Anti-Airbnb signs erected in Galway Gaeltacht as activists warn of ‘crisis point'
A series of signs have been erected in Galway's Gaeltacht areas by local activists who claim short-term rental properties on websites such as Airbnb are posing a threat to the Irish language.
Roadside signs in Conemara are drawing attention to the significant number of short-term lets listed on Airbnb compared to those available for long-term leases on property website Daft.ie.
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Irish Independent
4 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
US college football game in Dublin expected to generate €130m for Irish economy
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic game between Kansas and Iowa State University will be held on Saturday, August 23, and has been described as the most competitive to take place on Irish soil. It is expecting to bring in 24,000 international visitors, mostly from the US. Grant Thornton's figures show three previous games held in Ireland brought €382m into the economy. The 2025 game will bring that figure up to €512m, it said. The game – which is expecting to attract viewership figures of 4.5 million when broadcast live on ESPN – is described as a high-profile opportunity to promote Irish culture by the Government. Tourism Minister Peter Burke said it will boost Ireland's tourism profile. 'Not only will the event generate significant revenue in August, the extensive coverage of the game in the USA will also put Ireland's vibrant tourism offering in the shop window for those planning a trip in the future,' he said. This series also delivers trade, tourism, business, community engagement and economic benefits A week-long run of business and political events are scheduled to take place, including an Irish-US CEO Club, where up to 450 senior executives will attend. In previous years, golf resorts around the country were among the big winners, as groups of visiting fans opted to extend their stays well beyond the day of the game. The match and the associated events are being supported by Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of a strategy to leverage international sporting events. 'The series has strongly positioned Ireland as a key overseas home for American football in Europe. Importantly, this series also delivers trade, tourism, business, community engagement and economic benefits,' junior culture minister Charlie McConalogue said. The title sponsor, Aer Lingus, says it is a valuable opportunity to increase transatlantic relations. 'The classic is a special event that celebrates sport, tradition, and transatlantic connection. We're proud to play a role in making these moments possible – connecting people, places, and possibilities through the power of sport,' Aer Lingus chief customer officer Susanne Carberry said.
Irish Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Stay near where Netflix's Wednesday was filmed in Ireland
Spooky hit show Wednesday is back on screens for its second series - which was filmed in Ireland. The Netflix gothic comedy is the biggest ever show on the streaming platform and Irish fans in particular will be excited about season two. The Addams Family spin-off - which features Jenna Ortega in the lead role of supernatural sleuth Wednesday Addams - was filmed in Wicklow, Offaly and Dublin. The dark fantasy's first series was filmed three years ago in Romania but makers moved production to Ireland for the new one. Tanaiste Simon Harris met with its legendary director Tim Burton and crew on location in Co Wicklow for what is said to be the biggest production ever in Ireland. Dramatic landscapes can be seen throughout the series, including Powerscourt Demesne in Enniskerry, with its waterfall and gardens, as well as the mountain village of Roundwood. Gothic Charleville Castle in Co Offaly makes an appearance, as does Deansgrange Cemetery, the final resting place of former Taoiseach Sean Lemass and singer Sinead O'Connor. Filming also took place in Trinity Business School in Dublin. First look at Wednesday on Netflix To mark the new series, accommodation platform Airbnb has chosen some spooky stays near where the show was filmed. Fans of Wednesday can immerse themselves in the eerie charm that made Nevermore Academy a global obsession. They can also stay in the locations where the cast were spotted. Derek Nolan, head of public policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: "Ireland's haunting landscapes made the perfect backdrop for Season 2 of Wednesday. "We're excited to showcase stays near these iconic and rural filming locations, giving guests a chance to explore their rich history - and add a touch of the supernatural to their next getaway." Cullen's Studio Lodge, Roundwood, Co Wicklow Roundwood, Co. Wicklow - Cullen's Studio Lodge 1 This tiny cobbled home accommodates two guests and is located just on the outskirts of Roundwood village. Nestled in the middle of the Wicklow mountains, this stay is bound to transport you straight into the world of Wednesday. Boutique apartment, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow - Boutique apartment in Enniskerry village A perfect place to call home whilst you visit the nearby Powerscourt House and Gardens. Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow - Boutique apartment in Enniskerry village This cosy stay is perfect for two guests looking to explore the iconic filming locations and take in the rich history of the surrounding area. Knockmore Garden Wing, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow Enniskerry, - Knockmore Garden Wing The perfect spooky spot for a couple who are looking to explore the Powerscourt filming locations and come home to a whimsical stay. It's the place to stay if you are a fan of the supernatural botany scenes in the hit show and are looking to admire the surrounding landscapes. Three-bedroom bath house, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow Enniskerry, Co Wicklow - Spacious modern 3 bedroom/bath house If you are looking to immerse yourself in the eerie landscapes, this apartment is just a short drive away from the foreboding Powerscourt Waterfall. A great option for those looking to travel in a larger group as it accommodates six guests. Two-bedroom apartment in Tullamore, Co Offaly Located near Charleville Castle, this four-guest stay is the perfect place to have a watch party after visiting the castle. Filled with books and a spiral staircase, the two-bedroom apartment is the ideal location to relax and watch the new season after a day of exploring. Period Irish manor, Ballycumber House, Co Offaly Ballycumber, Offaly - Period Irish Manor The driveway screams Nevermore Academy. Located a short drive away from Charleville Castle, this stay accommodates large groups of up to 16 people. Explore the manor and its formidable grounds late at night before curling up to watch the hit show. Ballycumber, Offaly - Period Irish Manor Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here
Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Feline fine: President Michael D Higgins hosts Britain's Princess Anne — and a cat — at Áras
It was a simple question, but President Michael D Higgins had to take a moment to think of an answer for Britain's Princess Anne. 'You've been doing this for quite a long time,' the Princess Royal said. Sabina Higgins responded they would be in Áras an Uachtaráin 14 years on November 11. 'Does it feel like much longer?' Princess Anne asked. 'Well…' Mr Higgins said, before taking a moment to think. He responded to Princess Anne in soft tones, as the media strained to hear the response from the other side of the State Reception Room. Princess Anne is far from the first member of the British Royal family Mr Higgins has hosted since moving into the Phoenix Park in 2011. But barring a last-minute visit, she will likely be the final royal to visit Ireland before he departs the Áras in November and his successor moves in. The relationship between the Irish and British has been strained at various points in our shared history, to put it mildly. In May 1995, Prince Charles, as he was known at the time, became the first British royal to visit Ireland since it gained its long-sought independence. Documents released by the UK National Archives in 2020 showed the then British ambassador to Ireland, Veronica Sutherland, described the trip as a 'turning point in history'. Charles visited Ireland several more times before eventually becoming king in 2022. It is widely expected he will return. His mother, Queen Elizabeth, became the first reigning monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland when she came to our shores in 2011 on a trip that involved stops in Dublin and Cork. She was followed by Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, in July 2018, with Prince William and Kate Middleton following in March 2020. While still significant moments, the royal visits have become far more normalised and low-key in recent years. Princess Anne signs the visitors' book at Áras an Uachtaráin. There was a relaxed atmosphere as Princess Anne entered the State Reception Room to meet Mr Higgins. The Princess Royal, who took her own pen out of the black handbag tucked under her elbow, flicked through the pages in the visitors' book, worried about taking up too much space. 'Am I wasting an entire page?' she asked, as she examined how the last visitor had handled this situation. Mrs Higgins told her she 'deserved an entire page'. She settled on the middle of the page, singing, 'Anne, 6th August 2025'. 'Do you spend all your time here?' Princess Anne asked as she gazed into the magnificent garden in Áras an Uachtaráin while posing for photos. Almost all of it, Mr and Mrs Higgins remarked, as Princess Anne described it as a 'nice spot'. The media were ferried outside as the group met with the British ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnson, for just under an hour. Here, reporters learned someone else is already making themselves at home. A black and white cat has been wandering around the grounds of the Áras in recent weeks. 'How did you let the intruder in?' a security official called from the front door. A group of gardaí standing outside started laughing as the cat was carried out of the Áras and moved away. How will the new feline visitor cope when the new human inhabitants move into the house in November and President Higgins and his wife move out? Already, some of their belongings are being relocated to Galway Princess Anne was right; he has been doing this for quite a long time. But the end of the Michael D Higgins era is growing ever closer.
