But according to our alumni “Wild Westies”; or people who travel with us on a Wild West Irish Tour, nothing is more surprising than these top three [technically four] things:

1. The Fairy Glen…

Here is an article I wrote for my blog, IrishAmericanJournal.com, about Irish Stew. I thought you all might like to see this and maybe make some now that the weather is cold. Good Irish Stew will warm you up.…

Above, my brother John Kelly

The main forecourt Crumlin Road jail.…

As nine year old Rosalie Hart came up onto the deck of the schooner “Sea Lion” there was a furious gale blowing. She and her family were thousands of miles from their home in Ballymoney, County Wexford, Ireland. She breathed in the clean sea air; a welcome relief from the…

DOMHNAIGH -- On December 24, 1601, Hugh O'Neill and his Spanish and Irish allies were defeated by the English at the Battle of Kinsale, one of the most important battles in Irish history. With the able assistance of his main ally,…

He'd had a narrow escape the day before. They had almost caught him and he was lucky that he managed to elude them. An icy cold sweat broke out on his furrowed brow as…

DEARDAOIN -- On Dec. 17, 1803, rebel leader Michael Dwyer, whose guerrilla attacks had maddened British colonial authorities since 1798, surrendered. Dwyer was born in County Wicklow and he participated in the 1798 Rising; however, unlike most of the leaders and…

Mincemeat, a mixture of chopped dried fruits, spices, and spirits, is a favorite holiday ingredient most often found in pies and tarts. It was developed more than 500 years ago as a way of preserving meat without salting or smoking, and gradually cooks sweetened it by adding ingredients like apples, oranges, and…

A newly produced DVD follows on from an exhibition that was held in Dublin throughout the summer of 2017. The exhibition was called "The Irish Potato Famine (1845 to 1852)," and its purpose was to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the Famine year 1847.…

DOMHNAIGH -- On December 10, 1710, the Irish regiments in the service of Spain fought in the battle of Villaviciosa during the…

If you’ve already run out of ideas for what to serve at your holiday drinks party, think “biscuits” — not your average breakfast biscuits, but these yummy bites from Kerrygold. Laden with sage and walnuts, these buttery bites are a sophisticated alternative to crackers and cheese. The recipe suggests cutting them…

Late on Christmas night 1920, Irish Volunteers John Leen (24) and Maurice Reidy (25) stealthily made their way to the home of John Byrne, the creamery manager in Ballymacelligott, County Kerry. The cottage had been raided often, because Byrne was a well-known Republican who had…

LUAIN -- On December 4,…

When one writer encounters another that blindsides them with staggering awe, the inclination is to rush out and spread the joy with those who love the written word. I feel this way about Billy O'Callaghan and extend deepest gratitude to Gerry Regan and Joe Gannon for allowing me to share this…

DOMHNAIGH -- On the night of November 26, 1781, units of Dillon’s and Walshes regiments of the Irish Brigade of France were among a force of about 400 commanded by Marquis de Bouille that landed on the British-held West Indies island of St. Eustache (now known…

LUAIN-- On the morning of Nov. 20, 1917, the 16th Irish Division of the British army assaulted an area of the German lines known as "Tunnel Trench," named for an elaborate tunnel system that ran along it. The attack was meant as a diversion for the main…

I haven’t posted for a few weeks and my Irish guilt is gnawing at me! So it’s back to business as “that time of year,” aka “the holidays,” is fast approaching. I’ve already started plumping my fruit for the several varieties of fruitcake that I make, but not for this one because the fruit is boiled! I’ve had the recipe…

Our Goal: A US Navy Ship To Be Named For Cpl. Patrick 'Bob' Gallagher USMC, NC

We write to tell you about our most recent achievements with regards to having the U.S. Navy name a ship in honor of Cpl. Patrick "Bob" Gallagher! It has been a busy month indeed.…

By Liam Murphy

The last day of the American War for Independence was 25th November 1783, when, after an occupation of over seven years, the British evacuated New York City, and Washington, leading elements of the American Continental Army, entered the city in triumph.  To…

On the cool, pleasant night of St. Stephens day, December 26, 1920, over two hundred men and women were dancing, eating and enjoying themselves at Caherguillamore House, three miles northeast of Bruff, in County Limerick. The Martin brothers from Bruff were providing the music. This was not a commonplace dance. It had been…