Irish America

Irish America

February March 2012 Issue

Breaking the Code of Silence: The Irish and Drink

By Dr. Garrett O'Connor, Contributor

by 46 Comments

“Drinking in Ireland is not simply a convivial pastime, it is a ritualistic alternative to real life, a spiritual placebo, a fumble for eternity, a longing for heaven, a thirst for return to the embrace of the Almighty." – John Waters We Irish are known for being courageous, compassionate, spiritual, creative, difficult, resourceful, witty, sad, lovable, clannish, hot-headed, … [Read more...] about Breaking the Code of Silence: The Irish and Drink

Glenn Close’s Irish Odyssey:
Albert Nobbs

By Patricia Danaher, Contributor
February / March 2012

by 3 Comments

Glenn Close tells Patricia Danaher about her Irish dream project Albert Nobbs - the film that just earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. When Glenn Close puts her mind to something, the fates seem to have a way of conspiring to make it a reality, even if in some cases it takes decades. Take her latest movie, Albert Nobbs, as an example. Based  on a novella by late … [Read more...] about Glenn Close’s Irish Odyssey:
Albert Nobbs

Sláinte! Wine: Another Irish Triumph

By Edythe Preet, Columnist
February / March 2012

by 2 Comments

The legacy of the Celts in Ireland and how, in the absence of grapes, they used their wine making skills to create a honey-wine. Odds are, you’re familiar with the fact that beer, stout and whiskey have been mainstays of Celtic culture for eons. What I’ll bet you don’t know is that the Celts also played a key role in the development of humanity’s fascination with wine. Not … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Wine: Another Irish Triumph

What Are You Like? Roisin Fitzpatrick

February / March 2012

by Leave a Comment

Roisin Fitzpatrick, Artist of the Light, is a leading contemporary Irish artist. She grew up in Howth, Co. Dublin, the youngest of four daughters. Her father was a director of Fitzpatrick Shoes and later established Thomas Patrick Shoes on Grafton Street. She is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and the University of Geneva. Roisin specialized in business and international … [Read more...] about What Are You Like? Roisin Fitzpatrick

Review of Books

By Irish America Staff
February / March 2012

by Leave a Comment

Recently published Books of Irish and Irish-American interest... Recommended: City of Bohane Kevin Barry’s eagerly anticipated debut novel, City of Bohane, confirms his status as one of the most exciting and inventive writers working in Ireland today. His first book, an award-winning collection of short stories titled There Are Little Kingdoms, introduced his unique voice … [Read more...] about Review of Books