{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/690b5df3317c91fd9a7765c9/6929d61b9b21443f854e13fd?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Creaking infrastructure, playoff in Prague, learning Irish again, and Christmas prep","description":"<p>If you’re commuting to work right now on a jam-packed train or bus, you’ll want to read <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/11/30/cliff-taylor-can-the-infrastructure-plan-tackle-irelands-packed-trains-and-gridlock/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Cliff Taylor’s look ahead</a> to the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce report.</p><p><br></p><p>Considering whether to go to Prague for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play off against the Czech Republic? Dubliner Cóilín O’Connor has lived there since 1995 and has a few <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com//abroad/2025/12/01/playoffs-in-prague-avoid-800-flights-with-the-train-and-other-tips-from-an-irish-local/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">tips on how to avoid the sky high air fares</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>What’s it like to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/12/01/huge-demand-for-irish-language-classes-as-adult-learners-return-to-school-decades-on/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">learn Irish again as an adult?</a> Completely different, reports Jack White. He’s been speaking to a number of people taking evening classes at Conradh na Gaeilge. “Raging I didn’t do this years ago,” says one.</p><p><br></p><p>And “<a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/12/01/regift-the-bejaysus-out-of-it-21-tips-for-a-cheaper-christmas-from-readers-and-from-us/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">regift the bejaysis out of it</a>,” says Conor Pope. Our Pricewatch editor is doling out his top tips for a cheaper (and greener) Christmas 2025. There’s some “helpful” advice from some of our readers too.</p>","author_name":"The Irish Times "}