A monastic island, Irish classics, and mindful ceramics….

Céad míle fáilte, welcome to your Letter from Ireland “Shorts”.  Each Tuesday we’ll bring you a quick-read of some of our favourite and interesting Irish things for this week.

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FAVOURITE PLACES IN IRELAND
Skellig Michael, County Kerry. (See it on a map here.)

This week on the Wild Atlantic Way, we’re taking a ferry to Skellig Michael, an island off the coast of County Kerry best known for its 6th to 8th-century monastic settlement – and for being in a Star Wars film! The haunting music of Clannad captures the wild, spiritual feeling of the place perfectly. And fair warning if you ever make the journey: those steps aren’t for the faint-hearted! If you want to learn more, we wrote a short feature about the island which you can read here, or watch this documentary about the island’s history here. 

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FEATURED IRISH SURNAMES – Rare Dublin Surnames

Do you have any surnames from County Dublin in your family tree? Your surname might even be a rare one! Check out the rarest Irish surnames from County Dublin here on John Grenham – and see if you can spot your own surname in the mix.

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BOOK I’M READING NOW
“A Portrait of the Artist as A Young Man” by James Joyce

Reading Joyce’s Portrait as a young fella changed how I saw Ireland. This isn’t your cozy fireside tale but a raw journey through Stephen Dedalus’s mind as he wrestles with faith, family, and finding his way in early 20th century Ireland. If Ulysses seems too daunting but you’re curious about Joyce, this is your doorway in – a proper Irish classic that still rings true about casting off whatever chains might bind us. Check out the book here. 

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IRISH WORD OR PROVERB

“Is déirce dá chuid féin don amadán”

Which translates to “His own share is charity to the fool.”

Listen here to how it’s pronounced in Irish.

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IRISH CRAFT/PRODUCT WE LOVE

I came across these little ceramic pebbles by Cora Cummins and thought they were a brilliant idea. Crafted in her Dublin studio, each one is small enough to fit in your palm but weighted with meaning. If fidget toys aren’t your thing, these Mindfull Pebbles are the perfect friend whenever you’re feeling anxious or need something to keep your hands occupied while also giving you a little connection to Ireland at the same time. Cora Cummins also has a variety of other ceramics, such as her Mindfull Mug and other functional art pieces.

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RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

“What is it that has been and will never come again?”

Did you get the answer?

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That’s it for this week. Send us an email with any of your own favourites for inclusion in future emails, or if you’re a plus member leave a comment below.

Slán for now,
Mike & Carina.

*Note: The above article may contain some affiliate links (for example Amazon) which means we get paid a small amount should you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the show on the road!