Over most of Western Europe, particularly in those areas connected with the ancient Celts, December 21, the shortest day of the year fell during the Druidic festival of 'Yule'. Today it is better known as the festival of the ‘Winter Solstice’.

‘Thoul’, an ancient word for…

For 13 years I had been looking for "The Cross of Ballysheen" County Wexford in historical records and on my journeys with Google streetview.  Finally I was here at 'The Lobster Pot' at Carnsore Point which sits right on the crossroads dividing the old townlands of Ballysheen and Ballyfane.  I had quickly set up a…

On Friday, December 20, 2013, we'll be joined by folklorist / entertainer (and fellow Wild Geese member) Jim Ledwith for a LIVE Community Chat on the mummering tradition in…

IRISH TO THE CORE

Looking to land an Irish lad or lassie like they do in the movies? Planning a trip for your honeymoon in Ireland?  Researching…

While yet a teenager, I collected most of these clay pipes around Loughrea, in county Galway, some from the lake shore, some from under the water using a snorkel and mask, the smallest ones from the bottom of a hole I was digging in Elephant and Castle, while working as a student in…

On December 5, 2013, The Wild Geese enjoyed a LIVE Community Chat with Sligo-based author and historian, Joe McGowan.  It…

The Wild Atlantic Way will be Ireland’s first long-distance driving route, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in west Cork.  With a launch date of March 2014, this route consists of existing roadways, but it will offer visitors an opportunity…

National Library of Ireland. Gen. Richard Mulcahy in the uniform of the Irish Free State.

MÁIRT -- On Dec. 16, 1971, soldier and politician General Richard Mulcahy died in…

If Christmas in Killarney is anything like Christmas in the Garden City Library, then Christmas in Killarney is a grand day.

Seanchai…

On December 9, 2013, The Wild Geese enjoyed a LIVE Community Chat with Maeve O'Connell who owns the property at Jerpoint Park in County Kilkenny.  The grave of St. Nicholas (of "St. Nick" or Santa Claus fame) is purported to be…

It was a cold night in November 1983, and I was in the middle of my 12-hour night shift driving a yellow cab in NYC.

Coming down Broadway in upper Manhattan, four people flagged me down. Three jumped in the back and one into the front, never a good plan from the perspective of the driver. The passenger in the front said: “Can you hurry up and get to Times Square?” and promised to take care of me when we arrived –- a…

I’m not sure why so many people think history is boring. Sure, a dull teacher can ruin any good story, but history, in the right setting is not only intriguing, but it is alive. You’ll be amazed at the history you can discover during a driving tour of Ireland. The lens of history is…

Floyd Gibbons: Reporter/Adventurer

Find out more about interesting and fascinating members of the Irish Diaspora here

I just picked up the CD of Mise Eire / Saoirse? and wonder if any WGers saw it when it first came out in 1960 or have seen the CD more recently. What do you think?

I bought it mainly to hear the background music by Sean O'Riada, said to be the father of the traditional music revival of the 20th century, and am only…

The following is a transcript taken from the LIVE Community Chat chat hosted here at TheWildGeese.com on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.  The focus for the discussion was The Certificate of Irish Heritage.  We were joined by…

IRISH TO THE CORE

Congratulations to the winners of the three gift vouchers each redeemable for a Certificate of Irish Heritage:

Mark…

Let’s face it, we’re pretty proud of our team here at Tenon Tours. We’re a tight-knit group from many backgrounds and regions of the world and can hang our hat on the fact that everybody here is in this business for the right reasons. As we continue to grow and expand, we’re always in search of our next team member who can bring experience and enthusiasm to Tenon and our other travel companies.

Check out this website to see all the amazing positions we are hiring…

Some of you might be taking a trip to Ireland in the near future and having a real pint of Guinness will be first on your agenda. You have all heard that the Black Stuff tastes better in Ireland and it definitely does. Trust me; you are talking to an expert. …