Maria Edgeworth, Ireland’s Pioneering Writer and Educator

Edgeworthstown is a wonderful heritage location tucked away in the heart of Ireland’s landlocked county of Longford. Like many places in the Midlands, it is best appreciated through the story of its history and the remarkable people who resided here. None more so than Maria Edgeworth, pioneering children’s writer, novelist,…

Walking among Grey Ghosts of the Civil War in Savannah

Leave them their sad stone angels, their tattered flags, and dirty sheets. Their crushed drums and tuneless fifes. Painted cannons, broken swords, and rusted bayonets. Hearts that deserved breaking, souls unredeemed. The haunted ballroom memories of a dozen decades of twisted honor, dreadful behavior, and fanciful dreams. In the end,…

Memories of a Midnight Mass in Derry, 1968

“O Holy Night” and other beloved carols echoed through the town, resonating in schools, on TV, and on the radio, with the former holding a special place in my heart. Also recognised as “Minuit, Chrétiens,” 1966 marked the 60th anniversary of its inaugural radio broadcast, and it is said to…

The myths and legends of the Giant’s Causeway

The magical Giant’s Causeway has astounded millions of tourists with its mystique and uniqueness, but long before it became easy or common for world travelers to journey to the Co Antrim UNESCO World Heritage site, wonder has surrounded the story of its creation. We know now the true, yet still…

The most important Irish American moments in history

From John F. Kennedy’s election to Riverdance and the Quiet Man, Irish Americans have left quite a mark on the world.  John F. Kennedy’s Election In November 1960 John F Kennedy, the great-grandson of impoverished Irish emigrants, was elected President of the United States. Ireland and Irish America would never…

Dublin riots caused “tens of millions” of damage, says Varadkar

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has estimated that the damage done to public infrastructure during violent anti-immigrant riots on Thursday night could cost “tens of millions of euro”.  Rioters burned three buses, one Luas tram, and three Garda cars, and caused extensive damage to eight further Garda cars on Thursday night after…

How to roast a Thanksgiving turkey, with tips from our Irish chef!

Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching! Below, learn why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving and then let our Irish chef teach you how to perfectly roast it. Although turkeys are the main cuisine of today’s Thanksgiving celebrations, these birds were not the most popular centerpieces on the first Thanksgiving tables. In…

Where does Ireland football go from here?

We are at the dusky twilight of the Stephen Kenny era, with the current manager of the Irish soccer team having as much chance of being offered a second contract as the man on the moon. It is sad that it has come to this for Kenny, who is a…