Irish Fireside E-Newsletter
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This photo shows wrenboys in 1947; the boys would go from house to house carrying a dead bird asking for money to "bury the wren" - Photo by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, from the National Folklore Collection

Hunting The Wren And Other Holiday Customs

The Irish have their own traditions when it comes to celebrating the Christmas season. We take a look at a few, ranging from the wrenboys to the superstitions and toasts of the New Year.

Find Out More About Irish Holiday Traditions


Featured Photo by Maciej Zytniewski - Winter on the hillsides near the village of Clifden, County Galway.


 

An Irish postage stamp dating to 1987 features the famous three French hens, two turtle doves and partridge in a pear tree

Do The Irish Lay Claim To The Twelve Days Of Christmas?

According to some, the Irish can take credit for one of the most well known Christmas carols, and the mystery of the song's unusual “gifts” may even be rooted in Ireland’s religious past.
An Irish stamp from 1987 featuring three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

Uncover The Mystery Of This Christmas Carol


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Try Winter In Ireland
After three trips to Ireland in the summer, we decided to try a visit in the winter. We had a completely different experience on that trip. We slowed down and spent more time with the locals making new friends, and we saved a bundle in airfare. Will - Billings, MT

More Tips


Barmbrack

Irish Christmas Pudding

Serve Up Something Irish This Holiday Season

Our friends at www.dochara.com share their recipes for traditional irish Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake. We like these recipes because they're moist, rich and have just enough spice and Irish Whiskey.

Check Out The Christmas Cake Recipe
Check Out The Christmas Pudding Recipe


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Turn Off The Flash
A fellow traveler on my last trip to Ireland revealed the secret to getting dramatic photos in churches. She showed me how to turn off the flash on my digital camera. Then, because even the slightest movement will end up with blurry photos, she showed me how to prop the camera on something steady, like a pew or column...or better yet a tripod, to avoid the blur. - CJ, Milwaukee, WI

More Tips


Irish Belleek Shard Jewelry

A shard of Irish Belleek china has been transformed into a piece of jewelry by artist and podcast host Liam Hughes

Unique Irish Gifts Are Just a Click Away

The internet is bustling with retailers selling your favorite Irish wares – be it crystal,tweeds, jewelry, music or knick-knacks; but online technology has also given independent artists and entrepreneurs the opportunity to introduce their goods to an entirely new audience. This holiday season, we’re sharing our favorite online sites for truly unique gift ideas with an Irish connection.

Discover Our Finds For Unusual Irish-Related Gifts


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Explore On Foot
Most of the main sights of Dublin are situated in a comparatively small area. To get a good impression of this lively and historic city you only need to take a walk. Bernd Blege, www.about.com

More Tips


sample Mazz with Ireland's president

Pat Liddy

Fireside Chat With Pat Liddy

This month, the Irish Fireside chats with acclaimed Dublin Historian, author and artist, Pat Liddy. The Dublin native shares some ideas on how to spend your holiday in Ireland and reveals a bit about himself.

Read Our Interview With Pat Liddy


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Fly Direct
I was thrilled when I found tickets that saved me $75 each just for including a connecting flight. After 18 hours in airports and planes, my husband and I wished we had paid the extra money to fly direct from Chicago to Shannon. - Gary and Rhonna, Algoma, WI

More Tips

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Share Your Experiences

You are invited and encouraged to contribute to the Fireside by sharing your original essays, photos, artwork, travel tips or suggestions. Contact corey@irishfireside.com to find out how you can share your passion for Irish travel, Irish customs...and ALL THINGS IRISH!

PUBLISHER
www.irishfireside.com

EDITORS
Kathryn Behling
Corey Taratuta

CONTRIBUTORS
Liam Hughes
Pat Liddy
Maciej Zytniewski
Irish Fireside Listeners

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