You know us Irish don’t shut up, but you may not always know what we’re saying. The languages spoken in Ireland are Irish, Ullans and, of course, English. But not your typical English. In Ireland, we’ve taken the English language and moulded it around our requirements to what they call Hiberno-English. We’ve stretched some of [...]

The is one of the most famous legends in Irish mythology. It’s also one of the most visual; the swans and lakes have appeared beautifully evoked in stained glass and sculpture in Ireland. Vincent Byrne of Celtic Wedding rings, retells the tragic story of jealousy, witchcraft and freedom. The original title in Irish is Leannai [...]

Author Felicity Hayes-McCoy’s love of the Irish language is entwined with her love of the Dingle Gaeltacht. She explains how the language flavours her life and home, and how you can taste it on your own visit to Ireland. A few weeks ago I spent a noisy night leaning on the top of a piano [...]

Celtic symbols have endured since ancient Ireland, and are distinctive enough for us to humbly consider ourselves lords of the rings when it comes to jewellery design. Ciara O’Brien of Irish Celtic Jewels explains where her designers get their inspiration. Celtic symbols can be found nearly everywhere in today’s world – often around necks and wrists, [...]

Sure, big screen stars Colin Farrell, Liam Nesson and Michael Fassbender are lighting up Hollywood at the moment, but there are other big screen regulars doing just as good a job: Ireland’s castles. What’s not to love about castles? Gigantic, hulking structures, shrouded in mystery and built centuries ago in some seriously dramatic scenery. Movies [...]

People are fantastic. People keep us fed, adored, healthy, happy and entertained. We love people. But… There are moments, days, weeks, summers when fewer people can be a good thing. Like hmmm, say when you’re not sidestepping map-readers like a quarterback, nose-under armpit on public transport or hurdling over a wandering child to catch that [...]

The Vikings were many things to Ireland: invaders, plunderers and general mayhem-makers. They were also settlers and founders, meaning we have these guys to thank for mooring their boats at places that became some of our finest towns and cities. The Vikings came to Ireland from Scandinavia in the late 8th Century on their famous [...]

We asked writer Felicity Hayes-McCoy a question. What is it about the Dingle peninsula that draws so many creatives to it? The area has been a magnet for writers, painters, poets and craftspeople for over a century. And those are just the incomers. Local people here have been craftspeople and artists for thousands of years. [...]

Writer Felicity Hayes-McCoy loves Dingle enough to live, write and be inspired by the area. From the music of native tongues to the legendary Irish heroes, fascinating museums and white sandy beaches, she shares her perfect day on the Dingle Peninsula. was famously described by National Geographic magazine as “the most beautiful place on earth.” [...]

Novelist and screenwriter Felicity Hayes-McCoy knows all about pretty places in Ireland. In fact, she’s written the book on it (well, a book on her cherished Dingle Peninsula). When we asked Felicity what other of favourite Ireland spots she’d like to write about, she answered the town of . Here’s why: From a visitor’s point [...]