Irish Examiner view: Pandemic has brought new passions

Amidst all the restrictions, people are finding a silver lining as many engage in new hobbies

Online communities such as Beekeepers of Ireland and Wild Camping Ireland have seen membership soar.

COVID-19 isn’t all bad news. Even in the midst of fear, frustration and anxiety, many thousands of people in Ireland have taken the opportunity to engage in new-found passions and interests since the pandemic began. 

Everything from birdwatching to astronomy to book reading have all shown a huge increase in interest. Tens of thousands of people have taken up activities at home like gardening, arts and crafts, and cooking.