Irish gift ideas for the mother figure in your life

Esther N McCarthy trades elbows with some Italian journalists to get up close and personal with the Irish stars at last year's Baftas

Esther N McCarthy visits an unspoilt Seychellois atoll in the Indian Ocean

Esther N McCarthy finds local success stories, colourful artwork, and retro rugs

He’s got a new series of Room to Improve to promote – and she’s got new house plans that might just need a second opinion. Here’s what happened when Esther N McCarthy met Dermot Bannon

A five-star Kenmare classic, with a perfect blend of luxury, leisure and lushness.

The Everyman pantomime named its Dame after one of the Coal Quay's late great shopkeepers, writes Esther N McCarthy 

'My generation don’t have the legacy of fear and shame and power the Church wielded over our mothers and grandmothers...but what has me scratching my heathen head, is why weren’t more of my peers opting out too?'

With a new direct ferry service the Basque Country is ideal for an active family holiday, writes Esther N McCarthy

"Did my Irish improve? Níl mé cinnte, but I did learn 'Tháinig mo shlabhra as mo rothar' - it was my excuse every time I was late for class."