Realistic wedding advice from a (relatively) newlywed

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Planning a wedding can feel like stepping into a very expensive tornado. Between the endless choices, eye-watering quotes and well-meaning (but often aggravating) unsolicited opinions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it ispossible, and if someone with a lifelong aversion to planning like me can pull it off, so can you.

Dry January: What happens to your skin when you quit alcohol

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

As millions participate in dry January, beauty experts note that the biggest changes often become visible on the skin, sometimes within just two weeks. Alcohol can quietly disrupt hydration levels, inflammation, hormones and gut health, all of which directly impact the skin.

Free information evening on blood pressure control at Croí Heart & Stroke Centre

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, in collaboration with University Hospital Galway, is inviting everyone to a free public event dedicated to managing high blood pressure (hypertension). Taking place on Wednesday, January 14, at 5.30pm, at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Moyola Lane, Newcastle, Galway, this special evening is open to anyone living with or supporting someone with high blood pressure.

Often called the “silent killer”, high blood pressure rarely shows symptoms but significantly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. This event will provide updates on the latest treatment options to help you take control of your blood pressure and overall health.

Register for beginner bodhrán course now

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

Everybody has rhythm, and there is no better time than now to take up a new challenge and learn a new instrument. If you have always wanted to play music but don’t know where to start, or you are already playing bodhrán but don’t know how to take your playing to the next level, now is the time.

The Mark Lohan Kitchens January sale is now on

Thu, Jan 08, 2026

The Mark Lohan Kitchens January sale is now under way, giving Galway homeowners the opportunity to enjoy 10 per cent off bespoke MLK kitchens throughout the month of January. With strong interest already under way, January remains the ideal time to begin planning a renovation, extension or new build — and to start designing the heart of your home with confidence.

A new kitchen is one of the most meaningful investments you will make in your home. In 2025, the average cost of a bespoke MLK kitchen ranged from €10,000 to €15,000, with designs carefully tailored to suit a wide range of budgets, lifestyles and home layouts. Every Mark Lohan Kitchen is made to order in Roscommon, combining thoughtful design, premium materials and over 23 years of Irish craftsmanship expertise.

The importance of starting a new course or night class at the start of a new year

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

The start of a new year often brings a renewed sense of motivation and possibility. Many people view January as a clean slate—a time to reflect on past experiences and set goals for personal growth. One of the most meaningful ways to embrace this fresh beginning is by starting a new course or enrolling in a night class. Whether the goal is career advancement, personal development, or learning a new skill, beginning a course at the start of the year can have lasting benefits.

Dolan welcomes over €25,000 in Education for Sustainable Development funding for schools across Galway East

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Albert Dolan, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, confirming the delivery of over €850,000 nationally to support Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) projects in primary and post-primary schools.

Galway from the air, 1950

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

This wonderful aerial view of the city looking across Lough Athalia was taken c1952. Lough Athalia is the anglicisation of Loch an tSáile, the Salt Lake, a tidal lake. There are so many changes to this cityscape since then, it is hard to know where to begin.

ADHD coaching to help you thrive

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

ADHD is far more than an attention challenge; it is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning such as organisation, planning, working memory, time management and emotional regulation.

With ADHD coaching, the goal isn’t to “fix” your ADHD, but to understand it deeply enough to harness its strengths while developing effective strategies for areas of challenge. Clients discover that what they once viewed as personal failings are common ADHD experiences that can be effectively managed with different approaches, techniques, tools and mindset. ADHD coach Fiona Timothy supports her clients to maximise their potential, create their goals and an accountable plan. She works with adults who are newly diagnosed, those in the process of diagnosis, or those who are already aware of their ADHD.

Fahy Travel Worldchoice welcomes 2026 with exciting travel opportunities

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

All at Fahy Travel Worldchoice would like to wish their valued customers a very happy New Year. Looking ahead to 2026, the team is excited to once again help holidaymakers plan their perfect summer escape.

A positive start to the New Year: why HBOT makes a meaningful Christmas gift

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

As the year draws to a close, many of us are craving rest, recovery, and a chance to feel more energised when January begins. This is why gifting wellness has become a thoughtful alternative to buying physical items, especially for people recovering from surgery or injury, managing chronic conditions, or simply feeling run down by the demands of daily life.

Minister Canney urges people to check passports before booking holidays

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has urged people booking holidays in the next couple of weeks to check that their passports are in date before booking flights or making travel arrangements.

The Mark Lohan Kitchens’ January sale launches this Friday

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

For many households across Galway the new year marks the moment to begin planning a renovation, extension or new build. And with the Mark Lohan Kitchens’ (MLK) January SALE launching this Friday, January 2, now is the ideal time to start designing the heart of your home, with 10 per cent OFF bespoke MLK kitchens throughout January.

Why now is the time to invest in Irish-made furniture

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

If upgrading your home is on your New Year priority list, there’s never been a better time to choose Irish-made. Beyond supporting local jobs and traditional craftsmanship, Irish furniture makers continue to set the benchmark for quality, comfort, and custom design.

Ten New Year’s resolutions that can improve your mental health

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

As people prepare to welcome the New Year, mental health charity Turn2Me is encouraging the public to rethink traditional resolutions and instead focus on small, realistic changes that support mental wellbeing.

Galway makers to feature at Ireland’s International Creative Expo in January

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

Celebrating the theme of ‘Making Irish Stories’, Showcase will return to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, January 18 to Tuesday, January 20 with 18 Galway makers among this year’s exhibitors.

Showcase® brings together hundreds of Ireland’s leading designers, makers and creative brands under one roof. Buyers from Ireland and across the globe are once again expected to attend the country’s largest annual trade event for Irish craft, design and creativity.

New Year’s food resolutions for a healthier 2026

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

If you are what you eat, as the old saying goes, then one of the easiest ways to improve your health and wellbeing is to make changes to your diet. As we prepare to ring in 2026, why not resolve to make next year a healthier one, starting with your plate.

Recycle your coffee grounds for beautiful hair and skin

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

Before you next throw away your used coffee grounds, consider reusing them for their proven benefits for hair, skin and even winter home care.

Brussels sprouts could be the key to better eye health

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

Love them or hate them, Brussels sprouts are a Christmas staple, and they could also offer unexpected benefits in terms of supporting eye health — a great reason to keep this and other festive foods on your plate into the New Year.

Celebrate the New Year at the world’s oldest lighthouse

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

Are you looking for a special travel experience to ring in the New Year? Then take a trip to the world’s oldest operating lighthouse, on Hook Head in Co Wexford, where a unique historic event will take place on New Year’s Day.

E-paper

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