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
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!
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!
The month of May, or as we call it in Irish “Bealtaine” (pronounced “ba-yowl tanna”) heralds the start of our Irish Summer.
This is a list of popular books that are mentioned many times in our Green Room Book Club.
The books listed cover the topics of Irish history, The famine, colourful country life, letters, Irish cooking, fictional genealogy, murder mysteries and Celtic spirituality. Something for everyone!
A somewhat contentious question for this week. Does the Irish shamrock best represent Ireland – or is there another contender? This question was on the mind of our guest contributor for this week – Simon O’Flynn, who recently retired from his Butcher’s shop after 68 years in the business. Simon often shares a story or…
Irish Culture & Customs Podcasts
Welcome to Season 1, Episode 18 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode we look at two stories about Irish religion that may surprise you – the first about a religion leaving Cork for North America and the second about a religious community that came to County Limerick.
Welcome to Season 1, Episode 16 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode we look at two qualities that are in short supply in the public world today – Integrity and Principle – and the stories of two Irishmen who had those qualities in spades! Why the picture of the puppy? Do read on to find out.
Welcome to Season 1, Episode 15 of The Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode we go back to the Irish Famine of the mid-1800s and look at ways at which news of the Irish Famine spread throughout the world – leading to reactions from the most surprising of quarters.
Welcome to Season 1, Episode 12 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode, Carina looks at two stories of Irish explorers who took on the world. They were born centuries apart, but that spirit of adventure comes through in both of these letters.
Welcome to Season 1, Episode 9 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode, Carina looks at the story of two Irish scientists who made a big impact on the scientific world. One was born in Ireland and left – the other was born in England, but came to Ireland where he is buried.