🎄✨ The Christmas Countdown Is On…

It’s nearly Nollaig, and if you’re anything like me, you’re either halfway through your gift list… or still pretending the 23rd is plenty of time. 😅

I was lucky enough to be back in Cork recently, visiting family – it was lovely to be home, catch up over proper tea, and soak up that Irish December air (you know the one that hits different down by the sea).

But sure, wouldn’t you know it… I came back and spent the whole following week flat out with the flu. Not ideal. Hot water bottles, lemon and honey, the whole works. Grand timing altogether.

But I'm finally back on my feet – and just in time to send you a festive helping of Irish humour, history, and a good ol’ Christmas quiz. So grab a cuppa and enjoy this week’s dose. 🎁

💬 Irish Quote of the Week:

"May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve."

Simple, and a good reminder to keep a bit of wonder – no matter how many times you’ve heard Fairytale of New York this week.

😂 Irish Joke of the Week:

Why doesn’t Santa ever visit Irish pubs early in the night?

Because he knows what “just the one” really means. 🍻

🧠 Irish Christmas Quiz 🎅🎄

How much do you actually know about Irish Christmas traditions? Let’s see how sharp you are:

🇮🇪 What’s the Irish phrase for “Happy Christmas”?

A. Sláinte Nollaig

B. Nollaig shona duit

C. Lá Fhéile Nollaig

D. Go raibh maith agat Santa

🎁 What’s “Little Christmas” or “Women’s Christmas” called in Ireland?

A. Nollaig Mór

B. Nollaig na mBan

C. Nollaig Bheag

D. Féile na Mban

🕯️ What do many Irish families place in the window on Christmas Eve?

A. A stocking

B. A candle

C. A fairy light

D. A wreath

🎶 What Irish Christmas classic begins with: "It was Christmas Eve, babe..."

A. The Boys Are Back in Town

B. Whiskey in the Jar

C. A Fairytale of New York

D. Silent Night (Oíche Chiúin)

🐟 What fish is commonly eaten in Ireland on Christmas Eve in Catholic households?

A. Cod

B. Salmon

C. Smoked Haddock

D. Mackerel

(Answers at the end – no peeking.)

🗺️ Bit of Irish History – Battle of Kinsale

This week in 1601, my own hometown of Kinsale, Co. Cork, became the centre of one of Ireland’s most defining battles.

Irish chieftains, with support from Spanish allies, made a final stand against English forces. The result? A defeat that changed the course of Irish history, marking the end of the old Gaelic order.

Today, Kinsale is full of cafés, charm, and colour – but it still holds the weight of that moment. A walk through Charles Fort isn’t just scenic – it’s historic.

🗣️ Irish Word of the Week:

“Nollaig” (pronounced null-ig) – Christmas!

• “Nollaig shona duit” – Happy Christmas to you
• “Nollaig shona daoibh” – Happy Christmas to all of you

Say it to someone this week and watch their face light up – or confuse the life out of them if they’re not Irish 😂

📲 Trending on Instagram:

Plenty more where that came from. Come say hi:

👉 @irisharoundtheworld

📝 Quiz Answers:

1. ✅ B. Nollaig shona duit
2. ✅ B. Nollaig na mBan – celebrated on January 6th
3. ✅ B. A candle – a long-standing tradition to welcome Mary and Joseph
4. ✅ C. A Fairytale of New York – by The Pogues, of course
5. ✅ C. Smoked Haddock – often eaten on Christmas Eve before the big feast

🎁 Final Thought:

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect – just honest. A bit of laughter, a bit of chaos, a few too many sweets, and maybe a story or two from the past that still makes everyone laugh.

So wherever you are this week – home in Ireland or somewhere far away – know that you're part of a worldwide Irish family.

Nollaig shona daoibh, a chairde.

Hope it’s full of warmth, calm, and maybe one more roast potato than you planned for. 🥔

Slán go fóill,

Stephen – finally flu-free and back at the keyboard in Kinsale