What’s making you happy? Maeve Binchy, Oreo cows and first-time voting

Each week we ask what’s making Irish Times readers happy. You can join in by emailing happy@irishtimes.com or tweeting using #IrishTimesHappy. Here is a selection of the responses this week:

My daughter has discovered Maeve Binchy; [Binchy’s] well-written, sensible, clever and kind books are a good antidote to the stresses of her job – Breege

I got to vote for the first time, and I was really chuffed about it – Lisa

Going to the top deck of the bus and seeing that the front seat is free. Always makes me feel like a tourist in my own city – Anne-Marie

Seán Moncrieff: Dublin is lovely. Why can’t we say that?

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Maria Bailey and the swing: Just because we can doesn't mean we should

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‘Sometimes moving through life feels like wading through a thick, foul syrup’

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A trip out to Fanad Lighthouse provided plenty of happiness: scrambling over stunning coast with glimpses of glorious sunshine against a bruised sky – Madeleine

Seeing Oreo cows and calves for the first time in beautiful Lough Avalla organic farm in the heart of BurrenGeopark - Kay