Books Irish Christmas Irish culture and customs

This Year it will be Different.
by Maeve Binchy

Although these are not exactly "feel-good" stories, many incorporate an aspect of triumph which is likely to be appreciated by anyone who has ever strived for the "perfect" Christmas and fallen short.
Click here for This Year it will be Different.

The Fires of Yule
by Montague Whitsel

Before our ancestors were Christian, they were Pagan - and many modern-day Celts still are. In this book, the author blends symbols and stories from both spiritual paths to create a unique version of the Winter Solstice celebration.
Click for The Fires of Yule.

Irish Stories for Christmas
by John Keane

John B. Keane gives us a peek into the rural lives of his ordinary but colorful townfolk. Unusual circumstances abound and never fail to produce a most humorous or heartwarming story. Edited and Adapted from an amazon review.
Click here for Irish Stories Christmas.

An Irish
Christmas Feast
by John Keane

This bountiful, first-time-ever omnibus collection of more than fifty tales by one of Ireland’s liveliest and most popular story-tellers offers charm, human idiosyncrasy, and humor by the Christmas stockingful. Drawing on the rich folk culture of Co. Kerry, the author brings new life to old customs in his portrayal of the special holiday dreams and everyday shortcomings of not-so-ordinary country people during the Christmas season. Edited from an Amazon review.
Click here for An Irish Christmas Feast.

The Irish Christmas Book
by John Killen

A comprehensive collection of close to one hundred pieces of Irish writing including poetry and songs, as well as extracts from famous films, journals, histories and biographies. It's all about Christmas, but it's a pleasure to read at any time of the year.
Click here for The Irish Christmas Book.

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.