Christmas is a time of tradition.  Every year, millions of Americans enact a tradition that few realize has its origins in Ireland and the mists of time: "the Laden Table." In pre-Christian Celtic Ireland, hospitality was more than just good manners; it was actually written into the law.  Under Brehon Law, all households were obliged to provide some measure of … [Read more...] about The Laden Table, an Irish Christmas Tradition

In the heart of Dublin stands St. Michan's Church, a haunting reminder of how history can live—or die—before our eyes. Founded in 1095 (and later refurbished in 1686), it was initially built to serve the Viking community on the north side of the River Liffey. Over the centuries, the church has borne witness to Ireland's evolving history—from the days of Strongbow to the Easter … [Read more...] about The Haunting Legacy of St. Michan’s: Where History Lived and Sadly Died

1882 was part of a period of political and social upheaval in Ireland known as the Land War, sparked by poor harvests, falling agricultural prices, and the long-standing abuses of the landlord system.  The Irish National Land League, founded by Michael Davitt and led by Charles Stewart Parnell, was orchestrating a resistance campaign against landlords, including rent strikes … [Read more...] about “The Greatest Murder in Ireland That Ever Was”, The Execution of Myles Joyce

As a young woman growing up in County Kerry, Maureen Flavin Sweeney dreamed of moving to the United States.  However, Belmullet in County Mayo, on Ireland's Atlantic coast, was as far west as she got.  There, she worked as a postal clerk and, on June 4, 1944, made a weather report that changed the course of history.  She was 21 years old. Constructed in … [Read more...] about How Maureen Sweeney’s Weather Report Saved D-Day

It is perhaps understandable that we tend to remember with pride the many  Irish immigrants who came to America with nothing and, by spirit and determination, achieved greatness.  Yet, we must not forget the many more Irish men and women who came to America and often experienced hardship and tragic ends despite their best efforts; their stories should also be … [Read more...] about From the Great Hunger in Ireland to Starvation in America: The Sacrifice of Owen Moloney