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Coole Park Nature Reserve in Gort is seeking a new operator for its tearooms, a popular spot for locals and tourists. The three-year contract, with potential extensions, requires the tearooms to be open seven days a week. Interested parties must submit sealed tenders by January sixteenth, 2026. This could be a fantastic opportunity for a food enthusiast with hospitality skills to run a business in Irelands countryside.

Munster Rugby Faces Tough Test in France: After a disappointing loss to Ulster, Munster prepares for a crucial Champions Cup match against Toulon. Despite being understrength, Munster has key players returning, and McMillan is optimistic about their chances. A win could significantly improve their campaign.

Experience a cultural fusion this Wednesday, January 14th, at The Whitehouse Bar in Limerick. Poet Stephen James Smith hosts a night featuring singer-songwriter Emma Langford, storyteller Melissa Shaginoff from Alaska, and local poet Lauren McNamara. Enjoy a mix of music, poetry, and stories, all for a suggested donation. Dont miss this unique event!

Landowners in Ireland can now access easy support to enhance nature on their land, with the Hares Corner initiative creating over a thousand biodiversity habitats last year. Cork County Council has also announced funding for archaeological site protection, while Inland Fisheries Ireland has opened a new round of barrier mitigation funding. Meanwhile, Corks Professor Rónán Collins is named Cork Person of the Month, and a unique New Years event at Hook Lighthouse has people buzzing. Schools are invited to compete for Irelands Fittest title, and Cork Airport has seen a seven percent increase in passenger numbers this festive season. Quest Software is bringing a new AI center and jobs to Cork, and a first-of-its-kind monolingual Irish dictionary has launched for learners. These stories show a region full of growth and brighter futures as we head into 2026.

Tullamore Tradfest returns in 2026, March 27-29, with a vibrant lineup of traditional Irish music, song, and culture. Headline concerts feature Tara Breen, Pádraig Rynne, and Jim Murray, along with the HUP Offaly Hall of Fame inductees. CUAS and Peter Street band perform on Saturday. Family-friendly sessions and a welcoming club ensure a memorable experience for all.

One in five summer travelers faced holiday hiccups, with young adults most affected. Top complaints included flight delays, scams, and subpar accommodations. Travelers shared tales of woe, from distant beaches to lost gear and deposits. Booking full packages offered better protection, while skipping insurance left many vulnerable. The watchdog advises checking reviews, paying with cards, and scrutinizing cancellation rules for smoother future trips.

Join us at the Belfast Cyber Expo on February 26, 2026, for a practical guide to securing your business in the age of AI. This free event, hosted at Windsor Park, features world-class speakers like Ashley Finch, Khetan Gajjar, Morgan Clutterbuck, Derrick Watson, and Peter Igbanugo. Expect sessions on AI threats, email security, zero trust, and real attack case studies. With a focus on actionable outcomes, this event is a must for local companies looking to boost their cybersecurity.

Draft budget unveiled amid Stormont tensions, champion dog handler aims for Crufts title, teen driver pursues Formula One dream, Kingsmill atrocity remembered, Co Donegal man becomes All Blacks captain, Jonathan Rea reflects on retirement, heartbreaking campaigns for suicide awareness.

Mea Culpa, a new radio play on WLRfm, is garnering acclaim for its fresh take on identity and family. Written by Nicola Spendlove and Gayle Corrigan, and directed by Jim Nolan, it follows Clara, played by Spendlove, as she seeks her birth parents amid health struggles. The play, filled with humor and heartache, explores Claras meetings with her birth mother, Elizabeth, and birth father, Michael, offering a poignant look at lifes messy cadence and the potential for forgiveness and new beginnings.