Irish History, Records, and Myths

History

Where is the oldest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the world?

Which US city held the first St Patrick’s Day parade? Step aside Boston and New York...

Food & Drink

Irish historian recreates long-lost whiskey recipes using 200-year-old ingredients

Fionnan O'Connor has recreated long-lost whiskey recipes by using ingredients dating back to the 1800s.

News

RUC water cannon used during the Troubles sold in England for $4,000

The Royal Ulster Constabulary used water cannons to disperse violent rioters in the early days of the Troubles.

Events

TUNE IN: Trinity discussion examines “History, Hope, and the Political Speech”

Tune into the "Behind the Headlines: History, Hope and the Political Speech" live discussion on March 1 at 7 pm GMT / 2 pm EST.

Niall O'Dowd

Robert F. Kennedy on the need for the Irish to lead the battle against racism

Kennedy’s famous words at an Irish dinner in Philadelphia on March 17, 1964 reverberate more than ever today after Trump’s racist administration.

History

The unsung Irishman who saved George Washington’s life twice

Few Irishmen have done more for American liberty than the greatest spy of all, Hercules Mulligan.

History

Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery held its first burial on this day in 1832

Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery is the resting place of many famous Irish, from rebel politicians to Hollywood actors.

News

New Irish law - Illegal for dissidents to identify as Óglaigh na hÉireann

A Fianna Fáil Senator wants to make the term Óglaigh ns hÉireann (soldiers of Ireland) exclusive to members of the Irish Defence Forces.

Roots

Five ancient Irish wedding traditions you may not know about

Why not look at incorporating a little Celtic magic into your Irish wedding?

History

The truth about St. Patrick's life from kidnapping to Irish Catholicism

How many of us can really say that we know who St. Patrick was and how relevant he is in today’s society? Here are some facts about the life of Saint Patrick, his journey from imprisonment to becoming a missionary.

History

When Jackie Kennedy brought her children to Waterford after JFK’s death

Jackie Kennedy met with Irish President Éamon de Valera during the summer of 1967.

History

On this day: Irish Famine writer William Carleton is born

William Carleton, the man famed for his depictions of life in Ireland during The Great Hunger, was born on this day, February 20, 1794.

History

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day by planting an Irish Heritage Tree

This St. Patrick's Day, honor your Irish roots by planting an Irish heritage tree in farmland connected to a legend of St. Patrick!

History

What is the real meaning of Saint Patrick’s Day?

A look at the facts and history behind Paddy’s Day to discover how close to the origins of the day the meaning of St Patrick's Day now is.

Other Writers

The extraordinary life of Irish priest John Martin Hayes

Canon John Martin Hayes was the founder of Muintir na Tíre and the parish priest of Bansha & Kilmoyler in County Tipperary.

Roots

The Irish immigrant who penned New Zealand's national anthem

Irish-born Thomas Bracken penned "God Defend New Zealand" in the 1870s; over a century later, the song would become the country's national anthem.

Culture

The Irish and Ash Wednesday - Lent, meatless Fridays, hot-crossed buns

Pancake Tuesday is over it's time for 40 days of Lent but what's this Catholic tradition all about and is it still observed in modern Ireland?

History

Irish-American museum in Albany celebrates ties between Irish and black communities

The Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany will be hosting an exhibit and two online lectures throughout February to celebrate racial diversity in Ireland.

Culture