Location · 69 published stories · 144 outlets · All places
The UK Met Office has forecast that the developing El Niño will be the strongest in over a century, with Pacific sea surface temperatures expected to rise more than 3°C above normal. The event could drive 2027 to become the hottest year on record and bring wetter, stormier conditions to the UK and severe droughts to tropical regions.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have purchased Strancally Castle, a gothic-style mansion on a 440-acre estate in County Waterford, Ireland, according to a spokesperson. The off-market deal's price is undisclosed, but the Irish Times estimates its value between €20m and €30m.
A British Army sailing crew competing in the RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race found an exhausted barn owl land on their boat 70 nautical miles from shore. The crew nursed the bird, named Little Regina, back to health, coordinating with wildlife groups for its safe transfer to a centre.
New Zealand defeated South Africa 33-16 in the first Test of the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series at Ellis Park, ending the world champions' 12-match winning streak and taking a 1-0 series lead. Will Jordan scored two tries as the All Blacks recovered from a 13-12 halftime deficit. South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus conceded his team was 'thoroughly beaten' but insisted the series is not lost. The second Test is in Cape Town next Saturday.
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research projects that wildfires could burn 39% more land in Europe by century's end even under optimistic climate scenarios, with the risk nearly tripling under high emissions. Experts say improved fire management can mitigate but not eliminate the danger, as this summer's fires have already caused extensive damage across the continent.
Eleanora Ní Chualáin, also known as Eleanora Sophie Folan, has been elected as the female representative for East Anglia on the Green Party's governing council. Her past statements calling UK antisemitism a 'moral panic' and welcoming 'hatred' from Zionists have drawn criticism.
Uisce Éireann has extended the hosepipe ban in 13 counties until the end of September, citing continued pressure on water supplies in the east and south, while lifting restrictions elsewhere. The decision reflects improved conditions in many areas but warns that some regions still need more time to recover.
Billy Edwards Jr. has been named North Carolina's starting quarterback by Bill Belichick, ahead of the team's season opener against TCU in Dublin. Edwards, who transferred from Wisconsin after an injury-limited 2025 season, leaned on 1,000 flashcards to learn Bobby Petrino's offense. The Tar Heels, who struggled offensively last year, are aiming for a bounce-back under their veteran quarterback.
RTÉ has secured rights to broadcast Katie Taylor's retirement fight against Flora Pili live from Croke Park on September 5. The free-to-air coverage will be complemented by a big screen event in Taylor's hometown of Bray, organized by Wicklow County Council.
Len Ikitau has been added to the Wallabies squad for their two-Test tour of Argentina, the only change to the group that beat Japan twice under coach Les Kiss. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns from injury, while several other players factor into selection decisions ahead of the trip.
Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, the Westmeath Rose, won the Rose of Tralee festival, triumphing over 31 other Roses. The 25-year-old, who has alopecia, used the stage to raise awareness and was presented with her sash by last year's winner, Kathlyn Cummins.
The world's oceans reached a new daily surface temperature record of 21.1°C on August 22, according to Copernicus data, with scientists attributing the unusual late-year peak to human-driven warming compounded by a strengthening El Niño. Europe's seas, including the Mediterranean, have also experienced extreme warmth, with researchers warning of severe impacts on marine life and coastal communities.
A deep partial lunar eclipse will occur on Aug. 27-28, 2026, with about 96% of the moon entering Earth's umbra. Visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, it will not be a true blood moon but will give the lunar surface a reddish or coppery hue. Observers in the Americas are best positioned, while those in India will miss the event.
New figures from Catholic dioceses, compiled by the Iona Institute, show a 30% drop in Catholic baptisms across the island of Ireland over the past decade, with Dublin experiencing a 40% decline. The institute attributes the fall largely to declining birth rates and growing secularisation, while noting that 'cultural Catholicism' remains strong. Meanwhile, a Department of Education survey reveals nuanced parental attitudes toward school patronage, with support for change strongest in certain areas but not overwhelming.
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted a video showing a facility he says will be used to hang Palestinian prisoners convicted of terror offenses. The move follows the passage of a controversial law earlier this year and has drawn international criticism.
New data shows grocery price inflation slowed in both the UK and Ireland in the four weeks to 9 August, while warm weather boosted sales of picnic foods, ice cream, and soft drinks. In the UK, inflation fell to 2.1%, its lowest since October 2024, as promotions hit a yearly high; in Ireland, inflation eased to 3.8% with spending up 5.8%.
The M9 crash that killed five teenagers has led to ongoing tributes, with three funerals held and two more scheduled. The incident has sparked calls for action from the Taoiseach and Justice Minister, as well as a mother's defense of her son and an investigation into Garda contact.
Pep Guardiola has suggested he may not return to management following his departure from Manchester City, as both City and Liverpool prepare for new eras without their iconic figures. The Straits Times reports that Guardiola's resignation and Mohamed Salah's move to Trabzonspor mark the end of a defining decade for both clubs.
Rosie O'Donnell closed her week of guest-hosting 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' with a song parody aimed at President Trump, drawing on their long-running feud. The performance, set to 'Danny Boy,' covered topics from polls to policy, and came after O'Donnell said she moved to Ireland due to Trump's presidency. The week also included a rejected 'Wizard of Oz' parody that she performed on a podcast instead.
The BWF World Championships 2026 concluded in New Delhi, with BWF President praising India's hosting. PV Sindhu advanced to the quarter-finals, and Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won a historic bronze in women's doubles.