From the earliest times people have pondered why we are here; philosophers and scientists continue to grapple with the question. For this compilation of wisdom and insights into what is truly important, Catherine Conlon tracked down people from varying walks of life, all with a deep connection to Ireland, for answers to life's crucial questions. Contributors include Maureen Gaffney, Chris Hadfield, Sr Stan, Colum McCann, Alice Taylor, Conor Pope and many others from the worlds of writing, ...

'Poignant, funny and highly readable. Would make a wonderful present.' Sue Leonard, Examiner'A real snapshot in time ... a celebration of female friendship ... fantastic - such a good read' Irish Times Women's Podcast'Engaging ... tender and true and spiced with wit and no little wisdom' RTE Guide'Heart-warming ... nostalgic ... the letters brim over with the kind of humour and honest reflection that only best ...

Whether revealed as something to be glimpsed, grasped, sought after or savoured, here a host of Irish people express what happiness means to them, in diverse and often deeply personal ways. Not all are well-known, but each one has done something fulfilling and lasting in their lives.The pieces in Sonas: Celtic Thoughts on Happiness reflect the philosophies, motivations and spiritual paths that can help us to keep an optimistic eye to the future, even in troubled times. A book to br...

The Abortion Papers is a unique edited collection that provides key reflections and scholarship on the Irish abortion regime generated in the period between the 1992 X case, the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012 and the subsequent introduction in 2013 of limited abortion legislation. The ideas generated in the volume come from the different but complementary perspectives of activism and scholarship. The collection includes the voices of Irish women who have had abortions, something larg...