NOTE: The Glen takes no commissions, fees, or advertising from the businesses, artists, craftspeople, and musicians who appear here (or for that matter, anyone!). We display only what we consider superior work or products, most of which we have seen or used ourselves. However, we cannot and will not be responsible for any problems or issues arising from individual transactions.
Teanga / Language
Gaeilge / Irish
"gann Teanga, gann Tir!" - "Without (a) Language, without (a) Country!" - Sean-fhacal / Proverb
It has been said many times many ways, but the essence of this is correct. A people without their own language have no country.
The Bard na nGleann Group has a novel approach to keeping Irish speakers in Ireland and providing jobs in the Gaeltacht. Founded by Tom Fitzgerald, (himself an Irish speaker and entrepreneur), BNG is providing jobs in the Gaeltacht in fields as diverse as tech writing to Irish language training and publications.
Gaeltalk is an on-line Irish language resource from Bard Group, designed, operated, and staffed by Irish speakers, which includes a unique live on-line module with native speakers via Skype. Gaeltalk recently won the prestigious European Languages Award. Many students have progressed well, and some have gone on to visit the Gaeltachts in Ireland.
Another great resource for learners who can make the trip are the Gaelic cultural centers in the Gaeltachts. Among these are is the Glencolmcille center in Donegal run by Oideas Gael.
Liam O Cuinnegain and his staff have done a tremendous job since 1984 in setting up and running one of the finest Gaelic language and cultural courses, all in an incredibly beautiful setting in scenic rural Donegal's justly famed Atlantic Highlands.
The area offers courses in language, culture, and folk-arts, music, and archaeology. (The area has a number of ancient monuments ranging from pagan times to early Christian, including the tombs of the ancient inhabitants.) During my last visit, I asked Liam, a native of the Glen, how long his people had been there. He thought about it for a moment and then said simply; "Forever, I suppose." The latest work in DNA indicates that he may well be right! It would seem the Gaelic-named Irish in the West have indeed been there at least since the Paleolithic era, and possibly the Mesolithic! Later, as I drove out of that magic place of history, I thought that the old stones of the ancient graves could well hold the bones of his ancestors! Visit the Glen and see and experience the magic for yourself!
Contact Oideas Gael for details.
Ghaidhlig / Scottish Gaelic
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is Scotland's only Gaelic college. Situated on the scenic Isle of Skye, it delivers programs for every level and interest. There are short and full-time courses, postgraduate and distance learning, as well as many other programmes. Visit them on the web or in person!
Cultar / Culture
The following museums offer a wide variety of fascinating cultural artifacts and books from all periods and regions of Celtic history. Each has its own unique and interesting assets.
The Tara Brooch, National Museum of Ireland
The National Museums of Scotland
Other Cultural Organizations
The Western Institute for Irish Studies is an organization devoted to research of the Irish in the Western United States and their link to contemporary Ireland.
My good friend, the talented Celtic scholar Dr. Michael Newton, has two excellent Celtic resource sites. The first, Saorsmedia, specializes in the Scots Gaels' experience in America, and has among other things, his excellent books and recordings on this topic. He also has a fascinating new site. Finding the Celtic is, in his words; "an experiment to create an online digital humanities collaboratory for Celtic Studies funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. It will enable users to locate, access, and annotate resources for Celtic Studies, to share their work and research, and to enable digital publication." I highly recommend taking a look at and supporting this project.
Another project of great interest is [http://www.ucc.ie/celt|CELT]], the Corpus of Electronic Texts, which brings the wealth of Irish literary and historical culture to the Internet, for the use and benefit of everyone worldwide. It has a searchable online textbase consisting of 940 contemporary and historical documents from many areas, including literature and the other arts. It is an invaluable resource for all serious scholars, and a marvelous learning tool for all. CELT grew out of a number of earlier projects, one of which, THL, (Thesaurus Linguarum Hiberniae) was funded in large part by the generosity of Dr. Marianne McDonald, a Greek scholar of Irish descent.
Ceol / Music
My good friend Sean Folsom is a world-class piper and entertainer. Sean plays not only pipes, but many different world folk instruments, and is available for schools, corporate meetings, parties, and more. For further information, see Oliver Seeler's excellent "Hotpipes" site, The Music of Sean Folsom, or contact Sean at seanthepiper@yahoo.com
My friends Ann and Charlie Heymann are Cláirseach, a group dedicated to the revival and recreation of the music of the ancient Irish wire-strung harp. Ann is among the foremost exponents of this revival, and one of the finest players and researchers. Her latest release, "Cruit go nÓr" (Harp of Gold) is now available, as are a number of her former releases. All are gems! Contact her at her site for details.
The cover of Ann's new release, "Cruit go nÓr" (Harp of Gold)
Dr. Michael Newman (mentioned above) also has books and a collection of Scots Gaelic songs available at his website. I highly recommend his work, both books and CDs.
The noted piper Barnaby Brown and Bill Taylor (no known relation to the author) set up Clarsach.net, a tremendous web resource for Celtic harping. Simon Chadwick and his talented team of contributors now have what is probably the premiere site for Celtic harping on the web. The site includes work by the noted Grainne Yeats, Ann Heymann]] of Clairseach, and many others. Simon also has his own specialty site Early Gaelic Harp another great resource for those interested in the history and background of harping.
Piobaireachd.com is a great site for the promulgation of céol mor (aka píobaíreachd), the classical music of the Highland pipes.
Bob Dunsire's excellent and comprehensive bagpipe site has grown into one of the biggest piping out there. Bob and his moderators (who include the patient Andrew Lenz ) have developed a fabulous pipe resource covering almost all aspects of piping. I highly recommend a visit!
Cló Iar-Chonnachta is a traditional Irish music label and book publisher based in Galway, Ireland. Pay them a visit!
Dale Wisely's Chiff and Fipple has become a huge site, with massive resources for those interested not only in whistles, but in flutes and pipes as well. They have reviews, discussion boards, FAQs, and many links for all levels of interest and ability.
Here are some makers I can personally recommend from my own experience with their instruments. Abell and Copeland are the "gold standard" of whistles, and priced accordingly. However, they are true musical instruments with a gorgeous sound. Ronaldo Reyburn in Oregon makes very fine products, with great sound, for what I consider a very good price.
Na Píobairí Uilleann, the Irish pipers' union, is one of the main resource pages for those who aspire to play one of Ireland's oldest and most respected instruments.
An Claidheamh Soluis, the Los Angeles Celtic Arts Center has produced a compilation CD - "Ceiltis - 20 Years On" - to commemorate the Center's 20th year. There are many tracks from top artists who have performed at ACS, and there is something for every taste, traditional to modern. Sales will benefit ACS. Purchases can be made online at CD Baby. You can also hear samples. (Cover art by Adrien Rain Burke.)
The Comhlan Luadh Bhaideanach has issued an excellent CD of Orain Luaidh (waulking songs) and tunes, traditional and newly composed "Fo Sgaile Creag Dubh." There is some excellent music, and small-pipes, and even the sound of dancers to be heard.
Dealbhan / Art
Adrien Rain Burke, a talented modern Celtic artist and writer, has contributed this piece. Adrien is the producer of the Celtic CD for ACS (above) and her artwork adorns the cover. Her work is available by commission and sale. To see more of her work, see her portfolio. She is also going to be offering crocheted lace tiaras with Irish themes. Contact her for further information at: eandubh@ca.rr.com
Mr. Peter Stubbs of EdinPhoto - Great photography of Scotland, available for purchase.
Ceàrdean / Craftspeople
Peter E. MacDonald is a researcher and custom handloom weaver of old and rare tartan setts. He formerly worked with the STRS (Scottish Tartan Research Society) as a research curator and weaver. He researches and designs tartan setts, period clothing, and related arts. He can reproduce exquisite old tartans matched to natural dye colors.
Donnie Shearer, The Mad Piper, is a retired Marine SNCO and former combat photographer, who repairs and makes top-quality, well-balanced, reproductions of antique weapons, specializing in Scottish swords and dirks. He also does restoration from fabricating missing pieces, basket straightening, grip restoration, dent removal in metal scabbards, re-nickeling baskets, polishing blades and restoring etching. Donnie has done a number of projects for me, including restoration work, all have been outstanding. He lives and works in the US, and is a Burgess Hammerman of The Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow.
Allen style hilt by The Mad Piper
An targaid (the targe or shield) was the Highlanders' main defence. The front was decorated with brass or silver, and the leather tooled in Celtic patterns. Some targes had a spike. In 1745, a William Lindsay of Perth made targes for Bonnie Prince Charlie's army. Now Joe Lindsay is making fine targes 8 miles from Culloden.
Keppoch Targe
Based on targe used by Alasdair Macdonell of Keppoch, killed at Culloden, 1746
Celtic Warrior Armor by The Lonely Mountain Forge
The Lonely Mountain Forge supplies handcrafted Celtic and other historic and fantasy armor, weapons, and art metalwork to historical reenactors, collectors, and other enthusiasts. The Forge is run by Joe Piela and Jenna Brocious, Master Metalsmiths and historical reenactors.
Bùthan/ Shops
Here you can find books, music, DVDs, and other media relating to the Celts, as well as quality gift items.
My old friend, Iain Sherwood, runs Cuillinn Craft, a Scottish imports and crafts shop specializing in bagpipes, Highland dress, and related items. He is also a piper, and is available for work in the San Francisco Bay area.
Litriocht is part of Bard Group (see above), and is a one-stop resource for Irish books, recordings, and related resources. Among the offerings is the all-Irish language musical play "Aisling" which was written and produced by the House of Ireland Irish class in San Diego (!) a few years ago (led by the talented Tom Page, son of the late, great Irish piper Dave Page).
The Siopa is the outlet for Oideas Gael (see above), and offers Irish language and related recordings and materials.
Seanachas / History and Genealogy
Fianna is a great site for both genealogy and history, mainly Irish.
Rud Eile / Other Things
My old friends at Celtic Heritage magazine in Halifax are worth seeing. They publish a colorful and interesting magazine that covers many aspects of Celtic life and culture.
My wife's site for any of you (or your wives or friends) who appreciate quilting: http://www.glenquilts.com
G. Gedney Godwin, Sutler, offers: "a complete line of items useful to the military man; such as muskets, bayonets, leather goods, uniforms, cocked hats, diverse sorts of brazen sundries, &c., all done in the neatest manner." Among these are Highland goods for re-enactors.
Snowbird Mail and Message in Newport, OR, runs a great mail forwarding and message service that we have been using since 2006. Despite the fact that we have been living and traveling abroad, Snowbird has always come through for us, often going far "above and beyond" in their service! They are friendly, professional, and provide a great service! If you need a forwarding service, make them your first choice!
