Opinion and debate from Irish Country Living

Dear Miriam: how can I get out of hosting my bully brother for Christmas?

A reader in Co Cork seeks Miriam's counsel on how to uninvite her brother and his family from spending Christmas in her new home due to a difficult childhood relationship between them both.

ASK MIRIAM 17 December 2025

Dear Miriam: how can I get out of hosting my bully brother for Christmas?

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‘The gaps we live with all year feel that little bit wider when the Christmas'

‘The gaps we live with all year feel that little bit wider when the Christmas'

L2 17 December 2025

Editorial: ‘to all the children in hospital, we know that Santa will visit'

Editorial: ‘to all the children in hospital, we know that Santa will visit'

EDITORIAL 17 December 2025

‘Ducking storm Bram and swapping muddy boots for Tenerife winter sunshine’

‘Ducking storm Bram and swapping muddy boots for Tenerife winter sunshine’

‘Ducking storm Bram and swapping muddy boots for Tenerife winter sunshine’

KATHERINE O'LEARY 17 December 2025

Dear Miriam: ‘how can I cope with the cost of Christmas after financial setback?

Dear Miriam: ‘how can I cope with the cost of Christmas after financial setback?

Dear Miriam: ‘how can I cope with the cost of Christmas after financial setback?

ASK MIRIAM 10 December 2025

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Editorial: 'my quest to find the perfect Christmas tree'

Editorial: 'my quest to find the perfect Christmas tree'

Rain and muddy paths couldn't stop me on my quest to find the perfect tree for the festive season.

EDITORIAL 26 November 2025

‘FBD Trust is celebrating 50 years, with €70m paid out in philanthropic support’

‘FBD Trust is celebrating 50 years, with €70m paid out in philanthropic support’

Half a century in business and millions paid to charitable agricultural projects is something worth celebrating for FBD.

KATHERINE O'LEARY 26 November 2025

‘I didn’t know reindeers ate porridge’ – Ricky’s enchanting Santa commentary

‘I didn’t know reindeers ate porridge’ – Ricky’s enchanting Santa commentary

Visiting Santa is part of the magic of Christmas and is a great way to diffuse any anxiety about his impending visit.

KATHERINE O'LEARY 26 November 2025

Dear Miriam: ‘I find Christmas is such a struggle without children of my own’

Dear Miriam: ‘I find Christmas is such a struggle without children of my own’

A Kildare reader seeks Miriam's help in navigating the Christmas season which she says is saturated with children, when she and her husband are struggling to have a family of their own.

ASK MIRIAM 26 November 2025

Editorial: ‘Christmas dinner is more expensive'

Editorial: ‘Christmas dinner is more expensive'

As the Christmas dinner will be more expensive this year – focussing on good, locally produced Irish food will be worth it.

EDITORIAL 26 November 2025

‘I believe the most important thing that you can gift a child is your time’

‘I believe the most important thing that you can gift a child is your time’

An impromptu birthday party for her beautiful grandson, Peter, who turned two last week was a lovely family occasion.

KATHERINE O'LEARY 26 November 2025

‘I wonder if the next generation will know of the Child of Prague'

‘I wonder if the next generation will know of the Child of Prague'

When a museum exhibit looks suspiciously like the kitchen you grew up in – and how it feels to see your own past turned into history.

L2 26 November 2025

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Maria Walsh MEP: bringing Irish farmers into the heart of Europe

Maria Walsh is a Fine Gael MEP for Midlands–North West and a full member of the European Parliament’s agriculture committee. She is a member of the EPP Group in the Parliament.

Maria Walsh MEP: bringing Irish farmers into the heart of Europe

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