Dublin offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from traditional Irish music sessions at The Cobblestone pub to the historical insights of the GAA Museum and the Jeanie Johnston ship. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant theater scene with shows like Riverdance, explore the Viking past at Dublinia Museum, and delve into literary history with the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. The city's culinary delights include the popular chicken fillet roll, and the scenic North Dublin seafront offers a refreshing escape. These experiences highlight Dublin's unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.

European waterfront cities are advancing climate resilience through EU-funded projects like Re-Value and Bauhaus of the Seas Sails. These initiatives, inspired by the New European Bauhaus, aim to make urban living more sustainable and inclusive. In Bruges, the city administration is relocating to a historic building, while Rimini is creating parks to combat climate stress. The projects emphasize community engagement and sustainable practices, with activities ranging from theatre performances to urban regeneration. The efforts aim to inspire broader adoption of successful climate initiatives across Europe.

The Belgian postal service Bpost has started using an electric vehicle with a detachable cargo compartment for mail deliveries in Brussels, as part of the EU-funded URBANIZED project aimed at reducing urban traffic and emissions. The project, which involves industry and research representatives from seven EU countries, has developed a modular electric vehicle that can be adapted for various delivery services, potentially cutting costs and emissions. The vehicle, manufactured by Alkè in Italy, is being tested in real conditions. Meanwhile, German company ONOMOTION is developing an electric cargo bike to improve last-mile logistics, inspired by electric mobility solutions in China. Both initiatives are part of broader EU efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

A new generation of commercial electric vehicles is emerging to reduce air pollution and congestion in urban areas. Bpost, the Belgian postal service, has started using an electric vehicle with a detachable cargo compartment as part of the URBANIZED project, which aims to improve city life across Europe by cleaning up road transport. The project, involving industry, research, and university representatives from seven EU countries, has developed a fully electric vehicle for urban deliveries. The vehicle, called ASTRID, is being tested in Brussels. Meanwhile, German company ONOMOTION is developing an electric cargo bike, the Pedal Assisted Transporter, to improve last-mile deliveries. Both initiatives aim to reduce emissions and traffic congestion, contributing to the EU's goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.

Tommy Tiernan has introduced a phone-free environment at his Tomfoolery shows using Yondr pouches, a service also adopted by other artists. The initiative promises heightened senses without the technology crutch. Attendees at Vicar Street in Dublin experienced mixed feelings, with some appreciating the forced digital detox and enhanced engagement with the performance, while others were concerned about missing emergencies or social media opportunities. The article reflects on the potential for Yondr to shape future social interactions and the nostalgia of a time before mobile phones.

The Ukraine war has influenced Ireland in several ways, including sparking debates on its neutrality, exacerbating an existing accommodation crisis, contributing to higher gas and electricity prices, and pushing inflation to its highest level since 1984. Despite these challenges, public satisfaction with the Irish government's response remains high. Key stakeholders include the Irish Neutrality Group, the Irish Red Cross, and various energy providers. The war has also led to significant financial strain on consumers, with notable price increases in energy and consumer goods.

Aidan Harte's Púca sculpture, initially rejected by the town of Ennistymon due to local opposition, has found a new home in Carron, Co Clare, at the Michael Cusack Centre. The statue, part of a tourist attraction, was unveiled with a ceremony featuring piper Blackie O’Connell. The move has been positively received, with Dónal Ó hAiniféin of the Michael Cusack Centre expressing enthusiasm for the sculpture's new location. The article highlights the cultural significance of the Púca and its connection to Irish heritage, suggesting a potential for future cultural revivals and even Hollywood interest.

The Grand Place in Brussels, once a car park, was transformed into a pedestrian zone through a campaign initiated by John Lambert, a British journalist for The Bulletin, in 1971. The campaign, which included a sit-down protest picnic, led to a temporary ban on parking in 1972 and eventually to the complete pedestrianisation of the square in 1991. The movement inspired future pedestrianisation efforts in Brussels, including the successful campaign for Boulevard Anspach. The Grand Place is now a UNESCO world heritage site and a major tourist attraction.

The article highlights the disparity in how music and sports are treated in Ireland, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While sports events like GAA matches are allowed to host large crowds, music events face severe restrictions. The author argues that this reflects a broader cultural bias and calls for equal recognition and support for musicians, who are also an integral part of Irish culture. The piece criticizes the government and major sponsors for prioritizing sports over music, despite both being forms of entertainment that contribute to mental health and community spirit.