A glance at the week that was
€1m
Market price for Kilkenny’s Duninga House mansion plus 14 holiday homes and 47 acres.
3 days
Length of academic conference,
U2: The Hype and the Feedback, being held in north Carolina in October.
€148m
Europe’s biggest-ever lottery jackpot, amassed in Italy and finally won this week.
Dylan's new direction
It’s no longer a case of how many roads must a man walk down, but which he should drive. Bob Dylan revealed this week that he’s in discussions with two satnav makers about using his distinctive voice to direct drivers to their destination.
“I think it would be good,” Dylan said, “if you are looking for directions and hear my voice saying something like ‘left at the next street, no, a right – y’know what? Just go straight.’”
"Our country has lost a great leader"- Barack Obama on Edward Kennedy, who died this week.
We now know
Polar bearshave become smaller since the early 20th century. Scientists blame it on the stress of having to expend more energy to hunt.
The London Rose, Charmaine Kenny, is the 50th Rose of Tralee.
From next month, security guards and doormen must wear identity badges.
Lance's lap of honour
Having competed in - but failed to complete - the Tour of Ireland, Lance Armstrong hung around for his Livestrong global cancer summit at the RDS. But it was his spin around the Phoenix Park on Tuesday that really brought out the crowds. About 1,200 cyclists joined him after he sent out an invite through Twitter. There were a few crashes and many out-of-breath bikers surprised at how fast the seven-time Tour de France winner goes, but everyone – and Armstrong in particular – enjoyed the slightly surreal occasion.