Who wouldn’t want to stay in a dotey cottage in Galway? We’re bloody sick of being cooped up in the house, and dreaming about our next weekend away, and while hotels have their appeal this cottage is looking dreamy in comparison. The 120-year-old house, nestled in the heart of the countryside in Finny, Co Galway […]

6 years ago

If you just think of Zurich as a financial centre or a nice place to take some scenic Instagram snaps, you’re missing out. The Swiss city also has an exciting foodie scene just waiting to be explored – and whether it’s sausages or strudel you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. I was lucky enough […]

6 years ago

We’ve been warned to stay indoors and keep warm, and this Mayo AirBnb looks like the perfect place to do just that – maybe with a cup of hot chocolate or whiskey in hand. The two storey log cabin has got to be one of the cosiest houses we’ve ever clapped eyes on. Just look […]

6 years ago

Winter is here and if you’re anything like us, you’re already planning your next weekend away. Unfortunately we don’t quite have the funds to jet off to Thailand, so we’ll settle for this beautiful spot in Kilkenny. ‘The Braille House’ is a treehouse retreat that’s just ten minutes’ walk from the city centre but […]

7 years ago

Our next night out is just around the corner, and for some of us, that means a hefty helping of G&Ts. But did you know there are very specific rules for storing, serving and garnishing gin? Belfast company Jawbox Gin shared some of their expert knowledge with us, and our eyes have been opened. […]

7 years ago

It’s fairly chilly out there at the moment, and our crappy storage heaters just aren’t cutting it. We’re daydreaming about cosy fires and comfy beds, and this Wicklow Airbnb caught our eye. It’s a gorgeous log house nestled in the hills, complete with wood-burning stove and sauna! It’s really spacious and also has a deck […]

7 years ago

Halloween is just a few weeks away, and if you’re anything like us you have no idea what your plans are. All the pubs in town will probably be hellish (and not in a fun, spooky, way), but you’re worried you’ll miss all the craic if you stay at home. We’ve noticed the same things […]

7 years ago

Airbnb has revealed the properties around the world that people are dreaming about the most, and this castle in Galway is top of the Irish public’s lust list. The 600-year-old building is far from glam – there are a couple of cobwebs, and the toilet looks like this… But it’s a real, medieval castle full […]

7 years ago

Dingle is one of the best spots in Ireland to go on a mini break, and we’ve found a really quirky place to stay just outside the town. This teeny stone cottage comes with its own bar – like an old Irish sheebeen! It also has a wood burning stove to make it extra cosy […]

7 years ago

The Lord of the Rings was first published over 60 years ago, but it’s still as popular as ever. The news that Amazon is now turning the trilogy into a TV show reminded us of one of the quirkiest pubs in Ireland – The Shire in Killarney. The LOTR-themed venue opened its doors in 2014, […]

7 years ago

Ever fancy going somewhere in the middle of the countryside, where no-one can bother you? This weird and wonderful pod in Glencolumbkille, Donegal could be just what you’re looking for. Designed by an architectural historian and inspired by Irish archaeology, it really is a sight to behold. The phone reception is weak and the internet […]

7 years ago

The world’s most popular baby name for girls has been revealed, and it’s actually lovely. Sofia, or Sophia, topped polls across the board, proving popular in several different languages. It was number one in the likes of Italy, Slovakia, Mexico, Estonia, Chile and Russia – and those are just the countries which provide baby name […]

7 years ago

A new study has shown that couples who sleep facing each other with their limbs intertwined have more sex than those who snooze in other positions. Spooning – with the man as the big spoon – was the second most likely position to result in a pair getting it on. The research, which was carried […]

7 years ago

It’s no secret that some people choose their holiday destination based on how ‘Instagrammable’ it is. Tropical beaches are pretty far up the list, and one island in the Maldives has come up with an idea to further boost its appeal to social media addicts. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will provide guests with their very […]

8 years ago

No more excuses for not doing the dishes — a study has shown that housework is good for you.   Tasks such as gardening and childcare were found to have the biggest positive effects, bringing similar benefits to leisure activities.  The study was carried out by scientists at the Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology in […]

8 years ago

It’s pretty hard – and expensive – to pass your driving test in Ireland, so there’s no shortage of people in their 20s and older who still don’t have a licence.  If you’re one of those people, you might relate to this… 1. If you live in Dublin, you’re at the mercy of the bus/Luas/Dart You know […]

8 years ago

Mayo is a beautiful county, full of majestic cliffs and pristine beaches. But as great as the scenery is, the craic is even better. Here are seven reasons why Mayo people are the greatest. 1. They never give up The Mayo GAA team may fall at the last hurdle time and time again, but the […]

8 years ago

What’s number one on your list of things to see around the world? The Empire State Building, maybe, or the Eiffel Tower?  Well, for many people the answer is actually a combined one – the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel in Rome.  The 3-in-1 ticket was the most popular travel experience around the […]

8 years ago

Life is hard. You’re meant to go to work and the gym, have active social and love lives, AND cook your own food every day?! Something’s gotta give, and if you’re not a natural in the kitchen you shouldn’t feel bad, because you’re not alone.  Here are seven struggles you’ll recognise if you’re a terrible cook.  […]

8 years ago

Instagram is a fabulous place, full of gorgeous travel inspo and drool-worthy food.  It’s a great medium for expressing yourself – but some people should really keep away from it… Here are eleven of the most irritating things people tend to do on Insta.  1. Endless selfies Ok, we get it. You’re a total babe.  […]

8 years ago

Dublin’s Token is one of our favourite places to hang out, but now the retro arcade has a rival in Cork – Barcadia.  The bar/arcade/restaurant combo has been open for a few months, but has its official launch this Thursday.  And boy does it look like fun.  The place is packed with old-school games like […]

8 years ago

If you’re addicted to travelling and can think of nothing better than doing it full-time, we’ve found your dream job.  Travel company Busabout is looking for four travel obsessives to go on a three month summer adventure around Europe – and get paid for it.  You’ll visit everywhere from Prague to San Sebastian, get your adrenaline […]

8 years ago

If someone close to you has emigrated and won’t be home for our national holiday this year, an Irish company is offering a solution.  Paddy Box sends all kinds of traditional treats to Éireannaigh around the world – from Meanies to Curly Wurlies.  And now they’ve made a new package especially for St. Patrick’s Day, complete with […]

8 years ago

The Beast from the East and Storm Emma have finally left us alone and the snow is melting fast, but we sure made the most of the white stuff while it lasted.  Here are 11 of the best snowmen, snowanimals and snowthings spotted around the country in the past few days.  1. This unfortunate cyclist  credit: Jahangir […]

8 years ago

Storm Emma has been and gone, the snow is melting and Ireland is slowly getting back on its feet.  The shocking incidents in Tallaght on Friday night made headlines here and around the world, but it’s important not to let them be the only thing we remember about the last few days.  There was also […]

8 years ago

If you get a call from an unknown number over the next few days, you might want to think twice before answering.  A new phone scam is doing the rounds – and it’s a bit smarter than some of the others, because it looks like it’s an Irish number at first glance.  Though it starts with ‘087’, the […]

8 years ago

Most schools and universities in Ireland have been closed since Wednesday thanks to the Beast from the East and Storm Emma, but it looks like it’s almost time for things to go back to normal.  According to Minister for Education Richard Bruton, most institutions will re-open on Monday ‘where possible’.  In areas where conditions are […]

8 years ago

Storm Emma has been and gone and snow has mostly stopped falling by now, but don’t go breathing a sigh of relief just yet.  Met Eireann has warned that heavy rain and sleet combined with melting snow could lead to some localised flooding later today.  A Status Orange weather warning is in place for Munster, […]

8 years ago

Ireland’s Status Red weather warning has now been downgraded, but the roads are still pretty dangerous today.  Gardai have advised the public not to leave the house unless it’s absolutely necessary.  With that in mind, here are some ideas to help you pass the time… 1. Build a fort  A snow day is the perfect excuse […]

8 years ago

Last night’s Late Late Show was some truly bizarre TV.  With Ireland in the throes of Storm Emma, the audience consisted of a handful of people huddled at the front of the studio, while interviewees included whichever RTE stars happened to be around and a couple who had just walked in off the street.  Marty Morrissey chatted to […]

8 years ago

There was chaos in Dublin Airport today as countless flights were delayed or cancelled due to Storm Emma.  RTE headed over to speak to some of the passengers affected, and one of them just so happened to be rapper and actor Fredro Scruggs Jr., better known as Fredro Starr.  Fans of The Wire might recognise him for his […]

8 years ago

Storm Emma is here and there seems to be a severe bread shortage across the country, but don’t panic – there is a solution.  Not everyone is hoarding their loaves or selling them online – some people are kind enough to share the precious commodity.  Like Patrick Mungovan from Clare, who is offering to fly […]

8 years ago

The Beast from the East is about to merge with Storm Emma, and hopefully by now most of us are snuggled up at home.  But if you haven’t left your house today you can still marvel at the beauty of the Irish landscape in the snow, thanks to these gorgeous pics.  View this post on […]

8 years ago

Storm Emma is almost here and the Irish public has been advised to stay at home, especially between 4pm today and noon tomorrow.  If you are forced to travel you should exercise extreme caution and leave an extra long distance between your car and the one in front of you.  AA Roadwatch has been monitoring roads around […]

8 years ago

The severe weather has forced most people indoors, but Ireland’s brave reporters soldier on, bringing us news from the worst affected parts of the country.  Yesterday evening, Paul Byrne from TV3 News was reporting from Waterford, telling the public to keep an eye on elderly neighbours and make sure they have stocked up on the ‘three fs’.  […]

8 years ago

Storm Emma is set to arrive in Ireland this afternoon, merging with the Beast from the East to make the weather even worse.  There’ll be heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures, gale force winds, and a risk of thunderstorms with hail tonight.  Met Eireann has issued a Status Red weather warning for the whole country – which means you […]

8 years ago

Gardai have issued a warning to drivers to exercise “extreme caution” today after an increase in collisions on roads across the country.  Superintendent for Roads Policing Finbarr Murphy told The Journal: “Leave huge distances between yourselves and the car in front.  “Don’t take photos of scenery as you’re driving, as we saw on the motorway this morning. […]

8 years ago

The HSE has cancelled some “non-essential” appointments today as a result of the severe weather.  In Louth and Meath, the HSE will only offer essential services for the duration of the Status Red weather warning.  BreastCheck appointments have been cancelled in counties where a red weather warning has been issued – so far that’s Dublin, […]

8 years ago

If you’re off work today and dreaming off your next holiday, we have good news – WOW Air has just announced a flash spring sale with 25% off flights.  The offer is available on select return flights from Dublin to Iceland, Boston, Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York (JFK), San Francisco, Toronto and Montréal. The sale kicks off today […]

8 years ago

The Beast from the East is in full swing and Storm Emma is on the way.  Schools and universities have been closed, public transport is severely disrupted and flights have been cancelled.  Lots of people have the day off work today, so we’re expecting plenty of hilarious tweets.  Here are some of our favourite ones […]

8 years ago

A Status Red snow-ice warning has been issued for Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath, and various schools around the country have announced closures.  Minister for Education Richard Bruton has said decisions on closures will be made by individual schools, “depending on the circumstances in their area”.  School buses will not run in areas affected by […]

8 years ago

The Beast from the East is here and Met Eireann has issued a Status Red weather warning for five counties: Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath.  The snow-ice warning was issued at 5am this morning and applies from then until midday tomorrow.  Heavy overnight snowfall has led to build ups between 5 and 10cm.  There will be more […]

8 years ago

Moscow isn’t a place that many Irish people have visited, and in some ways you can see why.  Getting a visa is complicated, there’s a perception that it’s intimidating or dangerous, and Russian people don’t generally speak much English.  BUT once you get past all that, it’s an incredibly beautiful and fascinating city, and offers an experience like no other.  […]

8 years ago

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and we can already taste those delicious pints of the black stuff.  But did you know there are places where Guinness is even more expensive than it is in Temple Bar? A pint of our favourite stout will set you back about €8.05 in Asia, compared to €5.31 […]

8 years ago

The Tayto flavours (Cheese & Onion, Salt & Vinegar, Smokey Bacon and Prawn Cocktail) are absolute classics at this stage, but there’s no shame in mixing things up every once in a while.  The crisp company is now giving the Irish public the chance to pick its newest flavour, and the options are fairly mental. They […]

8 years ago

Schools across Ireland could be forced to close this week as a blast of bitterly cold weather arrives from Siberia.  Heavy snow, ice, and sleet showers are expected, with temperatures to drop as low as minus 10.  At the moment some counties have been issued Status Orange weather warnings, while others are still Status Yellow.  The Department of […]

8 years ago

If the names Aisling, Generic John and Niamh From Across The Road mean nothing to you, you’ve been seriously missing out.  They’re just three of the hilarious characters created by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen for the Facebook page “Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling”, which has spawned a best-selling book – and now a film.  Element Pictures […]

8 years ago

This week is set to be absolutely baltic as a weather front from the Russian arctic arrives in Ireland.  The ‘Beast from the East’ will bring temperatures as low as minus 10, as well as freezing winds, snow, ice and sleet showers.  The National Emergency Co-Ordination Group (NECG) is set to meet today to discuss plans […]

8 years ago

Face masks have long been a weekly staple in many women’s beauty regimes, and there’s one for everything from large pores to oiliness.  But what about our poor neglected lips? In my case I don’t usually make much of an effort, coating them with some Carmex before I go to bed and maybe scrubbing them […]

8 years ago

Rolex watches, expensive cars and cash were all seized as part of raids carried out by the Criminal Assets Bureau and Gardai this morning.  The raids, which took place across Dublin, Limerick and Longford, targeted an organised crime gang.  Some 20 properties were searched, and approximately €15,000 in cash was seized along with a number of Breitling, […]

8 years ago