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What is a Bodhrán?
Good question! The bodhrán is a type of musical drum that features a wood frame and stretched goatskin or synthetic covering. They are typically 18 inches in diameter. They have a look that is a cross between a tambourine and a bongo drum.

How you pronounce Bodhrán?
Bow-rawn is the correct pronunciation with a long o in the word bow.

When and where did they originate?
The origin of the bodhrán is arguable. Some claim Africa while others say Asia. Whatever the truth may be, it was the Irish that popularized it and made it their own during the 18^th century. Here, the drums were used for both musical performances as well as in war battles.

How do you play the Bodhrán?
There are a couple of different methods. First, you can use the palm of your hand, your knuckles, or your fingers. The second option—which is more commonly seen—is to use a stick. This is very similar to a drumstick, except that many of the bodhrán sticks are double-headed. One head keeps a steady beat while the other produces acoustic rolls. These double-headed sticks are referred to as cipins or tippers.

 Are they still used in Irish music?
Yes! Bodhráns retain their historical significance while still remaining relevant in Irish music today. You will often see them played with Irish folk groups.

Where can I get my own Bodhrán?
Creative Irish Gifts offers this handcrafted version that features real goatskin, fine wood, and a Celtic cross design. The bodhrán comes with a hardwood stick for playing.

While most castles call to mind visions of luxurious suites, an impeccably dressed staff ready to serve your every whim, and lush, evergreen gardens, few actually deliver these amenities—at least not to the public. Ashford Castle, western Ireland’s five-star luxury resort, offers all of this along with the charm of a castle that is close to 800 years old. Read on to learn more and plan your stay.

History:
Built in the 13^th century by an Anglo-Norman family, the castle has been home to a number of loving stewards. Throughout the years, various buildings—including a French-style chateau—as well as acreage have been added to the property. During the mid 1800s, it was home to the Guinness family who restored its west wing and curated its garden and woodlands. In 1939, Noel Huggard purchased the property and transformed the castle in a luxury hotel. Since that time, several owners have maintained the presence and grandeur of Ashford Castle as a world-class escape—as evidenced by its numerous and prestigious awards. Since 2013 Red Carnation Hotels has been the proprietor, and they continue to restore the palace to its glory today.

The Grounds:
Ashford Castle features a number of gardens for guests to explore, included what is known as the formal Main Parterre, the Walled Garden, and the Terraced Walk. Additionally, a large circular fountain is a scenic draw for guests. There are also 350 acres of Irish woodland that surround the castle grounds.

What to Do at Ashford Castle:

There are 83 guest rooms and suites available at Ashford Castle, so you can enjoy its beauty day and night. Treat yourself to an afternoon of pampering at their state-of-the-art spa or visit nearby Mrs. Tea’s Boutique and Bakery, a boutique gift shop. Delight your palate with their exquisite culinary offerings or attend a wine tasting in one of the castle’s 16^th century tunnels. Outdoor enthusiasts can choosing from fishing, golf, horse riding, boat trips, falconry, and more. The castle also offers family friendly activities, making it ideal escape with or without children.

Please note that tours are exclusive to hotel guests. Learn more or book your stay at ashfordcastle.com.

The birth of a baby brings joy, fun times of togetherness, and the excitement of what the future holds for this little one. Commemorate this special time with one (or all!) of these ideas.

Start a Cross Collection

If you are looking for a gift that can last a lifetime, start a collection for the new arrival. Crosses, like this Celtic one that is also symbolic of Irish heritage, can be displayed throughout a lifetime. Be sure to write the date and your name on the bottom so the child will know when they received the thoughtful gift and who gave it.

Care for His or Her Parents

One of the most practical ways to show your love for an infant is to show your love for his or her parents. Take them a meal, offer to babysit for a few hours so they can run errands or have dinner out, or simply visit and show them you care and are excited for their new addition.

Share Your Heritage

It’s never too early to start teaching little ones about your roots. Give the new arrival a sign that’s a nod to Ireland or a sweet music box that plays an Irish lullaby.

Give Him or Her a Soft Best Friend

There’s nothing like a babe finding a blanket or a soft, stuffed animal to love. Give them something to cuddle as they grow and it’s sure to become a favorite for years down the road. We love this sweet Sheep and Shamrock Wool Throw and this cute-as-can-be Dangle Leg Sheep.

Host a Sip & See Tea

Want to introduce the baby to your entire crew? Host a Sip and See for the new family. Invite a small group to your home to meet the little one and share in the joy of his or her arrival. Add an Irish flair by serving tea and scones.

As the days of summer draw to a close and autumn beckons, our minds are turning to fall baking projects—and traditional Irish scones are at the top of the list. There’s nothing quite like a warm, buttery scone and cup of tea to soothe the soul and appease those afternoon snack cravings. Embrace the cooler days of fall with our recipe for this traditional Irish treat.

Traditional Currant Scones

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sugar
3 tablespoons currants
4 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup milk
1 egg, beaten

PREPARATION

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients (the first 5 ingredients listed above). Use a fork or pastry blender to cut the butter into the mixture.

In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and egg. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry to create a dough.

Lightly flour a work surface and place the dough on it. Knead gently once or twice to incorporate any loose pieces. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 1-inch-thick piece. For round scones, use a jar or biscuit cutter to create circles. If you prefer triangular scones, use a knife to cut the dough in to angled shapes.

Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and place the rounds or triangles on it. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with butter and jam.

Have a scone flavor you love? Share your favorite variation with us in the comments section.

A couple of months ago we created a list of five popular castles around Ireland to share with you. (Read that story here.) Soon after that post, we quickly realized five was not enough! Ireland is filled with amazing castles—many of which are open for touring and exploring. In this new series, which will appear here periodically over the next few months, we’ll take a deeper look at more of Ireland’s historic, breathtaking castles. This week, we’re stepping into Bunratty Castle.

Location:
Bunratty Castle is in southern County Clare near the County Limerick line. It is located just miles from N18. The land on which the castle is situated was originally a Viking trading camp.

History:
The present castle, which is the fourth to be constructed on the site, was built in 1425. During the 19^th century it was unoccupied and fell into disrepair until the mid 1950s when Viscount Lord Gort purchased the property and restored it to its former glory with aid from the Office of Public Works, the Irish Tourist Board and Shannon Development. In 1962 it opened for visitors year-round, and today it is touted as the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland.

The Grounds:
In addition to the castle, a visit to Bunratty should include time spent at the adjoining Folk Park. Here, you will experience life as it was in 19^th century Ireland, complete with villagers in period costumes and the opportunity to visit buildings of the era, including a vertical mill, grocery, post office, pub, and more.

While you are at Bunratty Castle, also be sure to see the Walled Garden. This area was built around 1804 and functioned as a small garden on the east side of the estate.

The Castle’s Interior:
Lord and Lady Gort along with archaeologist John Hunt and his wife Gertrude, spent countless hours furnishing the castle with medieval furniture, artwork, and pieces that would have been a part of every day life at the time the castle was constructed. Guided tours are available or your can browse at your own leisure.

Events:
While you’re visiting, be sure to book a ticket for dinner at the castle’s medieval banquet. These nightly meals offer a glimpse of days gone by complete with musical entertainment and visits from characters in period costumes.

Additionally, Bunratty Castle continues its enchanting tradition by hosting birthday parties and special occasions. Costumed guides are available to entertain small children or give tours of the castle and folk park, making it a destination that continues to delight visitors of all ages from both near and far.

 Bunratty Castle is open year-round from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn more at shannonheritage.com.

Located in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, Kerry Crafted Glass is the handiwork of master craftsman Terence MacSweeney. He is no stranger to the craft, having started blowing glass in 1979 as well as training with well-known artisans and companies, including Langham Glass, before opening his business in 1998.

Today, he and his wife Helen along with their three daughters Niamh, Ruth, and Meabh oversee this family business, a venue that is open to visitors who wish to see and learn about the ancient art of glass blowing.

Each piece of Kerry Crafted Glass is made onsite. They are not only blown by mouth but also shaped by hand. The process begins with recycled glass pieces being melted in the company’s furnace. These burn at an astonishing 1,200 degrees. From there, the glass is gathered onto the blowing iron and blown. Color is also added at this time. More glass can be added to achieve the desired size or thickness. Next, the artisan moves to the bench to begin forming the shape of the piece. The entire process is hands-on—much like creating a work of art on canvas or a sculpture.

Candlesticks, urns, vases, bowls, lamps, and mirrors are just a few of the pieces that are created in this unique studio. Inspiration for both shape and palette often comes from the company’s location. The studio is situated near the Lakes of Killarney and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, a mountain range that includes Ireland’s highest peaks.

Creative Irish Gifts is proud to carry pieces from Kerry Crafted Glass.  You can shop the collection here.

To learn more about the company and their craftsmanship, visit KerryCraftedGlass.com.

Make the most it. That’s our motto when you have limited time in a place you love. If you find yourself in Dublin for a day, there are more options to fill your 24 hours than you can imagine. Here, we share four main themes to help you focus your time and—well, make the most of it.

PICK A PARK

Dublin is home to a number of enchanting parks with native plantings, pathways for walking, and even streams and water features. If the weather is nice, we recommend stopping in at one of these venues for a stroll. Walking through a park and taking in the sights is a no-fail way to get a feel for the local flavor of this capital city.

• Stephen’s Green – This 22-acre park, which features a Victorian layout is located in the center of the city.
• Phoenix Park – Originally used as a Royal deer park in the 17^th century, this urban attraction is one of the largest designed landscapes in Europe; it offers numerous running trails.
• St. Anne’s Park – Located on the coast, this park features amazing views of the shoreline as well as numerous seasonal plantings.

GO TO CHURCH

Perhaps nowhere is the exquisite architecture more on display than in the churches and cathedrals of Ireland. Attend a mass or simply take a tour of one of these structures to fully appreciate its meaning and beauty.

• Stephen’s Unitarian Church – Featuring an abundance of stained glass and a recently restored pipe organ, this centrally located church dates back to the mid 1800s.
• Patrick’s Cathedral – Perhaps the most well-known Dublin cathedral, this structure is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Visitors can tour the impressive structure, hear a daily sung service and visit the resting place of Jonathan Swift, which is marked by a brass plaque in the Cathedral.

VISIT A MUSEUM

• Kilmainham Gaol – Tour this prison, which is currently one of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, while learning about the penal system’s history as well as the structure itself.
• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – Located in the vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building (which was the original departure point for many of Ireland’s emigrants), this museum offers an interactive experience chronicling the lives of those who have left the island.
• Chester Beatty Library – Offering free admission, this museum displays paintings, prints, drawings, manuscripts, decorative arts, and more; plus, it continues to be ranked as one of the must-visit attractions in Ireland as well as all of Europe.

TAKE A LOAD OFF

If you’re in Ireland, you’ll want a Guinness (or your preferred beverage of choice) to cap off the day. Visit one of these establishments for an authentic experience.

• Guinness Storehouse – The home of Guinness beer, this brewery is located in the St. James’s Gate Brewery. You’ll enjoy a pint while also learning more about this iconic beer.
• The Brazen Head – Ireland’s oldest pub (it dates back to 1198), this bar offers a full menu and live music nightly.
• The Pub Around the Corner – Rather than a specific destination, we recommend ducking around the corner and entering the first local bar or restaurant you come to; it’s a great way to take in the flavor of a city in a short period of time. Don’t want to go it alone? Ask your concierge or attendant for a recommendation.

When you think of black cats, your thoughts may turn downward, as the felines are often viewed as a harbinger of bad luck or tough times. However, in Ireland one specific black cat—the Lucky Black Bog Cat—is said to bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness to those with whom it crosses paths.

As legend has it, this cat was larger than typical house cats and made his home on the shores of Lough Neagh, a freshwater lake located in Northern Ireland. Unsurprisingly, the area is known for its bogs, thus the name seemed suited for this creature. The elusive cat is said to have feasted on small animals and insects for survival.

Today, tourists can find replicas of small Lucky Black Bog Cats almost everywhere on the island. This version is made of Irish turf, thus bringing a piece of the land—and the cat’s luck—into your own home.

The sacrament of receiving one’s first holy communion is a sacred and special time. For many families, the day is marked with a celebration, a brunch or lunch, and even a few meaningful gifts from dear friends and family members. If you’re pondering what to give a young boy or girl who will soon receive his or her first communion, browse a few of our favorite ideas below.

First Communion Cross

Crosses are a sweet sentiment that are sure to remind a young girl or boy of this special occasion for many years to come. This silver version is available with either a boy or girl kneeling. The shamrocks they hold also signal Irish ties, adding another personalized touch for those of Irish heritage.

An Angel of Protection

This sweet guardian angel is not only meant to offer protection but also luck, thanks to the shamrock it holds. The piece is a part of the Belleek Pottery collection, a renowned company with a 160-year tradition of craftsmanship. It could make a perfect starter piece for a youngster’s collection.

Cross Necklaces

A necklace is a way to keep a symbol of one’s first communion close to the heart at all times. Choose from multiple options, including this unembellished male version and this delicate ladies’ necklace, which includes an emerald as nod to Irish roots.

The year 2017 marks 16 decades of distinctive, detailed, and stunningly beautiful craftsmanship at Belleek Pottery. Read on to learn more about this company’s rich Irish tradition.

 The Founding Father

John Caldwell Bloomfield founded Belleek Pottery in 1857 in Northern Ireland. It is said that he started the company’s tradition of excellence in the beginning by declaring that any piece with a flaw—or even the slightest imperfection—be broken and destroyed. This became—and still remains—the standard for all pieces.

The Crafting Process

An astonishing 16 artisans touch each piece of Belleek pottery before they are available to consumers. This is a process that has not changed much since the inception of the company. From the initial designs, which are produced to reflect Ireland as well as the potter’s heritage, through to the actual making of the piece and on to quality control, each step plays an important part in creating these distinctive pieces.

The Anniversary Collection

To mark celebration of 160 years, the potter has introduced the Belleek Archive Collection. Collectors around the globe seek to have pieces from this prized compilation, which includes sixteen pieces—all of which represent a different decade in the company’s history as well as a distinctive style. One of the more popular pieces (shown above) in the collection features an image of the Belleek building in the 1860s alongside today’s factory. Each one of these limited edition pieces is marked with a unique backstamp, indicating its inclusion in the collection.

Shop for Your Own Piece

Click here to browse numerous pieces of Belleek, including the Anniversary Collection mantel clock shown above.

Plan a Trip to Tour Belleek Pottery

Visit the pottery museum, tearoom, and more at the Belleek headquarters. Visit Belleek.com to plan your trip.