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America, Countries, Ireland, UK

John Bull’s Other Island and the Irish Teasock

11th July 202411th July 2024 funtime65

They’re just not playing ball… John Bull’s Other Island and the Irish Teasock.

How else to explain Irish ‘prime minister’ Simon Harris not being swept up in England’s march to Euro soccer glory?

Eminent Sky TV political interviewer Trevor Phillips dropped the ball (yes, it’s all footballspeak at the moment).

When he tried to chivy Ireland’s leader along in his discussion about the new British government.

By asking him what he thought of England’s progress in the Euros.

Taoiseach’s low block

Of course my old neighbour from my time in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, let Trev’s volley bounce back at him off his wall.

Now politicians and politicos trying to ingratiate themselves with sporting fans rarely works well,

Who can forget Rishi Sunak asking the Welsh public if they were excited about the Euros?

A Euros where Wales would not be playing but fierce rivals England were.

Political football own goals

God love them, they try.

But unfortunately our politicians still don’t see that the world no longer wants the sun never to set on their empire.

Or that they ever did.

To be fair, some Brits do take a stab at learning the lingo.

To try to blag that they know, and care, about what Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw called John Bull’s Other Island.

Like former British prime minister Liz Truss’s mangled attempt at pronouncing Taoiseach, the Irish name for their leader?

To be fair, it’s not Lettuce Liz’s fault that she’s not of the diaspora.

A Brit of Oirish

You can, of course, tell the true Brits in any airport heading to Ireland by their stag and hen Oirish merch.

And thankfully avoid them too by steering clear of their meeting place, the overpriced Temple Bar on the banks of the River Liffey.

Which, of course, I’m doing as I board my Ryanair red eye and head over for a catch-up with travel friends at the Shelbourne Hotel on Stephen’s Green.

It’s certainly one way to block out the hysteria greeting England’s arrival in the Euros final by our neighbours.

Biden his time in Ireland

Our talk with our American guests in the Shelbourne at the annual US Soiree in Dublin will doubtless be about their elections.

And being the wide-eyed liberals we will. Of course, be wildly sympathetic to Joe Biden’s travails.

And not mention his loose pass when he visited his ancestral home a couple of years ago.

And mistook the New Zealand All Blacks for the hated British regiment from the Irish War of Independence, the Black and Tans.

Of course, the Irish have such a love-in with America that they instantly forgave him.

Particularly as he was playing hard ball with Britain over a trade deal at the time.

And knowing that whatever his frailties he would always know about John Bull’s Other Island and the Irish Teasock.

Countries, Ireland, UK

In Dublin’s Fairy City

6th July 20246th July 2024 funtime65

In Dublin’s Fairy City where the gays are so pretty… they’ve been celebrating Fifty Years of Pride this summer.

Today’s Ireland rightly feels proud about being at the vanguard of gay rights.

And being the first country in the world to vote in gay marriage in a referendum.

But for anyone who grew up in Ireland, or who was a regular visitor there to see family, will tell you it wasn’t always so.

When the Catholic Church and a conservative society discriminated against gay people.

Pride in Dublin

Over the Rainbow: The Pride March in Dublin

Now there are many factors that played into the seismic shift in Irish society to become more accepting of gay culture…

Not least EU freedom of movement and Ireland’s seminal part in the Punk, New Wave and Eighties rock movements.

But enough to say that the Pride march in Dublin and the succession of events that follow are now firm fixtures on the calendar.

While Dublin is home to a great gay scene around the Gay Village.

With iconic bars The George and The Panti Bar a lively hang-out for Gay and Straight.

And where once hotels were unwelcoming to same-sex couples then that no longer thankfully is the case.

With the pink punt (now the Euro) as valued as the green one.

Queens Belfast

Say it loud, say it proud: Belfast Queens

Pride regulars are still taking down the bunting and glitter from their hair from the very special June 29 50th anniversary celebration.

And for locals, homocomers and tourists who just want to get in on the fun it’s on to the next party.

And the northern part of the island, as is often the way, follows on.

Northern Ireland too has had its journey, an even longer one, post-Troubles, Good Friday Agreement and post-Brexit.

With same-sex marriage only legal since 2020.

But its people, most of them, are now embracing the gays in their villages, towns and cities.

So if you want to be the Belle of Belfast City or Derry Queer (oh, Dandy Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling) then read on.

Belfast times

Belfast Pride Festival will run from 19-28 July and host over 150 events across ten days.

With running, planting, workshopping, quizzing and the culmination the Pride Parade and afterparty on July 27.

It wouldn’t, of course, be a Parade without some Abba.

And the North’s biggest Abba tribute band The Bjorn Identity will keep all the Dancing Queens moving.

While Julian Simmons will keep the party going with his Ibiza Dance Show.

Now, our friends in Northern Ireland have helped us with a guide to the best gay bars in Belfast… and the Cathedral sector is the hub.

Back in the days when I worked in Belfast during the Troubles, Donegall Street, home to the Belfast Telegraph was a very different place.

Although we have fond memories of its journos pub The Front Page.

Donegall Street is home too to the city’s most famous club, Kremli n.

And yes, it has a Soviet-style industrial opulence… what would Putin think?

We’re also recommended The Reporter, home of Ru Paul’s UK vs The World winner Blu Hydrange.

Van and cabaret nights

It has a press theme which us press people will enjoy.

If you’re staying in Belfast then it will be considerably less expensive than its big brother, Dublin, down the road.

With the funky Bullitt Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott overlooking the river, and the centrally located Malmaison Hotel.

While the 4-star Europa Hote l is renowned for its ballroom and cabaret nights where we saw Belfast Boy Van Morrison, who remember brought us Madame George, in concert.

It has also put on the shows of Ru Paul’s drag queen’s Gigi Goode and Gottmik hosted by local queen, Misty Falls.

Pride of Ulster

Derry flair: Getting ready for Derry Pride

Further afield the Foyle Pride Festival (23-25 August) in Derry City has a full programme of events,

Including the Parade on 24^th August at 2pm.

It follows a historical route through the city and retraces the steps of the first-ever Civil Rights March in 1968.

And for something a little bit different then the Royal Residence at Hillsborough Cast le (County Down) is inviting people to attend LGBTQIA+ tours.

Led by an expert guide on 19^th, 21^st, 26^th July & 2^nd, 4^thAugust.

The tours will shed light on everything from royal relationships and scandals to activism and shifting societal attitudes.

With the tour also providing a look at the Castle’s beautiful collection of artefacts and paintings.

Every day is a burst of July

Tour de force: Hillsborough Castle & Gardens.

So while my old stomping ground of the Republic of Ireland’s capital will be dearest to my heart.

When at this time of the year it becomes Dublin’s Fairy City.

The party must go on and that means heading North.

Where in the parlance of the song every day is the (insert number) of July.

America, Asia, Europe, Ireland, UK

Every day’s a poll day around the world

3rd July 20243rd July 2024 funtime65

Every day’s a poll day around the world and while the UK’s political poster boys and girls will go to the recycling centre tomorrow, others will pop up elsewhere.

If you’ve got election ennui, are sick of candidates smiling down on you.

And will be glad when it’s all over then spare a thought for our neighbours across the water in Ireland.

Tomorrow, July 4, will be my first British general election in nearly 20 years and one of the very few areas where the Brits score is in how clean their elections are.

No, the parties sling more dirt than an incontinent dog at a lamp post, it’s that they curtail the amount of posters they allow on them.

In my old stomping ground of Ireland very definitive rules surrounded the erection of posters at election times.

Only that was countered by the fact that with numerous candidates returned around constituencies.

As part of the proportional representation system the lamp posts creak with the number of posters.

Poster your sell-by date

Poster boys: Irish election in Greystones

So everybody breathes a sigh of relief when it is all over and they come down and you get your vistas in your cities, towns and villages back.

Posters and ties used to erect them need to come down within 7 days of the polling date.

Local councils will remove posters left up, and they can seek the costs of doing so back from the party or individual who put them up.

And after that, individuals or parties can be fined €150 for each poster that remains on display under the littering law.

Now you don’t have to be a political geek (guilty) to feel that you’re getting something a little bit extra.

If you visit a country when an election is going on.

And this year more people are voting in elections than at any time in history.

Votes through the years

He’s not going away: Donald Trump in 2020

Of course the ones closest to our hearts here are in the UK and the US.

I remember well becoming engaged in the process IN 1982 when our sleepy suburb of Glasgow Hillhead was invaded.

By the British media when SDP political heavyweight Roy Jenkins carpetbagged his way into town.

In your face: Elections Northern Ireland style

And saw off the challenge of a young Labour hopeful George Galloway (wonder what happened to him?)

I’ve picked up the vibe of numerous US Presidential elections from being in Boston.

When their darling Mike Dukakis was running against George HW Bush.

Through Barack Obama‘s procession to the White House.

And then being in Washington DC to see the nodding Hillary Clinton dolls in the shops.

And in North Virginia where Trump/Pence hoardings stood in every garden.

Trump, of course, is the great survivor of modern politics but it took me by surprise to see postering for Saddam Hussain in Jordan.

While I stood in the Voting Line in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape in South Africa at the time of their election.

Pick-up at the polls

Saddam fool: Hussain is still being trumpeted in Middle East

Yes, every day’s a poll day around the world.

And so I’ll trot off to the polls tomorrow and if you’re a visitor to our country take it all in.

Because that poster that you see on the floor might not be the end for that candidate.

With the gentleman you see at the top here only going on to become Ireland’s leader, the Taoiseach.

Our old Greystones TD Simon Harris.

Countries, Ireland, UK

Eight years in the Brexit tourist wilderness

24th June 202424th June 2024 funtime65

Everyone may remember where they were when they heard… but nobody knows where we’re going after eight years in the Brexit tourist wilderness.

At 4.39am on June 24, veteran broadcaster David Dimblebay declared on the BBC that the British people had voted to leave the European Union.

Only he would wait to distinguish that England and Wales had decided to leave while Scotland wanted to stay.

And while Dimblers had said Britain had opted to leave he neglected to mention that it was for the UK to decide.

The Irish Question

So that meant Northern Ireland as a member of the UK, but not in Britain, got to choose and they wanted to stay.

And this, of course, was almost totally ignored in the rush to scare Britons unreasonably about an invasion of Turks.

And the fact that Brexit would compromise the Good Friday peace agreement.

For there to be a soft border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Forward fast eight years of chaos where Northern Ireland’s people had to go without a government while their leaders squabbled.

In the Republic, meanwhile, where I was living it seemed a bit of a sideshow.

And the talk was, as it was for the centuries when the whole of Ireland was under British rule that its peril was Ireland’s opportunity.

Britain’s peril

Today in 2024 Dublin is the biggest English-speaking city in the European Union.

And subsequently the gateway for those who want to invest in the biggest single market in the world.

While there was, and continues to be, a stream of people with Irish background, and none, applying for an Irish passport.

Including, Daddy’s Little Girl, reared and educated through the Irish education system before relocating to Scotland.

And Where she immediately found herself denied freedom of movement in Europe.

And so she has compiled a small pile of documents including her Donegal granny’s birth and marriage certs.

She now expects to wait six months to receive her golden ticket… or in this case, the green passport with the harp on it.

Irish passport to redress

Where to go: Irish in Britain will help you out

Now your Irish passport will grant you automatic rights to live, work and travel… and applies to the Northern Irish.

In the 31 countries of the European Economic Area and Switzerland.

While Scottish, English, Wales natives cannot.

With all of us needing to leave ourselves at times a couple of hours spare to stand in the naughty line at customs, say in Berlin.

While EU citizens walk right through.

Countries, Ireland, UK

The spirit of Bannockburn as we try, try, try again

23rd June 202423rd June 2024 funtime65

The symmetry isn’t lost on us as Scotland’s footballers go into battle tonight in the Euros and we conjure up the spirit of Bannockburn as we try, try, try again.

On this day 710 years ago Scottish leader Robert the Bruce rallied and defeated the English and won Scottish independence.

His victory represents, to this day, the high point of Scotland’s history.

And is a patriotic pilgrimage for Scots and their diaspora.

While to the outside world Bruce has become immortalised through a fable which underscored his resilience,

Bruce’s spider

Bruce had been on the run and sheltering in a cave off Rathlin Island in Ireland, and ready to give up the fight for freedom.

When he was revitalised after witnessing a spider trying to weave a web.

Who said to him upon completing the task: ‘If at first you don’t succeed then try, try, try again.’

Well, maybe he didn’t, although we can’t prove he didn’t.

But the good people on the Abháinn Cruises Bruce’s Cave Experience can.

And will reflect on a time when Robert ran Scotland and Edward Ireland for the only time the two countries were united as one.

But Bruce’s takeaway was never to give up and returned to Scotland.

And heading up a vastly inferior force defeated the famed, far larger English invader.

Field of dreams

Today the National Trust for Scotland celebrates the greatest day in Scottish history… every day.

At the Battle of Bannockburn heritage site, near Stirling, the Gateway of the Highlands.

Where they promise an immersive Bannockburn experience with a digitally re-created version of the battle.

While out on the hallowed land you can follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce.

In the memorial park where you can see where he raised his royal standard… and you can stunt your own Scots warrior pic.

Rally the football troops

Great Scott: And Scotland hero McTominay

Now we’re not party to the Scotland national football team changing room ahead of the win-or-bust game with Hungary in Stuttgart.

And while our expertise can never stretch to offering manager Steve Clarke advice on footballing matters.

We can recommend him channeling his inner Bruce to rally his troops.

If at first you don’t succeed then try, try, try again.

And this time we have the numbers on our side with 20,000 Scotland fans cheering on their favourites inside the ground.

And the other 80,000 Tartan Army foot soldiers backing them up in the fan zones.

Icons: William Wallace and Robert the Bruce

Where their battle cry will no doubt carry our bonnie fechters to a famous victory.

And qualification from a major international football tournament for the first time in history.

After 70 years of tilting at it and 11 failed campaigns.

And how can we fail with the spirit of Bannockburn as we try, try, try again.

America, Countries, Ireland, UK

Put your back into Texan Irish Dancing

19th June 202419th June 2024 funtime65

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Grape expectations: Dancing in Grapevine

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Countries, Flying, Ireland

Planespotting is a must for life

17th June 2024 funtime65

With apologies to Iggy Pop, Irvine Welsh and Danny Boyle planespotting is a must for life.

It is literally a right of passage for youngsters to be taken to the airport to see the jets take off.

Now thankfully our low-budget airlines have long made it affordable for all of us to take off to foreign shores.

But it is still a thrill to look up at the planes… and a hobby for many to see them take off and land.

My own little jetsetter at home graduated from her childhood passion of trainspotting to following the jumbos.

And brought him and her along for the ride when she organised a family day out at the airport.

For airport day trippers, as were back then and many of you are now, it can be a case of organising your own spot.

Sound as The Mound

So wouldn’t it make sense to structure it?

Well, yes, and that’s why Dublin Airport are doing that very thing at ‘The Mound.’

A new public Aircraft Observation Facility on Old Airport Road.

The new elevated platform will provide ‘a comfortable and safe space for the community.

‘To view aircraft movements, with a clear view of the south runway (10R/28L) and the cross-wind runway (16/34).’

The facility would be covered and ‘fully-lit, with power provided by solar panels located on the site’

And it will feature bike parking and 22 car parking spaces – including spaces dedicated for families and those with reduced mobility.

Getting off the plane spotting

Now there is, and always has been, an offshoot of planespotting.

And that is getting off the plane spotting.

Of course, there has never been anyone bigger than Elvis Presley.

And the only time he visited Britain was for two hours when his US military jet refuelled at Prestwick Airport in the west of Scotland.

And photographer Ian McGhee captured the visit with 200 Elvis fans greeting The King to his ancestral home.

Glasgow Prestwick Mound and Glasgow North Side at Glasgow International are the spots from which to watch planes unofficially.

Which beggars the question why the airports there and in Edinburgh don’t follow Dublin’s lead and build a structure for us.

Mad for it

Crashing the party: At Turkish Airlines HQ

We can, of course, only dream of what’s on offer at the likes of London Myrtle Avenue or Birmingham Runway End.

But for planespotting enthusiasts there is nowhere they’re more mad for it than Manchester Runway Park.

Where they have a viewing platform, a children’s play area, a walkthrough concorde hangar, five retired aircraft, a cafe and a flight simulator.

And I’m guessing that I ought to keep the fact that I crashed my plane into JFK when I was at the Turkish Airlines HQ in Istanbul.

All of that said planespotting is a must for life.

And we’d be keen to hear your favourite spots.

MEET YOU AT THE PLANESPOTTING

Countries, Flying, Ireland

Ryanair’s plane jokes for Dad’s Day

15th June 202415th June 2024 funtime65

Now we all like to give them a dig but they’ve turned it into a positive with Ryanair’s plane jokes for Dad’s Day.

Now Ryanair have been a game-changer in air travel since emerging on the scene 40 years ago.

And making it affordable for millions to travel to foreign destinations.

Some even within the same national postal code to the city you were heading!

Ryanair and their ubiquitous showboating CEO Michael O’Leary have heard them all before.

But Michael, the thick-skinned Irishman that he is has taken them all on the chin.

And come back with his own unforgettable stunts, pranks and wind-ups.

Taking the Michael

Who can forget Michael’s earnest announcement that his airline would start selling vertical seats or standing-room only.

Or charging a pound for spending a penny to go to the loo.

Michael has been front and centre of everything that Ryanair has done.

The face of the airline in many hilarious guises and always ready with a unique quip.

Such as: ‘If drink sales are falling off, we get the pilots to engineer a bit of turbulence. That usually spikes sales.’

Or on their sales pitches: ‘Anyone who looks like sleeping, we wake them up to sell them things.’

While he has never been backward in poking fun at his main Irish rival.

Laugh on our travels

So that when his bride arrived 35 minutes late for their wedding, he shot back: ‘She’s coming here with Aer Lingus.’

Don’t, of course, get Michael on ‘flyskam’ or flying shame.

‘If preserving the environment means stopping poor people flying so the rich can fly, then screw it.’

Of course, Michael, remains for ever a proud Irishman and he just gets it.

‘The airline industry is full of bullshitters, liars and drunks. We excel at all three in Ireland.’

All of which Michael O’Leary gems is to mark the four decades of Ireland’s low-budget airline.

And the gags competition and offer the airline pitched for Dads Day for the funniest people on the planet, the Irish.

You’re a card

The three winners bagged themselves a €100 Ryanair Gift Card just in time for Father’s Day tomorrow.

And the comedians are Sharon Bell, Dino Salkić and Noëlie Charlot whose gags are now on Ryanair’s Facebook page.

#1 What kind of bagel can travel? A plane bagel.

#2 My dad Can’t stop telling Airport jokes… his doctor says it’s terminal.

#3 Why do French people eat snails? Because they don’t like fast food.

Of course, with everything Ryanair they have a pitch for us.

And those Ryanair Gift Cards are still available for tomorrow to one of Ryanair’s 250+ destinations.

Now as a bit of an exponent of Dad Jokes myself I will shamelessly try to pass these off as my own.

Ryanair’s plane jokes for Dad’s Day.

Countries, Ireland

Free Dads Day at Dublin Zoo

12th June 202412th June 2024 funtime65

There was a time when my Champ aped my every move, which is Nature’s Way which you’ll see for yourself if Junior treats you to Free Dads Day at Dublin Zoo.

Fathers of the world get their moment in the sun on Sunday.

And you can celebrate the hunter/gatherer in your life.

With visitors able to avail of a comp adult ticket when a full paying adult or child ticket is purchased online.

Simples! As is the offer of a sweet treat and coffee for €6 at the Meerkat Restaurant, Picnic Bench or Starbucks.

The Dad theme continues with keeper talks where you can learn about the fathers of the Dublin animal house and meet their families.

So you need to book online and enter the promo code ‘DadsGoFree’.

The old animal house

Dad time: We’re all animals at the end of the day

So we’re all going to the zoo, zoo, zoo and you can come too.

Dublin Zoo is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 6pm.

And for those who rightly scrutinise zoos Dublin is one of the most enduring in the world.

The fourth oldest in the world, it opened in 1831 and cost just a shilling and a penny on Sundays.

And Dads, you won’t even have to pay that.

Of course, the Irish capital’s animal house in Phoenix Park has changed somewhat since then.

Animals first

And always with the animals’ welfare and our education at its forefront.

Dublin had participated in 30 international conservation and breeding programmes for endangered species.

And educates visitors on the importance of the natural world.

And for those lucky enough to live in Ireland they will have seen the heartwarming stories from the RTÉ series The Zoo.

So while it’s been the longest time since The Champ said: ‘Dad, I want to be like you-oo-oo.

So cherish those moments on Sunday and maybe start with Free Dads Day at Dublin Zoo.

Culture, Deals, Europe, Ireland

Dunluce Lodge is a McCool place to stay

30th May 202430th May 2024 funtime65

And it’s why we love the Giant’s Causeway and the North of Ireland and why five-star Dunluce Lodge is a McCool place to stay.

Northern Ireland’s newest five-star hospitality venue has unveiled The Stookan, its private annex.

Where you’ll be able to look out on to the UNESCO geological wonder and the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club where the Open Golf Championship returns following its success back in 2019.

Boasting eight private suites, an intimate dining space and a fireside lounge that can be hired for exclusive use, The Stookan is inspired by myth and legend.

You want to know more?… thought so.

Well, this one is from 60 million years ago and involved an Irish giant and a Scots lass.

And it has been replicated across the ages only our family’s history involves a handsome Scotsman and an Irish maiden.

Finn and games

Finn McCool is the man of myth who is said to have fallen for a Scots girl and tried to build a causeway across to Scotland.

Only to be kiboshed by his Granny..

And in truth Irish grannies or mammies haven’t changed much over 60 million years.

We’re told that when news reached Gran about how Finn had collapsed from the efforts.

Of building the causeway she kept ripping down, and crossing, she was devastated.

She climbed to the top of a hill to witness his death throes, and horrified turned to stone where she stands to this day.

When you visit the Giant’s Causeway, look to the West of Port Ganny (the bay before the Little Causeway).

There you can see the stooped figure of Granny heading up the Stookans headland frozen in stone.

Drams are made of this

It all makes sense, and even more so on the way back from the world’s oldest distillery at Bushmills.

Although we’d recommend that you don’t take on the rickety Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge if you’ve had a Bushmills…

Maybe do the bridge first.

Being golfing country Dunluce also boasts an onsite putting green, designed by renowned golf architect, Martin Ebert.

Benchmark: With the Son and Heir, a Queen’s post-graduate

While more high-falutin, there are complimentary private transfer.

To the nearby helipad and clubhouses at Royal Portrush and Portstewart Golf Club.

And a small and intimate spa and fitness facility.

Dunluce Lodge is operated by the global full-service hotel management company, Valor Hospitality Partners, in partnership with the US based Links Collection.