The Tánaiste and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade launched a new website in February that seeks to keep interested citizens informed of the government’s Brexit negotiations and what the departure of the U.K. will mean for the Republic of Ireland going forward. “This website provides a resource to learn about the work the government is undertaking to protect … [Read more...] about Irish Government Launches Brexit Website
News from Ireland
End in Sight for Titanic’s “Heartbreak Pier” Restoration in Cobh
The final phase of renovations of the pier from which the Titanic launched its fateful maiden voyage began in January, with plans for completion in March 2019. This portion of the project is hoped to establish the long-abandoned structure as an attractive tourist destination. With the support of the Cork County Council and Port of Cork, Titanic Experience Ltd., which devotes … [Read more...] about End in Sight for Titanic’s “Heartbreak Pier” Restoration in Cobh
Band Aid Donates Archives to Ireland’s National Library
Bob Geldof and the Band Aid Trust donated their archives to the National Library of Ireland in December, opening them to public viewing for the first time. The charity effort raised £8 million for famine relief in Africa with the release of the 1984 single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The following year, the organization hosted the first ever Live Aid concert, featuring the … [Read more...] about Band Aid Donates Archives to Ireland’s National Library
Mapping Irish DNA
In a study published late December in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers have found 10 genetic groupings that mirror the ancient and medieval boundaries of Irish kingdoms: Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and Connacht. The study was explored by a team of Irish, American, and British scientists that analyzed data from 194 Irish people with four generations of ancestry tied to … [Read more...] about Mapping Irish DNA
Ireland to Recognize Preferred Gender Pronouns in Registry of Foreign Births
In December, Ireland took further steps to grant equality to transgender citizens by introducing policy designed to formally recognize naturalized citizens of the Republic’s preferred names and gender identity through the establishment of a register of gender recognition of foreign births. In a statement, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney said, … [Read more...] about Ireland to Recognize Preferred Gender Pronouns in Registry of Foreign Births