Ireland’s Passport to be Updated in 2025
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be led up Fifth Avenue by the “Fighting 69th” accompanied by two Irish Wolfhounds, the official mascot of the regiment. Beginning in 2025, a sketch of the Irish Wolfhound, inspired by a three-year-old wolfhound named Boánn from the Boyne Valley will also appear on millions of Irish passports.
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest breeds of dog in existence, originally developed by monks who needed an animal that could hunt down and kill wolves, which were considered dangerous pests at the time.
On March 8th, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced that the next generation of the Irish passport will include a sketch of an Irish Wolfhound. The Irish Wolfhound was the most popular animal selected by the public, Wil Byrne, Secure Document Designer at AG2 said “Our overall shared ambition is to ensure the Irish passport remains a world leader by creating the most secure and visually appealing passport for Irish citizens.”
The new passport design is expected to be introduced in late 2025. To see the official announcement visit gov.ie.
The University of Galway Launches Historical Archive of Irish Emigrant Letters from America
In the early 1970s, historian Kerby A. Miller, Curators’ Professor of History at the University of Missouri (emeritus) was researching his landmark book Emigrants and Exiles: Ireland and the Irish Exodus to North America, Miller transcribed writings by emigrants from Ireland to North America held in libraries and archives.
On March 8, 2024, the University of Galway announced the IMIRCE Project, funded by a gift from the noted historian who holds an honorary professorship in History from the university. For scholars of Irish and North American history, IMIRCE serves as a lasting link across generations to the experiences of Irish emigrants. For the descendants of those emigrants, it presents an opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral home across the Atlantic.
IMIRCE is a two-part project. The first phase involved the release of the online database in March 2024. The second phase focuses on collecting and transcribing additional emigrant letters and memoirs composed in the United States. The project team welcomes additional letters. if you have materials you are interested in submitting click here to learn more
Daniel Carey, Professor of English at the University of Galway and part of the team that developed the digital repository, said, “The collection offers an unparalleled insight into the personal reflections and lives of individuals as they wrote home to family and friends in Ireland.”
Anyone interested may visit the IMIRCE website to learn more about the project and view the collection of letters.
Belfast Unveils Statues of Two Notable Irish Women on International Women’s Day
Striking bronze statues of Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney were unveiled at a ceremony at Belfast City Hall to coincide with International Women’s Day 2024. These statues honor Mary Ann McCracken, an abolitionist, educator, social reformer, and businesswoman who championed various rights, and Winifred Carney, a suffragist, dedicated trade unionist, and political activist.
The statues’ designs reflect the values and activities for which the women are best known. Mary Ann is depicted handing out abolitionist leaflets while wearing a Wedgewood anti-slavery badge. Winifred’s sculpture reflects her roles as a trade unionist, adjutant in the Irish Citizen Army, and James Connolly’s personal secretary and political confidante.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy said: “As two of the most notable and influential women in Belfast’s history, it is important that they receive this formal recognition by the council on behalf of the city.
“These statues celebrate female achievement, inclusivity, and the diversity of the people who have helped shape our city. They will therefore help to educate locals and visitors about our city’s history, and I have no doubt that they will help attract more visitors to City Hall and the city for decades to come.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to view the statues for themselves and learn more about the importance and influence of Mary Ann and Winifred.”
The statues were created by internationally acclaimed artist Ralf Sander and his daughter Naomi Sander. Speaking about the project, Naomi Sander said: “It was an honour for Studio Sander & Sander to be selected to create sculptures of these two influential women, especially given the prominent setting in City Hall where they will be viewed by huge numbers of visitors for decades to come.
Irish Wish Filmed in County Wicklow is Now on Netflix
Counties Wicklow, Clare, and Mayo served as the stunning backdrop for “Irish Wish,” which was released yesterday on Netflix. The movie follows Maddie Kelly, a book editor played by Lindsay Lohan, as she travels to Ireland to be the maid of honor in her best friend’s wedding. The groom happens to be Maddie’s dream guy, or so she thinks.
Just days before the wedding, Maddie impulsively wishes for true love, only to wake up the next morning as the bride-to-be. While her fantasy initially seems to come true, Maddie soon discovers that her true soulmate lies elsewhere.
Viewers will be captivated by scenes filmed throughout the Irish countryside. In County Wicklow look out for Lough Tay (also known as Guinness Lake), Kilruddery House, Powerscourt Distillery, and the historic Hollywood Inn and Tutty’s of Hollywood which has been in existence since 1790.
No romantic comedy about a wedding would be complete without a visit to a dress shop. In County Mayo, a local family-run shop, Kelly’s Tweeds & Knit Wear was transformed into a bridal boutique for the film.
The beautiful Cliffs of Moher in County Clare provide a picturesque backdrop as Maddie contemplates what she truly wants from life, it is not the worst place in the world to grapple with life’s big decisions.
The film was released on Netflix on Friday, March 15, 2024. So grab your popcorn and discover the magic of Ireland’s scenic locations.
St. Patrick’s Day from Dublin
St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland isn’t just a celebration of the patron saint; it’s a vibrant display of Irish pride and a joyous kick-off to spring. Across the country, people will actively participate in parades, while others come out to watch and soak in the festive atmosphere.
This year, experience the magic firsthand! Tourism Ireland is live-streaming the Dublin parade around the world on Sunday, March 17th. Tune in at 8:30 am EST to view the parade live from Dublin. And for those inspired to plan their own Irish adventure visit Ireland.com for ideas on planning your next trip to Ireland.
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