Ireland Travel, Irish Gifts, Celtic Symbols, Irish Festivals and News

There are many reasons for people choosing Celtic wedding bands. Some like them for their timeless beauty. Some like them for the deeper symbolic meanings of love and commitment that the symbols mean. Just admire the artistry and intricate crafting of the Celtic knots, patterns and designs. And many others want a physical and visual symbol of their connection to their Irish heritage. Adding Irish script (in the Gaeilge language) can further reinforce this cultural connection.

These reasons along with many others are the leading causes for the surging popularity of this style of pieces.

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When one arrives in Ireland, most plan out stops, tours, must see adventures. But beyond everyday scones and mashed potatoes many are stumped as to what ‘Irish cuisine’ entails. Well if you are in that camp don’t fret! Here are some suggestions; these are time tested traditional fare that are sure to leave you full and satisfied.
Irish stew a.k.a. the peasant stew is traditionally made from lamb, potatoes, onions, and parsley. Bacon and cabbage consists of Back Bacon, which is boiled with cabbage along with turnips or potatoes. Other items that should be experienced are fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, soda bread and Irish breakfast.

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For those in the Irish dance scene, ghillies are an integral part of competition. But some dancers destroy their chances by merely getting a pair of ghillie the wrong size. Many tend to get ghillies a size or even half size too big. The space in the toes may seem small but can cause the difference between a win and a lower place in competitions.

Many Feis judges look for pointed toes and high arches. When you point your toe in a shoe that is slightly too big, the arch of the ghillie will not bend along with your foot.

Take me to this item: Buy The Right Size Ghillies for Irish Dance >>

Want to know some neat facts about Ireland? (Well I’d hope so as you are reading this blog!) Well here are a few lesser known facts:

It is an offense to be drunk in public in Ireland. Last year regulations brought in last year give the police the right to issue on-the-spot fines for anyone caught drunk in public.

Another interesting fact? Only two members of U2 were actually born in Ireland. Considering their assumed to be Irish based it actually interesting that two of their members are originally Englanders.

Also what ties Ireland to Argentina? William Brown (known in Spanish as “Guillermo Brown”) Argentinean national hero, “father of the Argentine navy” (amongst other things) and an Irishman.

Take me to this item: Facts you didn’t know about Ireland >>

Superstitious much? Well the dreaded Friday the 13th causes many to watch their backs and double checking to make sure they do no cause any untoward bad luck to themselves. Some even avoid the whole day by taking to their beds or refusing to leave the house till the day in question is over. Of course this could become a problem; Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the specific phobia of Friday the 13th!

Some speculate that the superstitious date came about due to that there were 13 people at the Last Supper and Christ died on Good Friday, hence the Friday the 13th fears.

Take me to this item: Friday the 13th – unluckiest day ever? >>

Celebrity chefs are not just a recent fad; they existed long before Julia Child. A high-society French cook named Alexis Soyer in the 19th century made a name for himself by coming to Ireland during the Famine to teach the starving masses how to eat on the cheap.

He after finding public funding scarce came up with a “palatable” soup of root vegetables, pearl barley, herbs, flour, dripping and a leg of meat that could be made for only £1. Despite it being panned by culinary critics the soup was a hit in his soup kitchens feeding the poor.

Take me to this item: 1840s Alexis Soyer cooked for Irish famine victims >>

The Sabbat of Lughnasadh (Lammas) is considered to be the 1st day of autumn and the 1st festival of the year. From sundown of the 31st of July up to the sundown of the 1st of August is the typical period when this holiday is celebrated.

This festival is where typically pagan traditions allow initiates into a circle or coven to stay for a trial period of a year and a day. This practice stems from the practice of “Tailltean marriage” where couples endure this test to see if their relationships are strong enough for marriage or not.

Take me to this item: Lammas, the ending of summer and the 1st day of autumn >>

The Leprechaun – an Irish mythological character that not only straddles the line between good and evil, but pervades popular media either through cereal mascots, school mascots, or even an evil villain in B-horror movies. The Leprechaun (or depending on where you live the Logheryman, Lurigadawne, Luricawne, or the Cluricawne) is a mischief-making figure that seems to favor dressing in a little green jacket with matching breeches, buckled at the knees, and a green hat perched above a little, old, wrinkled face.

Leprechauns are credited with a great deal of mischief about an Irish household, but are also domestic and often attach themselves to Irish families.

Take me to this item: The Leprechaun >>

Even though we’re a bit early, why not chat about that fun holiday that will soon be hitting the stores – Halloween. Otherwise known in Ireland and to many pagan centric faiths as Samhain. In fact despite the ghoulish costumes, Jack O' Lanterns and loads of candy, this holiday has more folkloric roots. Known as the feast of the departed or festivity of the dead, this holiday celebrated those that have passed on similar to the Dia de los Muertos in Hispanic culture.

The Celts celebrated this holiday as the beginning of the new year, celebrating the incoming dark stillness that the beginning winter months bring, and with it early development and the rousing of the sow below the soil.

Take me to this item: Traditional Halloween of the Irish >>

An exhibition at the National Photographic Archive called Power and Privilege: photographs of the Big House in Ireland 1858-1922 will be on display until Spring 2011. The archive depicts from glass plates and period photographs life during the mid 1800s and early 1900s. The exhibition features Irish life from gardens and landscape; employees; transport; entertainment and recreation; the arts and sciences; and family life.

The pictures are drawn from the National Photographic Archive’s collection located in Temple Bar, Dublin. The Archive’s store over 630,000 images, the world’s largest collection of Irish photographs dating from 1840s to the present.

Take me to this item: Power and Privilege: photographs of the Big House in Ireland 1858-1922 >>

Looking for a ring for a special occasion but can’t quite commit to a specific type? An Irish Claddagh ring may be your best bet. The ring – symbolizing friendship, love, and loyalty – can find itself appropriate to many occasions and events. The three themes it symbolizes can apply to most events – what are most events but not a celebration of all three?

Claddagh rings are used popularly in engagements and weddings, as it reflects a desire for eternal love and commitment. A ring like thing can be given as a birthday present with their birthstone set on it, wishing them good luck. Friends can exchange rings to celebrate a longstanding friendship. This ring could also be a great gift for a parent – who else loves you deepest than the ones who raised you up into the world?

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All throughout Celtic culture, circles appear. On artwork, buildings, designs. Many scared places were large erected circles or were in closed in them. Many buildings, towers, landscapes; even religious symbols such as the Celtic Cross bears one.

The predominance of them would lead one to believe that the circle was seen as a protective symbol. Many theorize that the Celts looked to the heavens for inspiration. Some also believe that the circle was meant to be a symbol of protection and safety as evidenced by this poem:

Circle me, Lord.
Keep peace within, keep harm without.
Circle me, Lord.
Keep love within, keep hatred without.

Take me to this item: Circles >>

Tomorrow Cork country residents will be able to take a step back and rediscover their past. Many landmarks and buildings around the city are planning to throw open their doors to show off their heritage. Venues such as the Everyman Palace, Cork Courthouse in Washington Street, UCC, South Presentation Convent and the North Cathedral are offering guided tours – all free to the public.

People can take a tour of Cork City Hall which will include a look at the architecture and history of the building and a visit to the Lord Mayor’s chamber. Other activities include the Grand Parade City Library offering residents the opportunity to trace their family history using the 1901 and 1911 Census.

Take me to this item: A day long event reflecting on Cork history. >>

Photographer is David Monahan is creating a set of portraits of people who are set to emigrate. The Dublin photographer is putting together a project called “Leaving Dublin”. The shots consist of a nighttime scene taken in Dublin of various people from all walks of life: Irish-born, people who came during the boom years, and some who thought they’d be living in Ireland permanently.

“This is an art project with no intention other than to immortalize what is being lost to our country” Monahan says. This project will bring the topic of Emigration to the forefront of the visual arts and to Ireland in general.

Take me to this item: "Leaving Dublin" Photography project dealing with the topic of Emigration. >>

Jewelry comes in many styles, cuts, and types – so much so that one would be hard pressed to not find a piece to compliment any outfit. Jewelry also comes in many mediums from plastic to platinum – but most (especially in Irish jewelry) gravitate towards sterling silver.

Sterling silver is a popular choice and tends to be the first type of jewelry first timers purchase. The items made with this metal also tend to be more affordable than its rarer counter parts, is a resilient metal that’s study yet gives an air of being more expensive than it is and designs look elegant when made with sterling silver.

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Did you miss the fun to be hand on June 16th? Well that’s ok, there’s next year for Bloomsday. You’re probably asking, what is Bloomsday? Well Bloomsday is a celebration of author James Joyce’s most famous work, Ulysses. The namesake of this event comes from Leopold Bloom, the book’s protagonist and his day-long journey around Dublin in Ulysses on the same day in the year 1904.

The Bloomsday celebration ‘officially’ started June 16, 1954 when John Ryan, the artist and founder of Envoy Magazine, rented several carts, gave his friends roles from the book, and re-enacted many of the famous scenes from Ulysses. Modern day events have people across the world at their favorite pub dressed Edwardian costumes reading excerpts from the famous work.

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iBAM! Chicago is to present the painting of a peace mural by the Bogside Artists of Derry, Northern Ireland November 6th and 7th in the Irish American Heritage Center. 45 authors are expected for the event including well lauded author Frank Delaney.

Known for over 19 books (among them Shannon, The Venetia Kelly Traveling Show), Delaney has used his gift of language analyzing the very nature of the spoken word in many live broadcasts. He has also interviewed more than 3,000 writers for his BBC and various other international television and radio shows.

Take me to this item: iBAM! Mural Event in Chicago November 6th and 7th >>

The Bethany Home Survivors Group, launched by former residents of the infamous clinic due to the years of torment the many women and children endured there to laws that effectively criminalized out of wedlock births. The home ran from Blackhall Place, Dublin, from 1921-34 and in Orwell Road, Rathgar, until its closure in 1972.

Women convicted of petty theft, prostitution, and infanticide and birth concealment were forcibly set here. Associated with the Church of Ireland and Church of Ireland missionary society, the house was known for its high mortality rate with over 40 children recorded as dying in a period when the home had 19 babies resident on average per month most of whom were buried in unmarked common graves.

Take me to this item: Bethany Home Children’s survivor group created. >>

St. Brigid was well known for her generosity. Anything and everything on her back she would give away to anyone she met – helping the needy, hungry people around Ireland that filled the streets during her time. She was born into slavery through her mother (her mother was her father’s slave previous). He did not appreciate Brigid giving away his property and so planned to get rid of her through putting her in the king’s service.

They went to the castle belonging to the king of Leinster, where he told her to wait while he fetched the king. A leaper came by while she was waiting needing aid as she was too far from her dairy to have anything to eat. Brigid gave away her father’s encrusted sword. When questioned by the king why, she said "If I had as much as you, that's how much I would I give away."

The king was so impressed by this answer that he granted the girl her freedom.

Take me to this item: A Legend About St. Brigid >>

Wonder what truly started the legend of the often seen but never photographed Loch Ness monster? Well ole’ Nessy was first sighted by none other than St. Columba otherwise known as St. Columcille.)

The tale goes that he was on a journey through Scotland with some of his followers. The group came upon a river bank full of concerned villagers stood around a body. The people said that the dead man was killed by Nessy. The group needed a boat to get to the other side of the river. So he ordered one of his followers to jump in and swim across for one. The monster rose up to eat the swimmer when St. Columcille held up his hand and said, "In the name of God, stop right there." The monster froze mid gulp.

The Saint then said "Now, go back down to the bottom. You will never leave this place again." The monster obeyed and sank back to the bottom of the river. The man swam across, got the boat, brought it back, and the group when on their way.

Take me to this item: The truth behind the Loch Ness Legend >>

Another famous Irish poet is the often lauded W.B. Yeats. Living from 1865 to 1939 in that short span of time had written such engaging poetry to become one of the 20th century’s greatest English language poets. Starting from 1885, his deeply emotional and thoughtful poetry had even garnered him Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923. His poems reflected a man looking for answers to life and beyond – exploring the ideas of reincarnation, communication with the dead, mediums, supernatural systems and Oriental mysticism.

Alongside his main love of poetry, he alongside Douglas Hyde had translated old Celtic legends and stories. He also helped found the Irish Literary Theater with Lady Gregory.

Take me to this item: WB Yeats >>

Ireland was known for many poets and political figures. But did you know that Ireland's first president was also a poet? Douglas Hyde a Castlerea, Co. Roscommon born man (in 1860) was also a bonefide poet, fostering love for the written word as early as his teens.

He composed stories, poetry, and plays. He also branched out and became an advocate for preserving the Irish language, co-founding the Gaelic League (Conradh Na Gaeilge) in 1893. He died in 1949, leaving a legacy of both his poetry and others, which he translated for many to enjoy.

Take me to this item: A Irish Poet and President in one. >>

Jewelry was once a signifier of position, of the wealthy and affluence of the wearer. Many who wore jewelry wore them showing that they could even afford them, hence their wealth and status. Some houses had passed down heirlooms to show whether a person belonged to a royal (or family) house.

But at present jewelry has evolved beyond this in a thing of self-expression, identity, and into an art form. A piece can merely accentuate an outfit, to communicating to the world the wearer’s affiliations, religious stance, down to their personal romantic and marital vows. A small ring can tell the world in no uncertain terms what one feels, without uttering a word.

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Jewelry is fast become a unisex realm. Men are now taking to jewelry and how it can add to their daily appearance. Today’s jewelry compliment current fashion trends and can fit with any man’s style – from piling on large necklaces on top of each other, to wearing the understated watch or ring. Many still wear silver Celtic jewelry and religious jewelry as these types of jewelry are timeless and classic choices, that suit all occasions. Dog tags and Claddagh rings are high in demand due to giving off a masculine yet polished look.

Investing in a great piece that speaks to the buyer’s personality and style is a smart investment and may become a treasured heirloom down the road.

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Celtic jewelry has always drawn the eye with its timeless creations. But what of the modern takes on said jewelry? They are just as worthy of admiration and catch the eye when artfully done. One such twist is that of the charm bracelet. They are seen as a teen thing, worn for their cuteness. But putting a Celtic spin on them can lead to a statement piece that will be the focus of many conversations and compliments.

The Tara’s Diary Charm Bracelet is a perfect example combination of traditional and modernity, combining and making work the two stylistic choices of both sleek lines with the traditional knots and symbols of the Celtic culture.

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