Our ancestors believed that there is only a very thin veil between this world of mortals and the Otherworld. This veil disappears completely twice a year, at ‘Bealtaine’ (May Eve and May Day) and ‘Samhain’ (November 1). On these pivotal dates the spirits of the Otherworld intermingled with mortals. Supernatural […]
Columnists
“Americans spend more money on Botox, face lifts and tummy tucks than on the age-old scourges of polio, small pox and malaria.” – Victor Davis Hanson Did you know that every single injection of Botox in the entire world is made in one single factory right here in Ireland, in […]
The academic philosopher Julian Baggini claims the ‘fundamental basis of reasoning about matters of fact is empirical – based on observation and experience’. Simply put, observing the evidence for yourself. Once we undertook a decision to travel to the States, we undertook a historical road trip, observing, the great pillars […]
In celebration of International Women’s day on March 8, I’d like to remember my mother Caroline Dare (1954-2004). Caroline grew up in the UK and migrated to West Cork with her husband Alan in the early 80s to find a new life and raise her young family. Caroline loved working […]
I was driving home on a sunny afternoon recently, when I spied two women walking down the road ahead of me. I did not recognise them as they neared but as is customary, I slowed down and lifted one finger off the steering wheel as I passed. Imagine my shock when […]
Travelling in India is always an adventure. This time we are in Kerala, in the very south, which the people proudly call ‘God’s own country’. Previously the Portuguese, Dutch and English laid claim here, and the Catholic church is very established. There’s quite a mish-mash of religions but everyone lives […]