With the approach of the 1916 Irish Easter Rising Centennial, there’s been renewed interest in "Shalom Ireland," a documentary film I made about Ireland’s remarkable, yet little known, Jewish community (www.ShalomIreland.com).  So I picked up my copy of "For the Life of Me," the…

While hiking with my American-born kids I found myself repeating the words “hay foot, straw foot” trying to motivate them to keep going as they were getting tired. I reflected on how I first learned the phrase from my West Cork granny, and decided to investigate the term a little further.  I grew intrigued to learn this phrase is shared between Ireland and America.



“Hay-foot, straw-foot” was a term my late granny…

Once upon a time, I spent a year living on the western coast of Ireland. From my American frame of reference, it took a bit of adjustment to become accustom to the Gaeltacht of Connemara’s shores. My acclimation to the culture came in curious increments comprised of chance encounters in unexpected places, but they gave me…

On behalf of TheWildGeese.Irish, I attended the latest lecture in the Irish Department Foreign Affairs Commemorative Lecture Series, titled Ireland, the Irish and Civil War America, held in the magnificent Iveagh House, Dublin.

Pictured: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan T.D.

Hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie…

Gracie Allen was born to George Allen and Molly Darragh, who were of Irish Catholic extraction. The Darraghs are listed as being from County Antrim with Gracie’s father, Patrick, born in 1833 and married Margaret Peggy McKillip from Ballymoney, County Antrim. The Darraghs were from County Antrim. Gracie’s father, Patrick, born in…

I gaze upon a lonely beach, two figures walking all alone,

Slowly the sun settles in the west, remnants of daylight shone.

From my vantage I see two shadows moving on the beach,

Strolling slowly just within darkness’ reach.

I watch the pair moving slowly along,

And listen carefully, I can hear their song.

A lifetime of love and…

Have you ever had a feeling of déjà vu and known it was something you can’t possibly have experienced in your own lifetime? I get this feeling often, a heartfelt pining for a time period I’ve never lived through and a place that I’ve never even visited. Many of these feelings are tied directly to Ireland in the early 20th century and onward. I’ve never been to Ireland and although I’m not about to disclose my age, suffice it to say that while I may not be a spring chicken anymore I certainly…

Sitting quietly alone, gazing out the window at the sight,

Of night’s grasp soon giving way to morning’s light.

The sun slowly rising, erasing the morning gloom

With me sitting quietly alone in that room.

Enjoying the peace and solitude of this place,

A good book in hand, feeling the rising sun in my face.

The smell of eggs, rasher, sausage and toast,

Being prepared by our gracious Irish hosts.

Suddenly out of the corner of my…

From the Wild Westie’s owners a message was conveyed,

Win a free trip back with airfare paid!

You need to tell us why you want to return and have it posted,

On the Wild Irish Geese website where the contest is hosted.

So tell us why in a video, picture, or blog on their site,

And wait for a decision as they pick the one that’s just right.

So here is my entry, a story to tell,

Of a magical journey as I drop my poem…

Endless shades of green everywhere you look

Sounds of water from a babbling brook

Fresh smells the air after a summer shower

As we walk the woods you can feel the power

Of a land whose people love so dear

And with each step taken dwindles our troubles and fears

Soon we gather and board into the Blue Beast

And with steady driver at the helm we head to a pub for a feast

Soon voices, music, and laughter fill the air

And we celebrate…

The man who changed the face of Ireland, County Laois's most famous son, William Dargan, was born near Killeshin, on Feb. 28th, 1799. He worked for some time as an apprentice to the pioneering Scottish engineer, Thomas Telford, and helped construct the London-Holyhead road across…

Good day,

To my NYC Celtic family, are seeking affordable quality healthcare? Family Physician, Dr. Tommy O, is inviting you to join him at his brand new medical office in Upper East Side, Manhattan, NYC. Membership medicine, Better Care and Low Cost. Attached, find a business care and a link to my website. I look forward to seeing you. God Bless with continued Celtic Success!…

Éamon de Valera is a man that has enjoyed iconic status in the Irish history books for more reasons than being one of the Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. He was born in New York in 1882 to a Irish mother and a Spanish father. His mother originated from Bruree, Limerick, and his…

Wild West Irish Tours on Irish radio, TV and newspapers!

Michael Regan-Waugh on Irish TV

We are grateful to IrishTV.ie, Clare FM radio, The Clare Champion, and  Raidio Corca Baiscinn –…

Not many people know about Uisneach but it really is a special place. Situated in the very centre of the island of Ireland, in County Westmeath, it has been referred to as the navel of Ireland. At its centre is Aill na Míreann (the stone of the divisions, seen above) and this…

'It’s the little things that happened quite spontaneously and unexpectedly that made this trip so special.'

By Marie Evans, Decatur TX

If you enjoy riding on a large bus with a huge group of people you…

Cornelius [Con] Colbert was another young man who is also less known for his role in Ireland's 1916 Easter Rising.  He was born in 1888 , one of thirteen children, into a small farming community to…

A visit to the cemetery next to little Mission Dolores reveals how important the Irish influence was on the city, and how brief life could be on the Gold Rush frontier.…