The Ballinasloe October Fair is one of the oldest fairs in Ireland. While now predominantly associated with horses, in its heyday it served as a market for the sale of cattle and sheep by the farmers of the west to their counterparts in the east of Ireland. An Irish adage advises: Go East for a woman; go West for a horse. When I was a girl I had a … [Read more...] about Sláinte! The Great October Fair
Agriculture
Waterford’s Annual Harvest Festival
The 11th annual Waterford Harvest Festival is set for September 6-8. ℘℘℘ Waterford is expecting over 40,000 attendees to partake in the annual celebration of local food, culture, and heritage. This year there is a special emphasis on sustainability. On opening night, a dinner hosted by nonprofit GIY (Grow It Yourself) will feed 50 lucky diners a zero-waste meal. The dishes will … [Read more...] about Waterford’s Annual Harvest Festival
Tax Relief for Emigrants Returning to Ireland to Farm
Minister of State Simon Harris clarified a crucial part of the recently-passed finance bill in Ireland which made it clear that members of the diaspora who inherit agricultural property while living abroad do qualify for the capital acquisitions tax agricultural relief so long as they spend at least 50% of their time actively working on the farm. Speaking on the matter, Sinn … [Read more...] about Tax Relief for Emigrants Returning to Ireland to Farm
Nice Referendum
Set for Autumn
Once again, Irish people are heading to the polls to vote on the Nice Treaty.
They will be asked this autumn to vote in favor of the Treaty which will bring in EU enlargement, having already said No to Nice just a year ago.
There is growing pessimism in government circles that the people could reject the Treaty again. The way the government has handled the debate has also … [Read more...] about Nice Referendum
Set for Autumn
The King Ranch
How the orphaned son of Irish immigrants ended up owning one of the largest cattle ranches in Texas. Kingsville, Texas: You look across the flat, dry miles stretching to the horizon, land that was even more foreboding 150 years ago, and wonder how an Irish river pilot could see this developing as the epicenter of the American cattle industry. This was the Wild Horse … [Read more...] about The King Ranch