Co Kerry will host “Listowel Writer’s Week’ from May 29-June 2nd. The festival will feature workshops on ‘Migration in Contemporary Writing’ and ‘The Irish-American Short Story.’ Make reservations early. Info-www.writersweek.ie
Listowel Writer’s Week May 29 – June 2
May 8th, 2013 by admin
Origin of fight word ‘donnybrook’
May 7th, 2013 by admin
The town of Donnybrook, now a fashionable suburb of Dublin, was once the scene of an annual fair from the 13th Century to mid-19th Century. In the boxing matches when the referee called the winner, fights would break out with chairs and bottles being thrown into the ring. The audience were too polite to use coarse language so they called it “a donnybrook.”
Dublin’s Phoenix Park
May 5th, 2013 by admin
At 1,752 acres, Dublin’s Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park area in Europe.
Making a May Bush for Beltane on May 1st is a very old celebration to mark the coming of the summer season. Long ago, children would save the shells from their Easter eggs to add to the decorations of the tree along with ribbons, flowers and candles which were lit at dusk.
Coca-Cola in Ireland
May 3rd, 2013 by admin
Tom Robinson, a Belfast businessman, is credited with bringing Coca-Cola to Ireland. In 1938 he heard from a Manchester colleague that the London based Coca Cola Company would supply free ice to anyone willing to sell their product. In 1939, he signed an agreement for the Northern Ireland franchise. For legal reasons, he named the company “The Ulster Iced Drinks Co.” He used equipment from lard refining and a French bottle washing machine and an ice truck bought with 5 guineas. Mr. Robinson’s son took over the business in 1989 and played a pivotal role in the achievements of Coca- Cola Bottlers Ltd.
Actor Tom Cruise’s Irish Heritage
May 2nd, 2013 by admin
Actor Tom Cruise has been presented with a Certificate of Irish Heritage. His ancestors date back to the 12th Century to a Norman knight who arrived in Ireland with Strongbow, leading to the conquest of Ireland by the English.
O’Neill Clan Gathering
May 1st, 2013 by admin
The gathering of the O’Neill Clan will take place from May 22-26. Brack Tours is offering an exclusive opportunity for all those O’Neill’s to experience a long weekend. It will take in Armagh, Dungannon and Dublin. www.bracktours.com/oneill-clan–gathering-2013.
Wolves in Celtic Lore
Apr 30th, 2013 by admin
To the Celts, the wolf symbolized unity and loyalty. Irish history tells us of wolves protecting children, guarding wounded men and guiding the lost to safety. A wolf talisman is worn to protect one from harm.
Ogham, the alphabet of the ancient Celts, is thought to be derived from the tree branches.
Cure for Bronchitis
Apr 28th, 2013 by admin
To cure bronchitis gather the fruit of the blackthorn bush and boil it. Add sugar and take as needed.


