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

The Aran Sweater From island to necessity to global Irish icon

The Aran Sweater: From Island Necessity to Global Irish Icon

Discover how the Aran sweater evolved from practical Irish island wear to global fashion icon, thanks to the Clancy Brothers and The Ed Sullivan Show.

Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh Ring: A Small Circle with a Big Story

This week, I want to share the story behind perhaps one of the most recognised symbol of Irish heritage around the world – the Claddagh ring.

Bealtaine Blessings Welcoming the Summer across Ireland

Bealtaine Blessings: Welcoming the Summer across Ireland

With the arrival of summer comes Bealtaine blessings! Come with us on a journey all across Ireland to see how your ancestors celebrated the beginning of summer.

An Irish Easter Celebration

Is this how your Irish Ancestor celebrated Easter?

Have you ever wondered how your Irish ancestor celebrated Easter? Come and have a chat with us as we take a look at a traditional Irish Easter celebration.

Farming Folklore: Spring Planting Rituals in Rural Ireland

Farming Folklore: Spring Planting Rituals in Rural Ireland

With springtime comes the planting season in rural Ireland. Discover the pastoral rituals and traditions that come with this important time in the time of our ancestors.

Irish Culture & Customs Podcasts

Strokestown Park House copy - Murder in The West of Ireland - (#708)

Murder in The West of Ireland – (#708)

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…

Elvis Headshot - Elvis and The Fighting Irish - (#707)

Elvis and The Fighting Irish – (#707)

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…

7408459 m - A Valentine Card From Ireland - (#706)

A Valentine Card From Ireland – (#706)

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…

The Chieftains, The Essential album cover

The Death of An Irish Chieftain – (#705)

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…

Imbolc

A Celtic Spring – (#704)

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…