The new bistro at The Ardilaun

Thu, Feb 26, 2015

It is fair to say, I think, that we have all learned to lower our expectations a little when dining in a hotel. Often we hear the phrase “the food was great” qualified by the appendage “for a wedding”. After all, serving 120 plus plates of beef or salmon all at the same time is an entirely different prospect to cooking two or four plates to order.

Homeowners advised to take advantage of Government grants now

Thu, Feb 26, 2015

Homeowners in Galway should be aware that the Government grants scheme which assists homeowners to insulate their homes is still available. The scheme is available to all homes built before 2006 and there is a grant of €500 for cavity wall and attic insulation. A building energy rating is also given to the home after the works are complete. West Coast Insulation, which has been providing insulation to homes across Galway since 2009, is now offering the grants directly off the quotation. The company will look after the paperwork for you and there is no waiting for grant refunds — the amount comes directly off your bill.

John Folan of West Coast Insulation advises homeowners to take advantage of the grants now. “The current Government grant scheme offers an excellent opportunity for homeowners to upgrade the insulation in their homes,” he said. “Most houses in Ireland have some insulation; normally in the form of aeroboard in the walls and fibreglass in the attic. While these were the standard for homes in the past, it is not sufficient for the present and homes have become difficult and expensive to heat. With harsher winters and increased heating bills, poorly insulated houses are neither comfortable nor affordable to live in.”

Are you looking for a long lasting low maintenance solution? It is time for a Colourfence

Thu, Feb 26, 2015

For a permanent, no maintenance, solution to all your fencing problems, look no further than Colourfence. Products from the Colourfence range come with a guarantee that the purchase will sustain for 10 years without warping or corroding.

A Colourfence can withstand gusts of up to 130mph, perfect for unpredictable Irish weather, and can be installed in heights of 1m to 2.1m. Colourfences are available in cream, brown, green, and blue, all of which can be mixed and matched. The fence can be fitted in its natural form or with decorative trellis, and it can be raked or stepped on sloping ground.

Wide range of suites available at An Siopa Troscan, Moycullen

Thu, Feb 26, 2015

See the full range of quality Irish manufactured suites at An Siopa Troscan, where all the suites can be made to order. The full range of styles covers everything from contemporary to traditional. Pictured is the Roisin suite, now an amazing €1,799 (the suite pictured here was customised for the customer, making the back higher, to suit the family’s requirements).

Letter from Ted Hughes to Assia’s sister, Celia Chaikin, April 14 1969

Thu, Feb 26, 2015

Dear Celia, I should have written to you long ago but I’ve felt so absolutely smashed and not capable of talking to any one about what happened (three weeks earlier, her sister Assia had gassed herself, with her four-year-old daughter, Shura,). Your letter was a lot of support to me. I always liked you in your letters, and in what Assia told me about you, and you said just what was needed.

The winter tram

Thu, Feb 26, 2015

This photograph of a single-deck horse drawn tram was taken in Eyre Square c1900. The American style dome roof top cover provided cover for passengers during the winter. In one of their books, Somerville and Ross described these vehicles thus: “The little one-horse trams glide along the shining desolate road like white-backed beetles.” This tram was painted in a battleship grey colour. The double-deck open summer trams, which needed two horses to pull them, were painted in olive-green and white.

Post office communications

Thu, Feb 19, 2015

This photograph of a group of postmen was taken on December 17 1928 outside the General Post Office in Eglinton Street. The sorting office was inside the double gate, as was the long narrow passage that brought one into the back of the post office. The car in the background was a Model T. Notice the cobbled footpath.

Letter from Ted Hughes to his brother Gerald, April 1966

Thu, Feb 19, 2015

This place is a mild paradise for me at present. We moved yesterday, from our sumptuous home, to a much older, wilder place - £2 a week, a house annexed to a big farm (big for this region) at the top of Cleggan bay - right on the west coast.

Brilliant Galway brunches

Thu, Feb 19, 2015

With the summer season fast approaching again, one of the bonuses for the frequent diner in Galway is better breakfast and brunch options. This was a bleak enough prospect for a long time, but now we are spoiled with great weekday breakfasts. PoppySeed, Ard Bia, and McCambridge’s cafes notably serve up perfect starts to the morning before the more reliable pubs join in after 10.30am or 11am with big fry-ups and comforting mugs of tea. At the weekends there is even more to choose from.

Enjoy delicious Indian cuisine in Salthill

Thu, Feb 19, 2015

Diners in Salthill and surrounding areas have a new venue when it comes to top quality Indian cuisine — Falguni Indian restaurant and takeaway has recently opened, offering a delicious mix of classic Indian dishes and regional specialities.

Feast your eyes on the new spring menus in the Gaslight Bar & Brasserie

Thu, Feb 19, 2015

The Gaslight Bar & Brasserie opened in Hotel Meyrick last year and swiftly became one of the most talked about dining venues in Galway. Located in the heart of the city, overlooking Eyre Square, the Gaslight is a bright and airy casual dining space where you can escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a working lunch or a catch up with friends over great tasting coffee. Grab a window seat with views over Eyre Square or sit at the bar counter and banter with the barman. During the day, enjoy satisfying sandwiches, crunchy bruschetta, fabulous fish, serious steaks, and seasonal specials with quality attentive service. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for all guests.

The Galway General Omnibus Company

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Our photograph today shows a Karrier double-decker bus which was operated by the Galway General Omnibus Company. It was taken at the Spring Show in the RDS in 1924, before it went into revenue earning service. The side panel carries the name of the company, but not the crest. The small lettering on the chassis below the word ‘Galway’ reads ’12 m.p.h.’ A major problem with this type of vehicle was its chain drive which frequently slipped off and caused breakdowns. The bus had solid-tyred wheels and was uncomfortable to ride in.

Letter from Ted Hughes to Sylvia Plath’s mother, Aurelia, March 15, 1963

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Dear Aurelia, It has not been possible for me to write this letter before now...

All you need is love

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Love is in the air. It is hard to miss the oversized cards, bright red inflatable hearts and beautifully packaged chocolates occupying pride of place at the front of shopping aisles. Or the stunning displays of red roses, jewellery and fragrance gift sets. All of which herald the onset of St Valentine’s Day.

Strawberry laser lipo — a safe way to get in shape

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Strawberry laser lipo is a safe, painless, and noninvasive inch loss treatment. It involves no needles and no down time.

Revive Active — osteoarthritis relief at Matt O’Flaherty Chemists

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Many people will be affected by osteoarthritis as they age, and this often painful condition can also affect younger people and even teenagers.

Top natural health speakers for Galway talk

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Evergreen is bringing two of the UK’s top natural health experts to speak at a special one-day event in Galway this March. Dr Marilyn Glenville and Patrick Holford will share the most up-to-date evidence-based nutritional solutions on how to gain more energy and improve health in the stressful lives we live.

Burn more calories every hour, twenty four hours a day

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

With total focus on fixing your metabolism, System 10 can transform your weight loss, energy, sleep, health, and much more. A good metabolism is the foundation of everything you are. A good metabolism gets you burning more fat every hour, 24 hours a day.

Fourteen day miracle weight loss tea available in Galway

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Weight loss and detox could not be any easier than this. A new weight loss tea called Yo Chi has arrived in Therapie Clinic Galway. Yo Chi Tea originates from an ancient Chinese formula developed thousands of years ago, specifically to help with digestion. The blend contains lotus leaf, oolong green tea, and a number of other ancient Chinese herbs, all of which have been specially selected because of their proven natural ability to purify and cleanse the body, and to essentially act as a nuisance in stopping the body from storing up food as excess weight, and burn excess fat which is stored in the body.

Beetroot – a vegetable packed with health benefits

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

This is a great time of year for delicious, healthy, beetroot.

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