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.

Fri, Sep 27, 2024

The Galway Hooker

This unique vessel, with its distinctive curved lines and bright red sails, originated in the village of Claddagh. During the 19th century, hookers supported a significant fishing industry and also carried goods, livestock and fuel. Seán Rainey is remembered for building the last of the original boats, the Truelight, for Martin Oliver who was to become the last king of the Claddagh; as king, he was entitled to white sails on his boat. Since the mid seventies, many of the old sailing craft which were on the verge of extinction have been lovingly restored and new ones have been built. During the summer months they can be seen at festivals such a Cruinniú na mBád - the Gathering of the Boats - in Kinvara.

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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.