Hi everyone!

I had hoped to have my book published and out by now. But I’ve been busy with my other business and haven’t had the time to get the book moving properly.

While the project is still in the works, I wanted to share a small taste of what it will feel like when you open The Daily Dose of Irish. Imagine picking it up on October 15th and reading your daily bit of Irish history, humour, and language.

For anyone wondering what I’m talking about, The Daily Dose of Irish is the hardback book I’m writing that you can open any day of the year to get your fill of Irish craic. Inside, you’ll find everything from jokes and poems to stories from Irish history, myths, and language, a full dose of Irish spirit for every single day.

What will it look like?

Each day’s entry will have two pages. The left page will feel like your weekly Dose of Irish email, with that familiar mix of wit, warmth, and wisdom. The right page will dive deeper into Irish culture, featuring legends, language, history, or maybe a famous Irish face.

Below is a little preview of what you might find on today’s page.

 On This Day in Irish History

15 October 1843 – One of the most powerful voices in Irish history, Daniel O’Connell, held the last of his legendary “Monster Meetings” at Clontarf, just outside Dublin. More than 200,000 people gathered peacefully to demand the repeal of the Act of Union, the law that merged the Irish and British parliaments in 1801.

O’Connell, known as The Liberator, had already won Catholic Emancipation in 1829 and now turned his focus to Irish legislative independence. The British authorities, fearing the strength of his peaceful movement, banned future gatherings. True to his principles, O’Connell chose to cancel the next meeting rather than risk bloodshed.

Though the campaign was halted, it sparked a flame that would burn through Irish history. The dream of Irish self-rule didn’t end in Clontarf; it was only beginning.

Did you know?

Clontarf was also the site of the famous Battle of Clontarf in 1014, where Brian Boru defeated the Vikings. Two great moments of Irish history in one place!

 Irish Word of the Day: Sláinte!

Sláinte (pronounced slawn-cha) means “health,” and it’s how we say “cheers” in Irish. Whether you’re raising a pint of Guinness, a glass of whiskey, or just a cup of tea, say it with pride.

Use it like this:

“To good health and even better craic — Sláinte!”

And if you want to sound extra Irish, say:

“Sláinte is táinte!”

That means “Health and wealth!” 

 Irish Celebrity Spotlight: Oscar Wilde

Born on 16 October 1854, the ever-iconic Oscar Wilde was a Dubliner with wit as sharp as a west coast breeze. A poet, playwright, and master of one-liners, Wilde is still celebrated for his brilliance, humour, and fearless individuality.

One of his best-loved quotes:

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

Wilde knew how to entertain, provoke, and inspire — all while wrapped in velvet and charm.

Fun Fact:

His full name was Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde — a name as wonderfully Irish as the man himself.

 Big Irish Quiz of the Week

Test your Irish knowledge! Grab a pen, gather your friends, and see how many you can get right before checking the answers at the bottom.

Which Irish county is famously known as “The Kingdom”?

A) Cork

B) Kerry

C) Donegal

D) Tipperary

What ancient Irish festival marked the start of winter and inspired Halloween?

A) Imbolc

B) Beltane

C) Samhain

D) Lughnasa

Which famous Irish author wrote Dracula?

A) James Joyce

B) W. B. Yeats

C) Oscar Wilde

D) Bram Stoker

What is the capital city of Northern Ireland?

A) Derry

B) Armagh

C) Belfast

D) Newry

Which Irish sport uses a round ball that can be carried, kicked, and hand-passed?

A) Hurling

B) Gaelic Football

C) Camogie

D) Rounders

 Answers (no peeking!)

1. B) Kerry – The Kingdom itself, known for its beauty, pride, and pure Irish heart.
2. C) Samhain – The ancient festival that gave the world Halloween.
3. D) Bram Stoker – The Dublin writer who introduced Dracula to the world.
4. C) Belfast – Capital of Northern Ireland and birthplace of the Titanic.
5. B) Gaelic Football – Fast, fierce, and as Irish as a hot chicken roll after a match.

 How did you do?

5/5: You’re a true Irish legend 

4/5: Nearly perfect — fair play 

3/5: Not bad at all, keep at it 

1–2/5: Ah, sure, we’ll teach you over a pint 

 Final Word from Me

That’s just a small taste of what you’ll find in The Daily Dose of Irish. A full year of Irish craic, history, language, stories, and humour, all in one beautiful book. Open it any day of the year and get your fill of Irish soul.

I’m genuinely excited to share this with you. Whether you’re proudly Irish or just have a soft spot for the culture, this book is made for you.

Thanks so much for being part of the journey so far. Your support, encouragement, and love for all things Irish mean more than you know.

If you’ve any thoughts, ideas, or something you’d love to see in the book, just reply and let me know.

Talk soon,

Stephen Palmer