LittleShamrocks.com

The History of Irish Whiskey

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:33:33 -0400

The history of Irish Whiskey, 'Uisce Beatha', meaning 'water of life' in Gaelic, began over 800 years ago.

Irish Food Newsletter Issue #012 - It's harvest time!

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:39:06 -0400

Well, here we are and the unofficial end of summer has passed. All of the kids are back in school and it's harvest time. This is the perfect time to start canning and pickling all of those wonderful fruits and vegetables that we worked so hard on all summer.

Irish Canning Recipes - Canning, Preserving and Pickling in Ireland

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:43:08 -0400

Canning, preserving and pickling in Ireland are an important part of sustaining the family pantry. Preservation of the harvest yield sometimes includes, or is accompanied by, freezing vegetables, fruits, meats and fish, as well as smoking and curing meats and fish.

The Leitrim Connection #5 - Business, Entertainment, Sports & Happenings from Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:48:31 -0400

The Leitrim Connection Issue #5 - Business, Entertainment, Sports & Happenings from Co. Leitrim, Ireland

by Gerry Bohan

The Irish English Language

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:35:56 -0400

Tourists arriving in Ireland, especially for the first time, are going to get a healthy dose of the Irish English language. Here is a brief lesson in understanding some of their vocabulary and some Irish slang.

New Article - Deirdre of the Sorrows

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:14:38 -0400

In the Irish legend "Deirdre of the Sorrows", we learn about the most famous legend of an Irish woman.

New Article - History of the Irish Flag

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:14:05 -0400

The Irish flag is known as the 'Irish Tricolour' and its history began in the early nineteenth century.

New Article - Ogham

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:13:28 -0400

The ancient Irish writing known as Ogham is believed to be the earliest recorded script used in Celtic Ireland.

New Article - Irish Castles

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:12:14 -0400

Irish castles and other ancient structures of Ireland include stone towers, walls and other fortifications that can be found all over the Irish countryside.

New Article - The Irish Tenors

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:11:28 -0400

The Irish Tenors are three of the few vocalists capable of the beautiful, ringing tone and high C performance skills that qualify them as tenors.

New Article - Ghost watch in Ireland

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:10:37 -0400

Ghost watch in Ireland is all about the tragic and untimely accidental death of Helena Blunden, a young Belfast linen mill employee.

New Article - The Free University of Ireland

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:09:34 -0400

The Free University of Ireland or, in Gaelic, Saor-Ollscoil Na hÉireann, was established in 1986 by a small group of specialists in the theory of education, with a creative vision of the lifelong learning process. The university is a free and independent institute which does not receive state funding.

New Article - Irish Sports

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:07:43 -0400

Irish sports are popular and widespread. Participation and spectating levels are high but, as in other western regions, participation has been dropping due to the increasing popularity of other activities such as computer games.

New Recipe - Irish Carrot-Raisin Cake with Irish Cream Frosting

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:08:39 -0400

New Page - Irish Music on the Web

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:18:53 -0400

There are so many ways to get music online, both free and for a fee. You can download music from online stores or listen to free music on web sites both recorded by live musicians and played by computerized instruments called MIDI. The coolest new ways to get music online are video sharing web sites like YouTube.com and podcasts from Apple's iTunes Music store.

New Page - How to Throw an Irish party!

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:17:43 -0400

Any celebration can be converted into an Irish party, and not just on St. Patrick's Day.

The Leitrim Connection June 2008 Issue by Gerry Bohan

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:16:31 -0400

Leitrim Invades New York: An estimated 2600 Leitrim people traveled to New York for the New York versus Leitrim Championship clash in mid May.

New Recipe: Traditional Irish Wedding Cake

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:20:27 -0400

The Traditional Irish Wedding Cake is a culinary masterpiece which may sound difficult, but it is not. The trick is to give yourself enough time to take your time with it.

The Leitrim Connection May 2008 Issue by Gerry Bohan

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:43:57 -0400

The Leitrim Connection Business, Entertainment, Sports & Happenings from Co. Leitrim, Ireland

April 2008 Newsletter - Issue #010

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:25:42 -0400

Issue #010 - This issue of our newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Terry's brother, James F. Reynolds.

New Food Store Items: Irish Food Gifts

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:25:00 -0400

Many new gift items on our Irish Food Gifts page.

New Food Store Items: Irish Cheese page

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:24:49 -0400

Lots of new cheese items on our Irish Cheese page.

History of the Irish Claddagh

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:22:36 -0400

The history of the Irish Claddagh goes back to the 16th century. Richard Joyce, a native of County Galway, was captured by Algerians while on his way to the West Indies. He was sold as a slave to a wealthy Moorish goldsmith, who trained him in the art.

Irish History of the Tara Brooch

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:21:52 -0400

The Irish history of the Tara Brooch begins with its discovery in Drogheda, County Louth, in August of 1850. This uneventful find happened at the seashore, which served as a playground for the two little local boys who found it.

History of the Irish Cross

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:20:52 -0400

The history of the Irish Cross, or Celtic Cross, has many versions. The first one I heard was that it was developed by St. Patrick during the Pagan conversion to Christianity.

New Article: The Shrine of St. Patrick's Bell

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:20:17 -0400

The Shrine of St. Patrick's Bell is a coveted relic in the possession of the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. When St. Patrick founded his churches throughout Ireland, he is said to have bestowed bells, many of which have become famous in history.

New Recipe: Cherry & Cream Cheese Dessert Cake

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:18:47 -0400

New Recipe: Guinness Stout Chocolate Layer Cake

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:16:44 -0400

One of my sisters gave me this recipe that she found in a magazine, so I chose to make it for her recent birthday. It tasted as good as it looks!

New Article: The History of Irish Wade Pottery

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:17:45 -0400

The history of Irish Wade Pottery began in 1946 when it was made under the name Wade Ulster.

New Article: The Titanic and Ireland

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:17:50 -0400

The history of the Titanic and Ireland begins in 1911 with the ship's construction at the Harland and Wolff Shipyards in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

New Article: Ireland's Rose of Tralee International Festival

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:17:54 -0400

Ireland's Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of the country's most famous and longest running festivals. In 2008, the festival celebrates its 49th anniversary, which is held in Tralee, County Kerry.

New Article: Galway City, Ireland

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:17:58 -0400

Galway City, Ireland, in County Galway, is known as the gateway to Europe. It is situated on the western most part of the coast of Ireland, with the Aran Islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay.

New Article: Cork City, Ireland

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:18:03 -0400

Cork City, Ireland, in County Cork, was founded in the 7th century by St. Finnbarre who constructed an abbey there. Corcaigh, in Gaelic, means marshy place.

New Article: Irish Saints

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:18:08 -0400

Over the centuries, Ireland has become known as the 'island of saints and scholars'. Many of the Irish saints were never officially canonized by the Catholic church so they are not remembered by most people.

New Article: The Irish in Australia

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:18:14 -0400

The plight of the Irish in Australia begins during the mid 1780's when Ireland was part of the British Empire.

New Article: A Traditional Irish Christmas

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:18:23 -0400

Ireland has a number of traditional Irish Christmas customs and rituals that are all its own.

New Article: Ireland's River Liffey

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:18:28 -0400

Ireland's River Liffey is the main river in Dublin, the capital of Ireland. It begins at Sally Gap near Kippure in County Wicklow, just south of Dublin.

New Article: Ireland's River Boyne

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:18:36 -0400

Rising in the Bog of Allen, County Kildare, Ireland's Boyne River flows 70 miles northeast to enter the Irish Sea just below Drogheda in County Louth.

New Article: Ireland's River Shannon

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:18:42 -0400

Ireland's River Shannon is named after Sionnan, who was the granddaughter of the Mythological God of the Sea, known as Manannan Mac Lir.

Ireland's Dingle Peninsula

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:40:56 -0400

Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland's Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry has been inhabited by large numbers of tribes and clans for almost 6000 years.

Ancient Ireland's Hill of Tara

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:40:40 -0400

The Hill of Tara is an ancient Irish site built circa 3200 B.C. It is claimed that you can see half the counties of Ireland from the top of Tara.

The History of the Irish Kilt & the Tartan

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:40:14 -0400

The Irish kilt ... is this a traditional ancient garment? Is it a remnant of the early Celtic race? There is no evidence in early Irish records to support the theory that the kilt was invented in Ireland.

Finn MacCoul and The Isle of Man

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:39:54 -0400

There are a few versions of the mythological legend of Finn MacCoul and The Isle of Man.

Finn MacCoul and The Giants Causeway

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:39:22 -0400

Many of the great legends of Ireland are linked to the north coast of Ulster, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, where man first settled on the emerald isle.

Ireland's Croagh Patrick Mountain

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:39:00 -0400

Mt. Croagh Patrick is a mountain near the town of Westport in County Mayo, Ireland. Known in Irish Gaelic as Cruach Phádraig and locally as 'The Reek'.

Ireland's Cliffs of Moher and The Burren

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:38:24 -0400

Located in County Clare and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights.

The Leitrim Connection Issue #2

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:51:15 -0400

The Leitrim Connection Issue #2
Business, Entertainment, Sports & Happenings from Co. Leitrim, Ireland by Gerry Bohan

The Irish and The Blarney Stone

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:48:32 -0400

Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone, is said to give the gift of gab or talk ('blarney') to those who kiss it. The stone itself is set in the wall below the battlements and, to kiss it, you must bend over backward and lower yourself down about two feet at the top of the castle while holding onto a metal railing.

The History of Belleek Irish Porcelain

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:47:20 -0400

In 1849, John Caldwell Bloomfield inherited the Castlecaldwell estate from his father. The estate encompassed the village of Belleek. Because of the potato famine and the plight of his tenant farmers, he wanted to provide them with some form of worthwhile employment.

The Irish Leprechaun & St. Patrick's Day

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:45:19 -0400

Today, even though the Irish leprechaun is closely associated with St. Patrick's Day, he actually has nothing to do with St. Patrick or the history of the holiday.

Creamy Irish Rice Pudding Recipe

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:45:18 -0400

Irish Corned Beef Dinner Recipe

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:40:16 -0400

Traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner Recipe

New Issue of The Leitrim Connection by Gerry Bohan

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:38:26 -0400

The Leitrim Connection by Gerry Bohan
Business, Entertainment, Sports & Happenings from Co. Leitrim, Ireland

New Easter Recipes Page

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0400

Some of my favorite Irish Easter Recipes. Here's wishing you a very happy Easter.

The Irish Legend of Finn MacCoul

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:01:08 -0500

The Irish legend of Finn MacCoul is one of the more prevalent mythological tales of Ireland. A giant of a man, Fionn mac Cumhail (Finn MacCoul), who was one of the most celebrated characters in Irish mythology, became the leading warrior of the Fianna, the military elite of ancient Ireland.

Irish Waterford Crystal

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:46:56 -0500

Even though there is evidence that glass started being made in 13th century Ireland, it was reborn as an art form, and the story of Irish Waterford Crystal began in the late 1700's.

The Irish Shillelagh

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:42:48 -0500

Today's version of the Irish Shillelagh is a walking stick or cane but, to the ancient Irish, the shillelagh was their weapon of choice.

History of Irish Dance

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:18:01 -0500

The history of Irish dance started when the Celts arrived in Ireland from central Europe over two thousand years ago.

Native Irish Dog Breeds

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:53:35 -0500

Information about native Irish dog breeds.

St. Patrick and The Irish

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:26:49 -0500

Did you know that St. Patrick was not Irish? He was actually Welsh and was born in Wales circa 385 A.D. His real name was Maewyn and, until he was about sixteen, he considered himself a pagan.

History of the Irish Knit Sweater

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:26:12 -0500

The history of the Irish knit sweater began at the Aran Islands, three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay.

The Irish and All Hallows Eve

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:25:32 -0500

The history of Halloween began with the Irish and All Hallows Eve. Like other historic festivals, it is a tradition that has been passed down from one generation to the next.

The Irish Book of Kells

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:20:36 -0500

The Irish Book of Kells is almost as symbolic to Ireland and St. Patrick as the shamrock. It is probably the most well-known sample of medieval illumination and calligraphy still around today.

New St. Patricks Day Recipe

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:40:03 -0500

Beef Pot Roast with Beans in Red Wine

New St. Patricks Day Recipes

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:48:38 -0500

Shamrock Sugar Cookies
Roast Sweet Potatoes
Orange Glazed Carrots

New Feature: The Leitrim Connection by Gerry Bohan

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:46:02 -0500

News & happenings from Co. Leitrim, Ireland by our good friend Gerry Bohan.

February 2008 Newsletter - Ath Bhliain Faoi Mhaise! (Happy New Year!)

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:44:14 -0500

I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday! Now that the holidays have passed, things are pretty much back to normal at LittleShamrocks.com. We had some nice comments on the web site in December and January, and thousands of people were searching through our holiday recipes.

New St. Patricks Day Recipes

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:19:23 -0500

Irish Fisherman's Chowder
Crispy Irish Parsnips
Prawn Bundles with Herb Mayonnaise
Irish Sausage Kebabs
Irish Cheese Bites with Chutney
Irish Flag Bars

Ancient Irish Wedding Customs

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:15:05 -0500

Handfasting is an old Irish ceremony of commitment. The ceremony formalized a relationship, whether an engagement, a permanent marriage, or a marriage over several lifetimes. This Celtic ceremony of unity represents the intention of a man and a woman to make their lives together and ideally to love and cherish one another.

Tyna's Ireland Travel Tips (or) How to Avoid a Travel Nightmare

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:14:03 -0500

My friend Terry and I have traveled to Ireland six times in the past ten years. Most of our trips went off without a hitch but there were a few really bad experiences.

The History of Irish Linen

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:12:48 -0500

You probably know that Irish linen is the finest and most famous linen in the world. I was very interested to learn that linen is also the oldest fabric known to man, and even pre-dates the invention of the wheel.

The History of Irish Lace

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:12:01 -0500

Irish lace is world famous for the intricate designs that developed from very simple patterns. While lace making today is a big business, with large factories rolling off yards of fabric in minutes, the earliest Irish lace was a basic cottage industry.

Irish Food Gift Baskets

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:57:47 -0500

For your gift giving enjoyment we have added Irish Food Gift Baskets from iGourmet.com to our product line. These baskets include a variety of our Irish food products in a wide range of prices.

Irish Valentine Recipes

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:56:59 -0500

I have chosen several Irish Valentine recipes for you to make for your sweethearts. I have included a cake, some cookies, scones, and a couple of breakfast items.

New Irish Cookery

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:48:14 -0500

New Irish cookery is simply traditional Irish cooking with a healthy twist. The days of lard used for baking and fatty meats with gravy are long gone.

The Bureau of Ireland Travel

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:43:49 -0500

The official name of the Bureau of Ireland Travel is Bord Fáilte, which essentially means ‘The Welcome Committee’. Bord Fáilte is a government-run agency that deals with the promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination.

Custom of the Irish Matchmaker

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:43:00 -0500

“Duin do bheil” is the closest translation that I could find for the Irish word 'matchmaker'.

Irish Food History Page

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:26:07 -0500

The stories of Irish Soda Bread, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Bailey's Irish Cream.

Tyna's story of LittleShamrocks.com

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:40:15 -0500

Tyna's story of how we got started with LittleShamrocks.com and built it into a successful online business.