Steve Redmond marks a terrific year as 2012 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

Capping off what was a momentous year Irishman Stephen Redmond has been named as 2012 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year. The award honors the man who (1) best embodies the spirit of open water swimming, (2) possesses the sense of adventure, tenacity and perseverance that open water swimmers are known for, and (3) most positively influenced the world of open water swimming. No more have these attributes been more typified than in Redmond who in 2012 made history by becoming the first and only person to complete the Oceans Seven challenge last July. Continue reading →

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Hollywood comes to Dublin and Wicklow

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

Hotly tipped as one of the films of the year, Lincoln is racking up award nominations from everywhere and this week as the award ceremonies for the year began, its winning streak started when Daniel Day Lewis scoped the Best Actor Award at the Golden Globes for his role as Abraham Lincoln.
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Whiskey Exploration and Fantastic Food in Midleton in Cork

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

Situated in the quaint town of Midleton, about 20km from Cork City, is the Old Midleton Distillery, which is home to the world renowned brands of Irish whiskey; Jameson, Paddy and Powers.
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Hundreds of Dolphins Spotted in the Irish Sea

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

Not too long after the magnificent sightings of humpback whale frolicking in the waters off Baltimore in late November captivated the nation, once again the waters off Ireland proved a hotspot for whale and dolphin spotters. A few days ago marine biologists traveling aboard the Rosslare to Fishguard ferry were on hand to capture footage of a once in a lifetime sight of a superpod of dolphins hunting out in the Irish Sea.

The Wales-based Sea Trust was conducting its monthly survey on a Fishguard to Rosslare ferry when the common dolphins were spotted leaping from the water. The biologists who filmed the event were amazed to see the sea erupt with hundreds (conservative estimates veer between 250 and 500) of dolphins leaping out of the water to form a superpod. What was so unique about this spectacular natural occurrence rarely seen in European waters was that it is more common in the summer as opposed to winter months. Dolphin and whale sightings have traditionally been more common in the summer but recent sightings as of 2009 dispute this previous assumption.

Along with the sighting of the five humpback whale bubble feeding rarely seen in Irish waters in late November, this reminds us once more of Ireland rich marine attractions and brings attention to the many sights that can be seen on a day out in its water throughout the winter and summer months.

Watch the video here for yourself:

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The Dublin Chinese New Year Festival 2013

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

In just over a month, at the start of February 2013, Dublin will be celebrating the best in Chinese Irish Culture and Entertainment as the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival welcomes the year of the snake.
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The Iconic Rock of Cashel

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

The Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of Medieval buildings, can be found in the heart of Ireland in Co. Tipperary. Visitors will have the opportunity to view all of the famous buildings and sites including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.  Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions.

It is the site of the conversion of Aenghus the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century AD. Before the Norman invasion to Ireland, The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the High Kings of Munster. Today, there is very little structural evidence of the High Kings reign there. However, one will find beautiful buildings and art work that date from the 12th and 13th centuries as stated above. Continue reading →

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Saying farewell to Christmas and our Christmas tree in style

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

It is now time to bid Christmas 2012 a permanent farewell and say hello to 2013 fully as today everything gets back to normality. Whilst the Christmas lights and decorations can be taken down to be stored for next year, for the natural fir Christmas tree it is however the end of the line. However in Ireland at least the past few days and upcoming days offered a plethora of ways to bid the “crann nollaig”, Christmas tree, a fond farewell.

On Saturday the 5th, the citizens of Ennis in Clare came up with a novel way of disposing of the Christmas trees in style. Its second running of the annual Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championship, mirroring similar competitions in Austria and Germany, took place at Lees Road Sports Amenity Park, Ennis, Co Clare on Saturday. The aim of the contest was to find out which participant, on three attempts, could throw their standard 1.5m trees the farthest. All eyes were on whether last years winning margin of 7m could be repeated or bettered, or if the world record for this event 12m set in Germany in 2010 could be broken.
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Uplifting Irish Anthem to be presented to US President

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

An uplifting anthem that is due to be presented to the US president Barack Obama at his inauguration on 19th January has been written by singer / songwriter Brendan Keely from Tullamore, County Offaly, who is probably best known for his platinum selling single “I’ll Always Be Lonely”
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Yeats Winter School Gathering 2013

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

From the 18th to the 20th of January, The Yeats Winter School Gathering 2013 will take place. As part of the Gathering 2013 celebrations, the school will give patrons the opportunity to learn more about W.B. Yeats and his family in and around the places he was once associated with. Continue reading →

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The Irish Gathering 2013 kicks off in style!

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

Kicking off the Gathering Ireland 2013 with a bang, a ceremonial 21 gun salute was performed on Spike Island in Cork Harbour on New Year’s Day, by soldiers from the 1 Brigade Artillery Unit based in Collins Barracks, Cork.
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