Northern lights expected to be visible across Ireland tonight, weather permitting

Northern lights expected to be visible across Ireland tonight, weather permitting

A geomagnetic storm is expected to make the Aurora Borealis visible throughout Ireland tonight, though cloud cover may interfere with viewing opportunities in some areas. Professor Peter Gallagher of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) Dunsink Observatory confirmed to The Journal that a “big solar storm” occurred two days ago, sending a burst of … Read more

Scientists claim resurrection of dire wolf through genetic engineering

Scientists claim resurrection of dire wolf through genetic engineering

A team of researchers at Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences has announced what they call the “world’s first successfully de-extincted animal” – three dire wolf pups created through genetic engineering and cloning technology. The dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus), which went extinct approximately 12,500 years ago and served as inspiration for creatures in the television series … Read more

Tony’s Chocolonely recalls batches of bar over possible stone contamination

Tony’s Chocolonely recalls batches of bar over possible stone contamination

Specific batches of Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Almond Sea Salt (180g) have been recalled by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) due to the possible presence of small stones. The recall affects bars with batch numbers 162633 and 162614, carrying a best before date of February 28, 2026. Consumers are advised not to eat the … Read more

Tourism industry contests CSO figures showing sharp decline in overseas visitors

Tourism industry contests CSO figures showing sharp decline in overseas visitors

Ireland’s tourism sector has questioned the Central Statistics Office’s data indicating a significant drop in foreign visitors, as industry groups claim the official figures may overstate the decline. The CSO recently reported that 304,300 foreign visitors traveled to Ireland in February 2025, representing a dramatic 30% decrease from the 433,300 recorded in February 2024. However, … Read more

Rare bongo calf brings hope for critically endangered species

Rare bongo calf brings hope for critically endangered species

Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of a female eastern bongo calf, a momentous occasion for conservation efforts of one of the world’s most endangered antelope species. Born on February 20 to first-time mother Annabel, the newborn represents a critical addition to a species with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild. The two-and-a-half-year-old … Read more

Famous Game of Thrones tree tunnel nearing natural end, trust warns

Famous Game of Thrones tree tunnel nearing natural end, trust warns

The iconic Dark Hedges in County Antrim, Northern Ireland – a scenic beech tree avenue made famous by HBO’s Game of Thrones – is “coming to the end of its natural lives,” according to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT). Recently taking over management from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, the organization will … Read more

Historic 18th century fort in Phoenix Park to welcome visitors after decades of closure

Historic 18th century fort in Phoenix Park to welcome visitors after decades of closure

After lying dormant for nearly four decades, the Magazine Fort in Dublin’s Phoenix Park will once again open its doors to the public this summer, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced. The nearly 300-year-old military structure, which began construction in 1734 under British forces, will be accessible as part of a series of … Read more

Jameson owner's shares plunge following Trump's 200% tariff threat

Jameson owner’s shares plunge following Trump’s 200% tariff threat

Shares in the owner of Jameson whiskey took a significant hit on the stock exchange following Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 200% tariff on European alcohol imports. Global markets slid yesterday, particularly on Wall Street, as the US president escalated his trade war with the European Union. French drinks group Pernod Ricard, which owns … Read more

Cliffs of Moher coastal trail to remain closed for 2025 tourist season

Cliffs of Moher coastal trail to remain closed for 2025 tourist season

Cliffs of Moher trail, a key visitor attraction in Co Clare, is set to remain closed, or at least partially inaccessible, for the 2025 tourist season due to safety concerns. The Cliffs of Moher, which welcomed nearly 1.5 million visitors last year, will see its coastal walking trail remain out of action after a Sport … Read more

Diageo raises pint prices again: Guinness and other draught beers see price increase

Diageo raises pint prices again: Guinness and other draught beers see price increase

Diageo has implemented another price increase on its popular draught beers today, marking the fourth such increase in just two years. The price hike affects several well-known brands including Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks, and Hophouse 13. The base price increase amounts to six cents per pint (excluding VAT) for most products, while Guinness 0.0 sees a … Read more

Google plans massive interactive mural for Dublin headquarters

Google plans massive interactive mural for Dublin headquarters

Google Ireland has submitted plans for a 705-square-meter interactive mural spanning seven stories at its European headquarters in Dublin 4. The ‘Urban Growth’ installation would combine traditional art with augmented reality technology. Artist Sean Atmos, known for creating Ireland’s largest murals, will lead the project at South Bank House on Barrow Street. The mural will … Read more

Rare celestial display: Four planets visible in Irish skies until late February

Rare celestial display: Four planets visible in Irish skies until late February

A spectacular astronomical event is set to grace Irish skies from tonight, with four planets becoming visible to the naked eye in a rare alignment that will last until February 27. Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will be visible stretching across the southern sky from west to east, according to Blackrock Castle Observatory’s resident astronomer … Read more

Ryanair renews call for two-drink limit at airport bars to curb disruption

Ryanair renews call for two-drink limit at airport bars to curb disruption

Ryanair has reiterated its appeal for airport bars to limit passengers to two alcoholic drinks, arguing that such a measure would ensure “a safer travel experience for passengers and crews.” The airline believes excessive drinking before flights is a significant factor contributing to disruptive behavior onboard. This renewed call comes as Ryanair steps up its … Read more

NASA probe survives record-breaking close pass to the sun

NASA probe survives record-breaking close pass to the sun

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has successfully completed its closest-ever approach to the sun, coming within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface while traveling at an extraordinary speed of 430,000 miles per hour on Christmas Eve. The spacecraft, which potentially faced temperatures reaching 982C during its daring approach, has sent back a signal confirming it’s … Read more