Folklore
Why the Selkie Story Changes from Shore to Shore
Why the selkie story changes from shore to shore: trace its transformations to see how a shared folklore motif adapts…
The collection
All stories
Browse pieces on folklore, language, customs, craft and heritage. Each one offers a focused starting point for looking more closely at Irish culture.
Language
Irish Place Names: What a Familiar Element Can Tell You
Read Irish place names more carefully by checking each element against a specialist source, then separate a plausible…
Customs
The Handfasting Knot: Custom, Symbol and Later Imagination
The handfasting knot has several meanings, not one fixed Irish origin. Learn how to distinguish historical terminology…
Heritage
The Claddagh Ring Is Not a Universal Love Code
Claddagh ring meanings draw on familiar symbols, but wearers interpret them differently. Learn how to understand the…
Craft
How to Read an Irish Traditional Music Session Before Joining In
Irish traditional music session etiquette helps you read a room, choose the right moment to ask, and join a tune…