This week in Ireland
Ireland's government is advancing the Occupied Territories Bill, a move to ban trade with Israeli settlements, while a significant national security story unfolded with a civil servant accused of leaking confidential information to a foreign agency. Domestically, Dublin Airport anticipated its busiest day, but workers protested at Meta's headquarters over potential job losses, reflecting a mixed economic picture. Crime and justice also featured in headlines, including a murder charge in Co Galway and a large cannabis seizure.
About Ireland
Ireland, a vibrant island nation in Western Europe, is renowned for its rich Celtic culture, stunning green landscapes, and a dynamic, modern economy. Its global role is notable for a strong diaspora and as a hub for major tech and pharmaceutical companies. The country's news landscape is characterized by a free and independent press, with public broadcaster RTE playing a significant role, and recent defamation law reforms have further strengthened journalistic protections.
Visiting Ireland
Media landscape
Ireland boasts a free and independent press, with a diverse range of national and regional outlets. Public broadcaster RTE is a key player, and recent defamation law reforms have enhanced press protections, fostering a robust media environment.
Look for both national broadsheets like The Irish Times for in-depth analysis and regional papers for local perspectives, as many English-language outlets also feature Irish-language content.
Sources we track 2
World Cup winners to receive US-style championship rings
- FIFA will award championship rings to the winners of the upcoming World Cup final, a tradition common in North American sports. - This move is part of FIFA's effort to 'Americanize' its flagship tou…
Israeli ministers announce plan for new illegal settlements in Gaza and West Bank
- Israeli ministers announced plans to establish three new settlements in Gaza and allocate over $400 million to expand construction in the occupied West Bank. - The move coincides with a military com…
Trump threatens Canada with sanctions over wildfire smoke
- President Donald Trump threatened Canada with sanctions over wildfire smoke drifting into the U.S., calling it "filthy air." - Trump blamed Canada for failing to manage its forests and demanded the …
Ken Early: The World Cup final is a confrontation of two opposite ways of seeing the world
- Argentina won the World Cup final in a dramatic penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw. - The match was a stark contrast between Argentina's passionate, chaotic style and France's more measured…
Russia says Ukrainian drone attack kills seven
- A Ukrainian drone attack on a logistics center in Russia's Tambov region killed seven people and wounded 24. - The attack targeted a Wildberries logistics facility in Kotovsk, with another Russian f…
Burnham Finalising Plans for UK Government Before Becoming PM
- Andy Burnham is set to become the UK prime minister on Monday. - He plans a "dynamic start" with measures to ease the cost of living squeeze. - Burnham will finalize his cabinet and announce his min…
Iran media says three killed in attacks as tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz
- Iran's state media reported three people killed and eight injured in attacks in Hormozgan province. - The Revolutionary Guards stated two oil tankers exploded after hitting mines in the Strait of Ho…
Herbert ties Major record with 62 to lead The Open; DeChambeau penalized
- Lucas Herbert leads The Open after a second round of 62, matching the Major championship record. - Sam Burns also shot a 62, holing a bunker birdie on the 18th to join the record holders. - Bryson D…
Minister faces criticism after ‘crucial’ road safety Bill delayed until Dáil returns
- Road safety advocates criticize the Irish Minister of State for Transport for delaying crucial legislation. - The delay of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) Bill comes as the national road…
Minister urges retailers to ditch disposable barbecues after Tesco ban
- Retailers are urged to stop selling disposable barbecues following Tesco's decision to withdraw them amid a high forest fire risk warning. - The orange forest fire risk warning, initially issued on …
MV Matthew leaves Cork after 3 years and €16m in costs
- The MV Matthew freighter, central to a major 2023 drug seizure, has departed Cork after three years and approximately €16 million in costs. - The vessel was detained in September 2023 after 2.2 tonn…
Irish family lawyers threaten legal aid withdrawal over pay and reform
- Family lawyers in Ireland are threatening to withdraw legal aid services within weeks over pay and reform disputes. - The potential withdrawal could impact litigants in family law cases, including c…
Sun-swept Birkdale has animated some deep nostalgia within us of glorious summers
- The coastal town of Birkdale evokes deep nostalgia for glorious summers. - The atmosphere and scenery of the location are memorable, even if specific details fade. - The description suggests a stron…
Minimum wage set for 5.6% increase recommendation
- The Low Pay Commission will recommend a 5.6% increase in the minimum wage to the government. - If approved, the hourly rate would rise from €14.15 to €14.94, taking effect January 1, 2027. - The gov…
Caution urged over potential e-scooter ban
- Politicians and commuter groups are urging caution regarding a potential complete ban on e-scooters. - The Taoiseach indicated a leaning towards a ban, supported by the Garda Commissioner, following…
Martin Calls for Engagement on Future of Bessborough Site Amid Development Plans
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin has urged Cork City Council to engage with landowners of the Bessborough site to explore future options for the former mother-and-baby home. - The site is slated for the dev…
Man, 19, jailed for manslaughter after dispute over noise
- A 19-year-old former rugby player has been sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter of Ryan Weir Gibbons. - The incident occurred after an argument over noise levels on a bus, escalati…
Thousands of Creche and Early Education Staff to Be Balloted on Industrial Action After Pay Talks Collapse
- Thousands of childcare and early education staff will be balloted on industrial action as pay talks failed. - Union Siptu called employer offers "unfair and unacceptable," citing low percentage incr…
Spain v Argentina: Johan Cruyff’s legacy clear as the nation that shaped Messi faces its masterpiece
- The article reflects on Johan Cruyff's enduring legacy in football, particularly in relation to Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Messi. - It contrasts the current focus on England manage…
Mother jailed for helping remove knife from murder scene
- Kiran Kaur, the mother of murderer Henry Nowak, was jailed for three years in the UK for helping remove a knife from the scene of a killing. - Kaur assisted in the removal of the weapon on the night…
Fricker's success paved way for future Irish actors
- Irish actress Brenda Fricker, the first Irish woman to win an Academy Award, has died at 81. - Fricker, celebrated for her roles in "My Left Foot" and "Home Alone 2," had a career spanning six decad…
US to Change Visa Rules for Foreign Students, Journalists
- The US is tightening visa rules for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists. - F, J, and I visas will have fixed time limits, reducing duration from potentially years to a maximum of fo…
'Many questions to be answered' in Shine inquiry - Govt
- The Irish government has initiated a Commission of Investigation into the actions of paedophile Michael Shine. - The commission aims to systematically analyze documents to determine who knew about h…
Two elderly people killed in Louth road collision
- Two people in their 70s died and two others in their 30s were seriously injured in a two-car collision on the R173 in County Louth. - The crash occurred around 3:10 PM yesterday, prompting a road cl…
Galway village dreams of All-Ireland glory with local heroes
- The village of Clarinbridge in Co Galway is buzzing with excitement ahead of the All-Ireland hurling final. - Six players from the village, along with management, are part of the Galway senior hurli…
Iran Launches Fresh Attacks After Sixth Day of US Strikes
- Iran launched new attacks on U.S. facilities in the Gulf following six consecutive nights of U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets. - The escalation has disrupted shipping through the Strait of H…
Trump claims China interfered in US elections, declassifies 'intelligence' amid fraud claims
- Former US President Donald Trump declassified intelligence alleging Chinese interference in US elections, despite US assessments finding no evidence of such actions in the 2020 vote. - Trump claimed…
UK Labour party to confirm Burnham as next Prime Minister
- Andy Burnham is set to be confirmed as the UK Labour Party's new leader and the country's next prime minister today. - With Labour holding an overwhelming majority, Burnham will replace Keir Starmer…
Brazil readies 'tough' response to new US tariffs
- Brazil's government is preparing retaliatory measures against new U.S. tariffs, considering options like restricting U.S. audiovisual companies and suspending patent protections. - The proposed meas…
US to probe Ryanair window incident where passenger was partly sucked out
- The US National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into a Ryanair Boeing 737 incident where a passenger was partially sucked out of a broken window over Greece. - A piece of eng…
Irish Police May Use Smartphone App for Roadside Checks
- Ireland is considering a new smartphone app for roadside checks, potentially verifying age and compliance. - The app's use will be voluntary, and traditional identification methods will remain valid…
Shane Lowry starts Open Championship strongly, sporting Argentina colors
- Shane Lowry began the Open Championship with a strong start, wearing Argentina's colors on the first tee. - Lowry is seeking to overcome a recent slump, particularly after a disappointing Masters pe…
Shane Lowry best of the Irish after scorching opening round at Royal Birkdale
- Jackson Suber leads the 154th Open Championship after the first round with a score of 65. - Rory McIlroy struggled with his putting, finishing with a 72, despite a strong closing birdie. - Shane Low…
Tipperary woman (24) dies after hit-and-run in Belfast as man arrested
- A 24-year-old woman, Raven Adams, died after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run incident in North Belfast. - A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the collision, which also left…
Pico Lopes to receive civic reception for his ‘remarkable achievements in football’
- Shamrock Rovers captain and Cape Verde international Pico Lopes will receive a civic reception from Dublin City Council for his football achievements. - The event will celebrate his role in helping …
Trump suspends teleprompter operator over betting claims
- A White House teleprompter operator was suspended for allegedly betting on Trump's speech content. - Gabriel Perez reportedly made over $100,000 on prediction markets like Kalshi. - The operator was…
Study reveals the brain's secret to eavesdropping on two conversations at once
- Researchers have discovered that the brain can briefly follow two conversations simultaneously. - This ability challenges the long-held belief that humans can only focus on one speaker at a time. - …
Michael Collins would be pleased: SF praises Harris for Ireland unification presentation
- Ireland's Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, discussed the fiscal implications of a united Ireland, noting significant uncertainty in cost estimates. - Studies vary widely, with annual costs rangin…
‘Gentle giants’: Irish basking shark hot spots identified after more than 2,700 sightings
- New research has identified "hot spots" for basking sharks off the Irish coast, based on over 2,700 sightings recorded between 1978 and 2024. - Key areas include Malin Head (Donegal), the Blasket Is…
Aer Lingus Faces Union Backlash Over Planned Job Cuts Amid Profitability Claims
- Aer Lingus plans to cut its flight capacity by 6%, reducing routes and jobs, citing increased transatlantic competition, higher fuel costs, and a €103 million first-quarter loss. - Trade unions expr…
Conference League qualifiers: Bohemians progress after heated draw against 10-man St Joseph’s
- Bohemians secured a spot in the second round of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers by drawing 0-0 against St Joseph's, winning 2-0 on aggregate. - The match, played in Gibraltar, saw a heated con…
Royal College of Physicians must pay €14,500 after admitting unfair sacking of woman
- The Royal College of Physicians must pay €14,500 after unfairly dismissing a woman. - The dismissal was based on stated grounds of "serious performance failings." - The woman involved was a single m…
German far-right activist transferred to men’s prison in transgender case
- A former neo-Nazi activist, Marla-Svenja Liebich, who legally changed her gender to female, has been ordered to serve her sentence in a men's prison. - Liebich, previously convicted of inciting hatr…
Failed €50m IT project write-down to delay Irish rail service expansion
- New rail service expansion plans may be delayed or reprioritized due to a €50 million write-down on a failed IT project. - An additional €3 million spent on a traffic management system (TMS) is also…
US to Tighten Visa Regulations for Foreign Journalists and Students
- The Trump administration is implementing new rules to tighten visa regulations for foreign journalists and students. - Most media members will face visa limits of 240 days under the new regulations.…
One consultant doctor working for HSE earned more than €900,000 last year, report shows
- One hospital consultant in Ireland earned over €900,000 last year from the Health Service Executive (HSE), with more than €616,000 attributed to additional work. - A total of 11 HSE employees, all m…
O'Callaghan 'standing over' decision on legal aid fees
- Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan is defending his decision to reduce legal aid fees for solicitors. - Nearly 200 solicitors plan to resign from the criminal legal aid panel in protest of the new fla…
Ukrainian couple challenges Irish law denying benefits over hotel stay
- A Ukrainian woman and her husband are challenging a law that disqualifies them from social welfare benefits due to their stay in designated accommodation. - The couple argues the law is "irrational"…
Teenager on trial for murder of postman found with 'catastrophic' injuries
- A 17-year-old is on trial for the murder of postman Barry Daly in Doneraile, Cork, in October 2025. - The prosecution alleges Daly suffered catastrophic facial injuries after a pub celebration melee…
Family of Man Who Took His Own Life in Hospital Settles Action for €1 Million
- The family of a man who died by suicide in a Cork psychiatric hospital has settled a High Court action for €1 million against the HSE. - The HSE and St. Stephen's Hospital apologized for failings in…
Beetle devastating US ash forests detected in EU
- A beetle species that has devastated ash forests in North America has been detected for the first time in the European Union, in Hungary and Slovakia. - Authorities in both countries confirmed the p…
Single currency would benefit a united Ireland - Tánaiste
- Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, stated that a united Ireland would benefit from operating within a single currency. - He highlighted advantages such as eliminating exchang…
'World Cup not ours but Falklands are' - Downing Street backs FIFA probe into Argentina banner
- Downing Street supports calls for FIFA to investigate Argentina players for displaying a banner claiming the Falkland Islands during the World Cup. - A spokesperson stated the World Cup may not belo…
Man Spared Jail for Dublin Airport Bomb Joke That Made Him Miss Daughter's Wedding
- A man who made a bomb joke at Dublin Airport has been spared jail and a criminal record. - Jamal Hameed, 63, pleaded guilty to causing a false alarm after telling officials he had a bomb and a gun i…
Independent review into abandoned €50m Irish Rail project
- Irish Rail has written off a rail traffic management system project costing €50 million. - Spanish firm Indra was awarded the contract but failed to deliver a safe, deployable product by the June 20…
Jozef Puska loses appeal against backdating life sentence for murder of Aisling Murphy
- Jozef Puska has lost his appeal against the backdating of his life sentence for the murder of Ashling Murphy. - Puska's legal team argued the sentence should have been backdated to his arrest in Jan…
Farmers need more support and clarity to address climate change, new report says
- A new report indicates farmers require more support and clearer guidance to address climate change and biodiversity loss. - The report emphasizes the need for farmers to implement significant change…
No decisions on Aughinish Alumina before report, says Justice Minister
- Ireland should await an independent report before making decisions on Aughinish Alumina, including potential EU sanctions. - Figures show Irish-made alumina exports to Russia more than doubled betwe…
Ireland issues new high-temperature warning for nine counties
- Ireland faces a new yellow high-temperature warning for nine counties on Friday, with temperatures expected to exceed 27 degrees Celsius. - Potential impacts include water safety issues, heat stress…
Irish Dáil to rise for summer recess until September
- Ireland's Dáil will begin its summer recess on Thursday and return in mid-September. - Key government decisions loom regarding fuel prices and the Aughinish Alumina plant. - Fuel excise duty cuts ar…
US Intensifies Strikes on Iran; Tehran Retaliates
- The US intensified airstrikes on northern Iran, targeting locations near Tehran and in Semnan province. - American forces also fired on a ship accused of attempting to break a naval blockade on Iran…
Ireland braces for continued heat, with weekend dip before warm weather returns
- Ireland is experiencing a hot spell, with temperatures expected to peak on Thursday and remain high throughout the next week. - A dip in temperatures is forecast for the weekend, with cooler conditi…
Limerick excitement builds ahead of All-Ireland final | RTÉ News (IE)
- Limerick's hurling manager John Kiely credited the passionate crowd for driving the team to another All-Ireland final. - Supporters are urged to "do their job" by cheering, as they did in the semi-f…
Australia to toughen modern slavery penalties after US tariff threat
- Australia will hold companies criminally liable for modern slavery in their supply chains under toughened laws. - Companies with revenue over Aus$100 million must prevent forced labor or face new cr…
'Intense' West Africa rains now five times more likely, scientists say
- Scientists report that extreme rainfall in West Africa is now five times more likely due to climate change. - Intense downpours in late June caused deadly floods across several coastal countries, ki…
Russian ballistic missiles strike Kyiv - reports
- Kyiv experienced explosions early Thursday after Ukraine's air force reported incoming ballistic missiles. - A warehouse was hit, and missile debris fell on non-residential buildings, according to t…
Ireland's competitiveness council urges government to stick to spending limits
- The National Competitive and Productivity Council urged the Irish government to adhere to spending limits. - The council also recommended faster investment in the electricity grid and offshore wind …
Irish workers will need €41,000 a year from their pension for a comfortable retirement
- A survey indicates that Irish workers underestimate their retirement savings needs, with an estimated €41,000 annual income required for a comfortable retirement. - Many individuals fail to save ade…
AI-Related Trade to Double in Five Years, Boosting Irish Economy: Ibec
- Trade related to artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly impacting Ireland's economy, with projections indicating it will double in the next five years. - Investment in ICT equipment and softw…
Argentina’s spirit is the eighth wonder of the world, but the pain goes on for England
- The article reflects on the intense emotions and historical context surrounding an England vs. Argentina football match, referencing the Falklands War and the 1966 World Cup. - Media coverage highli…
England's defensive collapse hands Argentina World Cup final spot
- England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final after conceding two late goals. - Coach Thomas Tuchel's defensive substitutions are criticized for handing the initiative to Argentina. - Lionel…
Ireland names team for New Zealand clash with nine changes
- Ireland's rugby team has made nine personnel changes for their final tour match against New Zealand in Auckland. - Coach Andy Farrell has largely recalled the squad that defeated Australia, with som…
More English heartbreak as Messi inspires turnaround
- England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals. - Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's late comeback, assisting two goals. - This loss marks anothe…
Former UL president gets order halting new investigation over whether PAC was misled
- A former University of Limerick president has secured a court order halting a new investigation into allegations she misled a parliamentary committee. - The injunction prevents the university from p…
'Valerie's Law' on guardianship rights passes Dáil
- Ireland's Dáil has passed legislation to prevent killers from retaining guardianship of their children. - The bill, known as "Valerie's Law," is named in memory of Valerie French, who was murdered b…
Kerry hotel restaurant added to Michelin Guide recommendations
- The Falls Restaurant at Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Co Kerry, has been added to the Michelin Guide's recommended restaurants list. - Inspectors praised the restaurant's cooking, noting its use of …
Retailers asked to halt disposable barbecue sales during wildfire warning
- Retailers across Ireland are being asked to temporarily halt sales of disposable barbecues due to a Status Orange wildfire warning. - The recommendation, not legally binding, follows a request from …
President hails Gazan students in Ireland as 'inspiring'
- Irish President Catherine Connolly honored around 90 Palestinian students studying in Ireland, calling them 'inspiring'. - The students, some evacuated since last August, are pursuing various academ…
CHI apologizes for care failures in death of 4-year-old girl
- Children's Health Ireland (CHI) has apologized for failures in the care of a four-year-old girl who died from meningococcal sepsis. - The girl's parents settled a lawsuit over her death, which occur…
Irish Diplomats to Attend U.S. Summit on 'Antifa Terrorism'
- Ireland will send diplomats to a U.S. summit on "antifa" and "far-left terrorism" organized by Senator Marco Rubio. - The summit aims to improve intelligence sharing and cooperation against left-win…
Central Bank to review enforcement regime after scathing High Court judgment
- The Central Bank governor acknowledged a scathing High Court judgment regarding the bank's handling of a fund manager investigation. - The governor stated the bank takes the judgment seriously and w…
England v Argentina live updates: Follow the action in the World Cup semi-final
- England and Argentina are set to face off in a World Cup semi-final, with the teams' starting lineups announced. - The match is highlighted as a significant encounter, marking Lionel Messi's first g…
Ukraine and EU seal 'drone deal' to boost production
- Ukraine and the European Union have finalized a "drone deal" to boost production by combining Ukrainian expertise with EU industrial capacity. - The agreement aims to establish joint projects and sc…
Central Bank acted lawfully over war bonds, says Makhlouf
- The Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Gabriel Makhlouf, asserted the bank acted lawfully regarding controversial Israeli war bonds. - Makhlouf stated the bank could not have prevented the bon…
Domestic violence register law expected to pass in Dáil
- Ireland's Dáil is debating "Jennie's Law," legislation establishing the country's first domestic violence judgments register. - The register will list individuals convicted of domestic violence agai…
Solicitors who resigned over legal aid row should rethink, says Taoiseach
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin urged solicitors who resigned from the Criminal Legal Aid panel to reconsider their decision and return to representing clients. - Solicitors have withdrawn services due to …
Limerick excitement builds ahead of All-Ireland final
- Limerick's senior hurling team is preparing to face Galway in the All-Ireland final, aiming for their sixth appearance in the decider. - The team's manager, John Kiely, credited the supporters for t…
Girl, 4, died after mother's concerns dismissed - court
- A four-year-old girl died from sepsis after her mother's concerns about meningitis were repeatedly dismissed by medical staff. - Children's Health Ireland (CHI) has apologized for failures in care a…
Regulators propose 15% cut to Dublin Airport passenger charges
- Irish regulators propose cutting Dublin Airport's passenger charges by 15% to €8.85 next year. - Airlines welcome the potential cost reduction, which could lead to cheaper fares and increased routes…
‘Collective failure’: French press digests World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain
- The French press described the national team's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain as a 'collective failure'. - Players appeared mentally defeated by the emotional intensity of the match, according…
Ireland unlikely to end HIV transmission by 2030 - report
- Ireland has the second-highest HIV case rate per capita in Europe, according to a consultant in HIV medicine. - A report indicates that Ireland is unlikely to meet the 2030 target for ending HIV tra…
Woman and Teenager Charged with Murder of Scarlett Faulkner
- A 40-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl have been charged with the murder of Scarlett Faulkner. - Faulkner, 29, died on April 13 from critical head injuries sustained on March 21. - Both accused …
Enoch Burke owes €208,000 in fines from school dispute, court rules
- Teacher Enoch Burke owes over €208,000 in fines for breaching court orders related to a dispute with Wilson's Hospital School. - Fines accrued over four years of trespassing at the school, with a to…
Friedreich's Ataxia patients treated appallingly, Irish Dáil hears
- People with the rare disease Friedreich's Ataxia have been "treated appallingly," according to Sinn Féin's Health Spokesperson David Cullinane. - The HSE Drugs group deferred a recommendation on Sky…
One dead, three missing after boat sinks near Alcatraz
- One person died and three are missing after a boat carrying 20 people sank near Alcatraz Island. - Rescue efforts involving helicopters, planes, and boats are underway, coordinated by local authorit…
Meta employees who sought leave were tagged by AI for mass lay-offs, lawsuit claims
- A lawsuit alleges Meta used AI to identify employees for mass layoffs. - The AI tools reportedly monitored keystrokes and activity data to pinpoint targets. - The lawsuit was filed in California by …
West Limerick on edge as Aughinish unknowns fuel fear
- Residents of west Limerick, Ireland, are experiencing fear and uncertainty due to a government investigation into Aughinish Alumina. - The investigation probes whether the Russian-owned refinery's p…
ICE Suspends Traffic Stops After Fatal Shootings
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has suspended most vehicle stops nationwide following two fatal shootings by agents. - The agency's parent department acknowledged neither of the men sho…
US launches fresh Iran strikes, reimposes naval blockade
- US forces conducted strikes against Iran for a fourth consecutive day and reinstated a naval blockade. - President Trump warned of expanded strikes targeting power plants and bridges if Iran does no…
Tánaiste to address EU Parliament committee
- Tánaiste Simon Harris will address the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs in Brussels. - He will outline Ireland's priorities for its upcoming EU presidency, focusing o…
