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An Irish Country Christmas
The author recounts Christmas stories from her childhood in the snowy Irish countryside, capturing the sights and sounds of holiday festivities among her family, beginning with the lighting of the Christmas candle.
134 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1995
6 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Alice Taylor
108 books61 followersAlice Taylor lives in the village of Innishannon in County Cork, in a house attached to the local supermarket and post office. Since her eldest son has taken over responsibility for the shop, she has been able to devote more time to her writing.
Alice Taylor worked as a telephonist in Killarney and Bandon. When she married, she moved to Innishannon where she ran a guesthouse at first, then the supermarket and post office. She and her husband, Gabriel Murphy, who sadly passed away in 2005, had four sons and one daughter. In 1984 she edited and published the first issue of Candlelight, a local magazine which has since appeared annually. In 1986 she published an illustrated collection of her own verse.
To School Through the Fields was published in May 1988. It was an immediate success, launching Alice on a series of signing sessions, talks and readings the length and breadth of Ireland. Her first radio interview, forty two minutes long on RTÉ Radio's Gay Byrne Show, was the most talked about radio programme of 1988, and her first television interview, of the same length, was the highlight of the year on RTÉ television's Late Late Show. Since then she has appeared on radio programmes such as Woman's Hour, Midweek and The Gloria Hunniford Show, and she has been the subject of major profiles in the Observer and the Mail on Sunday.
To School Through the Fields quickly became the biggest selling book ever published in Ireland, and her sequels, Quench the Lamp, The Village, Country Days and The Night Before Christmas, were also outstandingly successful. Since their initial publication these books of memoirs have also been translated and sold internationally.
In 1997 her first novel, The Woman of the House, was an immediate bestseller in Ireland, topping the paperback fiction lists for many weeks. A moving story of land, love and family, it was followed by a sequel, Across the River in 2000, which was also a bestseller.
One of Ireland's most popular authors, she has continued writing fiction, non-fiction and poetry since.
Alice Taylor worked as a telephonist in Killarney and Bandon. When she married, she moved to Innishannon where she ran a guesthouse at first, then the supermarket and post office. She and her husband, Gabriel Murphy, who sadly passed away in 2005, had four sons and one daughter. In 1984 she edited and published the first issue of Candlelight, a local magazine which has since appeared annually. In 1986 she published an illustrated collection of her own verse.
To School Through the Fields was published in May 1988. It was an immediate success, launching Alice on a series of signing sessions, talks and readings the length and breadth of Ireland. Her first radio interview, forty two minutes long on RTÉ Radio's Gay Byrne Show, was the most talked about radio programme of 1988, and her first television interview, of the same length, was the highlight of the year on RTÉ television's Late Late Show. Since then she has appeared on radio programmes such as Woman's Hour, Midweek and The Gloria Hunniford Show, and she has been the subject of major profiles in the Observer and the Mail on Sunday.
To School Through the Fields quickly became the biggest selling book ever published in Ireland, and her sequels, Quench the Lamp, The Village, Country Days and The Night Before Christmas, were also outstandingly successful. Since their initial publication these books of memoirs have also been translated and sold internationally.
In 1997 her first novel, The Woman of the House, was an immediate bestseller in Ireland, topping the paperback fiction lists for many weeks. A moving story of land, love and family, it was followed by a sequel, Across the River in 2000, which was also a bestseller.
One of Ireland's most popular authors, she has continued writing fiction, non-fiction and poetry since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 17, 2015
A complete joy for someone like myself who loves childhood memoirs - add Christmas to that, and it really does not get any better. (I wanted to add several quotes here to prove the value of my high praise, but I've not enough time. Hope to do that soon.) A lovely description of an old-old fashioned Christmas in the country, traditions that have disappeared (cleaning the chimney so Santa will feel welcome, gathering holly and ivy, hunting the wren), and insight into the life of a family. Wonderful.
January 4, 2015
4.5 STARS
Loved this sweet story of a homespun Christmas on an Irish farm in, I'm guessing based on a few references in the book, the early 1950s. It's a rural, traditional lifestyle and much of it feels like it could be dozens, or even a hundred, years earlier, though. Reminded me a bit of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books in that it's a story centered on family and the activities of keeping the house and farm going, yet somehow the storytelling makes the minutiae interesting. I especially loved the chapters about Christmas, and the one about Christmas cards. Although not marketed as a children's book, I think older kids who enjoyed "Little House" and similar type books might enjoy this one. Parents might want to preview it, though; I personally found the second chapter, in which they kill the geese that are going to be for the Christmas holidays, upsetting and there are a few other references to the dead geese hanging from the rafters in the shed in later chapters. Also, the father swears. One chapter about the Gates of Heaven being open wider on Christmas, and that Christmas is a time we reflect on those who have passed away, might be a bit sad for some kids. Other than that, I think it is child-friendly, right down to the steadfast belief in "Santy" ;-)
Loved this sweet story of a homespun Christmas on an Irish farm in, I'm guessing based on a few references in the book, the early 1950s. It's a rural, traditional lifestyle and much of it feels like it could be dozens, or even a hundred, years earlier, though. Reminded me a bit of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books in that it's a story centered on family and the activities of keeping the house and farm going, yet somehow the storytelling makes the minutiae interesting. I especially loved the chapters about Christmas, and the one about Christmas cards. Although not marketed as a children's book, I think older kids who enjoyed "Little House" and similar type books might enjoy this one. Parents might want to preview it, though; I personally found the second chapter, in which they kill the geese that are going to be for the Christmas holidays, upsetting and there are a few other references to the dead geese hanging from the rafters in the shed in later chapters. Also, the father swears. One chapter about the Gates of Heaven being open wider on Christmas, and that Christmas is a time we reflect on those who have passed away, might be a bit sad for some kids. Other than that, I think it is child-friendly, right down to the steadfast belief in "Santy" ;-)
May 9, 2021
Very fun Christmas read! During the busy season, the short stories and description of the seals fed my soul while we had a quieter holiday than usual.
January 2, 2015
Interesting memoirs of Christmas in Ireland. I wish it had told us when exactly this was taking place, but I enjoyed the Irish setting and the Christmasiness.
December 7, 2023
I can't express enough how much I love Alice Taylor's work. Her books about her childhood growing up in Ireland are heartwarming and truly come from the heart. An Irish Country Christmas is no different, but because it's a story about her Christmas at nine years old, it's even more heartwarming. It was a completely different time back then, and a quote from her mother puts it all into perspective: "Hunger is a great sauce." I especially love her small anecdote about visiting her favorite moss covered tree once a year while searching the woods for holly for Christmas decorations; it could be a great story all on its own. Taylor's writing is beautifully poetic and I feel honored that she shared her stories with the world. I look forward to continued reading of Taylor's work as her books always bring me great joy.
Some of my favorite passages from the book:
"...our hearts sank sadly into our wet, muddy boots and we became rows of gray lumps of misery slumped along the desks in front of the Master."
"My father sent such a litany of curses after her that if they had the power to ignite she would have been cremated on the spot."
"When I opened my eyes the first thing I saw was the old fir tree just outside the window with a frosty shawl around her shoulders."
"Beautiful but lifeless, they were silent white statues and their snow-laden branches resembled the outstretched arms of graceful ballerinas."
Some of my favorite passages from the book:
"...our hearts sank sadly into our wet, muddy boots and we became rows of gray lumps of misery slumped along the desks in front of the Master."
"My father sent such a litany of curses after her that if they had the power to ignite she would have been cremated on the spot."
"When I opened my eyes the first thing I saw was the old fir tree just outside the window with a frosty shawl around her shoulders."
"Beautiful but lifeless, they were silent white statues and their snow-laden branches resembled the outstretched arms of graceful ballerinas."
December 17, 2022
A very interesting and nostalgic look back at life in rural Ireland in the 1940s. The author's family seemed much better off than I would have anticipated, though the emphasis was on family and community. Seasonal chores and rituals are lovingly described. A warning for the tender-hearted-- this is a working farm. I was especially interested in the part about "The Hunting of the Wren" which turned out to be a much gentler custom than it was in the past, involving costumes and singing for rewards. An especially good Christmas read, slow paced, and thoughtful. I'll admit I had to go look up a few terms.
December 19, 2019
3.5 stars. I got to relive excitement in my own childhood and visit a snapshot into somebody else’s life. I love the old-fashioned values, and the family time, and the enjoyment of the tasks around the holidays. I used Google quite a few times as I do not fully grasp hearth cooking and the setup involved. I love learning about these old ways. I also enjoyed learning about Irish customs, such as Hunting the Wren. An Irish Country Christmas is a delightful memoir.
January 11, 2025
Love the country, comfy tale told through a child s eyes!
December 24, 2015
I finished my holiday reading this year with Alice Taylor's beautifully written "An Irish country Christmas."
IF for some reason you have yet to feel the holiday spirit, this charming memoir of Christmas in a rural Irish town may very well do the trick. The author immediately transports us back to the farm where she (or the narrator she is portraying, I'm not sure if this is fiction or not) celebrated Christmas as a nine year old. It's a simple story filled with small wonders that all come together to create a beautiful holiday tapestry. What a wonderful way to end this year's Christmas reads.
IF for some reason you have yet to feel the holiday spirit, this charming memoir of Christmas in a rural Irish town may very well do the trick. The author immediately transports us back to the farm where she (or the narrator she is portraying, I'm not sure if this is fiction or not) celebrated Christmas as a nine year old. It's a simple story filled with small wonders that all come together to create a beautiful holiday tapestry. What a wonderful way to end this year's Christmas reads.
December 18, 2016
I have read several of Alice Taylor's books. I decided to reread this one again, as it embroiders the spirit of Christmas in a simpler time.
March 9, 2025
What a delight this book is. I look forward to rereading it. Hopefully closer to Christmas. This book is a view of an Irish Christmas through the eyes of a nine year old girl. I have never read any of this authors books before and am now keen to find more.
December 13, 2018
I enjoyed this nice Christmas story. I love learning how other people and cultures celebrate our Savior's birth!
October 28, 2019
I enjoyed this one. Good Christmas read.
December 23, 2021
A feel-good holiday book from a child's perspective on the excitement of Christmas. Told with gentle Irish humor. A tonic for the holiday season.
January 8, 2022
Nice read for month of December. A chapter a day.
June 16, 2024
I picked this up at an estate sale. It was a delightful read. Her Christmas was so much different than mine which is why I loved reading about it.
November 29, 2025
liked seeing how the Irish celebrated Christmas. they celebrate the 12 day of Christmas. it is very enjoyable story
May 20, 2022
An Irish Anne of Green Gables. Great!
December 24, 2014
An Irish Country Christmas was one of two Christmas books I chose to read during the Winter Reading Challenge. "Charming" seems to be a description chosen by several others, and it is. Taylor's descriptions tugged me nostalgically, until I realized how difficult tasks were then as compared to now. I do think, though, that the expectancy and joyfulness of the Christmas season was more enjoyed during this time of simplicity...simplicity in "things" but not in tasks.
One area of surprise to me was all the housecleaning in days prior to Christmas. Wow! The chilliness of the weather coupled by the water used for cleaning and the house being opened up doesn't seem to me to be a good time for this "spring cleaning" as I would call it. But, it was a time of little farm activity, so I suppose that is one factor. Nonetheless, the descriptions were interesting, and the children's participation was encouraging.
I look forward to reading more of Taylor's books throughout this next year.
One area of surprise to me was all the housecleaning in days prior to Christmas. Wow! The chilliness of the weather coupled by the water used for cleaning and the house being opened up doesn't seem to me to be a good time for this "spring cleaning" as I would call it. But, it was a time of little farm activity, so I suppose that is one factor. Nonetheless, the descriptions were interesting, and the children's participation was encouraging.
I look forward to reading more of Taylor's books throughout this next year.
January 2, 2012
Completely transported me for a couple of hours to the Irish countryside! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would like to read another of her books! It made me laugh to read about all the preparations and cleaning before the holidays and made me realize that while many things have changed, some things have remained the same!
Darling book, highly recommended for a sit down cup of coffee/tea and quick read!
Darling book, highly recommended for a sit down cup of coffee/tea and quick read!
February 16, 2014
Loved this charming book for several reasons, mostly that it reminded me of my own childhood in Ireland. I didn't live on a farm but in a terraced house in Finglas, a suburb of
Dublin city. The authors descriptions of the preparation for Christmas brought back vivid memories of my four sisters and I helping get the house ready and just the simple things we enjoyed back then.
Dublin city. The authors descriptions of the preparation for Christmas brought back vivid memories of my four sisters and I helping get the house ready and just the simple things we enjoyed back then.
January 10, 2008
A quick easy read of a childhood country christmas.
December 13, 2010
Charming and old-fashioned.
June 11, 2011
Interesting story about Mossgrove and the people living there. Struggles over keeping the farm in the family ended happy
August 2, 2011
Stories of how she celebrated Christmas while growing up in Ireland. A really enjoyable book.
December 12, 2013
Just a pleasant little book to read at Christmastime. I seem to enjoy all things Irish, so that was a plus.
December 19, 2013
Was nice to revisit the Irish countryside that I was introduced to in her book To School Through the Fields.
August 2, 2014
This is a little masterpiece.
January 13, 2015
4 1/2 stars. Lovely writing and some very Christmasy chapters make this one that I'll probably re-read, at least in part, to get into the festive spirit!
December 30, 2014
Charming read--second time I've read this and found much to like each time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews