The Community: ☘️GaelStack☘️ 2026
All things Irish on Substack
Fáilte! (Welcome!)
…to a special edition of The Gaelic Effect, featuring Gael-Stack 2026, a compendium of all things Irish on Substack!
First, who am I? I have enjoyed a life-long passion in Irish literature and culture—from completing an M.Phil. in Anglo-Irish literature in socio-historical contexts at Trinity College, Dublin, to completing a Ph.D. on the construction of Irish national identity. In between, I have traveled extensively in Ireland and published frequently on Irish topics, interviewing Irish authors and activists, reviewing Irish films, and writing extensively about the St. Patrick’s Day disputes in Boston and New York. I also created and led the first literary walking tours in Dublin. The Gaelic Effect is my current passion. It dives deep into indigenous Irish culture, with the Irish language as a portal. Through that portal, I explore what we’re capable of as human beings: a depth of community, respect and connection—with nature, others, and ourselves.
As a Gaeilgeoir (Irish langauge enthusiast) and Hibernophile, I was curious: Who else is out there in the Substack universe? Who makes up mo lucht cumainn (my friends and companions) here, the community of those who also celebrate Irish language and culture?
The Buzz of Community
Lucht means electrical current or contents and even cargo in Irish; yet it also refers to a group or community of people. In English, we add “-er” to a word to make it into a group or type of person (listeners, supporters, reporters, for example). In Irish, you use lucht. An lucht siúil, for example, are the Travelers (literally, the walking group of people); lucht farraige (seamen, seafarers—literally, people of the sea or sea-people); lucht eolais (the learned—literally, people of knowledge). There are dozens more, including lucht an bhurdúin (tale-bearers), lucht bruíne (trouble-makers), and lucht na mbothán (frequenters of neighbours’ houses). [See Teanglann for more.]
I love that Irish has a specific term for those who frequent their neighbors! This one phrase offers a keyhole into indigenous Irish culture, and the importance of conversation and community—the craic and all that’s in it. It connects me to community in other ways: the clachan and the meitheal. (See Longing for Meitheal in our Modern Times).
So who are mo lucht cumainn (my people or community here—my “neighbors”)? This time, between Imbolg/St. Bridget’s and St. Patrick’s Day, and during Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish week) seemed a fitting time to publish this community list for 2026. There are many compelling projects here, including some publishing in English and Irish. In the coming weeks, I’ll highlight my favorites in Notes.
I hope you enjoy GaelStack—and if you’re not yet a subscriber or (even better!) a paying subscriber, I would greatly appreciate your support. Your subscribing and financial “vote of confidence” makes labor intensive projects like Gael-Stack possible. Thanks in advance for reading and for all your do!
“Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.” (“We live in the shadow of each other.”)
☘️GaelStack☘️ 2026
A compendium of all things Irish on Substack Curated by The Gaelic Effect
Are you a lover of Irish language and culture? Here you will find a stór (a treasure trove) of Irish culture on Substack!
Publications specifically focused on Ireland, the Irish language, and/or Irish culture that publish regularly (in the last three months) are included here. If you meet the criteria, message me with the URL of your Substack and one-two lines about it.
Appreciate this project? Please consider becoming a paying subscriber or buy me a cuppa!
This is a labor of love and an on-going project. Have a suggestion? Let me know.
Taitneamh a bhaint as! (Enjoy!)
Table of Contents:
☘️Arts/Culture
☘️Business and IT
☘️Creativity
☘️De-Colonization and Indigenous Ireland
☘️Ecology/Climate
☘️Folklore
☘️Food/Food Culture
☘️Gardening
☘️History and Geneaology
☘️Land (and Living in Relation to/with It)
☘️Language/Learning Irish
☘️Literature/Writing
☘️Life in Ireland
☘️Music
☘️Mysticism
☘️Mythology
☘️News
☘️Outdoors
☘️Policy and Politics
☘️Religion
☘️Sports
☘️Travel
☘️Wisdom/Spirituality
☘️Women and Gender
ARCHIVE: Publications previously included not published in the last three months.
Arts/Culture
distracted from distraction by Cormac Mac Gearailt Visual arts, spoken word and music scene in Dublin, plus other topics.
Ireland Fashion Week All about Irish fashion week.
Irish of New York City Irish history, people and culture in New York City
The Irish Spanish Magazine by Ignacio Cayetano Stories about Ireland and Irish-Spanish connections (in Spanish with some articles in English)
Untold Stories of Irish America by Liam Alex Heffron. A skeptical view of Ireland and America. New. First essay on Manchán Magan.
Business and IT
Beyond the Budget by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council How the Irish government is mangaging public finances and the economy.
Ed’s Substack by Ed O’Riordan The startup ecosystem in Ireland.
Creativity
The Wild Edge by Clare Mulvany The transformative power of creativity, following the rhythm and rituals of the Celtic seasons.
De-Colonization and Indigenous Ireland
Éire Dhúchasach (Indigenous Ireland) Explores what it means to be indigenous on the island of Ireland. In Irish and English.
The Gaelic Effect by Dian Killian Indigenous Irish culture and human hope and potential through the lens of the Irish language.
Gaelic Re-existence by Jimmy Ó Briain Billings Exploring decolonization and cultural (re)connection to land in Ireland.
Ecology/Climate
From the Hedges by Cedar Monroe Nature based spirituality and the land, in the context of climate justice.
Irish Planning and Environmental Law by Michael Furminger BL News, information and explanation of Irish planning and environmental law.
Folklore
The Pale Horse Thoughts on Horror cinema, folklore and Tarot.
Food/Food Culture
Chip Paper by Russell & Patrick Food essays and industry deep-dives from Sunday Times Ireland restaurant critics Patrick Hanlon & Russell Alford, often focusing on Ireland.
Investigations of Irish Food by JP McMahon Food archeology, history, culture and policy.
The Irish Stew by John & Sally McKenna Restaurant and book reviews, profiles, and other news related to food and wine in Ireland.
Ómós Digest Gastronomic inspiration and collaboration; food culture and community.
Gardening
Danu’s Irish Herb Garden Substack by Terri Conroy Organic gardening, medicinal plants and working with nature.
History & Genealogy
Curios of Irish History by B. R. McLaughlin Historical curiosities of Ireland, chiefly in North Antrim, including biographies of historical figures, landmarks, hagiographies, and literature.
Irish Family History Society Irish roots and geneology
The Irish Antiquarian All about Irish history, architecture, archaeology and culture.
The Irish History Brief by Rowan MacConville Monthly bibliographic report on Irish history.
Irish Republican Digital Archive A non-partisan history project established in 2024 to digitally archive Irish Republican documents.
Tales of the Troubles by Dan Darnoco Events that created one of the biggest civil wars the world has ever seen.
Land (and Living in Relation to/with It)
Bushsoul Living by Bébhinn. Inspired by Irish philosper John Moriarty, explores (often with cúpla focal—some Irish) re-wilding via a project in Wicklow.
Dancing with the Wild by Tonja Reichley Belonging (duchás) with land, story and heritage of Ireland.
Ella Young Society Events, publications, and productions about the Irish environmentalist Ella Young, her life and legacy.
Lucy Hearne Keane Experiences, observations and reflections on life, literature, travel and culture on a farm in the South West of Ireland.
Righting Space by Claire Reflections on living seasonally in the north of Ireland.
Wild Irish Farmstead by Carly Wright What it is to be human in coherence with the land and nature.
Language (An Teanga) / Learning Irish
Foghlaimeoir by Briana Ní Loinsigh Learning Irish as an Irish-American and what I’ve learned from the experience beyond the language itself. Posts in English and Irish.
Gaelscoil Online Parenting, teaching, and teaching the Irish language.
Kind of a Cure by Josephine Found paper art, writing, self-publishing, and the Irish language. Published in English and Irish.
The Language Question - Ceist na Teangan Dedicated to providing adult learners of Irish with strategies and tips for learning, with cultural context. Includes a newsletter and podcast/interviews.
Life in Ireland
After Santa Cruz by Linda Rosewood A native Californian’s life and observations about living in Ireland, with essays on other topics mixed in.
Another World is Possible by Annette Vaucanson Kelly Swimming on the east coast of Ireland, daring to imagine a future more beautiful.
Buggy Land by Mary Swander A tale of two homesteads, one among the Amish, the other in Connemara, Ireland.
Life in Ireland This newsletter explores aspects of living and freelancing in Ireland as an international expat.
Midlands Irish Survivors Service Information, advice and support for survivors of institutional abuse.
Treading Lightly by Kelly Hargie Walking in nature to connect with myself, the earth and the world in Northern Ireland.
Literature/Writing
Celtic Wordsmith by Rob McDonald Poetry informed by Irish history, poetry and place.
Glimmers by Kerri ní Dochartaigh A meditation on why we need creativity, inspiration, and beauty; now more than ever; often informed by Irish language/culture.
North Irish One by Judith McQuoid About C.S. Lewis and Irish life
Scribbles and Such by V.S. Coster Poetry, essays and short stories in Irish and English.
Senchas Claideb by Ethan Sabatella Sorcery, fantasy, cosmic horror, and historical fiction and fantasy all with roots in Celticism.
Uimhir a Naoise (Naois Content) by Naois Dolan Essays about language, literature and culture, in Irish.
Writing to Feed the Soul by Carolyn Brigit Flynn Nature, soul, life, family, love, spirit, dreams, poetry, history, synchronicity and resilience…often about Ireland and as an Irish-American.
Music
Anois, Os Ard by Eoin Murray Underground Irish music scene.
Clare Sands Bilingual singer, 6th generation fiddle player, and cross-continental swimmer, dedicated to sharing Irish culture & music around the world.
Mysticism
13 Celtic Moons & Trees by Akashadevi Moon missives based on the old Celtic tree calendar.
The Celtic Creatives by Jennifer Murphy Celtic-inspired rituals and the wisdom of our ancestors for creativity in our modern times.
Illuminating Wisdom by Tara Muirghein Weaving consciousness, pre-Celtic and earth wisdom, through poetry, sound and meditation.
Journey through the Tarot via Irish Herstory by Regina de Búrca Archetypal wisdom through the tarot, telling our stories and creating room for fresh perspectives.
Mythology:
The Art of Enchantment by Dr. Sharon Blackie Drawing heavily on Celtic myths and fairy tales, explores depth/ archetypal psychology, women’s stories, and re-imagining the second half of life and on place and belonging.
Healing Woman by Aoibhín McSwift (Re)-learner of the Irish language with a deep interest in Celtic Mythology and the history of women, I delve into the stories we hold in our hearts and in our DNA.
Irish Imbas Irish culture, history and mythology.
Myth Is Medicine by Marisa Goudy Mythology, storytelling, and creativity in the Irish tradition.
Supernatural Irish Irish myths, music, rituals, magic and ancestral wisdom
News
American Tá An Irish news feed.
The Detail Northern Ireland’s leading investigative news site.
Irish Writer Heaven by Séamus McKenna Current affairs and topical issues.
Outdoors
Ireland on the Fly Improve your fly fishing while learning more about the sport’s unique heritage and Ireland in the process.
The Lap by Charlie Daly Kayaking around Ireland for Parkinson’s.
Policy and Politics
An Spailpín Fánach by Anthony Munnelly. Commentary on news, media, government and sports.
Azure Forum Strategic Insights by The Azure Forum Policy-relevant commentary on national and international peace and security issues.
First Toil, then the Grave Opinion pieces on Irish and international politics, culture, philosophy and aesthetics.
Irish Long Game by John Burke Ireland’s long terms strategic future.
Irish Worker Notes Essays examining organizational challenges and future directions for political movements in Ireland and internationally.
Progress Ireland International policy ideas for Ireland.
The Fitzwilliam by Sam Enright Philosophy, history, policy and economics.
The Irish Politics Newsletter by Tull McAdoo Analysis and irreverent observations of Irish politics.
The Irish Polithick Making politics simple.
The Week in Housing by Michael Byrne Housing politics and policy, with a focus on Ireland.
The West’s Awake by Gerry O’Neill Commentary on news events and coverage in Ireland and abroad.
Religion in Ireland
A Gaelic Christian by Dustin A. Ashley Celtic culture and the early Irish church.
Karen’s Celtic Contemplations & Considerations by Karen Kerrigan Progressive Celtic Christianity, heritage and culture with mythology and folklore.
Sports
Design The Game by Kevin Mulcahy Coaching approaches and aspects of Gaelic football.
Éire Guide Complete news service about the Irish football team.
Harpin’ on Rugby by Jeff Pagano Leinster and Ireland rugby fan site.
The Part-Timer by Nathan Johns All things Irish cricket.
Republic Roundup Your home for all things football on the Emerald Isle, brought to you weekly.
Travel
Love Ireland by Scriptor Cogitationum, Samuel Whisperleaf and Narrative Nomad Ireland’s hidden stories, breathtaking travel secrets, and exclusive tips.
Wisdom/Spirituality
Anam Cara by William Promoting a more compassionate presence in a world full of chaos.
Emrys Y Dewin by Alan Jones An occasional newsletter on modern Druidry and Celtic spirituality.
The House of Oaks and Owls by Daithí Neavyn Stories, reflections, and personal musings on nature, belonging, and the journey of life.
Journey through the Tarot via Irish Herstory Irish women’s history as viewed through the tarot, and the first Irish language version of the Rider Waite Tarot deck.
Women and Gender
Centre for Gender in Politics Exploring gendered impacts of politics in Northern Ireland.
H A G by Ali Isaac Where female senescence intersects with Irish landscape, mythical and natural.
The Women of Ireland Project by Belinda Vigors What is it like to be a woman of Ireland and how have we come to be the way we are?
ARCHIVE: Publications previously included that have not published in the last three months
The Carbon Pulse by Mark Kelly Energy, climate change and the wider ecological crisis as it pertains to Ireland.
Gallagher’s Irish Celtic Corner by Bill Gallagher Irish culture, personalities. and current events.
Irish Immigrants to America by Jeannette Austin Irish immigrants to U.S. and geneology
My Irish Books Irish language books, publishing and language learning; in English and Irish.
Old Irish Recipes by Rosín Hynes Traditional Irish recipees and traditions.
Stone, Soil & Soul by Ramona McCloskey Interconnectedness of imperialism, capitalism and human exceptionalism and alienation from nature.
Tales of Forgotten Irish History Untold stories from Ireland’s past
This Day in Irish History Key events from Irish history on the anniversary of when they occurred.
Your Irish History Fix All things curious and unknown from the past
Or support The Gaelic Effect and its mission by “buying me a cup of coffee” —making a one-time donation anseo (clicking here).
Hi Dian
Tá sé seo ar fheabhas. Go raibh míle. Thosaigh mé substack tamaill beag ó shoin
@bushsoulliving
Here, I explore how to live from the Bush Soul, a phrase used by the Irish mystic John Moriarty, as a joyous opportunity to help heal self, species-wide community and planet. Based in Wicklow. Including Gaeilge as a portal to living from Bush Soul.
Iontach maith! Go raibh maith agat :)