated with fertility, nature and new beginnings. It’s the perfect time to…
Celebrating Easter in Ireland. Irish Easter traditions, celebrations, and what travelers can expect when visiting Ireland over Easter holiday.
Ask any visitor to Ireland about their trip and you’re likely to hear about the romantic ruins, stunning scenery, and the filling Irish Breakfast they were served every morning. Though the “Full Irish” may change a bit from place to place, you can be sure it will be filling and provide enough energy to get…
Boxty Irish potato pancake recipe. A simple recipe with ingredients you probably have on hand! Traditional Irish recipe for St. Patrick’s Day.
Whip up this delicious recipe from Dublin restaurant The Woolen Mills in the comfort of your own home! Although it’s always nicer to have the lovely people at The Woollen Mills Eating House serving up scrumptious dishes right to your table in the heart of Dublin city, creating this dessert at home is simple if…
Perfect for dessert or afternoon tea! Don’t wait for a special occasion to try this recipe courtesy of the 5* Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh. Noel McMeel is executive head chef at the Lough Erne Resort in beautiful (and often overlooked) county Fermanagh. A true ambassador for local produce, he has dedicated his entire…
Try your hand at this hearty dinner recipe courtesy of the 5* Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh. Noel McMeel is executive head chef at the Lough Erne Resort in beautiful (and often overlooked) county Fermanagh. A true ambassador for local produce, he has dedicated his entire career to one very simple goal: finding, preparing…
Escape into a great story or plan your next trip with these recommended reads! Ireland Travel Guides Choose one of the Ireland travel guides that I use and recommend. Just a few of my Ireland books. Kids Books about Ireland Get your kids excited about Ireland with tales, stories, and facts about the Emerald Isle….
There are dozens of chocolate Guinness brownie recipes available. I know- because I have probably tried them all! And it may have taken a couple years, a few liters of Guinness, and pounds of chocolate, but I finally have a Guinness Chocolate Brownie recipe that I love. These brownies are the perfect fudgey consistency, super…
I always have three items in my house. Funnily enough, they are mainly used for cooking and baking, and these Irish Trilogy Cupcakes are one of the most popular (and requested) items I make. While they are incredibly popular during St. Patrick’s Day festivities I give them for gifts at Christmas and make them on…
This simple cake is one of my favorites year round. It’s delightful with afternoon tea and wonderful as a dessert with a caramel whiskey sauce. My girls will even eat it for breakfast with fruit. This is a dense cake, not a sponge, and has a mild flavor that allows it to pair with nearly…
Shepherds Pie is a recipe designed to create a second meal from leftover meat, usually lamb. The meat was mixed with a sauce or gravy that contained root vegetables, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked. While the term Shepherds Pie is widely used now, the recipe was first known as Cottage Pie…
Corned beef is as synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day in the United States as a shamrock is with Ireland. And while traditional corned beef and cabbage is not Irish, it is definitely Irish American! Corned Beef Isn’t Irish??? Nope! Corned beef and cabbage actually traces back to New York and the influx of Irish immigrants…