The Eglinton Canal

Thu, Sep 02, 2010

In 1498, during the mayoralty of Andrew Lynch, an attempt was made to open a passage from the River Corrib along the Sandy River and through land to Lough Atalia, thus connecting the river to the sea.

A Christian heritage lost in ivy

Thu, Sep 02, 2010

Last Easter Sunday, I was privileged to attend a dawn Mass, near Cong, on the Lough Corrib shore. About 300 people stood close to a blazing fire, as daybreak slowly lifted the darkness revealing the wide expanse of water, its wooded islands, and in the distance, the mountains of the Maam valley. It was perfectly silent and peaceful. Fr Ray Flaherty welcomed us with these opening words: ‘It was here many saints like Meldon, Fursey, Brendan and Feichin made their homes of peace and prayer. There are many sanctuaries scattered today in ruins along the shores of this lake, silent ruins where the soft tones of bells and the church’s solemn chant floated over the waves...’

The Mass was celebrated within sight of Inchagoill, the largest of the 145 islands on our lake. Inchagoill has been inhabited for approximately 1,400 years. The last resident was Tom Nevin, the caretaker for the Guinness family, who maintained the pathways and graveyard. Large boats were being built on the island as recently as 1956. But the Nevin family house is an overgrown ruin now, and its remains lie close to two of the most beautifully preserved early Christian churches, that even today radiate a presence of peace and spirituality.

Twenty-one beauty tricks

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

1. Experiment with different foundations. You can mix two together to get the perfect result. When choosing a foundation opt for one that suits your skin type. Do you have a shiny or dehydrated complexion or is it balanced? Are some fine lines creeping in around your eyes and lips? A natural looking foundation will enhance your colouring and disguise any imperfections. If you are buying a new shade test it on your jawline to ensure there is no difference between your face and neck colour.

The Gallery Restaurant, Furbo

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

You may be wondering where is the Gallery Restaurant in Furbo? It is part of the Connemara Coast Hotel, and the reason that I have separated it out from the hotel name is that I think it needs special consideration. My memory of the Connemara Coast Hotel goes back to the days of Teach Furbo, and I am sure many readers have a similar association. That’s a long time ago and things have moved on drastically since those days. It is now a four-star hotel with a massive repeat business fom Irish people and a great reputation for excellent wedding receptions and functions. Many visitors book their next year’s holiday as they leave, similar to Kelly’s in Rosslare. The dining room is a large part of the attraction and to some extent is a well kept secret in the locality.

Vani-T is more eco chic than ever

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Recently described as the Victoria’s Secret of the organic and natural beauty market, Vani-T tan has set the standard for tans in image, delivery of results, quality, and purity, with a high natural and organic ingredient content, presented in glamorous recyclable packaging.

Get a fashion fix at BT month-long style event

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Fashionistas can learn about choosing the perfect coat at style events presented by top stylist Marietta Doran at Brown Thomas on Friday and Saturday September 10 and 11.

They are some of a series of fashion and beauty events taking place at the store next month. Experts will be available to help people “revive and rejuvenate” their current looks for the forthcoming season.

Be inspired and join in with the Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

This year’s Elverys Sports Galway Bay Half Marathon is expected to attract more than 1,000 runners. The event will take place on Saturday October 2 in Salthill.

Galway is twenty eight kegs lighter thanks to LighterLife

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

LighterLife’s weight loss and weight management counsellor Adam Butcher has been helping men and women in the Galway area lose weight and keep it off. Over the past 12 months he has helped his clients successfully lose an incredible 249 stone or 3,486lbs — the same weight as 28 kegs of Guinness.

Treating sports injuries with traditional Chinese medicine

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Playing sports is a wonderful way to stay in shape and have fun with friends. Whether you are a casual sports player, a weekend warrior, or someone who trains hard every day, acupuncture can be extremely valuable for you.

Mike’s style is key as Finns’ heads for two decades in the furniture business

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Finn’s Furniture Stores, with branches in Gort, Loughrea and Portumna celebrate 17 years in business this year — and their success is attributed in no small measure to owner Mike Finn.

How to beat the scourge of bullying

Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Bullying has become a much talked about issue in recent years, and the vast majority of schools now have anti-bullying policies. However schools cannot be successful in their preventative work if they do not get support from home.

It is important that parents also adopt a zero tolerance towards aggressive behaviour by their children, and that they set a good role model for conflict resolution.

Preparing for school

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

“Back to school time” is just days away and parents are busy organising uniforms, books and lunchboxes. Soon, children will be getting used to getting up earlier as the start of the new school year beckons.

Notes for the Season

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

Women often say, half jokingly, that they would rather lose their wallet than their make-up bag. Most of us would admit to being ridiculously, even emotionally, attached to the contents. With this in mind I walked the gorgeous Brown Thomas cosmetic hall recently and asked the experts which products were in their own make-up bags. I got the inside scoop as, truth be known, we try and test drive every single product that comes through the door. Though some of the picks were new, many were iconic and very much synonymous with the brands that make them.

Galway’s rich heritage

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

This photograph of the interior of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church was originally taken c1890 and was given us by the National Library. The Leper’s Gallery can be seen over the arches to the left.

A missed opportunity

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

There is often more drama in the board room of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, than what is presented on its stage. Following a famous conversation in Doorus House, Kinvara, one rainy afternoon in 1897, Lady Augusta Gregory of Coole Park, Edward Martyn of Ardrahan, and the young poet WB Yeats agreed to set up the Irish Literary Theatre. Theatre at the time was mainly influenced by the popular British music hall variety; and melodrama. It was agreed that day in Co Galway that the new Irish theatre would ‘embody and perpetuate Irish feeling, genius, and modes of thought’.

Easy steps to a wardrobe that works for you

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

It is an exciting time of the year, with shops bursting with the new season’s collections. You probably can’t wait to hit the shops and buy those must have pieces that will get you through the season, but before going you need to make sure that your wardrobe works for you. Do you feel you have so many clothes, you can’t see them? Or nothing goes with anything, and the tag is still on some clothes? Or maybe you feel completely lost every morning when you open your wardrobe?

Stock up on skincare for winter

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

If you are looking for a good deal or bargain in quality skincare drop in to Therapie Laser Clinic on Shop Street which is currently offering three skincare products for the price of two.

Now is the time to stock up on quality brands such as L’Oreal’s exclusive Professional Range, Keraskin, and the well-known favourite, Dermalogica. Offer ends August 31.

Gourmet Tart Co Salthill launches restaurant

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

Fintan and Michelle Hyland have done it again — they have come up with what is, I believe, a winning formula that builds on their three successful patisseries/delis that have been a source of great food in the city over the past few years.

Lose weight with Care & Cure

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the root of excess weight is an imbalance within the body caused by malfunctioning of the spleen and liver.

Acupuncture with traditional Chinese medicine can make it easier to deal with stress, frustration, and anxiety that can trigger overeating and bingeing on fattening foods. Endorphins also affect the digestive and hormonal systems, so acupuncture can help rebalance the organ systems. Some people opt for drugs or fad diets; too often this is counterproductive. The problem may well be that, after years of impaired digestion, their metabolism may simply not be functioning as well as it should.

Vintage fashion and décor fair goes west

Thu, Aug 19, 2010

The Vintage Fashion and Décor Fair is heading west for the first time, bringing with it another feast of vintage fashion and 20th century design and style.

E-paper

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