How can Polar Bears be of Irish Ancestry?

An interesting story in the press recently deals with the threatened polar bear (Ursus Maritimus) of which there are 20,000 left in the wild. Recent studies analysing DNA from brown bear bones found in Irish caves reveal that modern polar bears have a maternal Irish ancestor. So it would appear that it isn't just the descendants of the Irish diaspora who can trace their ancestry to Ireland.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Daffodil Day here in Ireland. Raising awareness and funds for the Irish Cancer Society, the daffodil has come to symbolise the fight against cancer.

I recently decided to head into the mountains; with the good weather that we had over the recent St. Patrick's Day long weekend I thought where better than the Dublin Mountains. The image above is a view over Dublin as seen from Ticknock with some of the various places marked. In this image it is possible to see Lansdowne Road (now renamed the Aviva), Croke Park, the National Convention Centre, Dublin Port and Liberty Hall.

If you are coming to Dublin in 2013, Grafton Street will be getting a makeover.

The heart of Dublin's patron saint, St. Laurence O'Toole (LorcánUa Tuathail) has been stolen from Christchurch Cathedral in the heart of the city.

Today, June 16th is Bloomsday. This particular date in the Irish calendar commemorates and celebrates the novel Ulysses and the life of James Joyce himself, one of Ireland's most famous writers.

The weather changes so quick here in Ireland that I always recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast - it gets more accurate the closer you get. It's hard to trust anything more than 3 days ahead.

The city centre of Dublin would appear to be lacking in wildlife, aside from the creatures that frequent the city's nightclubs on weekend nights!

Sitting on the River Liffey as it enters the Irish Sea at Dublin Bay after 78 miles, Dublin has seen human settlement back to prehistoric times, but it isn't until 841AD when the vikings created a harbour on the River Poddle from which the city gets its name.

Tall Ships in Dublin 2012

A fine visit to the Tall Ships in Dublin today. This morning was a good fine morning, a little chilly for August though.