Irish Culture & Customs Resources

In this section I share articles on Irish music, dancing, poetry, writing, story-telling and history. Many of the topics that we consider to be quite unique in our shared Irish heritage.

 

Browse the features listed on this page and jump to one that interests you, or enter a placename, surname or other item in the search box below to see related letters and podcasts.

Irish Culture & Customs Letters

Meet A Storyteller of Ireland - From Bards to the Seanchai.

Meet A Storyteller of Ireland – From Bards to the Seanchaí.

Join us by the fire as we explore the vibrant tradition of the seanchaí in Ireland and their captivating tales.

An Irish New Year - January, 2025

An Irish New Year – January, 2025

Step back to a frosty January morning in Ireland, when Michael Collins arrived late at Dublin Castle, and discover how we still celebrate New Year today.

The Celtic Roots of an Irish Christmas

The Celtic Roots of an Irish Christmas

Discover how ancient Celtic traditions shaped today’s Irish Christmas celebrations, from Newgrange’s winter solstice to holly wreaths and window candles – a story of enduring customs.

Midwinter 1876: A Day in the Life of Your Irish Ancestor

Your Irish Ancestor: A Day in the Life, Midwinter 1876

Experience a winter’s day with your Irish ancestors in 1876 County Galway. Journey from early morning chores to fireside tales in rural Ireland.

The Viking Legacy in Ireland

The Viking Legacy in Ireland: Farming, Fighting and Culture

Beyond raids and battles, discover how the Viking legacy lives on in Ireland’s cities, surnames, and DNA – shaping life to this day.

Irish Culture & Customs Podcasts

Irish Male Singer

The 8 Most Unique Male Irish Singing Voices (#834)

Discover eight standout Irish male singers in today’s episode. Did we miss any of your favourites? Tune in and be swept away by Ireland’s melodic charm!

Broadway PNG - From County Cork to the Bright Lights of Broadway and Chicago (#833)

From County Cork to the Bright Lights of Broadway and Chicago (#833)

This episode spotlights two Irish families from Bantry, West Cork: Francis O’Neill, who preserved Irish music in Chicago, and the Keohanes, ancestors of Broadway composer George M. Cohan.

Irish Birthday 10 years - An Irish Birthday Celebration (#830)

An Irish Birthday Celebration (#830)

Join us as we toast to the birthday of the Letter from Ireland, celebrating a decade of connecting with 60,000+ global Irish descendants through our letters and podcasts – thank you for being part of our journey!

The Surprising Irish Origin of 2 Racing Legends - The Surprising Irish Origin of 2 Racing Legends (#829)

The Surprising Irish Origin of 2 Racing Legends (#829)

Listen to the origins of the iconic Steeplechase in Irish racing history and unravel the surprising Irish roots of the famed ‘British Racing Green’ in a thrilling 1903 motorcar race

Beer Whiskey and The Irish Temperence Movement - Beer, Whiskey and The Irish Temperance Movement (#828)

Beer, Whiskey and The Irish Temperance Movement (#828)

Listen to the story of Viking-era water sources, the Franciscans’ art of brewing Irish beer, and the captivating tale of alcohol, social chaos, and the rise of the Irish temperance movement!