How to have a merry Christmas

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

1. Get your priorities right. Christmas day is just 11 days away so if you still have a lot to do beforehand then it is important you have a plan. Otherwise, the hours will just slip away and you will end up feeling frazzled before you even sit down to eat your Christmas dinner. Start by monitoring your time, this will help you pinpoint where you are wasting precious minutes. Then, make a list and decide when you are going to complete all those outstanding tasks. Your list could include everything from buying gifts, icing the Christmas cake, ensuring the chimney is clean for Santa's much awaited visit, or doing a grocery shop. If you have a lot of tasks to get through but very little time in which to do them, aim to reduce your seasonal overload by prioritising. Many of us spend up to 80 per cent of our time doing non-essential duties, according to research, so ditch these, at least until after the New Year when hopefully you will have more time.

Use layered lighting to create warmth in your home

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

As we approach the darkest time of the year, it is worth bearing in mind that with a little planning, lighting can become a secret weapon for boosting winter warmth around your home.

Market day in Woodquay

Wed, Dec 13, 2023

There were a number of aspects to the market in Woodquay in the 19th and early 20th centuries – there was a crane for weighing potatoes at the end of the park (near the toll booth) and it was there many of the farmers who carried their wares downriver used to gather to sell. Other groups would congregate here to sell scollops for thatching houses, ‘flexible sticks’ cut from hazel trees. These were very much in demand in the city area as so many houses were thatched in those days including in Woodquay. Also in that area you would find basket makers who would weave creels, ciseáins, skibs and baskets of many shapes and sizes for sale to the public.

Your guide to gut health during winter

Wed, Dec 13, 2023

Good gut health is essential to supporting our immune system – which is vital during the colder months as 70 per cent of our immune cells reside in our gut. These gut microbiota play a major role in our body’s defence system; they are the ‘gatekeepers’ to our immune system, training our immune cells which bacteria to fight off and which substances to leave alone. Essentially, the 'good' bacteria in our gut compete with 'bad' bacteria and viruses for space and nutrients. The gut microbiota helps to keep these bad pathogens at bay by stopping them from colonising.

More than sixty Galway primary schools to join Hot School Meals Programme

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

Minister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed the approval of 62 additional primary schools in Galway for the Hot School Meals Programme.

The advantages of studying abroad

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

Many universities all over the country have dramatically increased their number of Erasmus and study abroad options for students as many universities have realised the benefits of studying abroad for students, most notably increased ‘employability’.

Go to National Museum for Christmas carols, local crafts, and a Charles Dickens classic at Turlough Park

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

The National Museum of Ireland is inviting people to discover some Christmas traditions from yesteryear, through a new programme of events and activities at Turlough Park, Castlebar, this month.

Enjoy a delicious Christmas meal in the comfort of Palmers Bar & Kitchen

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

Palmers Bar & Kitchen is a contemporary bar and lounge located on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate.

It is named after the Palmers, an influential milling family who bought Glenlo Abbey in 1897 and made their home on the site for some 90 years. Celebrating their legacy, Palmers Bar & Kitchen offers the very best in Irish hospitality. A classic and cosy venue, you will find a warm welcome in the laid back bar and restaurant. Relaxing and stylish, Palmers Bar & Kitchen is a new local favourite for a new era of casual eating.

‘Food glorious food’ at The Ardilaun this Christmas Season

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

The Christmas festive season is in full swing on Taylor's Hill, with festive lunch or dinners available in The Ardilaun Hotel for the month of December.

The Arches Hotel proves that excellent festive fare does not have to cost the earth

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

The Arches Hotel has been a cornerstone of Claregalway for some 50 years, and thanks to imaginative and accessible seasonal menus like the recently revealed four-course festive meal for just €28.95, it will likely be there for at least 50 more.

Owned by the Dunleavy family, a tribe that has been involved in the hospitality business for over a century, the Arches Hotel began life as a small, one-room public house, a far cry from the hotel which features a welcoming restaurant, bar and 21 bedrooms. The hotel itself is easily accessible with ample parking, and the location helps to make the answer to the endless question of 'do I have the energy to cook dinner tonight?', due to its prime location on the well worn commuter route of the Tuam Rd.

It’s Christmas cookie time

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

Indulge your senses in the delightful world of Christmas baking with this scrumptious gingerbread sandwich cookie recipe.

‘Christmas is our busiest period’ – mental health charity

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

National mental health charity Turn2Me is preparing for its busiest period of the year, which occurs around Christmas. The charity offers counselling sessions throughout the Christmas period, including on Christmas Day. Turn2Me described the increased demand for its services as being because of emotional and financial strains, and people feeling unwell.

Give the gift of health with hyperbaric oxygenation at OxyGeneration

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBOT) is a powerhouse for cellular rejuvenation, particularly through its impact on mitochondria — the cellular energy factories.

A remarkable transformation: Cian’s hair transplant journey with Tir na nOg Clinic

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

Cian McDonnell, a 31 year old who works for the FAI, recently embarked on a life changing journey that proved to be a testament to the remarkable transformations achievable at Dublin's hair transplant clinic, Tir na nOg.

Upholstery: Back to the future

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

At Vincent Dornan Upholstery, the past meets the present. The team specialise in turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. The upholsterers, with more than 45 years of experience, steeped in tradition yet powered by innovation, breathe life into furniture through their expertise. Each piece undergoes a transition from mere functionality to a statement of elegance and individuality.

Whether it is a cherished antique seeking restoration or a modern piece yearning for a touch of TLC, Vincent Dornan Upholstery is your trusted partner. The team's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality ensures that every upholstered creation is a testament to timeless style.

Simple steps to winterproof your home

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

With Christmas approaching and temperatures dropping, now is the time to take some simple steps to winterproof your home and prevent issues with your water during cold weather.

An American barber shop in Eyre Square

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

John Joseph Grant emigrated to Brooklyn in New York where he learnt the haircutting trade and obviously made enough money which enabled him to come home in 1912 and set up his own business here. He also picked up quite a few tips on advertising as well, as you can see from our illustration which was published c1913. In addition to being a skilled barber, he certainly was not shy about promoting his wares – his advert is full of superlatives. “I guarantee to cure dandruff – the most modern and up-to-date barber’s shop in the Provinces – shaving soap solely manufactured by J.J. Grant – you will never get bald if you use Grant’s Imperial Hair Tonic (He must have sold this product out as he himself went bald in later life).

Let your taste buds soar this Christmas with Éan Restaurant and Wine Bar

Thu, Dec 07, 2023

Nestled in the vibrant cultural heart of Galway, beside the Druid theatre, Éan Restaurant and Wine Bar offers an unforgettable dining experience, as a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Éan takes pride in offering exceptional food at an affordable price. Ean boasts a diverse wine list to suit all tastes.

Larry Cheevers

Thu, Nov 30, 2023

Larry was the eldest child of Jack and Ethel Cheevers who lived on Dalysfort Road in Salthill. They were the owners of the Forster Park Hotel and the iconic Park Café which was attached to it. Larry was educated in the Jes and in Castleknock College and went on to study dentistry in UCG — you could only do first year there at the time — and later in UCD where he finished the course and qualified.

CO2Renu – the Craghoppers fleece part made from carbon emissions

Thu, Nov 30, 2023

Leading global adventure travel brand Craghoppers has begun another chapter in its longstanding sustainable story with CO2Renu, joining the range for AW23 as an innovative way of recycling waste CO2 into a product.

CO2Renu reshapes carbon waste by using CO2 emissions as the starting point to create some of Craghoppers' recycled polyester blends. The four-piece collection features a full and half zip fleece for men and women in a variety of colour combinations including blue and navy, black and pepper, and red and ecru.

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