4,000 Year-Old Axe Mystery Is Now Resolved

It’s Friday

☀ High 18C and Low 12C. Will Rain Today ☀

Hey Dublin,

Finally, it is Friday. Hah, it’s been a long week.

How was your week?

Here’s something interesting I learned today. In most of Europe, Mcdonalds dominate as the largest fast food chain, but not in Ireland.

Costa wins here.

👀 What’s on the news today:

• Is Ireland a “rip-off” destination?

• Wax figure of Sinéad O'Connor unveiled in Dublin ahead of anniversary

• Co Westmeath farmer who found Bronze Age axe heads comes forward

NEWS

Ireland's reputation as a holiday destination is under scrutiny due to high prices, as highlighted by Newstalk Breakfast host Shane Coleman's experience with expensive hotel quotes.

Travel writer Megan Virgo acknowledges that Ireland is generally considered overpriced for tourists.

She attributes this to higher operational costs in the hospitality industry, including commercial rates, insurance, energy, and labor expenses. However, Virgo also points out instances of price gouging, which she believes damages Ireland's reputation and should be regulated.

Despite the overall trend, she suggests that affordable options can be found in rural areas, citing a specific example of reasonably priced cottages in West Cork with amenities like a heated pool and tennis court.

A wax figure of Sinéad O'Connor has been unveiled at Dublin's National Wax Museum Plus, commemorating the first anniversary of her passing.

Museum director Paddy Dunning, a longtime friend of O'Connor, expressed mixed emotions about the tribute. The figure depicts O'Connor from her "Nothing Compares 2 U" video, capturing her in a somber, emotional state.

In-house sculptor PJ Heraghty focused on recreating her distinctive eyes and overall atmosphere. The museum received donations of O'Connor's clothing from the public. The figure will be displayed alternately at the Wax Museum and the Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience in Temple Bar, preserving the legacy of the iconic Irish artist who died on July 26, 2023.

A significant archaeological discovery was made in Westmeath, Ireland, when 15 Bronze Age axe heads were found in a farmer's field.

Initially sent anonymously to the National Museum of Ireland in a porridge box, the find sparked international interest. The museum appealed for more information, emphasizing the importance of knowing the exact location to understand the axes' purpose.

Thomas Dunne, a farmer from Coralstown, has now come forward as the discoverer. The axe heads were found by chance while searching for a lost metal piece from farm machinery.

Museum researchers have since visited the site, which has been logged for further study. The discovery, dating back 4,000 years, offers intriguing insights into the area's ancient history.

INTERESTING BITS

Have a fun weekend. We chat Monday again.

Thanks, Khalid.