The Letter from Ireland Podcast - with Carina & Mike Collins

In this special Irish family history episode we take two letters from our Green Room members. We chat about the approach they should take to uncover more about their respective Irish ancestral homelands.The first letter comes from one of our members in Australia and shares the story of her Irish Irish ancestors. She wonders how to go about discovering the actual origin for these ancestors in Ireland. Mike shares his approach - and comes up with a target destination!In the second letter we chat about how people often jump back to the Irish records too soon - and often jump to incorrect conclusions. Mike takes a letter from a member from the USA. They are sure that their ancestor originated in County Cork - but Mike points out that some of the evidence just does not stack up. He shows how it is worthwhile going back to basics to find the real origin for your Irish ancestry.We also have Irish songs of emigration to provide some (additional) entertainment along the way.Music featured in this episode:"Shores of Botany Bay" performed by The Irish Rovers."Thousands are Sailing" performed by The Pogues."Galway Bay" performed by Bing Crosby.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this special episode we choose one of our Green Room members (see more about the Green Room here) and accompany them on a genealogical trip back to County Cork.Cathy Abraham lives in Boston, USA and her great-grandparents arrived there in the 1870s from County Cork. They were Timothy O'Callaghan and Ellen Richardson. The story went that Timothy was a poor farm-hand on Ellen's parents farm just outside Cork City. They eloped to America as Ellen's parents did not approve of a match between them.Cathy was keen to dig a little more in this story as well as finding and visiting the places associated with the Richardson and O'Callaghan families back in Ireland. So, we decided to get involved! We commissioned Pam Holland (one of our Green Room genealogists) to research the couple and their families - and then produce a report.And she found out some really interesting facts!So, join us as we accompany Cathy to some of the places mentioned in that report in County Cork - we think you'll enjoy coming along for the ride!Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we look at a very difficult time in Ireland - one that triggered a time of death across the population of the island as well as emigration for many generations afterwards. I'm talking, of course, about "An Gorta Mór" - also known as "The Great Hunger" or "The Great Famine" of the mid 1800s.The first letter looks at a particular landless class in Ireland - who formed a sizeable percentage of our population - but who were, more or less, wiped out during the Famine.I wrote the second letter when I came across an account from 1847 which profiled particular families in a townland in West Cork. That account was all about my own O'Regan ancestors of that townland. It certainly stopped me in my tracks!We also have Irish songs of emigration (and one on optimism for the future) to help us focus on this time.Music featured in this episode:"Spancil Hill" performed by The Wolfe Tones."The Emigrants Farewell" performed by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh."The West's Awake" performed by Lumiere and Damien Dempsey.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we look at two of the major family surnames of Ireland - O'Neill and O'Connor.The first story asks if you have Niall of the Nine Hostages DNA?. This Niall was the patriarch of the O'Neills of Meath and Ulster and there are a surprising number of people on the planet today who have a direct link back to this one individual.We then move on to the O'Connors - who provided us with the last two High Kings of Ireland. Using the first and second name of the late, great, singer - Sinéad O'Connor - we look at the origins of his Irish girls name and surname.We also have lots of wonderful Irish songs and music to help us along the way - so do enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"O'Neill's Cavalry March" performed by Seán Ó Riada."The Flight of The Earls" performed by Carlos Nuñez."The Foggy Dew" performed by Sinéad O'Connor.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this musical episode we look at a very personal choice of the eight most unique Irish MALE singing voices.I wonder will you agree? Maybe it will introduce you to a new talent that you have not heard before - or maybe you feel I have left out one or two of your own favourites! Either way, I hope you enjoy this selection of beautiful Irish songs and voices.Music featured in this episode:"Samhradh, Samhradh" performed by Iarla Ó Lionáird and The Gloaming."Bodenstown Churchyard" performed by Frank Harte."Rare Aul Times" performed by Luke Kelly."Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" performed by The 3 Irish Tenors."Nothing but the same Old Story" performed by Paul Brady."Sally McLennane" performed by Shane McGowan and The Pogues."Continental Céilí" performed by Christy Moore."Red is The Rose" performed by Liam Clancy.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we tell the story of not one, but two, Irish families that came out of the area surrounding the town of Bantry in West Cork, Ireland.The first story shares the story of Francis O'Neill who emigrated to the USA and Chicago - eventually becoming a chief of police. More importantly, he became an avid collector and preserver of traditional Irish music. The healthy state of Irish traditional music today owes a lot to the efforts of this one man.We then follow the Keohane family who left the area in the early 1800s. On arrival in the USA, their name changed to "Cohan" and their grandson is the broadway composer we know today as "George M. Cohan".We also have lots of wonderful Irish songs and music to help us along the way - so do enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"Chief O'Neill's Favourite Hornpipe" performed by Willie Clancy."City of Chicago" performed by Christy Moore."Yankee Doodle Dandy" performed by Jimmy Cagney and Bob Hope.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this musical episode we look at a very personal choice of the eight most beautiful Irish femail singing voices.I wonder will you agree? Maybe it will introduce you to a new talent that you have not heard before - or maybe you feel I have left out one or two of your own favourites! Either way, I hope you enjoy this selection of beautiful Irish songs and voices.Music featured in this episode:"This is to Mother You" performed by Sinéad O'Connor."No Frontiers" performed by Mary Black."Mystic Lipstick" performed by Maura O'Connell."Galway Bay" performed by Dolores Keane."Leaving Limerick" performed by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh."My Lagan Love" performed by Lisa Hannigan."Na Laetha Geal M'Óige" performed by Enya."The Holy Ground" performed by Celtic Woman.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we travel to that fascinating county at the north-east of the island of Ireland - County Antrim. We explore it's rich heritage and history as well as the most numerous surnames in the county.We then go to the south-east of the county to the city of Belfast and again, explore it's rich history and heritage. A "must-listen" if your Irish ancestor came from this beautiful and fascinating part of the island of Ireland.We also have some wonderful Irish songs and music to help us along the way - all with an attachment to County Antrim and Belfast!Music featured in this episode:"The Green Glens of Antrim" performed by Paddy Reilly."Carrickfergus" performed by Brian Kennedy."My Lagan Love" performed by Lisa Hannigan and The Chieftains.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we celebrate 10 years of the Letter from Ireland! In the summer of 2013, we started to write, and send out, a weekly letter from Ireland. Two years later we started the Letter from Ireland podcast. Today, the letter goes out every Sunday to 60,000 people of Irish descent all around the world and continues to thrive - all due to the support and feedback we get from our wonderful listeners and readers. Thank you one and all!We share two letters entitled - "10 Years of The Letter from Ireland" and "Why I write the Letter from Ireland".We also have some wonderful Irish music to help us along the way supplied by Sharon Shannon and friends. I do hope you enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"Magic Foot" performed by Sharon Shannon."Galway Girl" performed by Sharon Shannon and Steve Earle."Love, Love, Love" performed by Sharon Shannon and John Prine.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we look at two different Irish races - one from the 18th century and one from the early 20th century. Our first story charts the origins of that iconic horserace - the Steeplechase - between two towns in County Cork. We then go on to look at an early motorcar road race that took place in Ireland in 1903 and gave rise to the iconic colour of British Race motoring - "British Racing Green" - which was not actually British in origin at all!.We also have some Irish sporting music to help us along the way. I do hope you enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"The Steeplechase" performed by James Keane."Chasing the Fox" performed by The Chieftains."The Gordon Bennett Race" performed by Richie Kavanagh.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we look at how the growth of Irish towns and cities was tied to a clean source of water at the time of the Vikings - and how that same water used for the brewing of beer by the Franciscans in later years. We then chat about the explosion in the Irish population in the early 1800s, the easy availability of alcohol and the associated social disorder. This led, in turn, to the emergence of the Irish temperance movement.We also have some Irish drinking songs to help us along the way. I do hope you enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"The Rare Auld Mountain Dew" performed by Tommy Makem and The Clancy Brothers."Johnny Jump Up" performed by Christy Moore."Whiskey You're the Devil!" performed by Tommy Makem and The Clancy Brothers.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this very special episode we take a trip around Inishmore - the largest of the Aran Islands - in the company of Cyril O'Flaherty. Cyril is a well known local historian and artist and gives a special insight into many old Irish culture and traditions as we travel around - many of which are still alive in this most beautiful of settings. Along the way, Carina and Mike have plenty of chat, craic and music. We do hope you enjoy!Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we take a trip inside the "Hedge Schools" of Ireland - places of learning that were dotted around Ireland right up to the mid-1800s. We also look at the prevalence of so many biblical/latin first names in Ireland - names such as Jeremiah or Cornelius - and explain just why they were so popular. And lots of great music to enjoy along the way!Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we cover two infamous real life murder cases in the west of Ireland during the 1800s. The first murder was as a result of mass evictions from an Irish estate during the famine - and the second involved a travesty of justice where the accused were tried in a language they did not understand. We've selected three pieces of music to accompany these letters:We do hope you enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"The Great Hunger" - performed by The Wolfe Tones."The Fields of Athenry" - performed by Paddy Reilly. "The West's Awake" - performed by Lumiére and Damien Dempsey.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In today's episode we chat about all things Irish - the Irish language that is! The first letter looks at Irish sayings and proverbs in their original Irish, how to pronounce them and what they mean in English. We then go on to examine how local Irish accents changed how one Irish surname was anglicised in different parts of the island. We also feature three very beautiful Irish songs in their original Irish. Hope you enjoy!Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we take a musical trip around the nine counties of Ulster: Derry (Londonderry), Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan. Alongside the immortal "Danny Boy", we feature at least one tune or song from each of the counties. I refer to a map while talking - and you can see the map in the shownotes at aletterfromireland.com/732 . This episode of the Letter from Ireland podcast was based on an earlier show we broadcast only to Green Room members. Enjoy!Music Featured in this Episode:"Home to Donegal" performed by Daniel O'Donnell"Thíos chois na trá domh" - performed by Clannad"Danny Boy" - performed by Eva Cassidy"Carrickfergus" - performed by Jim McCann"My Lagan Love" - performed by Lisa Hannigan and The Chieftains"Star of the County Down" - performed by Van Morrison and The Chieftains"Boys from the County Armagh" - performed by Bridie Gallagher"The Monaghan Jig" - performed by Dé Dannaan"The Town of Ballybay" - performed by Paddy Reilly"Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff" - performed by Brendan O'Dowda"The Enniskillen Dragoon" - performed by The Furey Brothers"Old Arboe" - performed by Foster and AllenSupport the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we look at the journey a branch of the Vikings took and established a Dukedom in what became known as "Normandy" in northern France. We look at their culture and traditions - traditions that they brought with them to England in 1066 and then onto Ireland in the late part of the 1100s. From this group we have so many of the Norman-Irish surnames that we know today -Fitzgerald, Barry, Roche etc. We also feature the music of a singer from Gweedore in County Donegal who become known by the shortened version of her original Irish name - Enya". We do hope you enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"An t-Úll" performed by Clannad and Enya."Marble Halls" performed by Enya."How can I Keep from Singing?" performed by Enya.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we look at two different styles of story-telling. First, Carina reads out "Which County did your Irish Ancestor Come from?". This is a letter in a standard essay format - and Carina chats about the formation of the different counties in Ireland.In the second feature we do something very different - but very Irish! We ask an Irish Poet/Bard to look at the family history of one of our Green Room members and then to put the entire saga from their origins in Ireland and move to the USA INTO VERSE. Our talented Bard, Cormac Lally, makes it all sound easy and entertaining - and I think you will especially appreciate that Cormac reads the family history himself. You might even get an insight into why the Irish chieftains of old held these poets and bards in such high esteem.Along the way we have lots of great Irish music and song - all featuring the County of Galway in this episode. Enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"The Arrival of The Queen of Sheba to Galway" performed by Dé Dannan."The Rocky Road to Dublin" performed by The High Kings."Galway Bay" performed by Dolores Keane.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we look at how the Celtic Druids of Ireland in pre-christian times evolved into the monks, priests, brehon judges, bards and poets of christian times - and also chat about some of the Irish family surnames associated with those "druidic" professions and vocations.We then go on to ask the question: "Do you see yourself as Irish?". This question, and our answer, was triggered by an enquiry from one of our readers. Have a listen - and see what answer you come up with yourself. We also have some lovely Irish music and song to help us along the way. I do hope you enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"Boil the Breakfast Early" performed by The Chieftains."Suantraithe - Lullabies" performed by Nóirín Ní Riain."Na Laetha Geal M'Óige" performed by Enya.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

You are most likely familiar with the song Danny Boy - Ireland's unofficial anthem. In this episode we first have a listen to Danny Boy and then choose 5 other songs which are also suitable contenders for the title of "Irish Anthem". I define Irish anthems as songs that you are likely to hear both on the sports terraces and anywhere that Irish people gather for a celebration!See if you agree - or maybe suggest one or two alternatives of your own.Music featured in this episode:"Danny Boy" performed by Finbarr Wright."Song for Ireland" performed by Mary Black and Dé Dannan."Galway Bay" performed by Bing Crosby."The Fields of Athenry" performed by Paddy Reilly."Forty Shades of Green" performed by Roseanne Cash and Paul Brady."The West's Asleep" performed by Lumière and Damien Dempsey.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

If you have ever visited Ireland then you have almost certainly visited our capital city of Dublin! There are so many cultural, heritage and historical sites spread around the city - and I'm sure you have a few of your own.In this episode we share just some of our own favourite stops in Dublin and chat to some fascinating characters who graciously shared their knowledge of some of them.You can see a list of our stops below - and if you would like to look at the map we mention, go to our full shownotes page here . Enjoy!Our Stops in Dublin City:Trinity College and the Book of Kells.The Guinness Storehouse.Kilmainham Jail.14 Henrietta Street - The Tenement Museum.Glasnevin Cemetery.Music featured in this episode:"The Rocky Road To Dublin" performed by The High Kings."Grace" performed by Jim McCann."Molly Malone" performed by The Dubliners.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

As we approach the month of May, we celebrate the coming of summer here in Ireland. The month of May is called "Bealtaine" in the Irish language, which is also the Irish name for the celtic festival that marks the turning of spring to summer in early May.In this episode we celebrate Bealtaine by sharing some of our stories and travels that look a little closer at this festival and time of year. We travel to a place in the centre of Ireland where Bealtaine is celebrated in a very special way.We also feature three pieces of music - all in the Irish language - and the thing they have in common? They are all the same song! "Thugamar féin an samhradh linn" is the name of the song and means "we'll bring the summer with us" or, you might say "happiness will follow us wherever we go". It's an old Irish language song that goes back to at least the 1600s and is probably much older. It is very much associated with the month of May. The three versions featured here are all very different interpretations and I hope you enjoy them and that they give you a feeling of the warmth and joy of Bealtaine. Enjoy!Music featured in this episode:- "Thugamar féin an samhradh linn" - performed by John Spillane.- "Samradh, Samhradh (Thugamar féin an samhradh linn)" - performed by The Gloaming.- "Thugamar féin an samhradh linn" - performed by Nóirín Ní Riain.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we chat with a native Irish Gaelic Speaker - Eoin O'Connor from Ennis in County Clare. Eoin started a company called Bitesize Irish about 12 years ago and in this episode he shares more on his early childhood years in an Irish-speaking household, why he started a company to help people around the world learn and enjoy the Irish Gaelic language. We also chat about the importance of the Irish language and how it is used today.Also, lots of great Irish music along the way - all selected by Eoin and sung in the Irish language! Enjoy!Resources Mentioned in this Episode:You can find out more about Bitesize Irish here: https://www.bitesize.irish/Where to Start with your Irish Quiz: https://www.bitesize.irish/quiz/Bitesize Irish Newsletter - weekly new resources for Irish language learning: https://www.bitesize.irish/newsletter/Bitesize Irish Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BitesizeIrishMusic featured in this episode:- "Beidh aonach amárach" - performed by John Spillane.- "Go domhain i do chuimhne" - performed by Declan O'Rourke.- "Lig mé saor" - performed by TG Lurgan.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we visit a field in the wilds of Connemara in County Galway and chat about two significant events - each of which brought about a huge step forward in technology and communications and are associated with this field. In the first letter, we introduce you to an Italian genius and his Irish mother. You will see his name marked on a gate as you enter the field. Why? Do listen on to find out!The second letter looks at a record-breaking flight that landed in this field in the early part of the 20th century.Also, lots of great Irish music along the way - all with the theme of "Connemara"! Enjoy!Music featured in this episode:- "The Hills of Connemara" - performed by Noel McLoughlin.- "The Connemara Cradle Song" - performed by Frank Patterson.- "The Connemara Stocking" - performed by The Chieftains.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we chat about the running of a very specific castle in County Galway during the time of the Irish Chieftains. We look at the various families who had a part to play in keeping this castle and it's lands working and productive. We also look at a particular group of Irish families who had a major part to play in managing Irish abbey lands and the associated holy relics. Maybe you will hear a few of your own Irish surnames mentioned this episode?Also, lots of great Irish music along the way! Enjoy!Music featured in this episode:- "Carolan's Welcome" - performed by The Chieftains.- "Carolan's Draught" - performed by Dé Danann.- "Carolan's Concerto" - performed by The Chieftains.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

We visit one of the many, many Holy Wells around Ireland and chat with the lady whose family is responsible for the upkeep of this ancient Irish shrine. This is probably a place that was used and venerated from pre-christian times. In the show we share lots of tales, cures and tradtions that many of your Irish ancestors would have practiced and been familiar with.With lots of great Irish music and song along the way! Enjoy!Music featured in this episode:- "St. Patrick's Day Jig" - sung by St. Patrick's Day.- "Hail Glorious St. Patrick" - performed by The Three Tenors.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In a follow-up to our recent episode about traveling from Cobh to Ellis Island - we head back to the Cobh Heritage Centre in County Cork and hear 7 stories of emigration from this very spot to many places around the world. Many thanks to Jack Walsh and all the team at the Cobh Heritage centre for this fascinating tour - and 7 fascinating tales (none too tall)!With lots of great Irish music and song along the way! Enjoy!Music featured in this episode:- A Ship from Cobh: "The Irish Rover - sung by The Dubliners and The Pogues.- A Place in Cobh: "The Holy Ground" - sung by The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.- A Man from Cobh: "The Contender" - sung by Finbarr Wright.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

Join us as we attend a Saint Patrick's Day Parade of Story and Song. In this episode we sharetwo stories - one all about the places in Ireland where Saint Patrick is said to have walked and the next looking at the Shamrock and the gorse, two plants associated with this time of year in Ireland.We've lots of great Irish music and song along the way! Enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"Boil the Breakfast Early" performed by The Chieftains."A Song for Ireland" performed by Dé Dannaan and Mary Black."Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore" performed by Paddy Reilly.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this special episode of the Letter from Ireland show we start our journey in Cobh (Queenstown) in County Cork. We chat with the manager of the Cobh Heritage Centre who has his own immigration stories to tell. We then take the route across the Atlantic that our ancestors would have followed (just slightly upgraded!) to New York and meet with a group of our Green Room members on Ellis Island for Saint Patrick's Day - providing a day of stories, sight-seeing and much more to share.All accompanied by lots of great Irish music along the way! Enjoy!Music featured in this episode:"The Holy Ground" performed by Mary Black."Thousands are Sailing" performed by The Pogues."Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" performed by Celtic Woman.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this week's episode we go back in time. First we go back to a time when the first Celtic peoples arrived in Ireland - we then go back even further to look at the period when the Celts appeared on the continent of Europe for the first time. Much of this "history" is relayed to us through old Irish annals and texts - all written in the ancient Irish language. As a result, the language of Irish provides us with a window into a Celtic past that does not exist in any other literature in Europe.The music, very appropriately, all feature songs and tunes with Irish titles.We do hope you enjoy.Music featured in this episode:"Caoineadh Cú Chulainn" performed by Davy Spillane."Deora Ar Mo Chroí" performed by Enya."Ebudae" performed by Enya.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this week's episode we look a little closer at how our Irish ancestors lived and worked through the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday each year. This was a time known as "Lent". It was treated very seriously by the Roman Catholic church - who were very specific in their directions to the flock as to how they should live their lives over this time of penance, fasting and piety.We start with a letter that looks at something called "The Skellig List" and then focus on a Lenten letter that was read out from the pulpits across County Wicklow in the late 1800s.The music starts with a tune of celebration - "Chasing the Fox" (celebration/carnivale) - then moves onto a suitable religious song, the "Our Father" sung in Irish, before celebrating Easter (and the end of Lent) with "Easter Snow". We do hope you enjoy.Music featured in this episode:"Chasing the Fox" performed by The Chieftains."Ar nAthair" performed by Michael Nash."Easter Snow" performed by Matt Molloy and Martin Carthy.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this week's episode share what we consider to be eight of the best traditional Irish love songs of all time! This is, of course, a very personal and subjective collection - and I'm sure you will agree with some and disagree with many. I have used the input of many of our readers and Green Room members down through the years and many of the these songs are ones that were recommended again and again. I'm recording this episode just short of Valentine's Day - but think that this is a collection of songs that you will enjoy at any time of year. See what you think!Music featured in this episode:"Down By The Sally Gardens" performed by Maura O'Connell."I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" performed by Joseph Locke."Casadh an tSúgáin" performed by The Gloaming."On Raglan Road" performed by Luke Kelly."The Mountains of Mourne" performed by Brendan O'Dowda."Grace" performed by Jim McCann."Kevin Barry" performed by Damien Dempsey & Seamus Begley."Danny Boy" performed by Eva Cassidy.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this week's episode we look at the life times and legacy of three ancient Celtic saints - with lots of fine music in between.We start with a letter all about the Irish Saint Gobnait - but you may be surprised at how her name was anglicised into different versions that you may have in your family tree.Then, we head up to the north of the island and look at Saint Mel and Saint Colmcille - and the connections between these names and a certain Hollywood actor and director.Music featured in this episode:"Inis Oirr" performed by Dé Danaann."Casadh an tSúgáin" performed by The Gloaming."Theme from Braveheart" performed by The Gardyne Ensemble.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

We look at the connections between the Irish name "Brigid/Bridget", Saint Bridget of Kildare and the Irish Celtic Goddess Brigid. This is all very appropriate as we come up to the celtic festival of "Imbolc" - celebrating the start of a celtic spring as well as Saint Brigid's day.All with lots of chat and music along the way. Enjoy!Songs Featured in This Episode:"Brigid" performed by Patrick Dexter and Laoise Kelly."Hymn to Saint Brigid" performed by Philomena Breslin."Imbolc Eve (Brede's Song)" performed by Hecate's Wheel.Support the Letter from Ireland Show:______________Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

This week we have a special episode that takes you around ten counties on the island of Ireland. We stop off at each point and share a song - as well as more on the place and the person featured in the song. Please note that this episode was broadcast in a different format inside our Green Room - and in that show we dedicated the first song to Carina's mum who died just before it was broadcast. She lived in Cork - and so the first place we visited was county Cork on the list!Songs Featured in This Episode (You can see full shownotes and the map mentioned here):"When You Were Sweet Sixteen" performed by Josef Locke."Down By The Sally Garden" performed by Maura O'Connell."The Homes of Donegal" performed by Paul Brady."Carrickfergus" performed by Brian Kennedy."On Raglan Road" performed by Luke Kelly."Boolavogue" performed by The Three Irish Tenors."A Song for Ireland" performed by Mary Black."The Rose of Tralee" performed by Frank Patterson."Leaving of Limerick" performed by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh."My Own Sweet Galway Bay" performed by Dolores Keane.______________Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carina behind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we trace the origins of Carina's Irish grandfather - Bartholomew Cronin. He died well before she was born and she only recently realised how little she knew of his early days, the wider family and his final resting place". So, join us as we look to solve this mystery - with plenty of journeys, unexpected turns, twists and interesting characters along the way.We've arranged the show in the following 5 parts - with music and songs of County Cork along the way:Part 1: Introduction: Who was my Irish grandfather, where was he born, reared and buried - and many more questions!Song: "The Macroom Lassies" performed by Jackie Daly and Séamus Creagh.Part 2: Finding Bartholomew in the Records and a trip to the place he lived and worked.Song: "The Bold Thady Quill" performed by The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.Part 3: Success! A Journey to the Place my grandfather was born, lived his early years and is buried.Song: "The Banks of The Lee" performed by Arkady and The Voice Squad.Part 4: Traveling back to the deep roots: Gougane Barra and the start of an Irish family dynasty.Song: "The Parting Glass" performed by The Voice Squad.Part 5: Wrapping up: My Closing thoughts and the journey so far!Thank you for listening to the Letter from Ireland show. To support the podcast, get lots of member-only features and follow Mike and Carinabehind the scenes as they travel around Ireland go to ALetterfromIreland.com/plus .

In this episode we trace the origins - and more - of Carina's mystery Irish grandmother. I say "mystery" because Carina only ever knew her as "Granny Cronin". So, join us as we look to solve this mystery - with plenty of journeys, unexpected turns, twists and interesting characters along the way.We've arranged the show in the following 5 parts - with music and songs of Cork City and County Cork along the way:Part 1: Introduction: Who was my Irish grandmother, where was she born and many more questions!Song: "I know my love" performed by Maura O'Connell.Part 2: What I know: Where my grandmother lived, worked and is buried.Song: "The Boys of Fairhill" performed by Jimmy McCarthy.Part 3: Success! A Journey to the Place my grandmother was born.Song: "The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee" performed by Seán Ó Sé.Part 4: Traveling back to the deep roots: The Norman origins of my Irish grandmother's family.Song: "The Contender" performed by Finbar Wright.Part 5: Wrapping up: My Closing thoughts and the journey so far!

In this episode we explore not just the world of Irish music - but 10 tracks from the extended Celtic family. We use music featured on the TV programme - "The Transatlantic Sessions" - to bring you music and song from Ireland, Scotland, the USA and much more. With lots of chat between each song.MUSICAL TRACKS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:"Magic Foot" - Performed by Sharon Shannon and the Transatlantic Sessions house band."My heart's tonight in Ireland - in the west County Clare" - Performed by Andy Irvine and the Transatlantic Sessions house band."Aragon Mill" - Performed by Karen Matheson and the Transatlantic Sessions house band."Leezie Lindsay" - Performed by Eddie Reader and the Transatlantic Sessions house band."Let the mystery be" - Performed by Iris De Ment and the Transatlantic Sessions house band."Forty Shades of Green" - Performed by Roseanne Cash, Paul Brady and the Transatlantic Sessions house band."Letter in the mail" - Performed by Tim O'Brien and the Transatlantic Sessions house band."Muireann's jig" - Performed by Mike McGoldrick and the Transatlantic Sessions house band."Road to Aberdeen" - Performed by Nancy Griffith."Caledonia" - Performed by Dougie MacLean.You can find out more about The Transatlantic Sessions here: https://www.transatlanticsessions.com/the-sessions/

In todays special Christmas episode, we share a selection of old Irish Christmas carols, songs and tunes. They include:The Bells of Dublin/Christmas Eve - performed by The ChieftainsChristmas in Killarney - performed by Bing CrosbyCuroo, Curoo Carol of the Birds - performed by Maggie Sansone, Andrea Hoag, Sharon Knowles, Patrick EganChristmas Angels - performed by ClannadThe Wexford Carol - performed by Alison Krauss, Yo-Yo Ma, Natalie McMasterOnce in Royal David's City - performed by The Chieftains, The Renaissance Singers, David DrinkelDon Oíche úd I Mbeithil (That Night in Bethlemam) - performed by Celtic WomanThe Kerry Christmas Carol - performed by Nora CoganThe Wren, The Wren - performed by Lisa O'NeillOíche Chiúin - Chorale (Silent Night) - performed by Enya

In today's episode we share some old Irish names - quite beautiful ones - that are just some of our favourites for boys and girls. Perhaps you already have one or two in your own family?We also share the story of Jimmy Hasty, an Irish footballer from Dundalk in County Louth and how I learnt a good lesson when I received som particular feedback on this story from one of our readers.Running through today's episode we have the beautiful music of Cork songwriter Jimmy McCarthy. We hope you enjoy!

This week we look at one of the most Irish of cities outside Ireland - the city of Liverpool on the western shores of Britain. It's a place that has seen over a million Irish pass through its port to stay in England, Wales and Scotland or to head to places further afield such as the USA, Canada, Australia and other locations. We chat about just some of the Irish families who decided to stay in Liverpool - and their very famous descendants, four lads who formed a band called The Beatles.We then look at just one Liverpool dock gate through which over a million Irish passed as they made their way off the steamships from Dublin and how that place has fallen off the radar. Maybe it's time to draw attention to it once again?Lots of music along the way to enjoy!

This week we look at the fact that there are many, many more people of Irish descent OUTSIDE the island of Ireland than on the island of Ireland. Many Irish immigrants brought their Irish placenames with them when they settled in a new country. We look at just two cities with an Irish pedigree and chat about their Irish connections and links to specific places in Ireland. All this accompanied by music from one of the best Irish Diaspora bands - The Pogues. I do hope you enjoy!

Welcome to this special musical edition of the Letter from Ireland podcast. We take a tour around the five counties - Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon - of the Irish province of Connaught. We have chosen two songs/pieces of music from each County with plenty of history and stories along the way. We hope you enjoy them very much! As we move around the counties, Mike refers to a map of the province which you can find at https://www.aletterfromireland.com/744

In this episode we look at two types of storyteller. First, we have the "bard" who composes songs to honour the deeds and exploits of the great (and not so great) among us. In this case, a certain gentleman called "Thady Quill" had a song composed in his honour which has lived on long past himself.We then move on to a storyteller who was immortalised in the book "The Tailor and Ansty". With plenty of Irish music and song to keep things lively along the way from the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Enjoy!

In this episode, we look at the time of the Brehon laws of Ireland and take an example of just some of these Gaelic common laws that held our society together. We also chat about the Brehon families and some of the Irish surnames associated with these families. We then go on to chat about the early Irish monks and some of the monastic-related surnames of Ireland. We tie it all up by linking to the book "How The Irish Saved Civilization" with lots of good Gaelic Chieftain music and more along the way. Enjoy!

In this episode, we feature two Irish Pub stories that are bound together. In the first, we chat about the book McCarthy's Bar - which gives a comical view of both the Irish Pub and the Irish by Pete McCarthy. We then travel to the pub featured on the cover of that book - McCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere - and tell the story of a special item at the back of that pub. With lots of Irish drinking songs to keep us company along the way!

Today we feature two Irish movie stars from the golden age of Hollywood - Grace Kelly and Maureen O'Hara. In one story we chat about the "Two Graces of County Mayo" and then we take a trip up Maureen O'Hara's ancestry tree. We even manage to uncover songs on which they feature. Not to be missed!

In this extended musical edition of the Letter from Ireland podcast, we share 15 songs performed by 15 Irish artists. Each song has a connection with the song that went before it - and the one that goes after it. Hence the title! We feature artists you may already be familiar with - Van Morrison, Mary Black, Lisa Hannigan - as well as many more you may be hearing for the first time. Lots of chat between the songs from Mike. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode we look at the journey a branch of the Vikings took and established a Dukedom in what become known as "Normandy" in northern France. We look at their culture and traditions - traditions that they brought with them to England in 1066 and then onto Ireland in the late part of the 1100s. From this group we have so many of the Norman-Irish surnames that we know today -Fitzgerald, Barry, Roche etc. We also feature the music of a singer from Gweedore in County Donegal who become known by the shortened version of her original Irish name - Enya". We do hope you enjoy!

In this week's episode we look at the way that unmarried mothers - and other "social undesirables" were treated in Ireland, especially in the period from the 1940s to the 1960s. Carina reads out two letters - one on the Magdalene Laundries and the other shares the story of one mother who never gave up on searching for her adopted son. This is quite a sombre episode - but I think you will find the overall message to be somewhat uplifting, see what you think!

In today's episode, we explore the different sort of Irish music that was coming onto the scene from the mid-1970s. We first look at the story of that great London-Irish band - The Pogues - and then onto the more subtle music of Paul Brady. In both cases, lots of background stories, music and craic. We do hope you enjoy!