The Lost Heifer by Austin Clarke: Poem and Meaning
This week I picked a powerful poem by Austin Clarke titled The Lost Heifer. This poem was published in 1925, in The Cattledrive in Connaught, and it was a time …
Ireland
What Is an Irish Goodbye? (And How to Pull One Off)
Ever heard the expression, “Ah, sure he did an Irish goodbye”? Well, it is quite a popular party trick. What is an Irish goodbye? It is basically when you leave …
Irish Inventions: 24 That Changed the World (and the Famous Fakes)
What did the Irish really invent? Here are 24 inventions and discoveries, from Tayto’s cheese and onion crisps and Rynd’s hollow needle to Holland’s submarine and Walton’s part in splitting the atom. Each comes with its year, its birthplace and, where needed, an honest caveat. There’s also a summary table, an FAQ and the famous fakes, like the bacon rasher.
Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire: The Greatest Lament in the Irish Language
This week, I chose number 27 on the top 100 Irish poems list for my poem choice—the tragic tale of the greatest poem ever composed in the Irish oral tradition. …
Lines Written on a Seat on the Grand Canal by Patrick Kavanagh
Another great poem by the incredible Patrick Kavanagh (1904 – 1967). A lovely Irish poem that has no break in its 14 lines. Kavanagh speaks about the thought and feeling of …
’Tis the Last Rose of Summer by Thomas Moore: Poem and Song
It is another week and another famous Irish poem! I hope you have been enjoying my weekly Irish poems. This week it is a poem, a song and a ballad …
Sailing to Byzantium by W.B. Yeats: Meaning and Analysis
Sailing to Byzantium is a powerful Irish poem. Another week, another Yeats poem! He features so many times in the top 100 Irish poems list that it is hard not …
Another September by Thomas Kinsella: Poem and Meaning
Well, since we are fast approaching September, I thought a poem about Autumn would be appropriate. This poem comes in at 35 on the top 100 Irish poems list. Every …
Incantata by Paul Muldoon: An Irish Poem About Grief and Friendship
This week I decided to pick a poem from the top 100 Irish poems list. And I picked number 54 by the excellent Paul Muldoon. The title immediately caught my …
To a Child Dancing in the Wind by W.B. Yeats: Poem and Meaning
Yet another wonderful poem from Yeats makes it into the top 100 Irish poems list. This one comes in a number 56. To a Child Dancing in the Wind is …
The Planter’s Daughter by Austin Clarke: Poem and Meaning
Welcome back to yet another incredible Irish poem. This week is the Irish poem “The Planter’s Daughter” by Austin Clarke. The poem comes in at 26 on the top 100 …
Among School Children by W.B. Yeats: Meaning and Analysis
This week I picked number 28 from the top 100 Irish poems list. Another feature yet again from the great Yeats. This was written by Yeats in the latter half …
Christmas Day by Paul Durcan: Meaning and Analysis
At the time of writing this post, it is June, and this week I have picked a poem titled Christmas Day by Paul Durcan. His poem comes in at number …
Irish Poem: Mise Éire – I am Ireland By Pádraic Mac Piarais
This poem was written by Patrick Henry Pearse (Pádraic Mac Piarais), 1879–1916. It is a powerful poem. It comes in at number 96 on the top 100 Irish poems list. …
Red Hanrahan’s Song About Ireland by W.B. Yeats: Poem and Meaning
Red Hanrahan’s Song about Ireland, by William Butler Yeats. This wonderful poem/song comes in at number 68 on the top 100 Irish poems list. A short but powerful poem, …