Where does a travel writer bring his family for a break? When in Ireland, Pol returns again and again to Wicklow’s ‘local secret’, Silver Strand, part of a beautiful stretch of coastline on the east coast.

It’s a time for seeing family, friends and loved ones again. Claire Droney and Pol Ó Conghaile catch a few pre-Christmas flights at Cork and Dublin airports.

Bah, humbug! Can’t stand the stress, jingle bells and commercialism of Christmas? Pól Ó Conghaile has suggestions for escaping it entirely.

Ryanair starts flying direct from Cork to Krakow this week. Great timing, says Pól Ó Conghaile, if you want to visit one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Europe.

Like many people I had never heard of Congressman Paul Ryan until he was announced as Mitt Romney’s running mate.

Looking for an Easter getaway that won’t break the bank? Disneyland Paris is celebrating its 20th birthday, and Pól Ó Conghaile has more egg-cellent offers for seasonal trips at home or away

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has millions of euro to spend on the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in June but not on education, health, special needs for the elderly and children, and support services for the homeless.

THE murder of an Irishman in Boston last week should be the catalyst for having the plight of the undocumented in the United States finally addressed, according to a former mayor of Galway.

Republic of Ireland v Andorra

THE drug-related killings in Dublin have been described as a clinical gangland murder.

IT may come as a surprise to some to realise that Ulster people are not stupid.

Cambodian officials burned more than 3,500 guns, rocket launchers and other munitions in a ceremony meant to help expunge the former Khmer Rouge stronghold’s association with Pol Pot, the group’s leader who lived out his final years in the village of Anlong Veng.

IRISH Examiner contributor Pól Ó Conghaile has been named Travel Writer of the Year for the second time in a row.