Author Archives: Theresa

Northern Ireland’s Lough Neagh & “Bally”

Lough Neagh (pronounced lokh nay) is Britain’s and Ireland’s largest freshwater lake at 151 square miles of surface area. It is famous for its world’s finest tasting eels. The prefix “Bally” before a village name means “place of” ei: Ballycastle, Ballymoney. The greatest number of villages with this prefix are in Northern Ireland. Pictured aboveContinue reading “Northern Ireland’s Lough Neagh & “Bally””

Split Personalities (DID)

(DID) Dissociative Identity Disorder refers to two or more dissimilar personalities in one person. Childhood trauma can result in this mental disorder. The young mind tries to detach or escape from a severe upheaval they have experienced. Their alternate personalities may be different in behavior, gender, name, and preferences. They may or may not beContinue reading “Split Personalities (DID)”

Inside an Irish Pub

Pubs in Ireland are not like bars in America. These public—“pub” for short—gathering places provide meals and entertainment for all ages until 9:00 pm.  After that, only adults are allowed because some pub-dwellers became inebriated. In a typical pub in Ireland, you can dance to live traditional Irish music. If you prefer, a fireplace willContinue reading “Inside an Irish Pub”

The Irish Language and Gaelic

Many speak Irish in Ireland. From my research, apparently Irish is a language of its own and sounds different from Gaelic. Both languages have the same root. Some speak Gaelic in Northern Ireland and Scotland. When we visited a pub in County Mayo, we heard only Irish, not English, spoken. On their local radio stationContinue reading “The Irish Language and Gaelic”

Driving While Under the Influence of a Sleeping Pill

While “asleep” under a sedative-hypnotic, like Ambien, some have made phone calls, drove, and been involved in other interesting activities. When they awaken, sometimes they have no memory of their activity. Other side effects include decreased awareness, hallucinations, and changes in behavior. A popular sedative-hypnotic has become well-known for its odd side effects. It takesContinue reading “Driving While Under the Influence of a Sleeping Pill”

Revolution by Helping, Not Hurting

While in prison, Shane Paul O’Doherty learned of another revolutionary, Jesus. Now, Shane speaks of how Jesus was prepared to suffer, more than to use violence. Jesus loved and helped them. He didn’t hurt them. He only used peaceful means to change things. (paraphrased). Shane wants to follow Jesus’ example. At fifteen, Shane had joinedContinue reading “Revolution by Helping, Not Hurting”

Belfast Bonfires

On the night before the Orange Parade, young Protestant loyalists build towering bonfires out of pallets, etc. Sometimes they are over 100 feet high. Since 1690, bonfires have been built on this day in July to celebrate Protestant ascendency over Catholics. These young builders want to keep this tradition going. For more information see myContinue reading “Belfast Bonfires”

Any snakes on the isle of Ireland?

Did you hear the legend of St. Patrick driving snakes out of Ireland? Some say he didn’t need to; Ireland never had snakes. I wasn’t there, so don’t know. The more north you travel, like Alaska, the less reptiles you find. That includes snakes. Scientists claim once the earth warmed from the ice age, aContinue reading “Any snakes on the isle of Ireland?”

Saint Patrick Kidnapped at Sixteen

Saint Patrick was born on the west coast of Northern England in 386 AD to a wealthy Protestant family. When he was 16, Irish pirates kidnapped him and took him to County Antrim in Northern Ireland. They enslaved him for six years. God spoke to him in a dream about escaping. He did escape butContinue reading “Saint Patrick Kidnapped at Sixteen”