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

Giants Causeway - Danny Boy and 5 Other Irish Anthems (#819)

Danny Boy and 5 Other Irish Anthems (#819)

Which songs come to mind when you think of Ireland? Do you have a favourite Irish anthem? We all know Danny Boy – Ireland’s unofficial anthem. But what other songs out there are truly worthy of being considered an Irish Anthem?  I define Irish anthems as songs that you are likely to hear both on the…

Alcock and Browne - This Field In County Galway Should be A Lot More Famous! (#815)

This Field In County Galway Should be A Lot More Famous! (#815)

In this episode we visit a field in the wilds of Connemara in County Galway and chat about two significant events – each of which brought about a huge step forward in technology and communications and are associated with this field. In the first letter, we introduce you to an Italian genius and his Irish…

Patrickswell, County Limerick, Ireland with Carina

The Holy Wells of Ireland – Stories, Traditions and Cures! (#813)

We visit one of the many, many Holy Wells around Ireland and chat with the lady whose family is responsible for the upkeep of this ancient Irish shrine. This is probably a place that was used and venerated from pre-christian times. In the show we share lots of tales, cures and tradtions that many of…

Looking down the long room in Trinity College University library, Dublin.

Irish Books – TOP 10 As Chosen By Readers

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!

View of Little Skellig from Skellig Michael across the water.

From Carnivale to An Irish Easter (#808)

In this week’s episode we look a little closer at how our Irish ancestors lived and worked through the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday each year. This was a time known as “Lent”. It was treated very seriously by the Roman Catholic church – who were very specific in their directions to the…