Logo

Opinion and debate from Irish Country Living

Our writers and bloggers comment on the latest news and life in rural Ireland.

MOST READ STORIES

Editorial: ‘all by myself – it felt liberating to enjoy my own company'

I was a bit self-conscious going to the cinema on my own but it was totally worth it.

19 February 2025 EDITORIAL

Lowering speeds doesn’t prevent crashes entirely

With the new speed limits introduced on rural roads what impact will they have?

12 February 2025 EDITORIAL

Katherine O'Leary: 'building a new house is exciting but can also be emotive'

With regard to planning laws we have to accept that there is a bigger picture, writes Katherine O'Leary.

12 February 2025 KATHERINE O'LEARY

Dear Miriam: I’m a widow and feel so lonely – I would like to meet someone

A reader asks Miriam for advice on dating and how to broach the subject with her children.

12 February 2025 ASK MIRIAM

‘The sight of those bright yellow ESB vans pulling into the drive was wonderful'

After storm Éowyn, communities came together, neighbours helped neighbours and the ESB came to our rescue.

5 February 2025 KATHERINE O'LEARY

Dear Miriam: my son is not pulling his weight at home with his young family

This week an annoyed reader asks for advice on her son not pulling his weight in his new family.

5 February 2025 ASK MIRIAM

Building a home in rural Ireland

Road frontage is no longer the sexy term it was once was - with planning permission so hard to get.

5 February 2025 EDITORIAL

Storm Éowyn reminds us how vulnerable farmers are to extreme weather events

We must future-proof our farm houses and farm buildings to be able to withstand the force of storms, writes Katherine O'Leary.

29 January 2025 KATHERINE O'LEARY
SUBSCRIBER ONLY

If there was a blackout for a week in Dublin, would the response be different?

It’s expected that over 100,000 homes will still be without power this weekend, is enough being done around the country? writes Ciara Leahy.

29 January 2025 EDITORIAL
la la la la