On the 21 st December each year, as dawn rises, sunlight enters the 5000 year old chamber. It is an awesome spectacle of mathematical precision that contradicts completely with the notion that our distant forefathers of that time lacked intelligence.

There is a waiting list which runs into thousands to be one of the few to see the actual event. Each year a draw is made and a lucky few people get to see the inside of the chamber on the day of the Winter Solstice.

Throughout the year thousands of visitors congregate on Newgrange to explore the burial mound and spiral carvings and it has become one of the most visited attractions in Ireland.

Now for the first time through the use of technology, you have the opportunity to see the inside of the famous World Heritage Site from the comfort of your armchair.

Look Around Ireland were given exclusive access by the Newgrange authorities to carry out a virtual tour of the passageway and the central chamber.

John Mc Keown, Director of Look Around Ireland, states that he was thrilled to be allowed to create the virtual tour and that it had always been a dream of his to get it onto the web.

“Our website is very respected by the Irish heritage authorities because of our work on other locations in Ireland and consequently they were satisfied that we would produce an authentic and faithful reproduction of Newgrange, to satisfy the countless people who do not have the opportunity to visit the location” says John.

The virtual tours may be viewed online at http://www.lookaroundireland.com/insidenewgrange.php

Tags: newgrange, winter, solstice, Ireland, heritage

1-Find a mentor. In this shaky economy, it may be tough to find extra room in your wedding budget to hire a wedding planner. Don’t fret if you can’t spring for this, but don’t try and shoulder all the organizing of your to-do list on your own. Your first step to getting moving on a wedding checklist is to find someone who has been there and done that. Maybe it’s your mother or future mother in law, a friend who got married years ago, or just the friend of a friend who really knows her way around the wedding business and loves to give advice. Sitting down with them and having a brainstorm session is the right way to begin.

2-Buy a binder. Whether you buy a pre-made wedding checklist binder online or just get your basic 3-ring binder from the store, you will need one for keeping tabs on all the different categories of planning you’ll be doing. Having a physical organizer is the first step to being organized.

3-Break down the categories. Think long and hard about all the things you need and want for your wedding. These can include: Facility, Caterer, Menu, Bartender, DJ/Band, Decorations, Flowers, Rings, Marriage License, Photographer and the list goes on depending on how simple or lavish you’re planning your wedding to be.

4-Communicate with your partner. You can’t be organized and move forward with planning a wedding if you and your beloved aren’t on the same page. Have a talk beforehand on what you’re both picturing for your big day, and make sure you’re in constant communication as you move forward in the process.

5-Create goals and stick to them. One great way to ensure that your wedding checklist is going to make things as easy as you as you’re hoping it will is to make little goals along the way. Set dates that you’ll have certain tasks accomplished by (say, booking the florist and caterer) and stick to them.

6-Keep things neat and tidy. You are probably going to end up stashing brochures, notes and pamphlets galore in your binder, so every month or so, clean up shop. Recycle any papers that you’re not going to need to reference again, and keep that practice up so you’re not having to sift through useless information every time you’re looking for something.

7-Be realistic. If you’re creating your wedding checklist and trying to work in everything you’ve always dreamed about, think long and hard about how all of that is going to fit in with your budget. You can’t stay organized and on top of things if you’re planning on spending money well beyond your means.

Creating a helpful wedding checklist is just one way to get prepared for one of the most special days of your life. For more ways to make your wedding exactly the way you’ve imagined it, please visit Irish Celtic Jewels. We feature the best in Celtic jewelry that is crafted in Ireland. We have a large selection of Irish wedding and engagement rings that can help lend a distinct sentiment to your vows. We have the highest in quality customer service and superior products, and guarantee you will always find what you are looking for.

Tags: wedding, checklist, goals, celtic, jewelry

Celtic designs are intricate and rich with detail: the meanings of the common symbols are related to spirituality and the love of God. If you share this faith in a higher power, you will enjoy the beauty and deeper significance of Celtic designs.

The most common symbols in Celtic design are a mixture of true Irish symbols, such as Shamrocks and the Claddagh, as well as Celtic knot work and crosses. These are all religious symbols, with the exception of the Claddagh, which is more romantic in nature. If you want to honor the heritage of a loved one or friend on Christmas morning, any of these symbols will do.

The knot work so prevalent in Celtic designs is ancient and can be traced back to relics like The Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest national art treasure. The intricate borders drawn by Irish artists to decorate the pages of this book are very similar to the knot work you will find today on Celtic rings, pendants, and earrings. There is something mysterious and beautiful about such knot work: its curving lines are always interconnected, and they are thought to represent eternity.

Shamrocks also have a spiritual connection: Saint Patrick used the three leaves of the Shamrock to symbolize the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the world all around us. He used the Shamrock to convert the Irish to Christ, and it remains Ireland’s most beloved symbol.

The Claddagh is linked to the Irish storytelling tradition: while not religious in nature, it is still linked to the other symbols, in that is represents faithfulness and love. The story of the first Claddagh ring is very romantic and touching: a fisherman, Robert Joyce, was kidnapped by a goldsmith, and forced to work far away from the woman he loved. The fisherman never forgot his true love, and he fashioned a special ring in her honor, with two tiny hands gently clasping a crowned heart. A Claddagh ring is a wonderful way to tell your partner how much you care on Christmas morning.

The Celtic Cross is a popular choice for Celtic pendants, and its rugged, simple lines are rich with meaning. Like many Celtic symbols, its exact meaning remains cloaked in mystery, but the four points of the cross are thought to represent the four directions: east, west, north and south: the center circle of the cross is believed to represent eternity.

Whatever you choose, Celtic jewelry is a natural choice for Christmas time, and it beauty will endure for many Christmases to come. Celtic jewelry often becomes an heirloom, to be passed down from generation to generation, as it is such an important reminder of a family’s history and ancestry.

Tags: celtic, jewelry, pendants, rings, crosses, knots, Claddagh

Treat your guests arriving early to music played by the Uilleann pipe as a prelude to the wedding. An appropriate tune would be the recessional played at the end of your ceremony. Uilleann pipes have a much sweeter, gentler tone than other instruments you might have heard before. They are a perfect way to set a beautiful mood. Uilleann pipes are played from a sitting position unlike the bagpipes that are played from a standing position or while marching.

Select Irish music to be played at your Celtic ceremony such as “The Irish Wedding Song”, or “She Moved through the Fair”. Both songs are quite popular at Celtic themed weddings.

Many couples will select a song that means something to them for their first dance song. “The Irish Wedding Song” is a perfect song to play at this time as it has a lovely air and beautiful words. Have copies of the song placed on the dinner tables so your guests can read the words while they enjoy watching you and your new spouse enjoy your first dance together as a married couple.

The possibilities for your wedding reception are endless. There are many Irish melodies you can have played, or you can incorporate the Uilleann pipe into more modern music. Check into your family’s history and see what songs were played at Celtic weddings preceding yours. You will discover that the Uilleann pipe will bring a wealth of tenderness, passion, and beauty to your wedding.

Tags: uilleann, pipes, celtic, wedding, traditional

Now that the spectacle of the U.S. presidential election is past, it’s time to look to the future. Though hopes grow stronger by the day that the current financial crisis will ease due to a change in command, most people are still spending cautiously and watching world markets with real wariness. Christmas is just around the corner, and it may be time to think about some economical, yet truly meaningful, gifts for your family and friends.

You should consider sterling silver Celtic Jewelry if you are interested in affordable gift-giving ideas that have true history and symbolism. Sterling silver is beautiful, and it shows up the intricacy of Celtic design features very well. If you are of Irish, Scottish, or Welsh heritage, you may find the intricate knot work and Claddagh features of Celtic designs really evoke your spirit.

Gold is beautiful, but expensive: you can simulate the sophisticated look of white gold with Celtic designs crafted of sterling silver. There are so many choices in handcrafted, genuine Celtic jewelry: pendants, rings, earrings, and wedding bands are some examples of affordable choices that will make Christmas shopping easy.

If you are familiar with Claddagh rings, you’ll know that the romantic Claddagh story remains timeless today, and integral part of the Irish storytelling tradition. If you have never heard the story of the Claddagh, you will find it inspiring: an Irish fisherman, Robert Joyce, was kidnapped by a goldsmith, who forced him to work in the foundry, far away from his homeland. Joyce left behind a woman he loved deeply, and, to symbolize his undying love for her, he crafted a special ring, featuring two tiny hands holding a crowned heart, to honor their love.

The Claddagh rings of today can be worn in two ways, with the crown turned in or out, to show one’s romantic availability. There are also silver Claddagh birthstone rings with colorful, jeweled heart centers, and a host of other designs that incorporate the spirit of Joyce in today’s world.

If you are interested in more traditional Celtic knot work that references ancient art treasures like Ireland’s Book of Kells, you can find a host of wonderful examples, all crafted of fine sterling silver. From the Trinity Love Knot pendant, with a shining pearl, to the Ribbon of Life pendant, with it’s row of small diamonds, there is something for every taste.

A new era has begun for America: the economy may rebound in the days and months ahead. For now, we must all be cautious with our spending, and approach the coming Christmas season in a practical manner. There is no need to sacrifice beauty and style when you choose sterling silver jewelry with Celtic flair: you can be sure that your affordable gift will be as well-loved and cherished as anything else you might have chosen.

When you buy sterling silver Claddagh rings and other Celtic jewelry, be sure to choose a dealer who handcrafts and assays their jewelry in Ireland itself: you can then be assured of the authenticity of your choice.

Tags: celtic, jewelry, silver, claddagh, Irish, rings, pendants

Seasonal-themed weddings are a wonderful way to celebrate during your favorite time of year, or a perfect way to re-create and channel the season that you love best, like a summer-themed wedding in December.

Spring: Spring is considered the time of new beginnings and rebirth around the world. Plants are blooming, and you can practically smell the love in the air. Depending where you live around the globe, spring might be bright and sunny, or it could be cold, dark and snowy. If you identify with spring’s cheeriness and hopeful possibilities, you can incorporate that into your wedding celebration.

When one thinks of spring, the color green, flowers in bloom and even baby animals come to mind. Holidays like Easter happen in spring, and if you are choosing to get married in a church, you might be able to get the Easter decorations from the church to be used in your wedding. A springtime menu should be a breeze to plan. Think fresh young vegetables, fruits like strawberries, rhubarb and apricots, and decadent chocolate Easter cake.

Summer: Summer is one of the most popular times of the year to get married, because the weather is warm, the days are long, and even for working adults, summer can still feel like a carefree time. You can easily channel the feeling of summer, whether it’s 85 or 35 degrees outside. If you want things to feel like summer, you need, bright, bright, bright. Dazzling colors like yellow, orange and bright blue can be theme colors for your reception.

You could serve tropical drinks, or even have a BBQ dinner menu. Your bridal party could be decked out in vibrant shades, and if you are choosing to hold the ceremony outdoors, a shorter, more casual wedding dress would be perfect for capturing the vibe of the season.

Fall: What comes to mind when you think of fall? Beautiful reds and orange leaves fluttering to the ground, pumpkins, crisp air, apple cider, Halloween…Fall is a beautiful time of year, and can be a perfect time for weddings because in hotter climates the weather has finally died down to a manageable temperature.

Some people live for Halloween. If you are one of them, you can have black and orange be central colors for your wedding. You could even go so far as to ask guests to attend the wedding in costume, or maybe just wear masks to the reception. Serving a fall menu could be as simple as adhering to a traditional Thanksgiving fare, from turkey to pumpkin pie. Have apples adorning the tables as centerpieces, and you could even spend a day before the wedding wandering around with friends, gathering fall leaves for decoration.

Winter: “Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the wedding inside is so delightful.” This whimsical spin on an old Christmas carol can easily hold true for your wedding. Whether you have snow on the ground outside or not, you can easily make your wedding a winter wonderland. For Christmas fanatics, this could be very simple. Choose colors in greens and reds. Have flowers and plants like poinsettias, mistletoe and holly in the church and reception area. Have little boxes of wrapped presents on the tables, with Christmas lights draped everywhere.

If you are looking more for a general “winter wonderland” type of theme, just think white. White decorations, white flowers, white candles, white lights…the possibilities are endless. So the bride still stands out in her white dress, dress the wedding party in a dark, contrasting color like dark green, or black.

There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate your union in the season and style you are looking for. For more ways to make your wedding a unique and special day, please visit Irish Celtic Jewels. We feature the best in Celtic jewelry that is crafted in Ireland. We have a large selection of Irish wedding and engagement rings that can help lend a distinct sentiment to your vows. We have the highest in quality customer service and superior products, and guarantee you will always find what you are looking for.

Tags: season, themed, wedding, celtic, jewelry

And Irish cuisine has comfort food written all over it. With its hearty and delicious stews, soda bread and succulent cakes, lets put it this way, it’s not the food for anyone minding their waistline.

Then again food should be about indulging the senses, right?

Here’s a collection of some of the best Irish recipes that you might enjoy and that will most definitely give you some comfort and taste of the old home.

Irish stew – there are so many variations of the this traditional Irish dish, it seems like every household in Ireland has its own secret recipe. And if you want hearty, then you should look no further. And it’s so wonderfully versatile – you can make Irish lamb stew or Irish beef stew (with the added ingredient of Irish stout) but all cooks agree it tastes even better if left to rest over night.

Colcannon – another hearty fare featuring 2 Irish staples – potatoes and cabbage It’s a regular ware for St. Patrick’s day, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until then. Think of it as mash with some bacon and cabbage thrown in for good measure. For the north of Ireland version Champ just add green onions instead of cabbage.

Corned beef – beef has been a long time staple in Ireland albeit only reserved for the rich people. But not so anymore. Another signature dish during the St. Patrick’s day festivities, is corned beef soaked in Guinness and cooked in a slow cooker making it tender and delicious.

Irish soda bread – like Irish stew, there are many variations of the Irish soda bread recipe. Some put raisins, some omit them but many agree that Irish soda bread tastes best if left to rest for a while.

Irish whiskey cake – if there is one cake that will be featured at an Irish wedding it’s the Irish whiskey cake. With the aroma of whiskey that is not too overpowering, the lemon zest and raisins, this is a wonderfully moist cake, full of flavor.

Irish potato cake – leave it to the ever inventive Irish to create a sweet concoction with potatoes. Irish potato cake also features raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg making it a perfect treat for the autumn days.

What are you favorite Irish dishes? Do you have any secret family recipes to share? You can leave your comments below or if you have a longer story you can email me at leighm@irishcelticjewels.com and we’ll make it a post here on the blog.

And if you are looking for that special piece of jewelry, be it a Celtic wedding ring, an engagement ring or just that unique something that will delight the one you love, visit our Celtic jewelry store – the place to go to for Irish Celtic Jewelry online.

Tags: irish, cuisine, stew, corned, beef, colcannon, soda, bread

Next month I’ll be adding this new Celtic wedding ring to the online store. We want you to write a description of the ring. The person with the best description will win this gold Celtic pendant (including chain), worth $279. And the Celtic wedding ring will go live on the website with the winning description. Check out the specific details of the ring here.

Entry details:

• Go to my Celtic jewelry page on Facebook
• Become a fan of the page
• Post the product description on the wall
• Write approx. 60 - 70 words
• If you’re not on Facebook you can sign-up here

The closing entry date is November 19th. The winner will be announced here on the blog and on my Facebook page on November 21st. Good luck!

Tags: competiton, gold, celtic, knot, pendant, wedding, ring

There is no better way to celebrate your love for someone else, than to give to him or her the gift of an Irish Claddagh Ring, handcrafted in the Emerald Isle itself. If you are of Irish heritage, the ring will be a wonderful way to honour your heritage as well. Claddagh rings come in many different styles, and they are also available at any price point.

You can buy Irish Claddagh Engagement Rings, wedding bands, birthstone Claddagh rings, and emerald Claddagh rings. The perfect Claddagh ring for you should be easy to find, if you read through our list of the most stunning, romantic Claddagh rings from Ireland.

Claddagh Engagement Rings – You can surprise your fiancé with a stunning diamond ring with Claddagh features. The central diamond is available in many sizes, and is surrounded by Claddagh symbols. No matter how subtle or bold you wish your engagement to be, there is a style that can incorporate the spirit of the Claddagh.

Whether the symbols are engraved on the band itself, or the ring is a classic Claddagh design with an added, central diamond, you can be sure that your original, whimsical choice will be treasured and proudly shown off to friends and family. A Claddagh engagement ring is a great conversation piece, and it will always evoke interest. As well, it is classical and beautiful, and it truly does represent your love for each other every time it is worn.

Claddagh Rings For Men – There are two types of Claddagh Rings for men: the classic Claddagh ring that can be worn with its crowned heart facing in either direction (outward if you are “looking”, inward if you are “taken”, as well as a Claddagh wedding band that has a classic wedding-band design, engraved with the symbols of the Claddagh. Men have been wearing Claddagh rings for generations, even JFK, Jr. was known to wear one to honor his Irish heritage: Bono has also been photographed wearing a classic Claddagh design. The wedding bands are subtler in feel, with ornate craftsmanship that draws the eye.

Claddagh Birthstone Rings – The Claddagh birthstone ring is a lovely gift idea, as it is quite inexpensive, due to the use of semi-precious stones and silver rather than gold. A Claddagh silver birthstone ring can really add an extra personal touch to the gift of a Claddagh ring, as it also represents the months of your loved one’s birth: the central heart in a birthstone Claddagh ring is a faceted, heart-shaped birthstone. If your birthstone, or your loved one’s birthstone, is a precious stone such as diamond (April) or Emerald (May), you can find an inexpensive silver Claddagh birthstone ring that features a CZ diamond or created emerald.

Tags: Claddagh, ring, Irish, engagement, birthstone, silver, gold, emeralds

If you are interested in Celtic jewelry designs that really evoke the spirit of your Celtic heritage, we’ve put together a useful guide to choosing the style of Celtic Love Ring that will suit your taste and your budget. There are so many styles of Celtic rings, from the traditional Irish Claddagh rings, to the delicate Trinity Love Knot designs that often feature glimmering emeralds and diamonds: you can be sure of finding the perfect ring if you learn a little bit more about all the choices available to you. Here is our list of the most stunning Celtic Love Ring designs:

Trinity Love Knot Designs: The intricate knotwork so prevalent in Celtic lore and history is thought to represent the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Love knots take this concept even further, adding a romantic twist to the spiritual elements of Celtic knotwork. The Trinity Love Knot Ring symbolizes the endlessness of love, as the knot is always joined, and never-ending.

Featuring gentle, curving lines and a richness of detail, the Trinity Knot Ring can be accented with diamonds, as a Celtic engagement ring, or a beautiful emerald that further evokes the spirit of the Emerald Isle with its deep-green colouring: there are even gorgeous Trinity knot rings with a central cultured pearl surrounded by knot work.

If you are on a budget, you can skip the precious stones and simply let the handcrafted artistry of the knots themselves take center stage. Whatever you choose, the ring is sure to become an heirloom that is treasured and carries great sentimental value.

Claddagh Designs: A classic Claddagh Celtic Love Ring is romantic and full of meaning: while its origins are purely Irish, it is a whimsical, charming choice for a ring that shows your love for another. The tale of a fisherman who was kidnapped by a goldsmith, and forced to spend his life away from the woman he loved, has become an important tale in Irish Celtic folklore.

The fisherman crafted the ring with certain details to demonstrate his longing, his love, and his enduring loyalty to the woman he loved. The ring itself features two tiny hands, tenderly cradling a crowned heart, and its romantic spirit has given the Claddagh ring real longevity. Many people are familiar with the Claddagh ring, and they will recognize its romantic meaning when they see it.

It can be a lovely way to show someone you care for that you, too, are faithful, loving, and loyal. Claddagh rings come in a variety of styles, and some designs feature a carved diamond, emerald, or birthstone, shaped like a heart, to fit in the center of the design.

Tags: Celtic, rings, love, Claddagh, engagement, Trinity, knot