IrishCentral Irish holidays - b5cc3275d518416eacb61d676e8d84d1 http://www.irishcentral.com/topics/Irish+holidays IrishCentral Irish holidays en-us http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/The-Irish-Homecoming---Theres-no-place-like-home-for-the-Christmas-holidays---food-laughter-love-and-being-spoilt-by-Santa--186198142.html http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/The-Irish-Homecoming---Theres-no-place-like-home-for-the-Christmas-holidays---food-laughter-love-and-being-spoilt-by-Santa--186198142.html The Irish Homecoming - There’s no place like home for the Christmas holidays - food laughter, love and being spoilt by Santa (IrishCentral) Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:57:55 PST
By: APRIL DREW

It was the first Christmas back in Ireland for APRIL DREW and her family, filled with food, laughter, love and too many toys from Santa.

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/news/USA-Today-readers-vote-Ireland-as-one-of-the-top-five-holiday-destinations-186152642.html http://www.irishcentral.com/news/USA-Today-readers-vote-Ireland-as-one-of-the-top-five-holiday-destinations-186152642.html USA Today readers vote Ireland as one of the top five holiday destinations (IrishCentral) Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:03:09 PST
By: PATRICK COUNIHAN

Irish tourism and The Gathering have received a massive boost from the readers of USA Today.
America’s national newspaper has voted Ireland as a dream holiday destination in a new poll.

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Irish-to-lobby-US-Congress-to-have-St-Patricks-Day-as-national-holiday-185400612.html http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Irish-to-lobby-US-Congress-to-have-St-Patricks-Day-as-national-holiday-185400612.html Irish to lobby U.S. Congress to have St Patrick’s Day as national holiday (IrishCentral) Wed, 02 Jan 2013 02:25:52 PST
By: KATE HICKEY

A member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians from San Antonio, TX, has launched an online petition to have St. Patrick’s Day officially declared a national holiday in the United States.

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/The-eight-sacred-Celtic-holidays-of-the-year---from-St-Brigids-Day-to-the-winter-solstice---PHOTOS-184647941.html http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/The-eight-sacred-Celtic-holidays-of-the-year---from-St-Brigids-Day-to-the-winter-solstice---PHOTOS-184647941.html The eight sacred Celtic holidays of the year - from St. Brigid's Day to the winter solstice - PHOTOS (IrishCentral) Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:15:24 PST
By: MOLLY MULDOON

PHOTOS - Eight Celtic holidays photo gallery

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/ent/from_the_hob/girsas-uplifting-performance-was-perfect-for-the-christmas-holidays-184546911.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/ent/from_the_hob/girsas-uplifting-performance-was-perfect-for-the-christmas-holidays-184546911.html GIRSA’s uplifting performance was perfect for the Christmas holidays (IrishCentral) Sat, 22 Dec 2012 06:15:27 PST Girsa performing at their holiday show in Pearl River (Sean Conway)The last two months, and especially the last week, have taught us an awful lot about our homes and the importance of family, friends and the community that we live in After the horrific weekend up in Newtown, Connecticut and on top of so much destruction visited upon us by Mother Nature around Halloween, the line from a pop Christmas song, “We need a little Christmas, right this very minute” loomed large So fortuitously, the scheduled return concert in Pearl River by the hometown girls GIRSA last Saturday night couldn’t have come at a better time  And it couldn’t have provided a better tonic to escape for a few hours and celebrate the community around us READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/news/A-fathers-Christmas-reflection----Irelands-immigration-and-loss-takes-its-toll-on-the-holidays-184320851.html http://www.irishcentral.com/news/A-fathers-Christmas-reflection----Irelands-immigration-and-loss-takes-its-toll-on-the-holidays-184320851.html A father’s Christmas reflection -- Ireland’s immigration and loss takes its toll on the holidays (IrishCentral) Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:52:04 PST
By: PAT MCGINN

“Don't blow the tall white candle out
But leave it burning bright,
So that they'll know they're welcome here
This holy Christmas night!”

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Just-in-time-for-Christmas--a-glossary-of-Irish-Mammy-terms-for-the-holidays-184320011.html http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Just-in-time-for-Christmas--a-glossary-of-Irish-Mammy-terms-for-the-holidays-184320011.html Just in time for Christmas – a glossary of Irish Mammy terms for the holidays (IrishCentral) Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:47:24 PST
By: ANTOINETTE KELLY

There is nothing like some wisdom from your Irish mammy around the holidays.

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/roots/irish-community-connections/atlantic-steps-tickets-on-sale-just-in-time-for-the-holidays-183000401.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/roots/irish-community-connections/atlantic-steps-tickets-on-sale-just-in-time-for-the-holidays-183000401.html Atlantic Steps tickets on sale just in time for the holidays (IrishCentral) Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:16:58 PST Atlantic Steps is the inspiring epic story of Ireland’s oldest dance form, portrayed through the music, song, dance and Atlantic-Ocean-inspired energy of the Connemara region Centered around the joyful sean-nós (old style) dance of extraordinary Irish dancer Brian Cunningham, the show continues to move festival and theatre audiences to their feet, bringing sean-nós dance to its rightful place on the world stageHaving performed alongside Irish greats including Dé Danann, The Chieftains, Sharon Shannon, Altan, Dervish & Téada Brian brought his dancing talents to headline the high profile Volvo Ocean Race spectacular in Galway during 2009 READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Michael-Sheahan-dedicates-himself-to-the-Christmas-with-Mr-Holidays-Presents-The-Roof-Top-Hop-182966941.html http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Michael-Sheahan-dedicates-himself-to-the-Christmas-with-Mr-Holidays-Presents-The-Roof-Top-Hop-182966941.html Michael Sheahan dedicates himself to the Christmas with “Mr. Holidays Presents: The Roof Top Hop” (IrishCentral) Tue, 11 Dec 2012 05:07:01 PST
By: BRENDAN CHARLES

Accomplished musician and award-winning author Michael Sheahan dedicates himself to the Christmas tradition through rhythmic narration and vibrant illustrations in his children’s book, “Mr. Holidays Presents: The Roof Top Hop.”

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Top-ten-Christmas-holiday-party-dos-and-donts-182167481.html http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Top-ten-Christmas-holiday-party-dos-and-donts-182167481.html Top ten Christmas holiday party dos and don'ts (IrishCentral) Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:05:45 PST
By: DARA KELLY

With the countdown to Christmas officially on, chances are most of your co workers are gearing up for the annual office party. Beware!

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/ent/from_the_hob/holidays-spirit-abounds-with-new-irish-music-shows-from-massachusetts-to-washington-dc-181643601.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/ent/from_the_hob/holidays-spirit-abounds-with-new-irish-music-shows-from-massachusetts-to-washington-dc-181643601.html Holidays spirit abounds with new Irish music shows from Massachusetts to Washington DC (IrishCentral) Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:31:24 PST
Cherish the LadiesThe time for the season of hope and renewal couldn’t come fast enough around the Northeast after the ravages of Hurricane Sandy So it is time to survey the regional music and dance scene for seasonal performances that will put you in the Christmas spirit  It’s a good time to get out of the house and share with family and friends some joyous noel music, especially if you like trad music at any time of the yearIt has become such a classic Yuletide tradition in New England that it is hard to believe that the Christmas Celtic Sojourn is only celebrating its 10th year this December READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Show-to-warm-the-holiday-soul---spectacular-line-up-of-Christmas-shows-in-New-York-181420261.html http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Show-to-warm-the-holiday-soul---spectacular-line-up-of-Christmas-shows-in-New-York-181420261.html Shows to warm the holiday soul - spectacular line-up of Christmas shows in New York (IrishCentral) Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:20:33 PST
By: CAHIR O'DOHERTY

The Irish (and if I’m honest, thanks to Dylan Thomas, the Welsh) celebrate Christmas with particular skill. It’s probably the combination of wistfulness, regret and the hope that swirls around at this (most wonderful) time of year. It’s catnip for Celts.

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/ent/manhattan_diary/desperation-replaces-thanksgiving---big-box-retailers-are-stealing-the-holidays-181179781.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/ent/manhattan_diary/desperation-replaces-thanksgiving---big-box-retailers-are-stealing-the-holidays-181179781.html Desperation replaces Thanksgiving - big box retailers are stealing the holidays (IrishCentral) Wed, 28 Nov 2012 06:46:45 PST
Black Friday shoppersIf you didn't go to work this Thanksgiving count yourself one of the lucky ones Target stores opened at 9 PM on Thursday night, a full three hours earlier than they opened in 2011 READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/travel/irelands-hidden-gems/where-to-eat-sleep--play-in-ireland-2012---get-the-inside-story-on-travelling-in-ireland-this-year-149353185.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/travel/irelands-hidden-gems/where-to-eat-sleep--play-in-ireland-2012---get-the-inside-story-on-travelling-in-ireland-this-year-149353185.html "Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2012" - get the inside story on traveling in Ireland this year (IrishCentral) Sat, 28 Apr 2012 07:15:17 PDT
"Susan Bryon exploring the highways and byways of Ireland"I have written an eBook, "Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2012", in response to the hundreds of emails I receive daily from potential visitors asking those same questionsWith over 100,000 bed options available daily in Ireland, how is the independent visitor supposed to choose much less get it right? Sure, you can trawl through the maze of discount hotel sites or you can take the easy route and trust my advice gathered over four years of independent travel and research throughout IrelandWould you like to know the top ten posh places to stay in Ireland for peanuts? Thought so Yes, the upside to the recession is that there are some truly amazing deals to had in Ireland right READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/How-to-celebrate-a-traditional-Irish-Easter--146242975.html http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/How-to-celebrate-a-traditional-Irish-Easter--146242975.html Easter the Irish way - some traditional tips for the Spring holiday (IrishCentral) Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:46:51 PDT
By: IrishCentral Staff Writers

Apart from Christmas and St. Patrick's Day, Easter is the most important religious holiday in Ireland's calendar.

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/roots/lyons-den-mom/twas-the-week-before-st-pattys-day---a-poem-about-prepping-for-our-family-holiday-142305245.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/roots/lyons-den-mom/twas-the-week-before-st-pattys-day---a-poem-about-prepping-for-our-family-holiday-142305245.html Twas the week before St. Patty's Day - a poem about prepping for our family holiday (IrishCentral) Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:45:16 PDT Twas the week before St Patty's DayAnd the excitement is a'brewin'For on the 17th of March,We know just what we'll be doin'We'll be taking an early train,Down to New York CityWhere we'll take in the Parade, With bands and dancers oh so prettyWe'll join family and friends As we sing the songs of oldAnd our Irish Eyes will be smilin' Whether the weather's warm or cold READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/artsandstyle/tipsheet/saint-patricks-day-pants---your-holiday-sorted-141196783.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/artsandstyle/tipsheet/saint-patricks-day-pants---your-holiday-sorted-141196783.html Saint Patrick's Day pants - your holiday sorted (IrishCentral) Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:45:19 PST
Feeling like making a (loud) statement this Saint Patrick's Day? Why not wear your Irish pride right out in public where you can see it with help from these unmistakable 100% Cotton St Patrick’s Day Chinos new from BonobosTurn heads and maybe win some new admirers before or after the parade You can pick 'em up by clicking here READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/gaelic-girls-blog/gaelic-girl-hannah/thanksgiving-with-an-irish-twist---making-ireland-feel-homely-for-the-holidays-134610728.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/gaelic-girls-blog/gaelic-girl-hannah/thanksgiving-with-an-irish-twist---making-ireland-feel-homely-for-the-holidays-134610728.html Thanksgiving with an Irish twist - making Ireland feel homely for the holidays (IrishCentral) Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:30:24 PST
One of the harder challenges I have had to face during my time abroad was the fact that I would not be spending the American holiday of Thanksgiving with my family I have a pretty small family and we do not have the stereotypical large family feast that has become synonymous with the big day, and even though I would not be missing a huge family celebration, I did miss the thought of being near to loved ones This changed however, when an American friend of mine invited me to an American Thanksgiving celebration that she was planning with some of the other American students They had also extended the invitation to some Irish friends as well, who all responded right away to the invite READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/saint_patricks_day/-How-to-celebrate-St-Patricks-Day-with-your-children-118001184.html http://www.irishcentral.com/saint_patricks_day/-How-to-celebrate-St-Patricks-Day-with-your-children-118001184.html St. Patrick's Day for kids - a fun way to celebrate the Irish holiday (IrishCentral) Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:36:49 PDT
By: IrishCentral Staff Writers

Click here for IrishCentral's St. Patrick's Day section
 
As well as attending the parade and taking part in community fun with your children, here are some ideas to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your little ones.

Plan your outfits: Plan exactly what green outfits you're going to wear, and the crazier the better. Make hats, masks and entire outfits if need be. Go wild and have fun.

Make a green breakfast: No, we don't mean eating broccoli and kale for breakfast. How's about Lucky Charms, or porridge with fruit?  Over breakfast talk with your children about why we celebrate St. Patrick's Day and who St. Patrick was.

Read some Irish stories: There are no better tales for children than the old myths and legends of Finn MacCool or Tir na nOg. Another literary favorite are the children's stories from Oscar Wilde including "The Happy Prince" and "The Selfish Giant.”

Treasure hunt: This is a great idea, especially if the weather is good. Bring the kids to the park and send them on a treasure hunt to find the leprechaun's gold. Hide gold-foil covered chocolate coins in the park and send the kids on a scavenger hunt.

Stay at home and do crafts: There are loads of ideas for St. Patrick's Day themed crafts including making shamrock potato stamps or a shamrock made out of three moss-covered paper plates. If the stamps are a success set the kids to work on decorating St. Patrick's Day cards for the family.

READ MORE ]]> http://www.irishcentral.com/story/roots/the_irishamerican/labor-day----an-irish-holiday-71893942.html http://www.irishcentral.com/story/roots/the_irishamerican/labor-day----an-irish-holiday-71893942.html Labor Day -- an "Irish" Holiday (IrishCentral) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:38:03 PST Posted by Patricia Harty at 9/8/2009 5:42 PM EDT Labor Day is kind of like Christmas -- people have forgotten the meaning of it They just want the presents, the birth of Christ gets lost somewhere in the wrappingsThe significance of Labor Day gets lost too -- in the sandwiches at the beach on the last day of summer But as you throw another hot dog on the Barbie, spare a thought for McGuire, Maguire, Jones, Quill and Sweeney –- to name just a few of the many great Irish labor leaders READ MORE ]]>