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Irish Daily Mirror
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Inside one of the world's biggest doll houses at The Little Museum of Dublin
Visitors from all over the globe are travelling to The Little Museum of Dublin to see one of the world's largest and most astonishing dollhouses. After a year-long, €4.3 million makeover, the quirky and award-winning museum reopened last month. A new addition is Tara's Palace, a 2.5-metre by 4-metre miniature doll house modelled on three great 18th-century Irish mansions: Leinster House, Castletown House and Carton House. No detail has been overlooked in the making of the not-so-miniature home. With little mice made from bone carvings and tiny plates meticulously handcrafted from porcelain, any adult would love to play with this masterpiece. The "Tara's Palace" dollhouse which is on display at the Little Museum of Dublin. It's a large, Georgian-style dollhouse, inspired by Irish houses, that took master craftsmen over 20 years to build and furnish (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) The little mice in Tara's Palace dollhouse made from ivory (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) Of course, to preserve this delicate piece it can't be handled - but it is extraordinary to look at and admire the thousands of tiny details. The incredible structure took over a decade to create by Tommy Clancy, Paul Geoghegan, Con Lee and Michael Walton. It came about after Titania's Palace - a dollhouse made in the early 1990s for the owner of Merrion House, Sir Nevile Wilkinson - was sold to England. President of the Irish Antique Dealers Association, Ronnie McDonnell, tried to buy it when it went up for auction in 1978. However, he was the underbidder and Lego in Denmark bought it for £130,000. Mr McDonnell was so upset that he formed Tara's Palace Trust and set out to build a new magnificent dollhouse for Ireland. Tara is a fairy inspired by Irish folklore and projections put in place for the house show a shadow-like creature frolicking around her massive mansion. The gorgeous structure now sits in the Little Museum of Dublin. Before last month, it had been in storage for years after its departure from Powerscourt House. Deputy curator of the museum, Dr Daryl Hendley Rooney, said it's an incredible addition, as miniature enthusiasts travel from all over the world to see Tara's Palace. He said: 'I took a call last week from a lady in Memphis in America and she said: "I heard through the grapevine, do you know anything about Tara's Palace?" Deputy curator of the museum, Dr Daryl Hendley Rooney, showing off the gorgeous dollhouse (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) 'And I said it's here so she is going to visit this summer. There are people around the world, miniature modelling enthusiasts, who have gone out of their way just to see Tara's Palace here in Ireland, so it is a draw. 'It's a museum in itself when you know the details and you have a sense of the history of the rooms and different elements. You could do an entire guided tour just on Tara's Palace.' There are 25 rooms in the Georgian-inspired dollhouse that encapsulate every part of life in the 18th century. From the grand entrance hall to the men's sitting area and games room, it encompasses the high-flying life of the upper class. The library is one of the most fascinating rooms, with cabinet-makers Lenehan Brothers of Drogheda making the bookshelves and the floor. Every miniature book is also readable with a magnifying glass, as the makers were adamant that all elements of the house were usable. Books in the "Tara's Palace" dollhouse, which is on display at the Little Museum of Dublin (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) There are over 1,500 individual pieces in the room, as Thomas Ryan painted an exquisite Georgian-inspired ceiling. The Ivory Room is one of the most exquisite and fascinating rooms in the house. It has miniature Ivory furniture from Goa in India - some of which was made by French prisoners of the Napoleonic period. Prisoners made these pieces from small bones recovered from their food rations. At the back of the structure, visitors also get a sense of how the 'other half' lived. The housekeeper's rooms and the servant's kitchen show quainter rooms with more modest furniture and decoration. Mr Hendley Rooney said: 'The great thing about Tara's Palace is it gives you not just a sense of the great and the good and how they live but how life was for the staff with the kitchens and the workshops and the garage. 'It is a great example of Irish craftsmanship. When you really think about the detail and the effort that went into this, that's when you really get the appreciation, it's not just cobbled together with plastic.' The historian said visitors should take the time to look at all the tiny details in each room, because it's extraordinary. The "Tara's Palace" dollhouse (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) He continued: 'The games room really captures the imagination with the billiards table, it is really great and it gives you that idea of the gentleman, the good and great of Georgian society and the way they lived their life with such grandeur. 'I am fascinated by the tiny little forks, they are individual prongs and the crystal glasses are real crystal and the plates are porcelain. 'The level of detail is extraordinary, it's not just making something look like a chair or plate or candlesticks, they are actually working candles, you could light them, there are wicks in them and they are made of wax. And the little bottle of champagne actually has a drop of champagne in it.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. 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Extra.ie
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Reeling in the years -- The jig certainly isn't up as Riverdance celebrates three legendary decades
From a stunning interval act during Eurovision to a global phenomenon… Riverdance is celebrating a remarkable 30 years on the road tonight. As soon as the short–but–thrilling first-ever performance finished in the Point Depot in 1994, thousands in the audience jumped to their feet and erupted into ecstatic applause. The original producer, John McColgan, has recalled that he was in tears at the reception the seven-minute 'interlude' received and knew he had to give Riverdance its own Broadway-style show. Director of Riverdance John McColgan. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. Just a year later, Riverdance was on the road and has been ever since, entertaining millions around the globe and bringing them a taste and flavour of the rich Irish culture that spawned it. In its 30 years on the road, the show has seen many romances blossom among cast members, producing 70 marriages and 130 babies. Riverdance 30 – The New Generation has kicked off a three-month stint at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, running until September 7. Original Riverdance. Pic: File A sign of its longevity is the fact that the entire cast is now younger than the show itself. Daragh Roddy, the son of a former Riverdance lead, Pat Roddy, is dancing in the show's Dublin debut. The show made careers of its original leads: US-born dancers Michael Flatley, 66, and Jean Butler, 54, both went on to individual global stardom. Overseeing rehearsals for the new show was McColgan, now 80, who produced the original performance with his wife, Moya Doherty, 68. Current Lead Riverdance dancers Amy Mae Dolan and Fergus Fitzpatrick on stage with Director of Riverdance John McColgan and (L) Former dancer Susan Ginnety and (R) Breandán De Gallaí. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. He recalled: 'The Point Theatre: when Riverdance finished, 4,000 people jumped to their feet in unison, but I was in tears, I knew something special had happened.' A year later, McColgan had turned the interval act into a two-hour stage show, which opened in Dublin on February 9, 1995. Talking about the transformation, he said: 'I was a big fan of the Broadway musical, and I wanted to take Irish dance and the very strait-laced way it had been performed. We change it and polish it all the time. Former Riverdance dancer Pat with his son Darragh (20). Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos. 'The fundamental show is the same, but you get new energy every time there is a new cast. They're like young athletes now, and they take it very, very seriously.' Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, who dances in the show with her brother Fergus, grew up in Meath thinking she wanted to be in Riverdance. She said: 'We absolutely feel the responsibility and we take that challenge completely positively and we see it more as an honour rather than a heavy weight. Riverdance was here before either of us were born.' Fergus described leading Riverdance along with his sister as a 'dream come true', adding: 'It's even more special to be able to have family on the road with you when you're traveling, getting to do what you love, getting to see these amazing places while taking care of the iconic show.' While Sheena McMorrow is too young at 17 to join the full cast, she took part in last night's special performance at the Gaiety, following in the dance steps of her parents, Fran and Jonathan McMorrow, both former Riverdance members. 'My parents met in Riverdance, and that just made it so clear Irish dancing was going to be a big part of my life,' she said. Dad Jonathan said: 'It's fabulous for her to be able to do this. She's looked forward to this day for a very, very long time.' Tickets for the Gaiety shows are priced from €36.55 to €61.10.
Irish Examiner
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Probe after graffiti sprayed on Department of Foreign Affairs building
Gardaí are investigating after graffiti was sprayed on the front of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Red paint was splattered on the facade of the building, along with messages against facilitating the US military to use Shannon Airport in the south-west of Ireland and a pro-Palestinian solidarity slogan. The writing included: 'US military out of Shannon' and 'search the planes'. A spokesman for the Department said it was aware of a 'security incident' outside the Iveagh House building early on Friday morning. He said gardáí are 'actively following up on the matter'. A spokesman for the gardaí confirmed an investigation had been launched. 'The alarm was raised shortly after 4am following paint damage to the building's front facade. 'The scene has undergone forensic examination, and inquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station at 01 666 9000 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.' The Department of Foreign Affairs on St Stephens Green being cleaned after red paint was thrown at the building . Picture: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos US flights stopping off at Shannon Airport to refuel have long been an issue of contention in Ireland, as politicians and activists raise concerns that it makes Ireland complicit in US military actions. Protests have been held at the airport over the Iraq War, Western intervention in Syria, and more recently over US support for Israel during its military operation in Gaza. In recent months, there have been reports that flights carrying munitions to weapons manufacturers and contractors in Israel have travelled through Irish airspace. Permission is needed from the Transport Minister to carry munitions over Ireland. Earlier this year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said landing facilities have been made available to the US and other foreign militaries for decades. He said: 'Arrangements for foreign military aircraft to land in Irish airports are governed by strict conditions, including stipulations that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.' Mr Martin, who made the comments while he was deputy premier and minister for foreign affairs, added: 'Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is fully consistent with foreign military and state aircrafts being allowed to enter Irish sovereign territory under certain circumstances. ' Ireland is also examining a report that a flight carrying deportees from the US to Africa stopped at Shannon Airport. Read More At least 40 killed by Israeli strikes in northern Gaza Strip, officials say
Irish Examiner
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
European foreign ministers condemn Israeli plans for Gaza escalation
Tánaiste Simon Harris has issued a joint statement along with five other European counterparts condemning Israel's plans to "cross yet another line" in relation to Gaza. The Foreign Ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain have expressed "grave concern" about the reported Israeli plans to expand its military operations in Gaza and to establish a prolonged Israeli presence in the Strip. "A further military escalation in Gaza will only exacerbate an already catastrophic situation for the civilian Palestinian population and threaten the lives of the hostages that remain in captivity," the joint statement reads. "This would mean crossing yet another line, marking a dangerous new escalation and jeopardizing any prospects of a viable two-state solution. "We firmly reject any demographic or territorial change in Gaza, including any scheme that would force or facilitate the permanent displacement of its population, which would be in violation of international law. We also strongly oppose a system that does not ensure that the entire population gets access to humanitarian aid. Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, which belongs to the Palestinian people." The statement adds that for more than two months, Israeli authorities have blocked all humanitarian aid and commercial supplies from reaching the civilian Palestinian population in Gaza. Tánaiste Simon Harris has issued a joint statement along with five other European counterparts. Picture: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos Despite repeated calls on Israel to lift these measures and to facilitate relief, Israel has instead further tightened, rather than eased, the measures. "We call on Israel to immediately lift the blockade. It is essential to facilitate relief for all civilians in need, without discrimination, and to follow the other humanitarian principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality. "Together, we call on the Israeli authorities to show restraint. We further call on Israel to take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, the unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. "What is needed more urgently than ever is a resumption of a ceasefire, and the unconditional release of all hostages. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the two-state solution — Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security." The statement has been signed by: Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland Simon Harris, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Luxembourg Espen Barth Eide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister for Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation of Spain
