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.

Room with a view

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

Galway Bay Golf Resort near Oranmore is one of the most scenic golf courses in Ireland. It overlooks the bay, with Galway city and the Aran Islands in the distance. The course is very challenging and a great test for more gifted golfers. Or so I am told, as everything I know about golf can be written on the back of a postage stamp.

Feast on some festive lunch at The Ardilaun

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

The Christmas season is in full swing on Taylor's Hill with festive lunch or dinners available in The Ardilaun hotel for the month of December. Award winning head chef Ultan Cooke and his team have introduced a sumptuous Christmas three course menu with tea/coffee and mince pies from Saturday December 1, all for €25 per person served in The Ardilaun Bistro with larger parties catered for in the Camilaun Restaurant.

How to avoid chimney fires

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

It is wet, windy, and cold and all we want to do when we get home from school and work is to snuggle up in front of the toasty glow of the fire. But it is important to remember that having not been in use since the early days of spring, it is possible the chimney will be clogged with branches, leaves, and other objects to go along with the soot, tar, and ash.

Lights, Camera, Brunch… Galway Restaurant launches pooch friendly brunch

Tue, Nov 27, 2018

Gone to the Dogs at Merrow
Galway’s newest destination restaurant, set on the ground floor of the Pálás cinema Merrow is bringing dog lovers dreams to life. On Saturday 8th December, from 10am Merrow will host a brunch that allows your four-legged pal to come to brunch. The brunch will be hosted in aid of Madra Dog Rescue the charity which is dedicated to finding new homes for unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs.

Toiletries wanted for Christmas Wishlist for COPE!

Mon, Nov 26, 2018

In the build up to Christmas, The Skeff Late Bar & The Skeffington Arms Hotel will be working closely with COPE GALWAY.

Looking after the Little Ones

Mon, Nov 26, 2018

There must be few things as rewarding as looking after the birds in your garden. This garden has lots to attract them, and as I write a glossy blackbird is lunching on the bright red pyracantha berries outside the kitchen window. Goldfinches, blue tits and sparrows are jostling for space at the bird feeder, occasionally swooping down to the water bowl. The wise little robin – my absolute favourite – who doesn’t love the robin? – has just landed on the edge of the raised bed, where the snowdrops will be showing in a few week’s time, and eyed me through the window, as though to say, “I know you’re talking about me”.

The palace of dreams

Thu, Nov 22, 2018

Eighty nine years ago this week, on November 22, 1939, the Estoria Cinema opened at Nile Lodge. It had 776 seats and two showings a night at 6.45pm and 8.45pm. It cost two shillings to sit in the balcony and the prices for the parterre were 1/4 and 9d (including tax). There were matinees on Thursdays (half day in Galway), Saturdays, and Sundays. You could book at the cinema or by phone (Galway 101) from 12 noon to 2pm and from 6pm. The building was constructed by John McNally & Co with John Connolly as foreman. The design was by Hubert O’Connor and Ralph Ryan was the electrical consultant.

A School for surprises…

Thu, Nov 22, 2018

Although St Kieran’s College was only 10 miles from the Kilroy’s home at Callan, Tom Kilroy and his four brothers were educated there as boarders. In those days, early 1950s, any journey beyond that of a pony and trap was an adventure.You had to take Tom Nolan’s bus to get from Callan to Kilkenny. The school buildings were a mixture of carved balconies, and entrance steps in neo-Gothic riot. Behind its extravagant exterior, lay a new Catholic church, proudly testifying the various Emancipation Bills in the previous century, which gave Catholics the freedoms to practice. St Kiernans’ was a typical diocesan college of the Diocese of Ossory. An important function was the education of young men to be priests.

Get into the Christmas spirit

Thu, Nov 22, 2018

Tis the season to be jolly and nothing gets us more in the festive spirit than decorating our homesteads with lots and lots of Christmas regalia.

WHAT IS CAUSING MY CONSTIPATION?

Thu, Nov 22, 2018

If you have less than three bowel movements a week, it is usually considered constipation. Most people suffer from constipation once in a while, but some people suffer from chronic constipation which can affect their daily life. Usually they feel sluggish, lethargic and sometimes irritable. It can affect appetite and concentration. Some people are afraid to eat or go to the toilet.

Let Reliance Laundry take care of your washing woes this Christmas!

Thu, Nov 22, 2018

With evenings shortening by the day and the weather becoming colder and damper, doing our washing has gone from being a chore to an absolute pain in the proverbial.

Rachel Allen Cookery Demonstration at The Lough Rea Hotel & Spa, Thursday 29th November

Thu, Nov 22, 2018

What does a world-famous celebrity chef cook for Christmas dinner? Surely, it’s some wild and wonderful exotic dish that she picked up on her travels? Not Rachel Allen because Rachel Allen is a traditionalist. “Absolutely not!” Rachel says when asked if she would consider anything else other than turkey for dinner on Christmas Day. “I’m a turkey, sprouts and spuds for Christmas dinner kind of person,” she said ahead of her cookery demonstration at the Lough Rea Hotel and Spa next week. “We tried braised beef one year but we went back to turkey the following year and it has been turkey ever since.”

Compost – it’s a state of mind

Mon, Nov 19, 2018

As the mucky season is well and truly upon us, what better time to talk about the very best kind of muck – homemade compost?

Christmas Gifts @ Skin Herbalist - Treat Yourself to the pure power of nature

Mon, Nov 19, 2018

The Skin Herbalist moisturisers, soaps and shampoos, Droserin, Protektin, Artrin, Cytovital and Ruticelit are all based on unique organic herbal extracts. Besides their creams, these products contain herbal extracts, pure natural essentials oils and thermal water from the Podhájska hot spring. They are beneficial to the skin and hair and, through the energy system of acupuncture points and reflex zones. Their advantage is that they act gently, they are easy to wash away with water, and they do not unnecessarily burden our body with chemicals. Nutritive Balsam untangles hair and provides it with nutrition.

People of the Tribes: Meet Nathan.

Fri, Nov 16, 2018

Born & Raised in Newcastle Galway, I am a through and through Galwegian. My Dad is originally from Shantalla and my Mum from Mervue.

E-paper

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