Sylvia Thompson

6 days ago | irishtimes.com | Sylvia Thompson

Before the internet, society relied mainly on books as the source of knowledge and many a grand house had its own library, a dedicated room where extensive collections were displayed. Today, modern homes often use built-in bookshelves in studies and living areas to show off the owner’s literary taste and add interest to a space.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Sylvia Thompson

A leading Irish geriatrician has called for the addition of the to the national adult immunisation programme, following the publication of a study showing a 20 per cent reduced risk of developing dementia in older people who received a vaccine for shingles compared to those who didn’t.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Sylvia Thompson

Take a road trip to any part of Ireland and you will see the work of traditional craftspeople on heritage buildings in cities, towns, villages and all across the countryside. Stop and appreciate the decorative wrought iron work on gates and railings around 18th and 19th century houses and farmsteads. Consider the intricate thatch roofs on cottages in Adare, Limerick, Skerries in north Dublin and Kilmore Quay in Co Waterford.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Sylvia Thompson

Fans of house renovation programmes on TV will be familiar with creative reuse of old pieces of furniture – some of which were discarded by previous generations. Recent examples include how shop counters have been incorporated into kitchen design and how bar furniture can be used for quirky outdoor spaces. The National Museum of Ireland’s Decorative Arts and History branch at Collins Barracks in Dublin has an interesting exhibition of so-called Irish vernacular furniture.

2 weeks ago | irishtimes.com | Sylvia Thompson

Shame is a huge barrier to accessing support for trauma, according to a clinical and forensic psychologist who has recently returned to Ireland, following work in specialist trauma services in the UK. “Shame is carried by people as a result of trauma. That sense of shame might be buried quite deep and there is a huge self-stigma about bringing it up as an adult,” says Dr Louise Canacott, who now works with adolescents at the St John of God Hospital in Stillorgan, Dublin.