Category Archives: Around the world

How goes the shamrock in Ireland?

Posted on January 23, 2017 by sarthure

The shamrock. A familiar Irish symbol, featuring alongside the harp and round tower, thatched house and donkey on all sorts of material destined for the tourist market. Witness my new socks below. In primary school, we learned how St Patrick … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Flora, Ireland, Material culture, Migration, Travelling | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The view at Loughcrew

Posted on November 11, 2016 by sarthure

I went to Loughcrew a few days ago to see the passage tombs. It’s not too far from my home town of Trim. You can visit Loughcrew any time you like during daylight hours, walk around the outside of the cairns, … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Folk traditions, Folklore, Ireland | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on The view at Loughcrew

A few words on the art of sieving

Posted on September 5, 2016 by sarthure

Archaeologists use various tools to survey and excavate sites. Some are very expensive and require specialist expertise – see Geophys at dawn for images of us working on Baker’s Flat with some of that particular kit. Some are much cheaper and easier to recognise … Continue reading →

Posted in Baker's Flat, Excavation, Field work, Kapunda, South Australia | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Shortlisted! Littlewoods Ireland Blog Awards 2016

Posted on August 17, 2016 by sarthure

Update 31 August 2016: I’m through to the finals! Thank you readers for the votes, and thank you judges for the judgement.  I was very happy this morning to open my emails and see that Don’t Forget Your Shovel has been shortlisted … Continue reading →

Posted in Ireland | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Baker’s Flat: a reenactment

Posted on August 13, 2016 by sarthure

In 1880, the Kapunda Herald gave an account of an incident on Baker’s Flat involving several of the Irish women living there and some unfortunate would-be fencers. It went something like this. Three men – William Grabert, Francis Pinn and Robert Hooper – were employed … Continue reading →

Posted in Baker's Flat, Kapunda, South Australia | Tagged , , | 4 Comments