Galway farmer honoured at inaugural Sustainable Quality Beef Producer Awards

Thu, Oct 04, 2012

Eyrecourt farmer Richard Bournes won a Sustainable Quality Beef Producer Award at the National Ploughing Championships, in New Ross, Co Wexford last week.

Asian Tea House - a world of difference

Thu, Oct 04, 2012

The Asian Tea House on Mary Street is a popular spot and for good reason. Connacht’s Best Restaurant at the RAI Irish Restaurant Awards 2011 still maintains the same high standard, certainly a cut above your average Chinese restaurant.

So Aniar, and yet so far

Thu, Oct 04, 2012

Aniar is the third best restaurant in Galway. If we are to believe the TripAdvisor rankings, that is. Yes, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the whole of Galway currently takes the bronze behind the “consistently good” Gourmet Tart Company and the “excellent little gem” that is Oscar’s Seafood Bistro. With The Galleon and Kirwan’s Lane restaurant completing the top five, you may or may not agree with this analysis of the current state of dining in Galway.

But a quick look at the reviews for the newly-starred Aniar will show that there is something not quite right with the system. While the contributors are in general fair and honest, now and again an isolated bad experience skews the numbers, often leaving fine dining restaurants like The West in Barna out-ranked by cute, popular, little cafes like Cupán Tae on Spanish Arch. Like is not compared with like.

Lady Gregory’s Secret, and other frailties...

Thu, Oct 04, 2012

If anyone thought that academics sharing their enthusiasm for the landscape, writers and artists associated with Coole Park, Co Galway, would be boring and stuffy, they had a surprise last weekend. There were some jaw-dropping moments when Lady Augusta Gregory’s secret love affair was revealed; and when WB Yeats went off the rails in the years following her death, and had a series of love affairs.

One hundred years of St Bridget’s Terrace

Thu, Oct 04, 2012

There can be few streets in this country that are as well documented as St Bridget’s Terrace. It was built 100 years ago on St Bridget’s Hill. The hill overlooked the town and was of great strategic and military importance. Both the Cromwellian and Williamite armies camped there when attacking Galway. During the 17th century, the hill was known as ‘Gottyganavy’. In 1710 the name had evolved to ‘Knocknegany’ and on Logan’s 1818 map of the city, it is depicted as Cnoc na Gainimhe (the Hill of Sand, or Sandpit Hill).

Understanding the fats of life

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

It is the “f” word with the bad reputation. Mention “fat” or “fats” and warning bells immediately ring in people’s heads.

Galway Thai-Kickboxing Club

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

The Galway Thai-Kickboxing club is based in the boxing club in Westside and in GMIT Galway. It has been in existence since 1997. This club has produced 76 Irish champions in Thai boxing, kickboxing, and boxing. It is the only club in Ireland to have achieved Irish champions in all three disciplines.

Hair, beauty, and sports massage courses at Anne Tobin Beauty College

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

The Anne Tobin Beauty college is Connacht’s number one hair, beauty, and sports massage college.

Curves Galway wins European award

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

The hard work of staff and members of Curves Galway has paid off with a European fitness award for this popular fitness facility. Why not be a part of this dynamic club and avail of all Curves has to offer.

Treat stress, anxiety, and depression with Chinese acupuncture

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

The internal imbalance caused by the exposure to external stress can lead to what is called an energy blockage, resulting in difficulty sleeping, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Acupuncture treats the root cause of this condition.

Lose two stone in ten weeks with diet, exercise, and metabolism correction

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

System 10 is a step by step individualised plan of normal food, precise exercise, and nutrition designed to give you a great metabolism and your best weight loss and body shape ever. It was created by dietician, fitness trainer, and lecturer David McDonagh.

Clare Rooney — body transformation specialist

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

Clare Rooney is a personal trainer, nutrition and lifestyle coach based in Oranmore. Her company Quantum Fitness was set up in 2003 to address the need for a more scientific approach to training.

On the Wine Shelf...

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

Emiliana Novas Viognier Gran Reserva 2010 (Independents, €7.49)

The Book Shelf...

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

Hugh’s Three Good Things… on a plate
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Food champions nominated to represent the west’s food sector in Canada

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

Two of Galway’s best known restaurateurs have been chosen as food champions to represent the west of Ireland as part of a food tourism delegation due to visit Canada next month.

Eat in or out with the Gourmet Tart Company

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

The Gourmet Tart Company is one of Galway's biggest success stories, as far as food is concerned. The business started out selling cakes from an ironing board in Limerick's Milk Market and now boasts four bakery/delicatessens and a restaurant. What began in 2001 as a small French-style bakery has become a thriving business with very loyal customers. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week and has both sweet and savoury ranges and quality take-home meals. The shops are bright and white, sleek and efficient. Look for the pink and white sign above the door and the trademark grapefruit-sized meringues streaked with raspberry in the windows.

I would like to thank…

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

The Emmys, aka the Oscars of the small screen, took place in LA earlier this week. Now I am not one to stay up until the crack of dawn checking out all the red carpet glam, or lack thereof, but the red carpet arrivals of this particular ceremony caught my eye. Selecting a best dressed list is never an easy task, especially when there are aspects of a look that are superb and others that are mediocre. This year's Emmys were certainly a stylish affair, for both the girls and boys, and may spark some colourful new trends. So who wins my award for the best dressed?

Calling all brides and brides-to-be — once loved wedding dress sale next month

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

The Clayton Hotel will host its popular once loved dress sale on October 7, offering the perfect opportunity to buy or sell a once loved wedding dress. The event is organised by the Clayton in association with sellmyweddingdress.net

Get smart: autumn key pieces to transform your working look

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

As we spend more time at work than anywhere else, it is natural to put more time and thought into building a beautiful work wear wardrobe. Look forward to Monday mornings again with these key pieces to take the stress out of getting ready in the morning, and help you look smart, modern, and confident.

The trouser suit is back this season. Choose it in a neutral autumn hue that suits your skin tone and pair it with power heels and a coloured jumper or a winter floral blouse for an instant update.

First St Augustine’s pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella

Thu, Sep 27, 2012

On a warm Saturday evening in a little town of Arzúa, about 40kms from Santiago de Compostella, a group of Galway pilgrims watched the local brass band competition. Led by their conductors three bands marched up the street, playing marching tunes.

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