Waveriders, the acclaimed documentary directed by Dublin native Joel Conroy and coming out on DVD March 16, is based around an unusual premise: modern-day surfing’s Irish-American roots. The award-winning film traces the history of the “father of modern surfing,” Irish-Hawaiian George Freeth, as well as showcasing the work of Ireland’s top surfers in incredible footage atop … [Read more...] about Waverider: The Irish Roots of Surfing
Travel
Beautiful Kerry
Who was the first European to discover the Americas? Contrary to popular opinion, it may not have been Christopher Columbus. In fact, it may well have been St. Brendan – an Irishman who hailed from County Kerry. Kerry is one of the loveliest of Ireland’s counties and if you have not yet paid it a visit, it might now be time for you to undertake St. Brendan’s journey in reverse. … [Read more...] about Beautiful Kerry
The Magic of Yeats Country Lives On
Ed: This post originally appeared in the February / March issue of Irish America after Bridget English was sent on assignment to attend the Yeats International Summer School the previous summer. The Yeats summer school is now in its 56th year and still accepting applications. Click here for more information or apply. For almost fifty years now, Sligo has played host to the … [Read more...] about The Magic of Yeats Country Lives On
Ireland’s Cultural Heartland: A Visit to Ireland’s West and Northwest
The West Patricia Harty’s tour of the West Landing in the West of Ireland “the cultural heartland” is a wonderful introduction to Ireland. “It is,” as Liam Scollan, the CEO of Ireland West Airport, Co. Mayo, said, “a way for Irish-Americans whose ancestors left this part of the world centuries ago to experience Ireland, which has changed little since that time.” The western … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Cultural Heartland: A Visit to Ireland’s West and Northwest
The West’s Awake
Bucking a century-old trend, the West of Ireland now appeals to Americans and U.S. companies to come live, work and set up businesses there. Reversing a century-old trend of emigration from the West of Ireland to the U.S., the Western Development Commission (WDC), the state body charged with promoting the economic and social development of the Western Region, is spreading its … [Read more...] about The West’s Awake