My experience of golf in Ireland and Helsinki.

But I can continue to be a Thermobore... Thermomix (Shutterstock image) I was thinking recently about what I had missed and was grateful to have back in my life since we came home from Helsinki. And, being the sad person I am, my Thermomix was up there towards the top of my list. For those of you who may not be familiar, a Thermomix , according to the blurb, is a revolutionary kitchen appliance that combines the functions of more than 20 appliances in one: it can chop, beat,

What is the secret of the success of the Nordic countries?

The Turku Archipelago is a great destination for an activity-based holiday.

Cathedral in Senate Square Helsinki, January 2026 We are saying goodbye to Helsinki, at least for now, on Wednesday next. My husband has, somewhat prematurely, been re-assigned to a construction project back in Dublin, beginning next week. So it is with bitter-sweet emotions we are packing up our belongings, at least six months earlier than we had originally envisaged. We, of course, will be delighted to be back with family and friends in Ireland, but perhaps we were not quit

On my way from my car to the supermarket entrance, I regularly stop to look at the window display in Book Haven in Knocklyon to see what new titles they have on show. Naturally, I am often tempted to go in for a better look (and to feel and smell!), and I frequently purchase a new book before I buy my groceries. Food for the soul and spirit is every bit as important as food for the body, I would argue. Imagine my delight yesterday morning, when I stood in front of the window

The launch of Kathryn Crowley's new collection of stories 'Love, Lycra and Tattoos' took place on the 4th of December 2025 in Dublin.

A short and to-the-point blog post this week! I would love to see all of my blog subscribers at the event in the Teachers' Club in Dublin on Thursday next. It will be a joint book launch with my fellow-writer and Emu Ink stable-mate John Fintan McCutcheon. I invite you to kick off your Christmas shopping by buying signed copies of our two books on the evening.

I am delighted to have my first published poem, a glosa called 'The Emergency is Now' published in 'The Stony Thursday Book 50.'