Category: Publications

An ould yoke

Learn how the word ‘yoke’ was used in Old Irish in today’s episode of Spreading the Words

Did you know that beards were status symbols in the world of early Irish literature?

Learn more in today’s episode of Spreading the Words on the word ulcha.

Eight-legged wild little ox

What are we to make of the word damhán alla? Let’s try and shed some light on its origins in today’s episode of Spreading the…

A voyage of the mind

In this episode of Spreading the Words we learn about Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill’s use of the word immram.

An edible purple seaweed

A word dear to Seamus Heaney, how does ‘dulse’ feature in medieval Irish law, literature and medicine?

What’s the relationship between the Irish adjective bog ‘soft’ and the English noun meaning ‘bogland’?

In this episode of Spreading the Words we learn about Seamus Heaney’s use of the word bog.

Spreading the Words: a new podcast

Histories of Irish words from literature and everyday life by the authors of A history of Ireland in 100 words.

Could medieval Irish people swim?

Hear about traditions of wild swimming in this episode of Spreading the Words.

Birds of Clare Island: Reed Bunting

On Day 9 of Heritage Week we learn about a common resident on Clare Island, featuring in New Survey of Clare Island, vol. 9: Birds.

Birds of Clare Island: Yellowhammer

On Day 8 of Heritage Week we introduce a species that is now extinct on Clare Island, featuring in New Survey of Clare Island, vol.…

Birds of Clare Island: Rock Pipit

On Day 7 of Heritage Week we introduce a common resident on the shores of Clare Island featuring in New Survey of Clare Island, vol.…

Birds of Clare Island: Dipper

On Day 6 of Heritage Week we learn about a very rare occasional visitor on Clare Island, featuring in New Survey of Clare Island, vol.…