Author: Sam Allcock

Quick answer: Charity shops help tackle fast fashion by keeping wearable clothes in circulation, offering affordable alternatives to new purchases and raising money for charitable work. The greatest benefit comes when a second-hand purchase replaces something new and is worn regularly. A good winter coat does not stop being useful because its first owner no longer wants it. Neither does a well-made dress, a pair of boots or a shirt that needs a small repair. Charity shops give these items another opportunity to be worn instead of being forgotten at the back of a wardrobe. For shoppers, the appeal is…

Quick answer: My Ireland Adventure offers small-group and customised tours for travellers who want help planning an Irish holiday. Laurie Calahan and Joe Ormonde combine itinerary planning with guided travel, allowing visitors to explore Ireland without organising every detail themselves. Ireland can be surprisingly difficult to fit into a single holiday. A few days in Dublin, a drive along the west coast, historic castles and an evening listening to traditional music can quickly become a crowded itinerary. The challenge is deciding what to leave out—and how to enjoy the places you visit without spending most of the trip travelling between…

Quick answer: Karen Koster wore a teal Jade Sateen Dress from Divine during a December 2024 appearance on Ireland AM, pairing it with red patent heels. The dress was reported at €110 at the time; that price and its current availability should not be assumed today. Some outfit combinations remain useful long after their first appearance. Karen Koster’s teal dress and red heels on Ireland AM offered a straightforward idea for festive dressing: choose one expressive garment, then introduce a contrasting colour through accessories. Rather than relying on sequins or several statement pieces, the outfit brought together a flowing silhouette,…

In a surprising turn of events, the recent Irish elections have seen mainstream parties retain power despite a general anti-incumbent trend observed across Europe. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, the two leading parties in the outgoing coalition, fell just two seats short of a majority but are expected to secure the necessary votes from independent candidates to form a new government. Meanwhile, the Greens suffered a significant setback, holding only one seat, while anti-immigration candidates saw little success. Although technology policy was not a prominent electoral issue, it is poised to become a priority for the incoming government. Ireland faces…

Celtic Christmas is back to enchant audiences, offering a mesmerising blend of Irish music, dance, and holiday spirit. Direct from its Off-Broadway success, A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland promises an unforgettable evening of festive entertainment that captures the magic of the season. On 21 December, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, the Chesapeake Arts Centre at 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, will host this spectacular production. With tickets ranging from €40 to €70, it’s a night you won’t want to miss. The show features some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians, creating an immersive experience…

Restaurant critic and author Grace Dent has been announced as a judge for the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef. Dent, 51, will join long-time host John Torode in the celebrated BBC cooking competition, stepping into the role following Gregg Wallace’s departure. Wallace, a fixture of the series since its inception, has taken a step back amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct. Dent, a familiar face on MasterChef, expressed her excitement at taking on the role. “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a little girl sitting with my dad on the sofa,” she said. “To be…

Tourism Ireland has launched a captivating new campaign celebrating the 700-year legacy of Irish whiskey. Highlighting the island’s distilling heritage, this initiative showcases the craft, local ingredients, iconic landscapes, and the passionate people behind one of Ireland’s most cherished traditions. The campaign seeks to inspire whiskey enthusiasts and curious travellers to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Irish whiskey tourism. With over 30 distilleries across the island offering immersive tours, tasting sessions, and events, Ireland continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for whiskey lovers. Celebrating a Rich Legacy Irish whiskey distilling dates back to the…

The wait is over! The latest batch of celebrities for Dancing with the Stars 2025 has been unveiled, bringing excitement, anticipation, and plenty of sparkle. The announcement was made during last night’s Late Late Show, with Elaine Crowley, Kevin Dundon, Kayleigh Trappe, Rhys McClenaghan, and Yasmin Seky confirmed as the next stars set to take the dancefloor. These five join a stellar line-up that promises to bring glitz, glamour, and thrilling routines to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player next month. Each celebrity, paired with a professional dancer, will compete for the coveted glitterball trophy in what promises to be a…

Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland are intensifying their protest over legal aid payments, with an extended withdrawal of services announced for January 2024. The action will see barristers abstain from all legally aided crown court cases listed between 6 and 31 January, alongside ongoing withdrawals in specific criminal case categories initiated in November 2024. Long-Standing Payment Issues The dispute centres on dissatisfaction with the Department of Justice’s handling of the legal aid system. Donal Lunny KC, chairman of the Bar Council, described the decision to withdraw services as “regrettable but inevitable.” “Fees for legally aided criminal work have not increased…

Francis Bacon, a name synonymous with 20th-century modern art, is renowned for his visceral and provocative works. Born in Dublin in 1909 at 63 Lower Baggot Street to English parents, Bacon’s early years were spent amidst the cultural vibrancy of what is now referred to as “Baggatonia.” However, despite his birthplace and brief childhood in Ireland, the question remains: can Bacon be considered an Irish artist? Early Life and Departure Bacon left Ireland at the age of 16, relocating to England. His departure came during a time of significant political upheaval in Ireland, marked by rebellion, the War of Independence,…