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Irish Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
National histories are always something of a stitch-up - English identities in particular
A friend now living in Germany visited this week. Mostly my old friends and I catch up while I'm travelling for work, so I was delighted that C made the effort to come, partly because I've already found that there's nothing like showing your new home to old friends to let you feel some sense of belonging. I gave her a wholly idiosyncratic tour of Dublin, taking in all the bookshops and art galleries and avoiding the crowds and global chain stores by slipping down lanes and backstreets I've only recently learned to navigate confidently. I took her to the fine art textile exhibition in Dublin Castle , because we both like good cloth and sewing, and as we looked at some of the work there we remembered learning basic embroidery together in primary school. Aged seven, we learned about the Bayeux Tapestry , a series of embroidery panels made shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Our teacher wheeled in the school television on its trolley, and we watched a man in a brown suit explaining that the panels made a kind of strip cartoon telling the story of William the Conqueror overthrowing King Harold. English primary education in history always began with this moment, the Battle of Hastings, when the Normans conquered the Anglo-Saxons and began to rule England. In the primary school account, the Norman overlords spoke French, the oppressed peasants Germanic Anglo-Saxon, which over the centuries merged into the illogical and wild mash-up that is the English language. The conquest was presented to us ruefully, with a touch of embarrassment, because the Normans came from Normandy and were thus plainly French, though that was not an identity that would have made sense at the time, and the Anglo-Saxons, although originally hailing from Saxony – both French and German by modern reckoning – had been in England since the Romans left and were therefore pretty much English. It was, we were told, the last time England had been successfully invaded, which didn't make much sense because didn't the invader become 'England' by virtue of conquest, in which case were 'the English' the conquered or the conqueror? The Bayeux Tapestry set out the story in a way accessible to children, though interestingly without a clear indication of which side were the baddies. Our teacher marvelled with us that fabric and stitching had survived nine centuries, and encouraged us to look as closely as 1980s film and photography permitted at the detail and technique of the needlework. She pointed out the moments of high drama – Harold famously killed by an arrow in his eye – but also the smaller sadnesses around the edges. A clique of girls in my class were horse-obsessed, and Mrs Madras let them explore medieval horse-riding, armour and weaponry. My friend and I were, inevitably, more interested in the traces of emotion in the work: who was in pain, afraid, triumphant? It perhaps seemed to us even then that it was more important that men of violence had done harm that would carry down generations than who was waving which flag at the time. We would not for some years begin to see that with the damage of medieval warfare came new forms of art, culture and technology, which is not to say that 'progress' was then or ever worth its toll. READ MORE And, growing up with a mother and grandmother who were gifted needlewomen, I was curious not only about the sewing techniques, which had changed fascinatingly little across the centuries, but about the idea that embroidery was part of the historical record, and a natural response to war and revolution. I used to consider embroidery the most frivolous branch of sewing, which was already merely a feminine pastime, occupation for otherwise idle hands in moments of repose; my mother and grandmother both had full-time professional careers as well. So the juxtaposition of sewing, war and national stories of origin was surprising to me, but remembering that history lesson last week with my (Irish-English German-resident) friend in the coach house of Dublin Castle – a location with its own dark and complex past – it made more sense. [ Sarah Moss: A reader tried to needle me by scoffing at knitting - I was intrigued Opens in new window ] National histories are always something of a stitch-up. English identities in particular are patchwork, not made from whole cloth; the history of these islands is layered, interwoven, visibly and invisibly mended. The more we try to make simple stories of centuries of migration and conflict, the more we embroider the truth. [ English was never pure or logical. Policing how other people speak is pointless and unattractive Opens in new window ]
Irish Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Donohoe warns National Economic Dialogue on tariff threat to economy
The near-term economic outlook is 'clouded in uncertainty', which is weighing on consumer and business spending, and this is likely to continue until there is clarity regarding tariffs , Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe will tell the Government-convened National Economic Dialogue on Monday. Mr Donohoe is to address the pre-budget event involving trade unions, employers and other interest groups, which is taking place at Dublin Castle. Mr Donohoe's opening address will lay out the State's current economic backdrop and the headwinds it faces, pointing out that the impact of tariffs on consumer and business spending has led the Government to revise down its forecasts for this year and next. Modified domestic demand, which focuses on output in the domestic economy by stripping out multinational activity, is now projected to grow by 2.5 per cent this year and by 2.75 per cent next year. READ MORE In the event existing tariffs were to remain in place, growth in modified domestic demand would be around 1.5 percentage points lower by the end of next year relative to the baseline scenario. Mr Donohoe will also point out that the recent period of heightened inflation 'has passed', with prices 'now increasing at rates consistent with price stability', but admitted that the price level 'is now higher'. More broadly, Mr Donohoe will say we are now navigating a markedly different economic environment compared with recent decades, one shaped by 'economic fragmentation and heightened geopolitical tensions'. 'This shift has significant economic implications, not just for trade, but for investment flows and long-term economic resilience,' he will say. 'Tariffs are a symptom of this new normal. Their re-emergence is worrying – taxes on imports lead to higher prices for businesses and consumers and create disincentives for firms considering long-run investments. 'More generally, the benefits of trade are being replaced by zero-sum thinking that is detrimental to living standards on all sides.' Mr Donohoe will also pledge to use the money from last year's Apple tax ruling in the Court of Justice of the European Union to invest in the State's stock of infrastructure, particularly in the areas of housing, energy, water and transport. 'We know that these revenues are once-off and must not be squandered. They must be deployed in a transformative way – in a way that mobilises private capital such as inward investment. This is how we will maximise the return to the taxpayer on these funds.' Looking at the fiscal parameters, Mr Donohoe will say Ireland's headline surplus, which exceeded €25 billion last year due to the Apple money, 'masks considerable vulnerabilities'. 'Much of the headline balance arises from a handful of large multinationals and, as I mentioned, the mood-music is changing,' he will say. 'It is not appropriate – indeed it could be dangerous – to plan on the basis of these receipts being permanent.'
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Dublin should be on your list of weekend getaways from London
I went to Dublin for a short weekend break and it's the perfect mix of history, sights and a lot of fun. Known for its historic Trinity College, its 13th century castle and vibrant Temple Bar serving pints of Guinness around every corner, Dublin is a worthy candidate for a short weekend break out of London. In the same time you could catch a train to places like Canterbury, Brighton or the coast, you could easily bag yourself a plane ticket to Dublin, Ireland for as little as £35 if you book in advance. After many years of wanting to visit, I finally got the chance this May to explore this vibrant city and I'll attest I had a great time. Dublin is a worthy candidate for a short weekend break out of London. (Image: Emily Davison) Beginning with where I stayed, I spent two nights at The Chancery Hotel – a modern and sophisticated hotel just a stone's throw from Dublin Castle and within a 10-minute walk of Temple Bar. Here you'll find rooms ranging from standard double rooms up to suites, and we stayed in one of their Deluxe King Rooms offering views of Dublin Castle, with incredibly comfortable mattresses. We stayed in one of the hotel's Deluxe King Rooms offering views of Dublin Castle, with incredibly comfortable mattresses. (Image: Emily Davison) Although I will admit I did feel like I had stepped into the set of a sci-fi film, with curtains and doors that opened and closed with the push of a button. The hotel also offers a basement Wellness Suite where you can have treatments and use the facilities, including the steam room, sauna and plunge pool, which is open to guests between 8am and 6pm if you feel like recharging after a day walking around the city. The hotel offers a basement Wellness Suite where you can have treatments and use the facilities, including the steam room, sauna and plunge pool. (Image: Emily Davison) If you feel like eating in the hotel, the Fawn Restaurant offers a menu of seasonally changing options along with crafted cocktails inspired by Irish folklore. This is also where you'll be served a buffet breakfast with a broad range of continental and cooked options like pastries, a full English, fruit and cheeses. I really loved the hotel's modern vibe, along with its warm reception from staff and close proximity to Temple Bar, whilst still feeling quiet and peaceful during the evening hours. I really loved the hotel's modern vibe, along with its warm reception from staff and close proximity to Temple Bar (Image: Emily Davison) One thing Dublin is well known for is its food and drink scene, with an Irish pub around every corner vying for your attention and a whole plethora of cuisines to choose from. Temple Bar is of course one of Dublin's most popular spots, and whilst many locals consider it the more touristy side of Dublin's pub scene it's still worth a visit just for the atmosphere alone. Temple Bar is of course one of Dublin's most popular spots. (Image: Emily Davison) I visited one of the district's nearby pubs – The Wild Duck – which had a really eclectic interior with old-fashioned dolls, photos and memorabilia, along with a menu of Irish pub staples and cocktails. But equally if you're looking for a traditional Irish pub, then spots like Grogan's, The Haul and Gravediggers came highly recommended by locals. Dublin has an Irish pub around every corner vying for your attention and a whole plethora of cuisines to choose from. (Image: Emily Davison) Dublin has plenty to offer for things to see and do, whether you want to explore its links with Guinness and whiskey, or whether you want to learn about its past. Dublin has plenty to offer for things to see and do, whether you want to explore its links with Guinness and whiskey, or whether you want to learn about its past. (Image: Ei Travel Group) One of Dublin's must-do attractions is of course a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in St. James's Gate, this fun and immersive experience takes you through the process of making Guinness and showcases the history of the drink that has become so synonymous with Ireland. You could easily spend a few hours here, with plenty to see and do, and you can also have additional experiences like The Guinness Academy, where you get to learn how to pull the perfect pint. This was my first time trying Guinness and I do agree with what the Irish say, in that it is 'an acquired taste', but even if you're not a big Guinness drinker this is still an experience I'd highly recommend if you have the time. Another of Dublin's boozy attractions was a visit to The Whiskey Museum, where you're taken on an interactive tour with a guide, highlighting Ireland's history with whiskey and how it was actually discovered (through pure chance and a little forgetfulness). At the Whiskey Museum you're taken on an interactive tour with a guide, highlighting Ireland's history with whiskey (Image: Ei Travel Group) The experience, lasting an hour, ends with a tasting, where you get to try three iconic Irish whiskies, which were quite unlike any I've tried before. But if you fancy it, you can also tack on extras like a masterclass in how to make the perfect Irish coffee. The experience ends with a tasting, where you get to try three iconic Irish whiskies. (Image: Ei Travel Group) Dublin is quite a vast city, so if you feel like seeing as much of it as possible I'd recommend a tour aboard the Dublin City Sightseeing Bus. During the bus tour you can hop on and off to see some of the city's main attractions like Trinity College, Ha'Penny Bridge and Marsh's Library, with tickets priced at £27.41 for adults and £12.85 for children for a 24-hour ticket. If you feel like seeing as much of the city as possible I'd recommend a tour aboard the Dublin City Sightseeing Bus. (Image: Ei Travel Group) Dublin also has a number of historic buildings like St Patrick's Cathedral and its historic castle, with a history dating back to 1204. One of Dublin's most-do historic attractions is a tour of Trinity College and The Book of Kells. Trinity College was first commissioned by Elizabeth I in 1592 and over the years it has played host to many famous academics, writers and scientists like Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and George Berkeley. Trinity College has played host to many famous academics, writers and scientists over the years. (Image: Trinity College Dublin) We booked for the 45-minute tour led by one of the university's students, followed by a visit to The Book of Kells and Iconic Trinity Library. On the tour you'll learn about the university's past and its role in Dublin today, and have a chance to see The Book of Kells – a famous manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which was created in around 800 AD by Celtic monks. On the tour you'll learn about the university's past and its role in Dublin today, and have a chance to see The Book of Kells. (Image: Trinity College Dublin) Finally, no visit to Dublin would be complete without visiting Dublin Castle, with a history dating back over 800 years. If you book on one of the daily guided tours, you'll get to see the Medieval remains of the castle as well as its historic chapel built in 1814. To this day Dublin Castle plays a prominent role in Ireland's parliamentary life, hosting state visits, inaugurations and ceremonies, and the tour led by our guide Daisy really brought the stories of the castle to life. Dublin Castle has a history dating back over 800 years. (Image: Emily Davison) Dublin is well known for its vibrant shops, from the Brown Thomas department store on Grafton Street to its many independent shops in streets like St George's Arcade and O'Connell Street. In Dublin you can be sure to find anything from antiques and vintage clothes to unusual pieces, making it a really great place to shop – just be sure not to overdo it if you have a stringent luggage allowance. With such a diverse mix of things to do in Dublin, this popular city is well worth a visit if you're looking for a fun weekend trip away.
