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

Learning the Irish Language. A Waste of TIme?

Learning the Irish Language? A Waste of Your Time?

Have you ever thought of trying to learn the Irish language? I know that many of our readers and Green Room members often wish to learn a few words of Irish before visiting this island. And learning some words of Irish is the subject of today’s letter.

Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Céad Míle Fáilte and welcome to your Letter from Ireland. I’m writing this letter on the day most associated with Ireland and the Irish all over the world – March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day.

The Irish Potato - An Essential Part of Who we Are

The Irish Potato – An Essential Part of Who We Are

Today we’re going to chat about a staple of the Irish diet and the impact this food had on Irish culture and history – the humble Irish potato.

Evictions in Ireland - How Your Ancestors Fought Back Thumbnail

Evictions in Ireland – How Your Ancestors Fought Back

Now, you might think it would be wonderful to have a surname that enters into the English language based on your deeds and is used by millions of people. Then again, your name might be Captain Charles Boycott. I think you might see where this is going!

Sweet Irish Colleen

Do you have a Sweet Irish Colleen in Your Family Tree?

Do you have an Irish “Colleen” in your family tree? How about an “Erin” or a “Kelly” – or maybe a “Kerry”?

Irish Culture & Customs Podcasts

Irish Scotland 1 - Ireland, Scotland & Robbie Burns - (#703)

Ireland, Scotland & Robbie Burns – (#703)

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast we look at the overlap culturally between Ireland and Scotland. This is especially relevant as we approach the annual Robbie Burns night – what has effectively turned into Scotland’s national day. Join us for plenty of chat, music, entertainment and a bit of education along the…

Irish DNA Testing - Two Giants of Irish Literature - (#702)

Two Giants of Irish Literature – (#702)

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast, we look at the life and works of two of Ireland’s most famous literary giants – George Bernard Shaw and James Joyce. We take an unusual angle on the stories of both and throw in some music to help set the mood for the time through…

Animals - All God's Creatures Have a Place in the Choir - (#701)

All God’s Creatures Have a Place in the Choir – (#701)

In this episode we look at many of the Irish surnames, music and stories that feature the names of many of these animals. We also hear the story of an Irishman who had a special place to play in the protection of animals with the founding of the Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the UK – as well as lots of Irish music to enjoy along the way!

Innishowen cottage - One Story from The Irish Land Wars - (#606)

One Story from The Irish Land Wars – (#606)

Join Mike and Carina as they chat about just one reader story from the Irish Land Wars of the late 1800s. Our reader shares an amazing story of immigration and now understands the reasons why her family were so reticent about talking of their Irish family history.

The Eviction 1 - A Creative Mind Born of a Pandemic - (#603)

A Creative Mind Born of a Pandemic – (#603)

We are (hopefully) at the closing stages of a pandemic as I write. However, our ancestors had to endure many pandemics and famines through the centuries – and all without the same access to medicines we enjoy today. Today’s show is all about one famous Irish author whose mother had to endure a pandemic in her native Sligo town before heading off for a new life in Dublin.