If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Emerald Isle one of the most beloved tourist attractions in the world, you might begin with its history and cultural heritage! The rugged beauty of the coastal landscapes makes you feel like you are part of a Celtic fairytale, in a time where leprechauns and …

An urban legend is, at its heart, a kind of local pop culture. Sometimes referred to as “contemporary legends,” these stories bringing flavor, entertainment, and their own particular kind of logic into our collective consciousness. For decades in the United States, thrill-seekers have gotten thei …

Birthstones are one of the most popular manifestations of a personal signifier, a marking of one’s existence in a way, and the mysterious and moody garnet makes the first impression as the birthstone of January.The appreciation for garnets extends back to the ancients, and since the Middle Ages they …

Christmas is perhaps the most cheerful holiday of the year—having time off to relax on your own and bond with loved ones is always a plus. And beyond that, there’s the enthusiasm and warmth of Christmas celebrations: gift-giving, enjoying the snowfall, joining a group of carolers, and marveling at c …

Did an Irish ship loaded with life-saving supplies lead to the first celebration of Thanksgiving in America? We may never know the official answer to that question, but it’s safe to say that Irish sailors played a big role in helping the early European settlers.The ship was known as Lyon. Details ar …

Though the black cat has become the traditional feline October representative (and year-round bad omen), seldom mentioned is its opposite, the white cat, and there is one who stands out above all others, Ireland’s Pangur Bán.Fascination with our furry feline friends is a long and varied relationship …