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

Letter From ireland

10th Anniversary of the Letter from Ireland

We’re having a birthday celebration here in Cork, and not just any birthday – it’s the 10th anniversary of this Letter from Ireland!

I’m sipping on my regular cup of Barry’s Tea, do join me with a cup of whatever you fancy yourself, as I share the story of how this little Letter from Ireland came to be.

Irish Temperance Movement

Alcohol, An Exploding Population and the Irish Temperance Movement

Did the Irish Temperance Movement impact your ancestors? Join us as we unveil the influential story of Fr. Mathew and his monumental efforts to combat Ireland’s alcohol crisis in the 1800s. Was your family among the many who took the pledge?

Irish Steeplechase

The Irish Origins of The Steeplechase

Curious about the Irish roots of the world-renowned steeplechase? Journey with us from North County Cork to Liverpool, as we unravel a tale woven with gentlemen’s wagers, iconic surnames, and a race that changed horse-racing forever. Dive in and discover the legacy behind the gallop.

The Irish Origins of “British Racing Green”

Journey with us as we uncover the surprising Irish roots of the iconic “British Racing Green.” From the bustling roads of early 20th-century France to the picturesque lanes of Counties Kildare and Carlow, discover how a shade of green, closely tied to the isles, became an emblematic hue for British automotive giants. Is it time to rechristen it “Irish Racing Green”?

The Irish Roots of a Yankee Doodle Dandy

Did you know that Mr. Yankee Doodle Dandy himself – George M. Cohan – has deep Irish roots? Read on to find out more about his Irish family origins and more.

Irish Culture & Customs Podcasts

Shackleton and St. Brendan – Irish Explorers who Took on The World (#112)

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. 

A Trip to The Moon – In the Footsteps of 2 Irish Scientists (#109)

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.

Rockfleet castle in Co. Mayo, Ireland.

4 Irish Women – Tales of Adversity and Triumph (#107)

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 7 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this episode, Carina and Mike Collins tell the story of four strong Irish women! – through two different stories and reader letters.

A New Podcast – Welcome to The Letter from Ireland Show (#101)

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 1 of the Letter from Ireland Show. In this very first episode, Carina and Mike Collins introduce you to The Letter From Ireland Show. We talk about our own background and Irish family trees to get us all in the mood! We start by “Unpacking” Mikes family tree (just a little) – and then we move on to “unpacking” one side of Carina’s family tree.