Claddagh Ring

History and modern lore of the traditional Irish love-ring.

Bestselling author Malachy McCourt recounts the story of Ireland's timeless symbol of loyalty, friendship, and love, a ring design of two clasped hands that is worn by millions worldwide. Following the success of his Running Press titles Danny Boy and Voices of Ireland, McCourt explores this beloved icon of Irish heritage through vivid anecdotes, charming folk tales, and recent documented incidents. Said to have been first crafted more than 400 years ago in a fishing village on Galway Bay, there is much more to the story of the Claddagh ring than simple popular history, and McCourt tracks it down and recounts it with his stellar storytelling finesse.

Dive into "Celtic History & Mythology" with this Captivating Book! As the pages turn, readers will be captivated by epic battles, quests for hidden treasures, and encounters with extraordinary creatures. Through vivid storytelling, history and beautiful tales this book transports children to the misty hills, lush forests, and mystical realms. Here they will meet legends like Cú Chulainn, the valiant warrior and ancient deities, such as Danu, the mother goddess, and Lugh, the god of light and skill. The book not only delves into mythology but it also highlights the culture, facts and the amazing history of the Celts. Here is a small peek inside of what you will discover inside: Exploring the Celtic Timeline, from Ancient Legends to Modern Wonders Epic Heroes & Enchanting Legends: The Children of Lir, Cú Chulainn, Finn MacCool, Oisín, and many more Magical Rhythms & Toe-Tapping Beats: Celtic Music and Dance Mighty Deities & Enchanting Tales: Discover The Celtic Gods & Goddesses Explore Famous Celtic Landmarks - Stonehenge, Blarney Castle, The Cliffs of Moher and more Celtic Art & Symbols - Trinity Knot, Celtic Love Knot, Claddagh and more Celtic Mythical Creatures, Fairies & Pixies, Banshees, Leprechauns and more Exploring Celtic Culture Today in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany, Galicia, and Asturias And much, much more… Learn all about Celtic History & Mythology for Kids with This Book.

An ancient verse, sent by person or persons unknown. Within 100 hours, Oscar van Dam's life is turned upside down. A meeting with a mysterious woman, a hidden past, a mysterious legacy and an unexpected future. Oscar's quest takes him to the west of Ireland and on a journey through the history of the ancient Celts. As the plot thickens, past, present and future merge. Oscar van Dam: the unsuspecting hero of the last Irish legend.

DIVA colleciton that looks at how Irishness has become a discursive commodity within popular culture./div

This book documents hundreds of customs and traditions practiced in countries outside of the United States, showcasing the diversity of birth, coming-of-age, and death celebrations worldwide. From the beginning of our lives to the end, all of humanity celebrates life's milestones through traditions and unique customs. In the United States, we have specific events like baby showers, rites of passage such as Bat and Bar Mitzvahs and "sweet 16" birthday parties, and sober end-of-life traditions like obituaries and funeral services that honor those who have died. But what kinds of customs and traditions are practiced in other countries? How do people in other cultures welcome babies, prepare to enter into adulthood, and commemorate the end of the lives of loved ones? This three-volume encyclopedia covers more than 300 birth, life, and death customs, with the books' content organized chronologically by life stage. Volume 1 focuses on birth and childhood customs, Volume 2 documents adolescent and early-adulthood customs, and Volume 3 looks at aging and death customs. The entries in the first volume examine pre-birth traditions, such as baby showers and other gift-giving events, and post-birth customs, such as naming ceremonies, child-rearing practices, and traditions performed to ward off evil or promote good health. The second volume contains information about rites of passage as children become adults, including indigenous initiations, marriage customs, and religious ceremonies. The final volume concludes with coverage on customs associated with aging and death, such as retirement celebrations, elaborate funeral processions, and the creation of fantasy coffins. The set features beautiful color inserts that illustrate examples of celebrations and ceremonies and includes an appendix of excerpts from primary documents that include legislation on government-accepted names, wedding vows, and maternity/paternity leave regulations.

"Deibel deftly weaves fascinating details about Irish history and culture into the plot of her latest sweetly romantic love story."--Booklist "A classic boy-meets-girl story that packs a powerful punch."--Library Journal starred review *** In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring. Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the "lies" the Claddagh Ring promises. Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire. Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

It's 1984 in the west of Ireland, and two sisters have unwittingly betrayed each other. My Heart Went Walking follows Una, who gives up everything to protect the people she loves, and her sister Ellie, who is left behind to pick up the pieces. With the prose of Sue Monk Kidd mixed with the dialogue of Maeve Binchy, this is a captivating, emotional, and uplifting debut novel set against the sweeping landscape of rural Ireland and Dublin City in the 1980s. Una runs away from her home and family in Donegal to start over in the “big smoke” of Dublin City, leaving a bereft family looking for answers. A year later, wondering if it might be safe to go back, she comes face-to-face with the heartbreaking reality that if she does so, she'll ruin her sister Ellie's newfound happiness. Una stays away and processes her pain alone while building a new life for herself with help from an unexpected source … until tragedy strikes and she must go home, where the secrets she has fought so hard to keep could destroy all their lives. My Heart Went Walking is a story of heartbreak and difficult choices, of tragedy and romance, of giving up everything to save your loved ones and trying to figure out your new path in life. With its evocative and witty prose, Sally Hanan will take you back to the '80s and pull you in to the Irish approach to life — that of grit and laughter — and leave you with an overriding reminder of the possibility of hope and restoration in all things.