Phew, what a scorcher. We’ve been experiencing a heatwave in Northern Ireland this last week, with the temperature reaching 31.4 degrees celsius. That’s the highest figure ever recorded in our wee country. Shops have been selling out of fans and sun cream while ice cream sales are going through the roof. These amateurs who onlyContinue reading “How Hot Is It Where You Are?”
Tag Archives: Ireland
Good Morning From Northern Ireland
Good Morning from Northern Ireland. I hope everyone is well. I’ve been neglecting my blogging duties of late as a new position at work is taking up most of my spare time. It’s an exciting opportunity and I’m relishing the challenge. It’s allowing me to do what I enjoy the most…write. I’d like to thinkContinue reading “Good Morning From Northern Ireland”
Happy Birthday Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland turns 100 today. On 03 May 2021 it legally came into being, ending years of civil war when it separated from the rest of the island of Ireland. The six counties of Fermanagh, Armagh, Tyrone, Londonderry, Antrim and Down broke away from the other twenty-six to become part of a United Kingdom alongContinue reading “Happy Birthday Northern Ireland”
Happy St Patricks Day?
Happy St Patricks Day from Northern Ireland. It feels no time since I was writing the same words a year ago, when the country was in lockdown and all the pubs were shut. And, here we are, 365 days later, still in lockdown and all the pubs are shut. There will be no parades, noContinue reading “Happy St Patricks Day?”
Author Interview – Dixon Reuel
Dixon Reuel is a Dublin-based Science Fiction & Fantasy author who wrote one of the standout debut novels last year with the fantastic ‘Rise Of One,’ the first in her ‘Blood Brute’ series. It’s a dark, atmospheric post-apocalyptic thriller where a small coven of vampires seek to lead a quiet existence but are threatened onContinue reading “Author Interview – Dixon Reuel”
From Now On I’m A European
If you meet someone from Northern Ireland and ask where they come from be prepared for a range of answers depending on their political, cultural and religious background. They could be Irish, British, Northern Irish, from Ulster or even the Occupied Six Counties. It’s a bit of a minefield and kind of epitomises why thereContinue reading “From Now On I’m A European”
Author Interview – Conor Bredin
Conor Bredin is the author of ‘The Longest Night,’ a highly innovate, fast-paced Irish supernatural fantasy that I would recommend to you all. Mild-mannered teacher by day he also produces and hosts the popular ‘Story Of A Storyteller’ podcast. Which is how we met when he foolishly asked me to be a guest on oneContinue reading “Author Interview – Conor Bredin”
Author Interview – Lauren Robinson
Today I’m starting a weekly post highlighting authors I’ve met and read via Twitter’s #writingcommunity. I’ve discovered some great people and incredibly talented writers. I’ll initially focus on authors from the wonderful island of Ireland and first up is Derry’s Lauren Robinson, whose exceptional World War Two debut, ‘The Boy Who Saw In Colours’ wasContinue reading “Author Interview – Lauren Robinson”
The 12 Blogs Of Christmas #10
As this Christmas blogging series glides (limps) to an end I thought I’d be a little selfish when it came to today’s suggested topic – Christmas presents. I’ve always been somewhat awkward promoting my own work so one of my New Year resolutions has been to be a little braver when it comes to stickingContinue reading “The 12 Blogs Of Christmas #10”
The 12 Blogs Of Christmas #1
Last year I took my team out for breakfast during our final week in the office to thank them for all their efforts throughout the year. Because I’m a thoughtful, caring boss. Plus they would have most likely lynched me if I hadn’t. The majority of us plumped for a traditional Ulster fry and IContinue reading “The 12 Blogs Of Christmas #1”
My Wee Book #1
Just a note to thank all of you who have bought, enjoyed and reviewed my debut novel, ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skelly’s Square.’ Reviews really matter for writers so I’m delighted I’m nearing the 100 mark in both the USA & Europe. Even better, the book has maintained a five star average throughout. You canContinue reading “My Wee Book #1”
A New Jerusalem – It’s Here
Good Morning from sunny Northern Ireland and what an exciting day it is. You can now pre-order my second novel, ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: A New Jerusalem,’ in e-book format from your local Amazon site. The book goes on general release on e-book and paperback format on 06 October. Thank you to my publishers, Potter’sContinue reading “A New Jerusalem – It’s Here”
Causeway Coast Road Trip
We took a drive along the Causeway Coastal route today all the way to Portrush. Fionnuala took around a zillion photographs and here are some of them. Special guest appearances from Hannah, Rebecca & Charlie the border terrier. I hope they capture the beauty of Northern Ireland, this wee country we call home. Hope youContinue reading “Causeway Coast Road Trip”
Two Days To Go!
The next instalment in the ‘Kirkwood Scott Chronicles’ series – ‘A New Jerusalem’ will be available for pre-order in two days time, prior to going on sale in October. I’m very excited and hope you are as well. If you haven’t read ‘Skelly’s Square,’ the first book in the series yet, it’s available to buyContinue reading “Two Days To Go!”
Happy/Unhappy 12th July
Good Morning from Northern Ireland. Happy 12th July. Or Unhappy 12th July. You see, it depends on what part of the community you originate from in this fair land that I call home. Anyway, it’s a big deal whatever way you look at it. For this day 330 years ago the Protestant army of KingContinue reading “Happy/Unhappy 12th July”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #15
We woke up to another bright, sunny day. The best weather of the year and the whole nation is on lockdown. Typical. Even better weather is predicted for the Easter weekend and the government are warning people of the need to stay at home in order to save lives. Over 900 people died in theContinue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #15”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #14
The U.K. death total passed 6000 yesterday, an increase of over 800, which showed how premature the calls of some had been for a relaxation of the lockdown rules. There is a light at the end of the tunnel but this is a very long tunnel. There were three deaths in Northern Ireland, bringing ourContinue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #14”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #11
The forecast for the weekend remains good but the furthest we are going is our back garden. We are digging in for the long haul. Adam and I are power hosing the yard today, Rebecca is on weeding duties and tomorrow we are fence and furniture painting. The pandemic does give you the time toContinue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #11”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #5
I will never take anything for granted again. During this lockdown I have become increasingly fixated on sales of my first book and finishing the edits on my second. This is what I do. When stuff gets real and scary I tend to hide in fantasy land. I struggle to cope with the situation soContinue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #5”
Stepping Off The Beaten Path
Just a few photos from a recent wander I took down one of the many back alleys that criss cross Belfast city centre. They are full of quirky little pubs, betting shops and characters. It’s amazing the adventures you can have when you stray off the less traveled road. When was the last time youContinue reading “Stepping Off The Beaten Path”
Stuff I See On My Lunch Break
Yesterday’s lunchtime run took me out of the city and through the Titanic Quarter to H.M.S. Caroline. Caroline was a British battle cruiser which fought at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 during the 1st World War. It is the last survivor of Jutland but also operated as the H.M. Naval base in Belfast duringContinue reading “Stuff I See On My Lunch Break”
Stained Glass Belfast
My running blogs are entirely unremarkable as, let’s face it, who wants to read about a middle aged man trudging around the byways and highways of Northern Ireland in gaudy fluorescent clothing? So I thought I’d spice up my lunchtime run today by capturing some of the spectacular Game of Thrones stained glass art whichContinue reading “Stained Glass Belfast”
Memories Of Portrush
Northern Ireland has gone golf crazy as the Royal Portrush course is currently hosting the 148th British Open. The world’s top golfers have descended upon the seaside resort to do battle for the famous Claret Jug. Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson and our very own Rory McIlroy are vying for sporting glory and the opportunity toContinue reading “Memories Of Portrush”
Worst Limerick Ever
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from a blustery Northern Ireland. Fionnuala suggested an ‘Oirish’ themed post today, so here’s a photo of our three hatchlings celebrating as only they can. The photo was taken a few years ago but you get the idea. As for me, well the best I could come up with was thisContinue reading “Worst Limerick Ever”
How Irish Are You?
As it’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend I thought I’d start the festivities with a question. And a favour. I know quite a few of our followers have Irish connections or ancestry. Especially the North American contingent. You may or may not know then, that Ireland is rugby crazy. Our U20 team won the Six NationsContinue reading “How Irish Are You?”
The Giants Causeway
Today was spent acting as tour guide for some American visitors to Northern Ireland. We took them along the Causeway Coastal Route which shows off the beautiful scenery of Northern Ireland’s North Coast. The weather was equally spectacular as well with temperature hitting 26 degrees celsius. I only wear shorts when I run though soContinue reading “The Giants Causeway”
I’m Writing A Book….Still
So there we have it. Ten months into this project and almost 100,000 words later I find all my characters in the same place at the same time. All nine of them. Number ten couldn’t make it but then he is a master of delegation and has sent along some more than able deputies toContinue reading “I’m Writing A Book….Still”
Northern Ireland – A Potted History
Well that was an exciting St. Patrick’s Day. Ireland defeated England 24-15 to win the Six Nations Rugby Championship and the Grand Slam in the process. This is a massive deal over here as the country is rugby mad. And it’s always satisfying to beat the English at anything. Ireland are now ranked second inContinue reading “Northern Ireland – A Potted History”
Everything You Wanted To Know About Ireland But Were Afraid To Ask
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Black Family in a wet and windy Northern Ireland. Just for a change…. Okay he was probably Welsh, didn’t know a shamrock from his elbow and never saw a snake in his life but those are just details right? Today is a big day on the island of Ireland.Continue reading “Everything You Wanted To Know About Ireland But Were Afraid To Ask”
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