Marion McGarry

RTÉ Brainstorm

Dr Marion McGarry is an art historian, author, independent researcher and lecturer at the Atlantic Technological University

When Lent in Ireland meant no sex, music, alcohol or merrymaking

For our ancestors, Ash Wednesday marked the start of 40 days of fasting, penitence and denial

The day before Lent began may have involved feasting and food, but it certainly wasn't a good day for single people

How a Galway goldsmith with a colourful past created an Irish design icon of love, jewellery and folklore

From the Biddy boys and Brat Bríde to holy wells and Brigid's crosses, February 1st was marked with great gusto in old Ireland

There are many Irish folk rituals associated with 6 January, the last day of Christmas and the day known as Nollaig na mBan

When it came to weather forecasts and predictions, Irish folklore could give Met Éireann a run for their money

Here are seven snapshots of how Christmas used to be marked in Ireland

Christmas carols like the Wexford Carol can be a conduit for joy and celebration in the darkest of times

The general belief was that you should leave the statue outside under a bush the night before the wedding to ensure good weather

From the Christmas box to An Margadh Mór, here are some memorable Irish Christmas traditions from years past