Galway Now May/June 2023

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Patricia McCrossan patricia@goldenegg.ie

FINANCE & SALES DIRECTOR

Patrick McCrossan patrick@goldenegg.ie

EDITOR

Donna Reidy-Maguire editor@goldenegg.ie

ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer King design@goldenegg.ie

ACTING DIGITAL EDITOR

Erin Grant erin@goldenegg.ie

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Deirdre Tarpey sales@goldenegg.ie

DESIGN ASSISTANT

Maria Bru design@goldenegg.ie

DIGITAL INTERNS

Eva Harkin

Libby Dale

It feels great to be writing the introduction to our May/June issue, the recent spell of fine weather and promise of longer evenings/some chance of sunshine is very welcome indeed! I have always had a fascination and love for Connemara, the breath-taking beauty and ever changing landscape feels otherworldly. It’s no surprise that the beauty of this area has inspired creative projects across many different forms; fashion, film, food, craft and design to name but a few. This issue feels like a true celebration of everything Galway, from incredible people with incredible stories, creative talent across multiple sectors, local business news and more. As we celebrate Father’s Day in June, we acknowledge all the wonderful Dad’s and male role models in our lives. It seemed fitting therefore that our cover for this issue would be our first male cover in quite a while, shot off the coast of Galway on spectacular Inis Meain.

Until next time, Donna

Photo Credit: Matthew Thompson

Design: Inis Meáin Knitting Co.

Photographer: Matthew Thompson

Model: Daniel Rosen

Location: Inis Meáin

Inismeain.ie

CONNEMARA

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CONNEMARA

A history of Film

FOOTPRINTS IN FILM

Eibh & Tom Collins

DESTINATION I DO

Connemara Love Story

INIS MEÁIN KNITTING CO.

Island Linen Collection

ARTS & CULTURE

GALWAY CREATIVES

Avril Stanley, Ainslie Peters, Marilyn

Gaughan – Reddan

HARRIS STUDIO

In conversation with Tricia Harris

BOOK CORNER

New Releases from Galway Authors

FASHION

MILLARS

Summer Style Edit

GOOD GARMENTS

Sustainable Fashion Brands

WEARABLE ART

Ciara O’Neill x Peelo

HEALTH & BEAUTY

TWEAKMENTS

Summer Ready Skin

ICE ICE BABY

Cryo Inspired Skincare

AN INTRODUCTION TO FACE YOGA With Sharon Lysaght

@inis_meain @galway_now

CONTRIBUTORS

GALWAYnow.com for daily updates on fashion, beauty, arts & culture and so much more

Kenneth Keavey

Conor Biggins

Sharon Lysaght

INSPIRED

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

From Galway and the West of Ireland

Clifden

When I need a pick me up, Clifden is my go to place. There’s something about this town that lifts my spirit. When I’m in need of some retail therapy then Millars, Whistlestop or Ohh By Gum hit the mark!  I find it hard to pick my favourite restaurant as there are so many good ones, but the food in Foyles Hotel is high up on the list. A Sunday morning walk on the white sands of Ballyconneely beach sets me up for the week.

Patricia, Managing Director

Irish Socksciety

I love supporting small sustainable businesses and Galway’s own Irish Socksciety  is one of my absolute favourites. I admire how they support community projects and people, partner with charities and promote the Irish language. Inside my sock drawer you’ll find a growing collection from stripes to slogans and every morning they remind me to put my best foot forward!  Erin, Acting Digital Editor

Loughrea Lake

Returning to live in my home town in the last few years has been a really great experience with our blue flag lake as a big highlight. The summer months are perfect for a refreshing dip, although local swimmers brave the icy water year round! When it’s not swimming weather, a lunchtime break watching the waves with an indulgent toastie from Slow Roast or a top notch coffee from Coffee Junction is all you need to reset the mind, body and soul.

Donna, Editor

Adrienne Finnerty

I am loving an artist I came across recently called Adrienne Finnerty. Her work is abstract and full of vibrant colours that brings a smile and positivity. Always good for the soul!

Deirdre , Account Manager

Larry Morgan Photography

CREATIVE GALWAY

We talk to three incredible women working behind the scenes in our creative industries, and making a significant contribution to the world of culture, art & design.

Body & Soul Festival

CREATIVE

AINSLIE PETERS

Can you describe your background and journey to where you are today? Like many creatives, I have taken a meandering path to where I am today. I am originally from Canada, and moved to Ireland to work for an organisation that supports children and families affecting by childhood illness. Through this work, I had the opportunity to develop programmes internationally and support start-up organisations in Africa, Asia and North America. In 2011, I decided to pause this career and return to education, studying furniture design at ATU Connemara. My academic background is in art history and aesthetic philosophy, and I was keen to explore design in a more a hands-on manner. I have been lecturing in Design at ATU’s School of Design and Creative Arts since 2016, and in January joined CREW (Creative Enterprise West) as the Programme and Community Manager.

Tell us about CREW? CREW (Creative Enterprise West) is focused on supporting and empowering entrepreneurs in the creative technologies and digital design space. We are currently in the process of building a new Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Galway (at ATU’s Galway City Wellpark Rd campus) and are developing a suite of programmes for creative entrepreneurs. In 2022, our pilot Creative Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development incubator programme launched; this is a postgraduate certificate delivered in partnership with, and accredited by, ATU’s School of Design and Creative Arts. We are running this programme again this year, and are looking forward to developing more accredited and non accredited programmes for our community.

The digital creative industries are growing rapidly, and there is a talented and engaged community in the west of Ireland. We are working to help develop this ecosystem, create opportunities for collaboration, and to support the growth of this sector in the West.

Tell us about your passion for developing links between student designers and industry? During my time as a lecturer at ATU, I was the Professional

Practice coordinator for the BA Design students in Galway. Work-based learning experiences allow student designers to develop the skills learned in their studies, and to apply them to real-world projects with real clients. There is incredible learning that happens when students are immersed in workplace activities; they develop confidence in their design practice and also develop their unique voice as designers. For industry, they are able to introduce fresh ideas and perspectives into their teams, and to help guide future changemakers.

Sustainability is the buzzword of the moment. What does sustainability mean to you in terms of design processes?

I think it is incredibly important that sustainability is not seen as a trend but rather as a core responsibility that we have as both designers and consumers. For me, sustainability in design involves knowledge, communication and innovation.

There is a wealth of information on new materials/processes/practices; we need to be aware of regulations and policies, of changing client values, and of the impact we have on our community, people and planet. Folks are wary of greenwashing, and rightly so; we have a responsibility to communicate with transparency. There is also an opportunity to connect with others that are willing to share their learning. With events moving online over the past few years, I have found the access to a global community far more accessible and this has been an invaluable resource.

Designers are problem solvers, and as the problems we face shift, so must our solutions. When our processes are underpinned by a commitment to innovation, we are better able to tackle the big challenges.

Often bespoke design is seen as something that only certain people can afford. What are your thoughts on this? Great question! More and more, we are seeing innovation lead to increased accessibility. New technologies allow for more customisation, more quickly and more sustainably. I am firmly opposed to gatekeeping; good design is for everyone.

CREATIVE

AVRIL STANLEY

The Irish music and festival arena is mainly male dominated. What challenges does being a woman in this industry present? It is without doubt a very male dominated industry and women are not well represented but that is gradually changing. You have to dig deep, stand your ground and trust your gut in order to make your mark in the music industry! The biggest challenge in my experience is around balancing integrity with commerciality, and not compromising on ones values, ethos and unique offering.

Ironically, I believe much of the success of Body & Soul stems from the fact that we are a female-led festival. We curate and craft a festival experience that we, as women, want to go to. It is touched by the hand of all the women that head up the various departments. Of course that positively impacts on how we shape the festival in terms of music, design, programming and purpose. All of the senior team at Body & Soul are women –those sensibilities and our fastidious attention to detail mould the overall experience. We create an aesthetic and design a space that we feel comfortable and inspired by and this gives us the cutting edge.

As well as throwing the best party around we want to be a part of a movement of change. We want to challenge the status quo and shake up the room whilst at the same time making people feel cared for and celebrated. As women, we know how to do that successfully and it supports us to pioneer a festival of the future that can inspire future generations.

Galway is well known for its rich cultural heritage and creative abundance. What aspects of growing up in such a culturally rich place has impacted or inspired your work? I was fortunate enough to grow up with parents who loved to party! Be it the Oyster

festival, the Galway Races, the Galway Arts Festival, Renvyle House Hotel or the many music filled pubs across the West of Ireland - sing songs, dancing, good old-fashioned fun and a sense of community played a significant role in my childhood. My dad was a very charismatic character and an amazing singer, my mum and he were such beautiful dancers. We learnt to jive, waltz, Irish dance and fill up wine glasses at our parents rather infamous house parties in Galway over the years. The joy and freedom that accompanied those times is still with me today - little did I know I would dedicate my life to creating that experience for others!

My work was also most definitely inspired by my Dads passion for race horses. He loved having a horse win at the Galway Races in particular. The motto was always one of ‘don’t bet more than you can afford to lose’ which I believe is a good lesson for any business owner! But it also instilled a sense of healthy gambling that one needs in order to be crazy enough to run a festival.

In truth, festivals are like playing Russian roulette. You are building an impermanent village in the middle of the countryside that lives and breathes music and culture across three days and nights - and becomes the home to thousands of people, artists, performers and staff. The intention, of course, is to send everyone home with a glint in their eye and memories that last a lifetime but you have to be gutsy and brave to commit to such an intrepid adventure!

Body & Soul has faced many challenging times in its 14 years of life, from first launching during the recession to the recent covid pandemic. What do you think makes this festival so resilient and able to withstand these challenges? The first question for any festival organiser is to ask ourselves

why are we doing this? What is the motivation and longterm vision? Festivals need to offer something different and unique in order to withstand the challenges. They need to deliver on what they promise and need to heed and listen to the changing needs of their audiences and the world at large, whilst staying true to their original vision.

Ultimately, Body & Soul has always been a purposedriven festival. Since its inception, we wanted to blaze a trail within the music and arts scene in Ireland, and use the festival as a platform to ignite the arts, whilst also effecting positive change through art bursaries, creative collaboration and sustainability initiatives. It’s that commitment to being more than just a commerciallydriven business that anchors us during the difficult times - it gives us a reason to continue.

We started Body & Soul in 2010 at the height of the financial recession - so we learnt how to navigate uncertainty and deliver a premium festival experience, even with the odds stacked against us. Ironically, it gave us the confidence to trust the ebbs and flows and prepared us somewhat for the global pandemic that decimated the live music industry in 2020. In my experience, when the rug is pulled from beneath you, it gives an opportunity to reflect on where you find yourself. It catapulted us into a very real make or break moment - do we stay or do we go? Have we got it in us to start all over again?

And that allowed us to reflect and consider what ignited that passion in the first place and whether we still had the drive to keep going.

In 2022, when festivals were dusting themselves down after a two year hiatus due to covid and large scale festivals were becoming more commercialised and one-dimensional, we started on a journey of rebecoming something more. We halved our capacity, flipped our festival format on its head, and prioritised creative collaboration. We wanted to wow our audience and engage them in a truly immersive festival experience - that continued to set us apart from the norm.

We decided to take it a step further also to become Ireland’s leading circular-led festival so that purpose was the key driving factor in our decision to stay in the game.

Body & Soul has a strong reputation for being a unique festival experience. How do you ensure that the festival maintains this reputation and stands out from other Irish festivals? My response is a four pronged one. Firstly - The festival is an extension of who we are. We are a group of friends, curating a party. It’s an independent festival with a small team that is immersed in the creative world – that is where we live. Living in this world means we are at the cutting edge of Irish contemporary culture, collaborating and creating with the very best. The festival offering is

an extension of our world and thus produces an authentic experience for the audience.

10 years ago, we created something that didn’t exist in Ireland. It is now what is expected of a festival in Ireland – to be copied is to be complimented, right? It sounds trite but it’s true - we don’t follow trends, we create them. We had artists bursaries, yoga, well-being and sustainability initiatives before they were sexy. I feel people are looking for more meaningful engagement nowadays – we have always been in that space and will continue to provoke and challenge.

Being True to the Vision, Your Audience & Yourself. For me, it’s about being true to the original vision, your audience and yourself!

We have always had a pioneering approach - doing things differently and being ahead of the curve is what sets us apart - but it is also what keeps us inspired. It’s important that we are true to the original vision of Body & Soul by giving people a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Ultimately, our festival is an experience, It is not about the headliners – it is about the experience created by the team of people who want to bring the best possible art, music, performance and discussion to other like-minded people.

For us the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. We have a broad and brilliant eclectic musical line up of cultural icons and new inspirational talent, a significant art collection of installations throughout the estate, spoken word and debate, culinary feasts, masquerade balls, a holistic area and 5 year circularity plan.

It’s a place where like-minded people come to explore and discover new music amidst dramatic visual and performance art in the woods, walled gardens or lakeside. Our audience get lost in the experience and leave the drudge of the daily routine outside. It appeals as much to fans of electronic music as to nature lovers, to families with young kids, as to the 30 ‘somethings’ that like the finer things in life.

Listening to your audience: A huge number of our guests are loyal festival goers who have been with us from the very beginning. Every year we ask for feedback and we make changes based on that.

Attention to Detail: It’s about good programming and creating a cohesive event and experience. There needs to be a good business model and creative energy model behind it and they need to be equally as strong as each other. Our challenge each year we look at the areas that are weakest and strengthen them to ensure that we are growing in maturity and consolidating and adding to our offering each year.

We want to put on the best festival we possibly can and want to be inspired ourselves by what is produced. That is what works for us.

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we wanted to blaze a trail within the music and arts scene in Ireland, and use the festival as a platform to ignite the arts

MARILYN GAUGHAN REDDAN

Chief Executive - Galway Culture Company

How did you begin working in arts and culture management? I grew up in Belmullet, Co. Mayo, there was very little access to the arts, but my parents always brought us to what was available, drama etc. I remember there was a dancer in residence in our school with the Artist in Residence Programme through Mayo County Council Arts Office. I was 17 and that was it, I wanted to work in an arts office and make things happen. I’ve always worked in the arts, my background was in cultural policy and management. My work is about ensuring access and participation and creating opportunities for others to create.

Galway is an ever-expanding pool of creative talent. How can we continue to support and encourage our artists, both as organisations and individuals? Galway is great and there is vast creative talent here, but the reality is that that the public funding pool is limited and cultural infrastructure is very limited and what we have needs vast investment. The way forward is European funding, knowing more about it, understanding it, understanding partnerships and how they work and understanding how to apply. We are working on establishing an EU Office to do just this, it’s a bigger more long-term vision, but it will provide sustainability and connections that the local sector here so badly needs to not just survive but to thrive.

What is the Galway Culture Company? The Galway Culture Company has been established to create opportunities to engage with EU partners and local place-based programming, and supporting the cultural and creative sectors in Galway and in the west based on the learnings and outcomes of Galway’s European cultural designations including; European Capital of Culture, UNESCO City of Film, European Region of Gastronomy and European Green Leaf. We believe in a collective creative vision for our city and county and with that in mind our board is comprised of many

regional stakeholder agencies who have responsibility for Culture and Creativity policies and programmes in the west.

Galway 2020 was a disappointing venture for many. What did you take away from the experience? We had crisis after crisis, problem after problem and if I’m very honest, there were days where my family were concerned for my health and wanted me to leave, it was extremely hard.

Covid was devastating, it really was the last straw. My heart broke for our team, they had put years of their lives into it as did so many partners and artists. After the second creative director left the project, I was asked to take on the delivery of the programme in May 2020, at the height of COVID, when we really didn’t know what was going to happen which was one of the most daunting and terrifying experiences. I felt the most awful pressure. What I learned actually is that mental health was and is the most important thing, to be kind to yourself and to others, to accept that the anxiety of others is not something you can take on, but certainly something to accept and understand and be aware of.

In the end we delivered 1,250 events online and in person and it became one of the few large scale cultural projects globally to continue during the pandemic, we may not appreciate that locally, but globally people tuned in from all over the world. I think that’s pretty amazing, the country shut down, but we kept going against all the odds and constant negativity at local level.

What do you love most about working in the creative industry? The people in the industry are very inspiring. I love working with people who have vision and who see the possible in what can often be the impossible. I really enjoy working with others who come to me with a concept or a vision, I love turning that into a project, making it real and seeing a vision become a reality.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CONNEMARA

With sweeping landscapes, rugged coastlines, ever changing mysterious skies and miles of untouched scenery, Connemara has been a filming location of dreams for many productions over the years. Almost a character unto itself, we take a look at some of the famous productions that have captured the magnificence of Connemara on screen.

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (2022)

Filmed in: Inis Mór, Achill

Garnering critical acclaim this year and the recipient of nine Oscar nominations at the 95th Academy Awards, this black tragicomedy directed by Martin McDonagh, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan showcased both the beauty of the west of Ireland and the isolation and loneliness that was rife in rural Ireland in the early 20th century.

BLACK ’47 (2018)

Filmed in: Various, Connemara

Set in Connemara during the Great Irish Famine, the film follows an Irish Catholic soldier (played by Hugo Weaving) who has been fighting for the British Army abroad, as he deserts his regiment to reunite with his family. The title is taken from the most devastating year of the famine, 1847, which is referred to as "Black '47".

LEAP YEAR (2010)

Filmed in: Dún Aonghasa in Inishmor, Connemara

This romantic comedy starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode sees lead character, Anna Brady planning

film starring Brendan Gleeson. It is the most successful independent Irish film of all time in terms of Irish box-office receipts gathering both Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations on its release.

THE FIELD (1990)

Filmed in: Leenane, Connemara

Adapted from John B. Keane’s 1965 play of the same name, The Field, directed by Jim Sheridan starred Richard Harris as Bull McCabe alongside John Hurt, Sean Bean, Brenda Fricker and Tom Berenger. Set in the 1930’s, this grim story was shot entirely in Connemara.

TRISTAN AND ISOLDE (2006)

to travel to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on February 29th, because, according to Irish tradition, a man who receives a marriage proposal on a leap day must accept it.

INTO THE WEST (1992)

Filmed in: Roundstone

Another film written by Jim Sheridan and David Keating, this magical story about Irish travellers was a firm favourite in the early 90’s. Starring Gabriel Byrne and Ellen Barkin, the film mainly follows two young children on the run with their beautiful, magical white horse.

THE GUARD (2011)

Filmed in: Spiddal, Lettermullen, Lettermore and Barna. John Michael McDonagh (brother to Martin) is the writer and director behind this hilarious cop comedy

Filmed in: Renvyle Peninsula, Lettergesh beach Based on the medieval romantic legend of Tristan and Isolde, this romantic drama starring James Franco and Sophia Myles was produced by the Scott brothers and directed by Kevin Reynolds. The film is described as “An affair between the second in line to Britain's throne and the princess of the feuding Irish which spells doom for the young lovers”.

THE QUIET MAN (1952)

Filmed in: Clifden & Lettergesh Beach Starring John Wayne and Irish legend Maureen O’Hara, this film sees a retired American boxer returning to the village of his birth in 1920s Ireland, where he falls for a spirited redhead. Directed by John Ford, who won an academy award for best director, this classic film is wellloved around the world.

Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios

Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Footprints in Film

The late Tom Collins was best known for his work on Irish Language Feature Films such as Kings, An Bronntanas (The Gift), and Aithrí (Penance). He is also the only person to direct two films submitted by Ireland to the Best Foreign Language Film (now Best International Film) category at the Oscars, with his Irish-language titles Kings in 2007 and An Bronntanas (The Gift) in 2014.

Almost a year on from his passing, we talk to his daughter Eibh, pioneering film professional in her own right about continuing his legacy. How has your Dad influenced your career and love of film? Dad was always a filmmaker and creative, so growing up it never seemed cool or special, as it is not a glamourous vocation despite what many think. But equally it never seemed like an unusual world to be part of. My dad was a proud Irish man so without even knowing, Irish Cinema was a big part of my culture and personal identity but it actually took me some years to realise that this was a unique thing.

My mum and Dad were keenly aware that school and the educational system wasn’t where I was going to thrive and my mum worked hard to make sure I had the supports, that me/ my learning difficulties needed to survive school. So when it came time for the Leaving Cert, they didn’t pressure me and I didn’t go into third level education. I started waitressing and Dad recommended volunteering for the Galway Film Fleadh. It seemed like a smart way to watch films for free but little did I know his recommendation was the start of my career and where I found my tribe, passion, best friends and even my husband.

What is one of your earliest memories of seeing your Dad at work? When I was little, he would put me in his films - not because I wanted to be an actress but because I was cheap labour and was usually already on set. So, I have some strong memories of being on set in 1995 or 1996.

What do you feel he was most proud of in his career? I think he was most proud of himself! Sounds crass but he was self-taught, had a difficult upbring and then carved a career and left a legacy.

For better or worse, the topics he chose, the stories he shared, he didn’t shy away from being controversial and didn’t make his life easy by sharing easy subjects or topics. I think he was proud of who he was and where he came from.

Many of the films that your Dad wrote and produced celebrated the Irish language. I imagine he would have been thrilled with the success of An Cailín Cúin. Where do you see the future of the Irish language in film? With my work with the Film Fleadh I get to watch hundreds of Irish short films and it has been a joy to see more and more films made and scripts written as gaeilge, especially over the last four years. The growth has been incredible to watch.

The Irish language was something my dad honoured and respected, growing up in Derry he didn’t have good Irish and certainly not Connemara Irish but that never stopped him, he had such a love for the language that naturally became a huge part of his identity as a filmmaker. It wasn’t until he died that I really found out how many people he had mentored and supported in their careers, including Colm (director of An Cailín Cúin). I have no doubt he would have been so proud of the whole team.

When you look at the work and trajectory of success of Cine4 scheme alone - the future's so bright for Irish language filmmaking and filmmakers.

Galway and the west of Ireland is thriving with talent, yet many still have to move further afield to pursue their careers. How do you feel about that and what do you think needs to be improved? Here is the thing, it is hard to work, live, develop and thrive in your career when you live outside of Dublin, the same can be said with the UK and London, regionally it is hard to avail of the same opportunities with ease, as it is when you are based in the capital city. The only way of making it more sustainable is systematic change and new dedicated frameworks to support talent to have sustainable careers in the west or regionally in general.

This is why productions like Obituary ( shooting in Donegal) are so vital, as this affords people in the North west the opportunity to work and live at home.

While in Galway, organisations like the Wrap Fund, Film Fleadh, Ardán and National Talent Academy are so important, they provide talent with the support to work, upskill, be educated and thrive in the west, without having to relocate to Dublin or London just to avail of the same opportunities.

Can you tell us about your work with NTA/Screen Ireland?

I currently manage the National Talent Academy of Film & TV. The NTA is a Screen Ireland initiative and (NTA Film & TV) is run by Ardán out of Galway. There are five Academies, one Animation, one TV &Film and three Crew - one of which is based out of GalwayNTA Crew West.

NTA film & TV provide opportunities, training and career development initiatives for regional and diverse Writers, Directors, Producers. We also have access programmes for talent who want to get into the film and TV Industry. So a big part of what I do is provide regional and diverse talent with the support to join and/or build a career within the Film & TV Industry.

You have curated and programmed festivals all over the world yet Galway is where you call home. Tell us about that? My career is very important to me, but so is living in Galway. I grew up in Oughterard and couldn't wait to leave to be honest. I took the opportunity to travel the world through work, showcasing Irish Cinema internationally and never thought I wanted to settle down in Galway. But the further afield I went, the more I missed Galway. When COVID hit, it meant having to work from home while still being part of larger international festivals so I was getting the best of both worlds, (despite having to do 3am meetings with Texas!) but that’s a small price pay to be able to work and live from Galway.

About Eibh

Formerly the Programmer Director for the Kerry International Film Festival, Manager of Irish Screen America, IndieCork and Irish Film London, Eibh is also currently the Talent Development Executive for Ardán, the manager of the National Talent Academy Film & Television, an Associate Programmer for SXSW '23 and the proud Short Film Programmer for the Oscar-accredited Galway Film Fleadh.

The Field © 1990 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios

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I think he was most proud of himself!

RENVYLE HOUSE HOTEL & RESORT connemara,

co. galway

From the moment you enter the gates of Renvyle House, meander down the avenue and into the welcoming warmth of this old country house, you’ll realise just how special this place is.

A magical destination, a historic hotel on a 150 acre estate on the shores of the Atlantic, we have been looking after guests for more than 130 years. It is the ideal place to host your wedding.

095 46100 info@renvyle.com www.renvyle.com

This family-run business is based in Connemara, and creates carefully constructed, high quality fused glass gifts and artwork by hand. The team loves the feeling of visitors taking joy in the intricate products they have crafted in the workshop, which is visible from and situated right behind the shop. You can browse their full range online from every corner of the world, or take a trip out to Market Square, Clifden, and see the striking ‘Pink House’ and all the gifts and treasures it has to offer for yourself. The Pink House, Market Square, Clifden. connemarablue.com, 095 30782

RENVYLE HOUSE HOTEL

Celebrating your wedding at Renvyle House is very special. This historic country house will be your exclusive residence to celebrate your happy occasion.  Beautifully situated on a 150-acre estate on the shores of the Atlantic ocean, the grounds include a private freshwater lake, a beach, woodlands and numerous leisure activities for you and your guests to enjoy. A warm welcome awaits you at this award-winning hotel for dining and hospitality and a place where special memories are made. Renvyle, Connemara, Co. Galway. renvyle.com, 095 46100

CLIFDEN BOOKSHOP

Clifden Bookshop, “The Room with the Books” is a small independent bookshop. A haven for booklovers everywhere stocking unusual titles which adds to the appeal for the discerning visitor. Stockists of Art Materials, Greeting Cards, Gifts, Stationery and Gift Vouchers, Clifden Bookshop ship worldwide and offer a special orders option. Máire & Nicole are available to assist with sourcing elusive titles or special gifts so make sure to drop in and peruse their Photo Gallery of famous faces! Main St, Clifden, Co. Galway. Clifdenbookshop.com, 095 22020

OHH! BY GUM

Ohh! By Gum is an ethical clothing and lifestyle store consciously striving towards creating a better future for our planet and its people. Offering one of the largest ranges of sustainable clothing, gifts and homewares in Ireland, Ohh! By Gum is continuously expanding their circular offering, by sourcing more products made from recycled materials and now recyclable childrenswear.  Circular clothing is becoming the future, & Ohh! By Gum is adopting this with an exciting Re-Wear project coming soon. The Courtyard Station House, Clifden, Co. Galway. ohhbygum.ie, 085 800 0377

CONNEMARA BLUE

CONNEMARA COAST HOTEL

The award winning Connemara Coast Hotel in Furbo, located just 10 minutes from Galway, offers the very best in oceanside wedding experiences. With uninterrupted views of Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and set against a backdrop of the Burren Mountains and the Aran Islands, this 4 star resort is the perfect choice for business, leisure or wedding experiences. Guests can relax by the water's edge and newlyweds are guaranteed incredible photos against a spectacular Connemara backdrop. Furbo, Co. Galway, connemaracoasthotel.ie, 091 592108

O’DOWD’S SEAFOOD BAR, RESTAURANT & CAFÉ

Located in the centre of Roundstone village overlooking the harbour with panoramic views over Roundstone Bay and the Twelve Bens, the O’Dowd family has run the business for four generations since 1906 with Roy, Margaret and Nicholas at the helm today. Wood panelled walls and open turf fires provide a warm welcome to their bar, operating on the premises since 1840 and widely regarded as the oldest pub in Connemara. Their mission has always been to serve the freshest of local produce and they source many ingredients from their seasonal herb and vegetable garden. All breads are made on site and above all, O’Dowd’s are most famous for their excellent fresh local seafood and outstanding hospitality. Roundstone, Co. Galway, odowdsseafoodbar.com, 095 35809

Photography: Edel O'Malley

DESTINATION I DO

A spectacular international love story amidst the breathtaking backdrop of our Connemara landscape.

The Couple: Brandy Dallas and Michael Hession

Designer & Planner: Olivia Buckley International

Venue: Ballynahinch Castle

Ceremony: Christ Church Clifden

Photographer: Petar Jurica

Videographer: Dreamcatcher Productions

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier (pre-loved)

Make Up Artist: Zoe Koritsas

Hairstylist: Niamh Lee

Cake Design: Cove Cake Design

Floral Designer: Patsie & Co

VISIONARIES in Creativity

We sat down with Founder and Managing Director Olivia, of OLIVIA BUCKLEY INTERNATIONAL to talk about their wonderful world of events and their creation of extraordinary spectacles.

Tell us about Olivia Buckley International and how it came about.

Olivia Buckley International is a boutique wedding and event management agency that has received international acclaim for our creative and innovative approach to milestone celebrations. We dare to imagine beyond what we see in front of us and seek potential in the most inconceivable spaces. Once we identify a creative space, whether it’s a bare medieval abbey or a tree in its winter skeleton, we transform it to get the best creative advantage. The finished design is reflected by our client’s taste, style and vision.

Understanding and appreciating the importance of life’s precious moments, we sculpt weddings and events into a true art form. We deliver diverse creativity to each client. With the ability to reimagine any style, genre, era or location, we combine our client’s distinct personality and taste to create an immersive experience. From private islands and exclusive castles to industrial warehouses, we bring exceptional resources and creative skills together to create extraordinary event experiences. Our portfolio of events is boundless and ranges from an ethereal Garden of Eden to the rapacious Roaring 20s.

I have committed my entire career to the creative event space in Ireland. From my early years, I recognised my natural ability to transform ordinary spaces into spectacles. After completing my post-graduate degree,

I worked in event agencies where I developed my design and event production skills, working on the biggest events in Ireland at the time. In 2013, I made the decision to redefine events in Ireland and launch my own wedding and event agency.

It is refreshing to see a successful international business outside of Dublin. Why Limerick?

Many of our clients choose Ireland for their destination wedding because of its ethereal landscape, dramatic coastline and old-world lure. The West of Ireland is home to our client’s inspiration, so it makes perfect sense to be immersed in it. Limerick is also an ideal location as we neighbour Shannon Airport, a travel hub for many of our international clients. We are also accessible to many of the country’s premier properties. We are only an hour and a half from the incredible Ashford Castle, 15 minutes from Adare Manor and 20 minutes from Dromoland Castle. Our location benefits our clients and our production teams logistically and means that we are consistently on the pulse of our key venue partners.

From Kerry, where I founded my business, I moved to Limerick in 2018. Limerick and the business community have been so welcoming. During my first year in Limerick, I was awarded Business Woman of the Year for Small SME Owner through Network Ireland,

Image by Jonas Peterson

Limerick. Moving to Limerick has been such a positive influence on the business, so I feel so fortunate that my husband Bryan swept me off my feet and convinced me to move to Limerick, where we are raising our beautiful son Bryan Robert.

Have you had a significant mentor or role model in your business journey?

I have been lucky enough to cross paths with some wonderful business people over the years but I have to give a special mention to Simon T. Bailey whom I first met at an industry networking event. In January 2013, after relocating back home to Kerry and taking time out to reflect on my career path, I arranged a call to connect with Simon. It was this call that would influence my entire future and the beginning of something lifechanging.  I would never have seen myself as someone who could run their own business but Simon has taught me to not only see my potential but to fulfil it. It was very much his support that nudged me out of my comfort zone to launch my own business. Simon has taught me to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. He reminds me to not be afraid to swim upstream and defer from the crowd. Having the belief in yourself to go in the opposite direction to everyone else and step out of the safety zone are all concepts that have completely changed me as a person and ultimately fuelled the success of my business today.

Can you describe a career highlight?

We planned and produced a very special event in Ashford Castle that required the utmost confidentiality (high security, specialised drone preventive equipment, air-tight non-disclosure agreements) and exquisite design and operational excellence for a high-profile client. It was a phenomenal experience collaborating with the team at Ashford Castle, who are as passionate about hospitality and guest experience as we are. The event was a flawless success and remained completely out of the media. It was a hugely complex project and an even bigger achievement for our team and Ashford Castle. Our clients were so grateful that we delivered to such a high level, which will always be a highlight in our career.

What would you say is the most challenging part of your job?

At times, our clients wish to embrace the outdoors for their wedding celebration. As we know, we can experience multiple seasons in one day and the weather is the one thing that we cannot control. We devise multiple plans for every event scenario. We could have between three to four plan alternatives for every stage of the wedding or event. Depending on the scale event, we could have between 50 to 200 creative vendors and personnel on site, so we have to ensure clear and consistent communication with all departments as we transition through the event flow and ensure everyone is updated on which plan we are actioning.

What do you love most about what you do?

We defy the impossible and create pure happiness. We are in the business of love and connection, bringing people together to celebrate life. Every day is unique

Image by Kirsty Lyons

Image by Jonas Peterson

Image by Jonas Peterson

and diverse, from consultation calls with clients in Asia in the morning to design presentations with clients in California in the evening. We meet incredible people with unique backgrounds, stories and cultures. It is such an honour to be part of their story and bring their dreams to life with a celebration worthy of love.

You mostly create large-scale, custom weddings and spectacles for your clients. Could you tell us a little about what is involved in this process?

We specialise in transforming ordinary spaces into lush, theatrical environments that perfectly reflect the taste of our distinguished clientele. Our depth of experience producing highly technical venue buildouts and complex multi-day destination events means no vision is too grand.

We have a substantial pool of contacts in each area of design and event production. We can identify which creative vendors are most apposite for certain styles. We work with the best creative vendors, who are not only conceptually accomplished but are experts in installation. Installation requires spectacular talent to bring the design concept to finality. We have great relationships with our creative vendors who travel from all across the world to collaborate on our exciting projects. It is an incredibly unique business. We are often referred to as architects, developers, designers, travel agents, gastronomy connoisseurs and stylists! The level of events we create requires specialist skillsets to deliver event expectations. Every day is full of fascination and amazement.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

To find inspiration is to never look for it in the same place twice. An event space can serve as incredible inspiration, as it’s the canvas with which we work. We embrace the palettes and the structure of each event space to create a cohesive design. We are blessed to live in a country where we experience all four seasons, and are exposed to a bountiful array of colours, textures and scents, which can inspire anything from a floral installation to a wedding aisle. You can find inspiration in architecture, fashion, literature, movies or music. Some of our event themes are based on bygone eras or fantasy, where we transform spaces to bring our clients and their guests into a different world.

Of all the inspiration, most importantly, we draw inspiration from each and every one of our clients.

Our clients travel from all around the world, bringing their culture, traditions, heritage and style with them. Often, our clients come from two completely different backgrounds, and our job is to marry their histories into cohesive piece of art. When we begin a project, we ourselves never truly know where the inspiration will come from. But finding out is one of the best parts of wedding planning.

Why do you think Ireland, particularly the west of Ireland is such a popular destination for International weddings? Ireland offers a sense of belonging and community. Whether our clients are born in Ireland, have family ties, or simply fell in love with the country, Ireland has a way of making everyone feel at home. Irish hospitality is unlike anywhere else in the world. The people behind the properties make our clients feel like an extension of their family, comfortable, relaxed, and at home. Our clients feel like they are welcoming their friends and family into their home when they arrive at the venue for the wedding.

The West of Ireland offers something very unique. It’s the magic and enchantment that you read in folklore or poetry. How the mountains roll into the waves, the forest glistens with morning dew and the moorlands dance in the breeze. The whimsical, untameable, historical sentiment breathes through the west of Ireland, and is unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s a magic that is only comparable with love, which makes it the perfect destination for a wedding celebration.

Image by Craig & Eva Sanders

Image by Shane Shepherd

Image by Paola Colleoni

Image by Ciara Cassidy

"Warmth from the edge of the world"

“inspired by the fresh colours of spring and summer on the Island, including the neutral tones of our limestone paths, the rich colours of sunset, and the vivid hues of the Island’s natural flora and fauna”

Photographer: Matthew Thompson

Model: Daniel Rosen

Location: Inis Meáin

Inis Meáin Knitting Co. Inismeain.ie @inis_meain

Galway Bay Golf Resort

Contemporary design and unrivalled views

Facebook: @Galway Bay Golf Resort | Instagram: galway_bay_golf | Twitter: @galwaybaygolf

The Galway Bay Golf Resort has unveiled its revamped clubhouse, restaurant, and bar –following a brief closure for refurbishments. The upgraded facilities at the Oranmore-located golf resort include the newly named 2 Iron Bar & Restaurant, a contemporary Pro Shop, and a fabulous function area – the Bay View Suite. The newly refurbished clubhouse is sure to please members, visitors, golf societies, and anyone looking to enjoy a function or a meal with a fabulous view of Galway Bay.

The 2 Iron Bar & Restaurant not only features a new name but has been re-designed into a fabulously contemporary space ideal for enjoying stellar cuisine and smooth beverages.

The Bay View Suite on the second floor is the Galway Bay Golf Resort’s marvelous new events space that will host birthday get-togethers, communions, christening celebrations, family gatherings, and more.

Galway Bay Golf Resort’s 18-hole golf course was designed by the late, great Christy O’ Connor Jr. – and

the refurbishments have seen the great Galway-born golfer receive a number of well-earned nods to his amazing legacy and career.

The 2 Iron Bar & Restaurant is named in honor of the 2-iron club which O’ Connor Jr. used to perform his historic shot at the 1989 Ryder Cup. His shot to the 18th hole saw him defeat Fred Couples and help Team Europe retain the title in front of a full house at Belfry.

“We’re delighted to offer our upgraded clubhouse to members and visitors alike. We’re proud to pay homage to the legendary Christy O’ Connor Jr. with many of our upgrades – his legacy lives on through the course he designed here, and we’ve made every effort to design a clubhouse that complements his work” Paul Fitzgerald, Clubhouse Designer and Director of Connacht Hospitality Group.

The updates to the Galway Bay Golf Resort’s clubhouse are all part of the Connacht Hospitality Group’s efforts to transform it into a best-in-class resort where expert and amateur golfers can come to play a memorable round of golf – but equally as somewhere to come for exceptional customer service while enjoying unrivalled views of the beautifully picturesque Galway Bay.

“The results of the makeover speak for themselves, and they really need to be seen to be believed. From the décor in the 2 Iron Bar & Restaurant, to the delicious cuisine served by our culinary staff, to the live music we’ll have on site, each effort has been made to create a stellar experience. We hope everyone who comes to the Galway Bay Golf Resort enjoys a wonderful time, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new and familiar faces to us.”

Sarah Comer, Group Commercial Manager.

the

Green Life

WORDS BY KENNETH KEAVEY

greenearthorganics.ie

What does a sustainable food choice look like? And does choosing sustainable food make any real difference to us, to the planet and to our locality? I have dwelled on this for some time recently as we have seen many challenges for our own farm and business over the last three years.

But I was finally able to distil the essence of what a sustainable food choice looks like to me and what difference it does make. Today was the first day that the bees were flying, it was a “pet day”, the sun was shining, the air temperature was warm for this time of year and the sky was blue. Because of the myriad of trees and hedgerows we have planted on our farm there was a symphony of bird song, there was life everywhere, the bees were visiting the first dandelions and were busy. The new buds on the trees, and bushes were emerging and there was a definite sense of life and interconnectedness, of beauty and the lushness of nature. It felt right and proper. All of this on an agricultural organic vegetable farm that is producing food.

This to me is what sustainable food is. It is food that is produced with due respect for nature, for the soil and for the people who produce it. The interesting thing is, when food is produced like this, not only does the local and global environment benefit in so many ways (smaller carbon emissions, protection and enhancement of biodiversity, better resilience to climate shocks, local and fair employment), we too are winners; we get food that is safer, better for us, higher in nutrient content, chemical free, and tastes so much better.

Of course, not all food can be grown locally, and no growing system is perfect, but when it comes to protection of our health and our planet, certified organic produce gives an established framework for doing things right.

It can feel overwhelming to know where to start and

breaking routines of convenience can be hard, we are all busy and it takes persistence, courage, and discipline to maintain a new course. Whatever small change you can make, know that it does make a difference.

Here are 5 suggestions to help you thread a more mindful path about your food choices.

Cook from scratch. This gives you more control over the source of your ingredients, and it can be very satisfying! Cook in batches which saves enormous amounts of time. It can also be much more cost effective.

Eat local, seasonal organic food. Get a box of seasonal organic food delivered. In supermarkets look at the country of origin, choose IRISH. Visit farmers markets that sell local and if possible organic food.

Eat more vegetables. It is better for our health and has a lesser impact on our planet acre for acre than eating meat.

Avoid plastic clad produce. This one is tricky but not impossible. All our boxes are plastic free. Buy loose in the supermarket if possible.

Grow your own. Spring is upon us, and this satisfying act can rekindle a very basic respect for our food.

Kenneth Keavey and his wife Jenny started Green Earth Organics box delivery scheme in 2006. Farming on 40 acres of organically certified land with another 10 acres split between a wild life biodiversity area, native woodland forestry (3000 trees) and red clover/grassland, Kenneth is the 3rd generation of his family to farm these lands.

Outdoors

at The Ardilaun

WITH JOHN MCCALLION – HEAD GARDENER AND LANDSCAPER

How long have you been head gardener at The Ardilaun? I joined The Ardilaun team in July 2021 as head gardener and landscaper and haven’t looked back!

Is there a team of gardeners? We have a small closeknit team working in our gardens and grounds – myself, Maggie & Austin. Maggie Ryan is the hotel owner and takes great pride and interest in The Ardilaun gardens, she has a great eye for detail and you will often find her with trowel in hand tending to the garden beds along the hotel avenue or in the grounds at the rear of the hotel. Austin is a great help particularly with the laying of the recent paths in the woodland area of the hotel gardens and keeping all areas clean, swept and tidy.

How have the gardens evolved over the years, from the early days to the present? There is a lot of history to The Ardilaun dating back as far as the 1840’s as a manor townhouse built around 1840 for the Persse Family who owned large estates in South Galway. Areas that have been developed have been the entrance of the hotel near the gate lodge, planting along the avenue, cultivating of trees at the back of the hotel (allowing a view of Galway Bay as we are parallel to the coastal village of Salthill.) Interestingly, we have the 6th oldest London Plain Tree In Ireland at the front of the hotel) which dates back to the 1840's.

Tell us about the layout and which areas are most popular for wedding parties, and photography. The water fountain and Celebration Garden are popular features and are ideal photographic backdrops for wedding parties, communions, confirmations and other family events. The terrace area is ideal for al fresco dining, bbq’s and family get togethers.

What features have been added over the years? In recent years, we have developed The Ardilaun Celebration Garden, the Camilaun Terrace area with under cover canopy area for BBQ’s and the Picnic Area to the front of the hotel - for outdoor dining. There is a lovely woodland area at the rear of the hotel with newly laid pathways suitable for all guests.

Is there a kitchen garden and how important is this to the chefs? Do these vegetables feature in the menus? Our kitchen and herb garden is used daily by our chefs, especially the herbs which are used on most of the dishes on the menus. We also have fruit trees (apples and pears) and berries (gooseberries and currants).

The gardens received a new design in recent years. Tell us about this process and how it has worked out. We used the services of Anne Byrne Garden Design to commission our Celebration Garden in 2019 with Radharc Landscaping carrying out the physical work and are very pleased with how it turned out, Weddings by Franc officially launched it in June 2019. It is a perfect space for civil ceremonies when the Irish weather is kind to our wedding couples.

You are a dog friendly hotel. How important is the gardens for your dog owner guests? Our four legged friends and their owners love the location of our pet friendly bedrooms with direct access to the gardens (which are enclosed and safe for their treasured pets) and their own private patio.

BBQ season at The Ardilaun

Our garden, patio space and heated terrace are the perfect areas to enjoy a summer barbeque, for corporate, private and family celebrations. Enjoy some alfresco dining in the “Best Hotel Garden” winner in the Galway Tidy Town’s Competition with an outdoor canopy and wall heaters in case of unpredictable Irish weather!

The kitchen team at The Ardilaun have compiled a variety of mouthwatering BBQ menu options to choose from, with popular menu items such as minute and fillet steaks, BBQ pork belly strips, grilled beef burgers, vegetable and halloumi kebabs and marinated chicken fillet to name a few.

AL FRESCO

Fresh and fun accessories to make the most of your outdoor dining experience this summer.

4 Person Picnic Backpack, Meadows& Byrne, €99.99

Leyla Mosaic Pattern Inflatable Ottoman, €29.99, Woodies

€39.95

Saint-Germain Wicker Basket With Bottle Rack, Foxford Woollen Mills, €150

Royal Corner Garden Furniture Set with Firepit Table - Oxford, EZ Living, €2499

The Great Outdoors

Family Friendly Activities in the West of Ireland.

PALLAS KARTING

Whether you want to test your limits on Europe’s longest Go Kart track or experience the exhilaration of paintball warfare & now Pallas Early Learner Driving School, Pallas Karting & Adventure Centre at Tynagh, Co. Galway has you covered! Their team of experts ensure an action-packed day out for all types of groups including schools, stag parties, hen parties, birthdays, corporate groups and team building sessions. pallaskarting.com

090 9745914

E-BIKE ADVENTURES

Enjoy a unique E-Bike ride through the Burren. Guided routes will take you off the beaten track, visiting historic sites and artisan food cafes. These tours offer a choice of itineraries, which will take you on calm country roads and provide a variety of landscapes and attractions. These include historic monasteries, obscure churches, the distinctive flora of the Burren, as well as lovely cafes and pubs where you may stop for a drink. BurrenEBikeAdventures.ie, @BikeTheBurren

BURREN PERFUMERY

During a day of exploring the breathtaking landscape of the Burren, stopping off at the Burren Perfumery's rose covered Tea Rooms for some homemade in house sweet treats and a cup of tea is a must. Producing top quality perfumes and cosmetics inspired by the surrounding landscapes and herbs of the landscape, visitors can also experience the blending room or wander around the beautiful organic herb gardens to immerse themselves in the native herbs that inspire the products. It is an experience you cannot miss! burrenperfumery.com, @burrenperfumery

BRIGIT‘S GARDEN

Brigit‘s Garden is regarded as one of the most picturesque gardens of Ireland. The unique Celtic Gardens take you on a magical journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology, making it one of the truly outstanding family-friendly places to visit in the West of Ireland. Set within 11 acres of native woodland & wildflower meadows, visitors can enjoy the sun trail, an ancient ring fort (fairy fort), kids’ nature trail, thatched roundhouse and crannóg, and the calendar sundial, the largest in Ireland. brigitsgarden.ie, @brigitsgarden

Granada

THE ALHAMBRA | GEOPARQUE DE GRANADA | GUADIX | MONTEFRIO

WORDS BY PATRICIA MCCROSSAN

Set in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Granada is the home of one of Spain’s most visited landmarks, the Alhambra, and is the ideal base to experience the stunning landscapes as it is surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

Granada is a lively university city which is steeped in culture. This Moorish city is packed with bars and cafes and is renowned for its flamenco clubs. It’s also the home of Granada's greatest poet and the most read Spanish writer of all time, Federico García Lorca. In fact, it's possible to experience a guided theatrical walk, “the Granada of Lorca,” through the historic centre of the city where local actors role play well known scenes from Lorca’s life in some of the most notable places, including the Restaurante Chikito, (formally cafeteria Alameda), in the Plaza del Campillo, where Federico held literary gatherings and recited his first poems. It's both an entertaining and educational way to get a real insight into the modern history of Granada.

If great food is high up on the priority list, try the Tapas Route through the centre of Granada. You can book a guide who will know all the best places, and their knowledge of the food and the districts will make the dining experience all the more enjoyable.

Make sure to include Lemon Rock Hostel restaurant with its contemporary decor and industrial vibe and nightly entertainment of DJ nights and live music featuring local and touring acts.

The Alhambra

The Alhambra is the crown jewel of Granada. Located on a hill in the centre of the city, this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site dominates the skyline. The Alhambra is not only Granada and Andalusia's biggest tourist attraction, but it's also one of the most-visited spots in all of Spain.

Granada was a Muslim Kingdom for 800 years, which is the longest Muslim rule in Spain, so no surprise the Alhambra is known for grand examples of medieval architecture dating to the Moorish occupation with royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty. It is easy to while away a day here, experiencing the beauty of the architecture, the mesmerising geometry and precision of the ceramic tiles and hearing of the life of its early inhabitants.

Geoparque de Granada

A one hour drive northwest of Granada will take you to the Geoparque de Granada which is where we prebooked an electric bike route through the Gorafe desert to the Geopark viewpoint. This is a great way to experience the park, and because it spans 1,823 square miles across southern Spain, there are many landscapes,

much of which is classified as semi-desert. The Sierra Nevada mountains run throughout the park, as does a network of badlands and steep gullies.

Guadix

To get a real feel for the area, we stayed in Guadix in the Cuevas La Granja, which is a unique complex of 18 restored caves on a traditional old farm dating back to the 19th century.

Each cave has been sympathetically updated and renovated - incorporating modern comforts, luxuries and facilities into the caves’ original splendour. The traditional style of the caves includes original paving, curved vaulted ceilings and rustic furniture. Each cave is a self-contained unit with a kitchen and free Wi-Fi.

We arrived at night time, so it was only when we walked outside in the morning, did we experience the beauty of the setting. We were greeted by a dozen hot air balloons making their way through the valley in front with the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop. There's an outdoor pool and children's play area and a romantic spot for watching the sunset and experiencing some sunrise yoga.

Lunch at La Tinaja restaurant and a guided tour of Guadix was followed by a fun afternoon taking part in a traditional bread making workshop. We got to make and bake and eat it (I didn't!!) as I was looking forward to dinner at La Granja Cave restaurant.

The following day we did two detours on our way to Malaga airport. The first was at Piscifactory Caviar de Riofrío for a guided tour of its facilities and subsequent caviar tasting. It was well worth the visit as its the only caviar producer with organic certification in Spain.

Montefrío

There's nothing like leaving the best to last; our afternoon spent in Montefrío certainly had us leaving Spain on a high. Located in the northwestern corner of Granada province near the Cordoba border, this village enjoys one of the region's most striking settings, with one of its churches perched on top of a bare, rocky pinnacle, overlooking the town and its surrounding hillsides of forests and olive groves.

National Geographic magazine has included Montefrío as one of the top most beautiful medieval towns

in the whole of Spain, the only town listed throughout Andalucia and ranked Montefrío as the fourth town in the top 10 ‘towns with the best views’ in the world.

There are several viewpoints (miradors) around the town, each showing off the spectacular views of Montefrío and the surrounding countryside. The village has lots more to see, including the pantheon-style Iglesia de la Encarnación, which has a huge domed roof and was designed in the 18th century by the acclaimed neoclassical architect Ventura Rodríguez.

Our last lunch was in El Pregonero restaurant in Montefrío, where we ate a menu chosen by the chef of a delicious selection of traditional recipes made with local ingredients. Possibly one of the best lunches I have had in Spain.

How to get there:

There are regular flights from Dublin, Shannon and Knock to Malaga.

Where to stay:

Gran Luna hotel in Granada. delunahotels.com

Guadix in the Cuevas La Granja (Caves)

Where to eat: Lunch at Lemon Rock Hostel, Montalbán 6, Granada. Dinner and flamenco show in Cueva del Sacromonte: Venta del Gallo cuevaventaelgallo.es

Guadix: Lunch at La Tinaja restaurant Dinner at La Granja cave restaurant.

Montefrío: El Pregonero el-pregonero. eatbu.com Traditional bread making workshop Visit of Trópolis, reservas@tropolis.es

Our Guides:

Alhambra and Tapas Tour -Manu Estudillo

Theatrical walk “Granada of Lorca guide” Rosa Terrones, reservas@descubriendogranada.com

Geoparque de Granada- Fernando (638 023 358)

viveandalucia (in all Social Media) and #DateUnaAlegria

GRANADA:

Twitter e Instagram: @turgranada

Youtube: turgranada

Facebook: Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada

Facebook: @spain.info.ie

Twitter: @spaininireland

Instagram: @spain

TikTok: @visitspain

LinkedIn: @tourspain

Cuevas La Granja

Geoparque de Granada

Montefrío

MEET THE DESIGNER

Tricia Harris

WORDS BY CONOR BIGGINS

In 2020 designer Tricia Harris swapped the hustle and bustle of Dublin city life for the draw of country living in Co. Kerry. A diverse designer from the start of her journey, Tricia has worked on projects ranging from home furnishings to arctic yacht design. I caught up with Tricia on her practices to date and how she’s continuing to grow in the West of Ireland.

How did you get started in design?

My interest in design started when I was young. I was always making things at home in my Dad’s workshop and loved the experience of creating with my hands. My school offered woodworking and I was lucky to have an enthusiastic teacher. This combined with very supportive parents, encouraged me to make the mad decision to study furniture design at Letterfrack. The passion for design in Letterfrack was phenomenal and helped shape my design practices. I then moved to Dublin where I lectured in design and rented a space at The Chocolate Factory, a Creative Arts Centre. In 2020, thanks to the lockdown,

I decided to move back to Kerry, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s allowed me to refocus on my work and connect with so many of the other designers in the West of Ireland.

What inspires your work?

From a young age I found the way shapes interact very interesting, and that’s been the inspiration for many of my pieces. Lately, I’ve been exploring different materials and allowing that to inform my designs. For example the way chords, shaker tape, and other fabrics interact with wood has started to grab my attention. I’ve recently been inspired by a sort of Japanese craft and Irish Heritage fusion. I’m looking at past Irish designs, the character of them and what makes them such beloved pieces of a home and combining that with joinery and techniques used in Japanese craft. More broadly speaking, my eyes are always open to my surroundings. Often I’d plan a holiday around creative hubs, going to design shows, or meeting with other designers, even those outside of furniture. All this comes together to inspire my work.

What is your creative process?

It starts with listening to my clients to understand what they’re looking for. After that it’s on to pen and paper where I explore what’s possible. I enjoy how creative I can be at this stage and tend to generate loads of different concepts some of which I will turn into 3D models. Then I contact a maker, who in turn will come back with a price. After that it’s a continuous back and forth between the maker, myself, and the client. We all work together on the finer details finding ways to improve the final product and cost.

What is your biggest design challenge?

Finding a balance between creativity and commercial viability is an art of its own. You want to put your own stamp on a new design, you want it to be something new and different, but at the end of the day it also must be affordable for the customer. I’ve overcome this by finding makers that are a good fit, and working together with them to find solutions that work for everyone, including the client.

How do you incorporate sustainability in your work?

Sustainability is baked into my design process. Where possible we use native Irish Oak and Ash, these not only look gorgeous but also last a lifetime. Plus they’re durable, over time if these materials get bumped and scratched it can just be sanded and re-oiled. The longer a piece can be in use the better for the environment it gets. I avoid the use of screws and glues where possible in favor of clever joinery and I’ve recently started

researching the use of natural dyes. I believe people are starting to appreciate the benefits of considered design that will last and promote sustainable practices.

What has been your favorite project?

I’ve really enjoyed working on the Dweller’s collection with Daniel Gill, a very talented furniture maker in Athenry. The Dweller’s collection is an exploration of shaker furniture design that takes its inspiration from Irish design gone before. It started with the design of a spindle back bench for a client in Galway and has since then been developed into a range of furniture that’s garnered great exposure. The resulting designs are something that people will actually use day to day and not just for show. To me, the collection combines so many aspects of good design. Each product is considered

Studio Harris Workshop Visit with Daniel Gill

Studio Harris Lazy Lounger

Studio Harris Dwellers Spindleback Bench

What advice would you give other designers starting out?

Honestly, do the opposite of what I did. If I could go back I would focus on creating niche designs and expanding from there. When I started my practice it was driven by passion, I had so many ideas and wanted to express them all, this resulted in designs that were appreciated, but totally different from each other. I think it’s important to research the business side of things, start small, build a brand and expand gradually from there. Furniture is a difficult business to make a living out of, it’s important you find a mentor, create a business plan, and get in touch with the Local Enterprise Office. All this can help you start in a way that is financially sustainable and lets you put on your business hat when needed.

What Irish designers do you admire?

Superfolk are doing lovely stuff, they’ve a very considered approach with a strong philosophy in what they’re doing. I think they’ve found a really nice position between craft and design. Perch Design is another one, they create great products for offices focusing on human centered design and ergonomics. Also Modet in Cork are creating some beautiful pieces. Abroad then there’s Laura Mays, and Orior furniture who are both elevating Irish design to a very modern standard.

How would you like to see design grow in Ireland?

It would be great to see more appreciation for design as separate from craft. I think for this to happen there needs to be more options for design at scale in Ireland. In the past Ireland had production furniture facilities but this has more or less ceased now. It would be great to see design houses, like those in Scandinavia, opening up in Ireland. But for that to happen there needs to be production options available. This could have the knock on effect of allowing more designers in the west to collaborate on larger scale design projects.

Conor Biggins is a designer in the West of Ireland specializing in high-end interiors and furniture. To get in touch or for more information, please visit conorbiggins.com

Milking Stools part of Dweller's Collectionn

Studio Harris Lagom Sideboard Oak 1800

LOANS

NEW Green Renovations loan.

Borrow €50,000

Weekly Repayment €122.14

Amount borrowed: €50,000

Variable Rate: from 5% APR*

Representative Rate: from 5.11% APR**

Repayment Period: 10 years

*APR= Annual Percentage Rate.

Repayment amount: €122.14

No of Repayments: 520

Total Interest: €13,510.44

Total Repayment: €63,510.44

New Loan Rate FROM 5.11% APR**

**5.11% rate applies on having achieved a BER rating of B2 or higher following completion of green renovations.

WARNING: IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE REPAYMENTS ON YOUR LOAN, YOUR ACCOUNT WILL GO INTO ARREARS. THIS MAY AFFECT YOUR CREDIT RATING, WHICH MAY LIMIT YOUR ABILITY TO ACCESS CREDIT IN THE FUTURE.

Minimum borrowing €15,000. Terms & Conditions Apply. Loans subject to approval. Other loan amounts available. Eligibility criteria applies.

GOOD GARMENTS

WORDS BY ERIN GRANT | @ PAPERMACHEMIND

Along with the impact fashion has on the planet, the ethical uncertainty surrounding garment production and the rights of those who create our clothes further compels us to buy from businesses who operate with transparency and accountability. On our shores there is a dedicated cohort of Irish brands who are

paving the way for more ecoconscious forms of fashion; through mindfully made, ethically sourced and slowly produced high quality clothing which is both setting the standard for sustainable style and creating a movement towards cherishing our pieces and repairing items we love, well into the future.

COIS FARRAIGE APPAREL coisfarraigerobes.ie

@cois_farraige_

Cois Farraige Apparel products are sustainably designed by sea swimmers for sea swimmers. The team at Cois Farraige Apparel have spent their lives by the coast and are involved in the water sports community. They know firsthand the importance of keeping warm after those refreshing swims, surfs or paddles all throughout the year. 60 million plastic bottles go to waste every single day and 90% of the world's plastic has not been recycled, meaning it fills the earth. This plastic can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. As a result Cois Farraige Apparel have created sustainable and eco-friendly products that are functional and don’t harm the environment. A donation from every purchase goes to The Irish Wildlife Trust to help reduce our footprint and take care of the marine animals and plants along our amazing coastline. Stay warm and sustainably snug after your dip 365 days a year.

PURE CLOTHING pureclothing.ie

@pureclothing.ie

Sustainability is at the core of west of Ireland brand PURE clothing, having been awarded the best project in Natural Environment at the Business Spirit Awards which focuses on responsible innovation. PURE aims to offer a sustainable alternative to fast fashion brands with each design being designed to last, PETA approved Vegan, OKEOTEX certified, and created using GOTS organic cotton. Their ‘Restore with Pure’ initiative embraces a circular economy approach and gives you the power to keep your items in use for longer through repair and upcycling. When the time comes, simply pop your garment in the post to PURE and they will restore it for you, expanding its lifecycle.

Sustainable fashion is more than having a moment, and rightly so. With the fashion industry being one of the leading contributors to climate destruction, it’s time for a change.

IMARA EARTH imaraearth.com @imaraearth

The Imara Earth SS23 Lamu collection, named after a whimsical coastal town in Kenya, where the founder Amy grew up, is designed in Ireland, and sewn by a team of seamstresses in Galway. Using brand new sustainably sourced luxury materials, Imara Earth spent a long time researching to find the perfect combination of weight, feel and consistency. Customers can follow the journey of their garments from weaving, cutting, sewing, all the way to shipping, via email throughout the manufacturing process. With oversized cuts, elasticated waist bands, large pockets and a luxurious matte finish, this new collection covers the two key ingredients to dressing; comfort and style, while ensuring sustainable practices. Style your co-ord on a balmy European summer evening, or during a comfortable casual Saturday pottering around town.

FAUNA KIDS faunakids.ie @faunakids.ie

Fauna.ie is an independent fashion brand, designed in Ireland which started out creating pieces for babies, and now caters for all.

Everything at Fauna starts with a sketch, founder & designer Nadia creates all of the artwork and branding herself. Their unique designs are instantly recognisable and loved by whoever wears them. Each print is gender neutral as Fauna believes that everyone should wear whatever colours and prints that they like. The main influence for Fauna is the animal kingdom and they are committed to using premium, planet friendly materials in their collections, such as GOTS Certified printing techniques which use non-harmful inks and sustainable production methods and organic cotton. Organic cotton is free from harsh chemicals and its production has also been shown to cause 98% less water pollution while organic farming protects our soil from being poisoned with harsh chemicals. Fauna keeps their margins tight and profits low so that they are affordable to as many people as possible, and they are proud to confirm that their final, decorated garments are truly 100% sustainable.

AOIFE MCNAMARA

Founded in 2019, Aoife Mc Namara is a luxury sustainable fashion brand that creates unique garments inspired by nature, to protect nature. Aoife Mc Namara’s mission is to reimagine the future of sustainable design by reconnecting the fashion industry to the natural world. It is committed to an innovative fashion future that values creativity and beauty, people and planet, and quality over quantity. Aoife Mc Namara follows a made-to-order mode, a more ethical and sustainable approach to eliminating overproduction and reducing the risk of excess stock. Most garments are manufactured in Ireland using traditional fabrics such as Irish tweeds and linens and innovative sustainable and natural materials, including organic pea silk, PYRATEX and Cupro.

KAHM SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR kahm.ie

@kahmsustainableswimwear

Kahm Sustainable Swimwear is the ocean conscious brainchild of two sisters, Áine and Sally Anne, who grew up swimming competitively in North West Donegal. Using their knowledge of what makes a great swimsuit, each carefully constructed design uses Carvico Vita fabric, a sustainable techno-fabric, made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon. This material is strong, durable and flexible while being made from waste which is otherwise polluting the Earth, such as old carpets, fishing nets and fabric scraps. Sustainability is at the core of everything Kahm does, and therefore the fabric of your swimsuit can be recycled, recreated and remoulded infinitely, meaning it won’t end up in landfill at the end of its lifecycle. Every order insures a donation to the organisation Healthy Seas, and arrives in minimal, biodegradable, reusable and compostable packaging. Feel good and have a swim, all while doing your bit to protect the planet we call home.

AOIFE LIFESTYLE

aoifelifestyle.com

@aoifelifestyle

The vision behind each AOIFE® piece represents a creative, circular and transparent journey. Sustainability is their business model; ‘it is about people first and our health, and the health of our community. It’s about environmental conservation, economic development and social responsibility.’

The brand is mindful and aware, offering thoughtful design, beautiful fabrics and richly hued colours while respecting their responsibility to the planet. AOIFE’s® entire system, the rescue, redesign, development, the manufacturing process, all contribute to a balanced ecosystem with positive social and environmental impact while creating beautiful products for you to enjoy. They prioritise the social responsibility to protect our natural world. The brand's design decisions deliberately use circular, reclaimed, recycled and regenerated materials helping to clean our oceans, reduce carbon dioxide, and protect wildlife while utilising the resources we already have in this natural world.

GROWN is an Irish ethical slow fashion clothing company that is inspired by the sea, coast and wildlife of Ireland. GROWN only uses post-consumer and earth friendly materials to make their products and have been using organic cotton as their standard since 2015. To further GROWN’s commitment to nature and to stay true to their core values as they recently announced an earth-positive decision to hold their last seasonal SALE. By avoiding seasonal sales and instead advocating for mindful buying, the brand hopes to promote sustainable consumption habits, reduce our environmental impact and establish a healthier relationship between ourselves and planet earth.

“Wearable Art”

How did the collaboration come about?

Julie: It started with a coffee after the end of CREATE at Brown Thomas last summer where we both decided we would love to work on a collaboration together. I adore Ciara’s work and her beautiful bright artwork is so gorgeous. It soon turned into a passion project for us incorporating both our strengths and love of colour to create these unique collectible pieces.

Ciara: I saw Julie's luxury leather handbags at CREATE and I was instantly drawn to them. It's been a dream of mine to collaborate with a luxury handbag designer because I love fashion and I think art and fashion go hand in hand. I could visualise my art on her pieces straight away. Myself and Julie instantly hit it off and because she already creates colourful pieces I knew we would be the perfect fit.

What was the collaborative process like, what did it entail?

Ciara: We titled our collaboration "Wearable Art". The designs used on each bag are not computer generated images but from paintings that I created specifically for the bags and wallets. I wanted the brush strokes and the fluidity of the colours mixing together to be seen.

Julie: We decided to use my successful Mini Tote shape, a really gorgeous, functional piece which can be hand held or worn crossbody as the main piece of the collection. It shows off Ciara’s stunning artwork to perfection truly creating a piece of  "Wearable Art".

Where do you both get your inspiration from?

Ciara: I'm very much inspired by the sun. I love a warm climate and we are lacking a bit of that here so I use a lot of bright colours that you'd associate with summer time. My art can bring a pop of colour and brightness into your home and now you can carry this brightness around with our limited edition handbags.

Julie: For me I draw inspiration from architecture and design to create simple, strong silhouettes that are effortless and easy to wear. My aim for all my pieces is to create beautiful collectible pieces that will fit into your everyday life.

What’s next for both of you?

Ciara:  I'm constantly working on new projects. I've just released a new series of original pieces titled "Neon Sunset" which can be found on my website. I'm getting started on another limited edition series of hand painted vases due for release in the next couple of months.

Julie:  I’m always working on new ideas and shapes and I’m starting to explore some menswear bags to add to the range.

peelo.ie | ciaraoneillart.com

The stunning new collaboration from designer JULIE PEELO and artist CIARA O’NEILL

Summer Tweakments

Dr Laura Clinic

Dr Laura Clinic in Knocknacarra is Galway’s hidden gem for destination skin. Dr. Laura is a GP by trade but is known for her love of skin and natural results. At Dr Laura Clinic it is always skin first, perfect to get you glowing in time for summer. With a personalised skincare plan, and some of the most advanced technologies in the aesthetic industry why not start your skincare journey today. Two of our most popular packages including the Grow and Glow Facial, which includes a gentle peel to brighten skin, followed by Laser Genesis on our Cutera XEO device to boost collagen and improve skin health. We also offer no downtime peels including the Hollywood famous iS Clinical Fire and Ice Peel and Foaming Enzyme mask, suitable for all skin types, including rosacea, and for pregnant and breastfeeding patients. At Dr. Laura Clinic, each patient has a consultation with Dr. Laura to begin with to ensure you are on the right treatment plan for you.

Chez Elaine

Chez Elaine is offering two combined treatments just in time for your perfect summer look. Omnilux Phototherapy uses a combination of pure, visible red and infra-red light to stimulate deeper skin tissue, leading to a softening of fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin tone and super smooth skin. Omnilux can also be combined with your current skin regimes and aesthetic treatments such as Plasma Pen, Microneedling, Dermaplane and even Botox and Fillers for improved outcomes and longer-lasting results. This is a safe, non-invasive therapy that treats all skin types with no side effects, pain, redness or downtime. Also on offer is FDA cleared, clinically proven Strawberry Laser Lipo, a non-invasive laser treatment that penetrates the skin to selectively target the fat cells underneath, leaving blood vessels, nerves and other tissue undisturbed. Centrepoint, Liosban, Galway.

Shelley’s Health & Beauty Clinic

Shelley’s Health & Beauty Clinic has been serving the people of Galway for over 22 years. Concentrating on all things beauty, health and wellness, Shelley’s offers a wide range of state of the art skincare treatments including the popular HydraFacial and the Comcit Facial. The team at Shelley’s also specialises in Epelieve laser hair removal, and a whole host of other treatments to get you summer and holiday ready, such as waxing, Vita Liberata tanning, brow lamination, threading, LVL Lashes and Shellac nails, as well as holistic treatments like reflexology and massage. Open Monday - Saturday, 18 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway, Shelleyshealthandbeauty.com

with

handmade in Ireland sales@mervuenaturalskincare.com for stockists please see our website www.mervuenaturalskincare.com

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF SUMMER IN THE HEART OF GALWAY CITY

Are you feeling summer ready? The Sense of Summer packages in Spirit One Spa at The Galmont Hotel has all the treatments you need to shine. It’s officially sandal season, so give those feet a treat with a Hands & Feet for Summer Experience (€100). Just under 2 hours of blissful scrubbing, soothing and smoothing for your hard-working hands and winter-worn soles. Or sink into the luxury of a full body treatment with the Frangipani Summer Melt (€130). Deeply nourish your skin with an Exotic Frangipani full body scrub while your spa therapist treats you to a luxury face and scalp massage. A deeply relaxing back massage completes the 1 hour 20 minute package, leaving you with a sunshine glow both inside and out.

Oran Available Monday-Friday, spiritone@thegalmont.com, 091 538 342

THE MUST TRY FACIAL FOR SUMMER SKIN

Discover The HydrafacialMD at Purejoy Advanced Skincare and Laser in the heart of Galway city centre. This technology-driven rejuvenating skin treatment delivers instant results you can see and feel. Delivering long term skin health this treatment can cater to the specific needs of all skin types, with no prep needed and no down time. Suitable for all skin types (yes that means you too gents!), get your skin glowing for summer now. With a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for skincare, owner, Joy Colleran and her dedicated team focus on results-driven treatments for exceptional skin for each and every client. Purejoybeauty.ie, 091 530540

SENSE OF SUMMER SPIRIT ONE SPA PACKAGES

HANDS & FEET FOR SUMMER

Experience a relaxing spirit one spa pedicure and manicure.

PEDICURE

• Refreshing foot soak

• Lemon zest foot scrub

• Cuticle + nail tidy with foot buff

• Sunshine Colour to finish

• Summer fruits herbal tea

MANICURE

• Relaxing hand soak

• Gentle nail filing and buffing

• Hydrating cuticle creams

• Polish of your choice to finish

• Zesty herbal tea

1 hour 50 minutes | €100 - Available Monday - Friday

ENJOY WITH YOUR TREATMENT

All guests enjoy access to our thermal suite, relaxation area and indoor swimming pool. Enjoy complimentary beverages and use of spa robes, towels and slippers.

FRANGIPANI SUMMER MELT

Deeply nourish your skin with an Exotic Frangipani full body scrub while your spa therapist treats you to a luxury face and scalp massage. A deeply relaxing back massage completes your spa package.

1 hour 20 minutes | €130

Call 091 538 342

spiritone@thegalmont.com

MILK MAKEUP   Cooling Water, RRP €24, Feelunique.ie

ICE ICE Baby

Cool off this summer with these top ice-therapy products and tools.

THE CONTOUR CUBE  RRP €22.95, Contourcube.com

HUDA BEAUTY Silk Balm Icy CryoPlumping Lip Balm – Frost, RRP €25, boots.ie

SEOULISTA CRYO COOL RRP €25, seoulistabeauty.com

- Frozen Over Cryotherapy Gel Moisturiser RRP €17.95, iamproud.com

SKIN PROUD Icicle - Cooling Eye Serum Stick, RRP €15.99,  iamproud.com

PATCHOLOGY - Serve Chilled On Ice Firming Eye Gels RRP €12, meaghersspharmacy.ie

MONICA TOLAN Cryo Therapy Globes RRP €99, monicatolan.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY - Cryo Recovery Face Mask, RRP €63, Charlottetilbury.com

Face Yoga

With Face Yoga Expert SHARON LYSAGHT

What is Face Yoga and how will it benefit your skin?

Facial Yoga is relatively new and a completely holistic approach to youthfulness, beauty and wellness inspired from ancestral practices. Facial Yoga helps us to keep facial muscles firm, toned, supple and healthy.  We naturally turn to yoga to improve and sculpt our muscles and to find tone and suppleness in the body.  We can do exactly the same with facial yoga, bringing that mindful attention and nurturing care to the delicate areas of the face and neck.

The face is home to over 50 small muscles that move constantly throughout the day, allowing us to express ourselves and communicate with the world. As we age, the skin’s collagen and elastin production slows and it becomes less able to withstand the pull of gravity and stress on the face, leading it to sag and develop lines.

By learning to incorporate facial yoga techniques into our daily beauty routines (5 minutes morning and evening) using our face oils, serums or creams we learn to take better care of our skin & optimise our skincare products. The three main aspects to this work - massage, acupressure and facial exercises will naturally boost what the skin loses as we age, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid and help move out tensions.

Some facial muscles on our face need to be relaxed and some need to be toned. Holding deep set tension and stress will impact the face, how we age and our skin glow. A regular face yoga practice while using mindfulness and breathwork can slow down and help reverse the signs of aging.

Overall it will give you lots of practical knowledge on  how to energise and tone the skin, lift and open the face, fade small lines, reduce imperfections, restore and brighten the complexion, remove puffiness and sculpt the features.

Who is it for ?

At about 24 years of age a decline in collagen begins & by late twenties the first visible signs of aging appear. Face Yoga at this stage is all about protection and prevention by using massage rituals and eye care. There are also many beauty enhancing techniques to learn e.g. to plump the lips or open the eye area before applying makeup.

During our 30s we need to focus more on correction as collagen and elastin fibres become less effective. This is when skin cellular renewal slows down & lines begin to form especially around the eyes and forehead.

I would recommend  preventative facial exercises, daily massages & acupressure.

In our 40’s cell turnover and the oestrogen that keeps our skin plump and hydrated begins to decline. More visible signs of aging are apparent as we lose tone. Face Yoga practices to boost circulation, repair, firm and protect the skin will help to regenerate, lift and sculpt to support all above. This is also a time to focus on the décolleté.

From our 50’s collagen drops about 30% and after the menopause there can be very visible change in skin texture.  Blood vessels become more sluggish increasing dullness and lack of radiance. I would definitely recommend longer regular daily routines to energise and awaken the skin. Focusing on more regular lymphatic drainage to remove puffiness will also increase circulation and nightly massage work will help strengthen, energise and repair.

Sharon offers online private Facial Yoga consultations adapted to your personal beauty needs or to learn specific age prevention techniques. She also shares weekly (50 min) online group classes. If you are visiting Paris you can also arrange an appointment in her home in the Latin Quarter.

RRP €12.95, flormar.com

RRP €8.95, mccauley.ie

LUNA by Lisa Airbrush, RRP €24, Lunabylisa.ie

Estée Lauder Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumiére – The Summer Look Palette, RRP €55, brownthomas.ie

SOSU By Suzanne Jackson Radiance Base Skin Enhancer, RRP €14.95, Sosubysj.com

Sculpted by Aimee Liquid Lights Gilded Glow, RRP €14, sculptedbyaimee.com

Michelle’s Skin & Beauty Clinic

DMK CLINIC OF THE YEAR 2023

With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Michelle strives to provide the best treatments and products for her clients. With continued education and hard work, her clinic has demonstrated its excellence in the delivery of DMK Professional Skin Revision treatments and was recently awarded DMK Clinic of the Year 2023 at the 2023 DMK Business Development Day.

“We aim to truly listen to our clients and make sure we deliver an incredible service. We have achieved amazing results using the DMK Concept and will continue to offer a results-driven approach to skin revision. Last year we won DMK’s Silver Account Award, and this year we are DMK Clinic of the Year out of over 60 clinics around Ireland. For me, this just shows how much we have grown as a clinic and that all our hard work is recognised.”

With two locations (westside clinic and the newly acquired Beauty Rooms at the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill), a wide array of treatments are on offer from advanced skin revision to traditional beauty treatments. Alongside the DMK Concept, the clinic also uses some other well-known Medical Grade brands, Environ, Dermapen 4 and Dermalux MD LED technology to create a holistic approach to overall skin health.

The Multi-Award winning Dermalux MD LED Phototherapy is the leading, noninvasive treatment that harnesses the power of natural light for visibly radiant, rejuvenated, and refined skin. It uses the only clinically proven light therapy wavelengths, it works by channelling safe and effective LED wavelengths into the skin’s layers to rejuvenate cells, treat signs of ageing and acne, improve overall skin health, and even relieve muscular and joint pain.

Dermapen 4 is the latest technology in microneedling. It is the ultimate advanced needling device available on the market. Michelle researched many devices, sought advice from other industry professionals and decided the Dermapen 4 was the one to offer the best results and the most up-to-date technology. The Dermapen 4 glides over the skin creating millions of

fine, vertical fractional channels up to 104% faster than other micro-needling pens. These channels can carry up to 80% more topical nutrients into the skin. The micro-injuries trigger a natural process of repair, increasing the production of collagen and elastin and visibly improving a wide range of skin concerns.

“Great skin doesn’t happen with one product, so having such prestigious brands in the clinic really allows us to tailor a client’s skin journey, and get the best results possible. Combining modalities is something we do a lot to achieve long-term results and help clients reach their skin goals. Our aim is healthy skin from the inside out!”

If you have a skin concern or would just love healthy glowing skin we would love to hear from you. Michelle’s Skin & Beauty Clinic, 2 Westside Business Centre, Seamus Quirke Rd,Galway, H91 RT22.

A fond farewell

FROM HAIR AT 74 AND ANDY’S BARBERS

Award winning, 2nd generation family run business, Hair at 74 and Andy’s Barbers has come to the end of an era.

Andy - “the baldy barber” from Prospect Hill started his career mid 60’s with the late Sean Prendergast in Christy’s on Eyre Square. He opened his own premises in the front room of Joan and the late Paddy O’Sullivan’s house on the hill in July 1979 and 3 years later moved to their permanent address at 74. Over the years, ladies started asking to get their hair done and so the ladies salon was born. Andy’s fun loving nature, laughing and singing is adored by young and old. Many of his regular clients will pop in for a catch up on local news from GAA to local sporting events bringing along their grandchildren and keeping the traditions going. “Andy says the invention of the mobile phone playing cartoons was a god send in keeping the little ones entertained whilst getting their haircut”.

In 2017 Andy’s daughter Gemma who has a Business Degree, stepped in and started managing with Andy leading to a rebrand and refurbishment taking Andy’s Hair Studio to Hair at 74. After officially buying the business in 2019, Gemma and her team went on to win a host of awards including “RSVP Customer service of the Year award 2018”, AIBF Business All Stars Award 2019 Accreditation” Hair and Beauty Awards 2022 “best in Galway & Salon of the year” and most recently the Good Salon Guide 5 Stars Salon 2022.

Andy and Gemma have had many wonderful years with plenty of challenges along the way - navigating covid and staffing issues, increased utility and supplier bills being the most prominent in recent years. However, through it all the customer has been at the heart

of everything that they do. Their motto being “our reputation is our success” - and they pride themselves on the returning client relationships, friendships and loyalty built up over the years. As they move onto the next chapter in their story, Andy, Denise and Gemma would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all their clients and staff throughout the yearsfor the most wonderful experiences and amazing memories.

Gemma is now taking on her next venture, returning to her first loveHealth & Wellness, Swimming Teaching and Personal Training. For more information on this, visit @body_ nutritionculture or whats app 0830328270.

K18 LEAVE-IN MOLECULAR REPAIR HAIR MASK, €30.00, K18HAIR.IE

K18 IS THE FIRST PRODUCT THAT PROMISES TO ACTUALLY HEAL YOUR HAIR FROM THE INSIDE OUT BY REPAIRING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF HAIR, NOT JUST TEMPORARILY REPAIRING BONDS. K18 RENEWS STRENGTH, SOFTNESS, SMOOTHNESS, AND BOUNCE FOR HAIR WHERE BONDS HAVE BROKEN DURING BLEACHING, CHEMICAL SERVICES, AND THROUGH HEAT DAMAGE.

BLONDE Ambition

Baylayage, highlights, babylights or platinum, whatever your blonde style, keeping lightened and processed hair conditioned is no mean feat. Here are some of the top conditioning treatments to keep your blonde looking fresh and glossy.

DRENCH & REPAIR – LUXURY SHAMPOO & CONDITIONING HAIR MASK, €16.95 EACH, KINGHAIRANDBEAUTY.COM

ANOTHER IRISH HAIRCARE BRAND, THIS VEGAN AND CRUELTY-FREE, PASSIONFRUIT SCENTED DUO ARE FORMULATED WITHOUT THE ADDITION OF SULFATES OR PARABENS, MEANING THEY ARE SUITABLE FOR ALL HAIR TYPES, INCLUDING THOSE WHO WEAR EXTENSIONS.

L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SERIE EXPERT METAL DETOX, ANTI-DEPOSIT PROTECTOR MASK, €27.95, LOOKFANTASTIC.IE

THIS METAL DETOX RANGE FROM L’ORÉAL HAS GAINED A SERIOUS FAN FOLLOWING FOR ITS ABILITY TO PROTECT AGAINST COPPER DEPOSITS FOUND IN SHOWER WATER, WHICH CAN VISIBLY DAMAGE OR DISCOLOUR THE HAIR.

OLAPLEX NO.3 HAIR PERFECTOR, €29.50 - 59.00, BROWNTHOMAS.IE

MOST BLONDES ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE OLAPLEX RANGE AS A FREQUENTLY USED TREATMENT BOTH IN SALONS AND IN HOME. ANOTHER BRAND THAT PROMISES TO REPAIR HAIR ON A MOLECULAR LEVEL FROM THE INSIDE OUT, THIS WEEKLY PRE-SHAMPOO TREATMENT REPAIRS AND PREVENTS DAMAGE FOR STRONGER, HEALTHIER-LOOKING HAIR AFTER JUST ONE USE.

VODUZ PURE SILK HAIR AND BODY OIL, €29.95, VODUZHAIR.COM ENRICHED WITH VITAMINS A AND E, THE PURE SILK HAIR AND BODY OIL HAS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES TO SOOTHE THE SCALP AND A LIGHTWEIGHT AND FAST ABSORBING FORMULA. IT ALSO PROTECTS AGAINST BREAKAGE FROM HOT STYLING TOOLS AND EVEN HAS A BUILT IN UV FILTER, PERFECT FOR SUMMER.

KÉRASTASE BLOND ABSOLU MASQUE

ULTRA VIOLET TREATMENT, €50.30, MILLIES.IE

THIS WEEKLY MASK REFRESHES AND RESTORES BLONDE HAIR, HELPING TO REMOVE BRASSY, YELLOW TONES WITH ITS SPECIAL PURPLE FORMULA. CONTAINING HYALURONIC ACID AND EDELWEISS FLOWER, THIS SOOTHING MASK PROTECTS AGAINST DULLNESS CAUSED BY POLLUTION WHILST ALSO RE BUILDING HAIR FIBRES AND ADDING GLOSS.

KLORANE BRIGHTENING BLONDE CONDITIONER WITH CAMOMILE, €13.50, MILLIES.IE PROMISING TO DETANGLE, REPAIR AND BRIGHTEN, CAMOMILE EXTRACT WORKS TO ADD SHINE WHILST SOFTENING AND CLARIFYING THE HAIR, WITH SOYABEAN AND CONDITIONING AGENTS ADDED TO ADD TO DETANGLE AND HYDRATE DRY AND DULL BLONDE HAIR.

Re-engineering the future of work

DR MAEVE O’SULLIVAN, BBS, MSC, PHD. Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management & Decent Work, NUIG

Network Ireland Galway, the association for women in business is all too aware of the opportunities and challenges this presents for its members. Four of our current members are profiled as they discuss how they are now working and how it has changed for them.

Suzanne Ryan, President of Network Galway whose aim to lead and support women navigate these changes, has pulled together an informative panel of speakers for an event on May 17th in partnership with AtlanTec Festival and the Galway Technology Centre. This seminar will share current and upcoming trends, discuss best practices and how re-engineering the future of work sustainably is a focus for all of us.

MARGARET COX Director, ICE Group and Pitman Training

Currently I lead the overall Sales Operations of ICE Group, Pitman Training and Western Management Company, Galway. I am also passionately committed to challenging business by advocating for progressive organisations to consider a move to a 4 Day Working Week pattern.

ICE Group was the first company in Ireland to Implement a 4 Day Work Week, with no loss of pay, to all our employees. As an organisation we have chosen to lead the way in redesigning the World of Work for our employees, through reduced working hour, the same pay and the same expectation of success and productivity. Workplaces, ways of working and definitions of success in work is undergoing a fundamental change. As employers we must re-evaluate our measurements of success and embrace and celebrate change for the greater good of society and our world.

Work in the future will be very different. We are likely to have robots as co-workers (cobots), work shorter days/weeks, hybrid working will likely be the norm for those fortunate enough to have jobs that facilitate this. We are entering a period when five generations will work together and, given the demographic trends, older workers will need to work into their late 60’s and beyond as government policy is focused on delaying retirement and encouraging extended working lives. We need employment policies that harness the ‘often overlooked talent’ of older workers as almost one-third of the working age population in developed countries will be over 50 years of age by 2050. We must find a way of valuing all work to enable people to live, work and care differently.

TRACY KEOGH

Co-Founder,

Grow Remote

Grow Remote is an organisation that makes remote work, work for profit, people and planet. It is running in over 250 local communities and 17 countries. We are non-profit and here to drive social change. When it comes to distributed employment/decent careers that are often advertised without location and we get those careers into regional and rural communities, you give people secure income and time; that’s a first principles approach to community development meaning we can get people back on the GAA teams, farmers markets, get our buildings back on the main street. It’s about moving remote work on so that there is systemic change where organisations transition over to remote first. 100,000 decent remote careers are open in every community in Ireland today. The aim is to have thriving remote communities everywhere.

The world of work and how we work has changed. Nothing elevated the rate and pace of change as much as the past few years with trends in globalisation, digitalisation, ageing population, fallout from the pandemic, hybrid and remote working as well as the focus on future sustainable practices.

Suzanne Ryan, President Network Galway

AOIFE NOONE

Founding Director & CEO of Noone Cyber Services  Noone Cyber Services helps companies and organisations to secure their online systems and protect their business and brand. The business primarily specialises in the area of user and system access management, assisting companies to reduce the risk of fraud and cyberattacks. Before the pandemic, I was based in Dublin. In 2020 I decided to embrace the opportunity of remote working and relocate back home to Galway. I’m now based in Mountbellew operating from a new remote working hub. I have restructured to create a new way of business and life and I’m involved with various local community projects and initiatives. “The more you adapt to change and embrace challenges, the more resilient and successful you become.”

Noonecyberservices.com | @noonecyberservices

MAURA GLYNN

Owner of Cotton On Cotton on have been providing personalised gifts in Galway for over 35 years, and I have experienced many changes to the way I work over these years. I took over Cotton On in 2001 and have constantly upgraded machinery and the work processes of the business since. In 2016 I launched www.cottonon.ie and took the leap to the online world and since March 2020 have no physical shop presence and trade totally online now. The core business is creating gifts for all occasions, personalised to create lasting memories, which are loved and treasured by all. We also provide an embroidery service for businesses, supplying companies with branded uniforms and workwear. “Operating an online business from home has its advantages and challenges. One of the advantages is the flexibility it offers, but this can also be a challenge. Getting distracted is easy when working from home so it is important to have structure to your day and your tasks. Finding the balance that works for me, my family and my business is something that I am constantly work on.”

Cottonon.ie | @cottonon.ie

Re-engineering the Future of Work Sustainably

Wednesday May 17th at 6.30pm

Galway Technology Centre, Mervue Business Park. (Reception from 6pm).

RACHEL GOTTO Transformative Coach & Clinical Hypnotherapist

As a professional coach and hypnotherapist, providing exceptional service is my top priority and although my online clients were continually getting the desired results, I felt something was missing for me. Working alone can be isolating and meeting clients in person brings energy and interaction that online work doesn’t always afford. So, I resumed offering a blended service and it’s been incredibly rewarding. Returning to the personal touch and shaking my client’s hand has been transformational and makes me feel more fulfilled in my role as a professional.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”Helen

Keller

Rachelgotto.com | @rachelgotto

NORAH MAHONY

Norah Mahony Coaching

My business is centred around supporting individuals to build purposeful lives and businesses by mastering their inner and outer world and overcoming any past traumas. I recognise that individuals perform their best and get the best results when they focus primarily on their well-being. Therefore, I work closely with my clients and tailor my coaching services to their unique needs, so they can achieve their big goals in a way that is sustainable and healthy for them. I utilise tools such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) to free up time which means that downtime does not have to mean work suffers. “I empower individuals to build purposeful lives and businesses while prioritising their well-being, utilising tailored coaching services and tools such as AI to achieve big goals sustainably.”

Norahmahony.com | @norahmahonycoaching

For details contact Galway@NetworkIreland.ie

Guest Speakers: Dr Maeve O Sullivan, Tracy Keogh, Margaret Cox

Presented by Network Ireland Galway in partnership with AtlanTec Festival and Galway Technology Centre

Flannery's Hotel Galway A Family-Owned Gem in the Heart of Galway

Flannery's Hotel Galway is a charming family-run hotel that has been in operation for over 50 years. The hotel started small in 1969, and over the years, it has expanded to become a 3-star hotel with 134 rooms, two restaurants, and multiple conference facilities.

Today, Flannery's Hotel Galway is one of the most popular hotels in Galway and is known for its friendly staff, excellent service, and unique character.

There are many reasons why guests choose to stay at Flannery's Hotel Galway. One of the main reasons is the hotel's unique character and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Flannery's Hotel Galway is a family-owned hotel, and the staff go above and beyond to ensure

that every guest feels at home. The hotel's rooms are spacious and comfortable, and guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, free parking, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Flannery's Hotel Galway recently underwent a significant refurbishment to improve the hotel's facilities and enhance the guest experience. The hotel's public areas, including the lobby, lounge bar, and restaurants, have been updated with a fresh new look, while the

bedrooms have been refurbished to provide guests with even more comfort and luxury.

Flannery's Hotel Galway offers a wide range of facilities for guests to enjoy. The hotel has two restaurants, The Galwegian Restaurant and Frankie’s Bar & Bistro, both of which serve delicious meals made from locally-sourced ingredients.

A perfect day at Flannery's Hotel Galway would start with a delicious breakfast in the Galwegian Restaurant. After breakfast, you could take a stroll to Ballyloughane Beach just across from them or head out to explore Galway City, which is only a short distance away. In the afternoon stop by the new Flavours@Flannery’s bakery counter and indulge in a sweet treat or just a leisurely cup of coffee. On a Sunday afternoon you can enjoy a delectable brunch accompanied by the local jazz band. In the evening, their brand-new cocktail bar is open and it features a wide range of innovative and classic cocktails, created by the hotel's expert mixologists. Enjoy your drinks in the stylish and sophisticated surroundings of the bar or take them to your room. The bar is the perfect place to unwind and socialise after a long day of business or sightseeing and can be accompanied by a delicious meal in Frankie's Bar & Bistro, followed by a nightcap in the hotel's cosy lounge bar where a local live band plays every Friday & Saturday night.

The hotel has also been the location for many wonderful events, including birthday parties, Christmas parties, corporate events, and charity fundraisers. Throughout this year, they have formed a collaboration with Galway Hospice and are actively involved in organizing a series of fundraising events, with all the proceeds raised being donated to Galway Hospice.

Flannery's Hotel Galway has exciting plans for the future, including further refurbishments and the development of new facilities. The hotel aims to

continue to provide guests with an exceptional experience, whether they are visiting for business or leisure.

Flannery's Hotel Galway is a family-owned gem in the heart of Galway that offers guests a warm welcome, excellent service, and a unique character. With its fantastic facilities, excellent location, and exciting plans for the future, Flannery's Hotel Galway is sure to remain one of the most popular hotels in Galway for years to come.

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a charming family-run hotel that has been in operation for over 50 years

JW TOOLS

Located in Oranmore Business Park in Galway City, JW Tools is an established family business for over 35 years. Their professional and friendly staff are always on hand to offer advice and suggest the best tools and garden products to suit your gardening and maintenance needs. Stocking everything from ride-on mowers to walk-behind lawn mowers, brushcutters, lawn spreaders, scarifiers and edgers to chainsaws, leaf blowers and hedge trimmers, they provide high quality garden machinery to help you keep your garden looking it’s best. Their robotic mowers do all the hard work so you don’t have to! Featuring top specs such as automower connect from your smartphone, LED headlights, GPS assisted navigation and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, keeping your lawn in check has never been easier. Unit 8 Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Galway. Jwtools.ie, 091 795 597

ORAN DECOR & DIY

Based on the main street in the heart of Oranmore, Oran Decor & DIY provides various household services, from key cutting to pet products. As an authorised Fleetwood paint supplier, colours can be mixed to find the exact shade that you require from a great selection of colour cards and with a large variety of accessories, they have everything you need to freshen up a room. They also stock a range of hand and power tools, essential components for most home improvement projects. Oran Decor and DIY have an excellent range of garden tools, hoses, power washers, grass seed, patio cleaners, wheelbarrows and much more. Oran Decor & DIY is now part of the Expert Hardware Group. All products are available for delivery.

OPTIQUE OPTICIANS

Owned and run by Elaine O’Sullivan F.A.O.I. Optometrist, Optique Opticians boasts the most advanced and latest eye care technology including OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography) which allows a 3D scanning of the anterior and posterior ocular tissues. Stocking an impressive range of fun and funky kids and teens glasses, Optique also has a specially designed children’s area complete with DVD and play area. A huge variety of designer glasses and sunglasses are available at Optique such as Prada, Gucci, Dior, Tom Ford, Coco Song, Oliver Peoples, Oakley, Kate Spade and Carolina Herrera. Optique also do various special offers and company/sports club discounts and provide bespoke DSE (Display Screen Equipment & Safety Eyewear) packages for the corporate sector providing industrial and VDU eyecare. Level 1, 18 Briarhill Shopping Centre, optique.ie, 091-386669

PROVENANCE TOWN & COUNTRY INTERIORS

Rosie and Sadhbh run their atmospheric interiors shop and design studio from the heart of Clifden and are pleased to offer a full interior design service locally and further afield. Inspired by Connemara and the talented makers they work with, the shop showcases their unique style as well as a considered edit of lighting, rugs, fabrics and tableware, and their own ranges of informal soft furnishings and furniture. The Provenance team works with layers of natural colour and texture to create warm and timeless spaces which reflect the people who use them.

Station House Courtyard, Clifden, Co. Galway, provenance-interior.ie, 087 826 9356

TUBS & TILES

Tubs & Tiles, Ireland’s leading supplier of tiles and everything you need for your bathroom are delighted to offer a newly launched showroom virtual tour allowing their customers to preview the bathroom and tile displays prior to their visit for the optimal browsing and shopping experience. Stockists of many award winning international bathroom and tile brands including Duravit, Hansgrohe, Salgar, Utopia, Ragno, Mirage, Vives, Merlyn, Geberit and Heritage, Tubs & Tiles also exclusively distribute several leading brands such as Lecico and Rosery which have been sourced from renowned manufacturers across the world to deliver exceptional value and quality.

Service and expert advice are cornerstones of the Tubs & Tiles business with after hours or private appointments and in-home consultations a standard service to their customers. The team in your local showroom is on hand to assist with practicalities such as how to take the right measurements to calculating the correct amount of tiles and adhesive to order. They also work with key bathroom fit out partners and will be happy to provide recommendations and contact details for qualified trades people in your area.

Speak with the experienced team in Tubs & Tiles Showroom Galway to arrange a design consultation which can be online, over the phone or in person.

Unit 21-22 Briarhill Business Park, Ballybrit, Co Galway, tubstiles.ie/virtual-tour, 091 752 500

THE G HOTEL

Galway’s g Hotel has upped the style stakes even further in a dramatic one-million-euro refurbishment of its spacious foyer, signature lounges and opulent restaurant and cocktail bar. Under the direction of Choice Hotel Group Ireland, the five-star luxury destination on the edge of Lough Atalia has assumed a refreshing new look, distinguished by originality and the very distinct individual personas of its ground-floor spaces.

The g Hotel’s restaurant has been renamed GEO and has had the most dramatic alteration of the entire refurbishment.  Originally two separate rooms, the design team removed the dividing wall between the restaurant and cocktail bar and has created a more spacious and open synergy between the two. GEO Restaurant opens out onto a new garden terrace completing the fresh botanical feel of the décor. A new cocktail bar now anchors the open plan room.

The Hotel’s two other Signature Lounges have been redesigned to still evoke glamour and luxury but with a more subtle hint. The Pink Room evokes class and intrigue with blush pink velvets, tasselled chairs and brass accents to create a luxurious feel.  In contrast is the Blue Room with its colour palette of ginger, charcoal, and rich timber.  A texture palette of leathers, timber and fabric wall panelling make this an inviting lounge to linger in.

Originally conceived in 2005 by signature designer, Phillip Tracey, the g Hotel’s striking new style was trusted to Grainne Weber of GWDesign, an architect and designer with immense experience in the luxury hotel sector.  Wellpark, The, Old Dublin Rd, Galway, Theghotel.ie, 091 865 200

SKAL INTERNATIONAL BLACK TIE DINNER

Skal International Galway honoured leading Galway business woman and former Skal International World President, Mary Bennett with a Celebratory Black Tie Dinner at the Ardilaun hotel for her lifelong commitment to Skal International and to Tourism and Business in Galway City.

Photos by Murt Fahy

Mary McKeon, Noreen D’Arcy, Conor O’Connell and Geraldine Rosney

Michael Walsh, Mary Bennett, Melita Walsh and Lauren Walsh

Norita and Micheál Forde

Nollaig Kelly and Francis Brennan

Dermot Nolan, Mary Bennett and Darragh O’Connor

Richard Owens, Joe Owens and Terry Tyson

NETWORK

GALWAY INAUGURAL PRESIDENT’S DINNER

Network Galway members joined President Suzanne Ryan for a celebratory dinner at the Galmont Hotel & Spa .

by Edel O’Malley

Photos

Aoife Noone, Helen Kelly

Gizem Akdogan Kokosis, Hannah Quinn, Fiona Melia, Mona Eames, Faith Fahy, Mercy Kudakwashe

Lorraine Casserly, Mairead McGhee

Gayle Poppers, Michelle Joyce, Mercy Kudakwashe, Annette Hassett

President Suzanne Ryan, Mayor Clodagh Higgins

Cynthia Keating, Orla Connaughton, Assumpta Gallagher Sinead Carroll, Patricia McCrossan, Donna Reidy-Maguire

35TH ANNUAL CROÍ BALL

Croí The West of Ireland Heart & Stroke Charity hosted their annual ball sponsored by Irish Life Health with master of ceremonies Deirdre O’Kane at the Galmont Hotel Galway..

Photos by Andrew Downes

Edel McDermott, Sandra Brady, Sinead Ward and Andrea Walsh Aedis and Kirsten Curran

Cathy Brady, Eileen Wilson and Yvonne Flynn

Neil Johnson, Deirdre O’Kane Neil Johnson, Emma Dillon-Leetch, Annie Costelloe and Mark O’Donnell

David Curran, Emer Curtis, Deirdre and David Toohey

Mike Murphy, Orla Giblin, Colm Sheils and Aedis Curran

DRUID ANNOUNCES DRUIDO’CASEY

Invited guests gathered at the Mick Lally Theatre for the announcement of Druid’s most ambitious production yet, DruidO’Casey, a play cycle of Sean O’Casey’s Dublin Trilogy directed by Garry Hynes. The world premiere will take place at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway this July as part of Galway International Arts Festival.

Photos by Declan Colohan

Síomha Nee and Rory Nolan

Jean Hally, Elaine Boyle and Jonathan Powell

Barry O’Brien, Niamh Bent and John McEvoy

Philip Fogarty, Anna Lardi Fogarty and Mark Gantly

Emilija Jefremova and Feargal Hynes

Paula Carroll and Francis Casey

Eoin and Niamh O’Dochartaigh

TG4’S ROS

NA RÚN CELEBRATES 2,000TH EPISODE

Fiona Ní Fhlaithearta hosted an inspiring Q&A with original and more recent cast members with morning coffee in Tigh Thaidhg, the local pub.

Photos by Andrew Downes

Josie Ó Chualáin, Seosaimhín Uí Shuilleabháin

Orla O Finneadha, Miriam Ní Néill

Máire Pheter Úi Dhroighneáin, Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, Josie O Chualáin

Linda Ní Ghríofa, Fiona Ní Fhlaithearta

Colm Mac Giolla Easbuic, Deirbhile Ni Churraighín

Josie O Chualáin , Ciara Cox, Máire Pheter Uí Dhroighneáin

Dr Paddy Tobin, Breda Mulry, Celine Curtin

THE 2023 RTS IRELAND AWARDS

The awards were held at the Galmont Hotel Galway celebrating the work of the Irish television industry in the last year.

Photos by Andrew Downes

Muireann Ní Chíobháin and Laura Ní Cheallaigh

Mia Mullarkey

Cleona Ní Chrualaoi and Dee Forbes

Jason Ford and Féilimí O’Connor

Loren McNerney and John Byrne

Cara McAllister and Mark Carpenter

Katja Mia and sister Fiona-Louise Ntidendeveza

Heather Mackey and Loretta Ní Ghabháin

Louise Zayed and Andrew Byrne

Laura Fitzgerald and Jennifer O’Brian

2023 GTF PROGRAMME LAUNCH

The launch of the 14th edition of the Galway Theatre Festival (GTF), (April 28 - May 6 ) took place at the Mick Lally Theatre to unveil a 9 day long celebration of independent theatre, circus, spectacle, and storytelling.

Photos by Danny McGill

Finn Arden and Joan Lally

Ann Marie Horan and Mary Ryan

Brian Mac Aodháin, Gavin Bluett (Chairman), Dave English and Michelle Read

Aoife Noone and Enda Burke

Aoife Delany Reade and Pete Ashton

Gloria Theatre, Anne McCabe, Aine Moynihan and Marianne Kennedy

Aislinn O’Heocha, Niceol Bleu and Orla McGovern

BROWN THOMAS GALWAY SS23 STYLING WORKSHOP

Guests enjoyed an exclusive fashion presentation of the new Spring Summer 2023 collections with top personal stylist Orla Sheridan and lifestyle influencer Sarah Battle.

Photos by Sean Lydon

Sarah Battle, Marilyn Gallagher and Orla Sheridan

Kelley Neary and Ciara McDermott

Lynne O’Loughlin and Miriam Higgins

Sarah Battle, Hannah Phelan and Sinead Cassidy

Ruth Melia, Fiona Duffy and Leonie Cosgrave

Alma McGrath

Aine Killilea and Jennifer Skeffington

Emer Rooney, Ger Naughton and Eva Mulryan

Emma Healy Holland and Tanya Lee Conroy

BOOK Corner

We highlight some of the exciting new releases across a variety of genres from our very own Galway authors

POWER OF W: Women Thriving in Their Third Act

– Ann McGarry, €16.95

Ann McGarry B.Sc. , M.Sc. is a human development consultant, trainer, coach, and author. Her second book, Power of W: Women Thriving in Their Third Act is an inward personal development journey. Embracing the 3Cs of conscious presence, connection through relationships, and contribution, women can play a significant role in society and influence the wider community.

The Watchers

Galway native and writer of horror fiction A.M Shine’s debut novel is a spine-chilling Irish horror adventure set in the remote unknown forests of Galway. The story follows main character – Mina, who after becoming stranded in a dark woodland, finds herself in a room with a wall of glass and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground.

The Lost Girl King – Catherine Doyle,

€8.99

Shortlisted for the 2023 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Award, The Lost Girl King, is described as a sophisticated fantasy tale which puts a twist on the traditional myth of Tír na nÓg. The story follows Amy and Liam Bell who have been packed off to stay at Gran's house in the wilds of Connemara for the summer. Out for a walk on the first morning of their holiday, they soon realise they've discovered the entrance to Tír na nÓg, the legendary land of eternal youth.

There’s Something I Have To Tell You

Also appearing on the 2023 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards shortlist, is Mac Lochlainn’s book, An Slipéar Ghloine, an Irish language retelling of the famous Cinderella fairytale featuring illustrations by Paddy Donnelly. Aimed at children aged 5-6, this age old tale is brought to life wonderfully with rhythm, rhyme and magical illustrations.

Irish journalist (including twelve years as a staff reporter at the Connacht Tribune), Michelle McDonagh makes her debut novel with this domestic noir set on an Irish farm. Beginning on Glenbeg farm, the bodies of wealthy matriarch Ursula Kennedy and her farmer husband Jimmy are pulled from the slurry pit. As vivid memories rush back of another tragic death on the farm some sixteen years ago, long-buried family secrets fight their way to the surface in this compelling mystery.

– A.M. Shine, €12.60

- Michelle McDonagh, €13.99

An Slipéar Ghloine - Fearghas Mac Lochlainn, €12.95