Opinion and debate from Irish Country Living

Editorial: sea swimming - ‘if you fight the water, the water will always win’

It was hard to go home and leave the sea behind after a beautiful break – but I’ll be back soon. In the meantime, ladies, just keep swimming.

EDITORIAL 12 August 2026

Editorial: sea swimming - ‘if you fight the water, the water will always win’

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Dear Miriam: ‘how can I repair a family rift between my son and daughter'

Dear Miriam: ‘how can I repair a family rift between my son and daughter'

ASK MIRIAM 12 August 2026

'The Highlands reminded me of Kerry – but not quite as beautiful'

'The Highlands reminded me of Kerry – but not quite as beautiful'

KATHERINE O'LEARY 12 August 2026

‘Even sitting in a hospital waiting room can be something to be thankful for'

‘Even sitting in a hospital waiting room can be something to be thankful for'

‘Even sitting in a hospital waiting room can be something to be thankful for'

BLOG 12 August 2026

Dear Miriam: ‘my daughter wants to go to college, I don’t think we can afford it

Dear Miriam: ‘my daughter wants to go to college, I don’t think we can afford it

Dear Miriam: ‘my daughter wants to go to college, I don’t think we can afford it

ASK MIRIAM 5 August 2026

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Editorial: ‘you’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your head’

Editorial: ‘you’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your head’

It's important that our rural sayings are recorded because they reveal so much about us as people, our heritage and rural life.

EDITORIAL 22 July 2026

‘Sport played a big part in our holiday... cheering from the sidelines'

‘Sport played a big part in our holiday... cheering from the sidelines'

Katherine O’Leary discovers that taking part isn't the only way sport brings people together – cheering from the sidelines can be just as valuable.

KATHERINE O'LEARY 22 July 2026

'For many rural communities, my own included, Facebook has become indispensable'

'For many rural communities, my own included, Facebook has become indispensable'

Our villages may gather differently today, says Kate Durrant, but the need to connect, support one another and share life's moments hasn't changed – even if that sometimes means doing it online.

FEATURES 22 July 2026

Editorial: 'volunteers are the unsung heroes behind Ireland's summer events'

Editorial: 'volunteers are the unsung heroes behind Ireland's summer events'

Summer events simply couldn't happen without the dedication of volunteers.

EDITORIAL 22 July 2026

“You can keep social media - I made my own splash on a Swedish rooftop”

“You can keep social media - I made my own splash on a Swedish rooftop”

Katherine O’Leary discovers that the best holiday moments don’t need to be shared online. A little bravery, a new experience and a rooftop pool created a memory that still brings a smile.

KATHERINE O'LEARY 22 July 2026

Dear Miriam: ‘I’m worried my brother is pushing our dad off the family farm’

Dear Miriam: ‘I’m worried my brother is pushing our dad off the family farm’

A reader in Mayo asks Miriam how to protect her father's right to remain living in the farmhouse when his son and daughter-in-law want to move in to be closer to the farmyard.

ASK MIRIAM 22 July 2026

Editorial: ‘the enduring power of sport as a unifying force for good'

Editorial: ‘the enduring power of sport as a unifying force for good'

From grassroots clubs to global competitions, sport continues to bring people together, breaking down barriers and building communities.

EDITORIAL 22 July 2026

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Looking for a reason to get out and explore this August?

National Heritage Week runs from 15-23 August, with over 2,000 events taking place across Ireland. Many are free and family-friendly, making it the perfect opportunity to try something new.

Looking for a reason to get out and explore this August?

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