Calling Castlegar people

Thu, May 23, 2013

A report from the Educational Commission in Ireland in 1826 lists two hedge schools in the parish of Castlegar. The first of these was at Merlin Park, built by the landlord Mr Blake. The 40 boys and 20 girls who attended got free tuition. The second school was at Ballygurrane, a few hundred yards north of where Scoil Colmcille Naofa stands today. It was a thatched house which doubled as a church on Sundays. Each pupil paid one shilling and eight pence per quarter. There were 30 boys and 15 girls on the rolls. The thatched house was accidentally burnt down in 1827, and the school transferred to a stable in the village of Castlegar. Here, without desks or books, the teacher named Duggan from Bohermore taught his pupils as they sat around on stones as seats. Each morning he rode out on his donkey from Bohermore. His salary depended on the few pence he got from his students. He taught the three Rs through the medium of English.

Skinnies or not skinnies

Thu, May 16, 2013

Skinny jeans have been around for some time now, and are still a coveted piece in a contemporary wardrobe. But this season we are seeing the return of the classic bootleg jeans, and I wonder if they had even gone away? To my eyes bootleg jeans clearly never went out of fashion, but skinny jeans took centre stage and it is no surprise that we thought skinnies were the only denim that were fashionable.

When it comes to choosing wardrobe staples, in particular denim, I believe you should look at what suits you as opposed to what is in fashion. If skinnies do not flatter you then classic bootleg or straight leg jeans are as fashionable and have similar style function, plus they exude simplicity, allure, sex appeal, and versatility.

Alex and Ani collection exclusively available in Fallers

Thu, May 16, 2013

Alex and Ani, the hottest jewellery collection in the world right now, is available exclusively in Galway from Fallers Jewellers. Alex and Ani offers eco-friendly, positive energy, products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit. They are designed by Carolyn Rafaelian and made in America.

In with the new

Thu, May 16, 2013

Department stores can be a Mecca of labels, and thankfully close to home we have a few of these to spoil us. And what makes me very excited is that two of my favourite labels, Sandro and Maje, are launching at Brown Thomas Galway. So what better way to check out what these labels will offer, than to do a little photoshoot and style up some looks to inspire your summer wardrobe.

Fresh local food and old world charm at The Old Stone House

Thu, May 16, 2013

The Old Stone House was the market house in the town of Ballinlough, Co Roscommon. Now a fully licensed restaurant, the building has been restored to create a warm, old world, ambience with original stone walls, timber floors, and open fires.

PoppySeed — stirring it up for summer

Thu, May 16, 2013

The new menu at PoppySeed restaurants has landed and offers even more excitement and taste than before. In time for the warmer and more colourful summer season, PoppySeed has added more tasty salads and freshly prepared breakfasts to its array of treats.

“It is always a challenge to change but it is so much fun to spice things up every now and then,” says head chef Judy Forde. A talented, award-winning chef, Judy Forde believes in embracing simple produce and treating them well. “We love good food and we love to take our time both in preparing and in savouring it.”

Ireland’s top floral, food, and family festival to Bloom on June bank holiday weekend

Thu, May 16, 2013

Bord Bia has this week announced the return of Bloom, its hugely successful gardening, food, and family festival, which will take place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, this June bank holiday weekend. Now in its seventh year, the event attracted more than 80,000 visitors last year.

Orla Walsh 2013 collection at Kilkenny

Thu, May 16, 2013

Celebrate Irish design this year with the Kilkenny Shop, marking the company’s 50th anniversary supporting Irish craft and design. If you fancy something a little quirky and retro when it comes to homeware, look no further than the fabulous creations by Irish designer Orla Walsh. Acclaimed for her 1960s Warhol-style pop art paintings and inspired by Irish, British, and American pop culture, Orla Walsh’s collection gives classic themes a contemporary twist.

Orla Walsh’s graphic paintings were first discovered on the railings of Merrion Square in Dublin, where she was selling her adventurous creations. Her use of bright and bold colours, stand-out text, and iconic products have allowed her to catch the attention of some very influential people over the years and grow her popularity. Since her chance encounter with a Heinz lawyer (which catapulted her career), her work has depicted some of the world’s favourite brands such as Guinness, Jacobs, and Tayto, earning her the title of one of the leading artists in pop culture.

CBTM for emotional and physical pain

Thu, May 16, 2013

Do you struggle with weight loss, stopping smoking, sleeping difficulties, or back pain? Has your obsessive compulsive cleaning, post traumatic stress difficulties, sports injury, panic attacks, arthritis, or chronic fatigue got you down? Medical treatment helps, but so does cognitive behaviour therapy with mindfulness (CBTM).

Relieve hay fever and sinus with Care Cure Acupuncture

Thu, May 16, 2013

For many summer can be a worrying time, bringing with it sudden attacks of sneezing, blocked noses, itching of the roof of the mouth, and red, watery, and itchy eyes.

BPro cardio pulse-wave analysis

Thu, May 16, 2013

Cardio pulse-wave analysis is the latest technology in non-invasive vascular and cardiac screening.

Ten steps to effective studying

Thu, May 16, 2013

1. Try not to become obsessed about the time you spend studying or revising. Concentrate instead on what tasks you must achieve. Allocate a specific amount of time to each otherwise it may take hours to complete what should take minutes.

The Royal Galway Yacht Club

Thu, May 16, 2013

The first rowing club to be set up on the river was Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club, and shortly afterwards the Commercial Club was founded. The inauguration of yet another club in 1882, The Royal Galway Yacht Club, provided further competition in rowing and yachting. It contributed to regattas locally by fielding crews, being included on committees, and other rowing activities, and it seems to have had a very strong yachting section.

From the Tuam workhouse to New Orleans

Thu, May 16, 2013

The contrast between the Tuam workhouse and the vibrant colours, blue skies, and the smell of exotic food of New Orleans in the 1840s could not have been more dramatic. To the eyes, ears and senses of two young Galway children it must have been jaw-dropping.

The Irish sang When Johnny Comes Marching Home...*

Thu, May 09, 2013

Stephen Speilberg’s magnificent film Lincoln made it clear that the Northern States of America, the Union, had justice and right on its side, when it came to deal with the cotton-based slave states of the south. Washington had objected to their attempt to enlarge its slave industry further west. Southern states were enraged at this interference. In an appalling miscalculation some states began to leave to Union, set up their own Confederacy (eventually including 11 states), and prepared to fight for its freedom to choose its own destiny.

It’s that time of year

Thu, May 09, 2013

Every summer our country embarks on a season of celebrations. Yes, it’s that time of year — wedding season. I have already been to one, with three more to go, and with one being black tie, I have an added level of complexity. Trying to make the most of one outfit is doable but difficult, and none of us wish to spend our annual clothing budget on one piece. There are always some clever ways to reinvent existing dresses, but sometimes we just long for something new. Weddings are always a very glam affair, and a great excuse to get all dolled up. With a huge range of formal wear available on the high street, and the ever popular dress hire concept appearing all over the country, there is no need to worry, there are plenty of options.

L’Osteria Da Roberta makes a welcome return to Salthill

Thu, May 09, 2013

L’Osteria Da Roberta Restaurant has reopened due to popular demand. This restaurant is situated in the heart of Salthill, just a short walk from the Promenade and next door to its sister restaurant Da Roberta Pizzeria.

Cooking the books at Kai

Thu, May 09, 2013

The last outpost of civilisation before you reach Salthill, when Kai opened, it opened with a bang and very quickly achieved a cult following. It suffered not a jot from teething problems, it was a fully formed concept practically from the word go. Kai was unpretentious and fun with flower and seed strewn salads piled on boards, big Ortiz tuna tins filled with bread, and the sun spilling through the skylight even on the dullest of days illuminating the lunchtime altar of cakes. Everyone's favourite Kiwi chef Jess Murphy brings her own brand of kitchen voodoo and you know you are a regular when you grow to understand husband and partner-in-crime David Murphy's accent at front of house.

Aside from the best brunch in town every Sunday, it is always well worth the extra trek and the couple of extra euro for the short, seasonal, lunch menu. Six or seven options that always showcase the best the west coast has to offer, from potted crab to gurnard fish finger sandwiches on Kai’s own foccacia, I have yet to be disappointed. Dinner is an equally short and ever changing menu with about five 'beginnings', 'middles', and 'ends'.

Organic Gardener reaps awards

Thu, May 09, 2013

The Organic Gardener recently won two prestigious awards at events held in Galway. The company won an award in the Best of Galway Awards in the home and garden section. Meanwhile Fergus Whitney, director of the business, won a Junior Chamber award for moral and environmental leadership.

Sixty per cent off selected ranges at Acme Blinds in Westside

Thu, May 09, 2013

Acme Blinds is currently offering 60 per cent off selected ranges.

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