An island in the Caribbean is probably the last thing people think of at mention of the words "Ireland" or "St. Patrick's Day." Believe it or not, the small island of Montserrat is the only place in the world besides Ireland that recognizes St. Patrick's Day as a national holiday. The lush tropical island celebrates the day with an annual festival from March 11-18 with food, … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day On Montserrat
Ireland
Dublin Population Faces Boom
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) predicts that the population of Greater Dublin area will exceed two million people by the year 2021. It is estimated that the region will by then be home to an estimated 40 percent of a national population of five million people in the Republic of Ireland. This will mean that growth in Greater Dublin -- which includes neighboring counties of … [Read more...] about Dublin Population Faces Boom
See You in September
Americans vacation in July. Europeans do it in August. No one goes anywhere in September. During the peak summer months, regardless of continent, the shops are crowded, the beaches are jammed, flights are overbooked, and hotels (if you can even find one with a vacancy) charge astronomical rates. Come September, beds are bargains, shops offer sales, and beaches are bare. Hint: … [Read more...] about See You in September
Report Highlights Change in Ireland’s Population
A new report produced by the Central Statistics Office in Dublin shows that Ireland is second only to Cyprus in the percentage increase of population within the EU between 1995 and 2004. The CSO report, titled `Measuring Ireland's Progress,' makes a number of observations that underline significant social change in Irish society. The average household size has decreased from … [Read more...] about Report Highlights Change in Ireland’s Population
Macklin’s Cross
It looks like it's trying to clear this morning, though waves of drizzle betimes pass through. Our friend Thomas says "betimes." I like it. A little while ago our neighbors Anne and Joe Kelley stopped to tell us that Joe Macklin had died during the night. The Macklins live in the small house on the crossroads at the end of our lane, where we turn to go into Roscommon. It's … [Read more...] about Macklin’s Cross