It’s the little things about Ashford Castle that makes a stay there so enjoyable, writes Conall Ó Fátharta.    

The Queen has used her Christmas Day broadcast to highlight the importance of reconciliation between opposing sides – from communities in the North to those involved in the Scottish Independence referendum.

British royal couple Kate Middleton and Prince William are "very pleased to announce" that they are expecting their second child.

The birth of the prince means Britain’s monarchy has three generations of heirs to the throne for the first time since 1894.

Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate looked relaxed and happy as they introduced their newborn son to the world, joking at how the 8lb 6oz child was a “big boy”.

The Duchess of Cambridge was hoping for a son and her wish has come true.

Bookmakers will be taking flurries of bets on what the duke and duchess of Cambridge will choose to call the eagerly anticipated new prince or princess.

The Dream of the Celt

THERE’S no easy way to say this, so let’s just get it over with.

THE queen told a century-old family fashion retailer in Cork city that since her schedule was fully booked, she would not be able to accept the kind offer of a complimentary outfit as a memento of the trip.

The Queen sets foot on Irish soil today for the start of a historic state visit which will herald a new era in relations between Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

A 100-YEAR gap will be bridged today when Britain’s Queen Elizabeth touches down at Baldonnel at the start of an official four-day state visit.

It is just three months shy of the 190th anniversary of the visit of George IV, who was the first British monarch to come to this country without an accompanying army. Queen Elizabeth II will arrive today, accompanied by an army of media.

THE first major protest against the visit of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II passed without incident yesterday as the biggest security operation in the history of the state intensified in advance of the royal arrival tomorrow.

Winning the Derby continues to elude Her Majesty so will her trip to the National Stud ensure a winner, asks Margaret Carragher

The one time I ever met her at Hillsborough Castle, she seemed refreshingly human, a very dignified — if surprisingly petite — lady with a wide open smile. I noted wryly the number of devout nationalists who at least nodded, if not quite bowed, when introduced to her.

HISTORY will be made later this year when Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch to visit Ireland since the foundation of the state.

The event reflects 21st century relations between Britain and Ireland, says Jennifer Hough

The first State visit to the Republic of Ireland by a British monarch is to made by the Queen Elizabeth II later this year.

The Queen of England is to pay a state visit to Ireland – the first official tour of the Republic of Ireland by a British monarch.

WITH all the talk about a possible visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland and the 3 Irish Open being played at Killarney this weekend, it is worth remembering that the queen’s great, great grandmother, Queen Victoria, was largely responsible for putting Killarney on the tourist map with her visit to the area in 1861.

A STATE visit by Queen Elizabeth next year is yet another visible sign of the transformation which has taken place over recent years between Ireland and Britain. There is nothing to fear from such a visit, and much to be gained.

THE process has begun for Queen Elizabeth II to pay a historic first formal visit to Ireland next year.

THE bitter divorce of Diana’s parents — they separated when she was aged just six — is said to have been one of the most traumatic events of the future princess’s life.

THE historic meeting of President Mary McAleese and Queen Elizabeth II in the North yesterday could clear the way for an unprecedented State visit, Mrs McAleese said last night.

The Queen and Irish President Mary McAleese met today for the first ever time on the island of Ireland.

Gwyneth Paltrow is to play Wallis Simpson in a drama to be made by the BBC.