The Quaker warmth of Bewley’s warm fires

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

(Written in December 2 2004, when Bewley’s cafe, Grafton Street, Dublin, closed for an indefinite period for refurbishment. Its future was uncertain. But I am glad to report that it is up and flourishing for some time, warm and glorious, its sticky buns as good as ever.)

I will miss the Quaker warmth of Bewley’s coal fires. I will always be grateful, not only for the comforting Irish breakfasts and sticky cherry buns but for the warm coal fires in Bewley’s noisy restaurants in Dublin, now sadly a thing of the past. The 1950s were, as far as I was concerned, an unofficial ice age. As children we were always cold. And the relief of standing before those generous glowing fires in short pants, jumper and zip jacket was one of the highlights of my boyhood memories.

Merlin Park House

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

The Blake family started work on the construction of Merlin Park House in 1808 and it was completed in 1812. It cost £12,000 to build and provided much needed employment for many local skilled workers and labourers. Getting materials to the location proved difficult – it was said that more than 40 mules were used to transport goods and building materials from Galway to the site.

Christmas cheer at Brigit’s Garden Café

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

Brigit’s Garden offers a magical experience for all ages. The beautiful gardens are set on 4.5 hectares of woodland and wildflower meadows in Roscahill, County Galway. The wildlife gardens are designed to reflect the west of Ireland landscape and are dotted with interesting features — a nature trail, Ogham trees, children's discovery trail, living willow play area, an ancient ring fort, roundhouse, and the largest calendar sundial in Ireland. As winner of a prestigious Georgina Campbell award for Family Friendly Destination of the Year 2017, these family-friendly gardens are themed on the Celtic festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine, and Lughnasa, a journey through the cycle of the year. Additional talks and activities on Celtic heritage are available and there is often music in the gardens on bank holidays and every Sunday in summer.

Get involved in the BirdWatch Ireland annual garden bird survey

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

BirdWatch Ireland is calling for the public’s help to keep track of garden birds by participating in the Garden Bird Survey which is now in its 30th year. The survey began on Monday December 3 and runs until the end of February.

Each year hundreds of households across Ireland take part, providing important information on how some of our more common bird species, such as the robin, fare over the challenging winter months. As the Irish countryside changes, gardens are becoming increasingly important havens for many species, and it is vital for us to know how their populations are coping with these changes.

Christmas shop now open at Dangan House Nurseries

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

Dangan Nurseries currently has an extensive range of Christmas trees for sale, from rooted trees to fresh cut trees.

Free flights with Princess Cruises Lines

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises first set sail in 1965 with a single ship cruising to Mexico. Today the company has grown to become the third largest cruise line in the world, renowned for innovative ships, an array of onboard options, and an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognised leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million guests each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 114 days, allowing them to see the world and come back new.

Look after your pipes this winter and they will look after you

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

The weather has been pretty poor the past couple of weeks with torrential rain, high winds, and of course, the freezing temperatures.

Christmas Dry Eyes

Wed, Dec 05, 2018

This Christmas, to save you from tears, give your eyes some TLC at Oranmore Optometrists.

Dry eye is a very common condition that occurs when the quantity and quality of the tears fails to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated.

People of the Tribes: Meet Stephen.

Tue, Dec 04, 2018

Hi am Stephen Deady from Renmore but now live in Moycullen. I am currently working in Anthony Ryans on Shop Street. I am also the Treasurer of the Rep of Ireland Soccer Supports Club Western Branch (RISSCW). Trying my best to help supporters to get to see their country play soccer. Galway is home and always will be. You can’t walk down shop street without bumping into someone you know. The nightlife is pure class. Tig Coílí’s is my favourite bar, without it, Galway wouldn’t be the same for me.

Put the sparkle into your eyes for Christmas at Oranmore Optometrists

Tue, Dec 04, 2018

Oranmore Optometrists, located in the Orantown shopping centre, have truly got the Christmas festivities well underway. Santa has already had his annual eye exam to ensure he can check his lists twice without any eye fatigue, meanwhile, Mrs Claus is finally delighted to have her dry eye symptoms under control! Not forgetting Rudolph and his Deer friends, they were fitted with special anti-glare lenses to guarantee minimising glare when flying around!

People of the Tribes: Meet Jackson.

Tue, Dec 04, 2018

My Name is Jackson Rockley, 24 and Australian.
I travelled to Ireland on a Working Holiday VISA almost a year ago to experience living abroad and to see Europe.

People of the Tribes: Meet Ben.

Tue, Dec 04, 2018

Hi, my name is Ben Reid. I am an uilleann piper and a travelling musician. Originally I'm from Canada, but since attending the University of Limerick six years ago, I've been travelling and playing trad music on the streets and in the pubs in France, Ireland, Australia, the US, and Canada. This year I decided to finally settle in Galway. I love the vibrant music scene here as well as the incredibly warm and welcoming people I've met while busking. I truly feel at home in this city and I'm grateful it has adopted me as well!

Taking stock and making plans

Tue, Dec 04, 2018

As the days get shorter and the winter solstice approaches, spending time outside happens less and less. This is the time to take stock of how your garden is working for you, and consider any changes you’d like to make in time for spring. Mind you, it might seem as though you’re working for the garden rather than the other way around, with mowing, trimming and tidying taking more time than you’d like, so if you’d like to change that, it’s worth considering some improvements to your garden layout and planting.

Far Cry 4: lots and lots of fun

Tue, Dec 04, 2018

When it comes to games, I like to know that I will get my money's worth in terms of gameplay time before purchasing. There is nothing worse than when you part with your hard earned cash and the game is completed within four hours of hitting the start button. Far Cry 4 provides gamers with plenty of challenges and enjoyment – 52 hours worth in my case.

Assassin's Creed Origins - one man's fight in a changing world

Mon, Dec 03, 2018

YOU MAY have already set foot on the soil of ancient Greece, and with your sword and sandals, fight wars overt and covert, and on more than a few fronts. For those still catching up, a journey to the heart of Ptolemaic Egypt awaits.

The Galway Mechanics’ Institute 1838-2018

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

Mechanics’ institutes originated in Scotland in the 1820s. In 1826 a committee formed the first such institute in Galway when it set out a library and newspaper reading room in the ballroom of the Corn Exchange in Eyre Square. Its primary aim was educational and it had rules prohibiting discussion of politics and religion. Difficulties arose when some of the patrons of the facility presumed they could tell the members how to vote in an election and so the institute collapsed.

A nod to McMaster in the crowd

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was that one day, while Tom Kilroy was in Leaving Cert, an Adonis walked through St Kieran’s College. He inquired, in a very magisterial manner, where was one to find the headmaster.

Galway sculptor features in new designer paint collection

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

General Paints Group has launched its highly anticipated new designer paint brand, Curator, created in collaboration with some of Irelands’ finest designers and artisans.

Visit magical Lapland with Fahy Travel Worldchoice

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

Santa’s homeland is the stuff of fairytales. Snow-dusted pine forests, cosy log cabins, and more reindeer than people, all add to the magic. Even with just a day to spare Fahy Travel has a trip to help you fit in as much as possible. Whether you want to join elf school, decorate cookies with Mrs Claus, or zoom down ice slides, you will find it on these trips.

Festive seafood delights from Dockside Deli

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

The Dockside Deli is a one stop destination for seafood this Christmas in Galway city.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.