11.06.2008 23:29   ireland.com

The grey-blue bedroom of Dorset Lodge is a calm, soothing oasis, away from the fray.

Ireland Construction & Real Estate

A clash of colour and tradition

 11.06.2008 23:28   ireland.com

The hall at Hollywood House Estate has two components that help make an entrance hall - bold colour and parquet flooring. For a similar look, try Crown Royal Gala. The parquet is the traditional oak herringbone pattern seen in old houses and convents. It is still the most popular type of parquet flooring, according to Glen Parquet flooring (051-852 211).

Ireland Construction & Real Estate

No sign of bear market in Quebec property

 11.06.2008 23:28   ireland.com

The Laurentians area north of Quebec in Canada is a great place for winter and summer holidays, with its skiing, kayaking and French chic and cuisine, writes Frances O'Rourke

Ireland Construction & Real Estate

Sunny clime and the living is easy

 11.06.2008 23:28   ireland.com

GOZO: FROM €180,000SO, YOU WAKE UP in the comfort of your own home one morning and decide that you don't feel like preparing breakfast. It's time to call room service. You could eat it on your balcony, overlooking the pool.

Ireland Construction & Real Estate

Prices may have dropped but first-timers still can't get the cash

 11.06.2008 23:28   ireland.com

LONDON CALLINGIf there was one ray of hope that beamed through the downturn, it was that first-time buyers would finally be able to own their own homes, but it was not to be, writes Angela Pertusini

Ireland Construction & Real Estate

Talking Property

 11.06.2008 23:28   ireland.com

Privacy may at times be necessary, says Isabel Morton

Ireland Construction & Real Estate

Mysterious 'dark energy' drives universe expansion

 11.06.2008 23:27   ireland.com

The nature of the universe remains a mystery because we don't understand dark energy, writes Dr William Reville 

Ireland Sciences

Dishing the dirt on life within the soil

 11.06.2008 23:27   ireland.com

Most soil is made up of bacteria, viruses and fungi. The finding will have an impact on carbon disposal and climate change, according to a DCU research team, writes Aine Bird

Ireland Sciences

Threat to shy bird of the boglands

 11.06.2008 23:27   ireland.com

Ireland's red grouse is under threat and has been 'red-listed', its falling numbers attributed to loss of habitat, writes Anthony King 

Ireland Sciences

China selects its best PhD student in Ireland

 11.06.2008 23:27   ireland.com

A STUDENT AT University College Cork has been honoured by the Chinese government as the most outstanding PhD student in Ireland, writes Dick Ahlstom.

Ireland Sciences

Exercise your right to vote

 11.06.2008 23:27   ireland.com

TODAY WE have the opportunity to vote for or against the Lisbon Treaty, a decision with momentous consequences for Ireland and the European Union. Our democracy is designed to protect individual rights and freedoms and enable citizens render government accountable and responsive. It cannot do these things properly unless individual citizens actually inform themselves and participate. Citizens must exercise their right to vote if they are serious about our democracy and accept the responsibilities it involves. Such freedoms wither as much by neglect as hostile assault.

Ireland Opinions

The high cost of oil

 11.06.2008 23:27   ireland.com

THE RISE in the price of oil, which reached a record $139 a barrel last Friday, has produced a predictable and angry response from consumers, business and politicians. Fishermen have protested in several Irish ports at soaring energy costs. In Spain, truck drivers have blocked roads. In France, fishermen have blockaded ports. And in London, lorry drivers recently carried a coffin to the doors of parliament at Westminster to dramatise the financial plight of the haulage industry.

Ireland Opinions

The DUP is beginning to show soap opera potential

 11.06.2008 23:26   ireland.com

The party knows it can no longer openly peddle anti-gay, anti-Catholic bile in this new era of political responsibility, writes Fionnula O'Connor

Ireland Opinions

Adventures in the land of a thousand cock-ups

 11.06.2008 23:26   ireland.com

OPINION: You Irish are infected by a very special malady - lack of organisation disease, writes Sara Reyners 

Ireland Opinions

Urban development is working against the interests of children

 11.06.2008 23:26   ireland.com

OPINION: Ireland is, by European standards, a young nation and it has a special obligation to think carefully about what development path will best meet children's needs, writes Brendan Gleeson

Ireland Opinions