Ireland and its History
Celtic History
The Celts have always been seen to walk between the world of the living and a world driven by magic, passion, and fantasy. To those who want to venture down the rabbit hole, Alastar MacTire takes us on a walk through the history of the Celtic Nations starting with the struggling, passionate, magical Irish.
All through history, Ireland is portrayed as one of the most fantasy-driven cultures known to man. A people that hold tight to not only their Christian beliefs but also the unspoken idea that sometimes, when nobody is looking, a world of myth and fantasy exists beyond the realms of humanity. A realm of gods, demons, fairies, and leprechauns.
Take a moment and jump into this world as Alistair MacTire tells of the history and beliefs of one of the most awe-inspiring Celtic cultures.
Scáthach: Warrior Queen from the Isle of Skye
The Gaelic myths and legends that are prevalent in the British Isles are the very fabric of the Irish, Scottish, Manx, and Cornish people today. They are colorful, steeped in heroic deeds and adventurous demigods, rooted in times long gone, when Europe as we know it was an altogether different land. More precisely, the Irish Mythology and its unique Ulster Cycle are an endless source of inspiration, and are a crystal clear glimpse into the heart and soul of the Irish People. One of the more enigmatic figures from this cycle is Scáthach, a legendary Scottish warrior woman, responsible for many things - but chiefly for teaching warrior skills to the young hero Cú Chulainn. “A Scottish woman in Irish myths?” you might be wondering right now. But you read that well: Scáthach is the clear connection between two nations of the same origins - Ireland and Scotland. This mythical figure is the connection between brotherly folk, a root that entwines their shared Gaelic culture. But even better, the topic of Scáthach is a great starting point for scholars and historians - from here we can conduct extensive research that would uncover deeper layers of the enigmatic Ulster Cycle and the ancient connection between Ireland and Scotland. From there, we can glimpse into the turbulent fate of the Picts, the unique subject of the Gaels, the Scoti, and the Kingdom of Dál Riata. And last but not least - we can find parallels between the legend of Scáthach and the older, Indo-European myths and beliefs that clearly tell us of the ancient origins of the Gaelic folk.
William Butler Yeats
Yeats is widely regarded as one of the most important English-language writers of the twentieth century. A hero of the pen rather than the sword. A noble prize winner for Literature and a two-term Senator of the Irish Free State, Yeats lived a full, active life that combined poetry and politics. Unlike other modernists who dabbled in free verse, Yeats was a master of standard verse styles as well. The influence of modernism on his work can be seen in the gradual rejection of the more conventionally romantic dialect of his early work in favor of the more austere vocabulary and more straightforward approach to his themes that gradually characterize his middle period poetry and plays, which include the volumes In the Seven Woods, Responsibilities, and The Green Helmet. Jump into this concise introduction to the life of William Butler Yeats!
The Irish Potato Famine: An Gorta Mór
"The Irish Potato Famine: An Gorta Mór" is a gripping exploration of one of history's most devastating humanitarian crises. Between 1845 and 1852, Ireland was ravaged by a catastrophic famine that claimed over a million lives and forced millions more to flee their homeland. Yet, this was far more than a tragedy of failing crops; it was a crucible of resilience, shaped by the convergence of natural disaster, political neglect, and the systemic inequalities of colonial rule.
Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, this book delves into the famine’s harrowing origins, its profound human cost, and its enduring legacy on Ireland and the world. Discover how the Irish people, despite unimaginable suffering, emerged with a fierce determination to survive, remember, and rebuild, forever altering their cultural and demographic landscape.
More than a recounting of historical events, this is a poignant reminder of the global relevance of these lessons. As the echoes of An Gorta Mór resonate across time, the story compels readers to reflect on the responsibilities of governance, the dangers of systemic inequality, and the imperative to foster solidarity in the face of contemporary crises.
"The Irish Potato Famine" is not just a chronicle of a tragic past—it is a universal testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for justice and compassion.
Finn McCool
Finn McCool is a legendary figure of Irish folklore, known for his bravery and superhuman strength. But who was the real Finn McCool? In this concise history book, you will discover the true story of this iconic hero. From his childhood and his famous battle with the Scottish giant, to his love life and eventual demise, this book tells the tale of one of Ireland's most celebrated characters. Filled with colorful details and fascinating insights, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish mythology and history.