09 Mar All Things Irish
As the Irish-American poet Thomas Augustine Daly said, “For the whole world is Irish on the seventeenth o’ March!” In celebration of the Emerald Isle we have plenty of materials available, from online databases to novels, from children’s stories to e-books. Here are just a few recommendations.
Books & eBooks
Fiona’s Lace by Patricia Polacco
An Irish-American family stays together with the help of Fiona’s talent for making one-of-a-kind lace in this heartwarming story from the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s Irish father’s family.
The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan
The Irish-American story told through the improbable life of one man. Thomas Meagher led a failed uprising against British rule, for which he was banished to a Tasmanian prison colony for life. But two years later he was “back from the dead” and in New York. Meagher went on to lead the Irish Brigade in the Civil War, afterward trying to build a new Ireland in the wild west of Montana.
Murder in An Irish Village by Carlene O’Connor
A great cozy mystery with a wonderful setting. The family relationships ring true and the dialogue is spot on, while the mystery is front and center and the romance is nice but not overdone. The attempts of the main character to control her younger siblings, basically a herd of teenagers (the youngest is ten) make for both touching and frustrating moments. Add to it some absolutely hysterical scenes at a wake and with an undertaker in his pub/funeral home and the whole thing results in a satisfying read.
In the Company of Others by Jan Karon
One of Karon’s Father Tim series, this stands alone just as well. Father Tim and Cynthia arrive in the west of Ireland on holiday only to find themselves in the midst of a bitterly estranged Irish family, dealing with the Conors’ desperate struggle to hide the truth at any cost versus the powerful need to confess. Of all her novels, Jan Karon says this “dark-haired child” is her favorite.
Journeys Home by Andrew McCarthy
Actor and travel writer Andrew McCarthy recounts his quest to uncover his family’s Irish history, while sidebars and a hefty resource section provide tips and recommendations on how to go about your own research.
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
Stoneybridge is a small town on the west coast of Ireland where all the families know one another. When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy.
Digital Resources
AtoZ Maps is a resource for maps of all types, including: historical maps, Holy Land maps, NASA maps, climate maps, Empire maps, and more. Take advantage of this free resource to augment your classroom or at-home teaching.
Access it with your library card here.
AtoZ World Food is a database for food and recipes from around the world. Learn about Ireland’s food culture including what daily meals and etiquette are like.Also learn about local non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, and try some recipes for yourself. This is a great way to show of your cultural cooking skills this St. Patrick’s Day.
Access it with your library card here.
AtoZ World Travel includes information about several countries throughout the world. It is a great place to get a smattering of all kinds of information, including travel essentials, language, climate and weather, food and recipes, and much more.
Access it with your library card here.
Find My Past is a collection of mostly British and irish genealogical records. This database is only available within the library.
Access this resource here while in the library.
Global Road Warrior is a website of information about the countries of the world. It includes information about culture such as etiquette, food customs, travel tips, and more.
Access it with your library card here.
Mango Languages is a language-learning website that gives you access to over 70 languages, including Irish, Spanish, Azerbaijani, and even Pirate! Brush up on your Irish before you hit the pub.
Access it with your library card here.
Scholastic Teachables is great for elementary and middle school students. Access resources for lesson planning and activities that promote learning.
Access it with your library card here.
