Books Irish Heritage Irish culture and customs

Beat The Goatskin Till The Goat Cries:
Notes from a Kerry Village
by Gabriel Fitzmaurice

Fitzmaurice’s skilful storytelling and optimistic spirit enable him to render a charming yet accurate portrayal of the Emerald isle, particularly rural Ireland’s customs, education, sport, literature, music and song.
Growing up Irish has something of a fairy tale ring to it, but be aware that this is not a stereotypical stroll through leprechaun land. Fitzmaurice’s eye is affectionate and empathic, but it can be self-critical when the occasion demands. That’s because Fitzmaurice understands the heart of Ireland’s culture - her bards and Wrenboys, her musicians and singers, her footballers and hurlers, her poets and playwrights.
What resonates clearly from every page is the voice of the pub and the parish, the saint and the scholar, the seanachie and the chieftain.
Click here for Beat the Goatskin.

Black Potatoes
by Susan Campbell Bartolleti

Written for readers from sixth graders to high-school seniors, this is the compelling story of the Great Potato Famine which began in 1847 and the children and adults who suffered from starvation, disease and the loss of family and friends both from emigration and death. Illustrated with black and white engravings, it’s also the story of how the Irish people heroically held on to hope.
Click here for Black Potatoes.

Lost Children of the Empire
by Philip Bean & Joy Melville

The extraordinary and untold story of Britains child migrants is one of 350 years of shaming exploitation. Around 130,000 children some just 3 or 4 years old, were shipped off to distant parts of the Empire, the last as recently as 1967. The five star review on Amazon USA is a must read.
Click here for Lost Children - Amazon US.
Click here for Lost Children - Amazon UK.

Thu, Apr 4, 2024
Ilnacullen, Co. Cork - an Island Garden

Located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay. Ilnacullin, which means island of holly, is a small island known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty.
The vivid colours of Rhododendrons and Azaleas reach their peak during May and June, whilst the hundreds of cultivars of climbing plants, herbaceous perennials and choice shrubs dominate the midsummer period from June to August.
Because of its sheltered situation and the warming oceanic influence of the Gulf Stream, the climate is favourable to the growth of ornamental plants from many parts of the world.
Even for those who aren’t particularly interested in gardens, there are many other scenic views, especially in the surrounding waters where seals frequent the rocks on the southern shore.
The cover photo on Bridget's book The Traditional Irish Wedding shows a wrought iron garden gate on Ilnaculen. I took that photo. To see it, go to the home page. It's part of the opening paragraph Failte.
—Russ
Resource: Copy and Image - Cork Guide

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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.