Happy Halloween

Today, Halloween is upon us. The ancient Celtic roots are just underfoot at Samhain (summer's end) as we tread across the threshold from the light half of the year to the dark half, a time of fire and ice, hearth and home. Explore some roots and traditions below and enjoy your celebrations. 

Macnas Parade Galway 
Halloween Origins
Derry Halloween Celebrations
Halloween from Ireland to America

Ireland - Land of Saints and Scholars

Trinity College Dublin - www.tcd.ie

Ever fancy moving to Ireland, enrolling at Trinity College and studying some Irish History? Well, you can have a little slice of that dream from the comfort of home if you wish. Trinity College Dublin has offered a FREE online course "The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Mediavel Masterpiece."  The course is super easy to join, did I mention free, and it has just begun - available until Nov. 18th.

Page from Book of Kells - www.tcd.ie

It is a self paced 4 week course. I've already been through the course material for week one. It is fascinating and well presented with articles, videos, and interactive media. The course is offered through www.futurelearn.com which offers tons of other free online courses (also of note Irish 102: An Introduction to Irish Language & Culture). So go sign up, sharpen you pencils and your wits for a journey through Medieval Ireland. Grab a scarf and a hot cuppa tea as you imagine with me - strolling through the Autumn grounds of Trinity College, into the Long Room Library to learn in the land of Saints & Scholars.

The Long Room at Trinity College Dublin www.tcd.ie