#rural-ireland

#rural-ireland

The Old Cross National School, first registered as a national school in 1893, was originally a hedge school that provided informal education before the national system was established.

Next month marks the 15th anniversary of that surreal Sunday when James Horan made his first summer statement as Mayo manager. The start of a riotous, roller-coaster decade embracing seven All-Ireland finals, one draw, six defeats and an infinity of 'what ifs'.

"Winter has officially landed in Sydney. Our summer has finally ended, with a bang. I'm overlooking the harbour now, and the waves! We don't really get autumn or spring. It lurches from one extreme season to another. You'd miss the mild, soft days."

Amano De Londra Miura showcased her stunning sean nós talents live on TV, putting the Irish language back on the map and highlighting its cultural importance.

A lot of things come together for the perfect pour, including temperature and the cleanliness of lines. Bottom line? Yes, it's all better in Ireland. However, that's not to say there aren't some outstanding Irish pubs in the U.S., because there are.

Over half a million people are expected to get in on all the action in Dublin for the national St. Patrick's Day Parade which will feature 12 large-scale floats from independent parade companies, with over 3,000 participants involved. The parade route runs from Parnell Square starting at 12pm, through the city centre to the finishing point at the junction of Kevin Street and Cuffe Street.

Ireland are Triple Crown winners for the 15th time thanks to a 12th consecutive win over Scotland, whose long search for success in Dublin will stretch into its 18th year before they get another chance to end their dismal record.

Irish pubs have roots that go back to 10th-century Viking halls. And although we're talking about going so far back in time that precise dates and details can get a little sketchy, we do know there are a few pubs that opened not too long after that and are still in operation.

Irish desserts are, in one word, resourceful. They have to be; in a nation that grappled for centuries with conflict, famine, and outright war, luxurious ingredients were not accessible to most people. Instead, the Irish turned to local ingredients like sea moss, apples, and an impressive array of dairy products to satisfy their cravings for something sweet.

With the ripple effects of the US-Israeli war on Iran causing the biggest disruption to global travel since the pandemic, staycations are looking like a safer bet for some households.

The Irish government will give 2,000 artists unrestricted weekly stipends in a program officials described as a "recognition, at government level, of the important role of the arts in Irish society." After a successful three-year pilot, the Irish government made its basic income program for artists permanent. Similar pilots have been launched here in the United States, but they're supported primarily by the nonprofit sector.

Places to socialise are a key part of the culture in our towns and cities

McDonald's locations in the United States tend to be pretty staid and uniform in design, but head abroad and things start to change. While there are a few American McDonald's that don't feature the traditional golden arches aesthetic, in historic international cities, you'll frequently find the burger chain housed in beautiful old stone and masonry buildings - with only a small McDonald's sign offering any hint of what's inside.

There are cheaper rents to be found in Roscommon, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim and Cavan. But what about day-to-day costs? It's no secret that Dublin is an expensive place to live. In fact, a 2025 report by Tradingpedia found that it's the fifth most expensive capital city in Europe. But what about the other towns across Ireland? Where can you eke out a cheaper way of life, spending less on everything from your morning coffee to your yoga class?

I'm passing through Kilrush on the first bright, blue-skied day after weeks of non-stop rain and it's warm enough to leave the coat in the car and think perhaps there may be a sniff of spring in the air. I hope I'm not being previous. I'm here to check out two places I've been following on Instagram for a while, having never been to this part of west Clare before.

I've never had a sense of direction. In a family where everyone knows where they're going, I'm the one who gets lost. When my son Charlie was small, he would listen as I outlined the day's itinerary-grocery store, library, post office-then interrupt. "Mama," he'd say, "I have a better way." And he did. He was five, and already knew where he was going.

Portrush has gone up a gear with several new hotels, including this from Marine & Lawn