Carina Hedlund has visited Ireland over 30 times since 2011, capturing the warmth of the people she meets in the capital's pubs with her camera.
The theme of this year's festival was 'Roots' in celebration of the centuries-long facets of Irish identity woven into modern Irish society. Stretching from Parnell Square in the city's north side to Kevin Street on the south, 12 large floats and 10 marching bands consisting of 3,000 people in total meandered through the parade route flanked by onlookers from home and abroad.
Seamus Coleman remains a vital presence for Ireland, showcasing leadership qualities that inspire his teammates. The upcoming play-off is not just a game; it represents a significant moment in Irish football history.
Irish pubs have roots that go back to 10th-century Viking halls. And although we're talking about going so far back in time that precise dates and details can get a little sketchy, we do know there are a few pubs that opened not too long after that and are still in operation.
Irish desserts are, in one word, resourceful. They have to be; in a nation that grappled for centuries with conflict, famine, and outright war, luxurious ingredients were not accessible to most people. Instead, the Irish turned to local ingredients like sea moss, apples, and an impressive array of dairy products to satisfy their cravings for something sweet.
I think somebody painted it black in transit, and we may have got in a little trouble for that. I'll let you figure that out yourself. The structure has been removed, as was agreed following discussions between Dublin City Council's Planning Enforcement Section and the owner of the premises.
The Irish government will give 2,000 artists unrestricted weekly stipends in a program officials described as a "recognition, at government level, of the important role of the arts in Irish society." After a successful three-year pilot, the Irish government made its basic income program for artists permanent. Similar pilots have been launched here in the United States, but they're supported primarily by the nonprofit sector.
Throughout my life, I've visited a total of 18 European countries. That number climbed quickly when I moved from Chicago to London for college and spent four years living in my favorite city, thrilled by my newfound proximity to so many bucket-list destinations.
Luxembourg City takes first place with 18.15 percent of reviews mentioning 'beautiful.' Travelers often highlight its clean streets and strong mix of old and modern areas. Even though the capital is small, people seem to appreciate how easy it is to walk around.
Food and Drink - An International Food Court! An expanded Irish menu will feature corned beef sliders; Irish bangers and mash; Guinness-marinated tri-tip on Irish soda bread; boxty; and, of course, fish and chips! Traditional festival favorites like kettle corn and corn dogs, along with international choices, such as teriyaki chicken and beef kabobs, will also be served. Shopping - Over 250 Booths! The Irish Marketplace will feature unique Celtic artwork, Irish tartans, hand knit wool sweaters, shawls, beautiful Celtic jewelry, and more!
I'm passing through Kilrush on the first bright, blue-skied day after weeks of non-stop rain and it's warm enough to leave the coat in the car and think perhaps there may be a sniff of spring in the air. I hope I'm not being previous. I'm here to check out two places I've been following on Instagram for a while, having never been to this part of west Clare before.
McDonald's locations in the United States tend to be pretty staid and uniform in design, but head abroad and things start to change. While there are a few American McDonald's that don't feature the traditional golden arches aesthetic, in historic international cities, you'll frequently find the burger chain housed in beautiful old stone and masonry buildings - with only a small McDonald's sign offering any hint of what's inside.
It's hard to name the best cities in Europe-there are so many great bustling hubs (not to mention charming small towns) spread across a relatively small continent, making it more a question of what you're looking for. Sure, some travelers just beeline to the best-known landmarks, eager for the chance to cross Rome's Colosseum or Paris's Eiffel Tower off their list. But we're in favor of taking a step back and asking yourself what you're most interested in.
First, travelers rediscover a place quietly drawn by affordability, authenticity, and manageable crowds. Then digital nomads arrive. Then social media catches on. Then airlines expand routes. And before long, what was once underrated becomes headline travel. As 2026 approaches, several European destinations are sitting right on that edge. They're still relatively affordable compared to Western Europe's heavyweights. They still feel grounded in local culture. But infrastructure is improving, international awareness is growing, and flight access is expanding.
Paris has long been considered the ultimate symbol of European beauty, romance, and culture. However, younger retirees, digital nomads, and lifestyle seekers are increasingly discovering that many smaller European towns offer equal or greater charm without the high costs and crowds. These destinations provide historic architecture, walkable streets, vibrant local culture, and stunning natural surroundings, often at a fraction of the price associated with major capitals. From coastal villages to medieval hill towns, Europe offers countless alternatives that feel authentic, relaxed, and deeply rewarding.
British post-holiday chatter is frequently peppered with remarks and references to the pennies saved once we return home with more loose change than expected, our bellies as full as our hearts after days ticking a new destination off of the ever-growing bucket list. As any thrifty traveller knows, it's all in the planning - yet it's the endless search and consequential indecision that all too often keeps the trip in the group chat. Faff no more, we say!
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