Books Irish Crafts Irish culture and customs

The Linen Cupboard

The Linen Cupboard presents ten lovely designs for needleworkers, from sumptuous table cloths and napkins to bordered pillowcases.
Click here for The Linen Cupboard

Traditional Island Knitting
by Pam Dawson

New edition of a knitting classic! Traditional handknit designs for men and women. Features colorful Fair Isles, hard-wearing Arans and Guernseys, delicate Shetland patterns, and garments from Iceland and the Falklands. Includes re-usable pattern sections.
See our Article on Aran Isle Knitting
Click here for Irish Knitting.

Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys and Arans
by Gladys Thomson

I have used the patterns in this book for many sweaters; it has a wealth of knit/purl and crossed stitch patterns for people who design their own knits. It's also a good read for historical information on the history of these garments. Amazon reviewer
See our Article on Aran Isle Knitting
Click here for Patterns

Traditional Irish Crafts

In this brilliant book, time stands still as we meet the skilled practitioners of more than forty-eight traditional Irish crafts, from woodcarvers, thatchers, goldsmiths, and potters to glassblowers of the world-famous Waterford crystal, crios weavers from the Aran Islands, and the makers of items as varied as harps and quilts, baskets and curraghs, drystone walls and Irish lace.
Click here for Traditional Irish Crafts.

Traditional Aran Knitting
by Shelagh Hollingworth

Inside you will find a short history of the Aran Islands, and a concise overview of the history of Aran knitting and its patterns. Then, the author introduces the yarn, the tools and the techniques used in creating an Aran sweater. There is also an excellent chapter on Designing an Aran Sweater complete with diagrams and a beautifully clear explanation of who to marry the stitch patterns you love with the construction necessary for a sweater. And, with that introduction under your belt, away you may go to discover 76 Aran stitch patterns followed by 20 complete patterns for everything traditional fisherman's sweaters to family sweaters, cardigans, coats, hats, mittens, even cushion covers (which double as great stitch samplers!). All of which is presented so clearly and simply that you can just jump right in and start knitting in full confidence of a wonderful result. From a review we found on The Knitter’s Bookshelf.
Click here for Traditional Aran Knitting.

Wed, Jul 30, 2008

The Phoenix Park, Co. Dublin

Five times the size of Hyde Park in London and twice as big as Central Park in NYC, Páirc an Fhionn-Uisce is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe, with a circumference of seven miles and a total area 1,760 acres. Located west of the city centre, it features ornamental gardens, nature trails, and broad expanses of grassland separated by avenues of trees. A herd of fallow deer have roamed the forested areas since the 17th century. Main attractions within the park include Aras an Uachtaráin - the residence of the Irish president and Dublin Zoo. The name is a corruption of the Irish fionn uisce meaning "clear water".
Photo Credit: Dublin i.e.

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Can't Find it?!

Our Library is compiled from what we know and like. If you can't find what you're looking for read on.
• First: go to Amazon -
There's no escaping the fact that they are the largest catalog.
Note: There are multiple Amazons and they do not carry exactly the same items. Any one of the U.S., U.K. and Canada sites may not have the item but another Amazon will. Each site will ship anywhere in the world. Try them all before you give up.
Click here for Amazon.US.
Click here for Amazon.UK.
Click here for Amazon.Canada.
• Second: Amazon doesn't have it? Try Powells. They are the largest book source in New York and they have a good selection of 'out of print' books. Click here for Powells.
This link brings you to a list of 600 Irish titles; if you're looking for something else, just Search.
• Third: Still can't find It? Alright, try ALibris they are the place for 'books you never thought you'd find'. We've found everything we were after. Click here for ALibris.
• Last: Nothing Worked?
E-Mail us, we'll give it a go. Click for Russ & Bridget.

Celtic Bookmark

Elegant bookmark is made of silver over pewter. It measures 3" x 1". When in use, the pretty Celtic design sticks out of your book. Or choose Trinity Knot or Celtic Heart.

Click for Celtic Book mark.

This Web Site Bashed, Kicked & Glued together by Russ Haggerty.