Singer and songwriter BABA: ‘I love Louis Theroux, his awkward humour, the way he disarms his guests and how effortlessly he gets people to talk'
Before she died she told him to try and find a pocketful of happiness in each day, and that thread runs beautifully through the book. My favourite line is: 'Grief is love with nowhere to go.' I think it's so important to normalise talking about your grief.
STREAMING: Severance I've just finished Season 2 of Severance and I miss it already. I absolutely loved everything about it. The premise is brilliant – full of twists and turns – and the cast, and their acting, is outstanding. I've been a huge Adam Scott fan since Parks and Recreation.
But what really stood out for me was the way it was shot: the symmetry of the Lumon offices, the attention to detail, and how they make something so stark and bleak look oddly beautiful. The whole thing was an unsettling joy to watch. I can't wait for Season 3.
PODCAST: Louis Theroux I'm a huge fan of Louis Theroux, and I'm so excited his podcast is back, the aptly named The Louis Theroux Podcast. I've only listened to the Bella Ramsey episode so far, but honestly, he could talk to a wall and I'd still tune in.
I just love everything about him; his awkward humour, the way he disarms his guests, and how effortlessly he gets people to talk. He recently released a very important documentary called The Settlers, which everyone should watch.
FESTIVAL: Culture Night I love Culture Night in Dublin each September – there's such a buzz, and it really brings the city to life. My favourite part is wandering between free events, discovering new artists and chatting to creatives from all disciplines. I always finish the night with a pint and a toasted sambo in Grogan's – it's my little tradition.
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Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Extra.ie
WATCH: Ed Sheeran hits pause on tour for surprise pub session in Wexford
If you thought Tuesday nights in Wexford couldn't get any more magical, think again. Global superstar Ed Sheeran swapped stadium spotlights for the cozy glow of The Sky and The Ground pub this week, to deliver a surprise performance that will be the talk of the town for years to come. The special appearance was part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 and supported by Guinness Ireland, who raised a glass to the occasion. If you thought Tuesday nights in Wexford couldn't get any more magical, think again. Pic: Mark Surridge Taking a brief pause from his sold-out European Mathematics Tour, Sheeran delighted an intimate crowd with impromptu sets alongside a dream lineup of Irish talent; the electrifying Beoga, soulful Biird, rising stars Amble, and the ever-charismatic Aaron Rowe. Between the trad tunes, sing-alongs, and the smell of fresh pints, Wexford had its very own global gig and not a stadium seat in sight. Wexford holds a special place in Ed's heart, as a child he frequented the county multiple times a year to spend time with family and friends. Recently reflecting about his connection to Ireland on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Ed said: 'We'd spend all of our holidays in Ireland. My first musical experiences were in Ireland. I grew up with trad music in the house.' Ed's grandmother Anne was actually born in an 18th-century farmhouse near Gorey where the singer would later spend his summer holidays. This is the same grandmother the singer wrote about in his song Nancy Mulligan, which was recorded in 2017. Global superstar Ed Sheeran swapped stadium spotlights for the cozy glow of The Sky and The Ground pub this week. Pic: Mark Surridge The track touches on his grandparents' love story and how they married across the religious divide, with his grandfather William having been a Protestant from Northern Ireland. Anne left home during World War Two to train as a nurse in London, this is where she met dental student Bill. The couple married and went on to have five girls and three boys before returning to Wexford in 1983. The special appearance was part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 and supported by Guinness Ireland, who raised a glass to the occasion. Pic: Mark Surridge The surprise pop up is the latest in a series of 'Old Phone' pop-ups. The Thinking Out Loud Singer previously built a purpose built pub in Ipswich, Boston, then brought it to Coachella and his hometown of Ipswich. He has now brought it to the acclaimed traditional Irish pub – The Sky and The Ground in Wexford. Speaking on the performance, Caolán Barron, from the Barron family run pub said: 'We're delighted to welcome Wexford-man Ed Sheeran to The Sky & The Ground during The Fleadh Cheoil 2025. We've the spare room made up for him, and my mother has made him a chicken curry in case he needs feeding and all thanks to our closer partner Guinness for making it possible.'
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ed Sheeran arrives at Wexford pub for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Thousands of fans have gathered outside a Wexford pub to catch a glimpse of UK singer Ed Sheeran. The Azizam star arrived to The Sky and the Ground pub in Wexford town for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Taking to Instagram, South East radio station Beat 102 103 shared a clip of Sheeran arriving in a blacked out SUV, with crowds of fans gathered to greet the star. Massive crowds gathered outside the pub when fans heard of the UK singer's arrival. Ed plans to play a few tunes this evening. Ed's late grandmother Anne Mary Sheeran (also known as Nancy), who died in 2023, was from Wexford and the star often visited her on his summer holidays. One local quipped on Facebook: "Ed Sheeran going to have Wexford shut down!" Ed has previously opened up about spending time in the sunny southeast. In a podcast interview with Louis Theroux, Sheeran confirmed that despite being born in England, he identifies as Irish. 'I class my culture as Irish. That that's what I grew up with,' he told The Louis Theroux Podcast. 'You know, my mom's family is very, very small, it's her and her parents,' he explained. 'And my dad's family is, he's got seven brothers and sisters, which is massive. So, we'd spend all of our holidays in Ireland. My first musical experiences were in Ireland' he said. 'I grew up with trad music in the house. So, I do like, I identify culturally as Irish, but I was obviously born and raised in Britain. I don't overthink it,' he adds, 'but I do feel like my culture is something that I'm really proud of and grew up with and want to express. 'And I feel like just because I was born in Britain doesn't necessarily mean that I have to just be British. There's loads of people that I know that are half this or a quarter that.' Ed Sheeran thrilled fans when he turned up at the Wexford pub Opening up about the best spots to visit in Ireland, he previously said: 'If you're travelling to Ireland to do touristy things, go and see Dingle Bay – and if you want to live in Ireland for a bit, live in Wexford.' His late grandmother praised her superstar grandson for remaining as down-to-earth as ever despite his international success. 'I'll never think of him as being famous I have to say,' she previously told RTE News. 'He's exactly the same as he always is when he visits.' In a 2017 interview with RTÉ, she recalled her future megastar grandson Ed as a 'lovely' kid. "He came to Wexford every year on holidays once we moved here. I'll never think of him as famous. He's exactly the same as he always was when he visits and it's very rare because he's always working." Ed's 2017 hit Nancy Mulligan told the story of how Derry man William 'Bill' Sheeran fell in love with Anne and married her on the Wexford border. The singer said his grandparents "had this sort of Romeo and Juliet romance", which he described as "the most romantic thing". Anne wed Bill in 1951 in London and the couple raised their family in the city before returning to Gorey in the 1980s. Nancy passed away in 2023 at the age of 98. While Ed Sheeran was unable to attend the funeral due to being in court in New York, he was reportedly upset about missing the event. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Dublin pubs Grogan's and the Gravediggers named among top 25 bars in Europe
John Kavanagh's, known as The Gravediggers, in Glasnevin, and Grogan's on South William Street, both feature in the Top 100 Bars in Europe 2025 list, as chosen by the European Bar Guide. Each bar is rated for choice/quality of drinks; style/décor; atmosphere/character; value for money; and amenities/events. The Gravediggers, beside Glasnevin Cemetery, ranked highest of the four Irish entries at number 14. The guide praised it as 'a timeless, characterful pub known for its outstanding Guinness and weathered wooden interiors'. The authors describe the Gravediggers as a 'historical masterpiece', offering an authentic and intimate setting that feels like 'stepping into a painting' – quiet and calm by day, warm and buzzing by night. 'While the drinks menu is fairly standard, the pint of Guinness is rarely better, and at a more affordable price than in the city centre,' it said. 'Less touristy due to its suburban setting, the pub is loved by locals and admired for its genuine atmosphere and old-world aesthetic.' Grogan's, ranked 24th, is described as a 'beloved Dublin institution' with an unvarnished charm and electric energy. Known for its atmosphere, iconic toasties and outdoor seating, the guide notes that finding a seat can be a challenge, but is worth the wait as the vibe is what sets it apart. Two other Irish pubs also made the list, both based in Dingle, Co Kerry. Tig Bhric in Ballyferriter comes in at 28th, described as 'a small West Kerry brewery with cask beer in a wonderfully cosy pub with views of the peninsula'. Dick Mack's on Green Street ranks 17th, praised for its blend of 'brewery, wall of whisky, haberdashery, garden, good craic and good song'. The number one bar in Europe, according to the guide, is La Fleur en Papier Doré in Brussels, praised as 'hugely atmospheric whether quiet or busy', with a pantry-style backroom and unusual bar area.
