Journalists

WATCH: Take a sneak peek at Ireland's most luxurious cinema 

Beds, table service, and a cocktail bar will be some of the luxurious additions to the cinematic experience at the newly refurbished Stella Cinema in Rathmines.

WATCH: New music video shows real character of Limerick city 

A talented young singer-songwriter has featured some of Limerick City's most stunning hidden gems in her second music video.

WATCH: Take a peek inside Ireland’s very first 'cat lounge' 

Ireland’s first cat lounge is having a very successful opening week in Dublin - and could have the potential to expand nationwide, according to its owner.

'Even eating disorders have their funny moments' - Joanne McNally turns her battle with anorexia and bulimia into comedy 

Entertainer Joanne McNally has turned her fight against an eating disorder into a comedy show, which will tour around Ireland from next week.

Couple in Dublin nursing home share the secret to a successful 61-year marriage 

A happily-married couple who celebrated their 61st anniversary together have shared their secret to a long and joyful marriage.

'Everyone should get a cuddly toy' - Schoolchildren have their say on Budget 2018 

Everyone has an opinion on how the country should be run - including a group of schoolchildren who have some creative ideas for Budget 2018.

WATCH: Would you recognise the country's most high-profile ministers? 

They fight for airtime all year long but how many of our ministers are instantly recognisable?

Eyesight-saving charity challenges runners with new October campaign 

An Irish charity is challenging people to get out and get active this October in aid of a good cause.

WATCH: We asked Ploughing visitors about Ireland's worst accents and they didn't hold back 

The Irish accent may have been voted the sexiest in the world earlier this year, but nobody told Ireland's farmers.

WATCH: 'I like farming, it's really fun' - Meet Ireland's youngest farmers at the Ploughing 

Ireland's youngest farmers flocked to the Ploughing Championships to see the tractors, quads and the ploughing itself.

WATCH: This 82-year-old enjoys Electric Picnic more than anybody 

This 82-year-old dad didn't let the weather spoil his weekend at Electric Picnic.

'Here we go again’ – Senior figures in Ireland’s marriage referendum help lead campaign for equality in Australia 

Two Irishmen who helped win the yes vote in 2015's marriage equality referendum are doing their best for a similar result in Australia's upcoming plebiscite on same-sex marriage.

'Here we go again’ – Senior figures in Ireland’s marriage referendum help lead campaign for equality in Australia 

Two Irishmen who helped win the yes vote in 2015's marriage equality referendum are doing their best for a similar result in Australia's upcoming plebiscite on same-sex marriage.

'The scars bring back memories' - Irish woman (19) credits tattoo artist who has helped her move on after self-harm 

An Irish woman has credited an inspiring tattoo project which has helped her take the next step in her recovery from self-harm.

Decade-long deal keeps Electric Picnic at Stradbally 

Electric Picnic is set to remain a fixture at Stradbally for the next decade.

'Of course we've changed our security plan; the whole of Europe has,' says Electric Picnic chief 

Heightened security measures will be in place at Electric Picnic this weekend, according to the festival director.

A world-first stage and Ireland's next big thing: Five must-see spots at Electric Picnic 

Get ready for the music event of the summer.

Watch: 'Probably the most romantic thing he's ever done for me' - Boyfriend shaves head for girlfriend (23) with cancer 

A doting boyfriend has shaved off his hair and his eyebrows in solidarity with his girlfriend who is currently being treated for cancer.

'Horrific, mindless thuggery' - Monument to families killed in Carrickmines fire vandalised 

A monument to the 10 people killed after a fire destroyed their homes in Carrickmines in 2015 has been defaced.

'It's a miracle he didn't hit someone' - Driver caught on camera pulling a handbrake turn on busy Dublin street 

A driver was caught on camera driving on the footpath after performing a handbrake turn on a busy Dublin street.

WATCH: 'I'd do anything for Chris, within reason' - Cillian Murphy praises Dunkirk director 

Cork star Cillian Murphy tells Independent.ie about working with director Christopher Nolan for the fifth time following The Dark Knight trilogy and Inception.

'It was scary to watch' - Dublin teens leap from tall inner city bridge 

Two teenage boys have been caught on camera leaping from a treacherously high bridge in Dublin's inner city.

WATCH: Rare Killer whale found washed up on Galway coast 

A Galway man stumbled upon a very rare sight while out for a walk over the weekend.

WATCH: Young garda blows crowd away with his rendition of Sinatra's 'My Way' 

A young garda impressed a sizable crowd when he took to a stage in Mayo to perform Frank Sinatra's iconic song 'My Way'.

WATCH: There's a 260ft water slide in Dublin and this is how you can take a ride 

For the second year in a row, Dubliners can take a ride on this epic water slide.

Leo Varadkar makes front cover of Time magazine 

Leo Varadkar has become the fourth Taoiseach to make the front page of Time magazine.

WATCH: Don't try this at home... Twin 'real-life cartoon' brothers perform painful stunts with a fork and a mouse trap 

"We're just a big, giant, real life cartoon," stuntman The Great Orbax says, not long after sticking a fork up his nose and snapping a mouse trap on his twin brother's tongue.

Like meddling in your single friends love lives? There’s an (Irish) app for that 

Tinder, watch out! There's a new app in town hoping to become the world leader in online dating.

WATCH: Check out this incredible (and terrifying) wingsuit jump over Galway City 

This video is not for the faint-hearted.

WATCH: Leo Varadkar tells Dublin Pride 2017 he will use office 'to stand up for LGBT rights around the world' 

Leo Varadkar has expressed his delight at being the first Taoiseach to march at the annual Pride parade.

'Q***r not impressed' - Dublin t-shirt company launches investigation after offensive slur sent to customer 

A Dublin-based t-shirt company has launched an internal investigation after a customer shared an offensive email accidentally sent to him by an employee calling him a "q***r".

WATCH: 'An outstanding tribute' - Monument to Anthony 'Axel' Foley unveiled in Limerick 

A permanent monument to the late Munster rugby coach Anthony 'Axel' Foley has been unveiled in Limerick City this morning.

Discover the fascinating hidden stories of those long deceased in Glasnevin Cemetery 

Some of Irish history's most famous and infamous figures are buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

'I'd love to see those legs in a little mini skirt' - DWTS host Amanda Byram reveals who she'd love to take part on series two 

Dancing With The Stars host Amanda Byram is hoping a few well-known faces will put on their dancing shoes for series two.

WATCH: Louis Walsh pulled from Olympia audience to lip sync on stage in a Dolly Parton wig 

Pop mogul Louis Walsh is a man of many talents, but last night he proved miming wasn't one of them.

WATCH: Irish kids treat stranded plane passengers to a typically Irish song and dance in Paris airport 

There are few things more grating and tedious than waiting on a late flight, but one Irish youth group helped ease the pain in Paris Airport with this fun sing-song.

'Shocked and truly disheartened' - Ireland's best-known gay club vandalised with homophobic messages and swastikas 

Ireland's best known gay club's exterior was vandalised with homophobic messages overnight.

'I'm just so happy' - Emotional video shows how virtual reality therapy offers hope for dementia sufferers 

The use of virtual reality devices to transport elderly people with dementia to more serene surroundings has led to at least one sufferer shedding happy tears.

How a former Coca-Cola chief revamped a 'failed shopping centre' in the heart of Dublin 

A shopping centre in the heart of Dublin's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) lay vacant, until the former CEO of Coca-Cola saw its potential.

Rock quartet 'The Riptide Movement' to headline 2017 Dublin rock 'n' roll half marathon finish concert 

Dublin-based rock band The Riptide Movement will be greeting runners with a few tunes after they compete one of the most popular runs in the capital city later this year.

'F**k off back to India' - Irish woman's racist abuse caught on camera on Limerick train 

A series of videos recording an Irish woman's racist rant on a Limerick train has been reported to the Gardaí by Irish Rail.

'I haven't been me since I heard Donna died' - Heartbroken brother of tragic cyclist 

The heartbroken brother of a woman killed in a cycling accident has said the safety of bike users is at a crisis point and urgently needs to be addressed.

Dublin to 'turn red' as 10,000 expected for new Virgin Night Run 

Around 10,000 people are expected to run Dublin's streets later this month as part of the very popular Virgin Night Run.

Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin to march in solidarity with American scientists over Trump's climate change order 

Scientist and Broadcaster Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin will be marching in solidarity with American scientists who are desperately trying to persuade President Donald Trump to change his stance on global warming.

'I never really had friends before' - Irish teens with anxiety on the funding-starved scheme that changed their lives 

A number of young people dealing with anxiety have opened up about how an alternative to school has changed their lives.

'I’ll do my best not to cry' - Mum's plea to raise life-changing funds for daughter with debilitating condition 

A Cork-based mother is desperately seeking funds to send her daughter to America for life-changing surgery.

'I don't want to die in pyjamas, I want to die in my togs' - Elderly Irish sea swimmers star in inspiring video 

Three elderly Irish people have opened up about why they love swimming in treacherous waters in an inspiring video.

WATCH: Cheltenham Ladies Day judge Roz Purcell 'looking for Irish girls to rep' in style stakes 

Model Roz Purcell is hoping her fellow countrywomen will show up in style as she prepares to judge Ladies Day at Cheltenham.

Hundreds of Irish Travellers left outside Leinster House as Taoiseach formally recognises ethnic status 

Hundreds of Travellers have been left out of Leinster House for the historic recognition of their ethnic identity by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

WATCH: Wildlife park claims to have captured Australia's largest huntsman spider 

Arachnophobes, look away now.

WATCH: Did Sean Spicer call Canadian Prime Minister 'Joe' Trudeau? 

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer seemed to trip over his tongue when he told reporters that President Trump had productive meetings in Washington with Prime Minister "Joe" Trudeau.

WATCH: How did the remains of St Valentine end up in a Dublin church? 

Dublin couples will be spending St Valentine's Day a lot closer to the third-century saint than they may know.

WATCH: Photographer gets unfortunate whack of a sliotar during camogie photo shoot 

Here's a prime example demonstrating the perils of being a photographer.

DJ Louise McSharry: 'I spent a long time thinking about weight loss, but not anymore' 

Broadcaster and author Louise McSharry is hoping to show that anybody can get into running when she takes part in a 10 kilometre race later this year.

WATCH: 'He has smaller hands than Barbie' - Irish schoolchildren tell us about Donald and Melania Trump 

These are some politically-savvy kids!

Moneygall moves on as hometown hero Barack Obama bows out 

If an international visitor were to wander into Moneygall in Summer, they’d be forgiven for assuming they’re in the quintessential all-American town.

World's best Irish dancers compete for Ed Sheeran's eye as he searches for talent 

An Irish dancing group is attempting to help Ed Sheeran find talent after he announced he's looking for dancers to star in an upcoming music video.

‘Is wine the new tea?’ Some of the most exciting projects to see at this year’s BT Young Scientist Exhibition 

From examining the drinking habits of middle-aged women, to stopping dogs from attacking cyclists, the projects on display at this year’s BT Young Scientist Exhibition have garnered much interest.

‘I want to help save lives’ – How tragedy inspired this budding young scientist to improve fire safety 

One of the projects which got people talking at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition on Wednesday was the “Fire Tech Stinguisher” by Limerick student Kayla McMahon (14).

Ireland's seemingly never-ending trolley crisis: What the Ministers have said 

Only a few days into 2017 and Ireland is facing its biggest recorded trolley crisis. We take a look back at how the problem has grown over the last five years,

WATCH: 'There was a great atmosphere' A-list buskers sing 'Fairytale of New York' to wedged crowd on Grafton Street 

This was the scene in Grafton Street yesterday, just before Gardai were forced to end a star studded busking session for health and safety reasons.

WATCH: Well-known Irish faces share their favourite Christmas traditions and memories 

We caught up with some of Ireland's well known faces to find out their favourite Christmas traditions and memories.

WATCH: 'There was a time I was the one walking past with shopping bags' Homeless man on reality of spending Christmas on the streets 

Christmas Day on the street is just like any other day, according to one rough sleeper in Dublin City Centre.

'He has given our son the chance he deserves' - Danny O'Carroll makes €30k donation to toddler with cerebral palsy 

The Sligo parents of a boy with cerebral palsy say Mrs Brown's Boys star Danny O'Carroll has given their son a chance at life after donating €30,000 towards his medical care.

'Are you not feeling the best?' Advice from Pieta House if you're concerned a loved one is depressed or suicidal this Christmas 

While many people think of Christmas as a happy and joyful time of year, it can have the opposite meaning to many people in Ireland.

WATCH: 'Unbelievable kindness' from Dublin Fire Brigade helping make dreams come true for little boy (4) who just wants to walk 

One of little Rory Gallagher’s dreams came true when he became a fireman for the day while visiting Townsend Street Station in Dublin.

'I am Ireland's biggest Viner, or rather I was Ireland's biggest Viner' 

Ireland's biggest Vine comedian says he's been left heartbroken at the news the video sharing app is set to close.

Live in Cork and love dogs? This charity needs your help 

Are you a dog lover living in Cork? If you are, you could really help this charity out.

WATCH:'The Addams Family of Kilkenny' invite public to tour their 17th Century haunted house 

Not every family would agree to buy a castle with a dark and sad history, but that's exactly what the Cope family from Kilkenny did.

'Is it Paschal Sheehy?' – Watch these people hilariously fail to recognise some Irish ministers ahead of Budget 2017 

With just four days to go until Budget day, we took to the streets of Dublin to test the political knowledge of the Irish public.

Watch: Four Dubs stars have sing-song with thousands of fans at homecoming 

Four members of Dublin's All Ireland winning team worked up the guts to sing in front of the thousands gathered to celebrate their victory.

WATCH: 'We've picked up body parts before' Shocking Irish footage shows woman and child duck under railway barriers as train approaches 

Police in Northern Ireland have published shocking footage of a woman appearing to run under a closing level crossing with a young girl.

Life after Death Row: How this couple escaped capital punishment and started again in rural Ireland 

Nestled in a warm home in the wilds of Connemara, Sunny Jacobs and her husband Peter Pringle could pass as any other older couple living the dream.

Transgender boxing promoter Kellie Maloney looking to snap up Irish man at Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival 

The famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival will have a celebrity visitor when its LGBT section kicks off next month.

Great Dublin Bike Ride reaching capacity 

If you'd like to be one of the 5,000 people set to take part in this year's Great Dublin Bike Ride, then you'd better hurry, as it's about to sell out.

WATCH: Team Ireland return from Olympics to heroes' welcome 

Dublin Airport was filled with cheers and excitement as the 45 Irish Olympians returned home from Rio today.

WATCH: ‘I’m not bothered’ - Michael Conlan reacts to potential boxing disciplines 

Irish boxer Michael Conlan said he’s “not bothered” by potential AIBA disciplines as he returned home from Rio today.

Watch: Moment acting OCI President Willie O’Brien beats hasty retreat out of Dublin Airport ahead of media 

This is the moment temporary President of the Olympic Council of Ireland, Willie O’Brien, quickly left Dublin Airport as the Irish Olympians returned home today.

'Looking forward to my three hot meals' - Facebook boast of Irishman set for extradition to the US on 'Silk Road' charge 

An Irishman who is to be extradited to the United States for allegedly acting as an administrator on the online black market previously boasted on social media that he was looking forward to his "three hot meals a day".

Not for the squeamish: We try out 'cupping' - the Olympic massage everyone is talking about 

Olympic legend Michael Phelps sent the Internet into meltdown this week after showing off those mysterious, painful looking round bruises on his body.

'What a buzz' Ray Foley completes his first 10km run after losing more than two stone 

Broadcaster Ray Foley completed his first 10 kilometre race today after shedding an impressive two and a half stone in recent months.

WATCH: A massive water slide has opened on the hill at Christ Church in Dublin and it's epic 

This certainly is a different way to get around town.

High-street fashion steals the show at the Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse Show 

There was no shortage of glamour and beauty as Ireland’s most stylish men and women arrived at the Dublin Horse Show today.

WATCH: The 'colourful world of Pokémon' discussed in Seanad chamber 

Pokemon Go has only been available in Ireland a few days, but it has already been brought up in the Oireachtas.

WATCH: 'I've walked all over town' Irish Pokemon Go fans discuss their newfound obsession 

It may not even be officially available in this country yet, but people across Ireland have become glued to their phones in the hopes of becoming a Pokemon master.

Ray Foley on weight loss: 'There's nothing more sobering that seeing yourself on television the size of a heifer' 

Broadcaster Ray Foley says people on the street didn't recognise him when he put on some extra weight.

Mugged in the city: 'One thug stuck his grimey hand into my pocket for my iPhone and the other two knocked me to the ground' 

It can be hard convincing friends from home in Tipperary to make a trip up the big smoke for a few nights. 'Is it not a bit dangerous?', 'I'd rather not get assaulted' and 'You live on the northside though, Jay' were regular excuses trotted out.

Fancy being mentored by GAA greats Joe Canning and Ashling Thompson this weekend? 

How would you like to take part in a unique 5-a-side hurling and camogie tournament outside a historic landmark this weekend?

Irish flag to be flown at half mast in honour of those killed in Orlando shooting 

The Irish flag will be flown at half mast today to signal solidarity with the victims of the Orlando mass shooting.

'Rainbow vigil': Thousands turn out in Dublin to honour those killed in Orlando shooting 

THOUSANDS gathered in Dublin City Centre for a silent vigil in memory of those killed during the Orlando mass shooting.

'He was the most intelligent guy' - Trinity student mourning death of friend killed in Orlando 

A Florida man living in Dublin has paid tribute to his friend after discovering he was among those killed in the Orlando mass shooting.

WATCH: What not to say to a Leaving Certificate student 

Have you a stressed-out exam student in your house?

WATCH: Lighting candles and pens from Lourdes - What good luck charms are Leaving Certificate students using this year? 

Did you have a 'good luck' charm or light a few candles ahead of your own exams?

Taxidermy in Ireland: Top tips before you consider stuffing your pet 

There's a lot of work involved in making something dead appear living. It's not a cheap process either and certainly not for the squeamish.

The day that conservative Ireland voted to embrace the excluded 

"Hello. I'm campaigning for a Yes vote in the upcoming marriage equality referendum. Do you have a moment to have a chat?"

'It's hard not to be moved by it' - Irish donations enable operations that 'literally save people's lives' in Ethiopia 

More than 400 Ethiopian schoolchildren stand at the gate of their school to see a handful of Irish volunteers.

Darkness into Light: More than 150k early risers walked into dawn across Ireland 

More than 150,000 early risers took part in an annual walk in aid of suicide prevention charity Pieta House, which celebrates its 10th year in action.

'It does affect my quality of life' - This is what Ivan Yates has to do to ease his intense back pains 

Broadcaster Ivan Yates has revealed exactly what he has to do to ease his back pains, which have troubled him in the last few years.

Ivan Yates: My wife is not as hard-assed as me and speculation about bankruptcy trips are inappropriate 

Broadcaster Ivan Yates insists his wife's financial difficulties will be resolved separately from his upcoming departure from public life and trip around the world.

Chronic pain sufferers to use pictures to describe their symptoms 

A new campaign seeks to help chronic pain sufferers describe their pain by offering pictures to represent symptoms like “a burning fire under the skin” or “sharp needles travelling through the back”.

Fan video captures final time Prince performed 'Purple Rain' 

The moment Prince sang his most iconic song in public for the final time has been shared online.

'There is so much I can do, that I used to only think about before I came to prison' - Inmates at the Dóchas centre are digging deep for Special Olympics Ireland 

UP in the female prison, there are 111 women but the only thing going jingle jangle this week are the charity buckets for Special Olympics Ireland.

Panti Bliss plays ‘the matchmaker’ 

An Irish event which prides itself as the world’s first and currently only LGBT matchmaking festival has had its first success story, as a couple who met there recently married.

First success story for world's only same-sex matchmaking festival as Offaly-based couple tie the knot 

An Irish event which prides itself as the world's first and currently only LGBT matchmaking festival has had its first success story, as a couple who met there recently married.

'Will our 10-year-old son be around next year? We don't know' - Desperate parents of three terminally ill children in race against time for cure 

“Personally I feel as if I have a veil over me and the world is not as bright as it was,” says mother-of-three Paula Naughton.

'I wouldn't mind seeing death cafés in Ireland,' says retired RTE broadcaster Valerie Cox 

A café where people can relax, eat cake and discuss their own mortality may not sound like the cheeriest way to spend an afternoon, but broadcaster Valerie Cox thinks it may be a welcome facility in Ireland.

WATCH: Is this the country's smallest St Patrick's Day parade? 

Two women have certainly put their Co Clare town on the map today.