St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and people all over the world are beginning to channel that festive Irish cheer. Shamrocks — and their beloved four-leaf clover cousins, too — are springing up everywhere, their presence alone inspiring a heart celebration of all things Irish. However, no …

The confirmation of a child into the Catholic Church is one of the most sacred and spiritual rites available within the faith. By now, confirmation is a springtime ritual in parishes across the country, as boys and girls affirm their Catholic faith with the maturity of adulthood. To make the occa …

This week marks 187 years since Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland first opened its gates. In that time, over 1.5 million people have been buried on its grounds, and it has grown to become one of the most significant landmarks of the North Dublin landscape. Located on the Finglas Road in Dubli …

It’s one of the most common names in America as well as Ireland. But in addition to its widespread presence on both sides of the Atlantic, the name Ryan also has a long history with many famous bearers.It’s not clear when and where the earliest version of the name Ryan appeared, or even which of sev …

"I can't believe the news today," the song starts. "Oh, I can't close my eyes, And make it go away." The lyrics to U2's hit song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is known by millions, but the specific event that it commemorates resonates perhaps most intimately with those directly effected by the events of Ja …

In Irish history, the events of the 1916 Rising are understood to have been a turning point of near-cataclysmic proportions. By the end of its one-week duration, almost 400 people had died — and this was before the British troops had even begun any attempt to quash ideas of further rebellion by puni …