Three Scary Figures from Irish Folklore
While the typical Halloween images of witches, skeletons and zombies may seem fairly mundane to us now, those in Ancient Ireland believed themselves t…
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…
The History of the Jack-O-Lantern
What's the history behind the Jack-O-Lantern ('Seán na Gealaí'), and the carving up of pumpkins every Hallowe'en season?
An Bhean Sí – the Story of the Banshee in Irish Folklore
This mystical female image has been a part of Irish culture for many centuries, with the oldest surviving account tracing back to 1380. Translating as…
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…
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…
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.