A sacred mountain, the origin of Irish surnames, and Irish language lessons

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.

---

FAVOURITE PLACES IN IRELAND
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo. (See it on a map here.)

Croagh Patrick, or “the Reek,” is one of Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage sites. Standing 764 meters tall, it’s deeply connected to Saint Patrick, who reportedly fasted at its summit in 441 AD. Every year, thousands climb the mountain, often barefoot, on “Reek Sunday.” Not a pilgrimage to take lightly! Check out this video about hiking “the Reek” here.

For Letter from Ireland Plus members: Also check out our County Mayo Revisited Homelands Feature here for much more on the county.

---

FEATURED IRISH SURNAMES – The Origins of Your Irish Surnames

Would you like to know a little more about the typical origins of your Irish Surnames? You may be surprised at their roots! Read more about the origins of Irish surnames here  – and see if you can find the origin of your own surname!

---

BOOK I’M READING NOW
The Katie Maguire series by Graham Masterson

This week’s book recommendation comes to us from Green Room member, Marge. According to her: “Kathleen “Katie” Maguire has to deal with not only crime outside but the crime within her station and, of course, the courts of law and of public opinion.  Drugs, smugglers, intimidators, thieves, murderers, the Church, the early 20th century history in Ireland, and so much more affect her official and personal lives.” Check out the book on Amazon. 

---

IRISH WORD OR PROVERB

“Garmhac“

Which translates to “Grandson.” Bitesize Irish has many more phrases to refer to your grandchildren.

Click here to listen to how a native Irish speaker would say it.

---

IRISH CRAFT/PRODUCT WE LOVE

And speaking of the Irish language — ever wanted to learn how to speak it? All About Irish offers excellent online Irish language courses that allow you to learn at your own time and pace. Patricia Nic Eoin uses her intuitive Structured Irish method to help you learn quickly and efficiently. Highly recommended! Check out their website here. 

---

RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

“What is the difference between a Teacher and an Engine Driver?“

Click here to see the answer.

---

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!