One of the biggest celebrations of Irish music and culture is to take place in the middle of August in Cavan, Ireland.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann aims to establish high standards of traditional music.

It mainly features traditional music competitions but there are also concerts, parades, céilithe,street sessions and pageants. Competitions are held for all age groups from under 12s to seniors.

Learn more ...

A former assistant of the Irish rock star, U2 bass player Adam Clayton, has gone on trial accused of stealing €2.8m from him.

Adam Clayton

The Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin heard that Carol Hawkins stole 181 cheques and used them to siphon the money out of his two bank accounts. She had been a signatory on the accounts and allegedly moved the money into her accounts between 2004 and 2008.

Learn more ...

The home where US President Barack Obama’s Irish ancestors used to live has been opened to the public.

Barack Obama

The President visited the house in Moneygall, Co Offaly in May last year. His ancestors, Joseph and Phoebe Kearney and their son, Falmouth, had lived there in the 1850s before emigrating to The USA.

Learn more ...

The Irish Government is urging people to invite and entice friends and relatives around the world with Irish roots and connections to visit Ireland.

Enda Kenny

They hope to attract an extra 325,000 tourists next year, a figure that would help in the country’s economic revival.

Learn more ...

Barry Manilow has revealed that he is half Irish and expressed his regret that his family didn’t let him have a relationship with his Irish father.

Barry Manilow

The star, who was born in New York, was raised by his Jewish mother and grandparents.

He didn’t know his father because his parents got divorced when he was a baby and his mother’s side of the family didn’t want his father to play a part in his life.

Learn more ...