Irish film “Folk Furniture” wins at Sundance

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

In the world of film, it is the award seasons with hopes running high for Irish success at the Oscars in late February. Armagh native Seamus McGarvey is up for cinematography for his work on “Anna Karenina” and Kerry producer Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly’s whose short animation Head Over Heels has been nominated in the Best Animated Short Film category. While Wicklow based actor Daniel Day Lewis looks set for his third best actor Oscar for “Lincoln”.

Whatever the fortunes of the trio, the works of Irish filmmakers received a major boost recently with the news that Tony Donoghue’s hugely charming “Irish Folk Furniture” has won best short animation at the Sundance Film Festival. Continue reading →

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Astonishing Art and Antiquities to be Admired in Limerick

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

The Hunt Museum located on the banks of the River Shannon in Limerick is one of Ireland’s premier museums. Housing one of the finest private collections of art and antiquities in the world, including objects from Celtic works, to works of some masters like da Vinci, Renoir and Yeats, and some exquisite artefacts from the ancient world.
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Butlers Chocolate Experience – Dublin, Ireland

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

Ireland’s very own Chocolate factory has just recently opened. The Butler’s Chocolate Experience is sure to please any chocoholic!

Discover the progress of Butlers from 1932 to 2013 through the vast artefacts and memorabilia before learning about the all important chocolate! From the cocoa bean to the finished chocolate bar to be found in shops all over the world, visitors will see every stage of production. You will have the opportunity to see the factory in operation and watch as they fill and decorate the beautiful gift boxes. Easter is one of the many holidays were chocolate is predominant and at the Butler’s Chocolate Experience, you will see how Easter Eggs are produced and decorated. Continue reading →

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Dublin’s National Gallery to be Upgraded

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

The National Gallery in Dublin is to get an upgraded estimated to be worth €20 million.
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Snow in Ireland – Weather Update

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

While we didn’t have a White Christmas in Ireland this year, we’ve had snow this past week. The South of the country has been relatively mild with light snow fall and icy conditions. However, as you travel further up through the country, the snowfall has been much heavier.

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2013 City of Culture Celebrations begin in Derry

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

Derry kicked off its years as the city of culture and style at the weekend with an impressive concert that was co-hosted by actors Amanda Burton and Jimmy Nesbitt and featured some of the North most renowned musicians such as; Phil Coulter – who kicked things off, Dana, Gerard McChrystal, Neil Hannon, Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle and The Undertones, as well as Paul Brady and 2 members from Snow Patrol. Continue reading →

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Relish the Rock of Cashel

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

One of Ireland’s greatest historic sites, the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary towers over the town of Cashel from its 200 foot high perch.

Once the seat of the kings of Munster, it was once visited by Saint Patrick in 450, and in the 10th Century Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland here, however in the 1100’s it was granted to the church by the O’Brien clan king and the Rock became the seat of the archbishop, and at this time Cormac’s Chapel was built. Continue reading →

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Irish element to Presidental inauguration as Obamas Irish cousin visits

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Seamus O'Murchu

After a successful re-election during the summer, president Obama looks set to kick off his second term as 57th president of the United States in style with a major inauguration celebration taking place today.

Amidst the officialdom and all the celebrations there will Irish element to this piece as two Irishmen from a little village in Offaly will be among the many hundreds of thousands who will turn out to see the 57th president of the United States begin his term. Continue reading →

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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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