Halloween is fast approaching and so it’s time to get into the spirit of things. Ireland is nation covered in history, myths and legends. This is the perfect time of year to remember these ancient stories. So grab a blanket, a cup of tea and imagine the sounds of a crackling fire as we dive into Ireland’s ancient myths and legends! Many believe that Halloween actually began in Ireland. Here it is called Oíche Shamhna. In Irish, ‘Oíche’ means ‘night’ and so Oíche Shamhna refers to Halloween night. Samhain (Sow-in) was a festival that marked the end of the harvest...
Last year, on the 16th of July, I bid a teary farewell to my parents in Dublin airport and embarked on the biggest adventure of my life so far. With two suitcases (the size of small cars), I walked through security and onto a plane that would take me to my new life. Seven hours later, I found myself walking out of O’Hare Airport and into the summer heat of Illinois, unaware of the massive journey I was about to undertake. So here’s my story - an Irish girl in the United States! The Summer was hot. I was lucky...
Dia Duit arís! (hello again) I’m sure many of you know about the troubles that took place 40 years ago in Northern Ireland between the Catholics and Protestants that resulted in many lives lost and ruined. Seeing imagery and videos through the news inspired two Irish immigrants to take action and help out those children caught in the cross fire. In 1975 Project Children was born; an idea by Denis Mulcahy, along with his brother Pat. They had both grown up in County Cork, Ireland, and immigrated to New York, where they joined the New York Police Department. Denis is...
As I made trips back and forth to Ireland in the early 00’s, people would offer to give me money to bring them back a gift of a sweater or some crystal or Barry's Tea. I was pure delighted to help them out but the mad dash through duty free in Dublin airport was fierce! ...
Last month, on the first of June, my lovely Irish parents flew into the States! For the first time in a year, we were finally reunited! I was so glad that my parents made the big trip across the Atlantic to see me - but in fairness, this was no ordinary holiday. One month, eleven States, six National Parks, nine major cities and two Irish parents. Take a look inside the holiday of a lifetime and all the craic in between! After collecting my parents in Chicago, we all piled into the car and headed east for Kalamazoo. It was...
