Abandoned islands, a Blasket Islander’s story, and Dingle knitwear….

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
Blasket Islands, County Kerry. (See it on a map here.)

Our next stop on the Wild Atlantic Way is the Blasket Islands off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. The Great Blasket Island was home to remarkable storytellers who were one of the last Irish-speaking communities in the country before the last residents were evacuated in 1954. You can still take a boat trip across on a calm day to walk among the ruined cottages and imagine what life was like on these rugged islands, perhaps while listening to this haunting tune that was said to be composed by a Blasket Islander. Learn more about the islands here, or watch this moving video of a Blasket Islander visiting his home for the first time in years.

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FEATURED IRISH SURNAMES – Rare Tipperary Surnames

Do you have any surnames from County Tipperary in your family tree? Your surname might even be a rare one! Check out the rare Irish surnames from County Tipperary 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
“Peig: The Autobiography of Peig Sayers of the Great Blasket Island” by Peig Sayers

Speaking of the Blasket Islands, one of the greatest storytellers to come from there is Peig Sayers. Her autobiography tells of a life so far removed from today’s modern comforts – of a simple, frugal life lived on one of the most barren and unforgiving landscapes. Told with much straightforward and unembellished detail, but with plenty of humor and poignancy, this is one that has long resonated with the people of Ireland, and with people of Irish heritage as well. Check out the book here.

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IRISH WORD OR PROVERB

“Is deacair a bheith ag feadaíl agus ag ithe mine”

Which translates to “It is hard to whistle and eat at the same time.”

Click here to hear how it’s said in Irish.

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IRISH CRAFT/PRODUCT WE LOVE

Dingle Linens is inspired by the rugged landscape of the Dingle Peninsula, where owner Fran resides with her family, these beautiful handknit pieces are made with much care by women who learned the tradition straight from their own mothers and grandmothers. Pieces like the Aisling zip jacket pictured below, make for some great versatile pieces to add to your wardrobe.

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RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

“What is it that you can keep after giving it to someone else?”

Click here to see 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!