IrishCentral Latest Irish news and stories about Christmas - b5cc3275d518416eacb61d676e8d84d1

Ideas for Irish Christmas gifts - a wool stool from Claire Ann O'Brien (IrishCentral)

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:30:25 PST

Claire Ann O'Brien's wool stools Knits may be everywhere this season but if you're not getting off on Jil Sander then you might just get on to a fluffy, wool stool This is the coolest piece of interior kit I've seen in ages and for Winter it seems like the ultimate indulgence In fairness, you probably have a million jumpers already so save on another and grab some handcrafted loveliness instead, you'll be thankful when the cold snap rolls in and you're lounging in PJ's and cashmere socksIrish born Claire-Anne OBrien spends between 1 day to 3 days making these stools, mixing hand knitting with machine before constructing 3d patterns by hand READ MORE

Christmas wish list - what gifts are you hoping to find under the tree this year? (IrishCentral)

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:00:22 PST

It's that time of year again, and although a Chanel handbag is really what I want, sometimes dreams don't come true! Not to put a dampener on things, there are lots of other luscious goodies out there that I could happily play with come the 25th Here are some of my favorites Notepads at the ready…Emé Vandal leather necklace with hair pendantA quirky yet sophisticated piece that really captures a romantic vision of old Ireland with a funky contemporary design It’s also super versatile, making it an ideal accessory for any outfit – whether you are going for the minimalistic look or are dressing to impress this is rocking!Joanne Hynes 'French Queen' Neck-PieceJewellery just got dangerous! This edgy yet elegant piece from Irish designer Joanne Hynes is amazing READ MORE

Tim Ryan - the ultimate in luxury Irish knitwear (IrishCentral)

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 07:00:18 PST

I've been a huge fan of Tim Ryan since I first set eyes on his wonderful pieces They are truly breathtaking and you can only really appreciate just how special they are when you try them on I'm not a 'girly girl,' I prefer tailoring and slouchy t-shirts but when I wear Tim's pieces (I have two) I feel utterly feminine and otherworldly, ladylike even which is a rarity! He is so talented and has managed to keep his feet firmly on the ground despite, ahem, gushing fans! Everyone from Kate Moss to Lily Allen and Cheryl Cole are collectors of the label Read an interview I did with Tim for Grazia here READ MORE

Where the streets are paved with gold - the perfect hardware for the Christmas season (IrishCentral)

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:45:17 PST

If you're looking for some hardware this festive season, look no further than gold, preferably lashings of it I've long since been a fan of this ostentatious metal so am delighted that it's now the first choice for designers, fashion editors and co It just feels so right, right now In the face of all the misery and moaning some gold will help you see the brighter side of life!! So don't be shy, there are no half measures here READ MORE

Top ten reasons to date an Irish person this Christmas - VIDEO (IrishCentral)

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 06:31:32 PST

Dating at Christmas - sur why not!If you find yourself enduring pangs of loneliness this holiday season, maybe it's time you ventured out and tried to find yourself an Irish companion Here are some reasons why your search for that special someone should be focused on those of Irish descent1 We are great for the banter READ MORE

Brandy butter cookies recipe - an excellent solution to using up this Christmas leftover (IrishCentral)

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 04:15:31 PST

Every year after Christmas I discover a tub of brandy butter lurking in the back of my fridge And every year I end up throwing it out, as it has gone rancid This year I left the bowl out to remind myself to think of something to do with it Then on Twitter last night several people mentioned that they too end up throwing their brandy butter away READ MORE

Are Irish men mean? Scrimping on gifts and how to tackle the issue (IrishCentral)

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:00:32 PST

Dear MTN,As I am writing this I realize it is not a huge problem however, it is something that has bothered me for years and I do not know how to approach the subject with my boyfriend Every holiday and every birthday, I always spend time and money getting my boyfriend a gift that I know he will love, and every year my gift seems like an after thought We have been dating for five years and we have discussed that we plan on getting engaged next year when we both turn 25 As for the gifts he gives me, he obviously spends a substantial amount less than I do on gifts and I am not materialistic by any means, but it does bother me READ MORE

Saying farewell to a dear friend and feeling strength in the community -- A sad Christmas as family and village mourn a great son and a true pal (IrishCentral)

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 06:00:36 PST

Mount BrandonThey say that a dark cloud follows Christmas around, hence the amount of deaths we have at this time of year I’m not too sure how scientific this is but it does seem to be the caseOur parish at home in Kerry is boxed in by three mountains one of them Mount Brandon the second highest in Ireland, the other side of the parish opens up onto the Atlantic at Smerwick harborWhen Christmas comes there is a tradition in the parish as there is in many others to put candles in all the windows over the 12 days READ MORE

Home thoughts from abroad can cause serious January blues - New year blues for immigrants leaving their families again (IrishCentral)

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:30:54 PST

Heading back to reality after the holidays can be hardAs I start writing this, on the 6th January, it's not the just the Christmas decorations that are on a come downPost-Christmas malaise hitting you like a juggernaut of omni-problems and January's role as an austere counterweight to all the December revelry is a familiar trope and a feeling we're all au fait with, but for the emigrés among us who returned home for the holidays, the feeling hits a little harderI, for instance, now living in Manchester, got home for a little over a fortnight At least, that's what the calendar indicated, but I'm convinced I've been swindled by the space time continuum somehow READ MORE

Survey shows mixed sales figures in Ireland over Christmas shopping season (IrishCentral)

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:59:51 PST

By: IC Staff Writers

Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show the volume of retail sales fell by 0.1% in December compared with November on the back of weak car sales.