Journeys on Screen: One Million Dubliners

One Million Dubliners is very well done documentary about Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, affectionately referred to as the National Cemetery of Ireland, the resting place of many of Ireland's rebels and heroes, writers and musicians, mums and dads. It is a fascinating look into not only the history of the cemetery and its cultural legacy but the day to day business of running such a place, of providing such an important service to families. This is a beautifully shot film, respectfully made. As you'll learn from the film, Glasnevin offers tours through which ages of Irish history is told in a profound and engaging way. This documentary helps tell its story. 

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Marching in the Green

It is March - Finally. And now we can commence celebrating the great land of Ireland, its patron saint, Patrick, and the return of spring. 

Journeys On Screen: Castle Builders

Castle Builders (streaming on Amazon Prime) has been one of my favorite docuseries that I've encountered. It covers the evolution of the castle from motte and bailey and wooden structures to the epitome of fortress such as Caerphilly above to the grandiose Chateaux of France in later years. Very educational and engaging while taking you on a voyage to some of the greatest castles in Britain and Europe. 

Climbing Toward Spring

Happy Saint Brigid's Day, Imbolc, Groundhogs Day (tomorrow) and the arrival of spring - that most hopeful of seasons! I love that on the old Celtic wheel of the year now is the very start of spring, as the inklings of color return as color pops of crocuses, tree buds swell, and I can feel the thrum of green underground. (A better time than January 1st to set goals, aspirations, resolutions, in my opinion). Of course, here in my neck of the woods winter often clings much later and we consider Spring Equinox the beginning of Spring. Optimistically, I prefer today as the beginning. Many blessings as nature heralds in the green. 

Read more about today in the Celtic tradition HERE. 

Journeys on Screen: A B&B Roadtrip

A Full Irish Breakfast

Daniel & Majella's B&B Roadtrip is a lighthearted show that follows famous Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell and his wife Majella as they tour around Ireland hopping from one Bed and Breakfast to another, letting their hosts choose their daily activities. More than anything I loved how much the show reminded me of my own trips - of hot breakfasts in cozy dining rooms, of seaside views from my room, of the warm welcome from hosts across the country. This is a fun little jaunt across the Emerald Isle streaming on Amazon Prime.

Journeys on Screen: Scottish Islands and Lochs

Paul Merton exploring Scotland's Lochs and Islands

If you can't get there by plane, train, or your own two feet, how about grabbing a hot cuppa tea and your tv remote and setting off to explore the Celtic Isles of Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain! It's great for armchair travelers, cozy couch explorers as well as those trying to plan a journey to these wild and wondrous islands.

BBC One's Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands (seasons 1-4) and Grand Tours of Scottish Lochs (season 1) are two very impressive travel shows hosted by Paul Merton. This show offers some great scenery but also is engages with the unique Scottish culture and explores the history of land and people. Quite a fascinating show that delves way deeper into the land of the Scots than just the normal tourist destinations. They are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Scottish Relics: Craignethan Castle

The Castle Keep

Craignethan Castle in Lanarkshire was built around 1530.

 It overlooks the River Nethan and a great gorge. 

Lots of tunnels and corridors to explore here.

The River Nethan from a lookout on short hike from the castle. 

Magical Hawthorn in Bloom

On the hike below the castle