Irish America
Irish America
IRELAND moves to 15th happiest country in the world in the rankings published by the World Happiness Report.The position marks an increase on last year's 17th place in the World Happiness Report. Finland took the top spot for the eighth year running, while the United States dropped to 24th, its lowest position since the report was first published in 2012. The United Kingdom … [Read more...] about Why Irish Eyes Are Smiling
A descendant of Famine immigrants recounts her trip home. It was our first trip to Ireland. And it was a trip my mother, Mary Lanigan Schmidt, always yearned to make, but never did. Now dead these 12 years, she left behind so much, including her First Communion veil from 1926, now yellow with age. I took two snippets of the delicate lace and brought them with me, a part of her, … [Read more...] about Beyond the Veil
Waterford, once called the hidden gem of Ireland, is now a tourist destination known for its extravagant festivities. Its annual harvest festival in September attracted upwards of 40,000 visitors. The Samhain festival in October saw the City’s streets awash with a fusion of spooky, spectral, and fascinating events under the watchful eye of An Dearg Dua, a 2,000-year-old … [Read more...] about Winterval in Waterford: European City of Christmas
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and its historical and mystical significance can be felt at Ireland’s ancient sites. One of the eight sacred days in Ireland’s Celtic tradition, the summer solstice, falling this year on June 20, is associated with fertility, nature, and new beginnings. It’s the perfect time to visit some of the island’s key archaeological … [Read more...] about Experience the Mystical Summer Solstice in Ireland
The kings of Ireland were not inaugurated in Christian churches as were other European monarchs. The chieftains stood on the high hills that enclosed the tombs of their tribal ancestors during the ceremonial rites that made them king. This image, given to us by Eamonn Kelly, Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland, resonated with our group. We were Irish … [Read more...] about Return to Ireland
