IrishCentral christmas - b5cc3275d518416eacb61d676e8d84d1

Susan Boyle to make film debut in ‘The Christmas Candle’ (IrishCentral)

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 05:09:49 PST

By: IrishCentral Staff Writers

Susan Boyle, the breakout star from 2009’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ program, is set to make her movie debut in the upcoming ‘The Christmas Candle.’

Peaches Geldof displays impressive diamond rings after Christmas wedding (IrishCentral)

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:31:26 PST

Geldor's engagement ringThe socialite - who is married to musician Tom Cohen - posted a picture on Instagram of the shiny diamond ring he gave to her at Christmas as well as her wedding band and engagement ringAccompanying the image she wrote on Twitter: "My amazing engagement ring with my wedding band and the new Tiffany gold and platinum band Tom gave me as my Christmas pressie from him (it matches his wedding band) (sic)"Peaches and Tom married in September last year at St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence Church in Davington, Kent, South East England 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.

The Christmas lights are in the bin but the Irish shine on in Jersey - Music and events of St. Patrick's Day celebrations begin to raise their heads (IrishCentral)

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 05:31:00 PST

Union County St Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal Jim Tansey (left) plays the pipesThe Christmas season is truly done with all the decorations stored away and with Honey Badger removing my strings of colored lights outside the house with wire cuttersThankfully there are many happenings before I have to debate buying new lights next December and hiding the tools away from herWe didn’t quite make it to the Ancient Order of Hibernians Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Bright two Sundays past READ MORE

Irish government knew of horsemeat burger scandal before Christmas (IrishCentral)

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 04:54:08 PST

By: PATRICK COUNIHAN

The Irish government kept the horsemeat burger scandal from the public for almost four weeks, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has admitted.

The Irish Homecoming - There’s no place like home for the Christmas holidays - food laughter, love and being spoilt by Santa (IrishCentral)

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:57:55 PST

By: APRIL DREW

It was the first Christmas back in Ireland for APRIL DREW and her family, filled with food, laughter, love and too many toys from Santa.

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

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

Nollaig na mBan – the day to celebrate the iconic Irish Mammy (IrishCentral)

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 04:32:08 PST

By: MOLLY MULDOON

Today is a special day in Ireland when we celebrate the women who worked so tirelessly during the holiday period.

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

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

Christmas time at Ballymascanlon House Hotel - a real treat for the traditional traveler (IrishCentral)

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:31:29 PST

Ballymascanlon House Hotel Ballymascanlon House Hotel is a home away from home in Co Louth so if you are looking for somewhere different to celebrate Christmas this hotel is the place to be The Ballymascanlon does exactly what it says on the tin; it provides luxury, warm hospitality and comforts all under one roof It oozes tradition and history and lacks nothing 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

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

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

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

The Divine Providence Village Rainbow Irish step dancers prep for Christmas show - VIDEO (IrishCentral)

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:00:16 PDT

The Divine Providence Village Rainbow Irish Step Dancers are eagerly awaiting their first public performance It’s hard to tell who is more excited, the nine amazing developmentally challenged women who make up this extraordinary group, or myself, their instructor Since I started volunteering to teach Irish dancing to these women last January, I have watched them grow in ability and confidence And now, thanks to Dawn and Jacque Parker, owners and instructors of the Irish Stars Parker School of Irish Dance, where I am a student, these amazing women will have an opportunity to perform READ MORE

Women's Christmas is celebrated in Ireland today (IrishCentral)

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 02:35:20 PST

Read more: The top ten Irish Christmas traditions that make the season - SEE PHOTOSToday is a special day in Ireland when we celebrate the women who worked so tirelessly during the holiday periodNollaig na nBan or the Feast of the Epiphany, as it is more commonly known, marks the end of the Christmas periodTraditionally in Ireland women would finally get a much needed rest after catering to everyone during the festivitiesIn the south especially women would gather in each other’s homes and local pubs for a few stolen hours of gaiety while the men looked after the brood READ MORE

Brown Thomas reminds Dubliners of proud Irish culture this Christmas (IrishCentral)

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 01:50:03 PST

There’s something distinctly beautiful about Christmas in Ireland While walking down the busy shopping district of Grafton Street, you’re more likely to hear a melancholy pan flute version of "Carrickfergus," or a squeaky busker’s violin solo of "Danny Boy” floating about the cold streets than one of those hackneyed, tiresomely cheerful Christmas songs I’ve seen the famed holiday displays in the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue, and experienced the madness of a midtown Macy’s run far too close to the big day, but this year, I found myself pausing to take in all of the beauty in this year’s Brown Thomas Christmas window display While I stood there taking in the view – depictions of different scenes from old Irish folk tales – a little girl came up to stand beside me, also mesmerized by the figures on the other side of the glass READ MORE

Let's avoid 'Mass' lunacy on Christmas (IrishCentral)

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:30:17 PST

If a "friend" had betrayed you, lied to you, committed heinous crimes against you, your relatives or your friends, or covered up those crimes -- would you happily march into his home for Christmas dinner with gifts for him in hand?Yes? Then you'd be an idiot, of courseBut that is exactly what Catholics in Ireland will likely do when they go to their churches for Christmas MassKiss their solid-gold rings? Kiss my arse!The child abuse and sex abuse and its cover-up by higher-ups, whose horrid details are fast emerging, is now known to be an atrocity that went on for DECADES, and which was hardly the work of a "handful" of sick clerics or well-intentioned bishops It was hateful, criminal, systematic, and long-standing READ MORE