The Ninepenny Fidil (Fiddle) is a song about playing a fiddle and about meeting a leprechaun.  The song was written by Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil and arranged by Herbert Hughes to old Irish melody. Below you can listen to a video of the song, followed by the lyrics. The Ninepenny Fidil My...

The leprechaun is a fairy shoemaker eagerly sought by people who like to get rich quick. If the mortal who meets him will only keep his eyes fixed upon the fairy, the little chap will have to disclose the hiding place of a certain crock of gold. But the leprechaun is so full of tricks...

The leprechaun is one of the symbols of St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s a poem about the leprechaun for the holiday… The Leprechaun,—the omadhaun*!—that lives in County Clare, Is one foot wide and three foot high without an inch to spare. He winks the sea-blue eye of him, like other saucy rogues, And underneath the blackthorn-bush he...

Here’s an Irish Blessing just in time for St. Patrick’s Day… Irish Blessing   May your pockets be heavy And your heart be light.   May good luck pursue you Each morning and night. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! -Mama Lisa

Song of The Leprechaun or Fairy Shoemaker was written by Irish poet William Allingham (1824 – 1889).  Leprechauns are known to be shoemakers.  At the end of the work day, they hide away the money they earned in a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Song of The Leprechaun or Fairy Shoemaker is...

Corned Beef and Cabbage is very easy to make.  The trickiest part is determining the amount of time the corned beef must cook.  Cooking Time: The amount of time corned beef takes to cook is determined by its weight and thickness.  This year for St. Patrick’s Day I made a 2 1/2 pound piece...

This recipe for American Irish Soda Bread made with Whole Wheat Flour comes very close to the taste of American Irish Soda Bread (made with only multipurpose flour).  It’s really good… but healthier than the normal one. Recipe for American Irish Soda Bread (with part Whole Wheat Flour) Ingredients 1 cup White Whole Wheat Flour 1 cup...

Traditional Irish Soda Bread contains flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk. This recipe for traditional Irish Soda Bread is made with a mix of Whole Wheat Flour and Multipurpose Flour. Recipe for Traditional Irish Soda Bread (with Whole Wheat Flour) Ingredients 1 cup White Whole Wheat Flour 1 cup Multipurpose Flour  1...

Traditional Irish Soda Bread contains flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk.  In the US, we eat Irish Soda Bread around St. Patrick’s Day.  Our version of the bread is different.  It usually includes sugar and raisins.  It may also include butter, baking powder and eggs.  Our version is sweeter and more cake-like. The version below...

A while ago, we asked about gift giving traditions around the world. Nicola Holdsworth wrote to us from the UK telling us about British holiday and gift-giving traditions. Here’s what she wrote… We give horseshoes for marriage, oranges form part of the Christingle celebration, usually with candles and ribbon. 21st birthdays are sometimes...

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a little information about limericks. A limerick is a five-line poem, with the rhyming pattern A-A-B-B-A. In other words, lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme with each other. They usually have 7-11 syllables per line. Lines 3 and 4 rhyme with each other and have 5-8 syllables per...

Corned Beef and Cabbage is a very traditional meal that Irish Americans eat for St. Patrick’s Day. I’m one-eighth Irish. My great grandmother came from Ireland. The tradition of eating Corned Beef and Cabbage was passed down through the family to my Mom. Here’s Mom’s delicious, and easy, recipe for Corned Beef and...

About St. Patrick St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Roman controlled Britain around 390. He died on March 17, 460. March 17th is when Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated. St. Patrick was abducted by Irish raiders when he was 16 and was taken to Ireland, which was pagan...