The annual conference of the Society for Irish Latin American Studies (SILAS), “Island Relations: Ireland, Cuba and the Latin World,” was held in Havana over four days in February. The conference coincided with the first Irish presidential visit to Cuba and the launch of novelist Joseph O’Connor’s book Star of Sea at the Havana International Book Fair. O’Connor’s book is the … [Read more...] about Report from Havana: Irish Latin American Conference
Travel Archives
Donegal Crowned World’s Coolest Destination
Co. Donegal claimed the number one spot on National Geographic Traveller’s annual “Cool List” of recommendations for those who love travelling the world. The isolated western county ranked above locations in Greenland, Sudan and Seoul among other “culture capitals, hipster hotspots [and] wild escapes” and was praised for its “undiscovered” aura by the magazine. “There’s an … [Read more...] about Donegal Crowned World’s Coolest Destination
Ireland’s Ancient South East
A stroll through Ireland’s mystical past, from ancient castles and rugged stone monuments to lively taverns and modern day crafts in Kilkenny and Wexford. I recently paid a visit to Ireland’s Ancient East. What’s that, you say? You haven’t heard of such a place? Well, I was once the same as you. In fact, I was skeptical about the very idea of it. But now I’m a convert and I’m … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Ancient South East
Dublin's Fair County
Seaside villages, mountains and castles. There’s more to Dublin than its famed city. I thought I knew Dublin. I’ve spent lots of time in the capital and even accompanied friends from other countries on trips to tourist sites such as Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. Surely I’d seen all there was to see of Dublin’s fair city? On a recent trip, I realized how wrong I … [Read more...] about Dublin's Fair County
The Pain and the Pleasure
Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, when pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick went ahead with far few climbers this year. Fr. Charlie McDonnell, parish priest of Westport, speaking to Patsy McGarry for the Irish Times, explained that the numbers at the mountain were "the smallest attendance of any Sunday this year, estimating that “between 400 to 500 … [Read more...] about The Pain and the Pleasure