Stories from Northern Ireland

What the EU meant to me growing up …

Two recollections — firstly about an experience I had when living in England, and secondly some impressions of the European Union as a child …

When I was growing up in County Armagh, England seemed like the promised land.

The Riot

You know that feeling? The one when something was about to happen, but you were considered too little to understand?

I wonder how he knew there’d be a riot?

My dad moved urgently. He was concerned, agitated … anticipating … and I think perhaps curious about…

Bells of Belfast

Another time for a get away this time for my friends Birthday. After her friend from Germany decided she couldn’t make it, it was decided that she would go away anyway and invited me along to share it with her so off to Belfast we went.

Belfast’s Writers

Never meet your heroes. Well, that’s the conventional wisdom. I have a couple of heroes who became heroes to me after I met them, but supposedly, your favourite musicians and authors can never crack up to your imagination of them. Meeting my favourite graffiti artists is something I sometimes…

The Honest Ulsterman

A story about a family and their future amidst The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

“Joan, I’m not sure how much longer we can wait,” Sam said, taking off his hat, setting down his accordion, and closing the door…

Belfast

An American love letter

I wanted to touch down in Irish grey, in lashing rain and churchly dampness…