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

Copy of Copy of The Letter From Ireland Show 1 - Shackleton and St. Brendan - Irish Explorers who Took on The World (#112)

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. 

Copy of The Letter From Ireland Show - A Trip to The Moon - In the Footsteps of 2 Irish Scientists (#109)

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.

Podcastepisode 1 slider jpg - A New Podcast - Welcome to The Letter from Ireland Show (#101)

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.