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

Most women love collecting jewelry and finding unique pieces that really reflect their personalities. If you’re a fan of wearing chic pieces that aren’t too commonplace, you’re not alone! However, you may wonder exactly which unusual jewelry designs can be combined to create a truly stunning jewelry wardrobe…

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Regarded as some of the most iconic jewelry designs in the world, Claddagh rings have a rich history behind them, making them the ultimate symbol of friendship and love.  The basic Claddagh design is of two hands clasping a crowned heart.  The legend behind the symbol is a tale of kidnapping, slave trading, and sacrificial love.

Claddagh rings are often given as a token of friendship, but are increasingly being utilized as Celtic engagement rings, as well.  Usually made from gold, silver, sterling silver, and white gold are also common choices.  A timeless symbol of Ireland and Irish history, the Claddagh ring easily complements other Celtic design jewelry.

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Wedding bands have as lovely a history as the women who wear them.  Learning about the symbolism and account behind this tradition can be a wonderfully enlightening experience.

Egyptian Pharaohs are credited with being the first to use a ring to symbolize a union and eternity.  They regarded the symbol and design of a circle as a reminder that life, happiness and love should have no beginning or end.

Through history, the ring has been given as a symbol of matrimony and represented the covenant between husband and wife.  Early rings were crafted from iron, with gold rings introduced in the second century.

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Celtic jewelry is a perfect choice to highlight a child’s communion, confirmation, or any other religious event.  From crucifixes to crosses, Celtic jewelry is well known for its craftsmanship and affordability.  Trinity knots, a symbol of love and time, are also a popular choice.  Not only worn for their cultural significance, they also incorporate the sign of the Holy Trinity.  Whatever the occasion, Celtic jewelry can provide a beautiful and meaningful celebratory gift.  By ordering a piece from an Irish jeweler, you will be certain to give the best and most genuine gift you can find.

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Irish names are usually rich with cultural history.  If you are seeking a traditional Irish name, there is an unspoken code for doing so, which will result in bringing honor to your ancestors.  However, if you are seeking an Irish name without following the naming trend, there are many beautiful names to choose from.  Deirdre, Niamh, and Eileen are among the most common Gaelic names for girls, with Connor, Liam, and Aidan among the most popular boy’s names.  It is a good idea to have a native Irish speaker pronounce the name correctly before you choose it. Read More.. »

New York City’s one-night only festival the Wee Craic gives goers a full night of the best of Irish short films and live music. The festival (now in its 12th year) is planned for tomorrow September 17, will be held at the Tribeca Cinema and Lounge.

One can expect a night of 10 cutting edge Irish films and world-class Irish music (often becoming a celebrity filled live music after party) for the price of a cab fare or $20. You may bump into up and coming Irish performers like Mundy, Laura Izibor, Mark Geary and Brendan O’Shea – or even A-list Irish movie stars like Colin Farrell or Cillian Murphy.

Take me to this item: The Wee Craic Festival in New York now in it’s 12th year >>

Another Irish film is making the rounds this international film season. “The Pipe”, directed by Risteard Ó Domhnaill is a story of big company versus small town as the town of Rossport finds itself pitted against big company Shell.

Shell discovered an undersea natural gas field off Ireland’s west coast and planned on building a giant, high-pressure pipe to transport raw gas through the town of Rossport to an inland refinery. But the town of Rossport was not consulted; the town of Irish farmers and fishermen rise up against the build seeing it as a threat to their way of life.

Choosing an engagement ring can be a very stressful decision, the first of many along the line for those planning a wedding in the future. Simplifying ones choice among the countless different cuts to styles, to budget constraints (if any), simply to picking where to even purchase it can make a simple purchase take much thought.

But if you start out with these five tips that taxing struggle can be halved if down right narrowed down with ease:

Your price range/budget.

The type of jewelry she wears normally.

The right diamond (which should be the bulk of you budget).

A reputable and specialized jeweler.

Covering your purchase – i.e. Make sure your ring comes with a warranty and insurance.

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Another Irish film on the rise 'Twas a morning in July’ started as the project of Tipperary photographer John Cash and his trip there to boost his county's tourism profile. After taking photographs of local beauty spots in his region the idea expanded. What resulted is a documentary (with filmmaker Brendan Kerins directing) that while made on a shoe string budget, had become a record of his travel there and a testament to the area’s natural beauty.

The film has won two awards at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival: Best Directorial Debut in the feature documentary category and Best International Geographical Documentary in New York. It also came second in the Feature Documentary 'Audience Choice' section.

Take me to this item: Low budget documentary ‘Twas a morning in July’ wins in New York >>

For those into the Celtic music scene here are three CDs that may entertain your ears: ‘Side by Side’ by the Kane Sisters, ‘Dance’ by Lissa Schneckenburger, and ‘Altan: 25th Anniversary Celebration’. These three CDs are great examples of various traditions and styles utilizing the fiddle. For example the ‘Side by Side’ CD showcases fiddling that is based in the Sligo style — the lively, well-ornamented variety most people in the United States think of when asked about Irish fiddle. ‘Dance’ offers New England dance tunes, from hornpipes to reels to jigs to waltzes, while ‘Altan’ offers a condensed version of their blend of folk and classical that spans their 21 year career.

Take me to this item: Three Celtic CDs to pick up >>

Sigmund Freud once said that the Irish were “one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever.” The Irish are full of myths: that they’re fighters, they’re stupid, they’re belligerent, or that they never forget. But as any other batch of myths and sayings no one person can seriously fit each to a tee.

But myths still persist like that the Irish are always friendly, or are highly religious to a fault, or are ready at a moments notice to go off into a sad, sad song. Some of these can apply to some, but again not every person is lock in step with each saying.

Take me to this item: Myths about the Irish >>

The Irish are full of various statistical facts and historical anecdotes. But nothing grabs attention like sex. Like every other culture and people, the Irish are not exempt from its pull. Curiously there are many facts that have both sex and the Irish intercepting.

For one, the previously mentioned Brehon Laws actually provided women full equality with men. Woman could own land and sell it, and could leave marriage if it was not satisfactory. It was only when Queen Elizabeth stamped them out for a more English approved system were the laws put down.

That’s only one thing of note. If you include the famous romances both bad and good, to what outsiders thought of Irish attitudes, to religious conflicts, to women’s rights, the Irish have many interesting facts about their sexual history.

Take me to this item: Surprising facts about the Irish and sex. >>

Those of Celtic ancestry (Irish, Scottish, or Welsh) that plan on a future wedding or just want a special piece of jewelry that honors their heritage can look towards Celtic engagement rings for possible inspiration and ideas. These rings combine the beauty of diamonds with the ancient symbols of the British Isles with modern touches. This leads to a well polished, unique piece that will not only be authentically based in the style of the Celts but will last through the generations many years down the line.

The best Celtic engagement rings are handcrafted in Ireland and stamped at the Assay Office in Dublin Castle a stamp one can easily discern from examining a ring in a brick and mortar shop. If you wish to order your ring online, look for reputable jewelers with guarantees, sizing information, and customer testimonials.

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Many dancers experience many common hurdles such as injuries, high stress both physically and mentally, as well as frustration. Many just push through it and take each as an expectation of the world of dance. And then some choose to do other activities that assist in dealing with these issues and in the end help them physically and emotionally cope. Mainly the use of Yoga and Pilates has helped many a dancer in conditioning the body further and clearing the mind for the strenuous amount of work dance requires. Also doing aerobic exercise like cycling, using the elliptical, and swimming also helps immensely.

Take me to this item: Physical activities to help the Irish Dancer >>

Wonder what those tall curled staves that bishops and abbots use? Well these ornate staves are called a crosier and originate from the shepherd’s crook. The Irish style crosier was crafted in Ireland from the eight or ninth century up until the end of the twelfth century. Bishops and abbots carried them around as an insignia of their office and signify the pastoral care of the congregation.

Many stories abound about the saints working miracles with their crosiers such as St. Maedoc halting an army, or St. Patrick and his famous Staff of Jesus. It was believed that these crosiers were given directly from God.

Take me to this item: The Crosier >>

Despite their undeniable beauty, Celtic wedding rings are not as expensive as one would think. Many trusted retailers sell high quality items but without having to ratchet up their goods in high prices. A great option in store hunting is to shop online retailers. Their prices tend to be up front and you have the luxury of seeing what you are purchasing in detail almost as good as if you were present inside a brick and mortar store.

But if you wish to shop in a traditional store, wait till said stores do discount sales (especially popular during the middle of the year slump and wedding season) to find great deals.

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Celtic Themed Weddings isn’t as taxing as one may think. Sure weddings in general may cause lost of stress and finger biting, but adding a theme especially an Irish theme is not as terrifying when a plan is in mind. Planning a wedding of this style can and will come of as a beautiful nod to your Irish, Scottish, or Welsh ancestry and heritage.

Typical wedding items that can be given a Celtic theme: décor, music, invitations, jewelry, menu, vows and blessings, and wedding favors. Things as simple but elegant as choosing a Celtic style ring, Celtic art work or saying on favors and invitations, traditional elements such as traditional trinkets like horseshoes – these all can be incorporated into a wedding giving such a feel without busting your budget or sensibilities.

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For all you that are wonderfully married; are you looking for a gift to not only cement but display your lasting power (especially in this day and age) and the strength of your love? Well there is another jewelry market that may interest you – anniversary jewelry.

Choosing anniversary jewelry is similar to planning on an engagement ring: choosing the appropriate style, size, and type (necklace, ring, earrings, ect.). Many styles are timeless and capture the essence of a union’s strong commitment such as the Claddagh, the Celtic knot, the Trinity Knot, and the Celtic Cross.

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For those that have the budget and means, having a Irish wedding – not as in just the items and traditions – but having it on actual Irish soil can be a rewarding experience. Between the gorgeous landscapes and seascapes, and the wonderful mixture of buildings both modern and medieval, the scenery found on the Emerald Isle have a truly enchanting, fairytale quality.

Ireland is brimming all year round with romance and timeless appeal with many options. Some places allow location rentals of castles or five star hotels. Many other important things such as flowers, catering and the rest can be arranged easily with the country.

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Before the English conquest of Ireland in the early 17th century, Gaelic areas were ruled by the body of ancient native law named the Brehon Law. The Brehon Law, named after wanderings lawyers, the Brehons were first set down on parchment in the 7th century and were laws that dictated ancient life back when people lived in mud huts, traded in cows and bacon and otherwise were more details about the private lives of the ancient peoples.

These laws were used up until the time of Elizabeth I where they were banned for being old, lewd, and unreasonable laws. English common law was introduced and took over from the older set of rules.

Take me to this item: Ireland’s Brehon laws were the code of conduct for the ancient Irish >>

Looking to incorporate traditional Irish elements into your next wedding? Or plan to go all out and be as faithful to traditional as fast to follow the wedding proverb: “Marry in May and rue the day…Marry in April if you can, joy for maiden and for man.” Either way including these elements will help in gunning for that traditional Irish feel.

Wearing a Claddagh ring – this symbol is full of deep meaning from the small symbols to the placement of the ring itself on ones hand. Adding a lucky horseshoe is a nice touch to a bouquet or your wrist. Make sure it is turned up for good luck.

Take me to this item: Tips on having the perfect Celtic wedding >>

The Druid’s Fog (otherwise known as the Féth Fíada) is though to more of an enchantment; fog can conceal someone, and makes them invisible, by nature, so why not assume there’s magick at work? Mist carries with it a sense of mystery as you find yourself surrounded yet unable to see, and cloaked to those around you.. Whether or not enchantment was involved, the foggy weather in Ireland was probably used to great advantage. In other countries using the fog as a military strategy have its benefits.

In fact fog’s natural properties to conceal were used to conceal the American troops during the Revolutionary War in Brooklyn.

Take me to this item: Féth Fíada >>

Preparing for one’s wedding day is always a taxing event especially for the bride. Trying to plan out place settings, guest arrangements, down to dresses for the brides maids already makes this a stressful affair. Trying to do all that and look good for that march down the isle could seem totally overwhelming.

But there are some simple tips that can make that march down the isle easy, giving the bride that look of radiance and health – look healthy while being the center of attention!

Things like having a proper diet, exercise, skin care, proper and complementing make up and wedding dress help but the most important item is your attitude! Attitude determines whether you’ll have a good time of it all or not!

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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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