
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title>English</title>
		<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=54208</link>
		<description></description>
		<language>en</language>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 May 2013 05:32:18 UTC</pubDate>
		
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Legal]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=86486</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Copyright


The material featured on this site is subject to Government
copyright according to the Copyright and Related Rights Act, 2000.
The material may be downloaded to file or printer for personal use
only. Where this material is being issued to others, the source
(including URL) and copyright status must be acknowledged.


The permission to reproduce Government copyright material does not
extend to any material on this site which may be the property of a
third party. Authorisation to reproduce such material must be
obtained from the copyright holders concerned.


Disclaimer


The contents of these pages are provided as an information guide
only. They are intended to enhance public access to information
about the Government and its Departments. While every effort is
made in preparing material for publication no responsibility is
accepted by or on behalf of the State for any errors, omissions or
misleading statements on these pages or any site to which these
pages connect.


Although every effort is made to ensure the reliability of listed
sites this cannot be taken as an endorsement of these sites.


Privacy


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, respects the rights of
its users and does not, as a general rule, collect personal
information of any kind from website users. Where a user
voluntarily provides personal information through a traveller
registration, media accreditation or “contact us” form, the data
will be used only for the purposes for which it is provided, and
not passed to any third party, except where information is
specifically provided for use in the case of emergency assistance
to Irish citizens overseas.


For general web browsing no personal information is revealed to us,
although certain statistical information is available to us via our
Internet service provider. This information may include the logical
address of the server you are using, the top level domain name from
which you access the Internet (for example, .ie, .com, etc), the
type of browser you are using, the date and time you access our
site and the Internet address used to link to our site.


Some of the above information is used to create summary statistics,
which allow us to assess the number of visitors to our site,
identify what pages are accessed most frequently. We use these
statistics to help us make our site more user friendly.


Cookies Policy


We use cookies to give the best experience on our site while
also complying with the guidelines of the 
Data Protection Acts 1988-2003.Continue without changing
your settings, and you'll receive cookies, or change your cookie
settings at any time.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:49:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Upcoming Cultural Events]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=80984</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
2013 Annual Samuel Beckett Lecture


The 2013 Annual Samuel Beckett
Lecturewill take place at Tel Aviv University on
Wednesday 2 May at 18:15 hours in the Mexico Building, Room
206A.


This year we are delighted to welcome Dr. Nicholas Johnson
of Trinity College Dublin who will deliver his lecture
entitled“A Samuel Beckett Laboratory: Praxis,
Pedagogy, and Performance”


This lecture will explore a number of practical and philosophical
issues surrounding the living legacy of Samuel Beckett in
performance, based on work at the new Samuel Beckett Laboratory at
Trinity College, which offers practice-based research using
performance as a methodology to research Beckett's texts. Today’s
lecture will point toward the future of Beckett's theatre-ideas
through emerging digital, interdisciplinary, intercultural, and
experimental practices.


Nicholas Johnson, Assistant Professor of Drama at Trinity
College Dublin, is also a performer, director, and writer. In
addition to his many published essays, he has directed The Way of
the Language (ATRL 2011), Ethica: Four Shorts by Samuel Beckett
(Sofia/Dublin 2012), and Bypass (Absolut Fringe 2012); and his
adaptation of The Brothers Karamazov will be performed in Dublin
and Siberia in 2013/2014. He holds an acting degree from
Northwestern University, a PhD from Trinity College Dublin, and was
recipient of a DAAD fellowship to the Freie Universit&#228;t Berlin.
Since 2006 he has been artistic director of Painted Filly Theatre,
and is one of the co-founders of the Samuel Beckett Summer School
at Trinity College.


The Annual Beckett Lecture at Tel Aviv University is
supported by the Cultural Division of the Irish Department of
Foreign Affairs.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 14:04:48 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Israel]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=54209</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Welcome Message from the Ambassador


Shalom, F&#225;ilte romhat,


I am delighted to welcome you to the website of the Embassy of
Ireland in Israel. The primary aim of the website is to present
information on the services provided by the Embassy. In addition, I
hope that it will give you the opportunity to have an insight into
Ireland and the Irish people – our history, economy, society and
culture.


The website also seeks to capture a little of what might be termed
“Ireland in Israel”.While, the Irish Embassy in Tel
Aviv opened in May 1996, our links go back much further. Rabbi
Isaac Herzog was Chief Rabbi of Ireland before he came to Israel to
become Chief Rabbi here. As in Israel, he was an important and
influential figure in the early days of the newly independent Irish
State. His son, Chaim Herzog, the sixth President of Israel, was
born and grew up in Ireland. The Herzog family is one of the many
Israeli families with links to Ireland. These families continue to
make a unique contribution to Israel across a variety of fields and
in different segments of society.


Ireland is keen to deepen its links with Israel, in particular
through growth in tourism, commerce and investment, as well as more
traditional sectors such as food and drink. I encourage visitors to
our website to visit the websites of the tourism, culture, food and
business promotion agencies working for the Irish Government, which
can be accessed on this webpage. Ireland welcomes your interest and
looks forward to supporting your interest in these sectors.


I am very conscious of the popularity of Irish culture in Israel
today. It is exciting to see Israeli musicians participating
in traditional Irish music “sessions” and bringing out their own
CD’s. Israeli dancers are also taking to the stage in increasing
numbers to learn and perform Irish dance. At the Embassy, we
will continue to do all we can to support these and other
expressions of Irish culture in Israel.


We have tried to design the site so that it is both informative and
user-friendly. If you have any questions or comments, please
do not hesitate to contact the Embassy.


With every good wish,


Breifne O'Reilly
Ambassador


________________________________________


St Patricks
Day greetings from the President Michael D. Higgins


________________________________________

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:54:32 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[The Economy]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79260</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Economy


Ireland is currently facing severe economic challenges and is
addressing these in cooperation with our EU partners and the
International Monetary Fund. Ireland had a period of extraordinary
growth from 1993 to 2007 and had become one of the world’s most
dynamic, innovative and globalised economies, with extensive
external trade and investment links.


In 2008, partly due to the open nature of its economy Ireland began
to feel the effects of the global economic downturn. Pressure on
the economy was significantly accentuated by the end of a prolonged
Irish property market boom and problems within the domestic banking
system. This led to a period of recession in Ireland and a sharp
contraction in economic output.


But Ireland is facing the serious economic downturn from a strong
starting position. Many of the strengths that drove our recent
economic boom and brought unprecedented levels of prosperity, with
growth and GDP per capita among the highest in the European Union,
remain in place. these strengths will position Ireland to take
advantage of the global economic recovery as it emerges.


Ireland’s economic success is generally attributed to its educated
and flexible workforce; its social partnership model, which
involves close cooperation between government, trade unions and
employers; government measures to ensure macroeconomic stability
and to attract foreign investment; and membership of the European
Union, which now provides a market of almost 500 million people.
Ireland is a member of the eurozone.


Ireland continues to be one of the most open economies in the OECD,
and exports are now showing strong growth after a slowdown in
recent years. Ireland has developed a strong entrepreneurial
culture in terms of new businesses being established.


Ireland has a strong track record in attracting investment in
Information Communications Technology (ICT), Life Sciences,
Financial Services and Globally Traded Business (GTB) including
Digital Media, Engineering, Consumer Brands and International
Services. Ireland’s positioning as a ‘smart economy’ continues
apace combining our innovative, enterprise economy with an
ever–increasing emphasis on the emerging areas of Clean/Green
Technologies, Services Innovation and Convergence. Ireland is also
a centre for digital media in Europe with major multinational
companies locating their European headquarters and a range of
business support activities here.



Top of Page


Inward and Outward Investment


Inward investment has been critically important to Ireland’s
economic development, providing tens of thousands of jobs,
disseminating technological know-how and expertise within the wider
economy, linking up with indigenous industry, boosting
productivity, and underpinning export growth. Outward investment by
Irish companies has increased noticeably in recent years, albeit
from a very low historic base. This emerging trend is consistent
with the pattern observed in other economies as they move to higher
stages of economic development.



Top of Page


Education and
Training


Education and Training is a vital component of Ireland’s
knowledge-based economy, and is a priority investment under the
National Development Plan. Ireland enjoys one of the best education
systems in the world, with approximately 1 million people in full
time education.


Top of Page


Innovation and R&amp;amp;D


R&amp;amp;D in Ireland has expanded dramatically in recent years
reflecting the Irish government’s massive injection of funding into
the sector. Leading global companies have found Ireland to be an
excellent location for knowledge-based activities. The young Irish
workforce has shown a particular aptitude for the efficient
collection, interpretation and dissemination of research
information.



Top of Page


Corporation Tax


Since 2003 Ireland’s corporate tax regime has been fixed at a rate
of 12.5%. This applies to all Irish corporate trading profits. A
rate of 25% applies to non-trading (passive) income.


Economic and
Social Research Institute
Central Bank of Ireland



Top of Page


Trade


Ireland’s total trade in 2009 was approximately €270bn; with a
merchandise trade surplus of more than €39 billion. This consists
equally of Merchandise Trade and Services Trade each of which stand
at approx. €130bn. The main merchandise goods traded include
Organic chemicals (mainly for the pharmaceutical sector), Medical
&amp;amp; pharmaceutical products and Computers. The main services
areas are Computer Services, Trade Related Business Services,
Insurance and Financial services.


Ireland’s main trade partners are the United states, Great Britain,
Belgium, Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.


Top of Page


Industry and Services


The Industrial sector has a highly skilled technological labour
pool. Within this high technology grouping, the most active sectors
currently are life sciences, medical and information technology
sectors. Many of the world’s leading companies have subsidiaries in
Ireland.


The service sector in Ireland accounts for approximately half of
GDP. Just under half of total Irish exports are services, and
Ireland is in the top ten countries worldwide for exports of
commercial services. Throughout the last decade output of services
has grown strongly, largely as a result of growth in financial
services, telecommunications and tourism.


Three agencies deal with industrial development in Ireland.
Forf&#225;s provides overall policy advice and co-ordination for
enterprise development and science, technology and innovation in
Ireland. Enterprise Ireland helps develop Irish-based
enterprise with the potential to trade internationally. IDA
Ireland has responsibility for securing new investment in
manufacturing and internationally traded services. It also has
responsibility to encourage existing Foreign Direct Investors to
expand and develop their businesses in Ireland.


There are also a number of regional development agencies such as
Shannon Development which was set up in 1959 to promote Shannon
International Airport, and &#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta, which is the
regional authority responsible for the economic, social and
cultural development of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking parts of the
country).











Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Innovation




Forf&#225;s




IDA
Ireland




Enterprise Ireland




Shannon
Development




&#218;dar&#225;s na
Gaeltachta




Intertrade Ireland




Science Foundation
Ireland




Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair (National Training Authority)






Top of Page


Financial Services


Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), which was
set up by the Irish Government with EU approval in 1987, is
recognised as a leading location for a range of internationally
traded financial services, including banking, asset financing, fund
management, corporate treasury management, investment management,
custody and administration and specialised insurance operations.
More than430 international operations are approved to trade in the
IFsc, while a further 700 managed entities are approved to carry on
business under the IFSC programme.





Department of
Finance




International
Financial Services Centre




National Treasury
Management Agency






Top of Page


Agriculture


Of the total land area of approximately 7 million hectares (17
million acres), 5 million hectares (12.32 million acres) are
utilised for agricultural purposes (including forestry). Beef and
dairying are by far the most important sectors of the agricultural
industry. The main crops are barley, wheat, potatoes and mushrooms.


The Agri-Food industry makes a significant contribution to the
Irish economy. The combined agri-food and drink sector accounts for
6% of GDP, almost €8bn of exports and accounts for 133,400 jobs. In
particular, the industry plays a major role in the indigenous
sector.











Department
of Agriculture and Food




Bord Bia




Teagasc
(Agriculture &amp;amp; Food Development Authority)




Food Safety Authority
of Ireland






Top of Page


Fishing


The Irish seafood industry provides employment for over 11,000
people. It makes a significant contribution to the economic and
social fabric of the many small communities located in mainly rural
areas or small towns and villages around the 3,172 kilometres of
our coastline.








Department of
Communications, Energy &amp;amp; Natural Resources




Bord Iascaigh
Mhara






Top of Page


Tourism


Approximately 6 million tourists visit Ireland each year, spending
approximately €3.9bn, and sustaining more than 180,000 jobs.
Tourism Ireland was established under the framework of the Good
Friday Agreement 1998 to co-ordinate the work of the two tourist
boards on the island, F&#225;ilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland
Tourist Board.


Ireland’s successful tourism industry is built around the three
themes: Irish people; Irish culture and the physical beauty of the
country.



Top of Page


Radio and Television


The national radio and television service is operated by Radio
Telef&#237;s &#201;ireann (RT&#201;), the public broadcasting company which
transmits on two television and five radio channels. RT&#201; derives
its revenue from licence fees and the sale of advertising time. TV3
is a commercial broadcaster and there are many commercial radio
stations including Today FM and Newstalk. In addition to the wide
availability of British radio and television programming, satellite
broadcasts are achieving an increasing audience.


Irish speakers are served by a dedicated radio channel, Radio na
Gaeltachta (operated by RT&#201;) and by TG4, an independent Irish
language television channel.


The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) was established in 2009
under the Broadcasting Act 2009, as an independent regulator for
radio and television broadcasters in Ireland. The BAI has a range
of objectives and functions and incorporates the work of the
Broadcasting commission of Ireland. the Authority is funded through
a levy on all broadcasters licensed in the state.








Radio Teilf&#237;s
&#201;ireann




TG4




TV3




Today FM




Newstalk




Broadcasting Authority
of Ireland (BAI)






Top of Page


Newspapers


Newspapers have been published in Ireland for over 300 years. Today
there are a number of daily broadsheet and tabloid papers, two
evening newspapers, and five Sunday newspapers. There are also
about 60 local newspapers usually published weekly and a wide
variety of magazines dealing with current affairs, economic issues
and leisure interests.








The Irish
Times




Irish
Independent




Irish
Examiner




Sunday Business
Post




Sunday
Independent




Evening Echo




Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)






Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:56:14 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Brief]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79248</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The attached booklet, entitled Ireland in Brief, provides a general
   overview of Ireland's political, economic and cultural
   life. While it is not possible to include every aspect of
   life in Ireland in this short publication, we hope that you will
   discover a little about Ireland and its people.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:54:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Ireland in Brief]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79288</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The attached booklet, entitled Ireland in Brief, provides a general
   overview of Ireland's political, economic and cultural
   life. While it is not possible to include every aspect of
   life in Ireland in this short publication, we hope that you will
   discover a little about Ireland and its people.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:54:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Living & Working in Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79282</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Practicalities of Moving to Ireland
A detailed guide can be found on the Citizens Information website.

Education in IrelandHere you
will find a description of theEducation system in Ireland and
also a series of links to information on Primary, Secondary and
Third Level Education.


Department of
Education and Science

Working
in Ireland
The rights of EU nationals and non-EU nationals for working in
Ireland.


Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Health Care
in Ireland
An outline of health care services in Ireland, including public and
private health care, and health insurance.

Useful Links for
Employment Seekers
A useful starting point for job seekers is F&#193;S - Ireland's National
Training and Employment Authority.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:37:57 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[First time adult applicants/Lost and stolen passports]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=86550</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
With a view to preventing identity theft and the circulation of
falsified passports, additional safeguards are being introduced
into the passport application procedure for adult first time
applicants and for those adults seeking to replace a lost/stolen
passport. With effect from 17 January 2011, adult applicants
in these categories will be required to submit the following
additional evidence in support of their passport application:



a completed and suitably witnessed passport application form and
four photographs, (two of which must have the application form
number written on the reverse andbe signed byan
approved witness);



The Passport Service reserves the right to contact witnesses as
required. Passport applicants should therefore note that
where it is not possible make contact with those witnessing
applications then it is likely that the application will be
rejected.



the long form birth certificate of the applicant and a civil
marriage certificate, if appropriate, and evidence of entitlement
to Irish citizenship ,where applicable;


additional form of photo-identification; e.g.certified copy
of a drivers licence, work ID; student card; social club
membership; passport from other country etc.;


documentary evidence to show use of name, e.g. payslips; records of
unemployment or disability payment; bank statement; college
registration etc.; and


evidence of residency at the application address, e.g. utility
bills; official correspondence from public or private sector etc.



The above-mentioned should be submitted in original
format.


In addition, applicants may also be required to provide further
information and/or attend for interview at one of the Department’s
offices.


It should be noted that it will not be possible to expedite
any application in these categories.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:14:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[News Update]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=54216</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
The Embassy invites applications for
      the position of Secretary to the Ambassador from Summer
      2013. Please submit CVs to Sheilah Harris
      (Sheilah.harris@dfa.ie).








IRISH FILM &amp;amp; MUSIC WEEK – February / March 2013


Irish Film and Music Week 2013 offers audiences a
diverse choice of films showcasing the best of contemporary Irish
filmmaking.


Internationally acclaimed director Lenny
Abrahamson’s drama What Richard Did
(2012) opens this year’s programme at Tel Aviv
Cinematheque and the programme also includes two of his earlier
works, 
Adam and Paul (2004) and 
Garage (2007).


Link to interview with Lenny
   Abrahamson on Midnight East online
   cultural magazine.


Screenings take place at Tel Aviv
Cinematheque February 20 – 27, as well at the Haifa, 
Jerusalem, and Rosh Pina Cinematheques. All films have
Hebrew subtitles.


This year’s films have been brought to you in
association with the Irish
Film Institute who work with international programmers of Irish
film events to give audiences everywhere access to the best of
Irish cinema. IFI are supported by The Arts Council of
Ireland and Culture
Ireland.


In addition, on Friday 22 February at 21:00, at the Tel Aviv
Cinematheque, Black
Velvet, Israel’s leading traditional Irish music group will
launch their new disc during a festive concert, with guests
Izhar Ashdot and fiddler Jonathan Keren.


Prior to the concert there will be a display of dancing in the
foyer by Noa Pitlik of Rince.


Cinematheques:Tel Aviv, 2
Sprinzak Street, Tel Aviv. Tel: 03-6060800

Jerusalem , 11 Hebron Road, Jerusalem, Tel: 02-5654356
Haifa, 142
Sderot HaNassi Street, Haifa, Tel: 04-8104299/302
Rosh Pina, Tel:
04-6801453








______________________________________________________________________



On Canaan's Side by
award-winning Irish writer Sebastian Barry, published in
Hebrew


We are pleased to announce the recent publication in Hebrew of

On Canaan's Side by award-winning Irish
writer Sebastian Barry. The publication by
Achuzat Bayit
Books was supported by the Ireland
Literature Exchange (ILE) in their key role in the
promotion of Irish literature abroad.


Achuzat Bayit, who previously published Barry’s 2008 book
The Secret Scripture, expressed their thanks to the
Ireland Literature Exchange and the Embassy for their support in
bringing this translation to the Israeli public.


Earlier this year 
On Canaan's Side won the Walter Scott prize for
historical fiction. Barry’s novel was chosen from a shortlist
of six books, including The Sisters Brothers by Patrick de Witt,
and The Quality of Mercy by Barry Unsworth.





_________________________________


Ireland joins International Task Force on Holocaust Education,
Remembrance and Research


Ireland has been accepted as a member country of the International
Task Force on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research (ITF).
To read the full text of the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D., please click here.


________________________________


Remarks by the T&#225;naiste at the opening of the Israeli Film Festival
Film Base, Temple Bar, Thursday 24 November 2011


Ambassador, ladies and gentlemen,


When the Lumi&#232;re Brothers showed the first moving pictures to a
paying audience back in 1896, they were an instant success and,
over the course of the century that followed, cinema moved from
projecting light at a wall to projecting a light on the
world. The world, of course, has a wealth of cultures and
dialogue between peoples and cultures is an essential prerequisite
to enhancing mutual understanding and respect.


Dialogue is a two way process and I see the Israeli Film
Days, which we are launching here tonight, as mirroring the
annual Irish Film Week at the Cinematheque in Tel Aviv.


Dialogue is a two way process and I see the Israeli Film
Days, which we are launching here tonight, as mirroring the
annual Irish Film Week at the Cinematheque in Tel Aviv.


At his inauguration, President Higgins encouraged “the flowering of
creativity in all its forms” and here at Film Base it is worth
recalling the role the President played as Culture Minister in
developing the Irish film industry. Indeed, while Minister in
the 1990s, he wrote that Ireland’s choice was “whether we become
the consumer of images in a passive culture or whether we will be
allowed to be the makers of images in an active culture, in a
democratic society.”


The same choices apply to all peoples and the sign of a healthy
democracy is one which makes space for the makers of images.
Film is a relatively new medium, but it has become a vital form of
expression, with film-makers often casting a critical eye over the
world around them.


There are those in Ireland who view Israel exclusively through the
lens of the situation of the Palestinian people and their right to
a viable, sovereign, independent State. Some of them
are demonstrating outside this theatre as I speak and they are
fully entitled to do so in a peaceful fashion. Indeed, I do
not hide that the Irish Government is also in open disagreement
with many aspects of Israeli policy towards the occupied
Palestinian territories.


But those of us here tonight recognise that it is possible to view
Israel and Israelis through many different lenses which give us
different insights into the rich and varied culture of a people who
draw inspiration from the ancient and the modern.


The Israeli film industry has earned a reputation for raising
difficult questions on a broad range of topical issues and for not
being afraid to challenge existing orthodoxies. Over the next
four days we will have the opportunity to take a new and different
look at Israel and the Israeli people from a wide variety of
perspectives and to add to our understanding of Israeli culture as
well as our understanding of cross-cutting themes which are
universal in nature.


We will be free to interpret what we see in the context of our
existing knowledge and awareness. I expect that the
films projected at this festival, like any other festival, will
prompt discussion and even debate but I have no doubt that the
audiences here will also be entertained.


I would like to close by congratulating the Ambassador of Israel,
His Excellency Mr. Boaz Modai, and his staff at the Embassy for
taking this welcome initiative and by thanking the staff at Film
Base for helping to stage it. I am delighted to be associated
with the launch of this cultural festival and would like to join
with everyone involved in wishing it every success.


____________________________


Visit of the Mr Se&#225;n Barrett TD, Ceann Comhairle of D&#225;il
&#201;ireann


The Ceann Comhairle of D&#225;il &#201;ireann Mr Se&#225;n Barrett TD paid an
official visit to Israel in July. The Ceann Comhairle was
accompanied by his wife, Mrs Sheila Barrett.


During his visit as guest of Knesset Speaker, Mr. Reuven Rivlin
M.K., the Ceann Comhairle attended a welcoming ceremony at
the Knesset and met with Mr. Isaac Herzog, M.K. and with Deputy
Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon. During the visit the
Speaker also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Intelligence Mr. Dan Meridor M.K.


The Ceann Comhairle visited Yad Vashem and, after touring the
Holocaust museum, laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance and
signed the visitors’ book.


The Speaker visited the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot
where he was received by the President, Professor Daniel
Zajfman; he also visited the Irish-Israeli technology company
CEVA. A highlight was the visit to the Football Village
of Hope soccer camp for Israeli and Palestinian children where the
Ceann Comhairle met and talked to this year’s young
participants. The Football Village of Hope is run by the
Football Association of Ireland in conjunction with the Peres
Centre for Peace and the soccer camp is supported by the Irish
Government through its Irish Aid programme.


A dinner in honour of the Ceann Comhairle and Mrs Barrett was
hosted by Speaker of the Knesset, Mr Reuven Rivlin MK, and a
reception in the Irish Residence was hosted by the Ambassador of
Ireland, Breifne O’Reilly and his wife, Ms Eavan Doyle.


Photos of the event can be found here .


]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:34:24 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Useful Links]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79286</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I J 
K 
L 
M 
N 
O 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
U 
V 
W 
X 
Y 
Z


A


An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna



Top of Page


B


Bord Bia


Bord Iascaigh
Mhara


Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann


British Irish Council


Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland (BCI)



Top of Page


C


Central Bank
of Ireland


Central Statistics
Office


Chester Beatty
Library


Citizens
Information


Council of
the European Union


Court of
Justice of the European Communities


Crafts Council of
Ireland


Culture
Ireland



Top of Page


D


Government Departments


Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food


Department of
Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht


Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources


Department of
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs


Department of
Defence


Department of
Education and Science


Department of
Enterprise Trade and Employment


Department of the
Environment &amp;amp; Local Government


Department of
Finance


Department of Foreign
Affairsand Trade


Department of Health
and Children


Department of
Justice, Equality and Law Reform


Department of
Social and Family Affairs


Department
of the Taoiseach


Department of
Transport


Director of
Public Prosecutions


Documents in Irish
Foreign Policy


Drug
Treatment Board


Dublin Dental Hospital Board


Dublin Port
Company


Dublin
Docklands Development Authority



Top of Page


E


Economic and Social
Research Institute


Enterprise Ireland


Environmental
Protection Agency


Equality
Commission for Northern Ireland


EUCommon Foreign and Security Policy


EU Gateway


European Central
Bank


European Commission - in Ireland


EU Common Foreign and Security Policy


European
Ombudsman


European Parliament - in Ireland


Evening Echo



Top of Page


F


F&#225;ilte
Ireland


Fianna F&#225;il


Fine Gael


Foinse


Food Safety Authority
of Ireland


Football Association
of Ireland


Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair


Forf&#225;s


Further Education
and Training Awards Council



Top of Page


G


Gaelic Athletic
Association


Garda
Ombudsman


Garda S&#237;och&#225;na
(Irish Police)


Golfing Union of
Ireland


Government of
Ireland


Green Party



Top of Page


H


Health &amp;amp; Safety
Authority


Health Insurance
Authority


Health Research
Board


Health Service
Executive (HSE)


Heritage
Council of Ireland


Higher Education and
Training Council


Higher Education
Authority


History
Ireland


Horse Racing
Ireland


Housing Finance
Agency



Top of Page


I


Iarnr&#243;d
&#201;ireann


IDA Ireland


International
Financial Services Centre


International Fund for Ireland


Intertrade Ireland


Irish Aid


Irish Aviation
Authority


Irish Blood
Transfusion Service


Irish Business and
Employers Confederation


Irish Congress of
Trade Unions


Irish Courts
Service


Irish Defence
Forces


Irish
Examiner


Irish Greyhound
Board


Irish
Independent


Irish Museum of
Modern Art


Irish
National Stud Company Limited


Irish Research
Council for the Humanities&amp;amp; Social Studies


Irish Rugby
Football Union


Irish
Sports Council


Irish Times


Irish Water Safety



Top of Page


J



Top of Page


K


 
Top of Page


L


Labour


Labour Relations
Commission


Law Reform
Commission



Top of Page


M


Met &#201;ireann



Top of Page


N


National
Archives


National Building Agency


National Cancer
Registry Board


National Centre for Partnership and Performance


National Concert
Hall


National Council on
Ageing and Older People


National
Crime Council


National Development
Plan


National Disability
Authority


National Economic and Social Council


National Economic and
Social Forum


National
Gallery of Ireland


National Library of
Ireland


National Lottery


National
Microelectronics Applications Centre


National Museum of
Ireland


National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland


National Roads
Authority


National Standards
Authority of Ireland


National Treasury
Management Agency


North South Ministerial Council


Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission


Northern Ireland
Office


Northern Ireland Policing Board



Top of Page


O


Office of Civil
Service &amp;amp; Local Appointments Commissioner


Office of
the Attorney General


Office of the
Comptroller and Auditor General


Office of the
Data Protection Commissioner


Office of the
Director of Corporate Enforcement


Office of the
First Minister and Deputy First Minister


Office of the
Information Commissioner


Office of the
Ombudsman


Office of
the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland


Office of Public
Works


Office of the
Revenue Commissioners


Office of Tobacco
Control


Olympic
Council of Ireland


Ordnance Survey
Ireland



Top of Page


P


Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland


Police Service
of Northern Ireland


An Post


President of
Ireland


Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)



Top of Page


Q



Top of Page


R


Radiological
Protection Institute of Ireland


Radio One


Radio Teilif&#237;s
&#201;ireann


Railway Procurement
Agency


Referendum
Commission


Reach Unit


Top of Page


S


Science Foundation
Ireland


Shannon
Development


Shannon Free
Airport Development


Sinn F&#233;in


Special
Olympics Ireland


Standards in Public
Office Commission


Sunday Business
Post


Sunday
Independent


Sunday
Times


Sustainable Energy
Ireland



Top of Page


T


Teagasc


TG4


The Arts
Council


The Environmental
Information Service


The
European Ombudsman


The National
Theatre Society


The
Northern Ireland Assembly


The
Northern Ireland Executive


The Sunday
Times


Tourism
Ireland (Corporate Website)


Tourism
Ireland (Consumer Website)



Top of Page


U


&#218;daras na
Gaeltachta


United Nations



Top of Page


V


Veterinary Council


Visit
Dublin



Top of Page


W


Western Development
Commission


The
Workers' Party


Top of Page


X


Top of Page


Y


Top of Page


Z


Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:01:58 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Useful Links Relating to Ireland]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=81067</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I J 
K 
L 
M 
N 
O 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
U 
V 
W 
X 
Y 
Z


A


An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna



Top of Page


B


Bord Bia


Bord Iascaigh
Mhara


Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann


British Irish Council


Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland (BCI)



Top of Page


C


Central Bank
of Ireland


Central Statistics
Office


Chester Beatty
Library


Citizens
Information


Council of
the European Union


Court of
Justice of the European Communities


Crafts Council of
Ireland


Culture
Ireland



Top of Page


D


Government Departments


Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food


Department of
Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht


Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources


Department of
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs


Department of
Defence


Department of
Education and Science


Department of
Enterprise Trade and Employment


Department of the
Environment &amp;amp; Local Government


Department of
Finance


Department of Foreign
Affairsand Trade


Department of Health
and Children


Department of
Justice, Equality and Law Reform


Department of
Social and Family Affairs


Department
of the Taoiseach


Department of
Transport


Director of
Public Prosecutions


Documents in Irish
Foreign Policy


Drug
Treatment Board


Dublin Dental Hospital Board


Dublin Port
Company


Dublin
Docklands Development Authority



Top of Page


E


Economic and Social
Research Institute


Enterprise Ireland


Environmental
Protection Agency


Equality
Commission for Northern Ireland


EUCommon Foreign and Security Policy


EU Gateway


European Central
Bank


European Commission - in Ireland


EU Common Foreign and Security Policy


European
Ombudsman


European Parliament - in Ireland


Evening Echo



Top of Page


F


F&#225;ilte
Ireland


Fianna F&#225;il


Fine Gael


Foinse


Food Safety Authority
of Ireland


Football Association
of Ireland


Foras &#193;iseanna
Saothair


Forf&#225;s


Further Education
and Training Awards Council



Top of Page


G


Gaelic Athletic
Association


Garda
Ombudsman


Garda S&#237;och&#225;na
(Irish Police)


Golfing Union of
Ireland


Government of
Ireland


Green Party



Top of Page


H


Health &amp;amp; Safety
Authority


Health Insurance
Authority


Health Research
Board


Health Service
Executive (HSE)


Heritage
Council of Ireland


Higher Education and
Training Council


Higher Education
Authority


History
Ireland


Horse Racing
Ireland


Housing Finance
Agency



Top of Page


I


Iarnr&#243;d
&#201;ireann


IDA Ireland


International
Financial Services Centre


International Fund for Ireland


Intertrade Ireland


Irish Aid


Irish Aviation
Authority


Irish Blood
Transfusion Service


Irish Business and
Employers Confederation


Irish Congress of
Trade Unions


Irish Courts
Service


Irish Defence
Forces


Irish
Examiner


Irish Greyhound
Board


Irish
Independent


Irish Museum of
Modern Art


Irish
National Stud Company Limited


Irish Research
Council for the Humanities&amp;amp; Social Studies


Irish Rugby
Football Union


Irish
Sports Council


Irish Times


Irish Water Safety



Top of Page


J



Top of Page


K


 
Top of Page


L


Labour


Labour Relations
Commission


Law Reform
Commission



Top of Page


M


Met &#201;ireann



Top of Page


N


National
Archives


National Building Agency


National Cancer
Registry Board


National Centre for Partnership and Performance


National Concert
Hall


National Council on
Ageing and Older People


National
Crime Council


National Development
Plan


National Disability
Authority


National Economic and Social Council


National Economic and
Social Forum


National
Gallery of Ireland


National Library of
Ireland


National Lottery


National
Microelectronics Applications Centre


National Museum of
Ireland


National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland


National Roads
Authority


National Standards
Authority of Ireland


National Treasury
Management Agency


North South Ministerial Council


Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission


Northern Ireland
Office


Northern Ireland Policing Board



Top of Page


O


Office of Civil
Service &amp;amp; Local Appointments Commissioner


Office of
the Attorney General


Office of the
Comptroller and Auditor General


Office of the
Data Protection Commissioner


Office of the
Director of Corporate Enforcement


Office of the
First Minister and Deputy First Minister


Office of the
Information Commissioner


Office of the
Ombudsman


Office of
the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland


Office of Public
Works


Office of the
Revenue Commissioners


Office of Tobacco
Control


Olympic
Council of Ireland


Ordnance Survey
Ireland



Top of Page


P


Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland


Police Service
of Northern Ireland


An Post


President of
Ireland


Press Council
of Ireland (and Press Ombudsman)



Top of Page


Q



Top of Page


R


Radiological
Protection Institute of Ireland


Radio One


Radio Teilif&#237;s
&#201;ireann


Railway Procurement
Agency


Referendum
Commission


Reach Unit


Top of Page


S


Science Foundation
Ireland


Shannon
Development


Shannon Free
Airport Development


Sinn F&#233;in


Special
Olympics Ireland


Standards in Public
Office Commission


Sunday Business
Post


Sunday
Independent


Sunday
Times


Sustainable Energy
Ireland



Top of Page


T


Teagasc


TG4


The Arts
Council


The Environmental
Information Service


The
European Ombudsman


The National
Theatre Society


The
Northern Ireland Assembly


The
Northern Ireland Executive


The Sunday
Times


Tourism
Ireland (Corporate Website)


Tourism
Ireland (Consumer Website)



Top of Page


U


&#218;daras na
Gaeltachta


United Nations



Top of Page


V


Veterinary Council


Visit
Dublin



Top of Page


W


Western Development
Commission


The
Workers' Party


Top of Page


X


Top of Page


Y


Top of Page


Z


Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:01:58 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Pet Travel]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79284</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Bringing Dogs and Cats to Ireland


For detailed information pertaining to this scheme, please refer to
the EU Pet Passport section of the Department of
Agriculture and Food. This contains comprehensive guidance and
should answer all questions regarding taking dogs and cats to
Ireland


Please note that there may not beregistered /approved airline
companies fromBelgium who carry pets.For approved
routes please see EU Pet Passport link above.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:56:56 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Consular Fees]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=54248</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Fees are charged for certain consular services such as issuing
passports and visas, foreign birth registrations, authentication of
documents and administering oaths. These fees are fixed by the
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade by way of Statutory
Instrument issued under Section 3 of the Diplomatic and Consular
Officers (Provision of Services) Act, 1993.


Please note that the fees charged for some diplomatic and
consular services will increase on 1 March 2013. The full
list of fees is available 
here (PDF 177kb) .


Please note also that there may be additional administration
charges when availing of these services abroad. Please check
with the Embassy which payment methods are acceptable before
sending any payments.


---------------------------





Gearrtar t&#225;ill&#237; as seirbh&#237;s&#237; consalachta &#225;irithe cos&#250;il le
heisi&#250;int pasanna agus v&#237;osa&#237;, cl&#225;r&#250; breitheanna eachtracha,
f&#237;ordheimhni&#250; c&#225;ip&#233;is&#237; agus daoine a chur faoi mhionn. Socra&#237;onn an
tAire Gn&#243;tha&#237; Eachtracha na t&#225;ill&#237; seo tr&#237; mhe&#225;n Ionstraim
Reacht&#250;il eisithe faoi Alt 33 den Acht um Oifigigh Taidhleoireachta
agus Chonsalachta (Sol&#225;thar Seirbh&#237;s&#237;), 1993.


Tabhair faoi deara, le do thoil, go bhfuil t&#225;ill&#237; &#225;irithe
taidhleoireachta agus conslachta ag &#225;rd&#250; &#243; 1&#250; M&#225;rta 2013. T&#225; liosta
ioml&#225;n de na t&#225;ill&#237; ar f&#225;il 
anseo (PDF 175kb) .


Tabhair faoi deara freisin go bhf&#233;adfadh t&#225;ill&#237; riarach&#225;in bhreise
bheith i gceist m&#225; bhaineann t&#250; leas as na seirbh&#237;s&#237; seo thar
lear. D&#233;an tagairt leis an Ambas&#225;id chun na modhanna
&#237;oca&#237;ochta &#225;t&#225; inghlachta a shocr&#250; roimh aon &#237;oca&#237;ocht a dh&#233;anamh.




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:19:32 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Embassy Closure Dates]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=54214</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Embassy will be closed on the following dates:


Tuesday 1 January (New Year)
Tuesday 26 March (First day Passover)
Friday 29 March (Good Friday)
Monday 1 April (Easter Monday and last day
Passover)

Tuesday 16 April (Israel Independence Day)
Tuesday 15 May (Shavuot)
Tuesday 5 September (Rosh Hashanah)
Wednesday 6 September (Rosh Hashanah)
Thursday 19 September (Succoth)
Thursday 26 September (Succoth/Simhat Torah)
Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day)
Thursday 26 December (St. Stephen’s Day)




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:06:09 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Authentication of Documents]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=54246</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Introduction


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille documents executed in Ireland that are to be
used in other countries.Irish Diplomatic and
Consular Missions abroad can legalise documents executed
abroad for use in Ireland.

Authenticating a document simply means confirming that a signature,
seal or stamp appearing on the document is genuine.
Legalising a document means authenticating it for the purpose of
making it acceptable to an Irish court.

Authentication and Legalisation do not mean that the content of a
document is accurate or that the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Tradeapproves of the content.


_____________________________________________________________


Why do documents need to be Authenticated\Apostilled?


If you are going to use Irish documents overseas, for business or
personal reasons, you may be asked to have your documents
Authenticated\Apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade. You should therefore confirm with the authority to whom you
are presenting the documents what their requirements are with
regard to Authentication\Legalisation.


_____________________________________________________________


What is an Apostille?


The 1961 Hague Convention abolished the requirement for Foreign
Public Documents (e.g. birth, death and marriage certificates,
documents issued by a Notary Public) to be legalised for countries
that are parties to the Convention. The Convention entered into
force for Ireland on 9 March 1999. For further information on the
Hague Convention please access their website.

However, countries that are parties to the Convention may request
the bearer of a document issued by a public authority to obtain an
Apostille from the Authorities of the country that issued the
document.

An Apostille involves the addition of a certificate, either stamped
on the document itself or attached to it. It certifies the country
of origin of the document, the identity and capacity in which the
document has been signed and the name of any authority which has
affixed a seal or stamp to the document.


_____________________________________________________________


Documents we can Authenticate\Apostille


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille documents of Irish origin provided that they
bear an original signature, seal or stamp from an Irish practising
public official or organisation. An Irish document means that it
originated or has been executed in Ireland. If a practising Irish
solicitor, Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths is signing a
document they should state clearly what exactly it is they are
certifying in relation to the document. They must sign their own
name and not use a company signature.


_____________________________________________________________


Examples of Documents the Department can Authenticate\Apostille
are:


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Tradecan
Authenticate\Apostille public documents which have been executed in
the territory of One Contracting State and which have to be
produced in the territory of another Contracting State.


Examples:



Original certificates issued by the General Registers
Office (GRO)


Company documents issued by the Companies Registration Office


Documents signed by the Chambers of Commerce in Ireland


Court documents, Powers of Attorney, and other Notarial Acts can be
Authenticated provided they bear an original signature, seal or
stamp from a practising Irish solicitor\ Notary Public in Ireland


Educational Certificates can be Authenticated provided they fall
within the National Framework of Qualifications established by the
National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland\are recognised
by the Department of Education.


We can also Authenticate\Apostille medical reports signed by a
doctor who is registered with the Medical Council of Ireland.


Garda Clearance letters confirming a person's details for Consular
purposes must be issued from the Superintendent's Office of the
Garda station where you last resided in Ireland. This letter
must bear an original stamp and signature of the Garda Sioch&#225;na.



An appointment is necessary for large numbers of documents and for
full foreign adoption dossiers.


Photocopies of DocumentsWe can
Authenticate\Apostille photocopies of certain types of documents
provided they have been certified by a practising Irish Solicitor
or Notary Public in Ireland. However, you should in the first
instance confirm with the authority to whom you are presenting the
document that a certified copy will be acceptable to them.


_____________________________________________________________


How to get your Document Authenticated\Apostilled


Documents that have been executed in Ireland, and which are to be
Authenticated or Apostilled by the Department can be:


Presented to the Department at its Public Office at the following
address:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Hainault House
69 - 71 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2


or sent via post to:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
80 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2


Documents sent by post must include the
following:
A brief covering letter stating your name, return address,
telephone number, you must state what country the document(s) are
for use in, and you must include the appropriate
fee.


Tel. (01) 408 2174
(01) 408 2322
(01) 408 2557
(01) 408 2576

For the Munster area:


Consular Services,
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
1A South Mall,
Cork

Tel: 021 4944765 / 021 4944766


Opening Hours:The opening hours for the
Public Offices in Dublin and Cork are as follows:
Monday - Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
0930 - 1300
1430 - 1600

FeesA fee of €40 is charged for each
Apostille or Authentication. There is a standard fee of
€100 for a series of Apostilles or Authentications in
relation to inter-country adoptions. All Post Placement Reports
have a fee of €40.00


Please note that there may be an additional administration fee if
applying for these services from our officesabroad. Fees will
be notified on request.


Methods of Payment
This section relates to services available at the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Tradein Dublin and Cork.


Payment can be made by Cash, Bank Draft (made payable to the
'Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade'), Irish Postal
Orderor by Credit/Debit card.


It should be noted that all bank draftsmust be drawn on an
Irish bank or a bank showing a connection with a bank in Ireland.
Personal cheques are no longer accepted.


_____________________________________________________________


E-Register Verification of Apostilles and
Authentications


The online electronic register enables you to verify the
authenticity of an Apostille or Authentication issued by the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland from 01
January 2013.


In order to verify an Apostille or Authentication, please
click here


_____________________________________________________________


Legalisation


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad can legalise
documents executed abroad for use in Ireland.


Administering oaths, affirmations and
statutory declarations and certifying copies of documents:


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Officers abroad are empowered under
Irish law to administer oaths, affirmations and statutory
declarations. They can also certify copies of original Irish
documents or translations. 


If you require any of these services, contact your nearest
   Irish Diplomatic or Consular
   Mission.


The fee for these services in local currency and methods of payment
will be notified, on request, by the relevant Mission.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:47:12 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[W B Yeats Exhibition]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=87523</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   



Invitation to an event celebrating W B
   Yeats at Sourasky Library on 20th March 2012 at 6pm


The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has commissioned
a new Travelling Exhibition based on the National Library of Ireland’s
exhibition on the life and works of William Butler
Yeats, Ireland’s National Poet.


The new exhibition, which consists of 13 ‘pop-up’ panels measuring
90.5cm &#215; 225.5cm., will be on display at the Tel Aviv University’s
Sourasky Central Library from mid-February until end of March
2012. The Exhibition is accompanied by a DVD and booklet
which is available on request from the Embassy of Ireland Tel Aviv.


Further information on the poet along with a selection of images
from the exhibition are outlined below.













]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:12:27 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Advice]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=54285</link>
					<description><![CDATA[   
On 21 November, a ceasefire came into effect. We
continue to advise against all travel to Gaza and the areas
immediately adjacent to Gaza. We advise that travellers
exercise extreme caution within 40km of Gaza. Irish citizens
are advised to exercise caution in all other parts of Israel and
the occupied Palestinian Territory.


PLEASE NOTE


&#183; Travellers should
regularly acquaint themselves with the latest developments
regarding apossible regional military conflict.


&#183; We strongly
advise against all travel to theGaza Strip, including the
waters off Gaza.


&#183; We strongly
advise against alltravel to the border area with the Gaza
strip in southern Israel.


&#183; We strongly
advise Irish citizens to exercisecaution when travelling to
the West Bank in the occupiedPalestinian Territory. There are
increased tensions in the West Bank with an increased possibility
of violence between Palestinian protestors and Israeli security.
Travellers are strongly advised to avoid all gatherings and
demonstrations across the Israel and West Bank at this time.


&#183; The situation
will continue to be monitored and will be kept under active review.


&#183; Because of
Israeli requirements, diplomatic/Consular staffare obliged to
give 5 working days' notice of an intention to visit Gaza.
There isno guarantee that permission will be given even after
complying with this time limit. In addition, the EU rule
precluding contact with the de facto authorities in Gaza has rarely
been waived and then only in an emergency.


Safety and Security


Irish citizens travelling to Israel and the occupied Palestinian
Territory should inform themselves and remain alert to all
developments which could indicate a likely outbreak of regional
military conflict and determine the necessity of their travel plans
in accordance with the latest available information.


We advise strongly against all travel to the Gaza Strip. Concerning
the Israeli-Gaza Strip border, although cease-fires have been
declared on previous occasions, these are fragile, with sporadic
rocket fire in the region. Recent closures of the Rafah crossing
have prevented planned departures from Gaza, and while now
re-opened, further closures of the Rafah and Erez crossings may
happen at short notice without warning. We advise that travellers
should continue to exercise extreme caution within 40 kilometres of
the border, remaining alert to any rocket warnings.


Irish citizens in Gaza are advised to register with the Department
of Foreign Affairs, if they have not already done so, by clicking
here.Those
Irish citizens who have decided to leave Gaza should do so now
while it is still possible. Contact details for the Embassy of
Ireland are here. Irish
citizens should be aware that it is extremely unlikely that the
Irish Government will be able to provide any consular assistance to
citizens who travel to Gaza at this time.


The security situation in the occupied West Bank has improved
considerably in recent years, but the continued Israeli occupation
of the Palestinian territories remains an ongoing source of
tension. As some areas remain tense and local situations have the
potential to deteriorate suddenly, citizens should exercise
caution, check the travel advice regularly and register with the
Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv or the Representative Office in Ramallah
before travelling. Similarly, West Jerusalem and occupied East
Jerusalem, including the Old City of Jerusalem, remain popular
tourist destinations but citizens should exercise caution and avoid
the use of public transport in these areas.


Large gatherings of people or demonstrations should be avoided.


Local Laws and Customs


For entry requirements for Israel and the occupied Palestinian
Territory please contact the nearest Embassy or
Consulate.


It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport
with you.During your stay you should carry a photocopy of
your passport at all times.


The penalties for smuggling and trafficking in illegal drugs are
severe. Persons caught in possession of illegal drugs can expect a
prison sentence and deportation.


Travellers to both Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory
will notice a mix of religions and cultures. Many people feel
strongly about their beliefs and customs and visitors should at all
times be aware of local cultural mores. For example, it is not
recommended to enter a Jewish Ultra-Orthodox area, particularly in
Jerusalem, on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Modest
dress is recommended at pilgrimage sites and in religious areas in
Jerusalem as well as in the West Bank and Gaza. Travellers should
also be sensitive when taking pictures of people in Muslim and
Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods.


Travellers are advised to take care not to take photographs of
military or police personnel or installations.


It is recommended to carry identification with you at all time in
case it is requested by the local authorities. It is also advisable
to make photocopies of your passport, including after arrival, the
date and entry stamp pages in case of theft or loss.


The purchase of property in Israeli settlements in the occupied
Palestinian Territory, or the Golan Heights under Israeli
occupation is subject to risk. The Irish Government considers these
settlements to be illegal under international law. The
establishment of Palestinian sovereignty in the areas currently
under Israel occupation and the restoration of Syrian control to
the occupied Golan Heights may have legal consequences for the
purchasers of such properties. Potential purchasers should seek
independent legal advice before undertaking such purchases.


Natural Disasters and Climate


There are occasional small earthquakes in Israel and the occupied
Palestinian Territory, however in general these pose little risk to
the inhabitants and visitors. The last major earthquake, which
measured an estimated 6.2 on the Richter scale, was in 1927.


The climate is warm.


Additional Country Info


TRAVEL INSURANCE


The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you
obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas
medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to
Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory. You should
check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the
activities you want to undertake.


Travellers should note that the Irish Government does not provide
funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of
remains.


CRIME


Crime against the person is not generally a problem in either
Israel or the occupied Palestinian Territory. However, visitors
should keep their passports and personal belongings in a safe place
at all times. Particular attention should be paid at tourist sites,
beaches, and in crowded places, when wallets, money and other
valuables should be kept secure, and, out of sight.


ROAD SAFETY


Driving in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory is erratic
and there are frequent accidents. Radar speed traps operate on
Israeli roads and fines for speeding are high. Persons caught
speeding may also have their licence confiscated.


It is not safe to hitchhike in Israel or the occupied Palestinian
Territory.


If you are travelling in the desert, go with others, carry a
sufficient supply of water, take a mobile phone and ensure that
somebody is aware of your itinerary and your expected time of
return.


DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONSIN ISRAEL



Contact details for all Irish Missions
      (including Honorary Consuls)in Israel are available
      here. (Opens in new window) 
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:24:42 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Arts & Culture]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79268</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Ireland’s Culture


Ireland has a rich cultural past and present. The traditional lore
preserved by the early Irish poets has left a colourful heritage of
mythical and historical stories. Modern writers in turn have drawn
on these stories to enrich their own work.



Top of Page


The Irish Language


Most people spoke Irish until the early nineteenth century but by
1891 the majority spoke English only. It is one of the celtic
family of languages and is closely related to scots Gaelic, Welsh
and Breton. Since Independence the state has actively encouraged
the use of Irish and it is the first official language with english
as the second. The latest figures show that 42% of all adults
declare a knowledge of Irish. It is widely spoken in areas known as
the Gaeltacht, situated mainly along the western seaboard.
the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs has
responsibility for promoting the cultural, social and economic
welfare of the Gaeltacht through &#218;dar&#225;s na Gaeltachta
(Gaeltacht Authority). The Irish Language Agency (Foras
na Gaeilge) has responsibility for the promotion and
encouragement of the use of Irish as a vernacular throughout the
island of Ireland. Irish is a core subject in primary and secondary
schools and a growing number of schools offer tuition exclusively
through Irish (Gaelscoileanna). There is an Irish language
national radio service (Raidio na Gaeltachta) and an Irish
language television service (TG4). On 1 January 2007, the
Irish language became the 23rd official language of the European
Union.



Top of Page
 

Irish Literature


Irish writers have long made a significant contribution to world
literature in both the Irish and English languages. Written
literature in the Irish language dates from the sixth century. With
the end of the Gaelic order in the seventeenth century and its
tradition of patronage of poets, Irish writers began to preserve a
   record of the old civilisation. Through the eighteenth and
   nineteenth centuries members of the clergy, teachers and poets
   continued to write in Irish. One of the best known poets of this
   time is Brian Merriman (1747–1805) author of the frequently
   translated C&#250;irt an Mhe&#225;n O&#237;che (Midnight
   court). In the twentieth century writers such as Patrick
   Pearse (1879–1916) and P&#225;draic &#211; Conaire (1882–1928)
   opened Irish literature to European influences.
   Distinguished writers in Irish in the modern period
   include such diverse voices as Liam &#211; Flaitheartaigh
   (1896–1984), Mair&#233;ad N&#237; Ghr&#225;da (1896–1971), M&#225;irt&#237;n &#211;
   Cadhain (1906–70), M&#225;irt&#237;n &#211; Dire&#225;in (1910–88), Se&#225;n &#211;
   R&#237;ord&#225;in (1916–77), Michael Hartnett (1941–99), Cr&#237;ost&#243;ir &#211;
   Floinn (b. 1927), Gabriel Rosenstock (b. 1949), Liam &#211;
   Muirthile (b. 1950), Cathal &#211; Searcaigh (b. 1956) and
   Nuala N&#237; Dhomhnaill (b. 1952). In the english language,
   the satirist Jonathan swift (1667–1745) authored
   Gulliver’s Travels (1726). Oscar Wilde’s
   (1854–1900) plays, prose and poetry continue to be
   performed and read worldwide. Irish nobel laureates
   include the playwright and novelist George Bernard Shaw
   (1856–1950) and the poet and dramatist William
   Butler Yeats (1865–1939), whose work
   inspired the modernrenaissance in Irish
   writing. James Joyce (1882–1941) wrote the
   pioneering modernist novel, Ulysses
   (1922) — widely recognised as one of the
   greatest novels ever written. Joyce inspired
   the work of satirist Brian O’Nolan (Flann
   O’Brien) (1911–66), who also wrote in Irish.
   nobel laureate Samuel Beckett (1906–89) wrote
   in a minimalist vein, often in French. His
   play, Waiting for Godot (1953) has
   become a twentieth century classic of
   absurdism.





The generation of poets after Yeats included very different talents
in Patrick Kavanagh (1904–67). Kavanagh’s example as a poet of
rural realism inspired Seamus Heaney whose vision of the redemptive
power ofpoetry earned him the nobel Prize for Literature in 1995.
Irish fiction continues to be well received — in recent years,
several Irish writers have won the Man Booker Prize including Anne
Enright in 2007, John Banville in 2005 and Roddy Doyle in 1993.
Writers shortlisted for the prize include Colm T&#243;ib&#237;n (1999, 2004
and 2009), Sebastian Barry (2008) and Emma Donoghue (2010). Colum
Mccann's novel, “Let the Great World Spin” won the national Book
Award in the USA in 2009.


Irish theatre companies such as the Abbey, the Druid and the Gate
regularly tour their productions to international venues and host
the work of visiting theatre companies to Ireland.






Top of Page


Art


The earliest Irish art consists of carvings on megalithic monuments
dating from 3500 B.C. Celtic art reached its apogee in the
manuscripts of the gospels such as the books of Durrow and Kells.
After the ninth century Irish art absorbed Viking, Romanesque and
Gothic influences producing, for example, richly carved stone High
Crosses.


From the mid-seventeenth century decorative arts such as
goldsmithery, plasterwork and glass flourished in conjunction with
the large-scale public buildings of the time. In the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Irish painters looked to
the French Impressionists for a new idiom. These include William
Leech(1881–1968), Walter osborne (1859–1903), John Lavery
(1856–1941) and Roderic O’Conor (1860–1940). Crossing from
Impressionism to Expressionism, Jack B. Yeats (1871–1957) towers
over his contemporaries much as his brother, the poet W.B. Yeats,
was pre-eminent among his peers.



Other artists, working in an abstract expressionist mode, include
Louis le Brocquy, Norah McGuinness (1901–80) and Patrick Scott. A
strong new expressionist movement emerged in the late twentieth
century including Brian Maguire, Eithne Jordan, Michael Mulcahy,
Michael Cullen, Dorothy Cross and Alice Maher.


Sculpture in the nineteenth century was heroic and monumental as
exemplified by the statues of Oliver Goldsmith and Edmund Burke by
John Henry Foley (1819–1974) outside Trinity College, Dublin. This
tradition continued into the twentieth century with the works of
Oisin Kelly (1915–81), Seamus Murphy (1907–74) and Hilary Heron
(1923–77) pioneering the use of new casting techniques and
promoting the concept of an Irish vernacular sculpture.
Contemporary sculpture is more abstract and witty as can be seen in
the diverse work of Edward Delany (1930–2009), John Behan, Michael
Warren, Eilis O’Connell, Kathy Prendergast and Eileen MacDonagh.





Department of Arts,
Heritage and the Gaeltacht




Department of
Environment,and Local Government




Culture
Ireland




&#218;dar&#225;s na
Gaeltachta




The Arts
Council




Crafts Council of
Ireland




Ireland
Literature Exchange






Top of Page


Architecture


The earliest examples of architecture visible in Ireland today are
megalithic tombs (3500–2000 B.c.). these include dolmens (three
ormore standing stones supporting
   one or two capstones) and passage graves such as Newgrange.
   Stone Age techniques survived into the twelfth century and are
   still visible in the beehive structure of early churches and
   monasteries such as those on Skellig Michael and Gallarus
   Oratory in County Kerry. During the Iron Age (after 500 B.c.)
   large circular stone forts were built, usually on hilltops such
   as Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands.


The Round tower is almost exclusive to Ireland and is found in many
parts of the country. Built from the tenth to the twelfth centuries
on monastic sites, the most notable being at Clonmacnoise in County
Offaly, round towers were frequently more than 30 metres high.
Their primary purpose seems to have been to serve as bell towers
although the raised level of the doorway would suggest they may
also have had defensive uses.


After this period, Romanesque architecture with its intricate
andornate carved stonework influenced the shape of Irish churches,
the finest examples being Cormac’s Chapel on the Rock of Cashel in
County Tipperary and Clonfert Cathedral in County Galway. The
arrival of the Anglo-Normans heralded the introduction of the early
Gothic style of architecture, with the two Dublin cathedrals,
Christ Church and Saint Patrick’s, being the most notable. The
Normans built substantial castles with large rectangular keeps,
many of which, like Trim in County Meath and Carrickfergus in
County Antrim, still figure on the landscape. The fifteenth century
castle at Cahir in County Tipperary is the most impressive of the
surviving feudal strongholds.





Classical buildings date from the late seventeenth century. At the
turn of the eighteenth century Palladian mansions were emulating
Italian palazzos, but by the end of the century, this style had
given way to neo-classicism and Dublin became an outstanding
example of Georgian architecture. Key buildings from this period
include the Custom House and the Four Courts in Dublin, with their
distinctive copper domes, designed by James Gandon (1743–1823). By
the nineteenth century Gothic revivalism was in vogue influencing
the design of churches such as Saint Finn Barre’s Cathedral (1867)
in Cork and adapted to domestic architecture in the construction of
Ashford Castle (c.1870), County Mayo.



Topof Page


Music


Music has always been an important part of Irish culture, from the
traditional accompaniment to festivals and funerals in the form of
playing and ballad singing, to Irish dancing which is very much
alive in Irish communities around the world. The harp was the
dominant instrument in early historical times. One of the earliest
Irish composers whose work survives is Turlough O’Carolan
(1670–1738), the blind harpist and one of the last of the ancient
bardic tradition.


There is also a classical tradition in the forms pioneered by
otherEuropean composers. Eighteenth
   century Dublin was an important musical centre and Handel chose
   to premiere his Messiah there in 1742. In the twentieth
   century traditional Irish music inspired modern composers such
   as Se&#225;n &#211; Riada (1931–71). Count John McCormack (1884–1945) was
   a world famous Irish tenor.


Traditional Irish music is now popular in many countries through
the influence of groups as diverse as Clannad, the Chieftains,
Altan, Dervish, L&#250;nasa and An&#250;na, all of whom perform in a modern
context without compromising the integrity of the original sound.
Reflecting this versatility is the phenomenon of Riverdance,
with music composed by Bill Whelan, combining the best of Irish
song, music and dance. Comhaltas Ceolt&#243;ir&#237; &#201;ireann plays a
prominent part in the development and preservation of Irish
traditional music and dance.


On the jazz scene guitarist Louis Stewart has played with leading
international musicians. Bands such as U2 and Westlife are famous
at home and abroad, as are individual singers such as Van Morrison,
Sin&#233;ad O’Connor and Enya.


There are three full–time professional orchestras performing in
Ireland. The national opera company was founded in 2010 forged from
two state-funded companies, Opera Ireland and Opera Theatre
Company. There is also a wealth of individual classical musical
talent such as the well known pianist John O’Conor and singers Ann
Murray and Suzanne Murphy.



Top of Page


Film


Films have been made in and about Ireland since the Lumi&#233;re
Brothers filmed in Sackville (now O’Connell) Street in 1897.
In 1910 the American, Sidney Olcott, filmed The Lad from Old
Ireland in New York and Kerry, the first film ever made on two
continents. Ireland has since played host to many international
directors — Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, Francis Ford Coppola, John
Huston and Steven Spielberg.


Throughout the last century Irish film makers were prolific in
theirproduction of amateur films, newsreels, documentaries
and informational films. It was not until the 1970s however that a
new wave of indigenously produced fiction films began to provide a
striking alternative to foreign produced representations of
Ireland.


The work of Irish producers, directors and screen writers is
facilitated by the Irish Film Board who fund production and
distribution of feature films, shorts, animated films and Irish
language productions. Irish films have enjoyed international
acclaim such as Michael Collins (Neil Jordan 1996), I
Went Down (Paddy Breathnach 1997), The General (John
Boorman 1998), The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Ken Loach
2006) winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and Once (John
Carney 2006), winner of an Academy Award for best original song.


Annual film festivals in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast showcase
Irish and international films while a year–round venue for art
house cinema is provided at the Irish Film Centre in Dublin, the
Kino in Cork and the town Hall in Galway. The Irish animator,
Richard Baneham, won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and a
BAFTA Award for special Visual effects for his work on Avatar,
2010.





The National
Theatre Society




National Concert
Hall




National
Archives




Irish Museum of
Modern Art




National
Gallery of Ireland




National Library of
Ireland




National Museum of
Ireland




Chester Beatty
Library




Irish Research
Council for the Humanities &amp;amp; Social Studies




An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna




Bord Scann&#225;n na
h&#201;ireann






Top of Page


Sport


Among the most popular sports are Ireland’s traditional games,
gaelic football, hurling and camogie, which are played almost
exclusively in Ireland and in Irish communities abroad. Games in
the All-Ireland hurling and football championships attract large
attendances throughout the summer months culminating in the finals,
the highlight of Ireland’s sporting year, which are held in Croke
Park in Dublin.





Soccer is popular at all ages from school to senior level in
domestic competitions. the Irish International team, which plays as
the Republic of Ireland, has over the past number of years enjoyed
some success and is well supported by enthusiastic and friendly
fans.


Rugby football is popular in Ireland at international, club and
schools level. The sport is managed by the Irish Rugby Football
Union (IRFU). Ireland competes in the international annual Six
Nations Championship, winning the tournament in 2009.





Ireland has a strong reputation for field sports such as shooting,
fishing and also for equestrian events, show jumping and horse
racing. The Irish bloodstock industry is considered one of the
finest in the world.


As Ireland has over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and numerous
inland waterways, sailing and boating are long-established sports.
A wide range of marine leisure activities such as fishing,
water-skiing, canoeing, wind-surfing, diving and swimming are also
pursued.





Over 400 golf courses offer facilities through the country.
All-Ireland teams compete in international amateur golfing
competitions with the major Irish tournaments on the international
professional circuit being the Irish Open and the Smurfit European
Open. The Ryder Cup was held in Ireland in 2006, with top
Irish golfers P&#225;draig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley
contributing to the European team’s victory over the United States.
Harrington later went on to become a three times ‘Majors’ winner,
winning the British open championship in July 2007 and in 2008, and
the US PGA in 2008.


Ireland has a history of successfully hosting prestigious sporting
events and hosted the special olympics in June 2003. This was the
largest sporting event ever to take place in Ireland. Over 7,000
special athletes from 160 countries came to Ireland to participate
in this unique sporting achievement.








Irish
Sports Council




Football Association
of Ireland




Irish Rugby Football
Union




Gaelic Association of
Ireland




Horse
Racing Ireland




Golfing Union of
Ireland




Special
Olympics Ireland




Olympic
Council of Ireland






Top of Page

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:51:11 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[St Patrick]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79278</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Some studies suggest that St. Patrick's real name was Maewyn Succat
and that he was born at the end of the fourth century on the island
of Britain (possibly Wales or Scotland). At the age of sixteen he
was kidnapped by a band of pirates, and sold into slavery in
Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd. After six long years of
slavery he escaped to the northern coast of Gaul (modern France)
where he began studies to become a priest. Here he took on the name
Patrick (Patricus). According to legend, Patrick had recurrent
dreams, which he interpreted as a calling from God to convert the
pagans of Ireland to Christianity.

In about 432 AD, Patrick arrived in Ireland, where he used the
shamrock, which resembles a three-leafed clover, to help explain
the concept of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and
God the Holy Spirit). On one occasion, Patrick defied the High King
of Ireland, by lighting a fire on top of a hill at Tara, the
ancient capital of Ireland, before the High King himself. This was
on the Celtic feast of Bealtaine, when tradition dictated that the
High King would light the first fire, from which all others would
be lit. Patrick's fire seemed to have magical powers and proved to
the High King that Patrick's God was more powerful than the God's
of the Druids.

Patrick travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries and
setting up schools and churches to aid in converting the Irish
country to Christianity. Legend tells us that Saint Patrick drove
all the snakes out of Ireland, by forcing them into the sea where
they drowned. There are no snakes in Ireland today (except in
zoos).

Patrick preached in Ireland for thirty years. He ended his mission
in County Down and where he died on 17th March in 461 AD. That day
has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.

The main St. Patrick's Day festival is held in
      Dublin, but St. Patrick's Day is celebrated throughout the
      world by Irish people and friends of Ireland. St. Patrick's
      Day parades take place in New York, Moscow, Munich, Vienna
      and many other cities throughout the world. 
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:32:45 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[St Patrick - Ireland's Patron Saint]]></title>
					<link>http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=79300</link>
					<description><![CDATA[Some studies suggest that St. Patrick's real name was Maewyn Succat
and that he was born at the end of the fourth century on the island
of Britain (possibly Wales or Scotland). At the age of sixteen he
was kidnapped by a band of pirates, and sold into slavery in
Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd. After six long years of
slavery he escaped to the northern coast of Gaul (modern France)
where he began studies to become a priest. Here he took on the name
Patrick (Patricus). According to legend, Patrick had recurrent
dreams, which he interpreted as a calling from God to convert the
pagans of Ireland to Christianity.

In about 432 AD, Patrick arrived in Ireland, where he used the
shamrock, which resembles a three-leafed clover, to help explain
the concept of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and
God the Holy Spirit). On one occasion, Patrick defied the High King
of Ireland, by lighting a fire on top of a hill at Tara, the
ancient capital of Ireland, before the High King himself. This was
on the Celtic feast of Bealtaine, when tradition dictated that the
High King would light the first fire, from which all others would
be lit. Patrick's fire seemed to have magical powers and proved to
the High King that Patrick's God was more powerful than the God's
of the Druids.

Patrick travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries and
setting up schools and churches to aid in converting the Irish
country to Christianity. Legend tells us that Saint Patrick drove
all the snakes out of Ireland, by forcing them into the sea where
they drowned. There are no snakes in Ireland today (except in
zoos).

Patrick preached in Ireland for thirty years. He ended his mission
in County Down and where he died on 17th March in 461 AD. That day
has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.

The main St. Patrick's Day festival is held in
      Dublin, but St. Patrick's Day is celebrated throughout the
      world by Irish people and friends of Ireland. St. Patrick's
      Day parades take place in New York, Moscow, Munich, Vienna
      and many other cities throughout the world. 
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:32:45 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
		
	</channel>
</rss>
