An Táin Bó Cúailnge: Ireland’s National Epic
Of the vast body of ancient literature captured in the four cycles (or collections) of Irish mythology, An Táin Bó Cúailnge may be the most importa…
Tag: Irish
Discussion about Ireland, the Irish language, its history, people and culture.
The Irish Origins of Hallowe’en
Dressing up, trick-or-treating, bonfires…Hallowe’en (Oíche Shamhna in Irish) is an unusual but beloved holiday. Because of its prevalence in the United States (although it is…
What is the Ulster Cycle (an Rúraíocht)?
For purposes of classification, many legends and sagas from Ireland’s medieval manuscripts are gathered into one of four “cycles,” or collection…
An Chuach: The Cuckoo in Irish Folklore
The cuckoo’s influence is a reminder of how deeply intertwined nature and culture can be, especially in places like Ireland, where the natural world…
Movie Review: Kneecap
If you find a theatre with seat belts, it might be a good idea to strap in. Kneecap offers one hell of a ride.
The Tailteann Games: Ireland’s Ancient Olympics
Just as the Olympics are based on a Greek sporting contest that took place in the 8th century BC, so did Ireland revive an ancient tradition upon beco…
The Festival of Lúnasa
Lughnasadh, meaning the ‘Assembly of Lugh’ signifies the beginning of the harvest season and gives its name to the Irish word for August, ‘Lúna…
The Rise of Kneecap
The rise of the Irish-language rap trio Kneecap has taken the world by storm, while also speaking to momentum of the Irish language.