Samhain is the first of four cross-quarter celebrations which occur at exact mid-points between the equinoxes and the solstices, marking the arrival of Winter (Samhain), Spring (Imbolc), Summer (Bealtaine) and Autumn (Lughnasa) respectively. All these traditional festivals have corresponding Christian celebrations. In early November, at the time of Samhain, All […]
In the 1930s, school children across the Irish State were tasked by the Irish Folklore Commission with collecting local lore. With Halloween around the corner, Pauline Murphy treats us to some of the spookier stories submitted by schoolchildren in West Cork. In his story, John Shorten, 13, from Curravarahane […]
The eagerly-anticipated Leap Scarecrow Festival returns this year, running from October 21 to November 3. Renowned for its one-of-a-kind scarecrow competition, this annual event, attracts visitors from far and wide who come to enjoy the weekend of Halloween-themed fun, creativity and community spirit. The scarecrow displays, ranging from hilarious to […]
Despite technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the sophistication of computers, it is a fact that the human brain is generally more accomplished at pattern recognition. A child can easily see an animal-shaped cloud in the sky, but a computer has no chance. If you have DNA tested you will start […]
Varicose eczema is often called stasis dermatitis, gravity eczema, or venous eczema. It is a skin condition that primarily affects people who have varicose veins in their lower legs. Unlike arteries, veins lack a self-pumping system. Instead, they rely on muscle contractions and other mechanisms to help return blood to […]
No matter how much we look forward to being pregnant, the subtle changes that come with it can take our bodies by surprise. One of the earliest signs is often unexplained fatigue and increased tiredness, triggered by rising levels of progesterone. Breast swelling and tenderness may follow, but it’s usually […]