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
Have you ever wondered why your ancestor lived with another family in records? Learn about the Irish Hiring Fair, the “earnest” coin, and the reality of life as a landless labourer.
Beyond the myths of snakes and shamrocks, what do we really know about St. Patrick? We explore the true story of the man who shaped the Irish landscape.
Ever wonder why your Irish ancestors left in spring? Discover the “hungry gap” and the seasonal rhythm that forced a choice between the land and the sea.
Discover how the rhythms of Irish life and the season of Lent shaped your ancestors’ world, from wedding patterns to the unique records they left behind.
Brigid once dominated Irish birth records but has nearly vanished today. Explore the history of this powerful name from goddess to emigrant.
Irish Culture & Customs Podcasts
In this episode we cover two infamous real life murder cases in the west of Ireland during the 1800s. The first murder was as a result of mass evictions from an Irish estate during the famine – and the second involved a travesty of justice where the accused were tried in a language they did…
In this episode of the Letter from Ireland podcast we look at the place the humble Irish club called the “shillelagh” has in Irish history and tradition. Also, did you know that Shillelagh is also a place?The ancestors of a very special singer came from those parts – or did they? Lots of LOVELY Irish…
In this special St. Valentine’s episode of the Letter from Ireland podcast we share the story of Saint Valentine’s association with the city of Dublin – and the tale of love and loss of a young couple who were married in Kilmainham jail shortly before he was executed for partaking in the Easter rising of…
In this special musical episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast we celebrate the music of the Irish traditional group known as The Chieftains. Following the death of their leader late last year, Paddy Moloney, we have come to the end of a musical career that has seen The Chieftains popularise Irish music around the globe…
In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast we celebrate the upcoming season of Celtic spring here in Ireland – known as Imbolc. We choose music and stories to understand more of this significant time in the Celtic calendar – a time that became supplanted by the festival of Saint Brigid over time. Enjoy! You…