
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title>English</title>
		<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=35053</link>
		<description></description>
		<language>en</language>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 19:40:59 UTC</pubDate>
		
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Legal]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=86476</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Copyright


The material featured on this site is subject to Government
copyright according to the Copyright and Related Rights Act, 2000.
The material may be downloaded to file or printer for personal use
only. Where this material is being issued to others, the source
(including URL) and copyright status must be acknowledged.


The permission to reproduce Government copyright material does not
extend to any material on this site which may be the property of a
third party. Authorisation to reproduce such material must be
obtained from the copyright holders concerned.


Disclaimer


The contents of these pages are provided as an information guide
only. They are intended to enhance public access to information
about the Government and its Departments. While every effort is
made in preparing material for publication no responsibility is
accepted by or on behalf of the State for any errors, omissions or
misleading statements on these pages or any site to which these
pages connect.


Although every effort is made to ensure the reliability of listed
sites this cannot be taken as an endorsement of these sites.


Privacy


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, respects the rights of
its users and does not, as a general rule, collect personal
information of any kind from website users. Where a user
voluntarily provides personal information through a traveller
registration, media accreditation or “contact us” form, the data
will be used only for the purposes for which it is provided, and
not passed to any third party, except where information is
specifically provided for use in the case of emergency assistance
to Irish citizens overseas.


For general web browsing no personal information is revealed to us,
although certain statistical information is available to us via our
Internet service provider. This information may include the logical
address of the server you are using, the top level domain name from
which you access the Internet (for example, .ie, .com, etc), the
type of browser you are using, the date and time you access our
site and the Internet address used to link to our site.


Some of the above information is used to create summary statistics,
which allow us to assess the number of visitors to our site,
identify what pages are accessed most frequently. We use these
statistics to help us make our site more user friendly.


Cookies Policy


We use cookies to give the best experience on our site while
also complying with the guidelines of the 
Data Protection Acts 1988-2003.Continue without changing
your settings, and you'll receive cookies, or change your cookie
settings at any time.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:49:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[News & Events]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=35061</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
If you would like to be added to our cultural mailing
list, please fill out your information here.


The Cross in European Culture Exhibition


All the countries of the European Union have significant Christian
traditions, and these traditions are reflected in the rich variety
of crosses to be found within the Union.


The Cross in European Culture exhibition, to be
heldat the National Ethnographic Museum in Sofia from 13 to
31 May 2013, will bring together actual crosses and photographs of
crosses from the different countries of the European Union.


On 13 May, The Most Reverend Michael Jackson, Church of Ireland
Archbishop of Dublin, opened the exhibition and gave a key-note
address.





КРЪСТЪТ В ЕВРОПЕЙСКАТА КУЛТУРА


Всички държави в Европейския съюз имат значима християнска
традиция, която намира отражение в богатото многообразие от
кръстове, част от художественото наследство на Европа.


Изложбата Кръстът в европейската култура, която ще бъде
отворена за публиката в Националния етнографски музей в София от 13
до31 май 2013г., ще представи кръстове и фотографии на
кръстове от различни държави в ЕС.


На 13 май Негово Високопреосвещенство Майкъл Джаксън, англикански
архиепископ на Дъблин, откри изложбата и изнесе слово.


New Translations


Maggie O'Farrell’s compelling novel The Vanishing Act of Esme
Lennox is now available in Bulgarian. The translation by
Mirela Hristova is published by Amat-AH Publishing Housewith
the support of Ireland Literature Exchange, Ireland’s literary
translation agency. The book is already available in the Bulgarian
bookstores.





Нови преводи


Вълнуващият роман &quot;Изчезването на Есме Ленъкс&quot; от Маги
О'Фарелбе издаден на български език в превод на Мирела
Христова. Издателство &quot;АМАТ-АХ&quot; публикува романа с подкрепата на
ILE - държавната агенция, която поощрява преводи на ирландски
автори и популяризира ирландската литература в чужбина.Можете
вече данамерите романав българските книжарници.


Celtic Chat Blog Invitation


Children are the same the world over. They look at life with fresh
eyes and open hearts, curious and eager to make wondrous
connections to all good things. In a similar spirit, Ms Phyllis
Rowan invites your primary-age children to join her on ‘Celtic
Chat’ during the Irish Presidency.


This weekly blog is dedicated specially to our junior friends who
want to know more about Ireland and Celtic culture in an
imaginative and welcoming way. If you wish to subscribe to
this blog, please forward your permission and email address to the
Irish Embassy for attention and Phyllis will get back to you.


Келтски приказки


Децата са еднакви по целия свят. Те гледат на живота със свеж
поглед и отворени сърца,любопитни инетърпеливи да
научат всички чудесни и добри неща. В същия
дух,госпожаФилис Роуън кани вашите деца (на средна
училищна възраст) да се присъединят към блога &quot;Келтски
приказки&quot;по време на ирландското председателство на
Европейския съюз.


Този седмичен блог е посветен специално на нашите малки приятели,
които желаят да научат повече за Ирландияи за келтската
култура по един творчески и сърдечен начин. Ако искате да се
запишете за блога, моля изпратете разрешението и имейла си на
ирландското посолство и Филис ще се свърже с вас.




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 15:20:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Application Form]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=75033</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION FORM ON-LINE


A new visa system is now operating at this Mission. The new system
includes the facility for applicants to complete their application
form on-line.


To launch an on-line application please click here.


Applicants are reminded that completing the on-line application
form is only the first step in the visa application process. An
application can only be processed when the on-line form is
completed AND the required backing documentation, passport
photograph and appropriate fee are received by the relevant
office as indicated by the on-line system.


It is no longer possible to apply using a downloaded/paper
application form.


INFORMATION NOTE TO ASSIST APPLICANTS


An information note has been prepared to assist applicants. This is
available in English, and also in Arabic,Chinese, French, Russian,Turkishand Urdu.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 12:04:16 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Bulgaria]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=35054</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
F&#193;ILTE


F&#225;ilte romhat go su&#237;omh ghr&#233;as&#225;in Ambas&#225;id na h&#201;ireann!


T&#225; eolas le f&#225;il anseo faoi &#201;ire maraon le h&#233;olas faoi na seirbh&#237;s&#237;
a shol&#225;thair an tAmbas&#225;id. T&#225; s&#250;il againn go mbeidh an
t-&#233;olas seo chuiditheach. M&#225; t&#225; &#233;olas breise n&#243; soil&#233;iri&#250; ar
ghn&#233; ar bith t&#225; f&#225;ilte romhat teagmh&#225;il a
dh&#233;anamh leis an Ambas&#225;id.


WELCOME!


Welcome to our website which provides information about Ireland and
the services provided by the Embassy. We very much hope that
you find it useful and informative. If you require any further
information, please contact us at the
Embassy.


ДОБРЕ ДОШЛИ!


Добре дошли на нашата страница, коятодава информация за
Ирландия, както и за услугите, предлагани от Посолството. Силно се
надяваме да ви е полезна и да ви дава необходимите сведения. Ако
иматенужда от допълнителна информация, моля свържете се с
Посолството на Ирландия.


________________________________________


St Patricks
Day greetings from the President Michael D. Higgins


________________________________________

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:36:31 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[The Economy]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79141</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Economy


Ireland is currently facing severe economic challenges and is
addressing these in cooperation with our EU partners and the
International Monetary Fund. Ireland had a period of extraordinary
growth from 1993 to 2007 and had become one of the world’s most
dynamic, innovative and globalised economies, with extensive
external trade and investment links.


In 2008, partly due to the open nature of its economy Ireland began
to feel the effects of the global economic downturn. Pressure on
the economy was significantly accentuated by the end of a prolonged
Irish property market boom and problems within the domestic banking
system. This led to a period of recession in Ireland and a sharp
contraction in economic output.


But Ireland is facing the serious economic downturn from a strong
starting position. Many of the strengths that drove our recent
economic boom and brought unprecedented levels of prosperity, with
growth and GDP per capita among the highest in the European Union,
remain in place. these strengths will position Ireland to take
advantage of the global economic recovery as it emerges.


Ireland’s economic success is generally attributed to its educated
and flexible workforce; its social partnership model, which
involves close cooperation between government, trade unions and
employers; government measures to ensure macroeconomic stability
and to attract foreign investment; and membership of the European
Union, which now provides a market of almost 500 million people.
Ireland is a member of the eurozone.


Ireland continues to be one of the most open economies in the OECD,
and exports are now showing strong growth after a slowdown in
recent years. Ireland has developed a strong entrepreneurial
culture in terms of new businesses being established.


Ireland has a strong track record in attracting investment in
Information Communications Technology (ICT), Life Sciences,
Financial Services and Globally Traded Business (GTB) including
Digital Media, Engineering, Consumer Brands and International
Services. Ireland’s positioning as a ‘smart economy’ continues
apace combining our innovative, enterprise economy with an
ever–increasing emphasis on the emerging areas of Clean/Green
Technologies, Services Innovation and Convergence. Ireland is also
a centre for digital media in Europe with major multinational
companies locating their European headquarters and a range of
business support activities here.



Top of Page


Inward and Outward Investment


Inward investment has been critically important to Ireland’s
economic development, providing tens of thousands of jobs,
disseminating technological know-how and expertise within the wider
economy, linking up with indigenous industry, boosting
productivity, and underpinning export growth. Outward investment by
Irish companies has increased noticeably in recent years, albeit
from a very low historic base. This emerging trend is consistent
with the pattern observed in other economies as they move to higher
stages of economic development.



Top of Page


Education and
Training


Education and Training is a vital component of Ireland’s
knowledge-based economy, and is a priority investment under the
National Development Plan. Ireland enjoys one of the best education
systems in the world, with approximately 1 million people in full
time education.


Top of Page


Innovation and R&amp;amp;D


R&amp;amp;D in Ireland has expanded dramatically in recent years
reflecting the Irish government’s massive injection of funding into
the sector. Leading global companies have found Ireland to be an
excellent location for knowledge-based activities. The young Irish
workforce has shown a particular aptitude for the efficient
collection, interpretation and dissemination of research
information.



Top of Page


Corporation Tax


Since 2003 Ireland’s corporate tax regime has been fixed at a rate
of 12.5%. This applies to all Irish corporate trading profits. A
rate of 25% applies to non-trading (passive) income.


Economic and
Social Research Institute
Central Bank of Ireland



Top of Page


Trade


Ireland’s total trade in 2009 was approximately €270bn; with a
merchandise trade surplus of more than €39 billion. This consists
equally of Merchandise Trade and Services Trade each of which stand
at approx. €130bn. The main merchandise goods traded include
Organic chemicals (mainly for the pharmaceutical sector), Medical
&amp;amp; pharmaceutical products and Computers. The main services
areas are Computer Services, Trade Related Business Services,
Insurance and Financial services.


Ireland’s main trade partners are the United states, Great Britain,
Belgium, Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.


Top of Page


Industry and Services


The Industrial sector has a highly skilled technological labour
pool. Within this high technology grouping, the most active sectors
currently are life sciences, medical and information technology
sectors. Many of the world’s leading companies have subsidiaries in
Ireland.


The service sector in Ireland accounts for approximately half of
GDP. Just under half of total Irish exports are services, and
Ireland is in the top ten countries worldwide for exports of
commercial services. Throughout the last decade output of services
has grown strongly, largely as a result of growth in financial
services, telecommunications and tourism.


Three agencies deal with industrial development in Ireland.
Forf&#225;s provides overall policy advice and co-ordination for
enterprise development and science, technology and innovation in
Ireland. Enterprise Ireland helps develop Irish-based
enterprise with the potential to trade internationally. IDA
Ireland has responsibility for securing new investment in
manufacturing and internationally traded services. It also has
responsibility to encourage existing Foreign Direct Investors to
expand and develop their businesses in Ireland.


There are also a number of regional development agencies such as
Shannon Development which was set up in 1959 to promote Shannon
International Airport, and &#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta, which is the
regional authority responsible for the economic, social and
cultural development of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking parts of the
country).











Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Innovation




Forf&#225;s




IDA
Ireland




Enterprise Ireland




Shannon
Development




&#218;dar&#225;s na
Gaeltachta




Intertrade Ireland




Science Foundation
Ireland




Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair (National Training Authority)






Top of Page


Financial Services


Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), which was
set up by the Irish Government with EU approval in 1987, is
recognised as a leading location for a range of internationally
traded financial services, including banking, asset financing, fund
management, corporate treasury management, investment management,
custody and administration and specialised insurance operations.
More than430 international operations are approved to trade in the
IFsc, while a further 700 managed entities are approved to carry on
business under the IFSC programme.





Department of
Finance




International
Financial Services Centre




National Treasury
Management Agency






Top of Page


Agriculture


Of the total land area of approximately 7 million hectares (17
million acres), 5 million hectares (12.32 million acres) are
utilised for agricultural purposes (including forestry). Beef and
dairying are by far the most important sectors of the agricultural
industry. The main crops are barley, wheat, potatoes and mushrooms.


The Agri-Food industry makes a significant contribution to the
Irish economy. The combined agri-food and drink sector accounts for
6% of GDP, almost €8bn of exports and accounts for 133,400 jobs. In
particular, the industry plays a major role in the indigenous
sector.











Department
of Agriculture and Food




Bord Bia




Teagasc
(Agriculture &amp;amp; Food Development Authority)




Food Safety Authority
of Ireland






Top of Page


Fishing


The Irish seafood industry provides employment for over 11,000
people. It makes a significant contribution to the economic and
social fabric of the many small communities located in mainly rural
areas or small towns and villages around the 3,172 kilometres of
our coastline.








Department of
Communications, Energy &amp;amp; Natural Resources




Bord Iascaigh
Mhara






Top of Page


Tourism


Approximately 6 million tourists visit Ireland each year, spending
approximately €3.9bn, and sustaining more than 180,000 jobs.
Tourism Ireland was established under the framework of the Good
Friday Agreement 1998 to co-ordinate the work of the two tourist
boards on the island, F&#225;ilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland
Tourist Board.


Ireland’s successful tourism industry is built around the three
themes: Irish people; Irish culture and the physical beauty of the
country.



Top of Page


Radio and Television


The national radio and television service is operated by Radio
Telef&#237;s &#201;ireann (RT&#201;), the public broadcasting company which
transmits on two television and five radio channels. RT&#201; derives
its revenue from licence fees and the sale of advertising time. TV3
is a commercial broadcaster and there are many commercial radio
stations including Today FM and Newstalk. In addition to the wide
availability of British radio and television programming, satellite
broadcasts are achieving an increasing audience.


Irish speakers are served by a dedicated radio channel, Radio na
Gaeltachta (operated by RT&#201;) and by TG4, an independent Irish
language television channel.


The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) was established in 2009
under the Broadcasting Act 2009, as an independent regulator for
radio and television broadcasters in Ireland. The BAI has a range
of objectives and functions and incorporates the work of the
Broadcasting commission of Ireland. the Authority is funded through
a levy on all broadcasters licensed in the state.








Radio Teilf&#237;s
&#201;ireann




TG4




TV3




Today FM




Newstalk




Broadcasting Authority
of Ireland (BAI)






Top of Page


Newspapers


Newspapers have been published in Ireland for over 300 years. Today
there are a number of daily broadsheet and tabloid papers, two
evening newspapers, and five Sunday newspapers. There are also
about 60 local newspapers usually published weekly and a wide
variety of magazines dealing with current affairs, economic issues
and leisure interests.








The Irish
Times




Irish
Independent




Irish
Examiner




Sunday Business
Post




Sunday
Independent




Evening Echo




Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)






Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:56:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Brief]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79129</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The attached booklet, entitled Ireland in Brief, provides a general
   overview of Ireland's political, economic and cultural
   life. While it is not possible to include every aspect of
   life in Ireland in this short publication, we hope that you will
   discover a little about Ireland and its people.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:54:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Brief]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79169</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The attached booklet, entitled Ireland in Brief, provides a general
   overview of Ireland's political, economic and cultural
   life. While it is not possible to include every aspect of
   life in Ireland in this short publication, we hope that you will
   discover a little about Ireland and its people.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:54:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Living & Working in Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79163</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Practicalities of Moving to Ireland
A detailed guide can be found on the Citizens Information website.

Education in IrelandHere you
will find a description of theEducation system in Ireland and
also a series of links to information on Primary, Secondary and
Third Level Education.


Department of
Education and Science

Working
in Ireland
The rights of EU nationals and non-EU nationals for working in
Ireland.


Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Health Care
in Ireland
An outline of health care services in Ireland, including public and
private health care, and health insurance.

Useful Links for
Employment Seekers
A useful starting point for job seekers is F&#193;S - Ireland's National
Training and Employment Authority.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:37:57 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[First time adult applicants/Lost and stolen passports]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=86565</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
With a view to preventing identity theft and the circulation of
falsified passports, additional safeguards are being introduced
into the passport application procedure for adult first time
applicants and for those adults seeking to replace a lost/stolen
passport. With effect from 17 January 2011, adult applicants
in these categories will be required to submit the following
additional evidence in support of their passport application:



a completed and suitably witnessed passport application form and
four photographs, (two of which must have the application form
number written on the reverse andbe signed byan
approved witness);



The Passport Service reserves the right to contact witnesses as
required. Passport applicants should therefore note that
where it is not possible make contact with those witnessing
applications then it is likely that the application will be
rejected.



the long form birth certificate of the applicant and a civil
marriage certificate, if appropriate, and evidence of entitlement
to Irish citizenship ,where applicable;


additional form of photo-identification; e.g.certified copy
of a drivers licence, work ID; student card; social club
membership; passport from other country etc.;


documentary evidence to show use of name, e.g. payslips; records of
unemployment or disability payment; bank statement; college
registration etc.; and


evidence of residency at the application address, e.g. utility
bills; official correspondence from public or private sector etc.



The above-mentioned should be submitted in original
format.


In addition, applicants may also be required to provide further
information and/or attend for interview at one of the Department’s
offices.


It should be noted that it will not be possible to expedite
any application in these categories.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:14:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Useful Links]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79167</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I J 
K 
L 
M 
N 
O 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
U 
V 
W 
X 
Y 
Z


A


An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna



Top of Page


B


Bord Bia


Bord Iascaigh
Mhara


Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann


British Irish Council


Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland (BCI)



Top of Page


C


Central Bank
of Ireland


Central Statistics
Office


Chester Beatty
Library


Citizens
Information


Council of
the European Union


Court of
Justice of the European Communities


Crafts Council of
Ireland


Culture
Ireland



Top of Page


D


Government Departments


Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food


Department of
Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht


Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources


Department of
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs


Department of
Defence


Department of
Education and Science


Department of
Enterprise Trade and Employment


Department of the
Environment &amp;amp; Local Government


Department of
Finance


Department of Foreign
Affairsand Trade


Department of Health
and Children


Department of
Justice, Equality and Law Reform


Department of
Social and Family Affairs


Department
of the Taoiseach


Department of
Transport


Director of
Public Prosecutions


Documents in Irish
Foreign Policy


Drug
Treatment Board


Dublin Dental Hospital Board


Dublin Port
Company


Dublin
Docklands Development Authority



Top of Page


E


Economic and Social
Research Institute


Enterprise Ireland


Environmental
Protection Agency


Equality
Commission for Northern Ireland


EUCommon Foreign and Security Policy


EU Gateway


European Central
Bank


European Commission - in Ireland


EU Common Foreign and Security Policy


European
Ombudsman


European Parliament - in Ireland


Evening Echo



Top of Page


F


F&#225;ilte
Ireland


Fianna F&#225;il


Fine Gael


Foinse


Food Safety Authority
of Ireland


Football Association
of Ireland


Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair


Forf&#225;s


Further Education
and Training Awards Council



Top of Page


G


Gaelic Athletic
Association


Garda
Ombudsman


Garda S&#237;och&#225;na
(Irish Police)


Golfing Union of
Ireland


Government of
Ireland


Green Party



Top of Page


H


Health &amp;amp; Safety
Authority


Health Insurance
Authority


Health Research
Board


Health Service
Executive (HSE)


Heritage
Council of Ireland


Higher Education and
Training Council


Higher Education
Authority


History
Ireland


Horse Racing
Ireland


Housing Finance
Agency



Top of Page


I


Iarnr&#243;d
&#201;ireann


IDA Ireland


International
Financial Services Centre


International Fund for Ireland


Intertrade Ireland


Irish Aid


Irish Aviation
Authority


Irish Blood
Transfusion Service


Irish Business and
Employers Confederation


Irish Congress of
Trade Unions


Irish Courts
Service


Irish Defence
Forces


Irish
Examiner


Irish Greyhound
Board


Irish
Independent


Irish Museum of
Modern Art


Irish
National Stud Company Limited


Irish Research
Council for the Humanities&amp;amp; Social Studies


Irish Rugby
Football Union


Irish
Sports Council


Irish Times


Irish Water Safety



Top of Page


J



Top of Page


K


 
Top of Page


L


Labour


Labour Relations
Commission


Law Reform
Commission



Top of Page


M


Met &#201;ireann



Top of Page


N


National
Archives


National Building Agency


National Cancer
Registry Board


National Centre for Partnership and Performance


National Concert
Hall


National Council on
Ageing and Older People


National
Crime Council


National Development
Plan


National Disability
Authority


National Economic and Social Council


National Economic and
Social Forum


National
Gallery of Ireland


National Library of
Ireland


National Lottery


National
Microelectronics Applications Centre


National Museum of
Ireland


National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland


National Roads
Authority


National Standards
Authority of Ireland


National Treasury
Management Agency


North South Ministerial Council


Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission


Northern Ireland
Office


Northern Ireland Policing Board



Top of Page


O


Office of Civil
Service &amp;amp; Local Appointments Commissioner


Office of
the Attorney General


Office of the
Comptroller and Auditor General


Office of the
Data Protection Commissioner


Office of the
Director of Corporate Enforcement


Office of the
First Minister and Deputy First Minister


Office of the
Information Commissioner


Office of the
Ombudsman


Office of
the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland


Office of Public
Works


Office of the
Revenue Commissioners


Office of Tobacco
Control


Olympic
Council of Ireland


Ordnance Survey
Ireland



Top of Page


P


Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland


Police Service
of Northern Ireland


An Post


President of
Ireland


Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)



Top of Page


Q



Top of Page


R


Radiological
Protection Institute of Ireland


Radio One


Radio Teilif&#237;s
&#201;ireann


Railway Procurement
Agency


Referendum
Commission


Reach Unit


Top of Page


S


Science Foundation
Ireland


Shannon
Development


Shannon Free
Airport Development


Sinn F&#233;in


Special
Olympics Ireland


Standards in Public
Office Commission


Sunday Business
Post


Sunday
Independent


Sunday
Times


Sustainable Energy
Ireland



Top of Page


T


Teagasc


TG4


The Arts
Council


The Environmental
Information Service


The
European Ombudsman


The National
Theatre Society


The
Northern Ireland Assembly


The
Northern Ireland Executive


The Sunday
Times


Tourism
Ireland (Corporate Website)


Tourism
Ireland (Consumer Website)



Top of Page


U


&#218;daras na
Gaeltachta


United Nations



Top of Page


V


Veterinary Council


Visit
Dublin



Top of Page


W


Western Development
Commission


The
Workers' Party


Top of Page


X


Top of Page


Y


Top of Page


Z


Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:01:58 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Useful Links Relating to Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=81042</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I J 
K 
L 
M 
N 
O 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
U 
V 
W 
X 
Y 
Z


A


An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna



Top of Page


B


Bord Bia


Bord Iascaigh
Mhara


Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann


British Irish Council


Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland (BCI)



Top of Page


C


Central Bank
of Ireland


Central Statistics
Office


Chester Beatty
Library


Citizens
Information


Council of
the European Union


Court of
Justice of the European Communities


Crafts Council of
Ireland


Culture
Ireland



Top of Page


D


Government Departments


Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food


Department of
Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht


Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources


Department of
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs


Department of
Defence


Department of
Education and Science


Department of
Enterprise Trade and Employment


Department of the
Environment &amp;amp; Local Government


Department of
Finance


Department of Foreign
Affairsand Trade


Department of Health
and Children


Department of
Justice, Equality and Law Reform


Department of
Social and Family Affairs


Department
of the Taoiseach


Department of
Transport


Director of
Public Prosecutions


Documents in Irish
Foreign Policy


Drug
Treatment Board


Dublin Dental Hospital Board


Dublin Port
Company


Dublin
Docklands Development Authority



Top of Page


E


Economic and Social
Research Institute


Enterprise Ireland


Environmental
Protection Agency


Equality
Commission for Northern Ireland


EUCommon Foreign and Security Policy


EU Gateway


European Central
Bank


European Commission - in Ireland


EU Common Foreign and Security Policy


European
Ombudsman


European Parliament - in Ireland


Evening Echo



Top of Page


F


F&#225;ilte
Ireland


Fianna F&#225;il


Fine Gael


Foinse


Food Safety Authority
of Ireland


Football Association
of Ireland


Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair


Forf&#225;s


Further Education
and Training Awards Council



Top of Page


G


Gaelic Athletic
Association


Garda
Ombudsman


Garda S&#237;och&#225;na
(Irish Police)


Golfing Union of
Ireland


Government of
Ireland


Green Party



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H


Health &amp;amp; Safety
Authority


Health Insurance
Authority


Health Research
Board


Health Service
Executive (HSE)


Heritage
Council of Ireland


Higher Education and
Training Council


Higher Education
Authority


History
Ireland


Horse Racing
Ireland


Housing Finance
Agency



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I


Iarnr&#243;d
&#201;ireann


IDA Ireland


International
Financial Services Centre


International Fund for Ireland


Intertrade Ireland


Irish Aid


Irish Aviation
Authority


Irish Blood
Transfusion Service


Irish Business and
Employers Confederation


Irish Congress of
Trade Unions


Irish Courts
Service


Irish Defence
Forces


Irish
Examiner


Irish Greyhound
Board


Irish
Independent


Irish Museum of
Modern Art


Irish
National Stud Company Limited


Irish Research
Council for the Humanities&amp;amp; Social Studies


Irish Rugby
Football Union


Irish
Sports Council


Irish Times


Irish Water Safety



Top of Page


J



Top of Page


K


 
Top of Page


L


Labour


Labour Relations
Commission


Law Reform
Commission



Top of Page


M


Met &#201;ireann



Top of Page


N


National
Archives


National Building Agency


National Cancer
Registry Board


National Centre for Partnership and Performance


National Concert
Hall


National Council on
Ageing and Older People


National
Crime Council


National Development
Plan


National Disability
Authority


National Economic and Social Council


National Economic and
Social Forum


National
Gallery of Ireland


National Library of
Ireland


National Lottery


National
Microelectronics Applications Centre


National Museum of
Ireland


National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland


National Roads
Authority


National Standards
Authority of Ireland


National Treasury
Management Agency


North South Ministerial Council


Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission


Northern Ireland
Office


Northern Ireland Policing Board



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O


Office of Civil
Service &amp;amp; Local Appointments Commissioner


Office of
the Attorney General


Office of the
Comptroller and Auditor General


Office of the
Data Protection Commissioner


Office of the
Director of Corporate Enforcement


Office of the
First Minister and Deputy First Minister


Office of the
Information Commissioner


Office of the
Ombudsman


Office of
the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland


Office of Public
Works


Office of the
Revenue Commissioners


Office of Tobacco
Control


Olympic
Council of Ireland


Ordnance Survey
Ireland



Top of Page


P


Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland


Police Service
of Northern Ireland


An Post


President of
Ireland


Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)



Top of Page


Q



Top of Page


R


Radiological
Protection Institute of Ireland


Radio One


Radio Teilif&#237;s
&#201;ireann


Railway Procurement
Agency


Referendum
Commission


Reach Unit


Top of Page


S


Science Foundation
Ireland


Shannon
Development


Shannon Free
Airport Development


Sinn F&#233;in


Special
Olympics Ireland


Standards in Public
Office Commission


Sunday Business
Post


Sunday
Independent


Sunday
Times


Sustainable Energy
Ireland



Top of Page


T


Teagasc


TG4


The Arts
Council


The Environmental
Information Service


The
European Ombudsman


The National
Theatre Society


The
Northern Ireland Assembly


The
Northern Ireland Executive


The Sunday
Times


Tourism
Ireland (Corporate Website)


Tourism
Ireland (Consumer Website)



Top of Page


U


&#218;daras na
Gaeltachta


United Nations



Top of Page


V


Veterinary Council


Visit
Dublin



Top of Page


W


Western Development
Commission


The
Workers' Party


Top of Page


X


Top of Page


Y


Top of Page


Z


Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:01:58 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Pet Travel]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79165</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Bringing Dogs and Cats to Ireland


For detailed information pertaining to this scheme, please refer to
the EU Pet Passport section of the Department of
Agriculture and Food. This contains comprehensive guidance and
should answer all questions regarding taking dogs and cats to
Ireland


Please note that there may not beregistered /approved airline
companies fromBelgium who carry pets.For approved
routes please see EU Pet Passport link above.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:56:56 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Recent events]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=82322</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Night of the Irish Music with a
Concert of LILLY OF THE WEST


The Embassy of Ireland was happy to supporttheconcert
ofLILLY OF THE WEST in honor of the National Day of
Ireland, St Patrick's Day.


The group was formed in1996 in Sofia and became popular,
participating on prestigious festivals in Europe and
America.In1998, LILLY OF THE WEST was
called&quot;the best bluegrass group in Europe.&quot; The musicians
are:Lilly Drumeva - vocal and violin, Yasen Vasilev - guitar,
Misho Shishkov - slide guitar and piano, Svoboda Bozduganova
-contrabass, Lucy Stoinev - violin.


The concerttook place on 22 March, Friday, at Sofia City Art
Gallery.






Вечер на ирландската музика с концерт на LILLY OF THE
WEST


Посолството на Ирландия подкрепи концерта на групата LILLY OF
THE WEST в чест на Националния ден на Ирландия, Деня на Свети
Патрик.


Създадена през 1996 г в София, групата добива популярност,
участвайки на престижни фестивали в Европа и Америка. През 1998 г.
LILLY OF THE WEST е избрана за “най-добра блуграс група на
Европа.” Музикантите са: Лили Друмева – вокал, цугулка, Ясен
Василев – китара, Мишо Шишков – слайд китара, пиано, Свобода
Боздуганова – контрабас, Люси Стойнев – цигулка.


Концертът се състоя на 22 март, петък, в Софийската градска
художествена галерия.


Opening of the exhibition Eternal Circle


The Embassy of Irelandand the Cultural Institute of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a joint effortorganized the
opening of the exhibition Eternal Circle by Irish artist
Tommy Barr.


The event celebrated the Irish EU Presidency 2013 andthe
National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, 3th March.


The official opening tiook place on 5 March, Tuesday, in The
Mission Gallery, 2 Aleksandar Zhendov Street. The exibit was
open until 22 March, 2013.





Откриване на изложба &quot;Вечния кръг&quot;


Посолството на Ирландия и Държавния културен институт към
Министерството на външните работисъвместно откриха изложбата
„Вечния кръг” на ирландския творец Томи Бар.


Експозицията бе организирана по повод националния празник на
Република България и председателството на Ирландия на Съвета на ЕС.


Официалното откриване се състоя на 5 март, вторник, в галерия
„Мисията” на Държавен културен институт, ул. „Александър Жендов” 2.
Изложбата бе отворена до 22 март, 2013 г.





Evening with the Irishpipes


The Embassy of Ireland organized an evening with Irish (uileann)
pipes on 29 November 2012.This unique soundwas matched
with Bulgarian (gaida) pipes in a demonstration of the similarity
and power of these instruments.


The Irish pipes were played by Des McCabe from Belfast, accompanied
by Brian Connolly on banjo. http://www.craobhrua.com/


The Bulgarian pipes were played by Emilian Todinov from the
Spanish Language High School, Sofia.


The concerttook place on 29 November, Thursday, at 6.30 pm at
the Union of Architects on 11 Krakra Street.






Вечер, посветена на ирландската гайда


Посолството на Ирландия организира вечер с музиката на ирландската
гайдана 29 ноември.Уникалният звук на ирландската гайда
бе съчетан с изпълнение на българска гайда като демонстрация на
приликите между двата инструмента и силата им на въздействие.


На ирландска гайда изпълнител бе Дез Маккейб от Белфаст, а на
банджо му акомпанира Брайън Коноли. http://www.craobhrua.com/


Българският гайдар бе Емилиян Тодинов от 164 испанска езикова
гимназия „Мигел де Сервантес“ в София.


Концертът се проведе на 29 ноември, четвъртък, от 18.30 часа в
Съюза на архитектите на ул. „Кракра” 11.



 


Deceptions


June Considine’s acclaimed novel, Deceptions, is now
available in Bulgarian. The translation by Pravda Miteva is
published by Arka with the support of Ireland Literature
Exchange, Ireland’s literary translation agency. 


June Considine was born in Dublin. For over 20 years, she has
written extensively for children and young adults. Her short
stories have been included in a number of British and American
anthologies, and she was short-listed for the 2001 Hennessy Award.
She has also worked extensively as a freelance journalist and
editor.





Заблуди


Романът на Джун Консидин, „Заблуди”, вече излезе на
български език. Преводът е на Правда Митева, а изданието на ИК
„Арка” излиза с подкрепата на ILE - държавната агенция,
която поощрява преводи на ирландски автори и популяризира
ирландската литература в чужбина.


Джун Консидин е родена в Дъблин, Ирландия. Повече от двайсет години
тя пише предимно за деца и юноши. Разказите й са включени в няколко
английски и американски антологии, а през 2001 г. Е номинирана за
престижната награда “Хенеси”. Романите й за възрастни са много
популярни и се радват на гоям читателски интерес. Активно работи
като редактор и журналист на свободна практика.




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:49:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Consular Fees]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=35090</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Fees are charged for certain consular services such as issuing
passports and visas, foreign birth registrations, authentication of
documents and administering oaths. These fees are fixed by the
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade by way of Statutory
Instrument issued under Section 3 of the Diplomatic and Consular
Officers (Provision of Services) Act, 1993.


Please note that the fees charged for some diplomatic and
consular services will increase on 1 March 2013. The full
list of fees is available 
here (PDF 177kb) .


Please note also that there may be additional administration
charges when availing of these services abroad. Please check
with the Embassy which payment methods are acceptable before
sending any payments.


---------------------------





Gearrtar t&#225;ill&#237; as seirbh&#237;s&#237; consalachta &#225;irithe cos&#250;il le
heisi&#250;int pasanna agus v&#237;osa&#237;, cl&#225;r&#250; breitheanna eachtracha,
f&#237;ordheimhni&#250; c&#225;ip&#233;is&#237; agus daoine a chur faoi mhionn. Socra&#237;onn an
tAire Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha na t&#225;ill&#237; seo tr&#237; mhe&#225;n Ionstraim
Reacht&#250;il eisithe faoi Alt 33 den Acht um Oifigigh Taidhleoireachta
agus Chonsalachta (Sol&#225;thar Seirbh&#237;s&#237;), 1993.


Tabhair faoi deara, le do thoil, go bhfuil t&#225;ill&#237; &#225;irithe
taidhleoireachta agus conslachta ag &#225;rd&#250; &#243; 1&#250; M&#225;rta 2013. T&#225; liosta
ioml&#225;n de na t&#225;ill&#237; ar f&#225;il 
anseo (PDF 175kb) .


Tabhair faoi deara freisin go bhf&#233;adfadh t&#225;ill&#237; riarach&#225;in bhreise
bheith i gceist m&#225; bhaineann t&#250; leas as na seirbh&#237;s&#237; seo thar
lear. D&#233;an tagairt leis an Ambas&#225;id chun na modhanna
&#237;oca&#237;ochta &#225;t&#225; inghlachta a shocr&#250; roimh aon &#237;oca&#237;ocht a dh&#233;anamh.




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:19:32 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Honorary Consulates]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=35056</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Mr Jonathan Stark has been appointed as Ireland’s Honorary Consul
in Armenia.


The Honorary Consulate is located at:


3rd floor, 18/1 Vardanants St.


Yerevan 0010


Armenia


Telephones: (+37 410) 526-330, (+37-410) 526-331


Fax:(+37-410) 547-883


Email: irishhoncon@arminco.com

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:17:31 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Authentication of Documents]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=35088</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Introduction


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille documents executed in Ireland that are to be
used in other countries.Irish Diplomatic and
Consular Missions abroad can legalise documents executed
abroad for use in Ireland.

Authenticating a document simply means confirming that a signature,
seal or stamp appearing on the document is genuine.
Legalising a document means authenticating it for the purpose of
making it acceptable to an Irish court.

Authentication and Legalisation do not mean that the content of a
document is accurate or that the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Tradeapproves of the content.


_____________________________________________________________


Why do documents need to be Authenticated\Apostilled?


If you are going to use Irish documents overseas, for business or
personal reasons, you may be asked to have your documents
Authenticated\Apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade. You should therefore confirm with the authority to whom you
are presenting the documents what their requirements are with
regard to Authentication\Legalisation.


_____________________________________________________________


What is an Apostille?


The 1961 Hague Convention abolished the requirement for Foreign
Public Documents (e.g. birth, death and marriage certificates,
documents issued by a Notary Public) to be legalised for countries
that are parties to the Convention. The Convention entered into
force for Ireland on 9 March 1999. For further information on the
Hague Convention please access their website.

However, countries that are parties to the Convention may request
the bearer of a document issued by a public authority to obtain an
Apostille from the Authorities of the country that issued the
document.

An Apostille involves the addition of a certificate, either stamped
on the document itself or attached to it. It certifies the country
of origin of the document, the identity and capacity in which the
document has been signed and the name of any authority which has
affixed a seal or stamp to the document.


_____________________________________________________________


Documents we can Authenticate\Apostille


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille documents of Irish origin provided that they
bear an original signature, seal or stamp from an Irish practising
public official or organisation. An Irish document means that it
originated or has been executed in Ireland. If a practising Irish
solicitor, Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths is signing a
document they should state clearly what exactly it is they are
certifying in relation to the document. They must sign their own
name and not use a company signature.


_____________________________________________________________


Examples of Documents the Department can Authenticate\Apostille
are:


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille public documents which have been executed in
the territory of One Contracting State and which have to be
produced in the territory of another Contracting State.


Examples:



Original certificates issued by the General Registers
Office (GRO)


Company documents issued by the Companies Registration Office


Documents signed by the Chambers of Commerce in Ireland


Court documents, Powers of Attorney, and other Notarial Acts can be
Authenticated provided they bear an original signature, seal or
stamp from a practising Irish solicitor\ Notary Public in Ireland


Educational Certificates can be Authenticated provided they fall
within the National Framework of Qualifications established by the
National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland\are recognised
by the Department of Education.


We can also Authenticate\Apostille medical reports signed by a
doctor who is registered with the Medical Council of Ireland.


Garda Clearance letters confirming a person's details for Consular
purposes must be issued from the Superintendent's Office of the
Garda station where you last resided in Ireland. This letter
must bear an original stamp and signature of the Garda Sioch&#225;na.



An appointment is necessary for large numbers of documents and for
full foreign adoption dossiers.


Photocopies of DocumentsWe can
Authenticate\Apostille photocopies of certain types of documents
provided they have been certified by a practising Irish Solicitor
or Notary Public in Ireland. However, you should in the first
instance confirm with the authority to whom you are presenting the
document that a certified copy will be acceptable to them.


_____________________________________________________________


How to get your Document Authenticated\Apostilled


Documents that have been executed in Ireland, and which are to be
Authenticated or Apostilled by the Department can be:


Presented to the Department at its Public Office at the following
address:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Hainault House
69 - 71 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2


or sent via post to:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
80 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2


Documents sent by post must include the
following:
A brief covering letter stating your name, return address,
telephone number, you must state what country the document(s) are
for use in, and you must include the appropriate
fee.


Tel. (01) 408 2174
(01) 408 2322
(01) 408 2557
(01) 408 2576

For the Munster area:


Consular Services,
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
1A South Mall,
Cork

Tel: 021 4944765 / 021 4944766


Opening Hours:The opening hours for the
Public Offices in Dublin and Cork are as follows:
Monday - Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
0930 - 1300
1430 - 1600

FeesA fee of €40 is charged for each
Apostille or Authentication. There is a standard fee of
€100 for a series of Apostilles or Authentications in
relation to inter-country adoptions. All Post Placement Reports
have a fee of €40.00


Please note that there may be an additional administration fee if
applying for these services from our officesabroad. Fees will
be notified on request.


Methods of Payment
This section relates to services available at the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Tradein Dublin and Cork.


Payment can be made by Cash, Bank Draft (made payable to the
'Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade'), Irish Postal
Orderor by Credit/Debit card.


It should be noted that all bank draftsmust be drawn on an
Irish bank or a bank showing a connection with a bank in Ireland.
Personal cheques are no longer accepted.


_____________________________________________________________


E-Register Verification of Apostilles and
Authentications


The online electronic register enables you to verify the
authenticity of an Apostille or Authentication issued by the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland from 01
January 2013.


In order to verify an Apostille or Authentication, please
click here


_____________________________________________________________


Legalisation


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad can legalise
documents executed abroad for use in Ireland.


Administering oaths, affirmations and
statutory declarations and certifying copies of documents:


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Officers abroad are empowered under
Irish law to administer oaths, affirmations and statutory
declarations. They can also certify copies of original Irish
documents or translations. 


If you require any of these services, contact your nearest
   Irish Diplomatic or Consular
   Mission.


The fee for these services in local currency and methods of payment
will be notified, on request, by the relevant Mission.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:47:12 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Embassy Closure Dates]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=35059</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Closure Dates in 2013


1January


29 March


1-3 May


6May


24May


6September


24-26December

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:21:03 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[2012]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=89209</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
Seven Psychopathsat Kinomania 2012


Written and Directed by Oscar(R)-winner Martin McDonagh, the comedy
Seven Psychopaths follows a struggling screenwriter (Colin
Farrell) who inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles
criminal underworld after his oddball friends (Christopher Walken
and Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) beloved
Shih Tzu. Co-starring Abbie Cornish, Tom Waits, Olga Kurylenko and
Zeljko Ivanek.


Тhe film was screened on 15 November, Thursday, at 7pm in Hall 1 of
NDK.






„Седем психопата” в програмата на Киномания 2012


Написана и режисирана от носителя на Оскар Мартин Макдона,
комедията „Седем психопата” проследява начеващия сценарист
Марти (Колин Фарел), който неволно бива въвлечен в подземния
криминален свят на Лос Анджелис, след като шантавите му приятели
Били (Сам Рокуел) и Ханс (Кристофър Уокън) отвличат любимото куче
порода ши тцу на гангстера Чарли (Уди Харелсън). Участват още Аби
Корниш, Том Уейтс, Олга Куриленко и Желико Иванек.


Филмътбе показан на 15 ноември, четвъртък, от 19 ч. в зала 1
на НДК.


Irish Musicians return to Vratza


Music director andconductor of Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra
Derek Gleeson andfamousAmerican Soprano Dorothy Stone
performedwith Vratza Philharmonic Orchestra on Thursday, 15th
November, 2012. The visit was made possible with the assistance of
Culture Ireland.


Program:


Puccini: &quot;Vissi D'arte&quot; from Tosca


Verdi: &quot;Tu Che le vanita&quot; from Don Carlo


Verdi: &quot;Salce/Ave Maria&quot; from Otello


Beethoven: &quot;Eroica&quot; Symphony No 3





Ирландски музиканти гостуват отново на Врачанската
филхармония


Музикалният директоридиригентна Дъблинската
филхармония Дерек Глийсън и прочутото американско сопрано Дороти
Стоун участваха в концерта на Врачанската филхармония на 15
ноември, четвъртък, 2012 г. Гостуването се осъществи с
подкрепата на организацията за популяризиране на ирландската
култура в чужбина Culture Ireland.


Програма:


Пучини: Тоска - &quot;Vissi D'arte&quot;


Верди:Дон Карло - &quot;Tu Che le vanita&quot;


Верди: Отело -&quot;Аве Мария&quot;


Бетовен: Симфония номер 3 - &quot;Ероика&quot;


Irish Musicians performed with Vratza Philharmonic
Ochestra


Famous conductor of Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra Malcolm Yuen and
leading Irish Trumpet player John Walshperformedwith
Vratza Philharmonic Orchestra on Thursday, 18th October, 2012. The
visit was made possible with the assistance of Culture Ireland.


Vratsa Subscription Concert


Date:Thursday 18th
October, 2012


Time:19:00 hrs


Venue:Philharmonic Hall, Vratza,
Hristo Botev Sq. 1


F. Schubert - &quot;Rosamunde&quot; Overture D.797 Op. 26


J. Haydn - Trumpet Concerto


Beethoven - Symphony no. 7 Op. 92





Ирландски музиканти гостуваха на Врачанската
филхармония


Известният диригент от Дъблинската филхармония Малкълм Иън и
прочутият тромпетист Джон Уолш участваха в концерт на Врачанската
филхармония на 18 октомври, четвъртък, 2012 г. Гостуването се
осъществи с подкрепата на организацията за популяризиране на
ирландската култура в чужбина Culture Ireland.


Програма:


Дата18 октомври,
2012 г.


Час: 19:00 ч.


Зала: Врачанска филхармония,
пл. „Христо Ботев” 1, гр. Враца


Шуберт - &quot;Розамунда&quot; Увертюра(D.797), оп. 26


Хайдн - Концерт за тромпет


Бетовен - Симфония номер 7, оп. 92


James Joyce and Music


Оn 2nd October, an evening dedicated toJames Joyce
and the music of his time took placeat the residenceof
the Ambassador of Ireland John Rowan.


Joyce's training and skill in playing music, and his love and
appreciation of music of all types, deeply influenced his writing.
The music he loved and played was performed by the great Bulgarian
violinist and teacher, Professor Josef Rodianov, and his wife, the
pianist Zornitza Radionova.





Джеймс Джойс и музиката


На 2 октомври, вторник, в резиденцията на Посланика на Ирландия бе
проведена вечер, посветена на Джеймс Джойс и музиката от неговото
време.


Музикалното образование и талант на Джойс, както и любовта му
къммузиката, силно повлияват на творчеството му. Музика,
харесвана от писателя и популярна по негово време, бе изпълнена от
известния български цигулар и преподавател, професор Йосиф
Радионов, и съпругата му, пианистката Зорница Радионова.


Focus on Ireland at Sofia Film Fest


Celebrating Ireland through film!To coincide with the day
when the whole world turned Irish, the Embassy of Ireland, the
Irish Film Institute and Sofia International Film Festival joined
forces to organize &quot;Focus on Ireland”: a special series of Irish
films.


Kicking off on St Patrick’s Day itself, the programme featured six
films, some of which werenew to Bulgaria and a couple of
classics for good measure.


For the film programme, please click 
here.






Фокус Ирландия на София Филм Фест


Денят на Св. Патрик бе отпразнуван с филми! Посолството на
Ирландия, Ирландският филмов институт и София Филм Фест обединиха
усилията си, за да представят „Фокус Ирландия”, специална панорама
от ирландски филми, в чест на деня, когато целият свят става
ирландски.


На връх националния празник на Ирландия на 17 март, програмата бе
открита с първия от шестте игрални филми, някои от които за първи
път бяха показани в България.


За филмовата програма, моля, натиснете 
тук.


Diana Rowan plays at Chamber Hall Bulgaria


On 12 May, Saturday,there was a concertof the Bulgarian
National Philharmonic Choir “Svetoslav Obretenov” with Diana Rowan
performing as a special guest.


The concert took place at 19.00 hrsat Chamber Hall Bulgaria,
Sofia.





Диана Роуънгостува в Камерна зала &quot;България&quot;


На 12 май, събота, се състояконцерт на Националния
филхармоничен оркестър „Светослав Обретенов” със специален
гост-изпълнител на арфа Даяна Роуън.


Концертът се проведев Камерна зала „България” от 19 часа.


Irish pianist Conor Linehan comes to Vratsa


Irish pianist Conor Linehan came to Vratsa for a concert on May
10th, conducted by Derek Gleeson, Conductor of the Dublin
Philharmonic Orchestra.


Program: 


Venue:Philharmonic Hall, Vratza,
Hristo Botev Sq. 1


Beethoven 5th Piano Concerto


Beethoven 6th Symphony (The Pastoral Symphony)





Пианистът Конър Линехан ще гостува във Враца


Пианистът Конър Линехан гостува във Враца за концерт на10 май
под диригентството на Дерек Глийсън от Дъблинския
филхармоничен оркестър.


Програма:


Зала: Врачанска филхармония,
пл. „Христо Ботев” 1, гр. Враца


Бетовен - Концерт за пиано No.5


Бетовен - Симфония No.6 &quot;Пасторална&quot;


St Patrick’s Day Ball


The Irish Bulgarian Business Network, in association with the
Embassy of Ireland in Bulgaria once again celebrated St
Patrick’s Day in style with the annual charity St Patrick’s Day
Ball. In its fifth year, the St Patrick’s Day Ball was a
night of “craic agus ceol” (fun and music) all in support of three
worthy causes. This year, the Ballfell on 17 March - St
Patrick’s Day itself - making it all the more reason to
celebrate.


The Hilton Hotel chef had a tasty menu in store and The Rhythm
Boysgot everyone out on the dance floor
afterwards.There was a fantastic auction – the kind folks at
IRFU donated an Ireland rugby shirt signed by all the team which
was one of the most coveted items!The raffle had many
exciting prizes thanks to the generosity of local businesses in
Sofia. All proceeds from the night were shared between the
Cedar Foundation [www.cedarfoundation.org], the Angelia Foundation
[www.angeliafoundation.org], and A21 Campaign
[www.theA21campaign.org].





Бал за Деня на Св. Патрик


Ирландско-българската бизнес мрежа и Посолството на Ирландия в
Българияпроведоха за пореден пътежегодния
благотворителен бал за Деня на Св. Патрик. В петата си година,
балът бе изпълнен свеселие и музика в подкрепа на
достойни каузи. Този път той съвпадна със самия Ден на Св.
Патрик, 17 март, което бе още по-добър повод за празнуване.


Главният готвач на хотел „Хилтън” бе подготвил вкусно меню, а
групата „Ритъм бойс”успя да изкара всички на дансинга.
Имаше и страхотен търг - щедрите ни приятели от Ирландския съюз по
ръгби и футбол дариха фанелка, подписана от целия ръгби отбор,
коятобе сред най-желаните предложения! Томболата също
предложи вълнуващи награди, благодарение на подкрепата на фирми от
София. Всички набрани средстваотидоха във фондация Сийдър
[www.cedarfoundation.org], фондация „Анджелия”
[www.angeliafoundation.org] и Кампания A21
[www.theA21campaign.org].


BECKETT IN BULGARIA


An exciting collaboration between the Irish Embassy and Trinity
College Dublin brought ten students and one lecturer to Sofia to
perform four lesser-known plays of Samuel Beckett.


Grouped here under the collective title
&quot;Ethica&quot;,&quot;Play&quot; (1964), &quot;Come and Go&quot;
(1965),&quot;Catastrophe&quot; (1979) and &quot;What
Where&quot; (1983) explore timeless questions of fidelity, justice,
and resistance in both domestic and political contexts.


Ethica: Four Shorts by Samuel Beckettwas presented in
the theatre of the National Academy of Theatre andFilm Arts
(NATFIZ)in Sofia on 1 and 2 March, 2012. The tour was made
possiblewith the support of the Trinity Association and Trust
and the Embassy of Ireland, Sofia.






БЕКЕТ В БЪЛГАРИЯ


Благодарение на
сътрудничеството между Посолството на Ирландия и Тринити колидж -
Дъблин, десет студенти и един преподавателгостуваха в София с
четири по-малко известни пиеси на Самюъл Бекет.


Събрани тук под общото заглавие „Етика”,четирите
бекетови творби „Пиеса” (1964), „Ела и си тръгни”
(1965), „Катастрофа” (1979) и„Какво къде”
(1983)изследват вечните въпроси за верността, справедливостта
и противодействието в личен и политически план.


Представлението „Етика: Четири кратки пиеси от Самюъл Бекет”
бе представено в Учебния театър при НАТФИЗ &quot;Кръстьо Сарафов&quot; в
София на 1 и 2 март. Турнето бе осъществено с финансиране от
Тринити асоциация, както и с подкрепата на
Посолството на Ирландия в България.


Irish conductor Malcolm Yuen performed with Vratza
Philharmonic Ochestra


Famous conductor of Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra Malcolm
Yuenperformed togetherwith Vratsa Philhamonic Orchestra
on Thursday 16th February. The visit was made possible with the
assistance of Culture Ireland.


Vratsa Subscription Concert Programme:


R. Wagner - Siegfried - Idyll


J. Haydn - Trumpet Concerto


Beethoven - Symphony no. 8 Op. 93


Ирландски диригент гостува отновона Врачанската
филхармония


Известният диригент от Дъблинската филхармония Малкълм Иънбе
поканен да участва в концерт на Врачанската филхармонияна 16
февруари, четвъртък, 2012 г. Гостуването се осъществи с подкрепата
на организацията за популяризиране на ирландската култура в чужбина
Culture Ireland.


Програма:


Рихард Вагнер - Зигфрид Идилия


Йозеф Хайдн - Концерт за тромпет


Бетовен - Симфония Номер 8, Опус 93


Fishamble: The New Play Company at Ivan Vazov National
Theatre


Fishamble: The New Play Company returned to Bulgaria for
two nights in January with a highly successful production of
Silent. The play, written and performed by
Pat Kinevane and directed by Jim Culleton, won the Fringe First and
Herald Angel Awards at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011.


Pat Kinevane, who was visiting Bulgaria for the second time, was
recently chosen as 2011’s Top Performer for Silent on
entertainment.ie, the Irish entertainment website. He
has also been nominated for an Irish Times Theatre Award.


Fishamble: The New Play Company is an internationally
acclaimed, multi-award winning company dedicated to new work for
the theatre. Its visit to Bulgaria is supported by Culture Ireland
and the Embassy of Ireland, Bulgaria.





Театър Фишамбъл гостува на Народен театър &quot;Иван
Вазов&quot;


Театър „Фишамбъл” отново гостува в България през януари
тази годинас нашумялото си представление „Тишина”,
моноспектакъл на Пат Киневан под режисурата на Джим Кълътън.
Пиесата е носител на Първа награда и наградата Херълд Ейнджъл
от Международния фестивал за авангарден театър в Единбург.


Пат Киневан, който гостува в България за втори път, бе избран
наскоро за най-добър театрален актьор на 2011 г. от ирландския сайт
за развлечение entertainment.ie. Той бе номиниран и за
театралната награда на в. „Айриш таймс”.


Театър „Фишамбъл” се специализира във възлагане и
разработка на нови драматични творби и е носител на редица
международни награди. Турнето в Българиябе осъществено с
подкрепата на Culture Ireland, ирландската държавна агенция, която
популяризира изкуството и културата на Ирландия в чужбина, и на
Посолството на Ирландия.




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:23:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Arts & Culture]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79149</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Ireland’s Culture


Ireland has a rich cultural past and present. The traditional lore
preserved by the early Irish poets has left a colourful heritage of
mythical and historical stories. Modern writers in turn have drawn
on these stories to enrich their own work.



Top of Page


The Irish Language


Most people spoke Irish until the early nineteenth century but by
1891 the majority spoke English only. It is one of the celtic
family of languages and is closely related to scots Gaelic, Welsh
and Breton. Since Independence the state has actively encouraged
the use of Irish and it is the first official language with english
as the second. The latest figures show that 42% of all adults
declare a knowledge of Irish. It is widely spoken in areas known as
the Gaeltacht, situated mainly along the western seaboard.
the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs has
responsibility for promoting the cultural, social and economic
welfare of the Gaeltacht through &#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta
(Gaeltacht Authority). The Irish Language Agency (Foras
na Gaeilge) has responsibility for the promotion and
encouragement of the use of Irish as a vernacular throughout the
island of Ireland. Irish is a core subject in primary and secondary
schools and a growing number of schools offer tuition exclusively
through Irish (Gaelscoileanna). There is an Irish language
national radio service (Raidio na Gaeltachta) and an Irish
language television service (TG4). On 1 January 2007, the
Irish language became the 23rd official language of the European
Union.



Top of Page
 

Irish Literature


Irish writers have long made a significant contribution to world
literature in both the Irish and English languages. Written
literature in the Irish language dates from the sixth century. With
the end of the Gaelic order in the seventeenth century and its
tradition of patronage of poets, Irish writers began to preserve a
   record of the old civilisation. Through the eighteenth and
   nineteenth centuries members of the clergy, teachers and poets
   continued to write in Irish. One of the best known poets of this
   time is Brian Merriman (1747–1805) author of the frequently
   translated C&#250;irt an Mhe&#225;n O&#237;che (Midnight
   court). In the twentieth century writers such as Patrick
   Pearse (1879–1916) and P&#225;draic &#211; Conaire (1882–1928)
   opened Irish literature to European influences.
   Distinguished writers in Irish in the modern period
   include such diverse voices as Liam &#211; Flaitheartaigh
   (1896–1984), Mair&#233;ad N&#237; Ghr&#225;da (1896–1971), M&#225;irt&#237;n &#211;
   Cadhain (1906–70), M&#225;irt&#237;n &#211; Dire&#225;in (1910–88), Se&#225;n &#211;
   R&#237;ord&#225;in (1916–77), Michael Hartnett (1941–99), Cr&#237;ost&#243;ir &#211;
   Floinn (b. 1927), Gabriel Rosenstock (b. 1949), Liam &#211;
   Muirthile (b. 1950), Cathal &#211; Searcaigh (b. 1956) and
   Nuala N&#237; Dhomhnaill (b. 1952). In the english language,
   the satirist Jonathan swift (1667–1745) authored
   Gulliver’s Travels (1726). Oscar Wilde’s
   (1854–1900) plays, prose and poetry continue to be
   performed and read worldwide. Irish nobel laureates
   include the playwright and novelist George Bernard Shaw
   (1856–1950) and the poet and dramatist William
   Butler Yeats (1865–1939), whose work
   inspired the modernrenaissance in Irish
   writing. James Joyce (1882–1941) wrote the
   pioneering modernist novel, Ulysses
   (1922) — widely recognised as one of the
   greatest novels ever written. Joyce inspired
   the work of satirist Brian O’Nolan (Flann
   O’Brien) (1911–66), who also wrote in Irish.
   nobel laureate Samuel Beckett (1906–89) wrote
   in a minimalist vein, often in French. His
   play, Waiting for Godot (1953) has
   become a twentieth century classic of
   absurdism.





The generation of poets after Yeats included very different talents
in Patrick Kavanagh (1904–67). Kavanagh’s example as a poet of
rural realism inspired Seamus Heaney whose vision of the redemptive
power ofpoetry earned him the nobel Prize for Literature in 1995.
Irish fiction continues to be well received — in recent years,
several Irish writers have won the Man Booker Prize including Anne
Enright in 2007, John Banville in 2005 and Roddy Doyle in 1993.
Writers shortlisted for the prize include Colm T&#243;ib&#237;n (1999, 2004
and 2009), Sebastian Barry (2008) and Emma Donoghue (2010). Colum
Mccann's novel, “Let the Great World Spin” won the national Book
Award in the USA in 2009.


Irish theatre companies such as the Abbey, the Druid and the Gate
regularly tour their productions to international venues and host
the work of visiting theatre companies to Ireland.






Top of Page


Art


The earliest Irish art consists of carvings on megalithic monuments
dating from 3500 B.C. Celtic art reached its apogee in the
manuscripts of the gospels such as the books of Durrow and Kells.
After the ninth century Irish art absorbed Viking, Romanesque and
Gothic influences producing, for example, richly carved stone High
Crosses.


From the mid-seventeenth century decorative arts such as
goldsmithery, plasterwork and glass flourished in conjunction with
the large-scale public buildings of the time. In the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Irish painters looked to
the French Impressionists for a new idiom. These include William
Leech(1881–1968), Walter osborne (1859–1903), John Lavery
(1856–1941) and Roderic O’Conor (1860–1940). Crossing from
Impressionism to Expressionism, Jack B. Yeats (1871–1957) towers
over his contemporaries much as his brother, the poet W.B. Yeats,
was pre-eminent among his peers.



Other artists, working in an abstract expressionist mode, include
Louis le Brocquy, Norah McGuinness (1901–80) and Patrick Scott. A
strong new expressionist movement emerged in the late twentieth
century including Brian Maguire, Eithne Jordan, Michael Mulcahy,
Michael Cullen, Dorothy Cross and Alice Maher.


Sculpture in the nineteenth century was heroic and monumental as
exemplified by the statues of Oliver Goldsmith and Edmund Burke by
John Henry Foley (1819–1974) outside Trinity College, Dublin. This
tradition continued into the twentieth century with the works of
Oisin Kelly (1915–81), Seamus Murphy (1907–74) and Hilary Heron
(1923–77) pioneering the use of new casting techniques and
promoting the concept of an Irish vernacular sculpture.
Contemporary sculpture is more abstract and witty as can be seen in
the diverse work of Edward Delany (1930–2009), John Behan, Michael
Warren, Eilis O’Connell, Kathy Prendergast and Eileen MacDonagh.





Department of Arts,
Heritage and the Gaeltacht




Department of
Environment,and Local Government




Culture
Ireland




&#218;dar&#225;s na
Gaeltachta




The Arts
Council




Crafts Council of
Ireland




Ireland
Literature Exchange






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Architecture


The earliest examples of architecture visible in Ireland today are
megalithic tombs (3500–2000 B.c.). these include dolmens (three
ormore standing stones supporting
   one or two capstones) and passage graves such as Newgrange.
   Stone Age techniques survived into the twelfth century and are
   still visible in the beehive structure of early churches and
   monasteries such as those on Skellig Michael and Gallarus
   Oratory in County Kerry. During the Iron Age (after 500 B.c.)
   large circular stone forts were built, usually on hilltops such
   as Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands.


The Round tower is almost exclusive to Ireland and is found in many
parts of the country. Built from the tenth to the twelfth centuries
on monastic sites, the most notable being at Clonmacnoise in County
Offaly, round towers were frequently more than 30 metres high.
Their primary purpose seems to have been to serve as bell towers
although the raised level of the doorway would suggest they may
also have had defensive uses.


After this period, Romanesque architecture with its intricate
andornate carved stonework influenced the shape of Irish churches,
the finest examples being Cormac’s Chapel on the Rock of Cashel in
County Tipperary and Clonfert Cathedral in County Galway. The
arrival of the Anglo-Normans heralded the introduction of the early
Gothic style of architecture, with the two Dublin cathedrals,
Christ Church and Saint Patrick’s, being the most notable. The
Normans built substantial castles with large rectangular keeps,
many of which, like Trim in County Meath and Carrickfergus in
County Antrim, still figure on the landscape. The fifteenth century
castle at Cahir in County Tipperary is the most impressive of the
surviving feudal strongholds.





Classical buildings date from the late seventeenth century. At the
turn of the eighteenth century Palladian mansions were emulating
Italian palazzos, but by the end of the century, this style had
given way to neo-classicism and Dublin became an outstanding
example of Georgian architecture. Key buildings from this period
include the Custom House and the Four Courts in Dublin, with their
distinctive copper domes, designed by James Gandon (1743–1823). By
the nineteenth century Gothic revivalism was in vogue influencing
the design of churches such as Saint Finn Barre’s Cathedral (1867)
in Cork and adapted to domestic architecture in the construction of
Ashford Castle (c.1870), County Mayo.



Topof Page


Music


Music has always been an important part of Irish culture, from the
traditional accompaniment to festivals and funerals in the form of
playing and ballad singing, to Irish dancing which is very much
alive in Irish communities around the world. The harp was the
dominant instrument in early historical times. One of the earliest
Irish composers whose work survives is Turlough O’Carolan
(1670–1738), the blind harpist and one of the last of the ancient
bardic tradition.


There is also a classical tradition in the forms pioneered by
otherEuropean composers. Eighteenth
   century Dublin was an important musical centre and Handel chose
   to premiere his Messiah there in 1742. In the twentieth
   century traditional Irish music inspired modern composers such
   as Se&#225;n &#211; Riada (1931–71). Count John McCormack (1884–1945) was
   a world famous Irish tenor.


Traditional Irish music is now popular in many countries through
the influence of groups as diverse as Clannad, the Chieftains,
Altan, Dervish, L&#250;nasa and An&#250;na, all of whom perform in a modern
context without compromising the integrity of the original sound.
Reflecting this versatility is the phenomenon of Riverdance,
with music composed by Bill Whelan, combining the best of Irish
song, music and dance. Comhaltas Ceolt&#243;ir&#237; &#201;ireann plays a
prominent part in the development and preservation of Irish
traditional music and dance.


On the jazz scene guitarist Louis Stewart has played with leading
international musicians. Bands such as U2 and Westlife are famous
at home and abroad, as are individual singers such as Van Morrison,
Sin&#233;ad O’Connor and Enya.


There are three full–time professional orchestras performing in
Ireland. The national opera company was founded in 2010 forged from
two state-funded companies, Opera Ireland and Opera Theatre
Company. There is also a wealth of individual classical musical
talent such as the well known pianist John O’Conor and singers Ann
Murray and Suzanne Murphy.



Top of Page


Film


Films have been made in and about Ireland since the Lumi&#233;re
Brothers filmed in Sackville (now O’Connell) Street in 1897.
In 1910 the American, Sidney Olcott, filmed The Lad from Old
Ireland in New York and Kerry, the first film ever made on two
continents. Ireland has since played host to many international
directors — Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, Francis Ford Coppola, John
Huston and Steven Spielberg.


Throughout the last century Irish film makers were prolific in
theirproduction of amateur films, newsreels, documentaries
and informational films. It was not until the 1970s however that a
new wave of indigenously produced fiction films began to provide a
striking alternative to foreign produced representations of
Ireland.


The work of Irish producers, directors and screen writers is
facilitated by the Irish Film Board who fund production and
distribution of feature films, shorts, animated films and Irish
language productions. Irish films have enjoyed international
acclaim such as Michael Collins (Neil Jordan 1996), I
Went Down (Paddy Breathnach 1997), The General (John
Boorman 1998), The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Ken Loach
2006) winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and Once (John
Carney 2006), winner of an Academy Award for best original song.


Annual film festivals in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast showcase
Irish and international films while a year–round venue for art
house cinema is provided at the Irish Film Centre in Dublin, the
Kino in Cork and the town Hall in Galway. The Irish animator,
Richard Baneham, won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and a
BAFTA Award for special Visual effects for his work on Avatar,
2010.





The National
Theatre Society




National Concert
Hall




National
Archives




Irish Museum of
Modern Art




National
Gallery of Ireland




National Library of
Ireland




National Museum of
Ireland




Chester Beatty
Library




Irish Research
Council for the Humanities &amp;amp; Social Studies




An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna




Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann






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Sport


Among the most popular sports are Ireland’s traditional games,
gaelic football, hurling and camogie, which are played almost
exclusively in Ireland and in Irish communities abroad. Games in
the All-Ireland hurling and football championships attract large
attendances throughout the summer months culminating in the finals,
the highlight of Ireland’s sporting year, which are held in Croke
Park in Dublin.





Soccer is popular at all ages from school to senior level in
domestic competitions. the Irish International team, which plays as
the Republic of Ireland, has over the past number of years enjoyed
some success and is well supported by enthusiastic and friendly
fans.


Rugby football is popular in Ireland at international, club and
schools level. The sport is managed by the Irish Rugby Football
Union (IRFU). Ireland competes in the international annual Six
Nations Championship, winning the tournament in 2009.





Ireland has a strong reputation for field sports such as shooting,
fishing and also for equestrian events, show jumping and horse
racing. The Irish bloodstock industry is considered one of the
finest in the world.


As Ireland has over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and numerous
inland waterways, sailing and boating are long-established sports.
A wide range of marine leisure activities such as fishing,
water-skiing, canoeing, wind-surfing, diving and swimming are also
pursued.





Over 400 golf courses offer facilities through the country.
All-Ireland teams compete in international amateur golfing
competitions with the major Irish tournaments on the international
professional circuit being the Irish Open and the Smurfit European
Open. The Ryder Cup was held in Ireland in 2006, with top
Irish golfers P&#225;draig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley
contributing to the European team’s victory over the United States.
Harrington later went on to become a three times ‘Majors’ winner,
winning the British open championship in July 2007 and in 2008, and
the US PGA in 2008.


Ireland has a history of successfully hosting prestigious sporting
events and hosted the special olympics in June 2003. This was the
largest sporting event ever to take place in Ireland. Over 7,000
special athletes from 160 countries came to Ireland to participate
in this unique sporting achievement.








Irish
Sports Council




Football Association
of Ireland




Irish Rugby Football
Union




Gaelic Association of
Ireland




Horse
Racing Ireland




Golfing Union of
Ireland




Special
Olympics Ireland




Olympic
Council of Ireland






Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:51:11 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[St Patrick]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79159</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Some studies suggest that St. Patrick's real name was Maewyn Succat
and that he was born at the end of the fourth century on the island
of Britain (possibly Wales or Scotland). At the age of sixteen he
was kidnapped by a band of pirates, and sold into slavery in
Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd. After six long years of
slavery he escaped to the northern coast of Gaul (modern France)
where he began studies to become a priest. Here he took on the name
Patrick (Patricus). According to legend, Patrick had recurrent
dreams, which he interpreted as a calling from God to convert the
pagans of Ireland to Christianity.

In about 432 AD, Patrick arrived in Ireland, where he used the
shamrock, which resembles a three-leafed clover, to help explain
the concept of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and
God the Holy Spirit). On one occasion, Patrick defied the High King
of Ireland, by lighting a fire on top of a hill at Tara, the
ancient capital of Ireland, before the High King himself. This was
on the Celtic feast of Bealtaine, when tradition dictated that the
High King would light the first fire, from which all others would
be lit. Patrick's fire seemed to have magical powers and proved to
the High King that Patrick's God was more powerful than the God's
of the Druids.

Patrick travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries and
setting up schools and churches to aid in converting the Irish
country to Christianity. Legend tells us that Saint Patrick drove
all the snakes out of Ireland, by forcing them into the sea where
they drowned. There are no snakes in Ireland today (except in
zoos).

Patrick preached in Ireland for thirty years. He ended his mission
in County Down and where he died on 17th March in 461 AD. That day
has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.

The main St. Patrick's Day festival is held in
      Dublin, but St. Patrick's Day is celebrated throughout the
      world by Irish people and friends of Ireland. St. Patrick's
      Day parades take place in New York, Moscow, Munich, Vienna
      and many other cities throughout the world. 
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:32:45 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
		
	</channel>
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