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Monday 29 May 2023 Dublin: 9°C

# the gathering

All time
# Pot o' gold
2013 St Patrick's Festival 'worth €121 million to Irish economy'
That’s over twice as much as the 2010 festival.
# the gathering
7.4pc more overseas tourists in first three months of The Gathering
CSO figures confirm a significant bump in tourist numbers from abroad in the first quarter of 2013.
# jigs and reels
6 reasons why you should jump at the chance to be in Riverdance
This July a world record Riverdance attempt will take place along the banks of the Liffey.
Voices
Column: So, we have recognised Tom Cruise's Irish roots... where's the harm in that?
Those who are cynical or opposed to the efforts of The Gathering should ask themselves why, says Larry Donnelly who questions what ignites such hostility to seemingly harmless endeavours like that of certificates of Irishness.
# identity
College offers online course in what it means to be Irish
Free open online course allows students here – and abroad – to explore Irish identity.
# an tóstal
You know we had a 'Gathering' 60 years ago, right?
‘An Tóstal’ was organised in 1953 to encourage visitors to come to Ireland outside of the normal tourist season. And it gave us the Rose of Tralee.
# Fungie
'Major celebration' to mark the 30th anniversary of Fungie's arrival
Dingle is to mark the 30th anniversary of the arrival of Fungie the dolphin with a weekend of festivities this month.
Tom Cruise is Irish now too
We’ve taken a look at the evidence before the star lands in Dublin next week.
# Tourism
Increase in trips to Ireland 'a positive start' to the year
Latest figures from the CSO have shown that nearly 1.2 million people travelled to Ireland from December 2012 to February 2013.
# Céad Míle Fáilte
Ireland is the 9th friendliest country in the world for tourists
Research by the World Economic Forum says we’re still among the most welcoming countries in the world for visitors.
# All-male dinner
Fianna Fáil criticises Tánaiste for 'snubbing' men-only dinner in Georgia
Eamon Gilmore will not be stopping in the US city of Savannah to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, avoiding a men-only dinner that is being planned by the Hibernian Society which the Taoiseach sent a personal message to last year.
Voices
Column: So you want to set up a festival? Here's what you should know...
Festivals and events can bring much-needed tourism to a town, village or region, generating substantial economic and socio-cultural benefits. Feargus Dunne advises on how to organise one.
# the gathering
Prince William and Prince Harry had an Irish cousin
The discovery was made by researchers looking at the Morpeth Roll, a fascinating and rare snapshot of pre-famine Ireland.
# pic of the day
Forty years ago today...Liam Cosgrave became Taoiseach
Here he is now, aged 92.
# Irishness
President’s St Patrick’s Day message: ‘It’s time to reflect on our shared past’
Michael D Higgins says it is a time to reflect on our shared past, celebrate Ireland’s unique culture and heritage, and show our gratitude to all those who have been of assistance to Irish people at home and abroad.
# Tourism
Dublin hotel prices ‘up 174 per cent’ for St Patrick’s Day
Hotel search website Trivago says the average hotel room for Saturday week will cost €287 – up from the usual €105.
# the gathering
PHOTOS: President and pals prepare for Patrick's Day broadcast
The Script, Bono, Christy Moore and Seamus Heaney will be among the artists performing on ‘Glaoch’ on March 17.
# Green Light
27 Irish landmarks going green for St Patrick's Festival
Castles, memorials and at least one Government department will get the green light from 14 to 18 March.
# Tourism
Hoteliers call for greater action to attract tourists from Britain
The Irish Hotels Federation issues demands to ‘reinvigorate’ tourism marketing, after the number of British visitors fell in 2012.
# Tourism
North America 'key to tourism growth' as trips to Ireland up by 50,000
Latest figures from the CSO have shown that nearly 1.25 million people travelled to Ireland from November 2012 to January 2013.
# Hidden Ireland
5 off-the-beaten track places in Ireland you really should visit
There is no entry fee to any of these sites – so what are you waiting for?
# rebel week
Cork towns and homes asked to host... marching bands
Towns and districts of Cork are being asked to host one marching band in their locality during Rebel Week.
# Beep beep
Major increase in number of American users of AA route planner
AA Ireland reckons increased use of its online journey planner is a good sign for The Gathering…
# To Russia With Love
Tourism Ireland aims to get more Russians to visit here
Trade mission lands in Moscow and St Petersburg to raise awareness of island’s attractions to the 24 million Russians who travel abroad annually.
Voices
Column: The Gathering should be encouraged, not belittled and criticised
This initiative is taking tourism away from the bureaucrats and returning it to the people on the ground, writes John Verling.
# Not the News
Here is the week's news... skewed
Breaking via The Mire wire: Irish phrases that could confuses visitors for The Gathering, Clare Daly’s ‘house’ measure, and disoriented man could be member of government…
# Your Say
Poll: Are you getting involved in The Gathering?
It’s the government scheme aimed at encouraging you to invite relatives home and organise events celebrating Irish culture, but are you getting involved?
# Leinster House
Oireachtas agenda: HSE board, translating laws and Greece's bailout
TDs will continue debating legislation to abolish the board of the HSE in the Dáil this afternoon.
# Genealogy
National Library to hold class to help people trace their family tree
Ever wanted to trace your family tree? The National Library of Ireland will be showing people how to do it.
# come visit us
Tourism Ireland wants to increase American tourist numbers by 20 per cent
More than one million Americans are expected to visit Ireland this year, spending more than $1 billion – and Tourism Ireland wants to see this increase even more.
# Hurling
Great expectations 'part and parcel' of winning, says Joe Canning
The Galway man says the county will expect more of the same from Anthony Cunningham’s outfit this season after last year’s run to September.
# Not the News
This is the week's news... skewed
Breaking via The Mire wire: Tinfoil hats to protect against interweb; abortion floodgates ‘like Guinness at The Gathering’; James Reilly a mystery to the Troika.
# dance dance dance
LISTEN: The Gathering's theme song* has arrived
No comment. (*Unofficial)
# Tourism
Increase in tourists in autumn, winter 2012
Visits from mainland Europe were up while the number of tourists coming from Britain declined.
# Tourism
Barna in Connemara most popular with Irish holidaymakers in 2012
Abbeyleix, Woodenbridge and Ballina also so significant increases in online searches by Irish people.
# Your Say
Poll: Will litter blackspots affect The Gathering?
IBAL has warned that litter blackspots could tarnish the Gathering ‘experience’, despite an improvement in littering overall in Ireland. What do you think?
# Way More Than 5
Leo Varadkar has a 20-point plan for 2013
The Minister for Transport wants five new Acts, a new road safety strategy, a Luas connection and an independent Shannon.
# NYE Dublin
PHOTOS: The Gathering kicks off with New Year's concert in Dublin
The year-long tourism drive began with the NYE Dublin festival at St Stephen’s Green and College Green.
# Tourism
First official event of The Gathering kicks off with Dublin NYE party
Thousands of people are expected to take to Dublin’s streets tomorrow night to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
# Tourism
Fewer British people visited Ireland but rise in European and US tourists in 2012
The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation has said that people in Ireland are taking less frequent, shorter and lower spending trips when they take their holidays at home.