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Culture

RTÉ Unveils New Season with KIN Return, Traitors Ireland, and Tommy Tiernan Special

RTÉ has unveiled its new season of programming, headlined by the return of crime drama KIN, a new series of The Traitors Ireland, a Tommy Tiernan special, and a new drama from the creator of Love/Hate. The schedule also includes expanded free-to-air sport coverage and a new documentary series on Irish history.

Conor Brennan26 Aug 2026👁 3

Culture

Ireland Mourns Dolly Parton: A Country Music Icon Who Loved the Irish

Ireland has joined the world in mourning the death of Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. The legendary country music star had a deep and genuine affinity with Ireland, performing sold-out concerts in Dublin, Belfast, and Cork, and famously visiting Paidi Ó Sé's pub in Dingle during a 1990 tour.

Conor Brennan

5 min read26 Aug 2026

Culture

Crawford Art Gallery Cork Confirms Late-2028 Reopening After Major Renovation

The Crawford Art Gallery in Cork city has confirmed it anticipates a late-2028 reopening following its major renovation and expansion project, with gallery management saying the work is progressing well but that the complexity of restoring a historic building while adding modern facilities means the timeline cannot be shortened without compromising quality.

Conor Brennan

5 min read26 Aug 2026

Culture

Roisin Kiberd's Debut Essay Collection 'The Disconnect' Wins Irish Book of the Year at An Post Awards

Roisin Kiberd's debut essay collection 'The Disconnect', exploring technology, alienation, and digital culture through an Irish lens, has won the Irish Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2026. The Dublin writer's collection, which draws on her experience as a technology journalist, has been praised for its originality and its ability to make complex ideas accessible to a general readership.

Conor Brennan

6 min read25 Aug 2026

Culture

Six Irish Restaurants Added to Michelin Guide as Mongoose, Díon, and The Universal Win Recognition

Six new Irish restaurants have been added to the Michelin Guide, bringing the total number of Irish venues featured to 117. The new additions include Mongoose in Dublin from the team behind Variety Jones, Díon at the former Central Bank building on Dame Street, and The Universal in Galway, recognised for its emphasis on the best of the Irish larder.

Conor Brennan

5 min read25 Aug 2026

Culture

Michelin-Starred Chestnut in Ballydehob to Close in October as Owners Plan 'Next Chapter'

Restaurant Chestnut in Ballydehob, West Cork, one of Ireland's most celebrated Michelin-starred establishments, will serve its final dinner on 30 October 2026 after eight years of operation. Chef Rob Krawczyk and partner Elaine Fleming say they have no plans to relocate and will reveal their 'next chapter' in due course.

Conor Brennan

6 min read25 Aug 2026

Culture

Sinead O'Connor Remembered: New Documentary Explores Legacy of Ireland's Most Defiant Voice

A new documentary exploring the life and legacy of Sinead O'Connor, the Dublin-born singer who died in July 2023, is generating significant attention ahead of its Irish broadcast. The film features interviews with musicians, writers, and cultural figures who knew her and is being described as the most comprehensive portrait of O'Connor yet committed to screen.

Conor Brennan

5 min read24 Aug 2026

Culture

Electric Picnic 2026 Preview: Ten Irish Acts You Cannot Miss at Stradbally This Weekend

Electric Picnic 2026 opens at Stradbally Hall on Friday with what many are calling the strongest Irish lineup in the festival's history, headlined by Fontaines D.C. and CMAT alongside Gorillaz and Lewis Capaldi. Here is a guide to the ten Irish acts that deserve to be at the top of every festival-goer's schedule.

Conor Brennan

5 min read24 Aug 2026

Culture

Rose of Tralee 2026: Westmeath's Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh Wins with Powerful Alopecia Story

Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh from Westmeath has been crowned the 66th International Rose of Tralee, winning the competition with a deeply personal performance in which she revealed her alopecia condition and encouraged others to 'embrace the imperfections'. The 25-year-old retail worker and aspiring wig maker is the founder of The Hair Loss Haven.

Conor Brennan

5 min read24 Aug 2026

Culture

Electric Picnic 2026: Fontaines D.C., CMAT, and Van Morrison Lead Strongest Irish Lineup in Festival's History

Electric Picnic 2026 opens this Friday at Stradbally Hall in County Laois with what many are calling the strongest Irish lineup in the festival's history, headlined by Fontaines D.C. and CMAT alongside international acts Gorillaz and Lewis Capaldi. The sold-out festival will attract approximately 80,000 attendees over three days.

Conor Brennan

4 min read24 Aug 2026

Culture

Masters of Tradition Festival in Bantry Celebrates Irish Music with Martin Hayes and Friends

The Masters of Tradition festival in Bantry, County Cork, has reached its final weekend with a programme of exceptional traditional music performances, including a headline concert by Martin Hayes and Friends at the historic Bantry House. The festival, now in its 21st year, has once again drawn musicians and audiences from across Ireland and internationally to the scenic west Cork town.

Conor Brennan

5 min read23 Aug 2026

Culture

Irish National Opera's 'Testament' Tour Brings Colm Tóibín's Words to Life Across Ireland

The Irish National Opera is touring its critically acclaimed chamber opera 'Testament', with music by Tarik O'Regan and a libretto by Colm Tóibín, to venues across Ireland this August. The production, which explores themes of faith, doubt, and the nature of testimony, has been praised for its musical sophistication and the power of Tóibín's text.

Conor Brennan

5 min read23 Aug 2026