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Tensions have flared up over the Northern Ireland Protocol that was part of the Brexit agreement. The Northern Ireland Protocol — part of the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement — was created to ensure there is no hard border on the island of Ireland and therefore preserve the Good Friday Agreement of the late 1990s. The protocol pushes the border between Ireland the UK out to the...

It’s another grey, chilly, hazy/foggy day in Dublin — good weather for focusing on the next lessons in my CMA study programme. However, I didn’t get out at all yesterday, so I’m determined to go for at least a short walk this afternoon. By default I head towards Stephen Green, walking down Grafton Street. On the way I stop into Bewley’s Oriental Cafe for a chai...

It’s been a busy day — went through my usual morning routine, began reading up on Strategic Planning and Budgeting for the next section of my CMA study programme, sent a follow-up email about the CFO job at OCCRP (I haven’t heard anything for a couple of weeks), attended a 2-hour webinar on tax issues pertaining to charities in Ireland sponsored by The Wheel (a nonprofit support...

I sleep in a little longer than usual this morning then go through my usual routine of breakfast/news/email. There are a handful of more Grants Compliance Manager job postings that I decide to pursue by submitting my shorter CV. I’m still waiting to hear back on the practice CMA exam I completed yesterday before I can continue with the next assignments.  This reprieve gives me an opportunity...

Today there’s been a bright blue sky above Dublin, although with slightly chillier temperatures in the 40s F / high single digits C. I have plans to meet up with a new friend, N, for a walk at 12:00 noon. We meet Christ Church, then head to St. Patrick’s Cathedral Park for a coffee, then continue our walk through The Liberties all the way to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) where...

There’s been a big anti-lockdown protest in Dublin today. I’ve been staying in all day studying for my CMA accountancy qualification exams and had no idea it was going on. A friend sent me a video posted on social media, and then I noticed the sound of helicopters overhead. The gardaí clashed with protestors and several were arrested after setting off fireworks...

Has another week passed?! They are beginning to blend together… at least the changing weather here in Ireland helps mark the passage of time. It’s another day of blue and partly-cloudy skies in Dublin, but chillier. There were a few food items I couldn’t order in this morning’s weekly SuperValu grocery delivery. This motivates me to get out in the afternoon for a walk...

Today brings bright blue sky with some patchy clouds. My walking buddy CJ and I meet up for a walk down to Rathmines for lunch and then a stroll over to the Harold’s Cross neighbourhood which I haven’t seen yet. Lunch is back at Hush, one of my favourite finds. This time I  tried a prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich, which was tasty, and CJ tried the pulled pork spice...

It’s overcast today, but the rain has dissipated. This afternoon I head out for a walk towards Merrion Square and end up making a few criss-crossing laps around the park to get in some steps for the day. Tree blossoms are beginning to appear:   Views of the Georgian architecture surrounding Merrion Square: The Davenport Hotel, which retains the facade of Merrion Hall, a church dating back to...

After much anticipation and multiple press leaks over the last week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced an updated “Living with COVID” plan for Ireland this evening. The strict “Level 5” restrictions will continue until at least April 5th — only essential businesses will remain open (grocery stores etc), everyone who has been working from home are expected to continue to...