Latest Writings

View Post

What I Want From My Blog – Stuck In A Rut.

Towards the end of the year after nearly ten months blogging I fell into a blogging rut for reasons unknown to me. I felt the passion, and quality, of my blog posts were lacking and decided to re-set and re-start in the New Year whilst I tried to get my blogging inspiration back.

View Post

Beyond the Bookcase – January To Be Read Pile.

As the nights continue to draw in (January is my least favorite month) I turn as always to the comforting power of books as I await the lighter nights of early Spring. As always I have predominantly been reading murder mysteries and other historical novels as I await my first trip of the year to Edinburgh in February! 

View Post

Fashion Friday – Irish Fashion Alphabet – ‘A’ for Aran Jumper

According to historian Siun Carden, quoting Anthony Patterson, Aran jumpers have become synonymous with ‘Brand Ireland’ – as ubiquitous as Guinness, shamrocks, leprechauns etc. If you walk into any Irish gift shop across the island of Ireland, you will see Aran jumpers or other woollen items inspired by Aran knitting. Aran knitting is synonymous with the traditional image of Ireland and Irish people. Though the Aran jumper you bought for fifty euros is probably not knitted on the island of Ireland and most certainly not from wool from Irish sheep. Aran jumpers are a timeless, fashionable, and practicable addition to any wardrobe as they never seem to go out of fashion. 

View Post

Heroine’s of History – Hanna Sheey-Skeffington

Recently a friend returned from a trip to Dublin to inform me she had seen a plaque to Hanna Sheey-Skeffington (1877-1946) Irish Nationalist, Suffragette, Activist, Teacher, Editor, and Politician at Dublin Castle. The plaque commemorated Hanna smashing windows on 13th June 1912 to highlight the right of women to vote and which resulted in Hanna spending a month in prison. I have always been interested in the life of Hanna Sheey-Skeffington and cannot think why I have not featured her in a blog post until now! View Post