If you are proud of your Irish roots, and really enjoy all the wonderful music, art, and history of your ancestral home, you can share this interest with others just like you. There are a variety of fun ways you can honour your Irish heritage every day!
Most communities have a group of Irish descendants who meet regularly to enjoy the traditions of Ireland. As well, there are many other things you can do to bring a touch of Ireland into your life every day. If you’ve been interested in learning more about Ireland, here are some fun ways to get into the spirit of things:
Community Festivals: On this coming October 10th, you can attend the 9th Annual Weston Irish Festival, in Weston, Missouri. The festivals runs for 3 days starting on the 10th and features wonderful Irish musicians, from rock to traditional, who perform in the open-air courtyard. You can enjoy Irish stew and other fare at O’Malley’s Pub & Courtyard, as well as sampling Irish ales like O’Malley’s Cream Ale. The festival is a great way to get out there and enjoy Irish culture: for more information visit the Weston Irish Fest website.
Irish Celtic Jewelry: Why not invest in a beautiful Claddagh ring or a diamond and gold shamrock pendant that you can wear every day? Traditional Irish designs are romantic and whimsical, full of the stories and poetry of the Emerald Isle. There are many stunning Irish jewelry designs available which are handcrafted and assayed in Ireland itself, and the true authenticity of the designs will give them an heirloom quality; you can treasure them forever. As well, consider Irish jewelry for gift giving to your loved ones. If you are of Irish descent, these intricate, richly detailed pieces will be something you reach for again and again.
Irish Music: The Irish are renowned for their musical abilities, and Irish music runs the gamut, from traditional folk songs to rock n roll. You could buy a CD or download tunes from Clannad (atmospheric pop with an ethereal quality), The Corrs (traditional folk-rock) and even U2. There are many online stores that features free samples so you can get a sense of what you like best. I-Tunes allows you to sample before you buy.
Irish Films: There are some great films out there that you can rent for a glimpse into Irish culture in many different eras. The Wind That Shakes The Barley is an empathetic look at Irish Republicans in the early twentieth century. It stars Irish actor Cillian Murphy (Red Eye, Batman Begins), and is directed by Ken Loach. As well, Daniel Day Lewis shines in In The Name of The Father, directed by Jim Sheridan, as a man falsely accused of being an IRA terrorist.
Irish Books: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt, is absolutely wonderful, an unforgettable read that draws you in from the first page. Through McCourt’s travails as a desperately poor child growing up in Ireland and America, you will learn so much, and it will stay with you. Find Angela’s Ashes, and McCourt’s sequel, ‘Tis, at www.amazon.com