Claire Mitchell
@clairemitchell.bsky.social
writer, mamaí, history and politics, Belfast/County Down, she/her.
📖 The Ghost Limb: Alternative Protestants and the Spirit of 1798
www.clairemitchell.net
📖 The Ghost Limb: Alternative Protestants and the Spirit of 1798
www.clairemitchell.net
Pinned
I've been doing that Irish thing of being too embarrassed to say hello, would you like my book?
It's The Ghost Limb: Alternative Protestants and the Spirit of 1798. A tribe of 20 modern day northern dissenters go walking around the sites of 1798, asking what this politics could mean for today.
It's The Ghost Limb: Alternative Protestants and the Spirit of 1798. A tribe of 20 modern day northern dissenters go walking around the sites of 1798, asking what this politics could mean for today.
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
My take-away from this is that "Ireland, awash with cash from a corporation tax bonanza paid by global firms with big operations in the country", is being told it should spend that money defending market assets, like cables under the Atlantic, rather than on housing and health.
When it comes to modern war, Ireland is a high-value target: its waters on the western fringe of Europe contain three-quarters of all undersea cables in the northern hemisphere. Despite this, is unprotected and unprepared.
An #FTEdit 🧵 on why this determinedly neutral nation is Europe's weak link 👇
An #FTEdit 🧵 on why this determinedly neutral nation is Europe's weak link 👇
November 26, 2025 at 8:37 AM
My take-away from this is that "Ireland, awash with cash from a corporation tax bonanza paid by global firms with big operations in the country", is being told it should spend that money defending market assets, like cables under the Atlantic, rather than on housing and health.
Looking forward to taking part in this discussion in Armagh next Thursday evening, 27th November. Everyone welcome.
November 17, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Looking forward to taking part in this discussion in Armagh next Thursday evening, 27th November. Everyone welcome.
At the Tyrone Guthrie Centre with, coincidently, a big bunch of writers for children & young adults. Just had some readings. Omg. Through animals and banshees, stories about love of all shapes and sizes, they’re showing kids (and adults) how to do life and feel less alone. The absolute best of us.
November 14, 2025 at 10:37 PM
At the Tyrone Guthrie Centre with, coincidently, a big bunch of writers for children & young adults. Just had some readings. Omg. Through animals and banshees, stories about love of all shapes and sizes, they’re showing kids (and adults) how to do life and feel less alone. The absolute best of us.
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
I see the good people across Belfast Lough are having similar NIMBY-driven issues to us in Greenisland. What is it going to take to actually allow people to get access to our generational rightful paths? @aaron-skinner.bsky.social @barryndgreen.bsky.social
www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/north-d...
www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/north-d...
Calls for public action over closure of essential coastal access path
The path, which crosses privately owned land, has been used by local residents and visitors for decades as a convenient and highly regarded connection to the coast
www.belfastlive.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 6:45 PM
I see the good people across Belfast Lough are having similar NIMBY-driven issues to us in Greenisland. What is it going to take to actually allow people to get access to our generational rightful paths? @aaron-skinner.bsky.social @barryndgreen.bsky.social
www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/north-d...
www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/north-d...
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Song of the Sea is leaving Netflix soon and it’s a gorgeous Sunday night movie. Halloween appropriate too. It’s such a work of art in every way
October 26, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Song of the Sea is leaving Netflix soon and it’s a gorgeous Sunday night movie. Halloween appropriate too. It’s such a work of art in every way
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
#12 An Clogán - Cé gur tugadh ainm Gaelach ar an irisleabhar, chuir sé díomá orm nach raibh alt Gaeilge ar bith ann. Ar scor ar bith, cuid mhór ábhar machnaimh atá ann - ná hailt le @sineadmercier.bsky.social , @clairemitchell.bsky.social , Martina Anderson agus Ursula Ní Shionnain go háirid
October 26, 2025 at 11:35 AM
#12 An Clogán - Cé gur tugadh ainm Gaelach ar an irisleabhar, chuir sé díomá orm nach raibh alt Gaeilge ar bith ann. Ar scor ar bith, cuid mhór ábhar machnaimh atá ann - ná hailt le @sineadmercier.bsky.social , @clairemitchell.bsky.social , Martina Anderson agus Ursula Ní Shionnain go háirid
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
#SpéirGhorm #IrishBookWeek #Day8 📚💙
An Irish Book I discovered at a bookshop event.
I picked up #TheGhostLimb by @clairemitchell.bsky.social at the #DromoreBookFestival - organised by the legendary @bridgebooksdromore.bsky.social. Claire was joined onstage by @lindaervine.bsky.social that night.
An Irish Book I discovered at a bookshop event.
I picked up #TheGhostLimb by @clairemitchell.bsky.social at the #DromoreBookFestival - organised by the legendary @bridgebooksdromore.bsky.social. Claire was joined onstage by @lindaervine.bsky.social that night.
October 25, 2025 at 10:10 PM
#SpéirGhorm #IrishBookWeek #Day8 📚💙
An Irish Book I discovered at a bookshop event.
I picked up #TheGhostLimb by @clairemitchell.bsky.social at the #DromoreBookFestival - organised by the legendary @bridgebooksdromore.bsky.social. Claire was joined onstage by @lindaervine.bsky.social that night.
An Irish Book I discovered at a bookshop event.
I picked up #TheGhostLimb by @clairemitchell.bsky.social at the #DromoreBookFestival - organised by the legendary @bridgebooksdromore.bsky.social. Claire was joined onstage by @lindaervine.bsky.social that night.
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Essential reading from @clairemitchell.bsky.social in the inaugural edition of @ancloganmag.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Essential reading from @clairemitchell.bsky.social in the inaugural edition of @ancloganmag.bsky.social
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Caerphilly, Senedd constituency by-election result:
PC: 47.4% (+19.0)
REF: 36.0% (+34.2)
LAB: 11.0% (-34.9)
CON: 2.0% (-15.3)
GRN: 1.5% (+1.5)
LDEM: 1.5% (-1.2)
GWL: 0.3% (+0.3)
UKIP: 0.2% (+0.2)
Plaid Cymru GAIN from Labour.
PC: 47.4% (+19.0)
REF: 36.0% (+34.2)
LAB: 11.0% (-34.9)
CON: 2.0% (-15.3)
GRN: 1.5% (+1.5)
LDEM: 1.5% (-1.2)
GWL: 0.3% (+0.3)
UKIP: 0.2% (+0.2)
Plaid Cymru GAIN from Labour.
October 24, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Caerphilly, Senedd constituency by-election result:
PC: 47.4% (+19.0)
REF: 36.0% (+34.2)
LAB: 11.0% (-34.9)
CON: 2.0% (-15.3)
GRN: 1.5% (+1.5)
LDEM: 1.5% (-1.2)
GWL: 0.3% (+0.3)
UKIP: 0.2% (+0.2)
Plaid Cymru GAIN from Labour.
PC: 47.4% (+19.0)
REF: 36.0% (+34.2)
LAB: 11.0% (-34.9)
CON: 2.0% (-15.3)
GRN: 1.5% (+1.5)
LDEM: 1.5% (-1.2)
GWL: 0.3% (+0.3)
UKIP: 0.2% (+0.2)
Plaid Cymru GAIN from Labour.
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
As someone from the North living the South, it can feel b othering that so much of the election talk is about appealing to Northern unionists and virtually no recognition of the ongoing trauma inflicted on Northern nationalists. Yet another day in the British state being denied justice.
Some people on this island are voting to elect their head of state
Others are digesting the fact that their state deployed paratroopers as peacekeepers - an oxymoron in itself, who killed children in broad daylight & then frustrated justice to the point that it was impossible. Such a stark contrast
Others are digesting the fact that their state deployed paratroopers as peacekeepers - an oxymoron in itself, who killed children in broad daylight & then frustrated justice to the point that it was impossible. Such a stark contrast
October 23, 2025 at 4:56 PM
As someone from the North living the South, it can feel b othering that so much of the election talk is about appealing to Northern unionists and virtually no recognition of the ongoing trauma inflicted on Northern nationalists. Yet another day in the British state being denied justice.
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Some people on this island are voting to elect their head of state
Others are digesting the fact that their state deployed paratroopers as peacekeepers - an oxymoron in itself, who killed children in broad daylight & then frustrated justice to the point that it was impossible. Such a stark contrast
Others are digesting the fact that their state deployed paratroopers as peacekeepers - an oxymoron in itself, who killed children in broad daylight & then frustrated justice to the point that it was impossible. Such a stark contrast
October 23, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Some people on this island are voting to elect their head of state
Others are digesting the fact that their state deployed paratroopers as peacekeepers - an oxymoron in itself, who killed children in broad daylight & then frustrated justice to the point that it was impossible. Such a stark contrast
Others are digesting the fact that their state deployed paratroopers as peacekeepers - an oxymoron in itself, who killed children in broad daylight & then frustrated justice to the point that it was impossible. Such a stark contrast
Heartsore for the Bloody Sunday families
October 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Heartsore for the Bloody Sunday families
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
As Barney's body lay out in the street in a pool of blood, the Derry Civil Rights Association banner held by marchers that day was used to cover him.
Damien O'Kane's father (@mckanedj on Twitter) kept it and donated to the Museum of Free Derry, where it is now on permanent display.
Damien O'Kane's father (@mckanedj on Twitter) kept it and donated to the Museum of Free Derry, where it is now on permanent display.
October 23, 2025 at 12:47 PM
As Barney's body lay out in the street in a pool of blood, the Derry Civil Rights Association banner held by marchers that day was used to cover him.
Damien O'Kane's father (@mckanedj on Twitter) kept it and donated to the Museum of Free Derry, where it is now on permanent display.
Damien O'Kane's father (@mckanedj on Twitter) kept it and donated to the Museum of Free Derry, where it is now on permanent display.
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Great listen - 61,000 townlands mapped a project to It was a project of great technical ambition, the politics, the placenames, and the legacy the OS left behind.
Now the current project to locate and protect benchmarks.
#SpeirGhorm
#RTEradio1
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Now the current project to locate and protect benchmarks.
#SpeirGhorm
#RTEradio1
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The History Show Sunday 19 October 2025
The Ordnance Survey in Ireland
On this week's programme, we’re looking back at the early years of the Ordnance Survey in Ireland. Just over 200 years ago, the British government launched one of the ...
www.rte.ie
October 23, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Great listen - 61,000 townlands mapped a project to It was a project of great technical ambition, the politics, the placenames, and the legacy the OS left behind.
Now the current project to locate and protect benchmarks.
#SpeirGhorm
#RTEradio1
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Now the current project to locate and protect benchmarks.
#SpeirGhorm
#RTEradio1
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Sad that Irish people in the north still can’t vote for our President.
I’d vote for Catherine Connolly. She’s not perfect, but I share her values and I really admire her authenticity and tenacity.
Hopefully soon northern citizens can play a full part shaping a United Irish left and a new Republic.
I’d vote for Catherine Connolly. She’s not perfect, but I share her values and I really admire her authenticity and tenacity.
Hopefully soon northern citizens can play a full part shaping a United Irish left and a new Republic.
October 22, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Sad that Irish people in the north still can’t vote for our President.
I’d vote for Catherine Connolly. She’s not perfect, but I share her values and I really admire her authenticity and tenacity.
Hopefully soon northern citizens can play a full part shaping a United Irish left and a new Republic.
I’d vote for Catherine Connolly. She’s not perfect, but I share her values and I really admire her authenticity and tenacity.
Hopefully soon northern citizens can play a full part shaping a United Irish left and a new Republic.
Leabhar fileata, iontach le Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost.
My favourite kind of sociology - full-hearted, emotionally and ethically involved.
My favourite kind of sociology - full-hearted, emotionally and ethically involved.
'This is a complex and compelling book that underlines how art can illuminate the "moral heart" of things.'
A deeply insightful review of 'Fieldnotes from Celtic Palestine' from @clairemitchell.bsky.social in the Irish Times.
A deeply insightful review of 'Fieldnotes from Celtic Palestine' from @clairemitchell.bsky.social in the Irish Times.
October 20, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Leabhar fileata, iontach le Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost.
My favourite kind of sociology - full-hearted, emotionally and ethically involved.
My favourite kind of sociology - full-hearted, emotionally and ethically involved.
Great discussion in Galliagh. Another night where a panel from mixed backgrounds find so much common ground, and flesh out the kind of Republic we want to live in. Lovely crowd with loads of ideas.
Thanks to Think32 for having us, and the gorgeous Derry welcome.
Thanks to Think32 for having us, and the gorgeous Derry welcome.
October 16, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Great discussion in Galliagh. Another night where a panel from mixed backgrounds find so much common ground, and flesh out the kind of Republic we want to live in. Lovely crowd with loads of ideas.
Thanks to Think32 for having us, and the gorgeous Derry welcome.
Thanks to Think32 for having us, and the gorgeous Derry welcome.
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Catherine Connolly skipped parts of Ulysses #Smearthebejaysus #Smearthebejaysis
October 11, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Catherine Connolly skipped parts of Ulysses #Smearthebejaysus #Smearthebejaysis
Think 32 discussion on Irish unity in Galliagh in Derry next week.
www.derryjournal.com/news/people/...
www.derryjournal.com/news/people/...
Think 32 discussion on Irish unity to take place in Galliagh in Derry
A discussion on Irish reunification is to take place in Galliagh next week.
www.derryjournal.com
October 11, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Think 32 discussion on Irish unity in Galliagh in Derry next week.
www.derryjournal.com/news/people/...
www.derryjournal.com/news/people/...
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Iontach brónach ar fad. Deirtear fá dhaoine go mion minic ach, ar gach bealach, ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann
October 3, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Iontach brónach ar fad. Deirtear fá dhaoine go mion minic ach, ar gach bealach, ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
A massive loss to us all. His care for and wonder at both nature and the Irish language was a great gift that he shared with us all
The writer, broadcaster and documentary maker Manchán Magan has died at the age of 55, his family has confirmed
Broadcaster and scríbhneoir Manchán Magan dies aged 55
The writer, broadcaster and documentary maker Manchán Magan has died at the age of 55, his family has confirmed.
www.rte.ie
October 3, 2025 at 6:33 AM
A massive loss to us all. His care for and wonder at both nature and the Irish language was a great gift that he shared with us all
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
Nendrum • County Down
Situated on the western shores of Strangford Lough, Nendrum is one of the most complete examples of an early Irish monastery, with enclosures, a church, sundial & more!
It's a lovely place to explore and to imagine the lives of those who once lived, prayed, and worked here.
Situated on the western shores of Strangford Lough, Nendrum is one of the most complete examples of an early Irish monastery, with enclosures, a church, sundial & more!
It's a lovely place to explore and to imagine the lives of those who once lived, prayed, and worked here.
September 25, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Nendrum • County Down
Situated on the western shores of Strangford Lough, Nendrum is one of the most complete examples of an early Irish monastery, with enclosures, a church, sundial & more!
It's a lovely place to explore and to imagine the lives of those who once lived, prayed, and worked here.
Situated on the western shores of Strangford Lough, Nendrum is one of the most complete examples of an early Irish monastery, with enclosures, a church, sundial & more!
It's a lovely place to explore and to imagine the lives of those who once lived, prayed, and worked here.
@stephenbaker.bsky.social and I are doing a Zoom tonight with English based Anti-Capitalist Resistance. A bit about the book, the Irish unity debate, and the wider struggle for democratisation across these islands.
Tickets here -
Tickets here -
Online meeting: A new Irish Republic?
22 September 7pm
A new Irish republic is possible. Introduced by @clairemitchell.bsky.social, author of the Ghost Limb (2022) and Stephen Baker a socialist and trade unionist from County Down.
Get tickets here anticapitalistresistance.org/events/a-new...
22 September 7pm
A new Irish republic is possible. Introduced by @clairemitchell.bsky.social, author of the Ghost Limb (2022) and Stephen Baker a socialist and trade unionist from County Down.
Get tickets here anticapitalistresistance.org/events/a-new...
anticapitalistresistance.org
September 22, 2025 at 10:48 AM
@stephenbaker.bsky.social and I are doing a Zoom tonight with English based Anti-Capitalist Resistance. A bit about the book, the Irish unity debate, and the wider struggle for democratisation across these islands.
Tickets here -
Tickets here -
Reposted by Claire Mitchell
A UN commission of inquiry has found that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza & says "the duty to prevent genocide obligates States to take all necessary steps to try to avoid or stop the commission of genocide".
Its full report: www.ohchr.org/sites/defaul...
Its full report: www.ohchr.org/sites/defaul...
www.ohchr.org
September 16, 2025 at 8:33 AM
A UN commission of inquiry has found that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza & says "the duty to prevent genocide obligates States to take all necessary steps to try to avoid or stop the commission of genocide".
Its full report: www.ohchr.org/sites/defaul...
Its full report: www.ohchr.org/sites/defaul...