Irish History and Culture
Every visitor to Ireland should have some background information on the history and culture of the island. This will not only help to make sense of it all, it will also lead to a much deeper appreciation and more enjoyment of the visit.
RMS Titanic - An Irish Icon
RMS Titanic - made in Ireland and heading for disaster from an Irish port.
Rural Ireland for Visitors
Rural Ireland sports many signs for upcoming championships, shows, fairs, markets or festivals - should you go?
Irish Round Towers – What Defines Them?
Irish Round Towers – how to identify an "original" round tower by height, circumference and age ...
Irish Round Towers – An Enigma
Irish Round Towers ... who built them and why? Here are some theories, from Buddhist immigrants to ancient astronauts, from hideaways to bell-towers.
The Prehistoric Monuments of Ireland
When visiting Ireland you might get confused - what exactly is the difference between a wedge tomb and a passage tomb? Let me help you out with some basic explanations.
The Early Christian and Medieval Monuments of Ireland
Have you ever wondered what these round towers were for, who used tower houses or what an Ogham-stone is? All are relics from the Irish middle ages, dozens of them are literally dotted around Ireland.
Irish High Crosses - Their History and Origins
When one mentions a Celtic cross, this automatically summons up the image of a Latin (conventional) cross with the stem and arms linked by a circular addition. This specific form of the main Christian symbol may have had its origin in Ireland, though it is also known in Cornwall, Wales, Northern England and parts of Scotland.
Irish High Crosses - An Image Gallery
The High Crosses of Ireland are often called "sermons in stone" ... find out why in this image gallery.
Irish High Crosses - Where to Find Them
Often copied, but never with the grandiose splendour of the immense "scripture crosses", the originals are still to be found all over Ireland. Threehundred in all, though some are jigsaw puzzles missing the bulk of their pieces. Here are some High Crosses worth seeking out ...
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) - A Governing Body
Controlling body of all Gaelic Games is the GAA, the Gaelic Athletic Association, founded in 1884. Here it is decided who plays whom when and where according to what rules. Or who is not allowed to play – because sport for the GAA is a national issue, often seen from a nationalistic viewpoint. Which sometimes verged on the ridiculous.
The Tailteann Games - An Olympic Event for the "Celtic Race"
One of the more scurrilous chapters in the history of Irish sport was written by an alliance featuring the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Gaelic League and a liberal sprinkling of artists. These together came up with the brilliant idea of a "World Meeting of the Celtic Race".
Irish Words Everybody Needs
A short introduction to the Irish words and phrases visitors are most likely to encounter.