Irish Roots: How Can the Diaspora Connect Authentically?

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As someone who’s steeped in the traditions and teachings of Ireland, I often hear from folks in the diaspora longing to connect authentically with their Irish roots. It’s a journey that’s both deeply personal and culturally significant. And it’s literally my life’s work to provide authentic connection to Ireland, for those of us here on the island, and those abroad who wish to engage and learn respectfully.

So, let’s explore how you, as a member of our vast global Irish family (with an estimated membership of up to 80 million people), can nurture this vital connection from wherever you call home. Ready for some quality resources? (Click all the links!)

✨ Post by Lora O’Brien

Understanding Your Irish Heritage

The first step in this journey is understanding your Irish heritage. Researching your family history is more than just constructing a family tree; it’s about uncovering the stories and struggles that led your ancestors to where they are today.

Online resources like IrishGenealogy.ie, genealogy.nationalarchives.ie, askaboutireland.ie, databases.dublincity.ie and nidirect.gov.uk/proni supply the tools for practical research, and can be invaluable.

Time Sensitive… There’s an online talk | ‘Getting Started with Family History Research: Where do I begin?… The ideal place to start your family history research’. By National Library of Ireland. Date and time: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 · 1 – 1:45pm GMT. [Click to Join]

But don’t stop at names and dates; seek the stories. What were their lives like? What might they have believed, celebrated, or feared? This is where you begin to build a bridge back to your Irish roots.

Embracing Irish Cultural Practices

Irish culture is rich with practices that you can incorporate into your daily life, especially if you’re willing to dip a little towards the spiritual and magical side of things, as we do with the online courses at the Irish Pagan School.

Celebrating traditional festivals like Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine, or Lúnasa, for example, can be a way to align yourself with the cycle of seasons as our ancestors did.

While it’s unclear whether the ‘ancient Celts’ (whoever they were!) definitely celebrated the Irish Fire Festivals, we certainly have a whole lot of folk practice and traditions in the last few centuries. Take some time to learn about them, and align yourself in the ways you can.

Consider also integrating Irish music or dance into your life. Whether it’s learning a few steps of a traditional Irish dance or simply enjoying the soul-stirring melodies of Irish folk music, these are the threads that can connect you to the tapestry of Irish culture.

Avoid the likes of Clannad, or Celtic Woman, however. Try some Kíla instead, or even some Kneecap, if you’re feeling brave! These are the descendents of our Filí.

The Role of Language in Your Irish Roots

Gaeilge, the Irish language, is a powerful connector to our past. It’s a unique aspect of Irish identity and culture, and one which your ancestors may have had forcibly stripped from their mouths.

You don’t have to become fluent overnight, but learning even a few phrases can deepen your connection, as can listening to Irish language media such as TG4, so the tone and cadence of the language wakes up in your ears and your heart. Your Irish roots remember, trust that.

Resources like Duolingo or online courses from universities in Ireland, or Future Learn, offer accessible ways to start. Each word you learn (and use) is a small tribute, and an offering to your ancestors. And while you’re at it, definitely pick yourself up a copy of ‘Motherfoclóir: Dispatches from a not so dead language‘, by Darach O’Séaghdha.

You can thank me later.

Exploring Irish Cuisine

Food is a cornerstone of cultural identity, and Irish cuisine is no exception. Preparing traditional Irish dishes is a tangible and practical way to connect with your heritage.

(Aside: It’s also a great way to meet the Dagda!)

Whether it’s a hearty stew or baking soda bread, these recipes are steeped in history and handed down through generations. As you cook, consider the hands of your ancestors doing the same, connecting you through time.

Irish Literature and Folklore

Ireland’s literary tradition is a window into the soul of its people. From the ancient sagas to modern writers, Irish literature is imbued with the spirit of the land and our history, expressed from the heart of the authors who live and write here.

Now, do yourself a favour a favour and skip WB Yeats entirely. I know, I know, our US cousins in particular have a yearning for Yeats. But his folklore, in particular, is skewed, and even his poetry is filtered through the smudgy lense of the colonial Ascendency patrons he was writing for.

For mythology and folklore rewritten to suit a modern eye, while being firmly rooted in its origins, may I be so bold as to recommend my own book? I couldn’t find what I was looking for, my whole life, so I ended up writing the stories myself, in Tales of Old Ireland Re-told.

There are many other writers who are not me, of course. Try Frank Delaney’s top 10 Irish novels, the cosy mysteries of the Old Bat Chronicles by Nina Hayes, Ellen Ryan’s books on Gods and Goddesses of Ireland for younger folk, the truly haunting writing and social commentary of Louise O’Neill, or the Otherworldly work of Moira Fowley-Doyle such as Spellbook of the Lost and Found.

Dive into these works to understand the myths, legends, and everyday tales that shaped (and still shape) the Irish psyche.

Virtual Connection to Ireland

In today’s digital age, Ireland is just a click away. Virtual tours of historical sites, online seminars on Irish history, and digital archives of Irish art and music can bring you closer to Ireland.

Besides the many, many online classes – whether running live on the last Sunday of every month (always listed at the top of our home page here), or pre-recorded and available on demand (searchable by author or category here) – many museums and cultural institutions in Ireland now offer virtual experiences, allowing you to explore from your living room.

Where Will Your Irish Roots Lead You?

Connecting with your Irish roots from afar is a journey of discovery and celebration. It’s about finding those elements of Irish culture that resonate with you personally and weaving them into your life.

Remember, this connection is not just about looking back; it’s about bringing the richness of Irish heritage into your present and future. As you continue this journey, know that every step you take brings you closer to the land, the culture, and the spirit of Ireland.

As it really was, is, and ever will be.

😟 BUT HANG ON…

What if you don’t have any Irish ancestry or Irish heritage? But you still feel a strong connection to Ireland, even if you can’t explain it? Don’t worry, we have resources for you as well (and of course, much of the above is still applicable, and you’re so very welcome too!)