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Arlene Harris

@arleneharris.bsky.social
3.1K followers 1.1K following 814 posts

Freelance Journalist with regular bylines in Irish Times, Irish Independent, Business Post, Sunday Times, Irish Examiner, YOU Magazine, iNews and more. Covering health, lifestyle, business, parenting, travel etc. Email - arlene@arleneharris.org

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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
In today's @independent.ie this young woman told me how the headaches doctors initially thought were 'probably due to stress', turned out to be a brain tumour which required surgery and lengthy treatment. She urges people seek advice if any concerns. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/br...
independent.ie
Brain tumour at 21: ‘The headaches were unlike any I’d ever had before. They were at the back of my head, very painful and triggered by movement’
From major surgery, to radiotherapy in Germany, and 48 weeks of chemo – Galway student Ella Farrell has been through the wringer. But she says there is support out there and advises anyone in the same...
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
In @independent.ie I spoke to a savvy shopper who has developed a system to help save money on grocery bills by using AI. She has recently launched an online guide with advice for helping others to do the same. www.independent.ie/business/mon...
independent.ie
How to use AI to plan your supermarket shop and slash your food bills
Want to spend less on groceries? Orla Cusack literally wrote the book on it
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A few words in @dailymail.co.uk about my recent trip to Madrid.
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to parents in Ireland about what they would like to seen in the #budget relating to #childcare DM asap if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In @irishtimes.com I spoke to a homeowner and architect about the dream property they created in Wicklow to make working from home, not only a reality but a pleasure. www.irishtimes.com/property/int...
irishtimes.com
Leaving Dublin to build a new home in a Wicklow village: ‘The drama is just part of the process’
Remote working made a move home feasible for this family - their architect drew on ring-forts and expansive views on-site when planning the property
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to parents and pre-school teachers about ECCE and whether or not it is fair that the month in which children are born can determine how much free pre-school hours they get. www.independent.ie/business/mon...
independent.ie
ECCE: How the month your baby is born can affect how much free preschool your family is likely to use
Early Childhood Care and Education programme provides up to two years of preschool free of charge
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to people in Ireland who rent a room. Either as a homeowner renting to a lodger/student or a person (maybe a student) renting in someone's house. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated. #renting #housing #studentliving
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
#journorequest looking to talk to people in or from Ireland who is have lost weight/are currently trying to lose weight by diet and exercise despite being offered/recommended a GLP1. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated. #weightloss #diet #exercise
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
#journorequest looking to talk to people in or from Ireland over 70 who enjoy adventurous travel. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated
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No Age For Happiness: Old People Dancing
ALT: No Age For Happiness: Old People Dancing
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to parents in Ireland whose children started preschool this year. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
static.klipy.com
Energetic Boy Dancing
ALT: Energetic Boy Dancing
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
In today's @irishtimes.com I spoke to four graduates who went down a different career path in order to try and make a difference in the world. They believe that life is too short to prioritise money over the future of the planet. @irishwildlifetrust.bsky.social www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...
irishtimes.com
Changing course after a degree: ‘Life is too short to prioritise money over meaning’
Four people who ended up working in a completely different area from their studies tell us what made them switch
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
In today's @Independent_ie I spoke to parents about the reality of #backtoschool activities and how much #extracurricular activities cost. Some say it's worth it, others, not so much. www.independent.ie/business/mon...
independent.ie
‘It’s not just paying for membership and lessons, it’s everything that comes with it’ – the growing cost of children’s extracurricular activities
Whether it’s golf, piano lessons, gymnastics or camogie, it all adds up for stressed parents
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
In today's @independent.ie this woman told me about her role as an Irish Cancer Society night nurse and how it is a privilege to help people during their most difficult hours. She urges people to help raise much needed funds to ensure the service continues. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/he...
independent.ie
Working the night nurse shift: ‘It’s a privilege to be with a patient in their final hours – to hold their hand at the most vulnerable time of their life’
Aisling McCann (41) lives with her husband Anthony and their three children, aged 12, 10 and nine, on a farm in Offaly. She is a night nurse with the Irish Cancer Society and says helping a patient in...
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
In today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social I spoke to several parents who have taken their teens on a trip abroad, about the fun, adventure and bonding experience they enjoyed. www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/tr...
irishexaminer.com
One-on-one adventures: Why we bring each of our teens away for a week on their own
From Mongolian yurts to US ranches, Arlene Harris meets the parents who took their teens on special adventures
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
In today's @irishtimes.com this man told me about his experience of #prostatecancer and urges men to seek advice if any concerns and get PSA levels checked routinely over the age of 50. #cancer www.irishtimes.com/health/your-...
irishtimes.com
‘Cancer has changed how I view life and relationships’
Kevin Morley on how he has learned not to worry about the small stuff as he gets back to living life to the full
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to people in Ireland about what wellness treatments/therapies they enjoy on a regular basis - massage, sound bath, Pilates, aerial yoga, Reiki - whatever it is that keeps you in top form. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated. #WellnessJourney
static.klipy.com
Zen Bamboo Fountain with Flowing Water
ALT: Zen Bamboo Fountain with Flowing Water
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to people in Ireland who are paying rent for their adult children who have left home, as they are unable to afford it themselves. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated. #costofliving #rent #housingcrisis
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
In today's @irishtimes.com I spoke to teachers, experts and parents about the problems associated with children not being able to to perform basic tasks which are essential for starting school. www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...
irishtimes.com
Starting school means parents must ensure children are prepared - that includes being toilet-trained
Beginning formal education is about arming children with the skills to be more independent
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
#Halloween is almost upon us and many will associate bats with this spooky time. But in today's @independent.ie I spoke to Dr Niamh Roche about the many myths associated with bats, the benefits they bring and why we need to protect them. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/ba...
independent.ie
‘Bats have a bad reputation but Irish homeowners should see them as misunderstood attic neighbours, not pests’
Dr Niamh Roche (53), Bat Conservation Ireland’s Senior Projects Manager, debunks the biggest myths about bats – from why bats in your attic are eating insects, not attacking humans to misnomers about ...
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
#journorequest looking to talk to parents in Ireland about the cost of extra curricular activities for kids. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
static.klipy.com
Cartoon Man Playing Violin with Music Notes
ALT: Cartoon Man Playing Violin with Music Notes
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to four couples who have been holidaying together for over 20 years and haven't missed a year yet! Having 'a formula', they say, is secret to their holiday fun! www.independent.ie/lifestyle/tr...
independent.ie
‘We have a formula’ — these four Irish couples have holidayed together since 2004. They haven’t missed a year
The Tipperary friends take turns organising their annual getaway, and they’re still going strong...
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
In @independent.ie this woman told me how she has been living with stage 4 cancer since 2015. She feels blessed to be alive & grateful to the medical team who have helped to prolong her life and also to the Marie Keating Foundation for offering support throughout. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/im...
independent.ie
I’m living with stage 4 cancer since 2015. I’m the most blessed person on the planet to have survived so many recurrences
Carmel Drohan was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer eleven years ago, and scans showed it had spread to her liver and lungs. She talks about her journey so far, taking each day as it comes and li...
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to experts about the huge range of #apprenticeships available and why it is a very real option for school leavers who want to earn a living while studying for their chosen career www.independent.ie/business/mon...
independent.ie
More to life than the points race: your guide to in-demand apprenticeships that could lead to six figure salaries
Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular option for school-leavers who want to earn while they learn – with many offering pathways to lucrative careers
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to a family whose healthy baby developed a virus which caused their lives to change dramatically. They have been helped through by The Jack and Jill Foundation and urge people to support the charity any way they can. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/fa...
independent.ie
‘We thought we would lose Clodagh – but by some miracle, she was here to stay’: Raising a child with a severe traumatic brain injury
Deirdre and Jonny Parkinson’s ‘world crumbled around them’ when their youngest daughter received a devastating diagnosis — but they are strong and positive as a family
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to people whose degree should have seen them embark on a corporate career, but instead they decided to work (even temporarily) in a less profitable role - in the community, with refugees, as a youth worker, for a charity etc. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to a #recruitment agent in Ireland for a piece. And also to a company who offers #apprenticeships - DM asap today if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
In today's @independent.ie this woman told me how, she and her partner got married not once or twice, but three times as they wanted to make sure that all their family and friends could attend, they even invited @kneecapceol.bsky.social to one of their weddings. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/th...
independent.ie
Three weddings, one epic love story and an unexpected gift: how one couple tied the knot across two hemispheres
Eimear McCullough on how she and her husband Denis Ryan arranged three weddings — to ensure that all of their loved ones got a chance to celebrate with them
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
In today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social I spoke to several people who love to travel but for the past few years, have ditched airplanes in favour of boats and trains. They say it's not only environmentally sound, but is also the most relaxing way to travel. www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/tr...
irishexaminer.com
I travel a lot — but here's why I went five years without getting on a plane
Planes aren’t the only way to head off on your travels. Arlene Harris meets the holidaymakers choosing boats and trains for freedom, fun, less stress and lower emissions
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
With celebrities crowdfunding to cover the cost of their wedding, in @independent.ie I spoke to wedding guests, planners and couples about cash gifts and asked if traditional wedding presents are a thing of the past and is this something to be celebrated? www.independent.ie/lifestyle/we...
independent.ie
Cash gifts are the norm – but is it tacky to crowdfund your wedding and honeymoon, like Danny Cipriani and AnnaLynne McCord?
The English rugby star and his fiancée, AnnaLynne McCord have angered fans by crowdfunding their nuptials — but is the modern practice of cash gifts any different?
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
In @independent.ie this woman told me that her partner died at 30, leaving her to bring up their baby alone. He was too sick for them to proceed with their planned wedding, so now, having been denied a widow's pension, she is struggling to make ends meet. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/fa...
independent.ie
‘I still cry often – becoming a widow in my 20s and raising my child alone is hard – the grief never leaves’
When Rachel Harraghy lost her partner Jason, one of the most difficult aspects of life without him was that because they were not married, she is not officially recognised as a widow
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
In today's @independent.ie I, and other curious globetrotters, talk about the benefits of combining a holiday with learning a new skill. And experts offer advice on how to achieve the right balance. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/tr...
independent.ie
‘Staying in questionable places and finding myself in stressful situations – it’s all part of the magic’
Meet the Irish people who are swapping poolside breaks for learning holidays – and coming home with new skills and bucket-list memories
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to several people around the country who have gone on group holidays with friends or family to find out how they got on and what advice they would give to others to ensure a harmonious vacation. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/on...
independent.ie
‘One woman pre-booked two restaurants — one in particular was horrifyingly expensive’: The drama and dynamics of group holidays
Organising a trip abroad with friends or family may seem like a great idea at the time, but are they ever without squabbles?
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to parents and experts about how to get the best out of your baby's first holiday - as they offer tips on everything from staying safe in the sun, to packing wisely and ensuring that everyone gets some relaxation. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/fa...
independent.ie
‘Bring extra of everything’ – the secrets to holidaying successfully with small children
From sun shields to reclining buggies and balconies, Arlene Harris asks parents and travel experts their top tips for jetting off with kids
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
A few words from me in today's @independent.ie on the importance of staying alert, even on holiday. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/ar...
independent.ie
Arlene Harris : My near-death experience on a recent sun holiday made me realise how quickly things can turn bad when abroad
We turned around at the last moment — then watched a van crash where we had been standing
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
A few words from me in today's @independent.ie on the importance of staying alert, even on holiday. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/ar...
independent.ie
Arlene Harris : My near-death experience on a recent sun holiday made me realise how quickly things can turn bad when abroad
We turned around at the last moment — then watched a van crash where we had been standing
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
#journorequest looking to talk to a wedding celebrant in or from Ireland today for a piece on a national newspaper. DM asap if any thoughts. Shares appreciated. #wedding #marriage #bride #celebrant
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Bride and Groom Kiss on Wedding Day
ALT: Bride and Groom Kiss on Wedding Day
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
#journorequest looking to talk to people in/from Ireland who have holidayed with the same friends for years, perhaps now with partners and children. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated. #holiday #friends #FIFAWorld #vacation
static.klipy.com
Holiday Feeling Holiday Feels with Sanam Puri & Group
ALT: Holiday Feeling Holiday Feels with Sanam Puri & Group
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to parents and experts about whether or not it's a good idea for people to be 'best friends' with their children. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/fa...
independent.ie
Victoria Beckham is best friends with daughter Harper – but is it a good idea to be besties with your children, or should parents be parents?
Harper Beckham’s close relationship with her mother Victoria is one many families can relate to — but psychologists say friendship should never replace parenting
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
In @irishtimes.com I spoke to Irish people travelling abroad about how they coped during the 'heat dome'. www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
irishtimes.com
‘It is actually unbearable’: Irish travellers in Europe’s heat dome
In Spain, Italy and France, Irish people report staying indoors with the shutters down and suffering through uncomfortably hot nights, with some pledging ‘never again’
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
In @irishtimes.com I spoke to several people travelling abroad about how they coped with the recent 'heat dome'. www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...
irishtimes.com
‘It is actually unbearable’: Irish travellers in Europe’s heat dome
In Spain, Italy and France, Irish people report staying indoors with the shutters down and suffering through uncomfortably hot nights, with some pledging ‘never again’
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
In today's @irishtimes.com interior designer, Lána Dullaghan told me about the Dublin cottage she transformed using smart storage ideas and stylish design. www.irishtimes.com/property/int...
irishtimes.com
Stylish storage and smart spaces in a refurbished Portobello cottage
The brief for this small but charming period property in the hip Dublin neighbourhood was to maximise storage and functionality, while added touches allowed the owner to put their own stamp on the hom...
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Ahead of #FathersDay in today's @independent.ie I spoke to 9 well-known people about the best advice their fathers gave them. @miriamocal.bsky.social @maiadunphy.bsky.social @iandempsey.bsky.social @colmhayesradio.bsky.social @sonyalennon.bsky.social www.independent.ie/lifestyle/it...
independent.ie
‘It costs nothing to be kind’: Nine Irish celebrities share the best advice or words of wisdom they got from their dads
As Father’s Day 2026 approaches, we asked famous Irish faces to tell us about the lessons their fathers taught them that have stayed with them
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
In today's @independent.ie this woman told me about her ovarian cancer scare and how her tight, protruding stomach was due to a 20lb growth. She urges people not to ignore symptoms of any ailment and seek advice asap. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/he...
independent.ie
Ovarian cancer awareness: ‘I had no symptoms other than a tight, protruding stomach — the tumour was the size of two grapefruits’
Three years ago Nicola Veasey had surgery to remove a 20lb growth from her abdomen. Now she is urging women to listen to their bodies and see their GP if they’ve any concerns
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to several double income families about rising costs and why having two salaries coming into the house, isn't always enough. www.independent.ie/business/mon...
independent.ie
‘I worry about how expensive groceries have become’ — the double-income families struggling to get by
As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, even families with two above-average salaries are feeling the pinch
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
It's #fosteringawarenessmonth and in today's @independent.ie I spoke to two people who have opened their homes and their hearts to children in need. They encourage others to consider doing the same. #fostering www.independent.ie/lifestyle/fo...
independent.ie
‘Fostering has always felt meaningful because I was in foster care myself before being adopted’
Fostering can be transformative for a child, providing stability, safety and a family environment for kids who desperately need it. Here, Arlene Harris speaks to foster parents about their experiences...
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to people in or from Ireland who are either going on their first holiday with baby/toddler this year or have recently come back from one. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
static.klipy.com
Happy Baby in Yellow Inflatable Pool Float
ALT: Happy Baby in Yellow Inflatable Pool Float
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
www.independent.ie/lifestyle/fa... It's #nationalcarersweek and in today's @independent.ie I spoke to two people who care for loved ones, one looks after their spouse and the other, their siblings. Although different circumstances, they are both caring, compassionate and empathetic.
independent.ie
‘Being a carer requires skill, empathy, and kindness — anyone who takes on the role will be the better for it’
This week – June 8 to 14 – is National Carers Week 2026. Celebrating its 20th year, this year’s theme is ‘Thank You for Caring’. Here, we meet some exemplary Irish carers
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
#journorequest - looking to talk to people who will be holidaying at home in Ireland this year. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
static.klipy.com
coast
ALT: coast
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to several retirees about the joy of having the time and the means to travel and explore the world at their own pace. www.independent.ie/lifestyle/tr...
independent.ie
‘The great thing about getting older is that we don’t have to limit ourselves to a fortnight’s holiday’ – Irish over-60s share their tips for a golden gap year
Try tactical flights, make hard copies, don’t be afraid of AI and ‘look at the worst reviews first’, say these experienced sixty-something travellers
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Arlene Harris @arleneharris.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
#journorequest - anyone in or from Ireland been on holiday with a group of friends and want to take part in a piece? DM today if interested. Shares appreciated. #friends #friendgroup #holidays #travel #ireland
static.klipy.com
Friends Jumping into Pool at a Pool Party
ALT: Friends Jumping into Pool at a Pool Party
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