Kara's All Ireland Page

Where a little pride goes a long way...

A Very Brief History

The earliest archeological relics found in Ireland are dated to about 8,000 BC. First settlers are thought to be of Scotland and Scandinavian origin, who belonged to the Tribes of Firbolgand and Tuatha De Dannana. With the beginning of the Iron Age, Ireland saw new technologies in farming and living. The Vikings invaded Ireland in the 9th century. In 1711, King Henry, of England, claimed sovereignty over the land with the building of churches and castles. The mid-17th century bought in England's Plantation Policy which redistributed wealth and suppressed the religion of Catholicism.

Ancient Ireland

...The Claddagh Story......Love, Loyalty, and Friendship...

The story of the claddagh dates back to approximately the year 1600. Claddagh, County Galway, Ireland, was a small fishing village in 1600 (and today, still is). Legend has it, a fisherman and his crew were taken slaves, by a group of pirates. The fisherman was to have married his fiancee, the same week he was captured. Although the fisherman survived, he was forced into slavery. His fiancee never married. As years went by, he never forgot his fiancee, or his undying devotion towards her. He made her a ring: The Claddagh Ring. He never gave her this ring. However, it's an enduring Irish symbol. The hands, grasping the heart, are a symbol of friendship. The heart, being grasped by the hands and sitting under the crown, symbolize love. The crown, resting on top of the heart, symbolize loyalty. Claddagh rings are a class of Fede (or "Faith") rings. A Claddagh is worn on the right hand. If the ring's crown is turned inward, the owner's heart is "unoccupied". This is how I wear my claddagh. If the ring's crown is turned outward, the claddaugh owner's heart is "occupied" by a person.

Billy Joel, the PianoMan with a Social Conscience

Billy Joel, King of Pop and Soul

...Irish Cookin'...

There is more to Irish cooking than corned beef and cabbage. Although, when made correctly, with some potatoes and homemade bread, a hearty meal exists. I like Irish recipes because they tend to be hearty, rich in texture and flavor, and leave you feeling full and satisfied. I love Irish Soda Bread with butter (or a nice honey butter would be good), and full of jam. A recipe of Irish Soda Bread may have raisins in it, if the baker does so decide. It can be made using bleached or unbleached flour. Personally, I like unbleached flour, because I find it's heartier and is healthier for you.

"Will O'Glenn's Irish Soda Bread recipe, Will O'Glenn's Bed & Breakfast, Glenn MI"

Check Out Irishfood.com for some great Irish Recipes

Come Catholics, Calling Protestants...Come one, come all...

Although for centuries and into the present, religious fighting is an everyday event,in Ireland. Can't we just give peace a try? Little children should be able to play together, live in the same neighborhoods, and be able to be friends with a member of a different religion.

For Catholicism in Ireland, click on the Jubilee 2000 link for information on the year 2000 in the Catholic Church (with a uniquely Irish perspective).

Jubilee 2000 Ireland - Catholic

The Junior Grand Lodge of Ireland is a Protestant faith-based "fraternity" that is located in Ireland.

The Junior Grand Lodge of Ireland - Protestant

Peace can be achieved, throughout the world, if we can teach our children to love and respect one another. Project Children is a program that allows families in the United States to host a Protestant and Catholic child, from Ireland, for six weeks.

Project Children

Irish Step Dancing...

*photo from Riverdance.com

Interesting Factoids on Irish Step Dancing...

Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Read a little bit of Angela's Ashes (by Frank McCourt). There are also excerpts and reading guides, along with book reviews.

Read about Angela's Ashes at SimonSays.com

See all the places highlighted in Angela's Ashes. A map and pictures of the places in Mr. McCourt's book.

The Club of Angela's Ashes

Angela's Ashes: The Movie

Visit the "Official Movie Site" and see reviews, a synopsis, and lots of pictures...all about the movie

The Movie Site, by Paramount Studios

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Thank you so much for visiting my page. I hope you enjoyed your "journey to Ireland". "May your home be too small to hold all of your friends." , P. O'Rourke, County Leitrim, Ireland