RTÉ’s Centenary show totally pulled on the Irish public’s heartstrings

Entertainment

Mar 29, 2016

Absolutely amazing events were held all over the country last weekend to celebrate Ireland's 100 years of freedom, but nothing pulled on the republic's heartstrings more than RTÉ's Centenary show.

Held in the Bord Gáis Theatre, some of Ireland's greatest talents all joined together to mark the occasion of the 1916 Rising.

Imelda May, Gavin James, The High Kings, Danny O Reilly, Roisin O, Seo Linn and Sharon Shannon were just some of the people involved on the night, and the Irish couldn't help but take to Twitter to share how proud they were of our green isle:

If you missed it, the whole show is live on RTÉ Player. Believe us, you won't be disappointed.

God save the king! Why RED post boxes are causing a serious stir…

Mar 21, 2016

by Amber Saunders

Post boxes in Dublin are causing a stir: they've been swapped from their usual emerald green to a shade of shocking red.

Several post boxes in Dublin have been re-painted red to reflect their colour in #1916. This is Mount Street. pic.twitter.com/Pdrbw2w59V

— Philip Bromwell (@philipbromwell) March 21, 2016

But before you assume that the British are taking over – it's now been confirmed that the colour change is to mark the forthcoming 1916 Rising centenary.

Has anyone seen one of these? Have you followed the story https://t.co/o7hRkAzp9L Let us know pic.twitter.com/cDGgsHy9MF

— An Post (@Postvox) March 21, 2016

An Post made the changes under the cover of darkness last night, with Dublin commuters being greeted by the transformation this morning.

It's all part of the plan to bring us all "closer to the streets of 1916 Dublin".

"At various locations across Dublin, painted red post boxes become beacons for the events they witnessed a hundred years ago," An Post has revealed.

Red post boxes can currently be seen on Grafton Street, at the Royal College Of Surgeons, Mount Street, Dun Laoghaire, and Liberty Hall.

Four more will emerge next weekend, with the final one cropping up at the end of April.

Are those new post boxes only for water and household tax red letters..? #irishwater #LPT

— Damon Keaton (@DAMOSPOSTS) March 21, 2016

All of them represent a fascinating "lesser known" story of the Rising – like the one of the 12-year-old boy shot stealing an orange on Grafton Street – the details of which are available on 1916.anpost.ie.

Post-boxes turning red all over Dublin. That whole independence thing was just a dream, obviously. https://t.co/EMxksoeAgK

— Frank McNally (@FrankmcnallyIT) March 21, 2016

Twitter was predictably bemused in response, with many users praising the decision. Others, however, were less impressed, likening the move to vandalism.

When are @DubCityCouncil going to invite the British army to deploy a brigade for that authentic feel? #1916Rising https://t.co/9rB1KzCJkI

— Cian Ó Concubhair (@CianOConcubhair) March 21, 2016

Primary school kids in Cork made the CUTEST 1916 movie with LEGO

Lifestyle

Jan 27, 2016

by Amber Saunders

The 1916 Rising is something that will stick with every Irish person, no matter what generation.

It's a part of our heritage, but sometimes sitting down in history class in school was sooo boring.

But, not for these 3rd class pupils from Sunday's Well Boys National School in Cork. They decided to spice their history lesson up a bit.

Instead of staying with the books and Powerpoint presentations, this 3rd class re-imagined the poignant event through Lego.

The class reenacted and narrated the whole thing, and we have to say, it's pretty damn good.

Fair play, Sunday's Well Boys National School. Fair play.

There’s a shiny new coin on the cards to celebrate the 1916 Rising

Jan 20, 2016

by Amber Saunders

The Central Bank is to commemorate the 1916 Rising by releasing a special €2 coin.

A total of 4.5 millions coins will be released in Ireland, which we will see coming into circulation in the next few weeks.

Emmet Mullins designed the coin, which was picked out of 52 other designs from Irish and international designers.

The €2 will feature the statue of Hibernia on top of the GPO, the centenary dates and 'Hibernia' written in hand-rendered lettering, which is influenced by the Book of Kells.

“The design reflects back to the GPO and its association with the Easter Rising and the reading of the Proclamation.

"We are working with the banks, An Post, and the cash in transit companies to get the coin into circulation as soon as possible," said Paul Molumby, the director of currency at the Central Bank.

Wicklow County Council launch 1916 app and it’s pretty damn cool

Jan 14, 2016

by Amber Saunders

Because the 1916 Rising is so close to home, we feel like we just can't get enough info about it. We want to know it all.

Well, now you can. Wicklow County Council has launched a mobile phone app called 1916WicklowLife – and it's really great.

You'll find snippets from newspapers, telling you exactly what happened on this day 100 years ago.

As well as that, the app displays advertisements, photos and events that happened way back then. It'll feel like all the events from 1916 are just sitting inside your pocket.

You can even see what the dentist, school and a concert was like back then, and get a laugh from the little quirks and occasions.

The app is available on both Android and iPhone. And, honestly, it's really worth the download.

There’s a virtual tour of the 1916 Rising on Google and it’s DEADLY

Jan 12, 2016

by Amber Saunders

Whether you have a great interest in the 1916 Rising or just a small one, this virtual interactive tour of Dublin from 1916 to 2016 is really a must-see.

Narrated by Colin Farrell, the tour begins where it all started on Sackville Street (now O'Connell street) and ends up in Arbour Hill.

From where the first shots were fired, to how the first woman gained a seat on the Irish cabinet, everything is explained and you'll find it's hard to be drawn away from the story.

So, whether you just fancy hearing Colin Farrell talk to you, or you want to learn more about the Rising, there's no better way to do it than taking this virtual tour.

1916 rising