Blake’s Castle

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

An old Galwegian gave us this interesting study of the bottom of Quay Street, and of Blake’s Castle in particular. Blake’s Cattle was one of a number featured on the 1651 map of Galway. It had at one time belonged to the O’Halloran sept, but then the Anglo-Norman Blake family took it over. It was forfeited by them in 1641 and was granted to a family named Morgan from Monksfield.

‘That is not Bridgie Boland!’

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

On Monday March 4 1895, Bridget Cleary, walked up a hill to Kylenagranagh, the home of her father’s cousin Jack Dunne, who lived with his wife Kate, to sell eggs. The Dunne’s house, less than two miles from her slate-roofed labourer’s cottage at Ballyvadlea, Co Tipperary, was near an ancient circular mound of earth, or a ring fort, still known in rural Ireland as a ‘fairy fort’. Maybe it was because of the location of his house, or because of his skill as a story teller, a ‘Shanachie’, and that he had a limp, that Dunne had the reputation for being ‘an old man who is fairy-ridden’. People believed the local legend that he was once ‘chased up to his home by a man in black, and a woman in white’. He had knowledge of incantations, charms, and spells, and was sometimes consulted for a cure for animal or female sicknesses.

Rejuvenate your skin the natural way

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

As people seek effective ways to rejuvenate mature skin, methods such as micro-needling, also known as dermal rolling, are coming to the fore.

Hair flair

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

Has summer taken its toll on your hair? Fancy giving it a pampering treatment? If so, check out Paul Mitchell’s Awapuhi Wild Ginger hair care range now available at Barry’s Hair Studio at Shop Street.

John Butler launches new cryotherapy spa treatment

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

John Butler Sports Clinic is providing another first in Galway city with its new cryotherapy spa bath, ideal for all active people whatever standard they are performing at.

Tips on mirrors from Collection by Panfili

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

Mirrors are the most powerful tools in making rooms seem larger. They can open up dark corners and not only create illusions of space but also provide optical surprises.

Orsmond Clinic — helping people to make a healthy change to their lives

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

In recent years men’s attitudes towards healthy living has been changing for the better as the link between expanding waistlines and health difficulties such as diabetes, heart complications, and other problems become more apparent.

Traditionally men have often been quite shy about seeking advice on health issues, not knowing where to turn to for the help and motivation they need, and difficulties in finding the appropriate practical advice on healthy eating can lead to many giving up before they have even begun. Receiving the appropriate advice, monitoring, and motivation is particularly vital for men, especially if they have the added complications of obesity and health problems, and this is where The Orsmond Clinic in Oranmore has succeeded, working with clients to change their lives, step by step, for the better.

Eat launches at Massimo

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

Eat, the new gastropub experience, will launch this week at Massimo on William Street.

Shine on

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

For eyes that sparkle, lips that shine and nails that shimmer, try Avon’s limited edition Holiday Sequins and Shine collection.

Perfect scents

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of White Musk, The Body Shop launches White Musk Libertine, a new floral musk and an exciting evolution of the iconic original.

Add a new twist to your workout

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

It is being hailed as the latest fitness must-have and has none other than America’s First Lady Michelle Obama singing its praises.

Cosmedico — a leader in cosmetic surgery

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

Believing that there was a gap in the market for something different, Ailish Kelly and her partners established Cosmedico in Co Wicklow in 2006, and five years later the company is now positioned as a market leader in cosmetic surgery.

Public invited to attend seminar on palliative care

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

The public are invited to attend an information day this Saturday as part of the International Palliative Medicine Conference organised by Galway University Hospitals.

Addiction support and counselling in Galway

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

ASC Galway is a new addiction support and counselling service for those who have, or think they might have, a problem with alcohol and/or drugs. In a time where more and more suffering alcoholics and addicts are seeking the help of overworked services which often have long waiting lists, ASC makes help available to those who wish to address their issues of substance abuse when they need and are ready for it.

Lunch at the Clarion Hotel, good deals at Mama Bia, Gerry Galvin the author, and Cases Christmas wine fair

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

The Clarion Hotel
During the week I called in to the Clarion Hotel (previously Days Hotel/Galway Ryan) for a spot of lunch. It was a very wet day so one of the things that appealed to me was being able to park at the front door, and of course no parking charges. Ever since the wall and railings were erected I always feel it is slightly ‘out of sight, out of mind’, hence I had never had lunch there before. It is a very convenient place to meet and have a coffee or lunch as there is a lot of space between tables to make it private and comfortable.

How to choose the best trench coat for your shape

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

nvented in 1901 by Thomas Burberry, the trench coat is a stylish cover up for autumn days. From dark sophistication to light feminine hues, the trench is the perfect wardrobe staple to wear by day over your jeans and T-shirt or by night over your dress. But getting it right is often more difficult than it seems. So, how to choose your perfect trench coat for your shape.

A wide range of lingerie at Brown Thomas

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

This season the lingerie rooms at Brown Thomas Galway are packed with a colourful and elegant assortment of exclusive labels. The store affords the opportunity to relax in comfort while experienced shapewear experts provide a personal consultation on lingerie, shapewear, and hosiery, resulting in the perfect foundation for the autumn winter 2011 wardrobe.

Notes for the season

Thu, Oct 13, 2011

While most of us did not get a chance to trot out our summer gear much in Ireland this year, we know for sure our autumn/winter stuff will be used. Below are five trends you should invest in for October.

Has Sir William Gregory been brought in from the cold?

Thu, Sep 29, 2011

Sir William Gregory of Coole, Co Galway, and the husband of Lady Augusta in his later years, has been vilified unfairly by historians and commentators, said Brian Walker, professor of Irish Studies at Queen’s University last weekend. As the member of parliament who introduced the so called ‘Gregory clause’ as the Great Famine raged through the land, he did so for humane motives; but it was exploited by some ruthless landlords to clear their land.

Choc horror - how to conquer your chocolate cravings

Thu, Sep 29, 2011

Will you, won’t you? Of course you will. It is difficult to resist the lure of chocolate, especially when it is lying in wait for you at the checkout. (Apparently ninety per cent of chocolate sales in supermarkets are impulse buys.)

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