Claddagh - the last Irish legend


Book Description

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.




The Story of the Claddagh Ring


Book Description

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




The Claddagh Ring


Book Description

Bestselling author Malachy McCourt recounts the story of the Claddagh ring, a timeless symbol of friendship, loyalty, and love formed by two clasped hands and worn by millions in Ireland and around the world. He celebrates this beloved Irish cultural icon through vivid anecdotes, charming folk tales, and recent incidents. The titular bauble-a pair of hands clasping a crowned heart with the motto "Let love and friendship reign"--is a traditional Irish emblem passed from mothers to daughters and granddaughters, exchanged by betrothed couples or given to friends, and worn by Queen Victoria, Jennifer Aniston and the rock band U2. McCourt ... is wary of the subject's potential to evoke "dreary sentimentality, enough to make a person vomit," but he steadies himself and gives a pleasant rundown of associated lore-a classic Irish mixture of improbable legend and historical tragedy. -Publishers Weekly




The History of The Claddagh Ring


Book Description

--Do you love Claddagh rings? --Do you love all things Irish? THEN, this little book is exactly right for you... YOU WILL... Discover the fascinating history of the Claddagh ring Be intrigued by the legends associated with this symbol of Ireland Enjoy historic illustrations and photographs Learn about the ring's presence all around the world. Have you ever glanced upon the delicate embrace of hands, heart, and crown on a Claddagh ring and felt its allure? Delve deep into its rich history, charming folklore, and enchanting with this captivating little book! Why This Book is a Must-Have: A Cherished Gift: -- This is the perfect companion for that precious Claddagh ring you're gifting. Let your loved ones unwrap not just a ring, but its centuries-old stories. --It's a must-have for all those who love Ireland Whether celebrating Irish heritage, interested in Irish history, or simply smitten by the Claddagh's beauty, this book will transport readers to the heart of Ireland. Learn about: The enigmatic origins of the Claddagh ring and its rise to an emblem alongside the Irish flag, St. Patrick and the shamrock. The heartwarming tales of both monarchs and ordinary folk who wore this symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. The quaint Galway fishing village, Claddagh: its people, their unique customs that made travelers record their impressions of a place unlike any other. The ring's vast global presence, from pubs named Claddagh in the US and UK to its symbolism in places you'd least expect. --It contains a special section where you can record your very own Claddagh ring stories... --Venture to a land of legends, embrace the Irish spirit, and let your heart be touched by the Claddagh's timeless tale. It's the perfect gift for anybody interested in Irish history and culture. It's the must-have to accompany a Claddagh ring UNRAVEL THE SECRETS OF THIS BELOVED SYMBOL OF LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, AND LOYALTY.




The Claddagh Ring


Book Description

New York Times best-selling author Malachy McCourt recounts the story of the Claddagh Ring, a timeless symbol of loyalty, friendship, and love worn by millions in Ireland and around the world. Following the success of his Running Press titles Danny Boy and Voices of Ireland, McCourt takes on another beloved theme of Irish heritage by exploring the story through vivid anecdotes, charming folk tales, and recent incidents. The Claddagh Ring, part of a group of "finger rings" dating from the Roman era, is formed by two clasped hands, symbolizing faith, love, loyalty, and friendship. Said to have been first crafted more than 400 years ago in Claddagh, a fishing village on Galway Bay, there is much more to the ring's tale than simple popular history, and McCourt is just the person to track it down and recount it with his stellar storytelling finesse.The titular bauble-a pair of hands clasping a crowned heart with the motto "Let love and friendship reign"-is a traditional Irish emblem passed from mothers to daughters and granddaughters, exchanged by betrothed couples or given to friends, and worn by Queen Victoria, Jennifer Aniston and the rock band U2. McCourt ... is wary of the subject's potential to evoke "dreary sentimentality, enough to make a person vomit," but he steadies himself and gives a pleasant rundown of associated lore-a classic Irish mixture of improbable legend and historical tragedy. -Publishers Weekly




An Illuminated Celtic Book of Days


Book Description

This book of days features the illuminated poetry and prose of the Celts. Each new month brings another ancient Celtic symbol, with an explanation of its importance for the days to come.




A Galway Fairytale


Book Description

Fans of A Dublin Fairytale will be enchanted by this modern take on the Hansel and Gretel fairytale set in modern-day Galway.




Danny Boy


Book Description

Bestselling Irish-American author Malachy McCourt takes a fascinating historical look at the traditional folk song, Danny Boy, discovering its origin, lyricist, and the moving heritage that has grown around it. Everyone can hum this haunting Irish ballad that inevitably brings a tear to the eye. The most requested Irish song, it has been recorded by a variety of performers ranging from Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, and Kate Smith to the Pogues. The complete story of this moving tune has been shrouded in mystery until now. Where did "Danny Boy" originate, who actually wrote the lyrics, and is it even Irish? Acclaimed novelist, actor, memoirist, screenwriter, playwright, and raconteur, Malachy McCourt, turns his Irish eye to the song's complex history and myths in an eloquent ode to this classic. He traces the evolution of the music, which is one of more than 100 songs composed to the very same tune, including the familiar "Londonderry Air," and explores the enduring mystique of "Danny Boy" in an unforgettable tribute that brilliantly weaves history with folklore.




Anam Cara


Book Description

"Anam Cara is a rare synthesis of philosophy, poetry, and spirituality. This work will have a powerful and life-transforming experience for those who read it." —Deepak Chopra John O'Donohue, poet, philosopher, and scholar, guides you through the spiritual landscape of the Irish imagination. In Anam Cara, Gaelic for "soul friend," the ancient teachings, stories, and blessings of Celtic wisdom provide such profound insights on the universal themes of friendship, solitude, love, and death as: Light is generous The human heart is never completely born Love as ancient recognition The body is the angel of the soul Solitude is luminous Beauty likes neglected places The passionate heart never ages To be natural is to be holy Silence is the sister of the divine Death as an invitation to freedom




Malachy McCourt's History of Ireland


Book Description

In the successful tradition of Thomas Cahill's modern-day classic, How the Irish Saved Civilization, here is an authoritative and completely engaging one-volume account of Irish history by County Limerick native, gifted storyteller, and bestselling author Malachy McCourt. Its pages are populated with figures from myth, legend, ancient history, and current events, from Cu Chulainn and Brian Boru to Oliver Cromwell, James Joyce, Lady Gregory, Gerry Adams, and Sinead O'Connor—some beloved, some controversial, but all with an undeniable influence on the course of Irish history and in turn, the history of the modern world. McCourt proves an irresistible guide on this vivid tour through the colorful and turbulent history of the Emerald Isle, from the Celtic settlements, through Viking and British occupations, modern troubles and struggle for independence. He also offers fresh insights on the country's cultural contributions to folklore, literature, art, music, and cuisine.