The Irish Times
Subscribe
Subscribe
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Latest
  • Subscriber Only
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
    • Crosaire
    • Simplex
    • Sudoku
    • News Quiz
  • Ireland
    • Dublin
    • Education
    • Housing & Planning
    • Social Affairs
    • Stardust
  • Politics
    • Poll
    • Oireachtas
    • Common Ground
    • Presidential Election
    • Elections & Referendums
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • An Irish Diary
    • Letters
    • Cartoon
  • Business
    • Budget 2026
    • Economy
    • Farming & Food
    • Financial Services
    • Innovation
    • Markets
    • Work
    • Commercial Property
  • World
    • Europe
    • UK
    • US
    • Canada
    • Australia
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia-Pacific
    • Middle East
  • Sport
    • Rugby
    • Gaelic Games
    • Soccer
    • Golf
    • Racing
    • Athletics
    • Boxing
    • Cycling
    • Hockey
    • Tennis
  • Your Money
    • Pricewatch
  • Crime & Law
    • Courts
  • Property
    • Residential
    • Commercial Property
    • Interiors
  • Food
    • Drink
    • Recipes
    • Restaurants
  • Health
    • Your Family
    • Your Fitness
    • Your Wellness
    • Get Running
  • Life & Style
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
    • Fine Art & Antiques
    • Gardening
    • People
    • Travel
  • Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Film
    • Music
    • Stage
    • TV & Radio
  • Environment
    • Climate Crisis
  • Technology
    • Big Tech
    • Consumer Tech
    • Data & Security
    • Gaming
  • Science
    • Space
  • Media
  • Abroad
  • Obituaries
  • Transport
  • Motors
    • Car Reviews
  • Listen
  • Podcasts
    • In the News Podcast
    • The Women's Podcast
    • Inside Politics Podcast
    • Inside Business Podcast
    • The Counter Ruck Podcast
    • Ross O'Carroll-Kelly
    • Better with Money Podcast
    • Conversations with Parents Podcast
  • Video
  • Photography
  • Gaeilge
    • Scéal
    • Tuarascáil
  • History
    • Century
  • Student Hub
  • Offbeat
  • Family NoticesOpens in new window
  • Sponsored
    • Advertising Feature
    • Special Reports
  • Subscriber Rewards
  • Competitions
  • Newsletters
  • Weather Forecast

Emer McLysaght: We deserve a so-bad-it’s-good Irish Christmas film

Emer McLysaght: We deserve a so-bad-it’s-good Irish Christmas film

A festive Irish film would kick off with war over who opened the Christmas Lilt or Roses too early

Sat Dec 10 2022 - 05:00
The key to surviving any outing with children is to have low expectations

The key to surviving any outing with children is to have low expectations

Emer McLysaght: A trip to Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo was full of magic and wonder and awe, but there was also crying, begging, screaming and complaining

Sat Dec 03 2022 - 05:00
When you’re renovating a haunted hotel, the divil is in the detail

When you’re renovating a haunted hotel, the divil is in the detail

Emer McLysaght: I thought Press Up buying Loftus Hall was an inspired purchase, but maybe I’m wrong

Sat Nov 26 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: The perimenopause guessing game feels like a cruel joke

Emer McLysaght: The perimenopause guessing game feels like a cruel joke

The perimenopause guessing game feels like a cruel joke

Sat Nov 19 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: Would an island like Arranmore welcome a blow-in like me?

Emer McLysaght: Would an island like Arranmore welcome a blow-in like me?

I fear being held responsible for bringing The Dryrobe Wars to Arranmore despite the island’s open welcome message to the world

Sat Nov 12 2022 - 05:00
Where is the best carvery in Ireland? I’ll find it, even if it kills me

Where is the best carvery in Ireland? I’ll find it, even if it kills me

Emer McLysaght: As a fat woman I’ve had to come to terms with being public about enjoying food

Sat Nov 05 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: Ireland is unmatched in conjuring up scary old ladies

Emer McLysaght: Ireland is unmatched in conjuring up scary old ladies

The Blair Witch Project remains one of the most haunting films I’ve seen

Sat Oct 29 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: Have I somehow stolen another person’s pet without realising it?

Emer McLysaght: Have I somehow stolen another person’s pet without realising it?

With my own cat spending more and more of her time at someone else’s house, I have another four-legged interloper in my own home

Sat Oct 22 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: Angela Lansbury’s voice was one of the sounds of my childhood

Emer McLysaght: Angela Lansbury’s voice was one of the sounds of my childhood

I felt a bit stupid, crying at the death this week of a woman I didn’t know, but that’s what nostalgia can do

Sat Oct 15 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: I’ve spent 15 years chasing the white wine highs of my 20s

Emer McLysaght: I’ve spent 15 years chasing the white wine highs of my 20s

Nothing since has come close to those Cafe Bar Deli nights with ‘cosmopolitan’ Caesar salad and cheap wine

Sat Oct 08 2022 - 05:00
‘Sitting on that church pew, I had my first glimpse into the pit of doom’

‘Sitting on that church pew, I had my first glimpse into the pit of doom’

Emer McLysaght: In my 30s the hopelessness that terrified me as a child returned with a vengeance

Sat Oct 01 2022 - 05:00
Jedward are assuming their rightful roles as the people’s princes

Jedward are assuming their rightful roles as the people’s princes

Emer McLysaght: I’ve worried about Jedward’s endgame, but actually it seems like they’re well able

Sat Sept 24 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: I get sick delight from seagulls robbing chips from crying kids

Emer McLysaght: I get sick delight from seagulls robbing chips from crying kids

I’m firmly in the ‘leave seagulls alone’ camp, even through the horrific screeching of nesting season

Sat Sept 17 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: So much admin, too many taxes - adulthood is a crushing disappointment

Emer McLysaght: So much admin, too many taxes - adulthood is a crushing disappointment

I really thought frogspawn and Billy Roll would play a bigger part in my adult life

Sat Sept 10 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: Testing of drugs at Electric Picnic is a positive step, but who will sacrifice their stash?

Emer McLysaght: Testing of drugs at Electric Picnic is a positive step, but who will sacrifice their stash?

The HSE’s stab at an anonymous harm-reduction strategy is progress, but who will sacrifice their stash?

Sat Sept 03 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: Nothing about parenting horrifies me more than the school WhatsApp group

Emer McLysaght: Nothing about parenting horrifies me more than the school WhatsApp group

A new update allows you to leave chats silently, if the 37th message about a lost jumper tips you over the edge

Sat Aug 27 2022 - 04:45
Emer McLysaght: Norovirus has slapped on the fake tan and booked a bottomless brunch with the girlies

Emer McLysaght: Norovirus has slapped on the fake tan and booked a bottomless brunch with the girlies

Calling it the ‘winter vomiting bug’ is a dastardly case of false advertising

Sat Aug 20 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: Westlife deserve the title of Ireland’s greatest manband

Emer McLysaght: Westlife deserve the title of Ireland’s greatest manband

I’m surprised to find myself a Westlife superfan, but their arses are mesmerising

Sat Aug 13 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: Why should I make climate efforts in a world of SUVs and private jets?

Emer McLysaght: Why should I make climate efforts in a world of SUVs and private jets?

I keep washing out my yoghurt cartons, even though it won’t save the planet

Sat Aug 06 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: A miracle hangover cure gets more appealing the older I get

Emer McLysaght: A miracle hangover cure gets more appealing the older I get

New pill claims to reduce the negative effects of drinking, but as you get older you need an actual miracle

Sat Jul 30 2022 - 05:30
Emer McLysaght: Equating Love Island with suicide is not a useful mental health conversation

Emer McLysaght: Equating Love Island with suicide is not a useful mental health conversation

I ask myself: Why do people go on Love Island? And why do I continue to watch it?

Thu Jul 21 2022 - 05:00
Emer McLysaght: I’m a bestselling author but I’ll struggle to buy a house in Ireland

Emer McLysaght: I’m a bestselling author but I’ll struggle to buy a house in Ireland

As a single woman on an average income the odds are not in my favour

Sat Jul 16 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Do I fancy Mr Tayto?

Emer McLysaght: Do I fancy Mr Tayto?

He’s an enigmatic national hero, and he knows it

Sat Jul 09 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Ask anyone about their first gig, and watch them light up

Emer McLysaght: Ask anyone about their first gig, and watch them light up

Harry Styles’ Dublin show was magical, and an important first for many

Sat Jul 02 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Who benefits from hatred of trans people? And who suffers?

Emer McLysaght: Who benefits from hatred of trans people? And who suffers?

The argument shifts from semantics to bathrooms while trans people exist in pain

Sat Jun 25 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Move over hot girls — it’s time for Stanley Tucci Summer

Emer McLysaght: Move over hot girls — it’s time for Stanley Tucci Summer

The actor’s pivot from Hollywood to pasta daddy will have you hot under the collar

Sat Jun 18 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Roll up the ham, it’s Irish summer salad season

Emer McLysaght: Roll up the ham, it’s Irish summer salad season

Temperatures are rising, so hard boil the eggs and prep that butterhead lettuce

Sat Jun 11 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Going back to choir feels life-saving

Emer McLysaght: Going back to choir feels life-saving

‘I didn’t realise how much I would miss singing with a group in a field or a hall until it was gone’

Sat Jun 04 2022 - 06:40
Emer McLysaght: Can we please send the Kardashians some big knickers and a slanket?

Emer McLysaght: Can we please send the Kardashians some big knickers and a slanket?

Being under constant public gaze makes them seem uncomfortable in their skin

Sat May 28 2022 - 06:00
I am cursed with a sweaty head and a big red face

I am cursed with a sweaty head and a big red face

Solidarity with my fellow sufferers as we enter the summer months

Sat May 21 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Can Conversations with Friends live up to Ireland’s horniest ever TV show?

Emer McLysaght: Can Conversations with Friends live up to Ireland’s horniest ever TV show?

I’m nostalgic for Normal People’s lockdown thrills and still rooting for its central couple

Sun May 15 2022 - 06:00
Do I have what it takes to be a ‘coastal granny’?

Do I have what it takes to be a ‘coastal granny’?

Latest TikTok trend channels Nancy Meyers movies, Diane Keaton in a shirt and endless bowls of lemons

Sat May 07 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: To the person in front of me at airport security . . .

Emer McLysaght: To the person in front of me at airport security . . .

I beg of you, put your tray back at the end of the belt. We are not animals

Sat Apr 30 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: My door-slamming, telly-blaring, prayer-screaming neighbours

Emer McLysaght: My door-slamming, telly-blaring, prayer-screaming neighbours

There’s only so much door slamming and patio inquisitions one can take

Sat Apr 23 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: I still feel inferior when I go swimming at the Forty Foot

Emer McLysaght: I still feel inferior when I go swimming at the Forty Foot

We need vast improvement in the outdoor swimming pool options around the country

Sat Apr 16 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: I’m not from Derry, but I am a Derry Girl

Emer McLysaght: I’m not from Derry, but I am a Derry Girl

Lisa McGee’s show is indicative of what it means to be Irish and, more particularly, Northern Irish

Sat Apr 09 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Bono might be a pox, but he’s our pox

Emer McLysaght: Bono might be a pox, but he’s our pox

Sometimes it’s hard to be a U2 fan. They don’t make it easy

Sat Apr 02 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Ireland’s best pitstop – we’re spoilt for choice

Emer McLysaght: Ireland’s best pitstop – we’re spoilt for choice

How I love the motorway service stations of Ireland. Let me count the ways

Sat Mar 26 2022 - 00:06
Emer McLysaght: I’m not near being sober but I’m trying the ‘damp lifestyle’

Emer McLysaght: I’m not near being sober but I’m trying the ‘damp lifestyle’

Pregnancy and alcoholism used to be the only ways to get off the booze hook. Not any more

Sat Mar 19 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Dear Future, here’s why I’m thinking about leaving Dublin

Emer McLysaght: Dear Future, here’s why I’m thinking about leaving Dublin

This year’s census invites people to add ‘time-capsule’ information, to be opened in 2122

Sat Mar 12 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: Then it happened. The racist slur rolled off his tongue so easily

Emer McLysaght: Then it happened. The racist slur rolled off his tongue so easily

If you feel that you ‘can’t say anything anymore’, then maybe you should shut up

Sat Mar 05 2022 - 01:00
Emer McLysaght: The two lines on the antigen test came with a certain relief

Emer McLysaght: The two lines on the antigen test came with a certain relief

As restrictions eased, I relaxed very slowly. My vigilance was still at 75% when I got Covid

Sat Feb 26 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: We cannot accept a return to street-sweeping jeans

Emer McLysaght: We cannot accept a return to street-sweeping jeans

Nineties fashion trends are making me feel ancient and sick

Sat Feb 19 2022 - 06:00
‘I was just in the shower thinking about Marian Keyes’

‘I was just in the shower thinking about Marian Keyes’

Emer McLysaght: Liking things by women and for women was considered lowbrow. Marian called this out as bullshit

Sat Feb 12 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: The very mention of the ‘W’ word sends me into a mini-rage

Emer McLysaght: The very mention of the ‘W’ word sends me into a mini-rage

After two years of pandemic-enforced walks, isn’t it enough to just lie on the couch letting episodes of Yellowjackets wash over me while playing Wordle?

Sat Feb 05 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: I’m fascinated by Leo Varadkar’s grim aesthetic

Emer McLysaght: I’m fascinated by Leo Varadkar’s grim aesthetic

That birthday cake post on social media was just the latest example of his domestic austerity

Sat Jan 29 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: TikTok is good for me. I’ve stopped giving myself a hard time about it

Emer McLysaght: TikTok is good for me. I’ve stopped giving myself a hard time about it

The app is bringing me hope and joy at a time when it’s really thin on the ground

Sat Jan 22 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: I’m a driver, but the cyclist is always right

Emer McLysaght: I’m a driver, but the cyclist is always right

‘The second time I cycled in Dublin city I was screamed at by a taxi driver for daring to share the road’

Sun Jan 16 2022 - 06:00
Emer McLysaght: No home improvement show is too bonkers for me to watch

Emer McLysaght: No home improvement show is too bonkers for me to watch

Tinie Tempah’s Extraordinary Extensions? Healy Rae’s Cow Shed? I’m in

Sat Jan 08 2022 - 06:00
Runny pudding and a megalomaniac Garth Brooks lead my 2022 predictions

Runny pudding and a megalomaniac Garth Brooks lead my 2022 predictions

Emer McLysaght dares to look at the year ahead

Sat Jan 01 2022 - 06:00
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • ...

Download The Irish Times iOS App from the App StoreOpens in new windowGet The Irish Times App on the Google Play StoreOpens in new window
  • Why Subscribe?
  • Subscription Bundles
  • Subscriber Rewards
  • Student Subscription
  • Subscription Help CentreOpens in new window
  • Home DeliveryOpens in new window
  • Contact Us
  • Help CentreOpens in new window
  • My Account
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • The Irish Times Trust
  • Careers
  • ePaper
  • Crosswords & puzzles
  • Newspaper Archive
  • Newsletters
  • Article IndexOpens in new window
  • Discount CodesOpens in new window
MyHome.ieOpens in new windowThe GlossOpens in new windowRecruit IrelandOpens in new windowRIP.ieOpens in new window
The Irish Times
Irish Times on WhatsAppIrish Times on FacebookIrish Times on XIrish Times on LinkedInIrish Times on Instagram
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Cookie Information
Cookie Settings
Community Standards
Copyright

© 2025 The Irish Times DAC