Irish America

Irish America

Slainte Archives

Slainte! Birds of Celtic Myths and Legend

By Edythe Preet

Fall 2025

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In Irish Folklore the Raven was thought to be a messenger from the other world. Autumn is upon us. The leaves have gone gold and scarlet, night falls earlier, the air turns chill, and the season to plant crops won’t come again until Spring. For our ancestors, it was time to breathe a sigh of relief that summer had produced a bountiful harvest and rejoice in that good fortune … [Read more...] about Slainte! Birds of Celtic Myths and Legend

Sláinte!: There is Nothin Like a Spud

By Edythe Preet

July/August 1994

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Whether they're baked, boiled, roasted, fried, mashed or hashed, potatoes are a cornerstone of Ireland's diet. Hardly a dinner is served without its helping of boiled spuds. Fish invariably comes with a side of crisp chips. Colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage) can almost be called a national dish. In fact, potatoes are so much a part of life in Ireland that many … [Read more...] about Sláinte!: There is Nothin Like a Spud

Sláinte! Lent and Easter: The Fast and the Feast

By Edythe Preet


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In pre-Christian Ireland, the spring celebration on May 1 was called Bealtaine. Household fires were extinguished several days before the feast and people were forbidden to rekindle them until Druid priests lit a ceremonial bonfire on the Hill of Tara, stronghold of the High King. When Christianity supplanted pagan customs a new spring celebration was introduced: Easter, … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Lent and Easter: The Fast and the Feast

Sláinte! The Pleasures of an Irish Pub

By Edythe Preet

September / October 1997

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We Irish are a garrulous folk, given to long-winded debates at the drop of a hat on just about any subject from politics to how one should brew a pot of tea. There's one thing however, on which just about every Irish man and woman will concur. One of the best places to meet and swap a tale or two is the neighborhood local. Pub that is.  According to Bushmill's Irish Pub Guide … [Read more...] about Sláinte! The Pleasures of an Irish Pub

Sláinte! Bid Thy Guests Welcome Though They Come At Any Hour

By Edythe Preet

July/August 1997

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In the 16th century Elizabeth I was Queen of England. Spain and England were at war, and their armadas stalked each other on the open seas. Certain Irish sailing captains who swore allegiance to neither nation raided both fleets for profit. Some called them pirates. Some called them heroes. One became a legend.  Her name was Granuaile. Grace O'Malley. Pirate Queen. Many tales … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Bid Thy Guests Welcome Though They Come At Any Hour