24 h. ago The Irish language is a joy not a burden: in what other tongue is a penis a wild carrot? | Una Mullally

Record numbers of pupils are seeking opt-outs from compulsory learning. This is misguided – Irish is a portal to a world of imaginationAmid a boom in Irish culture across music, literature, film and fashion, the Irish language – Gaeilge – is also experiencing a revival. Once the majority’s native tongue, it was assailed and diminished as a daily, working, spoken language under British colonialism and became largely confined to rural west coast districts for much of the 20th century, kept alive by generations of families. But over recent decades the number of schools teaching the national curriculum exclusively through Irish has risen significantly, from fewer than 20 in the 1970s, to more than 200 today. The 2022 census showed a 6% increase in the number of people able to speak Irish compared with 2016. Irish is a core subject on the curriculum and compulsory in all schools.Yet in the academic year of 2024-25, a record number of pupils – 14% of the post-primary school population – w...

Politics

2 d. ago Kate Garraway says Celebrity Traitors helped Derek Draper grief 'come out'

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has opened up about her experience on Celebrity Traitors, and how it helped her to process her grief for her late husband Derek Draper

Events

3 d. ago British woman reveals how she went on a day trip to Spain for less than £100

One British traveller shared her experience of an 'extreme day trip', which involved her travelling from Manchester to Mallorca and back in one day.

Economics

4 d. ago Brits experience boom in Irish pubs as folk look to enjoy 'the craic'

A surge in openings of independently-owned Irish bars is meeting a demand for the famous pub experience found on the Emerald Isle

Politics

4 d. ago American in UK visits Asda and spots major difference from Walmart

A tourist stunned British shoppers after filming her shopping experience in an Asda supermarket

Politics

8 d. ago The Guardian view on Ireland’s presidential election: a contest with consequences | Editorial

Since 1990, the heads of state of Britain’s closest neighbour have played important soft power roles. This needs to continueThe idea that the next head of state might be an elected one is as remote from British experience as a visit to the far side of the moon. But it is hardly an unthinkable proposition, and you do not have to travel as far as the moon to see such a process taking place in a smooth and dignified manner. In fact, you only have to travel to Ireland.Next month, Ireland will elect a successor to President Michael D Higgins, who has served two seven-year terms as the occupant of Áras an Uachtaráin (in bygone days the Viceregal Lodge) in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. Mr Higgins has done the largely ceremonial job with charm, toughness and imagination. He has been good for Ireland, and good for British-Irish relations at a difficult time. In 2014, he made the first state visit to Britain by an Irish president. He is not a large man, but he leaves big shoes to fill. Con...

Politics

1 week ago OECD warns the UK faces the highest inflation in the G7 after Labour's tax raid as brutal Budget looms

Economists from the influential organisation also predicted that UK inflation will surge, with Britain experiencing the highest level among the G7 group of advanced economies this year.

Economics

1 week ago Liz 'The Lettuce' Truss 'reckons Donald Trump would make a top UK Prime Minister'

Limp Liz ‘The Lettuce’ Truss is said to be convinced Donald Trump would make a top UK prime minister – drawing from her own experience of being the Britain's shortest serving PM

Politics

2 w. ago Ranvir Singh's poignant chat with protestor after avoiding London due to far

Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh has spoken out about her experience in London during the far-right protests on Saturday, revealing that she was forced to change her travel plans

Events

3 w. ago It's brutally unfair but so many women refuse to date a man under 5ft 8in

British relationship expert Tracey Cox speaks to women about their experiences of dating short men.

Politics

3 w. ago ‘I wrote songs for the rich and famous and this is what it’s really like’

RuthAnne has penned hits for Britney Spears, Niall Horan and John Legend, and shares her experiences writing some of pop music's biggest bangers.

Politics