Photographer and writer Chris Ryan visited the larger of the two Skellig Islands off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, where an early-medieval monastery survives at the edge of the material world. Start at the Dublin offices of Google or Facebook, drive to the southwest tip of Ireland, hop a boat, journey seven miles out to sea, and climb 600 steps clinging to the edge … [Read more...] about A Sacred Place: Skellig Michael
Cut from the Same Cloth
IA Newsletter April 22, 2023
Joe Biden and Stephen Colbert Share More than Their Irish Heritage Genealogy has been an unexpected door-opener for me leading to many “Who the hell let me in here?” moments over the years — not the least of which are the opportunities I’ve had to interact with President Biden. As an Irish American, I rarely miss a chance to delve into the Irish ancestry of those I admire, so … [Read more...] about Cut from the Same Cloth
Embracing the Green Wave
Irish Americans celebrate Earth Day and beyond with action and activism The man who began it Denis Hayes Denis Hayes – recognized around the world as the founder of Earth Day with Senator Gaylord Nelson, recently looked back at a key moment in environmental history. “In late January 1969, millions of gallons of crude oil began to pour into the waters off Santa … [Read more...] about Embracing the Green Wave
Profiles in Courage Awards
On December 7, 1998, a special John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award was presented to eight political leaders of Northern Ireland and the American chairman of the peace talks in recognition of the extraordinary political courage they demonstrated in negotiating the historic Good Friday Peace Agreement in April 1998. The presentation of the Profile in Courage Award to a … [Read more...] about Profiles in Courage Awards
Sláinte! Mead in Ireland
Often referred to as “nectar of the gods” mead is possibly the oldest alcoholic beverage on earth. From a banquet in Bunratty Castle to a modern Meadery in Kinsale, our travel writer is raising a glass to the honied wine. On a dark rainy evening in January of this year, I found myself being ushered into the great hall of a 15th century castle in County Clare by a bearded man … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Mead in Ireland





