Dr Mark Rowe: ‘There's something deeply moving about the way David Attenborough captures our planet's ecosystems'
TV: Attenborough Few things inspire awe and wonder more than the documentaries of David Attenborough, whose work continues to offer a breathtaking window into the beauty, fragility and complexity of the natural world. There's something timeless and deeply moving about the way he captures our planet's ecosystems, reminding us of our interconnectedness with all living things. Closer to home, I find the RTÉ series Tracks & Trails a refreshing escape into the Irish countryside, providing both inspiration and motivation to explore the beauty of the natural landscapes on our own doorstep.
SONG: Thunderstruck My tastes are as eclectic as they come. There's nothing quite like the electrifying energy of Thunderstruck by AC/DC to kick-start a workout or lift my spirits. And, recently, I had the pleasure of attending an Andrea Bocelli concert at the 3Arena, and it was nothing short of magical.
FESTIVAL: Blackwater opera Living in Waterford, I'm fortunate to access some truly exceptional arts and culture festivals. The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival at Lismore Castle is, without doubt, one of the standout highlights of the year for me. The sheer quality of the opera performances, set against the majestic backdrop of Lismore Castle, birthplace of the great scientist Robert Boyle, creates an otherworldly experience. Equally, the Spraoi Arts Festival each August is a must-see event.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
6 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Newlywed stars & 80k fans have a blast at Oasis' final Croke Park gig as Liam fumes after being booed over Mayo shoutout
OASIS went Supersonic as 80,000 fans descended on Croke Park tonight for their final Irish gig. Superstars Liam and Noel Gallagher took over Dublin's home of GAA for a second night — putting on another explosive show before bidding the capital farewell. 9 The reunion tour came 16 years after their dramatic split in 2009, when Noel quit after a brawl at a Paris festival Credit: Big Brother Recordings 9 Liam dedicated a hit to Charlestown, Co Mayo, where mum Peggy is from Credit: Big Brother Recordings Advertisement 9 Oasis fan Stiofan Obroin with his 16-month old son Setanta Se outside Croke Park Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire 9 Bucket hat wearers were treated to a string of Britpop hits from the Manchester duo Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire Fans flocked to the capital early to enjoy a day out in the summer sunshine before making the pilgrimage to Croker to see Oasis. Bucket hat wearers were then treated to a string of Britpop hits from the Manchester duo, with a number of celebrities also spotted enjoying the hottest ticket of the year. Advertisement They include newlywed Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson and her DJ hubby Denis Sulta, who tied the knot on Friday. Swaggering out on to the Croker stage, Liam screamed: 'Dublin vibes in the area!' And just like on Saturday, Liam dedicated a hit — this time Fade Away — to Charlestown, Co Mayo, where mum Peggy is from. But the star was left fuming after being booed when he asked: 'Anyone here from Mayo?' Advertisement And before jumping into Roll With It, Liam admitted he needed to learn to shut up on stage. He laughed 'Apparently, I've been yapping too much, getting myself in trouble for having a f***ing opinion!' Once again, the setlist featured crowd-pleasing hits including Acquiesce, Cigarettes And Alcohol and Live Forever. First snippet of Oasis live in Dublin emerges Fans were also treated to favourites including Supersonic, Some Might Say and Roll With It. Liam and Noel also lashed into Don't Look Back In Anger and Wonderwall before ending with Champagne Supernova. Advertisement Oasis has been a must-see for celebrities, with Croker also full of stars on Saturday. They include Irish model and top podcast host Vogue Williams. 9 Kevin, Luke, Glenda and Nadine Hoey from Louth Credit: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos 9 Charlotte, Marin and Friederike from Germany in Temple Bar ahead of Oasis Credit: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos 9 Michelle, Jennifer Anne Marie and Ruth from Co Clare Credit: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos Advertisement She shared snaps with her pals and husband Spencer Matthews — who was glued to his phone at one point during the epic set. Her best friend Joanne McNally was also there. Ex-Ireland and Leinster hero Johnny Sexton also met one of his fiercest former rivals, Owen Farrell, as he went to see the Gallagher bros perform with wife Laura. Rugby personalities were well represented at Croke Park on Saturday, with Brian O'Driscoll, 46, using the moment to aim a dig at younger pal Rob Kearney, who went to the historic show alongside wife Jess Redden. REUNION TOUR 16 YEARS AFTER DRAMATIC SPLIT Sharing a pic of 39-year-old Rob, BOD joked: 'Definitely Maybe was still s*ng his pants when this album came out!' Advertisement Former Liverpool star Peter Crouch also made the journey to Croke Park and posed for pics with fans during the concert. These included Jack Schiavo, who plays alongside Liam's son Gene in the band Villanelle, and said he was 'humbled' to meet the Premier League pundit. The support acts for the Dublin dates were Richard Ashcroft from The Verve and Cast, formed by John Power after he left The La's. Ashcroft was spotted out and about yesterday with his five Irish wolfhounds, taking the dogs for a walk in a hat and shades. Oasis announced their reunion tour in August last year. Advertisement It came 16 years after their dramatic split in 2009, when Noel quit after a brawl at a Paris festival. Oasis now head off to Toronto, Canada, for two shows — before they play a rake of gigs in the US and Mexico as part of a 41-date tour. 9 Richard Ashcroft and his Irish wolfhounds Credit: richardashcroftofficial/Instagram
Irish Examiner
36 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner Eats Club bring the Glass Curtain down on another tasty Cork on a Fork fest
The Irish Examiner Eats Club was the closing event last night after five days of fun, frolics and feasting at the 2025 Cork on a Fork food festival as 40 lucky diners enjoyed an evening for Irish Examiner subscribers in The Glass Curtain restaurant, on Cork's MacCurtain St. The fourth outing for this exclusive dining club saw chef/proprietor Brian Murray and his team pull out all the stops to serve up a bespoke five-course menu especially created for the evening, in one of the city's very best fine dining restaurants. The Glass Curtain opened just before the advent of the pandemic which meant some especially turbulent years for Irish hospitality. One of chef Brian Murray's creations at The Glass Curtain restaurant on MacCurtain St in Cork for the Irish Examiner Eats Club dinner. Picture: Chani Anderson However, Murray and his team not only weathered that storm but set about building what has become a national reputation for the highly creative delivery of superbly-sourced local produce, with some tremendous live fire cooking at the heart of their offering. Mixologist Tom Curran in action at the Irish Examiner Eats Club dinner at The Glass Curtain on Sunday night. Guests were greeted by front of house manager/sommelier Wesley Triggs and his service team serving up snacks and a 'Cork cocktail' especially created for the night, featuring West Cork Whiskey, Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, and Barry's Tea, before they were then seated. The delicious sharing menu kicked off with focaccia, house ricotta, and tomato confit, followed by red mullet crudo, Bushby's strawberries, sea spaghetti; smoked aubergine, miso butter, buckwheat tabouleh; and warm tomato and mussel escabeche. Behind-the-scenes preparations at the Irish Examiner Eats Club in The Glass Curtain, as head chef Brian Murray and his kitchen team ready each dish for the exclusive subscriber dinner that brought Cork on a Fork 2025 to a close. Picture: Chani Anderson. The main course was Glenbrook Farm free-range pork, with green olive jus gras, shoulder lasagne, black garlic, warm salad, beets, and whey, with city farmer Peter Twomey's pork — a breakout hit of the festival, featuring in several events dinners — especially appreciated on the night. Dessert was summer berries, almond cake, and verbena. The shared table event on MacCurtain St was one of the popular highlights of the Cork on a Fork festival. Guests included Cork on a Fork festival director Niamh Murphy and her slightly battered but utterly buoyant crew, quite spent after five hectic days and nights of work but in the mood to celebrate their spectacular delivery of this annual celebration of Cork food and food culture. Dominic Moore demonstrating how butter was made on a tour of the Butter Museum for the Cork on a Fork Festival. Picture: Darragh Kane The Irish Examiner team were in attendance, with wine writer Leslie Williams and this writer hosting the evening. And, at evening's end, another group of delighted Irish Examiner Eats Club diners headed off into the night with their Cork drinks goodie bags, featuring some of the Rebel County's finest libations including West Cork Whiskey, BKultured Kombucha, Blarney Brewing Co beer, and Barry's Tea. And that's just for starters: Clonakilty black pudding on truffle French toast, smoked Gubbeen gougère and tomato gazpacho lined up and ready to be served at the shared table on MacCurtain Street, during the Cork on a Fork Festival. Picture: Chani Anderson
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
WATCH: TikTok delighted by French dad's take on the Irish language
An Irish woman has sparked laughter across the internet after posting a TikTok of her French husband doing his best — and failing spectacularly — to read in Irish to their young child. What was meant to be a sweet bedtime moment quickly turned into comedy gold, as the husband's valiant attempts at pronouncing words left native speakers both charmed and deeply confused. From unexpected syllables to a cadence no Gaeilgeoir had ever heard before, the video has taken Irish TikTok by storm, leaving viewers torn between correcting him and begging for more. TikToker @littlebookofkim, lovingly captioned the video: 'just walked in on my french husband reading to our baby in Irish with a very….original accent.' The clip has already garnered over 80K views online, with many taking to the comment to revel in the hilarity. 'This is the opposite of ronan o'gara speaking french in the thickest cork accent ever lol,' one user joked. Many have referenced Ronan O'Gara's attempt at speaking French in a heavy Cork accent in the comments. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan 'Tiocfaidh ár ooh lá lá,' another jested. 'Points for effort. Not a word did I get,' a third stressed. While the francophone may get an A for effort, I don't see him presenting on TG4 any time soon!
