Sláinte! Susan here, writing this on St. Patrick's Day (or just after St. Paddy's Day, if it's the 18th where you are) – and wearin' the green and some Connemara marble for good luck. Being at least half Irish, according to DNA and family, I love this holiday. Most of the Wenches have a dab to a dominance of Irish genes, too, so Éirinn go Brách from all of us. In honor of Ireland and the good St. Patrick, we've chosen some of our favorite Irish things – places, books, and more – to share with you. And we hope you'll share your Irish favorites with us!
Mary Jo's Irish favorites:
Place to stay: Ashford Castle!
Fish and chips: Crackpots in Kinsale (cracking, cracking good time, and similar usages seem to be related to the Irish Gaelic word "craic," pronounced krak, which means something wonderful, entertaining, a great time – "craic" is still commonly used in Ireland.)
Location: The Cliffs of Moher – Stunning, magnificent po int on the far west coast of Ireland. See photo above.
Irish Actor: Pierce Brosnan
Traditional Irish song: The Minstrel Boy, set to Londonderry Air
Irish Musical: Riverdance (check out Reel Around the Sun)
Andrea's Irish favorites:
Golf course: Waterville Golf Links (and an Irish rainbow!) 
Place to stay: Sheen Falls Lodge
Walking trails: Killarney National Park
Anne's Irish favorite:
An Irish whiskey called Writers Tears
Said to be soft and sweet with notes of honey, citrus, vanilla, apple, caramel, and oak. (I have to try a sip – or, as Mary Jo remarked, at least keep a bottle on the shelf!)
And my own favorites:
Favorite Irish books:
The Book of Kells, Trinity College Library, Dublin – Created in the late 8th century by Irish monks, the Book of Kells presents the Gospels in four incredible volumes of illumination and handscript on vellum. One of the true treasures of ancient Ireland, it very recently became available to view online!
Favorite Irish pub (this side of the pond): An Poitin Stil in Baltimore!
Favorite Irish music: anything on an Irish harp, including tunes by Turlough O'Carolan (played by Derek Bell, Patrick Ball, and others) – also The Cranberries, and The Commitments ,,,,
Favorite Irish actors: Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan, Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson, Aiden Gillan, Evanna Lynch ….
And lastly, my favorite Irish proverbs:
May those who love us, love us — And for those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts, and if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles — so we will know them by their limping!
Saint Patrick's Day may be over, and it's just one day a year — but the wonderful, irrepressible Irish spirit is forever. Do you have some Irish favorites too? Please share!
Wonderful choices. I don’t have much to offer.
The Instant-Pot community on Facebook was having trouble with how to cook Corned Beef and Cabbage (which is really an American dish, as I’m sure many of you know. When they were asking for other Irish dishes, I offered Colcannon, which is mashed potatoes, with greens. I use spinach, the traditional is kale, and someone in the discussion mentioned cabbage. I like this dish at any time of the year.
Wonderful choices. I don’t have much to offer.
The Instant-Pot community on Facebook was having trouble with how to cook Corned Beef and Cabbage (which is really an American dish, as I’m sure many of you know. When they were asking for other Irish dishes, I offered Colcannon, which is mashed potatoes, with greens. I use spinach, the traditional is kale, and someone in the discussion mentioned cabbage. I like this dish at any time of the year.
Wonderful choices. I don’t have much to offer.
The Instant-Pot community on Facebook was having trouble with how to cook Corned Beef and Cabbage (which is really an American dish, as I’m sure many of you know. When they were asking for other Irish dishes, I offered Colcannon, which is mashed potatoes, with greens. I use spinach, the traditional is kale, and someone in the discussion mentioned cabbage. I like this dish at any time of the year.
Wonderful choices. I don’t have much to offer.
The Instant-Pot community on Facebook was having trouble with how to cook Corned Beef and Cabbage (which is really an American dish, as I’m sure many of you know. When they were asking for other Irish dishes, I offered Colcannon, which is mashed potatoes, with greens. I use spinach, the traditional is kale, and someone in the discussion mentioned cabbage. I like this dish at any time of the year.
Wonderful choices. I don’t have much to offer.
The Instant-Pot community on Facebook was having trouble with how to cook Corned Beef and Cabbage (which is really an American dish, as I’m sure many of you know. When they were asking for other Irish dishes, I offered Colcannon, which is mashed potatoes, with greens. I use spinach, the traditional is kale, and someone in the discussion mentioned cabbage. I like this dish at any time of the year.
Sue, I like colcannon and make a good sized batch now and then, using cabbage. I also enjoy corned beef and cabbage even though it is American. *G*
Sue, I like colcannon and make a good sized batch now and then, using cabbage. I also enjoy corned beef and cabbage even though it is American. *G*
Sue, I like colcannon and make a good sized batch now and then, using cabbage. I also enjoy corned beef and cabbage even though it is American. *G*
Sue, I like colcannon and make a good sized batch now and then, using cabbage. I also enjoy corned beef and cabbage even though it is American. *G*
Sue, I like colcannon and make a good sized batch now and then, using cabbage. I also enjoy corned beef and cabbage even though it is American. *G*
I make Shepherds pie on St Patrick’s Day, but don’t know if it really is an Irish dish. I love the flavor of Irish breakfast tea, very strong!! Visiting Ireland is on my bucket list. The photos are beautiful, thanks for sharing them.
I make Shepherds pie on St Patrick’s Day, but don’t know if it really is an Irish dish. I love the flavor of Irish breakfast tea, very strong!! Visiting Ireland is on my bucket list. The photos are beautiful, thanks for sharing them.
I make Shepherds pie on St Patrick’s Day, but don’t know if it really is an Irish dish. I love the flavor of Irish breakfast tea, very strong!! Visiting Ireland is on my bucket list. The photos are beautiful, thanks for sharing them.
I make Shepherds pie on St Patrick’s Day, but don’t know if it really is an Irish dish. I love the flavor of Irish breakfast tea, very strong!! Visiting Ireland is on my bucket list. The photos are beautiful, thanks for sharing them.
I make Shepherds pie on St Patrick’s Day, but don’t know if it really is an Irish dish. I love the flavor of Irish breakfast tea, very strong!! Visiting Ireland is on my bucket list. The photos are beautiful, thanks for sharing them.
Writers’ Tears is a lovely whiskey, and not too horrifically pricy. We’ve family in Connemara so spend a reasonable amount of time out there, most of the pubs locally seem to have an impressive (and rotating) selection of whiskeys, which I’ve made it my mission to work my way through. The Writers’ Tears Red Head, from sherry casks, was a particular highlight.
Writers’ Tears is a lovely whiskey, and not too horrifically pricy. We’ve family in Connemara so spend a reasonable amount of time out there, most of the pubs locally seem to have an impressive (and rotating) selection of whiskeys, which I’ve made it my mission to work my way through. The Writers’ Tears Red Head, from sherry casks, was a particular highlight.
Writers’ Tears is a lovely whiskey, and not too horrifically pricy. We’ve family in Connemara so spend a reasonable amount of time out there, most of the pubs locally seem to have an impressive (and rotating) selection of whiskeys, which I’ve made it my mission to work my way through. The Writers’ Tears Red Head, from sherry casks, was a particular highlight.
Writers’ Tears is a lovely whiskey, and not too horrifically pricy. We’ve family in Connemara so spend a reasonable amount of time out there, most of the pubs locally seem to have an impressive (and rotating) selection of whiskeys, which I’ve made it my mission to work my way through. The Writers’ Tears Red Head, from sherry casks, was a particular highlight.
Writers’ Tears is a lovely whiskey, and not too horrifically pricy. We’ve family in Connemara so spend a reasonable amount of time out there, most of the pubs locally seem to have an impressive (and rotating) selection of whiskeys, which I’ve made it my mission to work my way through. The Writers’ Tears Red Head, from sherry casks, was a particular highlight.
Home made scone with butter and jam were yesterday’s lunch and they were delicious. My grandmother was from northwest County Mayo, so I love visiting Bangor Erris and the Bellmullet peninsula. Another stop is always Doolin, County Clare, where the locals gather for the most wonderful music evenings and staying at Seaview House a lovely B&B overlooking the picturesque seaside town. Hope to get back to Ireland soon!
Home made scone with butter and jam were yesterday’s lunch and they were delicious. My grandmother was from northwest County Mayo, so I love visiting Bangor Erris and the Bellmullet peninsula. Another stop is always Doolin, County Clare, where the locals gather for the most wonderful music evenings and staying at Seaview House a lovely B&B overlooking the picturesque seaside town. Hope to get back to Ireland soon!
Home made scone with butter and jam were yesterday’s lunch and they were delicious. My grandmother was from northwest County Mayo, so I love visiting Bangor Erris and the Bellmullet peninsula. Another stop is always Doolin, County Clare, where the locals gather for the most wonderful music evenings and staying at Seaview House a lovely B&B overlooking the picturesque seaside town. Hope to get back to Ireland soon!
Home made scone with butter and jam were yesterday’s lunch and they were delicious. My grandmother was from northwest County Mayo, so I love visiting Bangor Erris and the Bellmullet peninsula. Another stop is always Doolin, County Clare, where the locals gather for the most wonderful music evenings and staying at Seaview House a lovely B&B overlooking the picturesque seaside town. Hope to get back to Ireland soon!
Home made scone with butter and jam were yesterday’s lunch and they were delicious. My grandmother was from northwest County Mayo, so I love visiting Bangor Erris and the Bellmullet peninsula. Another stop is always Doolin, County Clare, where the locals gather for the most wonderful music evenings and staying at Seaview House a lovely B&B overlooking the picturesque seaside town. Hope to get back to Ireland soon!
As I live in Ireland I’ll just say, ‘top of the morning to all’ and ‘May the road rise with you and the wind always be at your back and may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand’:)
As I live in Ireland I’ll just say, ‘top of the morning to all’ and ‘May the road rise with you and the wind always be at your back and may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand’:)
As I live in Ireland I’ll just say, ‘top of the morning to all’ and ‘May the road rise with you and the wind always be at your back and may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand’:)
As I live in Ireland I’ll just say, ‘top of the morning to all’ and ‘May the road rise with you and the wind always be at your back and may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand’:)
As I live in Ireland I’ll just say, ‘top of the morning to all’ and ‘May the road rise with you and the wind always be at your back and may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand’:)
For an Irish book, my recommendation would be Thomas Flanagan’s The Year of the French, which is almost unbearably sad, as you know the disaster that is looming.
For an Irish food, my favorite is Irish soda bread. I like it with caraway seeds as well as raisins, but we rarely have it at all because my Irish husband dislikes it. It always reminds him of interminable and boring Sunday afternoon visits to or from relatives.
And for an Irish poet, who else but William Butler Yeats?
For an Irish book, my recommendation would be Thomas Flanagan’s The Year of the French, which is almost unbearably sad, as you know the disaster that is looming.
For an Irish food, my favorite is Irish soda bread. I like it with caraway seeds as well as raisins, but we rarely have it at all because my Irish husband dislikes it. It always reminds him of interminable and boring Sunday afternoon visits to or from relatives.
And for an Irish poet, who else but William Butler Yeats?
For an Irish book, my recommendation would be Thomas Flanagan’s The Year of the French, which is almost unbearably sad, as you know the disaster that is looming.
For an Irish food, my favorite is Irish soda bread. I like it with caraway seeds as well as raisins, but we rarely have it at all because my Irish husband dislikes it. It always reminds him of interminable and boring Sunday afternoon visits to or from relatives.
And for an Irish poet, who else but William Butler Yeats?
For an Irish book, my recommendation would be Thomas Flanagan’s The Year of the French, which is almost unbearably sad, as you know the disaster that is looming.
For an Irish food, my favorite is Irish soda bread. I like it with caraway seeds as well as raisins, but we rarely have it at all because my Irish husband dislikes it. It always reminds him of interminable and boring Sunday afternoon visits to or from relatives.
And for an Irish poet, who else but William Butler Yeats?
For an Irish book, my recommendation would be Thomas Flanagan’s The Year of the French, which is almost unbearably sad, as you know the disaster that is looming.
For an Irish food, my favorite is Irish soda bread. I like it with caraway seeds as well as raisins, but we rarely have it at all because my Irish husband dislikes it. It always reminds him of interminable and boring Sunday afternoon visits to or from relatives.
And for an Irish poet, who else but William Butler Yeats?
For an Irish fictional hero ~ Roarke from JD Robb’s …in Death series.
For an Irish fictional hero ~ Roarke from JD Robb’s …in Death series.
For an Irish fictional hero ~ Roarke from JD Robb’s …in Death series.
For an Irish fictional hero ~ Roarke from JD Robb’s …in Death series.
For an Irish fictional hero ~ Roarke from JD Robb’s …in Death series.
I travelled to Northern Ireland with my dear friend during “the troubles”. This was a unique experience as we experienced the difficulty of life during those years and did see much that was destroyed during the flare-ups. We also drove into the countryside so she could show me her home town of Derry. I loved her family and still keep in touch with the ones that remain. Sadly my dear friend passed away. Everyone we met was so kind, hugged me on arrival and departure, fed me too well. All those tea times were a joy.
I love the old Irish folk songs and the lovely accents. I do want to return to see how N Ireland has healed and to see Ireland’s “40 shades of green” (song by Johnny Cash).
I travelled to Northern Ireland with my dear friend during “the troubles”. This was a unique experience as we experienced the difficulty of life during those years and did see much that was destroyed during the flare-ups. We also drove into the countryside so she could show me her home town of Derry. I loved her family and still keep in touch with the ones that remain. Sadly my dear friend passed away. Everyone we met was so kind, hugged me on arrival and departure, fed me too well. All those tea times were a joy.
I love the old Irish folk songs and the lovely accents. I do want to return to see how N Ireland has healed and to see Ireland’s “40 shades of green” (song by Johnny Cash).
I travelled to Northern Ireland with my dear friend during “the troubles”. This was a unique experience as we experienced the difficulty of life during those years and did see much that was destroyed during the flare-ups. We also drove into the countryside so she could show me her home town of Derry. I loved her family and still keep in touch with the ones that remain. Sadly my dear friend passed away. Everyone we met was so kind, hugged me on arrival and departure, fed me too well. All those tea times were a joy.
I love the old Irish folk songs and the lovely accents. I do want to return to see how N Ireland has healed and to see Ireland’s “40 shades of green” (song by Johnny Cash).
I travelled to Northern Ireland with my dear friend during “the troubles”. This was a unique experience as we experienced the difficulty of life during those years and did see much that was destroyed during the flare-ups. We also drove into the countryside so she could show me her home town of Derry. I loved her family and still keep in touch with the ones that remain. Sadly my dear friend passed away. Everyone we met was so kind, hugged me on arrival and departure, fed me too well. All those tea times were a joy.
I love the old Irish folk songs and the lovely accents. I do want to return to see how N Ireland has healed and to see Ireland’s “40 shades of green” (song by Johnny Cash).
I travelled to Northern Ireland with my dear friend during “the troubles”. This was a unique experience as we experienced the difficulty of life during those years and did see much that was destroyed during the flare-ups. We also drove into the countryside so she could show me her home town of Derry. I loved her family and still keep in touch with the ones that remain. Sadly my dear friend passed away. Everyone we met was so kind, hugged me on arrival and departure, fed me too well. All those tea times were a joy.
I love the old Irish folk songs and the lovely accents. I do want to return to see how N Ireland has healed and to see Ireland’s “40 shades of green” (song by Johnny Cash).
Any part of Ireland is my favorite, at the time I am there.
Any Irish pub, also my favorite while I am in it.
And a drink that I learned about while in Ireland and love, but do not drink too often, is Mini Guinness (Baby Guinness) which is usually 3 parts coffee liqueur with 1 part Irish Cream slowly poured on the top, so that it looks like a miniature glass of Guinness Stout. (I also love Guinness Stout).
Any part of Ireland is my favorite, at the time I am there.
Any Irish pub, also my favorite while I am in it.
And a drink that I learned about while in Ireland and love, but do not drink too often, is Mini Guinness (Baby Guinness) which is usually 3 parts coffee liqueur with 1 part Irish Cream slowly poured on the top, so that it looks like a miniature glass of Guinness Stout. (I also love Guinness Stout).
Any part of Ireland is my favorite, at the time I am there.
Any Irish pub, also my favorite while I am in it.
And a drink that I learned about while in Ireland and love, but do not drink too often, is Mini Guinness (Baby Guinness) which is usually 3 parts coffee liqueur with 1 part Irish Cream slowly poured on the top, so that it looks like a miniature glass of Guinness Stout. (I also love Guinness Stout).
Any part of Ireland is my favorite, at the time I am there.
Any Irish pub, also my favorite while I am in it.
And a drink that I learned about while in Ireland and love, but do not drink too often, is Mini Guinness (Baby Guinness) which is usually 3 parts coffee liqueur with 1 part Irish Cream slowly poured on the top, so that it looks like a miniature glass of Guinness Stout. (I also love Guinness Stout).
Any part of Ireland is my favorite, at the time I am there.
Any Irish pub, also my favorite while I am in it.
And a drink that I learned about while in Ireland and love, but do not drink too often, is Mini Guinness (Baby Guinness) which is usually 3 parts coffee liqueur with 1 part Irish Cream slowly poured on the top, so that it looks like a miniature glass of Guinness Stout. (I also love Guinness Stout).
Oooh, thanks, Jenny. I’m contemplating buying a bottle to take to my annual writers’ retreat in a week or so. Not sure which versions have made it to Oz, but I’m looking forward to it.
Oooh, thanks, Jenny. I’m contemplating buying a bottle to take to my annual writers’ retreat in a week or so. Not sure which versions have made it to Oz, but I’m looking forward to it.
Oooh, thanks, Jenny. I’m contemplating buying a bottle to take to my annual writers’ retreat in a week or so. Not sure which versions have made it to Oz, but I’m looking forward to it.
Oooh, thanks, Jenny. I’m contemplating buying a bottle to take to my annual writers’ retreat in a week or so. Not sure which versions have made it to Oz, but I’m looking forward to it.
Oooh, thanks, Jenny. I’m contemplating buying a bottle to take to my annual writers’ retreat in a week or so. Not sure which versions have made it to Oz, but I’m looking forward to it.
Irish breakfast tea is great – I love strong black tea too. And my husband loves shepherd’s pie, though I’ve never attempted to make it. Hope you make it to Ireland someday soon, Maryellen!
Irish breakfast tea is great – I love strong black tea too. And my husband loves shepherd’s pie, though I’ve never attempted to make it. Hope you make it to Ireland someday soon, Maryellen!
Irish breakfast tea is great – I love strong black tea too. And my husband loves shepherd’s pie, though I’ve never attempted to make it. Hope you make it to Ireland someday soon, Maryellen!
Irish breakfast tea is great – I love strong black tea too. And my husband loves shepherd’s pie, though I’ve never attempted to make it. Hope you make it to Ireland someday soon, Maryellen!
Irish breakfast tea is great – I love strong black tea too. And my husband loves shepherd’s pie, though I’ve never attempted to make it. Hope you make it to Ireland someday soon, Maryellen!
Scones with butter and jam, that’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s day (with some of Maryellen’s strong Irish breakfast tea!). Love the locations, Denise – my maternal grandfather was born in County Cork, though raised in NY State. I hope I can visit County Cork one day, it would mean a lot to the family!
Scones with butter and jam, that’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s day (with some of Maryellen’s strong Irish breakfast tea!). Love the locations, Denise – my maternal grandfather was born in County Cork, though raised in NY State. I hope I can visit County Cork one day, it would mean a lot to the family!
Scones with butter and jam, that’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s day (with some of Maryellen’s strong Irish breakfast tea!). Love the locations, Denise – my maternal grandfather was born in County Cork, though raised in NY State. I hope I can visit County Cork one day, it would mean a lot to the family!
Scones with butter and jam, that’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s day (with some of Maryellen’s strong Irish breakfast tea!). Love the locations, Denise – my maternal grandfather was born in County Cork, though raised in NY State. I hope I can visit County Cork one day, it would mean a lot to the family!
Scones with butter and jam, that’s a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s day (with some of Maryellen’s strong Irish breakfast tea!). Love the locations, Denise – my maternal grandfather was born in County Cork, though raised in NY State. I hope I can visit County Cork one day, it would mean a lot to the family!
Thank you, Teresa – you’re our resident expert on St. Patrick’s Day for sure! 😉 I so love Irish proverbs and sayings for their poetry and poignancy and wit. Top o’ the morning to you as well!
Thank you, Teresa – you’re our resident expert on St. Patrick’s Day for sure! 😉 I so love Irish proverbs and sayings for their poetry and poignancy and wit. Top o’ the morning to you as well!
Thank you, Teresa – you’re our resident expert on St. Patrick’s Day for sure! 😉 I so love Irish proverbs and sayings for their poetry and poignancy and wit. Top o’ the morning to you as well!
Thank you, Teresa – you’re our resident expert on St. Patrick’s Day for sure! 😉 I so love Irish proverbs and sayings for their poetry and poignancy and wit. Top o’ the morning to you as well!
Thank you, Teresa – you’re our resident expert on St. Patrick’s Day for sure! 😉 I so love Irish proverbs and sayings for their poetry and poignancy and wit. Top o’ the morning to you as well!
The Year of the French, yes! I read it years ago. A powerful novel and a powerful writer. And Yeats, absolutely. I must try some soda bread the next time we go to that great pub in Baltimore – the closest we can get for now. 😉
The Year of the French, yes! I read it years ago. A powerful novel and a powerful writer. And Yeats, absolutely. I must try some soda bread the next time we go to that great pub in Baltimore – the closest we can get for now. 😉
The Year of the French, yes! I read it years ago. A powerful novel and a powerful writer. And Yeats, absolutely. I must try some soda bread the next time we go to that great pub in Baltimore – the closest we can get for now. 😉
The Year of the French, yes! I read it years ago. A powerful novel and a powerful writer. And Yeats, absolutely. I must try some soda bread the next time we go to that great pub in Baltimore – the closest we can get for now. 😉
The Year of the French, yes! I read it years ago. A powerful novel and a powerful writer. And Yeats, absolutely. I must try some soda bread the next time we go to that great pub in Baltimore – the closest we can get for now. 😉
Definitely agree, Kareni. And I’m also partial to Darcy O’Mara in Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series. Lovely…
Definitely agree, Kareni. And I’m also partial to Darcy O’Mara in Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series. Lovely…
Definitely agree, Kareni. And I’m also partial to Darcy O’Mara in Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series. Lovely…
Definitely agree, Kareni. And I’m also partial to Darcy O’Mara in Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series. Lovely…
Definitely agree, Kareni. And I’m also partial to Darcy O’Mara in Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series. Lovely…
That’s a great story, Margot, thanks for sharing that memory. A lot of healing has happened in Ireland since then, I think. I hope you get the chance to go over there to see for yourself!
That’s a great story, Margot, thanks for sharing that memory. A lot of healing has happened in Ireland since then, I think. I hope you get the chance to go over there to see for yourself!
That’s a great story, Margot, thanks for sharing that memory. A lot of healing has happened in Ireland since then, I think. I hope you get the chance to go over there to see for yourself!
That’s a great story, Margot, thanks for sharing that memory. A lot of healing has happened in Ireland since then, I think. I hope you get the chance to go over there to see for yourself!
That’s a great story, Margot, thanks for sharing that memory. A lot of healing has happened in Ireland since then, I think. I hope you get the chance to go over there to see for yourself!
True Irish favorites, Alison. Mini Guinness, I’ve never heard of it, but it’s definitely one to remember!
True Irish favorites, Alison. Mini Guinness, I’ve never heard of it, but it’s definitely one to remember!
True Irish favorites, Alison. Mini Guinness, I’ve never heard of it, but it’s definitely one to remember!
True Irish favorites, Alison. Mini Guinness, I’ve never heard of it, but it’s definitely one to remember!
True Irish favorites, Alison. Mini Guinness, I’ve never heard of it, but it’s definitely one to remember!
Good luck tracking one down, Anne. Hope you enjoy it.
Good luck tracking one down, Anne. Hope you enjoy it.
Good luck tracking one down, Anne. Hope you enjoy it.
Good luck tracking one down, Anne. Hope you enjoy it.
Good luck tracking one down, Anne. Hope you enjoy it.