A hitherto hidden gem of the West is fast becoming the real port of entry to Ireland for overseas visitors, writes TOM GILMORE.

There is something remarkable about geese; the way they stand in the rain, their face raised to heavens, their beaks slightly open, allowing the first drops of a summer shower to tribble into their mouths.

On December 17, 1935, a farmer’s son from Ballycastle sat down to explain to the new Irish state why it owed him something for his patriotism during the Irish War of Independence and Civil War.

News of the extent of the challenges faced by the GAA with rural depopulation won’t be news to a lot of gaels in Mayo. They are living the experience of it and have been for some time.

What will we do if our way of making our way in the world disappears? What happens then? We had better get our thinking caps on because we might just need to know the answer.

I was browsing online recently and came across the new National Security Strategy document just published by the Trump administration.

A car, we need to keep reminding ourselves, is a lethal weapon. And even if we don’t – remind ourselves, that is – we are constantly reminded of it, whether we like it or not.

A few times lately, I met people who had seen a red squirrel in their locality.

The woman filming herself in tears because her €400 facial left her skin “only” 98% perfect knows exactly what she's doing.

Behind the shamrock smiles, ‘Kiss Me I’m Irish’ tee-shirts and ‘Top-of-the-morning’ SNL skits, a darker perception of Ireland is spreading in the United States. We Irish are fond of believing we’re the world’s favourite people.