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

Vikings and Holy Wells - Vikings, Irish Holy Wells and a Craft Brewery

Vikings, Irish Holy Wells and a Craft Brewery

We’re going to dive a little deeper into the subject of Irish well water today – encompassing the Vikings, the brewing of beer in Ireland and a little urban history along the way.

Castles in Ireland - Dunluce Castle County Antrim

This Was The Most Populated County in Ireland

Do you know which Irish county had the highest population by the end of the 1800s? Well, read on and you will find out, that county is the subject of today’s Letter from Ireland.

Bitesize Irish - Let's Chat To A Native Irish Gaelic Speaker

Let’s Chat To A Native Irish Gaelic Speaker

This man grew up in an Irish Gaelic speaking household. He wants you to learn just a few words of Irish – and tells us why!

Alcock and Browne - The Story of One Italian Genius and His Irish Mother

The Story of One Italian Genius and His Irish Mother

Do you ever marvel at the miracle of modern communication? Our ability to make calls and send emails almost instantly and at such little cost? Today I would like to introduce you to a fascinating man (and his Irish mother) who played a crucial part in the making of that modern miracle.

Blog 17 - Are Your Irish Surnames On This Saintly List?

Are Your Irish Surnames On This Saintly List?

Have you ever had something in your possession that you are minding for future generations? Perhaps a ring, a piece of jewellery a book or a piece of furniture? Here, in Ireland, we often tend to pass down baby christening robes through several generations. Our grandson was recently christened in a robe that was also used by his father and his grandmother – both standing proudly beside him!

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!