QuickTips Index
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Dracula was the smash hit of 1897 – the convoluted novel by Irish author Bram Stoker became an instant classic of the supernatural or Gothic genre.
Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker hit the publishing jackpot with his supernatural thriller Dracula, a rewriting of vampire lore in an unusual format that conjured authenticity by relying on diary entries, letters and excerpts from other writings.
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis, born in Belfast, was the author of the hugely popular „Narnia“ books. The first of these „Chronicles of Narnia“ was published as „The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe“ in 1950.
The Historical Saint Patrick
For all the hundreds of words written by and millions of words written about Ireland's patron saint, we have to admit to not knowing a lot about Saint Patrick. The only undisputed record of Saint Patrick's life are his scarce biographical sketches in the "Confessio" and the letter to Coroticus' soldiers.
Food, Glorious Halloween Food
What did the Irish eat at samhain? Lots - the larders were full, the year's work was done, time to dig in ... find out what typical Irish Halloween foods you can prepare.
An Irish Samhain
With Halloween parades and carnivals entertaining the masses and Irish children going trick-or-treating with plastic pumpkins you might be excused for thinking that the Celtic feast of samhain is dead. But stop ... is this not the night the dead can return? And indeed they do ...
Changing Samhain Traditions
Have you ever wondered how the Irish-Celtic feast of samhain became the carnival-like Halloween? Blame the popes, the reformation and European emigration.
Samhain - A Very Irish Feast
November 1st was traditionally known as samhain, literally translated the "end of summer" and pronounced something like sow-een. This was the end of the Celtic year, the start of winter, a time for reflection. and part of a sometimes confusing tradition ... culminating in our modern Halloween.
Samhain Soothsaying
As a traditional Irish Halloween involved staying at home anyway this was the time to have fun and games. Some with a slightly mystical twist - divining the future was important in this samhain night of open channels to the otherworlds. Here are some Irish hints to get a glimpse into the future at Halloween ...
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".
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.
A Battle for Ireland?
The Battle of the Boyne, remembered every year by Loyalists with enthusiasm and colorful parades, is one of the most iconic events in Irish history - surrounded by mythology. Not always near to the historical truth ...
Ireland's High Crosses
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 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.
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.
Saint Patrick's Day Parades
Parades on Saint Patrick's day are not originally Irish, they are an American invention. And far from being a celebration of ethnic and religious inclusiveness, as they are in most places today, they started as manifestations of WASP culture.
A Traditional Saint Patrick's Day
Today's celebrations on Saint Patrick's Day have more a touch of "mardi gras" than pious observances in most Irish towns. But this is a fairly recent development. Apart from celebrating the saint's death with a special church service on March 17th, only two traditions were really observed in the past.
The Irish Vernacular - Idioms and Phrases
When in Ireland you will hear people speaking the Irish vernacular, a local version of English. Influenced by tradition and the Irish language. And confusing for the visitor.
Common Place Names in Ireland
When touring Ireland you will notice the similarity of many place names. Most names are descriptive and contain elements from the Old Irish.
Are the Irish Speaking Irish?
Irish is in fact a minority language. Despite the best efforts of the state.
Why Do the Irish Talk Blarney?
Have you ever wondered why the Irish (and several other nations) seem to make a castle in County Cork the subject of their conversation? Or want to kiss a stone? It's all Blarney!