From ancient kings to Bramley apples and modern-day resilience, this quiet corner of Northern Ireland offers rich rewards for travelers tracing roots and chasing meaning. County Armagh doesn’t scream for attention – and that’s precisely its charm. Tucked away in Northern Ireland’s lush heartland, it’s not the most obvious stop on a tourist trail. But for Irish Americans … [Read more...] about Armagh: The Orchard County
Travel
Why Irish Eyes Are Smiling
IRELAND moves to 15th happiest country in the world in the rankings published by the World Happiness Report. The position marks an increase on last year's 17th place in the World Happiness Report. Finland took the top spot for the eighth year running, while the United States dropped to 24th, its lowest position since the report was first published in 2012. The United … [Read more...] about Why Irish Eyes Are Smiling
The Scottish Irish
The recent worldwide commercial and critical success of Celtic arts would lead the casual observer or consumer in the US to innocently assume that the Irish and the Scots have always been amicable, if not kissing, Celtic cousins. The theory is, as one Scots Gaelic historian said to me in Glasgow recently, "aren't we all the same people?" To a large extent that's true and … [Read more...] about The Scottish Irish
Winterval in Waterford: European City of Christmas
Waterford, once called the hidden gem of Ireland, is now a tourist destination known for its extravagant festivities. Its annual harvest festival in September attracted upwards of 40,000 visitors. The Samhain festival in October saw the City’s streets awash with a fusion of spooky, spectral, and fascinating events under the watchful eye of An Dearg Dua, a 2,000-year-old … [Read more...] about Winterval in Waterford: European City of Christmas
Experience the Mystical Summer Solstice in Ireland
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and its historical and mystical significance can be felt at Ireland’s ancient sites. One of the eight sacred days in Ireland’s Celtic tradition, the summer solstice, falling this year on June 20, is associated with fertility, nature, and new beginnings. It’s the perfect time to visit some of the island’s key archaeological … [Read more...] about Experience the Mystical Summer Solstice in Ireland





