Planning permission has been granted for a large new apartment scheme on the site of Dublin’s largest synagogue, despite concern by local residents about the scale of the plans and the loss of an iconic building.
Dublin City Council approved plans by developer, Granbrind Terenure Limited, for the construction of 60 apartments on a 0.54 site on Rathfarnham Road in Terenure that currently houses an Orthodox Jewish synagogue.
However, the scale of the development has been reduced by the company from its original plans for 66 apartments after serious concerns were raised by council planners.
The scheme will consist of three apartment blocks ranging from three to six storeys in height.
The developer claimed its plans strike a balance between minimising the impact of the development on neighbouring residents and securing a reasonable scale and density in line with national planning policy.
It had warned that any further reduction in the scale of the development would have made the project unviable.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th
Dublin City Council said the revised plans show the proposed development can be accommodated on the site without having an undue adverse impact on the residential amenities of nearby residents.
Among the conditions attached to the grant of planning permission is the requirement for Granbrind Terenure to make a development contribution of €618,495 to the council for public infrastructure benefitting the new apartment scheme.
The company is also required to make an additional contribution of €300,000 in lieu of meeting the requirement on the provision of public open space within the development.
The Terenure synagogue, which has a distinctive facade with five Stars of David above ten small square windows as well as stained glass windows of note, was designed by Irish architect Wilfred Cantwell and opened in 1953.
A garden to the front of the synagogue also contains a monument to victims of the Holocaust.
The developer claimed the demolition of the synagogue is justified as the building is not suitable for reuse.
Another condition requires the developer to submit details for the approval of the local authority on the location and future reuse of items removed from the synagogue including the stained glass windows, memorial plaques and an outdoor memorial stone.
The Dublin Hebrew Congregation intends to close the synagogue, which will be demolished under the plans for the new apartment scheme together with a community hall and caretaker’s lodge, and move to a more suitably sized facility in the area.
It pointed out that it now needs urgent work due to its poor condition, while also being too large for a declining Jewish congregation in the area.
A heritage assessment of the building noted it was “an interesting, if somewhat eccentric structure” but stated some important features such as the stained glass windows, memorial plaques and bimah (altar) could be removed for possible use in any replacement synagogue.
Among objectors to the development were the Terenure Residents’ Association, who described the scheme as “excessive and unbalanced.”
The group’s chairperson, Fionnuala Blake also expressed dismay that a landmark building “with its deep social history would be lost.”
Consultants for Granbrind Terenure said the proposed apartment scheme would support the development of Terenure as “a sustainable urban village through the development of a vibrant neighbourhood at this infill location.”
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The new owner, who bought the house in an off-market deal, was perhaps not solely motivated by its 600sq m (6,500sq ft) of Georgian elegance. It must be far more personal for showjumper and horse breeder Cian O’Connor
who owns the extremely profitable Karlswood Stables in Co Meath
crediting the former rugby international with inspiring his career in showjumping
the infamous horse on which O’Connor won a gold medal at the Olympics in 2004 that he was subsequently stripped of when the horse tested positive for a prohibited substance
O’Reilly stood by his godson throughout the saga
Bringing Fitzwilliam Square back into the family fold may feel like a step towards repaying that debt
The other big property sale of the week shows the money’s in horses. Aidan O’Brien
are the new owners of the sprawling Fanningstown House in Piltown
The couple bought the Georgian house through their family company
While the property price register records the purchase at €1.25 million
that doesn’t include its adjoining 40 acres
so it’s likely to have fetched close to €2 million
a coach house with a loft and a mare and foal box
There’s also a sauna in case any of O’Brien’s jockeys need to make weight in a hurry
Earlier this year it was reported that even the great Brian O’Driscoll is struggling to become a member of Dublin’s exclusive Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club
O’Driscoll was one of about 300 nominees whose names were put forward this year
with the club already vastly oversubscribed
Even getting nominated is quite the palaver
with applicants needing to be endorsed by two people who have been members for at least 18 months and who know the prospective member for at least two years
We hear another of those who was unsuccessful this year was Web Summit supremo Paddy Cosgrave
who strung together some decent performances playing masters doubles with nearby Brookfield last year
Presumably his Web Summit hiatus gave him time to work on his backhand
When the journalist Eoghan Harris chose Barbara J Pym as a pseudonym for a Twitter account in which he took pot shots at various public figures (imagine what Babs would have made of Kneecap)
he was presumably paying homage to the English satirist Barbara Pym
worked as a post office censor during the second World War
One of her jobs was to ensure that people in Britain writing to Irish relatives wouldn’t reveal any compromising secrets about the war effort
But would Harris have chosen Pym as his nom de plume had he known about new research by British diplomat and Pym scholar Claire Smith that suggests she was working for MI5 during her time poring over wartime correspondence
Apparently British intelligence recruited Pym
because they believed her writer’s eye for detail would help her detect coded messages in correspondence
The television adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People, starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, performed the remarkable feat of making O’Neill’s GAA shorts fashionable.
Another Edgar-Jones, Daisy’s father Phil, is also dipping into Irish culture with a new series for Sky on Irish dancing that airs later this year. Phil, one of the creators of Big Brother and now executive director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, has commissioned a new three-part series, The Battle of the Irish Dancers, which follows a cast of high kickers and their teachers competing at the World Championships in Dublin.
Perhaps wife Wendy, who reportedly helped daughter Daisy with her Irish accent in Normal People, gave him a heads up about the theatrical potential of the glitzy world of turnouts, tiaras and tan – she comes from Co Down.
If you think Tidy Towns involves picking up a bit of litter and planting a few flowers on public verges, you’re underestimating the type of committees competing for national titles. For them, it’s a year-round vocation.
Take Abbeyleix, the overall winner in 2023 and a regional winner last year. When a local Bible church sought to extend an old Methodist church building on the town’s main street last year, the Tidy Towns committee took issue with its plans.
While Laois County Council granted Laois Bible Church permission for a single-storey flat-roof extension and some internal modifications, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála, criticising the extension’s “crude design”.
Last week the appeals board ruled in favour of the Tidy Towns committee, saying the extension would detract from the appearance of the protected structure. And that’s why they’re champions.
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Two men have appeared in court charged in connection with a €1.6 million drug seizure in Dublin
an English national with an address in Barcelona
They were arrested after a vehicle was intercepted and searched in Coolock on Friday night on a slip road off the M50 and 21 packages of drugs were found
The court heard how Mr Sanchez was arrested in Coolock while Mr Etienne was arrested at Liffey Terrace in Lucan on 2 May
Both men were charged with possession of drugs and possession of drugs for the purpose of sale or supply under Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act
The court heard that the two men had arrived in Ireland on 24 April from Cherbourg
Detective Garda Tom McCarrick gave evidence of the arrest
The accused was charged at 7.45pm last night at Ballymun Garda Station and made no reply
has been living in Barcelona in Spain for over ten years
Judge Áine Clancy remanded him in custody to Cloverhill Prison and he will appear in court again on Wednesday 7 May via video link
Detective Garda Rioghnach O'Sullivan gave evidence of the arrest
He was also remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear in court again on Friday 9 May via video link
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An inspection of Dublin‘s famous statue of Molly Malone discovered it was not just her bosom that was in distress but that the entire sculpture was unstable with multiple broken fittings
A report by expert metalworkers explained how two of the pins that held Molly in place were completely destroyed
This had happened “from the abuse she [was] receiving on a daily basis” according to records released by Dublin City Council
The inspection showed the statue on Suffolk Street was now held in place only by two fixing pins underneath the wheels of her cart
[ Hey, tourists: fondling the Molly Malone statue is not a Dublin tradition. And it probably won’t bring you any luckOpens in new window ]
An email said: “The two fixing pins below her body have come loose or have cracked.”
As a matter of urgency, these pins need to be rewelded or replaced but to do that, the stone facing around the plinth will have to be removed so we can get at the pins.”
The inspection took place after the council decided Molly Malone, designed by sculptor Jeanne Rynhart, needed a revamp because of ongoing damage to her bosom area.
The statue’s cleavage was often groped by visitors snapping photographs and had led to noticeable discolouration of the bronze on her chest.
On Monday, two male stewards were on patrol at the famous landmark.
Many tourists were milling around and most of the people we spoke to said there is no need for people to touch the statue, noting how the practice had discoloured her bust over time.
The Irish Times saw several people grab Molly’s breasts – despite being asked not to by the stewards.
DJ and Tabitha Stevenson, who are visiting Ireland from Georgia in the United States to mark their 20th anniversary, questioned why people keep touching Molly’s bust.
“I noticed that her boobs were obviously discoloured from touching, and I kept seeing people touch her boobs. So I went to ask the [steward] about it, and he said it’s an old rumour that it’s good luck,” Mr Stevenson said.
A female tour guide, who did not wish to be named, had a different view. She said the presence of stewards is “ridiculous” and unnecessary.
“It’s just fun for people, and it’s not destroying the lovely statue. It’s not serious.”
Marilyn Todd, who is visiting Ireland from Chicago, said she didn’t have any desire to touch the statue, but understands why some people do.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it, if they don’t get destructive.
“I understand why they don’t want us to touch it. But, at the same time, you kind of come to Dublin to touch it,” Ms Todd said.
Flavia Bonelli and Diego Castañares, who are from Buenos Aires in Argentina but currently living in Spain, said the presence of stewards is a good idea. The couple weren’t aware of the practice of touching Molly’s breasts for good luck until today.
However, they may have come up with a workaround. Ms Bonelli said people could pretend to grab the breasts from a certain angle, without actually touching them, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.
The detail regarding an inspection of the statue emerged in email correspondence between the council and a conservation specialist organisation.
Bushy Park Ironworks, one of the country’s leading conservation specialists, were first contacted in January by the council.
An email from the council‘s public art officer said they were looking for a quote on how much restoration of the statue would be.
The message said: “As you are aware, the statue has been subject to damage in its patination several times over the years resulting from repeated touching of the statue.
“We are working on a more long-term solution to the issue, but I feel that it would help the visibility of the statue if the patination of the bronze could be restored on the statue’s chest area.”
The ironworks said the metalwork would be relatively straightforward with barriers erected, a thorough cleaning, the restoration of “the top edge of her dress” and then waxing.
However, they said the bigger concern was the overall stability of the statue.
In follow-up emails, the council said they wanted to go ahead with the work and were hoping it could be “expedited”.
They asked how long fencing would be needed, whether Molly Malone needed to be covered over and the likely duration of the project.
An email from the council said: “We are also considering posting a security guard on the statue during renovation work, so it would be good to know how long the whole process would take.”
In response, the ironworks said the overall project would take between one and two weeks depending on what was found after the granite plinth was removed.
They said that dust sheets would be enough to protect the statue while works were ongoing, and that the restoration of Molly’s bust would take only a few days depending on weather.
Asked about the project, the council said they hoped the revamp of Molly Malone would be completed by the end of May.
However, they would not disclose costs involved saying these had not yet been “fully established.”
Molly Malone statue on St Andrew's Street in Dublin. Photo: Getty
The Molly Malone statute. Photo: David Conachy
Ken FoxeYesterday at 13:34An inspection of Dublin’s famous statue of Molly Malone has found the sculpture was unstable due to multiple broken fittings.
The inspection took place after Dublin City Council decided Molly Malone needed a revamp because of ongoing damage to her bosom caused by groping tourists.
A report by expert metalworkers explained how two of the pins that held Molly in place had been completely destroyed.
This had happened “from the abuse she [was] receiving on a daily basis”, according to records released by Dublin City Council.
The inspection showed the statue on Grafton Street was now held in place only by two fixing pins underneath the wheels of her cart.
An email said: “The two fixing pins below her body have come loose or have cracked. As a matter of urgency, these pins need to be rewelded or replaced but to do that, the stone facing around the plinth will have to be removed so we can get at the pins.”
The statue’s cleavage is often touched by visitors snapping photographs, leading to noticeable discolouration of the bronze on her chest.
Bushy Park Ironworks, one of the country’s leading conservation specialists, was first contacted in January by Dublin City Council.
An email from the council’s public art officer said it was looking for a quote for the restoration of the statue.
However, the company said the bigger concern was the overall stability of the statue.
In follow-up emails, Dublin City Council said it wanted to go ahead with the work and was hoping it could be expedited.
The council asked how long fencing would be needed, whether Molly Malone needed to be covered over and the likely duration of the project.
The company said that dust sheets would be enough to protect the statue while works were ongoing, and that the restoration of Molly’s bust would take only a few days depending on weather.
Asked about the project, Dublin City Council said it hoped the revamp of Molly Malone would be completed by the end of May.
However, it would not disclose costs involved, saying these had not yet been “fully established”.
almost saw the match being completely called off
15 from Kilkenny wearing black shorts and 15 from Dublin kitted out in navy shorts
may still face sanctions after they stood determinedly on the pitch at St Peregrine’s GAA club
as the national anthem started at the throw-in time of 3.30pm on Saturday
The move was part of a campaign to allow women the choice to wear shorts instead of the obligatory skorts
Referee Ray Kelly from Kildare told the teams
with Kilkenny managed by Tommy Shefflin and Dublin by Gerry McQuaid
that they would have to get changed into skorts or the match would be abandoned
[ Skorts: What are they and why are we suddenly talking about them?Opens in new window ]
the Dublin team walked off while the Kilkenny side stayed standing shoulder to shoulder until they too left the pitch after the anthem finished
with hundreds of onlookers wondering what was happening
as many had not noticed the women wearing shorts
the Kilkenny team came back on to the pitch wearing their skorts while the Dublin side seemed to be making their minds up as to what they would do
About five minutes later the Dubs came out of the changing rooms
said she believed that the plucky move by the players will certainly make GAA management take note
But there could still be sanctions to face
“They could face big fines and the players having their names written in a match report by the referee
The players were making a point for all to see [within the Camogie Association]
the question will surely be why do women have to continue wearing skorts?”
[ Camogie Association ‘committed’ to players after proposals to allow shorts failOpens in new window ]
Many camogie players find the mandated skirt-short hybrids restricting, but it seems they will be stuck wearing them until 2027 at least. The Camogie Association, the GAA and the LGFA previously revealed that 2027 was the proposed date for their plans for full integration between the three.
Camogie players are obliged to wear skorts under rule 6(b) of the sport’s code, which stipulates that playing gear must include a skirt/skort/divided skirt. The issue is that most players hate wearing them, arguing that they restrict their freedom, largely because the shorts are of the “compression” kind, and they would prefer to wear regular shorts.
Secondary-school Kilkenny supporter Tara Kelly said the women “should be allowed to have a choice of what they wear whether it is skort or short. It should be about comfort, not having to be kitted out in one or the other.”
Numerous other female supporters agreed, with one teenager who did not wish to be named adding: “I think the shorts look good and the women certainly look much more comfortable”. A number of men did not even notice that the players were wearing shorts instead of skorts at the start of the game.
Kilkenny ultimately picked up a 4-11 to 2-12 victory over Dublin.
A Gaelic Player Association (GPA) spokesperson said: “The GPA fully supports players having the right to choose between shorts or skorts and our position on this will not change.
“It is unacceptable that female athletes are being compelled to wear gear that they believe compromises their performance and well-being. We stand firmly with any player or team who opts for shorts and commend the Dublin and Kilkenny players for asserting that right today.
“These athletes were put in an impossible position — wear what they believe is right or face the prospect of the game being abandoned. As always, players chose to compete.
“We now call on the Camogie Association to listen to players and respect their autonomy”.
Last year, London club Thomas McCurtains launched its Shorts Not Skorts campaign, and it all came to a head last weekend when two proposals were put to camogie’s congress calling for the rule to be changed.
Both proposals were defeated. And the issue cannot come up for discussion again until 2027.
More than 60 per cent of the delegates voted against Tipperary and Kerry’s motion calling for the skirt/skort/divided skirt wording to be removed completely and replaced with “shorts”, while 55 per cent said no to Meath and Britain’s proposal that shorts be offered as a choice alongside skorts.
Andrew Ryan
Digital Sports ReporterPublished: Invalid Date
DUBLIN captain Aisling Maher slammed as a "career low" their Leinster camogie semi-final against Kilkenny nearly being called off after players wore shorts instead of skorts
In a coordinated protest against the regulation gear
both sets of players wore shorts before Saturday's game
According to the Irish Times
referee Ray Kelly from Kildare told the two teams that they would have to wear skorts - a pair of shorts with fabric that gives the appearance of a skirt
the game would have been in danger of being abandoned
both sets of teams returned to the dressing rooms at St Peregrine's GAA Club
with the Kilkenny players returning several minutes later in the regulation kit
The Dublin players followed suit a few minutes later
And resharing the video, Dublin captain Aisling Maher described the episode as the low point of her career.
She said: "Career low for me today when 60+ players ready to play a championship game in shorts are told their match will be abandoned if every player doesn't change into skorts.
"I love this game but I am sick of being forced to wear a skort that is uncomfortable and unfit for purpose.
"In no other facet of my life does someone dictate that I have to wear something resembling a skirt because I am a girl
"Why is it happening in my sport?"
Players are currently required to wear skorts under rule 6(b) of the sports code
However, the gear is unpopular amongst players, with a GPA survey last week revealing that 83 percent want to be able to choose to wear shorts instead
Two proposals were put to the Camogie Association's annual congress last seeking to change the dress code
with more than 60 percent voting against skirt/skort/divided skirt being replaced with short
and 55 percent rejecting shorts being offered as a choice alongside skorts
The proposals cannot be heard again until 2027
A statement from the Gaelic Players Association to the Irish Times backed the Dublin and Kilkenny players' stance
It read: "The GPA fully supports players having the right to choose between shorts or skorts and our position on this will not change
“It is unacceptable that female athletes are being compelled to wear gear that they believe compromises their performance and well-being
"We stand firmly with any player or team who opts for shorts and commend the Dublin and Kilkenny players for asserting that right today
“These athletes were put in an impossible position — wear what they believe is right or face the prospect of the game being abandoned
“We now call on the Camogie Association to listen to players and respect their autonomy”
On Monday the Camogie Association issued the below statement to The Journal
It read: “We note the recent research published by the GPA
Player welfare is at the heart of everything we do across the Camogie Association
“A democratic vote at Congress 2024 determined that the rules governing our playing wear should not change
“Ard Chomhairle established a working group to examine issues around the comfort
design and overall performance of playing wear
a wide range of national and international manufactured skorts have been sourced
will begin in mid-May and will include adult and Juvenile players from Club and County teams
the working group will prepare recommendations for Ard Chomhairle consideration
“The Camogie Association remains committed to respecting the democratic process in all decisions that affect all of our members
“Voting delegates at Congress represent all the members of the Association
including players and parents of players across the country.”
Dublin U20s Hurling manager Fintan Clandillon has named his panel for Monday's O'Neills.com Leinster U20 Hurling Quarter-Final against Offaly at Cedral St Conleths Park (3pm)
The 2025 Dublin U20s Hurling panel & management team in full can be found here
Match tickets for the game are available here.
The game will be shown live on the Sport TG4 Youtube channel.
There will also be live updates on the Dublin GAA X page.
© Copyright Dublin GAA Board, Parnell Park, Donnycarney, Dublin 5. Made by Together Digital
A BUSINESSMAN who recently completed a management buyout of a top construction firm will stand trial next year accused of assaulting a man in south Dublin
appeared in Dublin Circuit Court on Thursday where he pleaded not guilty to a single charge of assault causing harm to David Hawkins at Meadowpark Avenue in Dublin 14 on March 31
Mr Yates was remanded on continuing bail and a trial date was set for July 21
He is a well-known businessman who recently spearheaded a management buyout of Bretland Construction where he is also managing director
The company which is headquartered in Offaly has been involved in major construction projects ranging from residential and commercial projects to civil engineering and industrial projects
Speaking at the opening of their new headquarters in Edenderry last year which coincided with the companies 25th year in business
family-run business has grown substantially into one of Ireland’s leading construction companies.”
At the time he was deputy managing director and board member but he led a management buyout in recent weeks following the retirement of the company’s founders and is now managing director
“We are delighted to have successfully completed this significant milestone and are genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead,” he said in a statement issued last month following the buyout
“This MBO marks a major turning point for Bretland Construction and our dedicated employees
“Just as every successful building project starts with meticulous planning and solid foundations
our continued success will be based on our experienced and passionate team.”
He said the company was committed to quality
safety and sustainability while positioning for future growth
described the deal as “significant,” saying the new leadership team had ambitions to capitalise on growth opportunities in construction
civil engineering and infrastructure markets
Bretland Construction sponsors Offaly Ladies GAA Bretland Park GAA ground in the county
Mr Yates describes himself in a profile as a “visionary leader” with “30 years of experience across four continents
managing complex projects and fostering business growth in diverse environments.”
I thrive on strategically managing and coordinating diverse multicultural teams within hazardous
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If you don't follow my page you might not know that my life became infinitely more joyful this year because we rescued a puppy
the last few months have introduced a whole new subsection on my usual hunt to find the best places to eat in Dublin
Dublin has lots of dog-friendly cafes and restaurants available
and it seems to be becoming more and more common
So if you’re like me and you dream of finding places where your furry friend is welcome inside
and definitely one of my favourite places to eat in the entire country - I visit at least once a month
he was welcomed us with open arms and treats on arrival
Slice has one of the most interesting brunch menus out there
You’re getting the best of the best ingredients served to you on colourful plates
Try the hash browns if you’re there for breakfast
and the Bahn Mi if you’re visiting for lunch
I’ve tried almost every açai place in Dublin
Park Lane Deli is nestled in the idyllic village of Chapelizod
So you can pop in for a fruity bowl and a coffee with your pup and then head to the park for a walk
their bacon and egg sandwich with relish is ridiculously good
One of the trendiest cafes in Dublin has to be Two Pups
it’s a surprisingly large space with many nooks and crannies for you and your doggo
The menu is constantly evolving to match what’s in season
They recently launched an evening menu here
so if small plates and wine are more up your street
3fe coffee can be found in a plethora of cafes across the country
so it’s very likely you’ve had their coffee
They have quite a few branches across the city
but the one on Grand Canal Street has to be my favourite
Their menu is simple but effective and really reasonably priced
Dogs are allowed inside each of the 3fe cafes
You can’t get more central than Clement and Pekoe on South William Street
it’s my go-to for a caffeine kick close to Grafton Street
There’s a few tables inside this spacious venue for you and your furry friend to escape from the bustling streets of Dublin City
have quite a few friends who are extremely passionate about it and swear that One Kinda Folk is the best place to order it
One Kinda Folk has two branches - one in Rathmines and one of Upper Leeson Street - both dog-friendly
Both venues have a really calming energy and are especially lovely on sunny days
Another one of my all-time favourite cafes in Dublin is Two Boys Brew in Phibsborough
It's the little things like the staff remembering your dog's name and bringing him treats while you tuck into brunch
The avocado toast here is worth sacrificing some of your savings toward a mortgage
There are few buildings as impressive as The Chocolate Factory in Dublin
My top pick is the Marrakech breakfast for a taste of Middle Eastern flavours
Groundstate café can be found in the heart of the Liberties
They roast their own coffee and curate their menu around seasonal produce from local suppliers
making a great people-watching perch for solo diners
Vada is one of the most beautiful cafes I’ve visited in Dublin
and the presentation of their food is equally as impressive
maybe only four or five options to choose from
but each one is totally different from the other
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Bibi’s has been around for as long as I can remember and it’s always been a great place for dog owners to dine. They have two branches - one in Dun Laoghaire and one in Portobello, which is my favourite.
Their sandwiches are some of the best you’ll find.
The love affair with Chapelizod continues. BaaBaa is an absolutely stunning venue. It's super cosy inside with just a few seats but during the summer months they put out more tables outside, in front of the cafe.
The creativity behind the dishes here blow me away every time. If you like sweet flavours for brunch, this cafe has mastered it. The French toast will leave you drooling.
Maybe it’s in the name, maybe it’s the vibe, but Southbank feels like a place you’d find in the bustling streets of London Town. It’s a bright, spacious venue with brunch dishes taking centre stage.
The perfect place to grab a bite to eat before strolling along the canal with your pooch.
If it's baked goods you’re after, The Middle Child in Beaumont is the one for you. They have perfected the 'sweet treat’ from cookies to carrot cake, cinnamon swirls to brioche buns.
It’s super dog-friendly and well worth checking out.
It’s my dream (probably most people’s dream) to live in Portmarnock. The village has such a sense of community, and the beach is one of the best sea swim locations around. For now (until I win the lottery), I’ll have to settle for weekend visits.
No visit to Portmarnock is complete for me (or Luan) without a visit to Honey Honey. Their pup cups are sprinkled with doggy treats, and they even have a Polaroid wall of fame for the dogs that visit.
See if you can spot us next time you’re in there!
Mr Sherwin, who served as a Dublin TD in the 1970s, passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home on Wednesday in Lavagh, Rooskey, Co Roscommon.
The Taoiseach was joined in the Sherwin home last night by several Fianna Fáil politicians from around the country, including local public representatives, Deputy Martin Daly and councillors Paschal Fitzmaurice, John Keogh and Sean Moylan.
In 1970 at just 23 years of age, Mr Sherwin was elected to Dáil Éireann for Fianna Fáil in a by-election in Dublin Southwest.
He served as a TD until 1973 and was appointed national organiser of the party in the 1980s.
He is predeceased by his loving wife, Betty Sherwin (née Davis), his sister Margaret, her husband Bernie and his recently deceased cousin Pat (nee Dooner).
Mr Sherwin is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his children John, Liz and Marc, and their spouses Caríosa, Tom and Dorcas, his grandchildren Seán, Tom and David, his brother Kevin and sister-in-law Catherine, his nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.
He will be laid to rest on Monday in Saggart cemetery in Dublin following Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ballyfermot.
Sign up to our newsletter for updates on Roscommon news, sport, community notes and more
Brian Fenton of Dublin consoles David Clifford of Kerry after the 2023 All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
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A year ago he was with the fans: now he’s an England player before Saints’ Champions Cup semi against Leinster
His restless energy is not confined to the pitch but soon he sits down for a chat, ostensibly to preview Northampton’s Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster on Saturday, but essentially to discuss Pollock-mania. How and why it has taken hold and whether at any stage in the 20-year-old’s fledgling career he has experienced a shred of self-doubt.
Read morePollock gives the impression of someone constantly trying to suppress a giggle and there are plenty of occasions when he fails
When he says the last time he felt overawed was tackling his older brother in the back garden
or when it is put to him his love for UFC might have made for a different career path
it is just Pollock does not seem sure what all the fuss is about
all the while determined to enjoy himself regardless
He has caused a stir not just for his prodigious gifts
but because he has such obvious fun showcasing them
Kids at Northampton have been wearing black tape on their heads and pleading for the back-rower’s boots after matches; his basketball celebration is being copied in junior matches far and wide
Adult supporters may reflect on their own angst-ridden youth and cannot help but be charmed by his self-confidence
“I am just trying to play well at the weekend and if they are stupid enough to copy what I do on the pitch then so be it,” he says
I want to make the distance between the players and fans as close as possible because we are trying to play well for the fans and get them behind us
To demonstrate the speed at which Pollock has risen
this time last year he was in the thick of it with the fans
In the same round of last season’s competition
and Pollock and a group of academy housemates undertook quite the itinerary in support
“We got a flight at 5am on the Saturday morning
which was a tough start to the trip,” says Pollock
View image in fullscreenFin Smith (left) celebrates with Henry Pollock (right) after scoring Northampton’s first try against Clermont Auvergne last month
Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA“We flew to Dublin and we were at Temple Bar at 9am
We were there all day and then went to watch the game and into the changing rooms afterwards with the squad
I think we left the club at three or four to get the taxi to the airport
Sunday was pretty much a write-off and back in here Monday
There’s a couple of stories I wouldn’t tell you
But there were about 10 of us who went and did that
Could he then have pictured himself 12 months later making the same trip as a Champions Cup player of the year nominee
talked about as a potential British & Irish Lions bolter
“I probably was too busy [thinking] about where the next pint was going to be
The last 12 months have come really fast and I am very grateful for all the opportunities
I was probably just thinking about what time we were getting the cab to the airport.”
Pollock has already been labelled as cocky
even arrogant – the only pastime more popular than building up a young English sporting talent is knocking them down – but teammates and coaches stress the difference between the bravado and the person
“I’ve obviously been delighted with the way he’s playing
delighted with the impact he has on the squad,” says Northampton’s director of rugby
“Sometimes Alex Coles has to tell him to shut up but other than that he’s been very positive
He puts out this persona on the pitch but he’s actually very mature and very thoughtful and bright off it
You’ve got to be very careful judging people on what they’re doing under pressure.”
When Pollock reveals what he considers to be the biggest setback he demonstrates a single-mindedness to go with the swagger
His addition to the England squad shortly before the start of the Six Nations was slightly earlier than expected and he was soon released back to the Under-20s
only to fight his way back into Steve Borthwick’s thinking and make his debut against Wales
For others in his position simply sampling a taste of life in the squad might have been enough
“Once you get a taste of that level you don’t want to go back to the Under-20s,” says Pollock
“That conversation I had with Steve was probably the toughest one I have had with him about my development and what’s best for me.”
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View image in fullscreenHenry Pollock scored twice on his England debut in Cardiff during the Six Nations when Steve Borthwick’s side thrashed Wales 68-14
Photograph: Kieran McManus/ShutterstockThere may have been a time when Dowson also sought to hold Pollock on a tighter leash – perhaps deemed him not ready for the challenge posed by Leinster away – but he says “he doesn’t need protecting
19-year-olds who might be overawed whereas he actually feeds off that and that’s just because he’s a slightly different character.”
Dowson compares him to Courtney Lawes in that regard and reveals that watching a documentary on the 2004 Boston Red Sox
who made history with their comeback victory over the New York Yankees on the way to winning the World Series
has convinced him Pollock is primed for the semi-final
very chilled and calm but then on the pitch he wasn’t particularly chilled or calm
Whereas Henry is just buzzing for every opportunity he gets
We watched something on the 2004 Red Sox and it said: ‘No occasion is too big for them.’ That’s what I feel about Henry Pollock.”
WITH JUST UNDER five minutes of the Champions Cup semi-final remaining
Leinster are awarded a penalty in the Northampton 22
The Saints are down to 14 players following a yellow card for back row Josh Kemeny
The penalty is on the right-hand-side 15-metre line so it’s not a gimme three points but it’s kickable
Prendergast has successfully kicked four from six attempts in the game
Replacement back row Jack Conan has taken over as Leinster captain after a head injury for starting skipper Caelan Doris and he initially looks to the sideline for instruction
“What do we want?” asks Conan as he cups his ears
signalling for a call from the coaching box
throwing his hands out in apparent confusion
which suggests there is no call from the touchline
replacement hooker Rónan Kelleher has a quick chat with lineout caller RG Snyman and sub lock Ryan Baird
the other two key figures in the set-piece
They’re preparing for the lineout and maul if the call is to go to the corner
with Prendergast and replacement centre Jordie Barrett clearly prominent in the discussion
It’s unclear who but we can hear someone saying
“Corner,” and there seems to be collective agreement
a directive comes from the coaching box in these instances
That explains Conan’s apparent confusion at the lack of a message in this case
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said post-match that he and the rest of the coaching staff were happy to leave this one to the players
the players have a feel on the field and they’re all-in there,” said Cullen
“They backed their bravery to go and win the game
Leinster had scored a maul try 15 minutes earlier in the same right corner and that must have played into their decision
Saints had generally defended the maul very well in this game
We’ll never know what would have happened next if Leinster had gone for the post and Prendergast had successfully made it 37-37
There might have been last-gasp drama in the closing four minutes
or we could have had 20 minutes of extra time
Leinster’s maul effort was rejected by Saints
It’s worth noting that with Kemeny in the sin bin
the Saints coaches decided to sacrifice a back by bringing back row Angus Scott-Young on for wing Tom Litchfield
meaning they had eight forwards to deal with the maul attack
That obviously left them short in the backline but was very helpful here
allowing Snyman to win the ball uncontested
Staying down allows Saints to prioritise their maul defence and they do an excellent job
The four players in the middle of their lineout – Tom Lockett
and Angus Scott-Young – are pre-bound like a four-man front row
ready to drive into Leinster as soon as Snyman lands
We can see that defensive receiver Juarno Augustus [highlighted with the spotlight above] has moved up to lend his power behind that quartet
The two players at either end of the lineout – Henry Pollock and Elliot Millar-Mills – are initially tasked with standing off and containing any maul break plays to either side
Saints have already won the battle as they time their drive to split-second perfection
surging into Leinster just as Snyman lands
hooker Curtis Langdown nudges Millar-Mills forward into the maul
taking his slot on the edge of the maul in the shortside
but the damage has been done by the initial quintet who meet Leinster on landing
get no chance to brace strongly at the front of Leinster’s maul and the home side end up being very upright
Scott-Young does bind onto McCarthy’s leg and appears to very briefly lift it
but it’s done subtly enough and doesn’t catch referee Pierre Brousset’s attention
Northampton would have won this battle anyway given the quality of their defensive set-up
It’s a thunderous effort in maul defence from Northampton
Jordie Barrett carries well before McCarthy powers around the corner to get on the ball
McCarthy beats two tackle attempts and Leinster are suddenly back into a promising scenario as Pollock drags him to ground
But Northampton get a turnover at this breakdown
Pollock stays on his feet after the tackle and immediately looks to jackal for a turnover
Pollock goes straight off his feet as he jackals
But he bounces up in the next split seconds as he scoops the ball back towards his team-mates
That leaves the ball exposed for lock Coles to jackal and make the poach
Referee Brousset is close to the breakdown but he doesn’t feel that Pollock has illegally played the ball after initially going off his feet
Northampton get the benefit of the decision and clear the ball into touch
It would have been interesting to see what Leinster would have done had they been awarded the penalty here
Pollock might even have been sin binned if it was deemed a penalty
Leinster send on Ross Byrne in place of Prendergast and with just over three minutes
they launch from a lineout on the Northampton 10-metre line
A slick catch-pass from Barrett off James Lowe’s pass sends Ryan Baird surging up the left on fourth phase
There’s a brief window for Baird to pass or offload back inside to Jamison Gibson-Park
Gibson-Park’s pace would undoubtedly take him clear to score
But Baird doesn’t glance infield until it’s too late and the window is shut
Another shortside sortie brings further gains for Leinster on the left as Barrett and Baird send Lowe into space
The Leinster forwards take over with a series of carries off Gibson-Park
There is one chance for Leinster to flash the ball wide when the 14-man Saints look short on numbers
Highlighted in red above are Conan and right wing Tommy O’Brien holding width
It’s difficult to tell from this shot but O’Brien has his hand up signalling for the ball to be moved out to the edge
Leinster do play out the back as Baird sweeps the ball to Byrne
But with Saints working hard to limit Leinster’s time on the ball
fullback James Ramm is the last defender on the edge for Saints
Tommy Freeman is covering across in the backfield out of shot
but Leinster obviously have Conan and O’Brien both wide on the right
There would be risk in throwing a flat pass here
while a floated bridge pass would give Saints more time to recover and chase out
Barrett decides to hold onto the ball and the window closes again
Leinster go back to their direct ball-carrying for another six phases until a Snyman offload suddenly de-structures the game
Gibson-Park takes the offload and swings back to his left to find Lowe
who does superb work to tie in both Langdon and Tom James
who he even manages to trip as the Northampton man turns back out when Lowe passes
That leaves van der Flier with a one-on-one against Freeman
Freeman does well to cling onto van der Flier’s right arm after being bumped off by the Leinster back row
That probably prevents van der Flier from finishing
It also buys time for second row Coles to get across with a big effort after 79 minutes of exhausting action
Coles slides in and initially denies van der Flier a chance to reach out and finish with that lung-busting effort
Coles’ second action in ripping he ball away from van der Flier is illegal and he ends up being sin-binned for that
The ball is now loose and comes forward off Coles’ hand and off his left knee before bouncing back the other way off Leinster out-half Byrne’s right knee
There’s a final touch off the right boot of the retreating James and the ball ends up as close to the left corner as is possible
Byrne reaches out and looks to ground it on the tryline
Brousset goes to a formal review with TMO Tual Trainini and says
but we want to check if there is a player on the ground ripping the ball.”
we will look if there is a grounding by blue or the ball is in touch.”
Brousset confirms the illegal play by Coles: “The green player is assist tackler
He then assesses the possible grounding by Byrne
we have an image of the ball in touch against the base of the post.”
The TMO feels that this rules out a Leinster try due to Law 21.15: “If the ball or ball-carrier touches a corner flag or corner flag post without otherwise being in touch or touch-in-goal
play continues unless the ball is grounded against the post.”
Brousset decides he has seen enough and begins to run through his decision
“Is that in the act of scoring and prevents a potential try?”
“because he [van der Flier] was short and he cannot move forward
it would be just cynical so I will give a yellow card against five
“Then we’ve got a knock-on [by Coles] and the ball touches the base
“Number five is involved as assist tackler
Then there is a knock-on and the ball touches the base of the post
Conan nods as Leinster initially accept the decision
Coles is binned and there is a pause as Kemeny returns from the sin bin
while Leinster replace the injured O’Brien with Prendergast
Leinster have already decided to tap the penalty
which is out on the left-hand side five-metre line
Byrne is an excellent place-kicker with a record of nailing difficult shots under pressure
but taking on the shot comes with the obvious risk of missing and the game being over
Leinster back themselves to score a winning try
Leinster seem to be simply discussing exactly which five-metre tap play they will use
Conan approaches Brousset and asks about the Coles incident again
it’s not in the act of scoring because he is short and can’t move forward again,” replies Brousset
Van der Flier is very close to the tryline when Coles strips the ball away illegally
certainly close enough to reach out and dot the ball down
Ball carriers are entitled to do that as long as they don’t propel themselves forward along the ground having already been tackled
But Brousset clearly believes that van der Flier would have had to thrust himself forward in order to get the ball under or beyond Coles to finish
Conan moves away but calls his forwards in one last time
The play they opt for is the same one Leinster used for Doris’ try earlier in the second half
Just watch how the Leinster deception catches Augustus [in the black scrum cap] off guard
He bites in towards the dummy pod of forwards off van der Flier and can’t react as the Leinster openside then skips a pass wider to Doris
who blasts through Pollock with a double latch to score
The second attempt from Leinster is different because it’s so close to the left touchline
Leinster have two backs to the left of the ball in Robbie Henshaw and Lowe
while Jamison Gibson-Park also darts there
That all holds two of the Saints forwards on that side
there’s not as much space to the left of the ball and only Lowe is on that side
Saints wing Freeman can mark Lowe as the Saints forwards worry solely about the Leinster forwards
are slightly wider on the right-hand side of the ball this time around
is running into a more solid defensive line
He is met by prop Millar-Mills and back row Scott-Young
Brousset has a good view and is happy that the strip was completed before Conan gets a knee to ground
repeating those words as Leinster appeal for a penalty
Augustus presents the ball back on Saints’ side and though there is a messy ruck as bodies pile in desperately
Saints carry short twice more through Pollock and West before out-half Fin Smith launches the ball into the stand
Five minutes after this gesture by Leinster skipper Conan
his counterpart Fraser Dingwall does the same
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Two men charged over a seizure of €1.6 million worth of heroin in Dublin
allegedly linked to "a transnational criminal organisation" have been remanded in custody
for ten years and 34-year-old Christian Munoz Sanchez
were arrested on May 2nd during an operation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB)
They appeared before Judge Aine Clancy at Dublin District Court on Monday
Mr Etienne pleaded for bail on the grounds he came to Ireland on a trip with his co-accused
with whom he had shared a room at the Clayton Hotel in Liffey Valley
Judge Clancy held he was a flight risk and denied his request
Mr Sanchez deferred his application to be released pending trial
he will utilise an EU directive allowing defendants to sign on at police stations in their own countries
The two men were remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court
Mr Etienne on Wednesday and his co-accused two days later
GNDOCB detectives Tom McCarrick and Rioghnach O'Sullivan said the pair "made no reply" when charged with possessing heroin and having it for sale or supply at Junction 9 of the M50 on May 2nd
Detective Garda McCarrick said that on Friday
GNDOCB officers received confidential information about "a transnational organised crime group involved in drug trafficking"
The court heard it suggested a Spanish national named Christian Munoz Sanchez and others had a large quantity of heroin in west Dublin
Detective Garda McCarrick told the court that Mr Etienne was stopped at Liffey Terrace
The court heard gardaí learned his co-accused was travelling in a taxi
which was stopped at the Coolock Slip Road
Searching the vehicle led to the recovery of 21 packages of heroin
The court heard the pair travelled by ferry to Ireland in a car with another man
by ferry from Cherbourg and arrived at Dublin Port on April 24th
were said to have established that Oliver Etienne and his co-accused arrived at the hotel on Thursday
checked out at the same time and placed their luggage into secure storage in the hotel
It was claimed Mr Etienne later went in and collected these bags
including one containing the heroin later found in the taxi with Mr Sanchez
The court heard that encrypted messages were on Mr Sanchez's phone
but Mr Etienne's phone could not be accessed because he did not provide the correct PIN
Defence solicitor Kate McGhee disputed garda evidence her client was caught red-handed
The solicitor stressed that her client had no previous convictions or warrant history and would abide by the condition
Judge Clancy held that the gardaí had not established that he had been caught red-handed
but she refused bail on the grounds that it was reasonably probable that he would evade justice
who listened with the aid of an interpreter
would move his bail application on Friday based on the Mutual Recognition of Decisions on Supervision EU directive
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There are just over 200 CCTV cameras in Dublin operated by An Garda Síochána
making it one of the least surveilled capital cities in Europe
In a response to a parliamentary question, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan confirmed of the 209 cameras in the Dublin metropolitan area authorised by the Garda commissioner
are located on O’Connell Street and in the north inner city
The breakdown shows that there are a total of 35 cameras in Tallaght; 33 in the Pearse Street district; 18 in Ballyfermot; 13 in Clondalkin; and 12 in Dún Laoghaire
“The quantity of cameras varies from time to time as a result of moves
additions and due to changes resulting from building works in Dublin,” said Mr O’Callaghan
There has been criticism that the number of CCTV cameras in Dublin is very low compared with other cities
and that many more will be needed in the capital to deal with crime
public order incidents and traffic offences
Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South James Geoghegan
said that as a capital city of over 1 million people
Dublin was way behind when it came to using CCTV on the streets
“Right now there’s just one Garda CCTV camera for every 6,000 people in Dublin
In London the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has one for every 73 people
The City of Westminster has one for every 1,000
“When I was Lord Mayor of Dublin (in 2024)
I heard the same thing again and again from businesses
and they want to see consequences for criminal behaviour
Expanding CCTV is one key part of that,” he said
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) said that in addition to its own cameras
An Garda Síochána also routinely collects CCTV footage from premises across Dublin when investigating crimes
The Garda also has access to at least 400 CCTV cameras operated by Dublin City Council
including those on over 250 traffic poles throughout the city
An Garda Síochána Recording Devices Act 2023
also gives wide powers to compel businesses and organisations (such as shopping centres
stores or other venues) to provide a live feed of their CCTV to An Garda Síochána for up to 72 hours
a senior policy officer on surveillance and human rights with the ICCL
said CCTV could serve valid purposes such as securing property but if used disproportionately it could unlawfully infringe individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection
it could lead to general untargeted mass surveillance
“As surveillance CCTV systems become more sophisticated this risk becomes even greater
We’re lucky enough to live in a jurisdiction where the State does not have an unfettered right to erect cameras wherever it sees fit
There are rules to be complied with so that our fundamental rights are protected,” she said
Ms Cronin warned against Ireland following the lead of the UK in this regard
She said the UK was now considering a law to ban face coverings at protests and was also expanding its use of facial recognition technology
She said Dublin should not be seeking to emulate the UK or London, one of the most surveilled cities in the world.
London has 14 cameras per 1,000 people, according to global analysis conducted by research company Comparitech. Berlin has 13 per 1,000 people, and both Paris and Rome have four cameras per 1,000.
The figure for Dublin is 0.2 cameras for every 1,000 people, or 0.6 cameras per 1,000 population if those from Dublin City Council are included.
The report of the Dublin City Taskforce recommended an upgrade in the CCTV network, and also suggested that new legislation be drafted for real time monitoring.
Another recommendation was that more CCTV cameras be inserted in areas of the city that were flashpoints for public order offences or known locations for street crime or disturbances.
Harry McGee is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times
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Thousands of people took part in an anti-immigration rally in Dublin city centre on Saturday
Both passed off without any major incidents with gardaí acting as a cordon between both groups on O’Connell Street
described by organisers as an Easter Rising commemoration to pay respect to “those who fought and gave their lives to preserve the Irish nation and create the Irish Republic” began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square
hosted a counter-protest at the nearby GPO at 1.30pm
A large number of gardaí were present throughout the afternoon
The anti-immigration protest saw those gathered carrying Tricolour flags
wearing green “Make Ireland Great Again” caps and shouting slogans including “get them out” and “Sinn Féin are traitors”
Some carried signs which stated “Irish Lives Matter”
with copies of the 1916 Proclamation handed out
There were some hostile and aggressive interactions between protestors as the anti-immigration rally passed by the anti-racism demonstration at the GPO
The United Against Racism demonstration saw those gathered carry signs reading “Stand Against Racism” while chanting “refugees are welcome” and “whose streets - our streets”
Anti-immigration activists including Hermann Kelly from the Irish Freedom Party and Philip Dwyer were also present
Cllr Steenson spoke of “really exciting times” and how “we have moved this project on hugely”
He said Independent councillors such as himself and cllrs Pepper and Sutcliffe
who won seats on Dublin City Council last year
were using them to “push forward our message that this country should be run by its people for its people”
Cllr Steenson also said the biggest day of the year had been “St Patrick’s Day in the White House”
that is a huge reach that we couldn’t get without those two people.”
Cllr Pepper said Irish people “come first in our own country” and that it was “time for mass deportation”
He said people were gathered because they were “sick of the Government treating us like crap” and that “people can’t get by in this country” struggling with bills
“We’ve had enough of it and the people in Leinster House are just not listening,” he said
“We’re bringing in thousands and thousands of people and putting them up in hotels while our own people are being left to rot
We have over 15,500 people in emergency accommodation
[ Power struggles, resignations and Conor McGregor’s toxicity: The fracturing of Ireland’s far rightOpens in new window ]
He added that those present needed to ensure their children were registered to vote and that “we don’t need big posh people to come and represent the working class”
Cllr Pepper also claimed that politicians in Leinster House “don’t care about you” and to “call them out on the street when you see them”
Cllr Sutcliffe said those gathered were “getting put down day by day by the people put in to represent us”
“The Government does not represent the people of Ireland… Let it be heard - up the Irish,” he said
Former MMA fighter McGregor posted a video of himself and his family at the Garden of Remembrance ahead of the anti-immigration protest
McGregor said it was “a big day here for our country” and that the rally was to commemorate “the valiant heroes who went before us”
He said the protest was also to “shine our light on the failure of Ireland’s Government and our full disapproval of it”
Listen | 19:50Sarah BurnsSarah Burns is a reporter for The Irish Times
The Guardian speaks to Manna Aero founder and orders coffee via startup’s app to be delivered to a suburban home
tilt forward and zip away in different directions
On a sleepy morning in the Irish capital the takeoffs build to a steady one every few minutes
with barely anyone glancing at the constant stream of aircraft buzzing back and forth
“No one’s looking up – no one ever looks up,” says the man responsible
the founder of the Dublin startup Manna Aero
People probably should take notice, because the drones are part of an effort to realise an ambition shared by Amazon
the Google sister company Wing and the Californian startup Zipline: instant
Healy and his big-tech rivals hope drone delivery will change the course of the retail industry across Ireland
The company has said it received only 53 complaints in the year to February
Yet Manna Aero appears to be right in the mix
It has flown 200,000 delivery flights in the Dublin suburb of Blanchardstown
Deals with Just Eat and DoorDash could help as it to expand and attract businesses ranging from restaurants
On Manna’s app the Guardian orders two coffees to be delivered to a borrowed house
A speck on the horizon gradually resolves itself into a quadcopter as it skims over the Dublin suburban skyline
and then drops the paper bag on a biodegradable string
The coffees arrived 16 minutes after we put in the order on the app
That compares with preparation time plus a minimum of 11 minutes for someone delivering the same on an e-bike
the drones do not need to lug around a human
Each aircraft does about 80 deliveries a day
he says – well over double what a delivery driver or rider would generally do
a drone “pilot” is able to oversee up to 20 aircraft at once
View image in fullscreenAutonomous drones mean fewer people are needed
The ‘pilot’ is able to oversee up to 20 aircraft at once
Photograph: Patrick Bolger/The GuardianAutonomous dronesThe drones are autonomous from the point that they are loaded and given the OK to lift off from the base
The only intervention from a pilot is when a video flicks on back at the base to check whether the ground is clear of people or cars
“In suburbs that delivery driver thing is a broken model,” says Healy
“There’s no way you can get a delivery driver to do that and make it profitable.”
He left school at 17 to make video games and then started and sold six businesses
which operates vehicle rental services for airline websites
He founded Manna in 2018 because he wanted to make “measurable impact planet-wide”
bringing coders with him to take on the challenge of creating autonomous drones
The drones were designed by Manna’s teams in Monmouth, Wales, and Dublin, with aerospace-grade motors and propellers made in China and other parts from Europe and the US
a weight that will allow them to fly in the US
View image in fullscreenManna’s drones can carry cargo weighing up to 4kg
Photograph: Patrick Bolger/The GuardianThat is easily enough to carry four 15-inch pizzas for a family
One delivery of 24 toilet rolls in Finland had to be halved because they would not all fit
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although they can easily fly on four if disaster strikes
although that has only been used once in 200,000 flights over four years
and European aerospace regulators have audited the company’s tech
The drones operate from bases squeezed in bits of land that can fit a couple of shipping containers and five 2 metre squared landing zones
Manna employees in the containers prepare the orders
and oversee the drops in a 2.1-mile (3.4km) circle
Manna’s catchment area covers 150,000 people in Blanchardstown
the company expects to cover about a million people across Dublin
That would be most of the city outside the centre
where shorter distances and fewer private gardens for drops rule out Manna for now
(City centre rooftop deliveries hold promise
but the idea of deliveries to flats on the fourth floor seems unlikely
Healy says.) By the end of the year Healy hopes to be at a rate of 2m flights annually
View image in fullscreenManna has flown 200,000 delivery flights in the Dublin suburb of Blanchardstown and in Helsinki, Finland. Photograph: Patrick Bolger/The GuardianHealy says the UK launch has been held up by regulation
although the adoption of EU drone standards on 1 April could open the door as soon as this year
Customers in Ireland pay a €1.99 (£1.73) delivery fee
but Healy pledges that deliveries will be free for users when the service starts in unnamed UK cities
but the cost of expansion will still be high for the loss-making company
It has done everything so far on a shoestring €60m in venture capital money
Healy also knows that some people will balk at the idea of instant retail gratification
but the company may in the future have to solve the problem of avoiding rival operators’ aircraft
Yet Healy is ebullient about the future of drone deliveries
“It will enable a totally different form of commerce to what we have today,” he says
“People in small businesses beating the giants
If you can move everything in three minutes then you have an Amazon slayer.”
This article was amended on 14 April 2025 to add that residents in Dublin have complained about noise and the company’s response and to clarify where the parts and motors were made
Organisation says it regrets renting premises for event with US commentator Tucker Carlson and will give fee to charity
The Freemasons of Ireland have apologised for hosting an interview between Conor McGregor and the US commentator Tucker Carlson at the organisation’s premises in central Dublin
Philip Daley, the grand secretary of the Irish Freemasons
said the organisation regretted renting its hall for the event last week and would donate the fee to charity
Carlson
gave the former mixed martial arts champion who has become an outspoken critic of Irish and European immigration and asylum policies a platform to assail immigration and to promote his potential run for Ireland’s presidency in an election later this year
The 55-minute interview, recorded on 15 April, has been viewed more than 1.4m times on Carlson’s YouTube channel. It was the latest collaboration between rightwing US figures and McGregor, whom Donald Trump hosted at the White House on St Patrick’s Day
The Freemasons’ Hall, built in 1869, provided an elaborate, Victorian backdrop to the interview. In a statement at the weekend
Daley said the Freemasons routinely rented out the hall and took a booking from a US media company without initially knowing details of the event
“If the participants and content had been known the booking would not have been accepted. The Freemasons of Ireland categorically denies any association with the interviewer or interviewee and regrets that such an interview took place on our premises
We apologise to our members and confirm that steps have been taken to avoid a reoccurrence.”
Daley told RTÉ that the organisation learned details of the event about an hour before it took place
Would we cancel it or would we let it go ahead
And we decided in our wisdom that we just let it go,” he said
Daley said he allowed the interview to proceed after an assurance from Carlson’s company that all of the backgrounds would be blurred and that there would be no reference to the Freemasons’ Hall
Daley also said his organisation worried about a possible “backlash” if it cancelled the event
“In hindsight we’re not happy with that decision
Daley added: “I would not be a fan of Mr McGregor under any circumstances.” The fee
said a corrupt governing elite was facilitating the “erasure” of Irish people and their identity
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McGregor complained that the rules on running for president – he needs the endorsement of four county councils
or 20 legislators – may prevent him getting on the ballot
Carlson did not ask about a civil trial that last November found McGregor assaulted a woman who accused him of raping her at a Dublin hotel in 2018
The 36-year-old is appealing against the verdict
McGregor escorted Carlson around Dublin during his visit and hosted him at a pub he owns
Dublin delivered a spirited display before eventually succumbing to Kilkenny by thirteen points in their Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Hurling Championship Tier 1 encounter at O’Toole Park on Saturday afternoon
Having suffered earlier reverses to both Galway and Wexford
Dublin trailed by 2-11 to 0-11at half-time with goals from Jake Mullen and Ollie O’Donovan handing Kilkenny a deserved interval lead
Luke Hayes and Rory Buggy continued to impress in a defensive capacity after the break
they proved powerless from preventing their opponents pulling away by the final whistle
The Dubs started brightly through an early Rory Flannery free but with Diarmuid Behan upended in the square at the opposite end
Mullen emphatically converted the resultant penalty beyond the helpless Hugh Leahy
Flannery and Josh Dowling traded points by the 8th minute before the hosts offered encouragement to the home support through successive scores from Flannery (free) and Christian Kane
Behan and Mullen (free) replied for the visitors before Sean Culleton brought the Dubs to within a point by the end of the first quarter with a tidy score from play
The early stages of the second quarter were similarly tight with points from Finn O’Donnell and Flannery just reward for Dublin’s battling efforts but Kevin Buggy began to influence the play with a brace of Kilkenny scores
After Leahy had denied O’Donovan in the 25th minute
he was once again blameless a minute later as a strong run by Oisin Henderson allowed O’Donovan the simplest of tasks of firing home from eight yards
they continued to offer a threat at the opposite end as scores by Daniel O’Connor
Flannery and Conaill O’Sullivan before the break helped them limit the damage to six points by the turnaround
While O’Connor clipped over an early point upon the restart
the visitors began to enhance their position with Mullen and O’Donovan scoring two points apiece as they stretched their lead to ten points by the end of the third quarter
A brace of Flannery frees kept the home scoreboard ticking over but the goal required to launch a comeback looked elusive as Kilkenny replied with three points on the bounce by Behan
Flannery added a trio of further frees to take his personal tally to twelve points but Dublin had to concede second best on the day with substitute Cian Byrne landing two late points for the Cats
Scorers – Dublin: R Flannery 0-12 (10f); D O’Connor 0-2; C Kane
0-1 ’65); O O’Donovan 1-3; K Buggy 0-3; D Behan
The crime rate in some parts of Dublin is 1,000pc higher than the national average
there were a total of 10,683 crimes recorded in the official figures for last year from the Central Statistics Office (CSO)
THE CAMOGIE ASSOCIATION says the rules around the wearing of skorts will remain as they are despite the efforts of Dublin and Kilkenny players who protested against the issue over the weekend
the Camogie Association released a statement which reads that “player welfare is at the heart of everything we do” and that “rules governing our playing wear should not change” on account of a vote taken at 2024 Congress
“We note the recent research published by the GPA
There were striking scenes on Saturday as the Dublin and Kilkenny teams emerged for their Leinster semi-final wearing shorts instead of the mandated skorts which is part of the camogie uniform
The Kilkenny team stayed on the pitch for the National Anthem while wearing shorts as the Dublin team left the field
all thirty players changed into skorts to play the match which Kilkenny won
The players were protesting against the rule which forces players to wear the skort — a skirt with a pair of shorts attached underneath. The protest followed the publication of research from the GPA. A survey of 650 inter-county camogie players found that 83% would prefer to wear shorts or believe that players should have the option to choose
‘This can be resolved pretty quickly…it’s a failing on the camogie association it has got to this point’ - @MrJackieTee and @Neilmcmanus88 on contentious skort issue pic.twitter.com/JcQJRzVbig
Sunday Game pundits Neil McManus and Jackie Tyrrell have also hit out at the Camogie Association over the ongoing skorts issue
Presenter Damian Lawlor put it to McManus that the 2027 Camogie Congress is the next available opportunity to address this issue
“I don’t think it should be,” McManus replied
If the Camogie Association would collaborate with the players here
I think this can be resolved fairly quickly
“When you see that 83% of Camogie players are in favour of having a choice to wear the skort or the shorts
“We want the games to be played at as high a level as possible
We want players to be as happy as they possibly can be and this seems like a no-brainer
I was listening to Aisling Maher [Dublin] and Hannah Looney [Cork] during the week articulating the point so well
the ball is very firmly with the Camogie Association tonight.”
Tyrrell added that this is the “common sense approach” and said that the Camogie Association should not have allowed the matter fester to this point
“It’s a failing on the association that it’s got to this point
This should be nipped in the bud and facilitated
83% is a strong number of people looking for change
and it’s not a wholesale change or a drastic change
It’s just giving them the option of the skort or the shorts
“If you hear some of the players that Neil has alluded to – well able to articulate
These girls are putting in as much effort as anyone
And to not be able to facilitate change or give them what they want
Article updated to include a statement from the Camogie Association
Check out the latest episode of The42′s GAA Weekly podcast here
THREE “ambitious” software engineers have pleaded guilty to stealing more than €3,500 worth of goods during a series of thefts from IKEA in Dublin
pleaded guilty to stealing from the furniture chain’s Ballymun outlet on three dates in January
Detective Garda Anthony Galbraith told Judge Patricia Cronin at Dublin District Court that on January 11th
“took a large quantity of materials and failed to pay for same”
They left the store twice with €1,350 worth of property and goods valued at €852 the next time
the detective went to their shared home on February 16 and searched the property
recovering a significant portion of the loot
One person was arrested and made full admissions
Detective Garda Galbraith said the other two later came to Ballymun station with more stolen goods
Judge Cronin noted that the three defendants
had no prior convictions and had never come to Garda attention before
the three housemates could have been eligible for an adult caution instead of a court prosecution
said that her well-educated clients were from India and came to Ireland about five years ago
had work visas and were full-time software engineers
Ms Slattery described them as young and ambitious with good future job prospects who wished to become Irish citizens
and this case could have a severe impact on that
The solicitor said they realised the seriousness of their situation and the consequences they faced
were apologetic and would take any opportunity to rectify this wrong
Ms Slattery said that they had no reasonable explanation other than "foolishness of the highest order"
the solicitor submitted that they were unlikely to reoffend and pleaded with Judge Cronin to consider a restorative justice approach given their lack of previous convictions
Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 4th
The detective confirmed he had already discussed that with IKEA; the firm was agreeable to participate
having previously engaged in the restorative justice process in similar prosecutions
Detective Garda Galbraith said IKEA was more than happy to do so again in this case
Judge Cronin remarked that that was helpful because few victims wish to be involved
She adjourned the case until July for a probation report on their suitability for inclusion in the programme
can spare first-time offenders a criminal conviction
Two men charged over a seizure of €1.6 million worth of heroin in Dublin allegedly linked to “a transnational criminal organisation” have been remanded in custody.
Graphic designer Oliver Etienne (44) from England, but living in Barcelona, Spain, for 10 years, and 34-year-old Christian Munoz Sanchez, from Barcelona, were arrested on May 2nd during an operation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB).
They appeared before Judge Áine Clancy at Dublin District Court on Monday.
Mr Etienne pleaded for bail on the grounds he came to Ireland on a trip with his co-accused, with whom he had shared a room at the Clayton Hotel in Liffey Valley, Dublin, and he denies the charge.
However, Judge Clancy held he was a flight risk and denied his request.
Mr Sanchez deferred his application to be released pending trial. In seeking bail, he will utilise an EU directive allowing defendants to sign on at police stations in their own countries.
The two men were remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court, Mr Etienne on Wednesday and his co-accused two days later.
GNDOCB detectives Tom McCarrick and Rioghnach O’Sullivan said the pair “made no reply” when charged with possessing heroin and having it for sale or supply at Junction 9 of the M50 on May 2nd.
Objecting to bail, Det Gda McCarrick said that on Friday, GNDOCB officers received confidential information about “a transnational organised crime group involved in drug trafficking”.
The court heard it suggested a Spanish national named Christian Munoz Sanchez and others had a large quantity of heroin in west Dublin.
Det Gda McCarrick told the court that Mr Etienne was stopped at Liffey Terrace, Lucan, Co Dublin, and taken to Ballymun Garda station.
The court heard gardaí learned his co-accused was travelling in a taxi, which was stopped at the Coolock slip road, M1 south, Dublin.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 21 packages of heroin.
The court heard the pair travelled by ferry to Ireland in a car with another man, his mother and their dog by ferry from Cherbourg and arrived at Dublin Port on April 24th.
Garda enquiries and CCTV were said to have established that Oliver Etienne and his co-accused arrived at the hotel on Thursday, shared a room, checked out at the same time and placed their luggage in secure storage at the hotel.
It was claimed Mr Etienne later went in and collected these bags, including one containing the heroin later found in the taxi with Mr Sanchez.
The court heard that encrypted messages were on Mr Sanchez’s phone, but Mr Etienne’s phone could not be accessed because he did not provide the correct PIN.
Defence solicitor Kate Mcghee disputed Garda evidence her client was caught red-handed, describing it as “nonsensical”.
The solicitor stressed that her client had no previous convictions or warrant history and would abide by the condition, and he denies knowing what was in the bag.
Judge Clancy held that the gardaí had not established that he had been caught red-handed, but she refused bail on the grounds that it was reasonably probable that he would evade justice.
Solicitor Tracy Horan, for Mr Sanchez, said her client, who listened with the aid of an interpreter, would move his bail application on Friday based on the mutual recognition of decisions on supervision EU directive.
and Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley
Stephen Bradley says Damien Duff showed a 'lack of respect' by not shaking hands with him after the 2-2 draw between the sides in Tallaght last month
There was tension between the benches in the aftermath of the game with backroom members engaging in a bit of verbals but Duff was nowhere to be seen after going straight down the tunnel at full-time and Bradley has indicated he had more issue with that than anything else
Holders and All-Ireland champions Offaly were dumped out of the Leinster U-20 hurling championship at the quarter-final stage following their seven-point loss to Dublin at Cedral St Conleth’s Park
Offaly looked set for progression to the last four as they played the more composed hurling initially but Dublin completely dominated after the break to claim a more than deserved victory and a place in the semi-finals
Two men have been remanded in custody charged in connection €1.6 million worth of heroin in Dublin
44 year old Oliver Etienne from England but living in Barcelona for ten years and 34 year old Christian Munoz Sanchez from Barcelona were arrested on Friday and appeared today at Dublin District Court
Detectives said the pair made no reply when charged with possessing heroin and having it for sale or supply at Junction 9 of the M50 on May 2nd
Etienne was stopped in Lucan and taken to Ballymun Garda Station - after which Gardaí learned his co-accused was travelling in a taxi
21 packages of heroin were said to be found in the taxi
Mr Etienne denies the charges and despite his plea for bail
Judge Aine Clancy refused his request and deemed him a flight risk
and wants to utilise an EU directive allowing defendants to sign on at police stations in their own countries
He was also refused bail and both have been remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court later this week
Image of the heroin that was seized in north Dublin
Two men charged over a seizure of €1.6m worth of heroin in Dublin allegedly linked to "a transnational criminal organisation" have been remanded in custody
were arrested on May 2 during an operation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB)
before the throw-in for Saturday's Leinster Senior Championship Camogie semi-final at St Peregrine's
It’s the short story that has everyone talking
'The carnage that week was just savagery': Owner of store looted during the Dublin Riots
The owner of an O’Connell Street store looted in the Dublin riots
said “lawlessness” remains in the north city despite an increase in gardai Paul Gallagher
who owns the Asics store on O’Connell Street
looted and damaged in the Dublin riots in November 2023
also owns the Sketchers store on Henry Street in north city Dublin
A year-and-a-half after the riots and despite an increase in gardai on the city streets
not enough has changed in a positive direction for Mr Gallagher
Two men have been charged over €3 million worth of heroin seized in Co Dublin on Friday
approximately 21 kilos of suspected heroin (subject to analysis) was seized
A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene
and another man in his 40s was arrested at a different location following additional enquiries
They have since been charged and will appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday
charges and carrier-imposed fees on top of that fare totalled €368.58
meaning the real price for the customer was €398.58
The carrier-imposed fee for transatlantic flights on Aer Lingus from Ireland to North America is €280 return per passenger on economy
bordering on interrogation; and articles about what to do when your electronic devices are searched and how to prepare for that eventuality
There’s also the perception that a break in the US right now doesn’t exactly scream carefree
[ Deportation anxiety in Irish America: ‘I would have a clean slate before travelling’Opens in new window ]
slightly fewer than 39,000 people normally resident in Ireland travelled to the US
a drop of 27 per cent compared with March 2024
about 105,000 Irish residents travelled to the US
compared with 120,000 in the same period in 2024
It’s important to note that the Easter holidays – a big moment for outward travel from Ireland – were in April this year
Perhaps a useful comparison will be April 2025 versus March 2024
Low fares from Ireland to the US aren’t unique to Aer Lingus
You could also fly from Dublin to Newark this weekend and return the following Saturday on Austrian Airlines for €400.69
A flight from Dublin to Boston next week (with a stop in Reykjavik) on Play Airlines
Keep in mind that these fares are for last-minute bookings
Purchasing a transatlantic flight with little notice is usually an expensive endeavour
if I want to get under the bonnet of the economics of airfares
My mother spent most of her working life selling plane tickets
Airfares are basically dynamic pricing,” she said when I told her how low the fares to the US were
Under €400 is nearly unsustainable as a fare
But that sounds like a stagnant market to me
that fare would not be that fare if the flight was filling.”
[ Irish J1 visa students urged to be informed of potential risks of ‘activism’ in USOpens in new window ]
she traversed a moment of extreme fear regarding air travel
working for United Airlines when 9/11 happened
particularly within and to and from the US
According to the US department of transportation‘s data
the drop in monthly passengers on aeroplanes in the US in September 2001 was 33 per cent
It took until March 2004 for the number of passengers to recover to the level that existed in August 2001
Business class and first class are extremely important to airlines
it’s those fares that essentially pay for the flight
But uncertainty regarding what may happen on arrival the US will influence people’s choices
“I’m sure there’s some exaggeration with the stories we’re hearing
It doesn’t matter if the fear is justified
but I’m sure at least some of our fellow Europeans looking to travel to the US may now be thinking of an Irish airport as an interesting option
We’re not in a unique position when it comes to pre-clearance
There are 15 pre-clearance locations outside of the US
If an unanticipated denial of entry occurs at US CBP in Ireland
[ Alarm bells are sounding over falling visitor numbers to Ireland. But is tourism really in crisis?Opens in new window ]
The one thing that does happen with low airfares is that they encourage people to travel. A bargain is a bargain.
Roberto Lopes of Shamrock Rovers in action against Jad Hakiki of Sligo Rovers
Ultan CorcoranYesterday at 17:30It’s another action-packed evening in the League of Ireland with all ten Premier Division teams involved
You can follow all the action as it unfolds in our liveblog below
More than 21kg of the drug was discovered in the Coolock area after a vehicle was stopped on Friday night.
Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested on Friday.
They have now been charged and are due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin on Monday morning.
The men, aged 34 and 44, appeared before a special sitting of Dublin District Court on Monday.
Authorities are urging people to speak out if they see signs of child exploitation.
Members of a group who threatened and manipulated children into distributing drugs are sentenced.
Fourteen people have so far been sentenced for their roles in the crack cocaine and heroin gang.
Derry City's Mark Connolly and St Patrick's Athletic midfielder Chris Forrester shaking hands before a meeting earlier this season
Do as the Irish do: grab a pint at Toner’s
get the Bad Sisters experience in Howth and sing along to Irish folk at O’Donoghues
Maddy Mussen had your guide to spending a weekend in Ireland’s largest city
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There are wrong ways to do Dublin
just like there are wrong ways to do London
really: stay away from the touristy main streets and anything that shouts loudly about the “authentic Irish experience”
which may be pretty but isn’t worth enduring the hecticness for an entire pint
especially around the madness of St Patrick’s Day 2025
Think of it like this: Just as you wouldn’t spend an entire London weekend on Oxford Street
you shouldn’t spend an entire Dublin weekend doing the top three items on TripAdvisor
But more importantly than the things you shouldn’t do, it’s all about the things you should do. Do drink lots of Guinness, even if you have to force yourself through a whole pint (first you abide it, then you get used to it, and then you love it). Do eat plentiful cold water seafood
Do trek out to the (very nearby) coast and take in the dramatic views across the cliffs of Howth
where hit Apple TV show Bad Sisters was filmed
Because if there’s anyone you can trust more than the locals
The most beautiful things in Dublin are either blue, green or made of Limestone. Or they come in a pint glass. The best way to explore the city centre when you first arrive is by going between two of its top sightseeing spots, Trinity College Dublin and St Stephen’s Green. Trinity College educated the likes of Oscar Wilde
And a TV lover’s – Trinity was the setting for much of the BBC adaptation of Rooney’s hit novel Normal People
so you’ll often hear people namedropping Marianne and Connell as you walk around enjoying the architecture
St Stephen’s Green is one of the city’s most beloved and well-known parks
an ornamental lake and numerous sculptures
The Victorian park is located in the centre of Dublin
taking the DART from one of its numerous city stops out towards Howth
where you can complete the coast walk (routes range from two to four hours and aren’t too challenging) and reward yourself with quality fish and chips from Beshoffs
I have spent my fair share of time in Irish pubs in London, and boy oh boy are they blown out of the water by Irish pubs in Ireland (thing is best where thing came from: who knew?)
Fans of The Faltering Fullback would lose their heads at the sight of Toner’s on Baggot Street
which presents as a teeny tiny traditional pub and opens out into a full-scale
partially covered (and well heated in the winter) pub garden
As for those who lean more towards an Auld Shillelagh-style Irish pub in London
a historic drinkery near St Stephen’s Green that’s split between two sides of a courtyard
It’s closely associated with Irish traditional music due to being where The Dubliners began performing in the early 1960s
if you’re looking to catch a tune or just gently tap along to Molly Malone
If you’re particularly lucky you’ll get to hear someone sing Grace
one of the most beautiful Irish folk songs of all time
I am as much a connoisseur of fry-ups as I am pubs
and The Westbury Hotel’s “full Irish” is up there as one of my favourites
It has perhaps one of the best sausages I’ve ever tasted
black & white pudding (which I subbed for beans
grilled vine plum tomato and free range eggs “cooked to your preference.”
Either Irish fast food is very pizza oriented or I am
because I noticed big pizza pies absolutely everywhere in Dublin
It’s not uncommon to be able to buy it by the slice
a relatively fledging pizza brand with locations on St Stephen Street and Baggot Street
It has all the staples plus a regularly changing menu of specials
featuring trendy flavours like hot honey and orange pangrattato
without being an absolute Instagram/teenager/Spanish school trip hellhole
Baggot St is also home to one outpost of Dublin-based Japanese “tapas” restaurant chain Zakura, which offers sushi, sashimi, tempura and ramen at a very reasonable price. It’s quite a nice break from all the heavy food and pints of Guinness
and Bento Boxes are available for those with kids
The Leinster is the new kid on the block in Dublin and well worth a visit
providing some boutique respite from a sometimes rough and ready city
The hotel’s interiors are lively and interesting
offering a real departure from the fuddy-duddy nature of old-school hotels while maintaining a real sense of luxury
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The Leinster also has the “scene-y” Jean-Georges restaurant on its rooftop
who you may know from his famous caviar baked potatoes over in New York
beloved by the fashion set and celebrities in general
But a highlight has to be its hidden sauna and jacuzzi
tucked away in a little courtyard behind the (beautiful and very functional) gym
It’s like staying at a rich acquaintance’s lovely townhouse
Rates from £157, theleinster.ie
There aren’t many places where you can walk around five Guinnesses deep and still feel like royalty, but The Westbury is one of them
This hotel has been frequented by everyone from Pele to Bob Dylan and was recently rented out (one floor of it
at least) by Taylor Swift for the Dublin portion of her European Eras Tour
It’s big on the traditional hotel experience - the type of life you’d never lead at home
And the food! WILDE, The Westbury’s main restaurant, serves some of the best seafood in Dublin
which might explain why it frequently tops lists of the city’s restaurant offerings
You’ll still have a thoroughly good time if you’re more meat-oriented — the duck is sublime — but true happiness can be found amidst the scallops and salmon
Rates from €375, doylecollection.com
it has paintings around the building from the finest personal collection in Ireland – when you walk through the doors almost the first thing you see are a couple of Jack B Yeatses and a Paul Henry landscape
The hotel is across the road from the National Gallery and could be an extension of it
which combine four fine Georgian houses and almost three centuries of history; in number 24
it has the two Michelin star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
but you can’t feel deprived with the hotel breakfast
which is as generous as the greediest (i.e
Its Afternoon Tea (Euro 68) combines a very good tea – the vegetarian one came with asparagus on soda bread
and patisserie based on the colours and shapes of hotel pictures
The tea blends are excellent – I liked the Merrion whiskey one
Service throughout is friendly and faultless
Room prices from Euro 350 to Euro 1,995 for a spacious suite. Book The Merrion here
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