Though one of the lesser-known festivals of the ancient Celts, Imbolc was one of the four most important seasonal celebrations in the Celtic calendar, heralding the coming of spring. Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the world, has revived and reimagined the festival for the modern era in its inaugural celebration of Imbolc on the 800-year-old site. The … [Read more...] about Hook Lighthouse Celebrates First Imbolc Festival
Hibernia
St. Brigid’s Tourism Trail Opens in Kildare
A tourism trail honoring Ireland’s female patron saint, Saint Brigid, has opened in Kildare. The town and county of Kildare are named after a monastery Saint Brigid established in the fifth century, near an oak grove: the Irish cill dara means “church of the oak.” Launched in conjunction with the Feast of Saint Brigid, which occurs February 1, the newest tourist destination is … [Read more...] about St. Brigid’s Tourism Trail Opens in Kildare
Irish Eye on Hollywood: The Trending Trope of the Irish Maid
In the wake of the well-received Netflix show Alias Grace, is the Irish maid who happens to be around when a horrific murder happens turning into a bit of a trend? Released last year, Alias Grace, based on the Margaret Atwood novel, explored the role a 19th century Irish immigrant to Canada may or may not have played in the murder of a prominent local citizen. Now, due out in … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood: The Trending Trope of the Irish Maid
Irish Eye on Hollywood: Fiona Shaw’s French Turn in Colette
Speaking of Fiona Shaw (the Harry Potter series, The Butcher Boy), she will appear alongside fellow Irish actor Denise Gough in the September film Collette. Like Lizzie, the film is a biographical one, though more literary than lurid. Collette, which also stars Dominic West (The Affair, The Wire), explores the life of the titular French novelist, who lived through an abusive … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood: Fiona Shaw’s French Turn in Colette
Irish Eye on Hollywood: Ireland’s Great Hunger Revenge Movie Finally Premieres
The long-awaited Irish Great Hunger movie Black 47 premiered in February at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival. The movie is expected to open in Ireland later this year and though there has not yet been any official word on an American release date, it’s a safe bet this all-important film will cross the Atlantic. Though it is the defining experience of Ireland’s history, the … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood: Ireland’s Great Hunger Revenge Movie Finally Premieres