Irish DNA

“We Irish prefer embroideries to plain cloth. To the Irish, memory is a canvas—stretched, primed, and ready for painting on. We love the “story” part of the word “history,” and we love it trimmed out with color and drama, ribbons and bows. Listen to our tunes, observe a Celtic scroll; we always decorate our essence.” ~Frank Delaney

I’ve always been a storyteller. And every year on St. Patrick’s Day, I can recall the lyrics to half a dozen old Irish folk tunes. Strangers in shops and restaurants often ask if I’m Irish. In fact, my mother told me that I have “a bit of Irish” in me — but I didn’t realize how much Irish until I learned more about my ancestral composition through 23andMe. As it turns out, Ireland nearly outruns Scotland and England in my DNA, with County Donegal and six other Irish counties topping the map of my profile.

To learn more about your own ancestral heritage, consider gifting yourself with a 23andMe membership. 23andMe uses genotyping to analyze your DNA. The test examines specific locations in your genome that are known to differ between people, then turns your results into personalized genetic reports on everything from detailed ancestry composition to genetic health risks. And if you’re as fascinated by the topic as I am, don’t miss the wonderful Finding Your Roots series with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on PBS.

But isn’t everyone Irish on St. Patrick’s Day? The answer is yes, as every bartender will affirm today. So, I wish you all safe travels and leave you with my favorite Gaelic blessing:

“May those who love us, love us. And those who don’t love us, may God turn their hearts. And if he doesn’t turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles, so we’ll know them by their limping.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ~ CL