In this country, we most often associate the bagpipe with Celtic cultures, particularly the Irish and Scots, but it is an instrument played around the world. Finland, Romania, Spain, Italy, Belarus, Turkey, Iran, Algeria and India are just a few of the countries where bagpipes are a traditional folk instrument. The Irish bagpipe is called … Continue reading Irish Trivia: The Bagpipe
Ireland
Irish Trivia: Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick's was born in Old Kilpatrick, Scotland, and his birth name was Maewyn Succat. He took the name of Patrick when he was ordained a priest. Happy Paddy's Day!
Saint Patrick & the Slave Trade
Read any biography of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and you’ll find that he was born in the late 4th century somewhere on the island of Britain. Patrick was kidnapped while still in his teens, and sold as a slave in Ireland. Some histories place the blame on Irish pirates, while others blame the … Continue reading Saint Patrick & the Slave Trade
an Gorta Mor (or The Great Irish Famine, 1845-1852)
Most of the time I find history boring. But every once in awhile, I stumble over something fascinating. And usually, that something makes me cry. I’d heard quite a bit about the Irish Famine at different places along the way, like in English class in high school when we read Jonathan Swift’s essay A Modest … Continue reading an Gorta Mor (or The Great Irish Famine, 1845-1852)
Gifford MacShane, Author 