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

Irish Stories for Christmas
by John Keane
John B. Keane gives us a peek into the rura 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.

Wed, Sep 1, 2010

Hurling

This game, which is often described as "the clash of the ash" is the oldest team sport in Ireland. It's played by two teams of 15 players to a side. The girl's version of the game is called Camogie and there are 12 players to a side. One player acts as a goalkeeper while the others try to hit a small leather ball called a sliotar past the goalkeeper. The stick they use is made from the wood of the ash tree. It's shaped a bit like a hockey stick and is called a hurley or camán.
Even in ancient times, there were very strict rules about how the game should be played. Throwing the ball is not allowed; it must be lifted off the ground with the hurley or foot; and to strike an opponent was punished with severe penalties. In today's game, the player is sent off the field.
To buy this Poster click Hurling.

Click for More Culture Corner.

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.