Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Hickey

2016 offered many great days out exploring Ireland

Donal Hickey takes a look back at the great days 2016 gave us for the outdoors.

Mon, 02 Jan, 2017

Patrick Pearse's teachings ignored by the new state

Donal Hickey discusses Patrick Pearse as a teacher, instilling his pupils with a love of Ireland’s natural beauty.

Mon, 26 Dec, 2016

We need to do more to encourage more people to cycle

We’re still a long way behind other EU countries when it comes to facilitating cyclists, writes Donal Hickey

Mon, 19 Dec, 2016

Burren land use of benefit to locals

The EU-backed BurrenLife project is working closely with farmers with the aim of finding a balance between active farming and protecting the ecology, writes Donal Hickey

Mon, 12 Dec, 2016

Donal Hickey: New season unlikely to see ease in depletion of salmon stocks

WHEN the salmon fishing season opens next month, anglers will be on the lookout for signs of a continuing decline in stocks, which have been falling dramatically, writes Donal Hickey.

Mon, 05 Dec, 2016

Wondrous ways of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

THERE are places words are inadequate to describe.

Mon, 28 Nov, 2016

Saving our bogs a priority

Bogs are landscapes that need to the conserved, writes Donal Hickey

Mon, 21 Nov, 2016

Majestic trees part of the autumnal delights in 'secret' Doneraile Park

MAGNIFICENT trees are, arguably, the most important legacy we have from the landed estates which once included most of the land of Ireland. We had about 5,000 landed gentry in the late 18th century, says Donal Hickey.

Mon, 14 Nov, 2016

Shannon dolphins at risk

A large pod of bottlenose dolphins, resident in the Shannon Estuary for centuries, may not be nearly as well-known as a fellow dolphin further down the coast, in Dingle, Co Kerry, writes Donal Hickey

Mon, 07 Nov, 2016

Are pine martens and red squirrels teaming up to prey on grey squirrels?

PEOPLE out and about during the October bank holiday, especially in wooded areas, may see some native red squirrels as autumn is a busy time for them. They can be observed feasting on nuts, seeds and berries and gathering their hoards of food for winter months ahead.

Mon, 31 Oct, 2016