InWicklow Issue 1

April 2010 | Issue 1

Adventures

OUTDOOR

FROM TINAHELY TRAILS TO TREASURE HUNTS

Jazz

ALL THAT

THE LEGENDARY BRAY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Games

LET THE

Begin

GARDENS

GREAT

& Small

CELEBRITY GARDENER JOHN DURSTON MAKES THE MOST OF SPACE The Mall, Main Street, Wicklow Town

Telephone: 0404 61710 Opens May Bank Holiday Weekend

inbyWICKLOW 1 inWICKLOW April 2010 Supported

Local food, global flavour

FAMILY ACTIVITIES TO SUIT EVERY BUDGET

JOHN FLOOD MENSWEAR

localnews

SPECIAL SUIT OFFER

Suits from €99 Sale Special – Includes: Suit, Shirt, Tie & Shoes €199 - €299 including Kartel Main St Wicklow & Arklow Tel: 0404-67147 (Wicklow), Tel: 0402-39740 (Arklow)

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inWICKLOW

April 2010

ON THE COVER Powerscourt Gardens www.powerscourt.ie

Welcome to InWicklow Magazine As residents of Wicklow County, we’re luckier than most! We get to enjoy all the benefits of our bustling city yet we’re only a stone’s throw from the very best that nature has to offer. Step outside on any given day, and you can immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Wicklow’s landscape, or alternatively, enjoy the many cultural events taking place. InWicklow magazine aims to bring our readers the very best on offer each month, throughout Wicklow. From entertaining events to eating out, and family fun to the latest fashions, watch out for your free copy of InWicklow magazine, each month!

Written by locals for locals, InWicklow magazine is distributed to homes and businesses in the greater Wicklow area each month.

Pg4

Gardens for your Lifestyle Published in Ireland by: Coffey Media Editor: Aisling Donnelly Sales and Advertising: Coffey Media T: 0404 66990 M: 086 844 8459 E: darren@coffeymedia.ie Area Sales Manager: Eamonn Dunne M: 085 2174274 E: eamonn@coffeymedia.ie Design: Design Mill T: 0404 64224 E: info@designmill.ie Print: Conway Media T: 0404 67333 E: info@conwaymedia.ie Find us on Views expressed in inWICKLOW do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editors or publishers. No responsibility is accepted by inWICKLOW for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within the publication.

All material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly marked ‘Not for Publication’.

Reproduction in whole or in part without expressed permission of the publisher is prohibited.

inWICKLOW ©2010

CONTENTS 4 Gardens for your Lifestyle

Pg34

Fashion Fix

Landscape Gardener John Durston on how to get the best from your outdoor space

10 Festival Fun

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From stunning gardens to extreme sports, Wicklow has a festival to suit all tastes this spring

Kids Corner

24 Let the Games Begin With plenty of free options for our budget-conscious readers, it shouldn’t be too difficult keeping the children entertained all year long!

30 On the Town If you’re thinking of hitting the town this weekend make sure you read through our best picks from the pubs, clubs and restaurants in your area

Pg24

Let the Games Begin

34 Fashion Fix

Make sure you’re on-trend with this season’s hottest nail colours before you buy one of these must-have cocktail rings

36 Kids Corner

Keep the young members of your family occupied with these easy-to-do baking treats fairy cakes this weekend

Pg30

On the Town inWICKLOW

April 2010

1

s t n e v E yourtown

STAR ACADEMY

NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY FARMERS MARKET The Newtownmountkennedy Farmers Market continues every Saturday morning in Newcastle Community Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All locally produced products - cakes, breads, chutneys, jams, fresh vegetables and plants for the garden -are available. As 2010 is the 40th anniversary of the market, anyone visiting the market is invited to take place in the celebratory events which include the tallest sunflower or heaviest marrow. Entry forms and free seeds (while stocks last!) are available from the markeplace, every Saturday.

WICKLOW ADVENTURE RACE Taking in some of the most iconic and challenging scenery in Wicklow, the Wicklow Adventure race takes place on 17th April and starts and finishes at the Glendalough Upper Lake, in Glendalough National Park. Highlights along the way include the Poulanass Waterfall, Spink Mountain, Glealo Valley, Lough Dan, Lough Tay, Ballinastoe Woods, Djouce Mountain, the Sally Gap and Glenmacnass Waterfall. The race covers 18km of mountainous train as well as 49km cycling (the Sally Gap) and 2km canoeing (Lough Dan).

Full details are on www.wicklowadventurerace.com

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inWICKLOW

April 2010

With shows like X Factor and Ireland’s Got Talent getting more popular each year, it’s no wonder that the Star Academy Stage School – located in Shoreline Leisure Centre, Greystones – is proving hugely popular with kids and teens throughout Wicklow.

Star Academy is the brain child of Former B*Witched popstar Sinead O’Carroll and caters for aspiring wannabes of all ages.

Students are trained in all elements of the music industry, from breathing techniques and vocal delivery, to musical theatre and hip hop classes. The Academy runs every Saturday and is now entrolling for summer camp 2010. www.staracademy.ie

ROUND IRELAND YACHT RACE 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of the Round Ireland Yacht Race so this year’s event should be bigger and better than ever before! The event – which takes place on Sunday, 20th June – will be complimented by a festival in the town which should add to the proceedings and make it an enjoyable day for everyone involved. Boats start out from Wicklow Harbour on the 20th where old friends – and new – will be competing in the race. www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie

yourtown

WICKLOW ARTS FESTIVAL Celebrating local creativity and welcoming one and all, the 7th annual Wicklow Arts Festival is just around the corner!

Taking place from 27th-30th May, the festival will be officially opened by Senator David Norris, a true supporter of the arts. Packed with events for all the family with old favourites making a return alongside new and exciting projects fresh for 2010, the festival will give a flavour of the talent and resources that abound in Wicklow Town and the Garden County. Highlights at this year’s festival include soprano Mairead Buicke and the Degani Ensemble (a real treat for opera lovers) as well as comedian Abie Philbin Bowman, who’s bringing his new show to the festival.

Greystones Bouncers Weekend Rates from 130

WICKLOW 200 Also coming up this summer is the Wicklow 200, a noncompetitive cycle ride that will take place on 13th June. It covers 200 kilometres around the roads of our beautiful County and will attract over 2000 cyclists from many different countries.

The challenging route includes many climbs, big and small, with some up to a height of 500 metres.

The total climb is over 2000 metres so this event should not be taken lightly! While each year cyclists complete the challenge who haven’t done anything similar previously, the Wicklow 200 requires attention to training and preparation. Starting at 7am, riders are allowed up to 14 hours to complete the route, although most finish well inside that. Open to all cyclists and of any age, the Wicklow 200 is famous for its relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. www.wicklow200.ie

Giant Slides, Activ ity Centres & Miniature Castles also available!

SHANE O’ BRIEN

MOTOR SERVICES

Tel: (01) 287 3017 • (087) 258 0657 Anytime email: shaneobrienmotors@eircom.net

Free Activity Centre with any Mid-Week Booking

Mobile: 087 804 5651 Email: info@greystonesbouncers.com Web: www.greystonesbouncers.com Greystone Bouncers IRM.indd 1

08/03/2010 14:30:49

CRASH REPAIR SPECIALISTS LOW BAKE RESPRAYS Newcastle Upper, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow inWICKLOW

April 2010

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exclusiveinterview

Gardens For Your

Lifestyle

WHILE SOME OF US LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN POTTERING AWAY IN THE GARDEN, COUNTLESS OTHERS CONSIDER IT HARD WORK AT THE BEST OF TIMES! HOWEVER, ONE THING WE’RE ALL AGREED ON IS THAT GARDENS ARE A JOY TO BEHOLD AND THAT THERE’S NOTHING NICER THAN TO SIT OUTSIDE ON A SUNNY DAY, LISTENING TO BIRDSONG AND ENJOYING THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR. WHETHER YOU’VE A LARGE AREA TO WORK, OR INDEED, WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF A CITY CENTRE BALCONY PLOT, CELEBRITY GARDENER JOHN DURSTON IS ON HAND THIS MONTH TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND QUERIES. AS WELL AS EXHIBITING HIS DESIGNS AT SEVERAL HORTICULTURAL SHOWS THROUGHOUT IRELAND, JOHN HAS ALSO APPEARED ON RTE’S GARDEN HEAVEN PROGRAMME

Q:HI JOHN, ALTHOUGH OUR

GARDEN IS THE WIDTH OF OUR 3 BED HOUSE, IT´S ONLY ABOUT 10 FEET IN LENGTH (EXCLUDING THE YARD). IT GETS THE SUNSHINE IN THE MORNING BUT IS COMPLETELY IN SHADE FROM ABOUT 4PM. OUR BUDGET IS SMALL - BUT I´M REALLY KEEN TO GET SOMETHING DONE TO IT, I LOVE THE GARDEN AND WOULD BE CONTENT MAINTAINING IT MYSELF. From Rosie, in Ballymoney.

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inWICKLOW

April 2010

A:Hi Rosie, It seems that you are

somewhat restricted by your space and its aspect. However, in this situation it is obviously best to maximise and build on the strong points ie. the morning and afternoon sun. I would suggest the use of a natural stone paving area, avoiding the use of more porous stone (eg.

Sandstone) as the area is in shade for a lot of the day, porous stone harbours and encourages the growth of algae, which will become unsightly and may become slippy. I would suggest the

use of a granite or a limestone which would be a more suitable paving for this situation. The hard landscaping should in turn be softened with planting both containerised and in the ground.

The plants to be chosen should obviously be suitable for partial shade, and suitable for a small space. In a situation like this I would suggest the use of a containerised Japanese maple.

This will give beautiful autumn colour while the paving could be edged with buxus sempervirens (a low, slow growing hedge). Behind the buxus I would

exclusiveinterview The use of magazines or gardening books can be a valuable tool in conveying your wishes to the designer/ contractor. When you have formulated your own ideas I would suggest that you get yourself a local reputable landscape designer/contractor as you ‘don’t want to do the work yourself ’. This should be done cautiously as not only do you want a contractor to do the initial work but you should be looking for someone who can develop and understand your ideas and bring the garden on over the coming years with a regular maintenance contract. Best of luck!

Q:HI JOHN, I´VE RECENTLY

BOUGHT A SMALL TERRACED HOUSE IN BRAY WITH A TINY FRONT GARDEN. MOST OF THE OTHERS ON THE ROAD HAVE BEEN PAVED AND ARE DECORATED WITH POTTED PLANTS, BUT I´VE ALWAYS WANTED A GARDEN AND LOVE THE IDEA OF HAVING IT FULL OF FLOWERS. I DON´T WANT TO SPEND MORE THAN €500. ANY SUGGESTIONS? From Barbara, in Bray.

A:Hi Barbara, terraced house gardens suggest mixed planting to mark the seasons, for spring and summer bulbs try bluebells and allium. Use some herbaceous perennials for colour during the summer and some evergreen shrubs to keep a bit of structure during the winter.

Q:HI JOHN! WE HAVE A

HUGE REAR GARDEN, IT´S OVER 80 FEET LONG AND AS WE´RE BOTH IN OUR 60´S IT´S GETTING A BIT DIFFICULT TO LOOK AFTER IT OURSELVES. I LIKE TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN THE GARDEN WHEN WE HAVE THE WEATHER SO I WANT SOMETHING NICE TO LOOK AT, EVEN THOUGH I DON´T WANT TO DO THE WORK MYSELF. WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST!

From Alice and Tom, in Enniskerry.

A:

Hi Alice & Tom, realistically, I’d suggest that you first get a idea of what it is that you would like to see or smell when you step out into your garden, for example, do you have a preferred colour scheme or is there a certain focal point such as an ornament or piece of garden furniture that you would like to see?

Formulate your ideas, possibly making a trip to the national garden exhibition centre in Kilquade where you could get some ideas from the display gardens.

Take note of things that have caught your attention and possibly bring a camera - I don’t know how many clients have said to me “you know the one, it has green leaves and a white flower on it!”

can be tricky as generally they are small by nature, however, this also has its advantages as they then only require a small budget and are not as time consuming to maintain. I think it is a wise move to stay away from the paving and potted plant options.

For starters, I’d suggest the total removal of all weeds, both annual (weeds that die each season) and perennial (weeds that will continue to grow). Secondly, check the condition and depth of the soil and correct any problems; remove large stones or debris, and see if there is patches of very wet, dry or heavy “FORMULATE YOUR IDEAS, POSSIBLY MAKING A TRIP TO THE NATIONAL GARDEN EXHIBITION CENTRE IN KILQUADE WHERE YOU COULD GET SOME IDEAS FROM THE DISPLAY GARDENS.“

inWICKLOW

April 2010

5

exclusiveinterview “USE SOME HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS FOR COLOUR DURING THE SUMMER AND SOME EVERGREEN SHRUBS TO KEEP A BIT OF STRUCTURE DURING THE WINTER. “

soil. Thirdly, condition the soil with a well rotted manure and work it through the soil. If the soil is not right you will never get a decent display full of healthy flowers.

BUY. THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE BALCONY IS THROUGH THE LIVING ROOM WINDOW SO I WANT SOMETHING THAT WILL NEED LITTLE MAINTENANCE.

In terms of planting you should select wisely in order to hold your attention and interest throughout the year. For smaller gardens like yours you should try to get a good performance, long flowering plant as space is at a premium (consider Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’), bulbs will work well in this situation blended in with some herbaceous perennials and possibly a flowering shrub or two. Pay attention to the chosen colour as you don’t want them to clash. Don’t be shy, experiment with the planting and you will learn quickly enough. It might sound like a bit of hard work – weed removal, etc - but trust me, it will be worth it in the end!

From Michelle, in Wicklow Town.

Q:HI JOHN, I LIVE IN A TOP

FLOOR APARTMENT IN WICKLOW TOWN WITH A BALCONY THAT RUNS THE LENGTH OF THE BUILDING. I´D LOVE TO KEEP FLOWERING PLANTS THERE BUT HAVEN´T A CLUE WHAT TO

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inWICKLOW

April 2010

A:One of the biggest problems

that occurs with balcony or roof gardens is irrigation. Unless you are fortunate enough to have specifically created planting beds which harvest and store rain water you should think seriously about having an irrigation system installed. Another problem that occurs with roof gardens is exposure - especially wind - so choose your plants carefully. I would imagine that maintenance is also an issue for you as you don’t want to spend your days climbing in and out of a window!

If that hasn’t put you off I would suggest using deep and wide planting containers. When filling the containers avoid the use of peat based compost as if it becomes too dry it is very difficult to water as it repels moisture.

In terms of plant selection I would suggest the use of only two or three

plants planted in groups or clumped together; Agapanthus (blue or white), Hydrangea Macrophyllia (white) and Erysimum. You would also benefit with some spring and winter bulbs for a splash of colour for example, bluebells ‘Muscari’ for spring and ‘Cyclamen’ for winter. Let me know how you get on, Michelle!

Q:HI JOHN, OUR HOUSE

IS ON A HILL, WITH A SMALL GARDEN TO THE FRONT AND STEPS LEADING UP TO THE HOUSE. ANY SUGGESTIONS TO WHAT WE CAN DO TO MAKE IT AS ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE? I´M NOT MUCH OF A GARDENER SO SOME IDEAS THAT WOULD MEAN THE LEAST AMOUNT OF EFFORT WOULD BE PERFECT, THANKS. I DO WANT IT TO LOOK REALLY SPECIAL HOWEVER, AND AM PREPARED TO SPEND ABOUT €5,000.

From Jan, in Temple Hill.

A:Hi Jan, the best way to deal with

slope is to introduce terracing. Separate terraces can help present the garden

exclusiveinterview

“THE INTRODUCTION OF SUBTLE LIGHTING WOULD ALSO ENHANCE THE GARDEN TO GREAT EFFECT, ESPECIALLY ILLUMINATING THE MORE STRUCTURAL OR TEXTURED PLANTING “

to the viewer at different levels. The terraces can be created using a variety of materials from natural stone to reclaimed railway sleepers set in concrete vertically.

The visual impact of the retaining terraces could be softened using cascading plants such as rosemary, Lithodora Diffusa or Convolvulus Cneorum.

The introduction of terracing would also make maintenance that little bit easier as you would have a flat surface underfoot.

The introduction of subtle lighting

would also enhance the garden to great effect, especially illuminating the more structural or textured planting.

Q:HI JOHN, OUR NEW HOUSE IN RATHDRUM HAS FANTASTIC VIEWS SO WE PLAN TO SPEND PLENTY OF SUNNY DAYS OUTSIDE OVER THE COMING MONTHS. WE´VE APPROXIMATELY HALF

AN ACRE AND WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE A WATER FEATURE, AS WELL AS A DINING AREA AND A SEPARATE PLACE FOR THE CHILDREN WITH SWINGS AND A SLIDE ETC. MY WIFE WANTS OUTDOOR LIGHTS AND I´M A KEEN AMATEUR GARDENER, SO ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATFULLY APPRECIATED. From Tom and Annie, in Rathdrum.

inWICKLOW

April 2010

7

exclusiveinterview available, giving you the sound of water without the unnecessary worry.

The dining or paving area should be located in the sunniest spot and close to the house. Although it might seem ideal to sit down the end of the garden the next cold beer is always too far away! This area should - as well as being practical - maximise the view’s potential.

As you intend to spend time in this area it would be wise to incorporate some scent into the garden and I can think of none better for this site than the fragrance of honeysuckle.

A:

Half an acre is a good size garden and I’m glad to see Tom, that you are an active gardener for you will need to be by the time I have finished giving you a few suggestions!

To include a water feature in your garden I think you should firstly consider the safety aspect, as no matter what kind of water feature you choose, children will always be drawn towards it so it must be totally child friendly. Self-contained systems where a reservoir is buried and the water is circulated from are readily

Lighting should be subtle in a garden and carefully positioned. Pick the illumination targets carefully and always direct light away from the viewer. I would suggest the use of individual directional spots pin pointing particular plants or ornaments. In this rural setting I would take into account the potential to spoil any night-time moonlit views.

And finally, to throw a suggestion at you, Tom, it might be an idea to try and grow some of your own fruit and veg! www.johndurston.com

All of the images featured are gardens madeThe play area should be located within over by John Durston view of the kitchen so you can keep an eye on the children.

I would suggest the use of a more rustic play set of WINNER OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL AWARDS swings and slides all Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Co.Wexford of which are readily GARDENS OPEN 7 DAYS From May 16th to Sept 20th available. If there Directions: 1.5 Miles from Clonroche is any elements on (which is on Enniscorhty - New Ross Rd. ) the site that can be Turn at Greens Supermarket in village.

NURSERY utilised, use them, Specialised in rare and unusual plants including: for example, are Magnolias, old fashion roses, agapanthus, zenobia, there suitable tree and more.

OPEN 7 DAYS ALL YEAR ROUND! branches for swings Tel: 053 9244137 or large logs to “Not the biggest, just the best..!!!”

Mob: 087 6446882 climb on?

Coolaught Gardens

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Bollarney, Wicklow, Co.Wicklow. T 0404 68149 www.wicklowhire.ie

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inWICKLOW

April 2010

wicklowtourism

50

OVER

A JOURNEY THROUGH WICKLOW

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Bright, juicy, cherry and blueberry fruit and a warm soft mouth-feel, a very well made wine!

A Journey through Wicklow was aired for a full month on City Channel in Dublin and Galway and Channel South in Munster to ensure the greatest volume of viewers. The video is now available to view online at www.visitwicklow.ie and Wicklow County Tourism is planning the production of DVDs to be sold as souvenirs to visitors travelling around Wicklow.

Commenting on the project, Wicklow County Tourism Chairman - Tom Fortune – had this to say, “This programme shows Wicklow at its very best and highlights the wonderful sights and attractions on offer to visitors. This film will enable us to promote our beautiful county both at home and abroad. More information on the attractions shown in the programme along with the latest Wicklow tourist news, holiday packages and special offers can be found at www. visitwicklow.ie.”

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ommissioned by Wicklow County Tourism and hosted by Dublin’s 98fm Siobhán O’Connor, A Journey Through Wicklow is a new promotional programme highlighting the beauty and attractions of the Garden County. The half hour programme presents a wonderful overview of all that Wicklow has to offer as Siobhán travels around the County. Highlights along the route include Russborough House, Avondale House, Mount Usher Gardens, Wicklow Gaol and Victoria’s Way. Presenter Siobhán commented, “I’m from Dublin but rarely visited the Garden County and couldn’t believe how much I’d been missing! It’s so close to Dublin and can easily be visited for a day trip or indeed for a holiday break. The scenery is some of the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen.”

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Tel. (01) 286 3732 Tel. (01) 286 8776 Tel. (01) 287 4123

shop onlinein @WICKLOW www.wine.ie April 2010 9

yourtown

Wicklow Gardens Festival

SOUTH WICKLOW

TAKING PLACE FROM 4TH APRIL TO 30TH SEPTEMBER, THE GARDENS FESTIVAL IS A TRUE EXPRESSION OF THE INCOMPARABLE BEAUTY AND CENTURIES OLD HERITAGE THAT IS WICKLOW COUNTY

In an area of outstanding natural beauty, 800ft above sea level, Hawthorn Cottage is a picturesque half acre cottage garden. The garden is on different levels with granite walls, winding paths and beautiful views of Blessington Lakes.

Blessington • Tel: 045 867979

HUNTING BROOK GARDENS An extraordinary collection of plants from all over the world grace this ever-expanding garden with panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains. The expanded woodland gardens are being developed with new plantings of rare rhododendrons and woodland plants.

Blessington • Tel: 01 458 3972

JUNE BLAKE’S GARDEN & NURSERY Thre acres of exciting herbaceous borders, shade areas with beautiful ferns, woodland plants and bamboos, a shallow linear reflection pool, formal beds and a small nursery selling rare and unusual plants are on offer here.

inWICKLOW

HARDYMOUNT A walled garden containing many unusual plants with grass paths, espaliered apple trees, a wisteria covered pergola, fish pond, shrubs and beds of old roses.

Tullow, Co Carlow • Tel: 059 9151769

KILMURRY GARDENS & NURSERY A two acre garden and nursery which has been developed over the last ten years, with two new borders packed with herbaceous perennials. The vegetable garden has also been extended and includes many seasonal delights.

Arklow • Tel: 053 9480223

KNOCKANREE This prize winning 1.5ha garden is comprised of a series of areas influenced by gardens in many different countries. There are European and Indian sculptures, a Japanese Zen circle, a Chinese bridge and a French parterre.

Avoca • Tel: 0402 35628

SMITH’S GARDEN AT MINVAUDE

THE BAY GARDEN

Approximately two acres laid out in different areas including a patio area in the style of a Manhattan roof garden, herbaceous borders, shrubbery, a Moroccan corner, a Roman area, a Cottage garden and a Japanese area.

Surrounding a 19th Century farmhouse, this garden is full of interesting designs and unusual plants. From the main lawn with its island beds and curving borders, pass into the Cottage Garden, the White Garden, a formal Rose Garden and more.

Hacketstown, Co Carlow • Tel: 059 647 1762

Enniscorthy, Co Wexford • Tel: 053 93 83349

Altamont Avondale House Bay Garden Coolaught Garden Festina Lente Hunter’s Hotel Hunting Brook Garden Killruddery House and Gardens Kilmacurragh Arboretum Mount Usher Gardens Wrenswood National Garden Exhibition Centre Powerscourt House & Gardens

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COOLAUGHT GARDENS

Blessington • Tel: 01 458 2500

GARDENS OPEN THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL



Ballon, Co Calow • Tel: 059 9159144

Ennicorthy, Co Wexford • Tel: 053 92 44137

HAWTHORN COTTAGE

   

Ornamental garden on 3/4 acre site includes many trees, shrubs and perennials, in addition to a semi-mature conifer collection, some bonsai and an interesting box hedge divider.

Winner of many national and local awards, Coolaught is set on 2.5 acres and features a Laburnum archway to original orchard as well as a large woodland with unusual trees and shrubs.

WEST WICKLOW

       

BALLON GARDENS

April 2010

OPEN IN APRIL  Hunting  Brook Garden  Knockanree  St. Joseph’s OPEN IN MAY  Hardymount  Hawthorn Cottage  June Blake’s  Kilmurry Nursery  Knockanree  Knockmore  Knockrose  Rosemount  Shekina Sculpture Garden  St. Joseph’s

OPEN IN JUNE  Dower House  Hardymount  Hawthorn Cottage  June Blake’s  Kilmurry Nursery  Knockanree  Knockmore  Knockrose  Nun’s Cross  Rosemount  Shekina Sculpture Garden  Smith’s Garden  St. Joseph’s  Villa Mimosa  Warblebank

OPEN IN JULY  Dower House  Hardymount  Hawthorn Cottage  June Blake’s Garden  Kilmurry Nursery  Knockanree  Knockmore  Knockrose  Shekina Sculpture Garden  St. Joseph’s  Villa Mimosa  Warblebank

OPEN IN AUG  Hardymount  Hawthorn Cottage  June Blake’s  Kilmurry Nursery  Knockrose  Shekina Sculpture Garden  Smith’s Garden  St. Joseph’s  Warblebank OPEN IN SEP  Hawthorn Cottage  June Blake’s  Kilmurry Nursery  Knockmore

yourtown

MID-EAST WICKLOW AVONDALE HOUSE & FOREST PARK Avondale is a fine Georgian House built in 1777 with over 214ha of magnificent forest parkland.

Synonymous with the birth of Irish Forestry in 1904, there is an extensive collection of trees and shrubs.

Rathdrum • Tel: 0404 46111

DOWER HOUSE The Gardens surrounding this eighteenth century house were laid out towards the end of the nineteenth century with plantings of many fine specimens including Rhododendron Arboreum, Magnolia Soulangeana ‘Alba’, and Camellia Japonica.

Ashford • Tel: 0404 40168

NORTH-EAST WICKLOW FESTINA LENTE GARDENS One of the few surviving restored walled gardens in Ireland still in use today, the gardens now stand at two and a half acres, divided into a kitchen garden, pool and ornamental garden with the original walls dating back to 1780.

Bray • Tel: 01 272 0704

KILLRUDDERY HOUSE & GARDENS Killruddery is unique in having the most extensive early formal gardens (17c), still in their original style, surviving in Ireland. The splendid orangery was added in 1852.

Bray • Tel: 01 286 3405

GREENAN FARM MUSEUM & MAZE

KNOCKMORE GARDEN

A mature maze set on 0.25ha with a pond in the centre, the maze is difficult to solve but great fun for everyone. The new ‘Solstice Maze’ is a relaxing, meditative experience and is set in a large stone circle.

Rathdrum • Tel: 0404 46000

Enniskerry • Tel: 01 286 7336

HUNTER’S HOTEL This prize-winning garden, which is situated on the banks of the Vartry River, has a spectacular display of oriental poppies in May and June. Many other interesting perennials are featured in box-edged borders.

Rathnew • Tel: 404 40106

KILMACURRAGH ARBORETUM Around the ruins of a fine Queen Anne style house lie 52 acres of wild Robinsonian gardens where rare trees and shrubs abound. The arboretum is now being replanted by the National Botanic Gardens, in Glasnevin, Dublin.

Kilbride • Tel: 0404 48844

MOUNT USHER GARDENS Over 5000 trees and shrubs from many parts of the world are planted in harmony with woodland and shade loving plants at Mount Usher Gardens.

Ashford • Tel: 0404 40205

NUN’S CROSS SCHOOL Actively gardened by pupils and teachers and run on organic principals, Nun’s Cross engages children in seed sowing, growing and harvesting vegetables and general upkeep. Native hedgerow, plants for butterflies, bees and other insects abound!

Knockmore Garden lies in a sunken glade below a small Palladian house with fine views out to the sea and mountains. Steep rockery, stone terraces, a geometric kitchen garden, ponds and rose hedges are all features at Knockmore Gardens.

KNOCKROSE GARDEN A variety of sculptures are on view in this awardwinning richly planted garden, which features secluded seating in various ‘rooms’ of woodland, herbaceous, patio and vegetable areas.

Kilternan, Co Dublin • Tel: 01 295 8371

NATIONAL GARDEN EXHIBITION The exhibition contains over 20 permanent gardens each designed by some of Ireland’s top designers and landscapers. A must for anyone planning a new garden!

Kilquade • Tel: 01 281 9890

POWERSCOURT HOUSE & GARDENS Including beautiful Italian, Japanese and walled gardens, herbaceous borders and a famous collection of trees, Powerscourt was one of the last formal gardens to have been created in Europe.

Enniskerry • Tel: 01 204 6000

ST. JOSEPH’S GARDEN This garden is one acre in size, divided into smaller areas to create more interest. It has a natural stream and a bridge that connects two of the gardens. It is very well planted with a large variety of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Ashford • Tel: 0404 40700

Bray • Tel: 01 282 1585

SHEKINA SCULPTURE GARDEN

ROSEMOUNT GARDEN

With its collection of 15 sculptures by modern Irish artists, this garden fosters a sense of stillness and beauty. It is a reflective yet challenging space and so visits of a minimum of two hours are suggested.

Glenmalure • Tel: 0404 46128

VILLA MIMOSA GARDEN

The garden at Rosemount is an informal woodland garden on 1 hectare and contains several exotic trees. Throughout spring and early summer, woodland bulbs are complimented by the flowering of Camellias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

Enniskerry • Tel 087 9371920

THE ROCK

This garden is sub tropical and Mediterranean in design. Washington Palms, Canary Island Palms and Jubeas Australis are amongst the very rare collection of temperate climate trees and shrubs, all growing happily in the open.

With stunning views of the Wicklow mountains, The Rock has some wonderful natural rockeries and a landscaped garden with a wide variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, as well as a Laburnum walk and a secret woodland.

Wicklow Town • Tel: 0404 61684

Kilmacanogue • Tel: 01 286 2761

WRENSWOOD GARDEN Over 6 ha. of gardens, broadleaved woodland and valley meadow, with walks down shady paths, by streams and dry-stone walls, ancient Rath (ring fort) and majestic oaks. New areas are created yearly, with rare and unusual plants.

Ashford • Tel: 01 281 0274

WARBLE BANK A large and charming old-fashioned hillside garden, which has been cultivated for over a hundred years.

A backdrop of trees and shrubs shelter herbaceous borders displaying unusual species and cultivars.

Newtownmountkennedy • Tel: 01 281 9298

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SUMMER

Blooms

THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING AND SUMMER MEANS THE SAME FOR GARDENING ENTHUSIASTS THE WORLD OVER; AN EFFUSION OF GREENERY AND FLOWERS OF EVERY KIND, AND TO EVERY TASTE. IS YOUR GARDEN READY FOR THE TWO MOST BEAUTIFUL MONTHS OF THE YEAR?

I

f you haven’t yet prepped your garden for summer planting, now is the time to start. To begin with, you’ll need some basic tools to get started (you can always expand on what you have based on your plans). Every garden needs soil, seeds and plant food, as well as aerated planting pots. At this time of year, remember you’re looking for plant seeds that will thrive in spring and summer; a surprising number of plants are seasonal to the winter months, so this is worth taking note of. When selecting seeds, consider choosing ones that will grow well, side by side, as well as the actual ‘look’ you’re going for.

When preparing your garden for new planting, bear in mind that not all soil will be suitable. For example, soil that’s coarse or full of rocks will need to be mixed with softer soil, to ensure it doesn’t stop the seeds from growing. New, softer soil is available to purchase from most garden stores.

If you need to buy gardening tools, be sure to include the most basic items including a trowel, a weeding fork and a cultivator as these are the ones you’ll use on a daily basis.

You also might want to invest in a kneeling pad, as well as a hat to keep the sun from your eyes, and gardening gloves to protect your hands.

Many of the bigger gardening stores sell decorative items that can be used to great effect in your garden; water features, statues, fairy lights and bird feeders are big sellers.

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APRIL IS THE MONTH TO…  Prune your evergreens, so, if you have a juniper or conifer this is the time to get pruning! Remove all diseased and undesirable wood taking care not to prune into the bare wood part of the plant.  Plant lilies, dahlias and gladioli. Mix bulb fertiliser and peat moss into the planting soil for optimum flowering.  Move stored fuchsias and geraniums outdoors (once the danger of frost has completely passed).

Trim and feed, and re-pot if necessary. Don’t forget to water them well!

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T.K. Fencing & Decking Ballyraine Garden Centre Tel: 0402-32656

Fencing

Gates

Decking

Garden Sheds

Razor Tip Fencing

Landscaping

TK Fencing, Newtownboswell, Killskey, Ashford.

Tel: 0404 49778 Mobile: 086 8611122

www.

tkfencing .ie

IS YOUR LAWN OFF COLOR?

THEN GREENFEET IS THE ANSWER!

€19 per treatment for 50m2

OPENING HRS: Mon - Sat: 9.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday: 12 - 5pm

“So why not visit our shop for all your spring gardening needs” Vale Road, Arklow, Co Wicklow (Half a mile from Arklow on the Avoca Road)

10% OFF WITH THIS ADVERT PAUL SEXTON GARDEN CENTRES OPEN 7 DAYS: from 10am to 5.30pm including Sundays THOUSANDS OF: • Roses • Trees • Shrubs @ 1/2 price while stock last

Why not put your feet up and get Greenfeet down?

Have a lush green lawn all year round, no weeds and be done with the unsightly moss.

To get free professional advice & a free quotation call your Local Greenfeet Representative now!

www.greenfeet.ie or info@greenfeet.ie

LOCALL 1890 252 778

BRING THIS AD AND GET A FREE ROSE BUSH With your first purchases.

1 PER CUSTOMER

RECESSION PRICE

1/2SALE GLEN OF THE DOWNS & CORNELSCOURT OLD VILLAGE Tel: 01-2876669 / 01-2896396 Fax: 01-2876670 / 01-2891285 www.paulsextongardencentre.com

- PASSIONATE ABOUT PLANTS

G

ardenworld is one of Ireland’s leading garden centres with a vast range of plants to meet all your needs. We have our own nursery and we grow a huge range of interesting plants. We can also source any plant that you are looking for if it is available. Our very knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to give help and advice whether you are an experienced gardener or only a beginner.

The centre itself boasts a delightful tearooms which serves coffees, lunches

and afternoon teas which can be enjoyed on the outside patio, a gorgeous gift shop, a water and pond centre, Outhaus who display a large range of patios and furniture, the incredible “Dutchtub” and last but not least, the garden exhibition which has 24 gardens all designed and built by leading designers and landscapers. This year we will also have a fantastic new playground for children and toddlers.

Our open day this year is the 22nd of May with lots of entertainment for everyone of all ages.

“Gardenworld” at The National Garden Exhibition Centre, Kilquade, Co. Wicklow Telephone: 01 - 2819890 • E-mail: kilquade@gardenworld.ie Opening times : Monday to Saturday 9 – 5.30, Sundays 12 – 5.30, Bank holidays 10 – 5.30

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A Walkers’ Paradise IF YOU’RE EAGER TO SPEND SOME TIME OUTDOORS THIS MONTH IN THE APRIL SUNSHINE THEN YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TINAHELY TRAIL WALKING FESTIVAL, WHICH TAKES PLACE ON THE 17TH AND 18TH. ORGANISED

BY THE TINAHELY WALKERS WELCOME COMMITTEE, THE TRAILS ARE SUITABLE TO ALL LEVELS OF WALKER, AND THERE’S FUN FOR THE KIDS TOO.

An established walking hub, Tinahely lies south of the Wicklow Mountains and is close to the borders of both Wexford and Carlow. The village of Tinahely is a busy one, with plenty of places to stay, eat out or enjoy a drink or two. At only 2km from the Wicklow Way, Tinahely is a perfect base for walkers or indeed, an ideal resting spot for Wicklow Way Walkers.

SCHEDULE OF WALKS

All walks are national, looped walks and are along laneways, hillside tracks and forestry roadways.

SATURDAY, 17TH APRIL, 2010 •

A WALK: KYLE LOOP Suitable For: Experienced Walkers Start Point: Tinahely Community Hall Registration: 9.30am Distance: 20km Ascent: 500m Walking Time: 5-6 hours

•

B WALK: BALLYCUMBER LOOP Suitable For: Experienced Walkers Start Point: Tinahely Community Hall Registration: 10.30am Distance: 14km Ascent: 400m Walking Time: 4-5 hours

•

C WALK: MANGANS LOOP Suitable for: Regular Walkers Start Point: Tinahely Community Hall Registration: 11.30am Distance: 9km Ascent: 300m Walking time: 2½-3 hours

Experience the peace of beautiful Wicklow

THE GLENCREE VISITOR CENTRE • HOME-MADE FOOD • ARTS & CRAFTS • EXHIBITIONS • SCENERY • HISTORY • CONFERENCE FACILITIES • ACCOMMODATION • FREE PARKING

OPENING HOURS: Seven days a week: 9.30am - 5pm Tel: +353 (0)1 282 9711 • E: visitorcentremanager@glencree.ie Coach parties and walkers welcome.

This is a wheelchair friendly facility.

SUNDAY, 18TH APRIL, 2010 •

B WALK: FROM DYING COW PUB TO TINAHELY, VIA THE WICKLOW WAY Suitable For: Experienced Walkers Start Point: Community Hall (transport is provided to start point) Registration: 10.30am Distance: 15km Ascent: 250m Walking Time: 4 hours Marked with a yellow walking man and arrors, the trail covers a varied landscape with plenty of wildlife to see.

•

FAMILY WALK: TREASURE TRAIL ON RAILWAY WALK AND TOMNAFINNOGUE WOOD Suitable For: All Walkers Start Point: Railway Walk car park Registration: 12pm Distance: 8km Ascent: 0 Walking Time: 3½ hours For more info see www.tinahely.ie

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County

The Garden

FUN AND ADVENTURE FOR ALL ARE PROMISED AT THE WICKLOWS OUTDOORS FESTIVAL

Pictured preparing for the Festival is biking fanatic Tadhg Verdier, as well as Brian Conway (Wicklow Cycles), Ronan Mullen (www.adventure. ie), Dairine Nuttall (Wicklow Nordic Walking ) and Ray McKeon (Wicklow Boat Hire)

W

icklow is set to get active from the 16th to 18th April as the Garden County gets ready for its first ever Wicklow Outdoors Festival. Events will take place the length and breadth of the County, giving participants every opportunity to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Wicklow’s outdoors.

As we all know, Wicklow has much to offer, whether it’s sea and mountains or lakes and forests, and each is an ideal setting for the outdoor enthusiast.

Organised by Wicklow County Tourism and Fáilte Ireland, we recently caught up with Tourism Development Officer, Fred Verdier, for a quick chat to hear

more about what this fantastic festival has to offer both locals and visitors.

IW: HI FRED, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL’S EVENTS? FV: Hi there! The Wicklow Outdoors Festival takes place all over Wicklow from 16th – 18th April, activities include sailing, archery, paintball, sky-treks and zip lines, horse riding, hiking, tours, treasure hunts, cycling, windsurfing and much more! Also taking place on the same weekend as the Wicklow Outdoors Festival is the Wicklow Adventure Race and the Tinahely Walking Festival, so Wicklow really is the place to be, this April.

IW: HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE EVENTS, AND ARE ANY OF THEM FREE?

FV: I’m delighted to let your readers know that the majority of the events are absolutely free! There’s a small charge for some of the Tinahely Walking Festival trails but pretty much everything else is free. However, spaces are limited as the festival is proving really popular, so book now to avoid disappointment later! More info can be found on www.wicklowoutdoors.ie IW: WHAT ABOUT AGE SUITABILITY, ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON THE YOUNGER AUDIENCE? FV: The festival boasts a wide range of activities to suit all ages, fitness levels and tastes and all activities take place in the beautiful Wicklow outdoors.

The festival is shaping up to be one of the most memorable weekends on our county calendar in 2010!

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Jazz

All That

DESCRIBED BY LEADING ONLINE JAZZ RESOURCE - ALL ABOUT JAZZ - AS “ONE OF THE VERY BEST SMALL JAZZ FESTIVALS IN EUROPE”, BRAY JAZZ FESTIVAL MAKES A WELCOME RETURN FOR ITS 11TH YEAR ON THE UPCOMING MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

IW: HI GEORGE, THANKS FOR

TAKING THE TIME TO TALK TO US! ASIDE FROM THE USUAL ROUND UP OF BOTH HOME GROWN AND GLOBAL MUSIC, IS THERE ANYONE WE SHOULD PARTICULARLY LOOK OUT FOR, THIS YEAR?

GJ: Hello! If there is a specific

focus to this year’s festival programme it would be the event’s focus on guitar in Jazz music, with three very different and distinctive international players visiting Bray. First up, we have Londoner John Etheridge, the one-time member of pioneering British rock band Soft Machine. John promises to recall his years working with French jazz violinist Stefan Grappelli when he brings his great ‘hot club’ ensemble Sweet Chorus to the festival for a fitting presentation in this, the centenary of gypsy Jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt.

Norwegian duo Trygve Seim and Frode Haltle play Bray Town Hall, 2nd May

N

ow the largest and longest established Jazz festival weekend in the County, this year’s event will host shows by some of the leading players in contemporary Irish Jazz, together with an impressive roster of international performers - from the United States, UK, Holland, Italy,

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Belgium, Norway and Luxembourg.

The event’s popular global music strand will be on show also, with bands and musicians from Brazil, Senegal, Argentina and Palestine also featuring.

We finally managed to nab Festival Director George Jacob – arguably the busiest man in Wicklow! – for a quick phone chat about what the worldfamous Bray Jazz 2010 has to offer…

American guitarist Wayne Krantz brings his powerful trio to the Mermaid Arts Centre, 2nd May

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IW: ANY PERSONAL FAVOURITES?

GJ:

Festival highlight John Etheridge and his ensemble Sweet Chorus play Mermaid Arts Centre, 1st May

IW: WE REALLY LIKE THE

SOUND OF THAT! FOR ANY OF OUR READERS WHO ARE NEW TO JAZZ, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D RECOMMEND, GEORGE?

GJ:

Yep, definitely – the blistering Jazz-rock fusion of Amercan Wayne Krantz - known to a wider audience for being part of Steely Dan -will also appear with his really popular trio which is not to be missed!

I’m a big fan of Jazz music – no surprise there – but the one I’m really looking forward to is the contemporary Jazz explorations of Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel, in the company of long-time Brad Mehldau bassist Larry Grendadier and saxophonist Chris Cheek. That’s going to be an explosive show!

For the full programme of events and venues (including the Town Hall, Mermaid Arts Centre, Harbour Bar, The Martello, The Coach Inn, Katie Gallaghers, The Royal Hotel and much more) see: www.brayjazz.com

IW: FINALLY GEORGE, WILL

ANY LOCAL TALENT FEATURE AT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL?

GJ: Definitely! One of the shows

at the Town Hall will feature two of Ireland’s finest young musical innovators, Justin Carroll and Sean Óg, who will present a concert by the Argentinian guitarist Ariel Hernandez – who’s surely one to watch.

Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel’s drumfree trio play Mermaid Arts Centre, 30th April

TAKE YOUR SEAT, OUR AMAZING NEW SEASON IS ON SALE NOW Music Altan, Celtic Tenors, Bray Jazz...

Opera The Marriage of Figaro Film Crazy Heart, The Sound of Music...

Comedy Apres Match Una Palliser & The Balkan Bears Sat 8th May

Exhibitions - thEatrE DancE - chilDrEn FROM APRIL TO JUNE THERE ARE

64 DIFFERENT EVENTS OVER 91 BUSY DAYS

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING ON IN YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRE VISIT WWW.MERMAIDARTSCENTRE.IE AND FIND SOMETHING FOR YOU!

MERMAID ARTS CENTRE | MAIN STREET | BRAY | WICKLOW

01 272 4030

www.mermaidartscentre.ie

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IF YOU CAST YOUR MIND BACK, TO A TIME BEFORE THE DEVELOPMENT OF MERIDIAN POINT, YOU MAY REMEMBER THAT WHERE YOU ARE STANDING NOW WAS, IN FACT, AN OLD FISH FACTORY. I HOPE YOU WILL AGREE THAT THE SITE HAS COME A LONG WAY FROM THEN. WE HAVE HOWEVER ATTEMPTED TO MAINTAIN THE MARITIME THEME - AS APPOSED TO A FISHY THEME.

I

f you go back even further, it’s difficult to believe, but in early times not only was there no town here, but there wasn’t even a village. As many of you will know, Greystones is built on a group of rocks, which protrude into the sea two miles south of Bray Head in the County of Wicklow. The Meridian Centre was two years in development and I reckon if it wasn’t for those darn rocks – we’d have finished much, much earlier.

Just to give you a little information on the scheme, Meridian Point was designed

by NBK Designs following our brief to develop a commercial and residential project that would marry in with and complement the centre of Greystones.

A number of materials have gone into this development in order to achieve the effect that you can see, including reflective glass and metal along with more robust natural materials such as timbers, limestone and granite.

There was great scope for a development of this nature as Greystones has become one of the leading growth centres in the greater Wicklow and Dublin regions.

34,000 people live within a 10-minute drive of Meridian Point and 85,000 can drive here in less than 30 minutes.

To ensure the perfect finish, we wanted a centerpiece; something that would appeal to both adults and children and would forever be associated with Meridian Point. We spoke to the very talented artist, Anthony Scott and developed an idea based on the mystical Irish tale of Emer, the mythical horse of the old King of Cullo. Anthony produced a beautiful piece of work which can be enjoyed by all visitors to Meridian Point the centre’s very own life-sized horse.

In keeping with the traditional environment, the shopping centre has been designed to connect to the main road with granite steps leading into the heart of the complex. Here the unique U-shaped double height buildings form a new civic space orientated back towards the town.

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I hope that you will take this opportunity to experience and enjoy some of Meridian Point’s fantastic shops.

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• Apache Pizza • An Post (Post Office) • Ashanti Gold (Ladies Fashion Boutique) • Carphone Warehouse • Chinese Medical Centre • Classic FX • Concepts (Home & Giftware) • Curves • Daisychain Florists • Eternity Jewellers (Handmade Jewellery) • Heatons • Krazy Kids • Kudos (Hair & Beauty) • Nosh N Coffee • Shadore (Ladies Fashion Boutique) • Sherry Fitzgerald (Estate Agents) • The Godess Room (Vintage Style) • Wheelie Wash

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A TASTE OF WHAT’S ON OFFER AT THE MERIDIEN POINT...

APACHE PIZZA Order online - www.apachepizza.ie Ph: 01-2878000.

Delivery area- Greystones, Southern Cross Bray, Kilcoole, Kilpedder, Newtownmontkennedy, Newcastle.

Also, located in the Meridian S.C. beside Apache Pizza is LAMs chinese, thai cuisine. Ph: 01-2878688, 01-2876623.

Open Sun to Thurs 4:30pm-12 pm, Fri/ Sat 4:30pm-12:30 am.

Order online-www.justeat.ie

AN POST Every day, An Post staff deliver over 3,500,000 items of mail to 2,130,000 homes and businesses from 4,500 post boxes and more than 1,200 Post Offices nationwide, using 3,000 vehicles. One of the oldest institutions of the State, the Post Office in Ireland has touched and continues to touch the lives of people throughout the country almost every day who use it for sending post, purchasing stamps, money transfers, savings, paying bills, applying for a passport, purchasing a dog license or TV license, paying fixed Garda fines, purchasing Prize Bonds or One for All gift cards, as well as many other services.

ASHANTI GOLD Ashanti Gold boutique offers a unique selection of both classic and directional labels to suit every age and figure. We pride ourselves on our personal service and advise each client on dressing for their particular shape and occassion. Labels include: Basler, Gerard Darel, Gant, Creenstone and Fuego.

Wheelie Wash Limited Car Valeting & Bike Store

WHEELIE WASH Wheelie Wash Limited have been in the Meridian Point Shopping Centre for the past number of years and would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers for their continued support. Our great value Mini Valet for €39 has been in place since our inception and continues to be the firm favorite with our customers. We have recently opened a Bike Store as part of our outlet and are building up a good custom base. As well as bike sales (which are on show in the shop but can also be ordered through a catalogue) we also service and repair bikes and can order any accessories you require. We can arrange to have your bike collected and returned to you.

Mini Valet €39

Hand Wash, Vac, Tyre Polish, Mat Wash, Dashboard Polish,Boot Vac, Door Ledges Cleaned, Windows Cleaned,Interior Vinyls Cleaned & Fresh Scent

Bike Store Sales, Service, Repairs Pick-up and Delivery Service available Meridian Point Shopping Centre, Greystones.

Tel: 2557361 / 0873007258

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yourtown CLASSIC FX With over 18 years experience in retail, mother and daughter team – Nicola and Noelle – opened the doors of Classic FX at the Meridian Shopping Centre more than 6 years ago. The girls pride themselves on offering customers superior quality at an affordable price, alongside a second-to-none customer service. Every accessory is available at Classic FX including shoes (labels include Solo Soprani, Ilse Jacobsen, Enzo of Florence and Fitflop) handbags, shawls, fascinators and hats, jewelry, wallets and purses, and much more.

So whether you’ve a wedding, a christening, a communion or just feel like treating yourself, call into Classic FX for the ultimate shopping experience.

Tel: 01 287 1801

CONCEPTS Concepts retails branded and non-branded, Irish and international giftware and jewellery and has been doing so since 1997.

Concepts is a family run business with a retail presence in Meridien Point Centre in Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

Priding ourselves on the service we offer our customers and the mix of products we stock, we hope there is something for everyone.

DAISY CHAIN FLORISTS Providing top quality flowers as well as excellent customer service, Daisy Chain Florist promise to cater to the needs of every individual. They can provide flowers of ‘distinction’ for every occasion and are a teleflorist agent, delivery locally, nationally and internationally on a daily basis. Why not pop into Daisy Chain Florist soon and brighten up someone’s day!

HEATONS Heatons at the Meridian Shopping Centre, Greystones have been bringing affordable and convenient shopping to Greystones residents since its opening in October 2004. A central location with a modern and stylish interior ensures a pleasant shopping experience for the people of Greystones.

Heatons have an extensive range of stylish homewares, great value audio and a wide selection of top brand toiletries. Heatons Greystones provides great value and style for all your home needs. Always an emphasis on ‘great value’, ‘great choice’ and ‘great quality’ throughout all their offerings Heatons continue to grow with 52 stores located throughout Ireland. An irish owned company.

KRAZY KIDS

CARPHONE WAREHOUSE The Carphone Warehouse, Unit 2, Meridian Point Shopping Centre, Greystones, Co. Wicklow • Ph: 01 2873494 Opening Hours:

Mon - 9:00 to 18:00 Tue - 9:00 to 18:00 Wed - 9:00 to 18:00 Thu - 9:00 to 18:00 Fri - 9:00 to 18:00 Sat - 9:00 to 18:00

Krazy Kids caters for every occasion from fashionable and casual wear to special occasion wear for boys and girls, from birth to 14years.

Christening and Communions are a particular speciality at Krazy Kids and a wide range of accessories are available. Top labels include Mayoral, Levi’s, Diesel, Dudeskin and many more, as well as a range of new, quality Swedish rainwear, available at very competitive prices.

Don’t forget to check out the new summer stock which is arriving weekly!

Krazy Kids are located at Unit 1A, Meridian Point Shopping Centre.

CURVES Curves provides you with a complete cardio and strength training workout in just 30 minutes. With a system that can burn up to 500 calories and work every major muscle group, you get an efficient and effective workout every visit. It’s no wonder over 4 million women have chosen Curves to meet their health goals.

Unit 1, 16 Meridian Point, Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow • Tel: 01 2873534

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yourtown Fairtrade Coffee Paninis, Baguettes, Bagels (Made up in store) Breakfast till 12pm Milkshakes, Smoothies Cookie Jars (Homemade American Cookies) Child friendly café

Tel: 01-2878344 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5pm • Sat: 9.00am - 5.30pm OPEN SUNDAYS FROM 11TH APRIL

AN POST Opening Hours: Mon – Fri / 9am – 5.30pm Sat / 9am – 1pm (Do not close for lunch) • Investments • Gift Vouchers

• Prizebonds • Savings Accounts

NOSH & COFFEE Quality coffees, good food, relaxing atmosphere and stylish surroundings are all attributes that define the Nosh+Coffee outlet experience. Nosh+Coffee Co Ltd was founded in 2004 and is one of the fastest growing coffee operators in the Republic, aiming to provide a European style coffee house experience offering premium espresso-based coffee, good food products and a relaxing atmosphere in every store. Nosh+Coffee stores are owned and managed by independent operators through franchise, thus ensuring that the greatest effort is made in each outlet to satisfy and please every customers.

Tel: 01-2874055

We stock a full range of redken products.

We are delighted to introduce the 12 week blowdry into the salon, this will include a complimentary shampoo, conditioner and styling product.

For free consultation call in or phone KUDOS on 01-2873062 Open 6 days a week & Late night thursday til 8pm

SHERRY FITZGERALD Founded in 1982, Sherry FitzGerald has grown to become Ireland’s largest firm of estate agents with over 100 owned and franchised branches throughout Ireland. The Sherry FitzGerald barometer of second-hand house prices is one of the longest established indices of price performance in the Irish residential market. Originally established in 1992 the barometer provides a quarterly analysis of price trends in the Irish second-hand residential market.

GREYSTONES

01 287 8000 Large selection of summer wear now in stock for 0-14 years Sun - Thurs: 4pm to 11.30pm Fri & Sat: 4pm to 12am 22

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Meridian Point, Greystones Tel: 01-2871713

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Shadore Boutique KUDOS On arrival at Kudos Hair Salon, customers are greeted by the friendly and efficient front-of-house staff and are ushered into the luxuriously appointed salon to discuss their needs with a top stylist of their choice. Kudos offer the very best in service, including the entire Redkin product range, and freshly brewed Bewley’s coffee for those looking for refreshments. Kudos are now offering the 12 week blow-dry, complete with shampoo, conditioner and styling product!

Spring/Summer 2010 Collection The Very Best of French, Italian, Danish & Irish Design.

Sizes 8-16 • Open Mon-Sat 10.30-6pm Meridian Shopping Centre, Greystones. 01 2875999

Kudos is a unisex, child-friendly salon and is open Mon-Sat, and late on Thursday till 8pm.

Meridian Point S.C., Greystones Wicklow Town Retail Park The Park, Carrickmines SHADORE

Ladieswear | Menswear | Childrenswear | Footwear

Shadore Boutique has been attracting the more discerning female shopper Homewares | Home Textiles | Home Entertainment since 2002 while proprietors Sharon and Doreen Monaghan have been working within the industry for over 12 years. The Shadore team has expanded with the assistance of Maura Murray and all strive to find unusual pieces for their customers and are on hand to advise which up to the minute 1/8pg April2010.indd 1 09/04/2010 looks will most flatter each individual. Shadore stock the very best Italian, French and Danish labels, and of course, is a firm supporter of both established and up and coming Irish labels such as ‘Aideen Bodkin’ and new to Shadore this season is ‘Ella Boo’, with her 1st collection available to buy instore, now!

“Different by Design” Tel: 01-2873800 www.daisychainflorist.ie Email: info@daisychainflorist.ie

Weddings Funerals Birthdays Anniversary’s Corporate Valentines Mothers Day Births Special Occasions House & Garden Plants Giftware After Hours Service Available Teleflorist Agent DELIVERY SERVICE: LOCAL • NATIONAL • INTERNATIONAL

Meridian Point SC, Greystones 01 287 1801 Open on Sundays from 1-5pm

Specialising in shoes, handbags, shawls, and shrugs, fascinators, head pieces and French costume jewellery.

Our experienced team at Classic FX will help you accessorise your outfit, old or new, for that very special occasion.

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10:55

familytime

Let the Games

Begin

KIDS ARE JUST LIKE US; THEY NEED REGULAR INTERVALS OF R AND R TO COPE WITH THE EVERYDAY STRESSES THAT BEING A SCHOOL STUDENT MEANS! WICKLOW HAS A PLETHORA OF FUN THINGS TO DO ALL YEAR ROUND, SO WHY NOT GIVE YOUR CHILDREN THE TIMEOUT THEY DESERVE, ONE THAT’S FUNFILLED AND FULL OF LAUGHTER. IF, LIKE MANY OF US, YOU’RE STRAPPED FOR CASH RIGHT NOW, DON’T DESPAIR – WE’VE INCLUDED PLENTY OF BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS THAT THE KIDDIES WILL ENJOY JUST AS MUCH.

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ECOADVENTURE IRELAND f your kids are keen to try something extra special, then EcoAdventure Ireland might be just what they’re looking for. Situated on a sixty acre site in the magnificent glaciated Glencree valley near Enniskerry, An Oige’s new €4m state of the art 5* hostel offers top class, affordable accommodation and provides the perfect setting for outdoor activities, which come courtesy of EcoAdventure Ireland. Activities include pony trekking, mountain biking, archery, orienteering, low ropes, target shooting, basic survival training and team building tasks. Different camps are also offered, and include pony camp (residential) and multi-activity camp (both residential and non-residential).

Prices from €40 (non residential multi-activity days) Tel: 01 276 7988 www.ecoadventureireland.ie ZOOM ADVENTURE PLAY An extreme maze of tunnels, spiral slides and obstacle courses; four levels of play and excitement, starting from way down low to way up high as well as an astra slide, a double helix slide and ball cannons! Zoom Adventure Play

April 2010

Zoom Adventure Play offers a huge array of fun activities for children of all ages and there’s even a terrace – complete with amazing views – for the grown ups, as well as great food, and coffee too.

3+ €7.95, Under 3, €5.95, babies free.

Tel: 01 201 6600 www.zap.ie

familytime Tel: 0404 46000 www.greenanmaze.com

Powerscourt Waterfall

WICKLOW MOUNTAINS

Greenan Farm Museum GREENAN FARM MUSEUM For a truly unique day out why not bring the kids to Greenan Farm in Rathdrum?

With a tricky celtic maze that will puzzle the kids for hours, a stream and a viewing tower, children of all ages will be entranced by the maze for the entire day. Unique in design, this celtic maze is well worth a visit. Also on site is the Old Farmhouse, which dates from the 16th century and was used as a safe house for Irish rebels, and the Dragonfly Walk, a raised wooden walkway that leads through native woodlands and wetlands and has three ponds with raised viewing platforms. This un-spoilt area supports an abundance of wild life such as wild deer, moorhens, frogs and dragonflies.

FREE NATIONAL PARK The National Park includes large areas of mountain bogs, including the Liffey Head Bog and Glendalough Wood Nature Reserve. The Park is the ideal protection for its landscape and wildlife, from rare orchids to the Peregrine Falcon. If you’re interested in doing more than going for a walk, the Park run a variety of activities for all age groups which are free – including nature walks and workshops. www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie

Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Diamond Bowl & Kid Zone is a family entertainment centre located just outside Wicklow Town on the Dublin road. The 30,000 sq. ft, two storey building contains a 12 Lane Ten Pin Bowling Alley and a video game arcade located on the ground floor and a Children’s Indoor Adventure Soft Play area on the first floor. This fine facility “A GREAT VALUE has hosted a number of bowling NIGHT OUT FOR leagues to date featuring everyone FAMILIES OR from beginners to the ultimate pro!

FRIENDS” - GROUPS OF 6 CAN PLAY FOR ONLY €25 PER HOUR PER LANE COMPARED TO €30 OR €44 IN OTHER BOWLING CENTERS.

We have a newly refurbished Pool Area with Juke box hosting a mixture of standard and American Pool tables.

The Children’s Indoor Adventure soft play area is one of the largest

POWERSCOURT WATERFALL With woodland walks, a playground and masses of space for running around, it’s no surprise that Powerscourt in Enniskerry is a huge favourite for family picnics. The waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m and is surrounded by woods and specimen plants. Visitors have been coming to Powerscourt for over 200 years, attracted no doubt by the beautiful cascade flowing down into the Dargle River.

Adults €8, children & OAPs €7.

Tel: 01 204 6000 www.powerscourt.ie

on the East Coast consisting of 3 separate areas 0 - 2 yrs, 2 - 4 yrs and 5 - 12 yrs. The individual areas have different levels of climbing frames, ball pools, slides, swings, mini soccer pitches and obstacle courses. It also boasts having water bumper cars and mini formula 1 cars available for children’s use. Sit back and relax over a freshly brewed coffee and snacks in the Coffee Dock, safe in the knowledge that your children are in safe hands at Diamond Bowl & Kid Zone.

The Diamond Bowl & Kid Zone specialise in hosting birthday parties and have excellent facilities available, including different packages to suit all ages and an individual party room and party hosts per party. www.wicklowbowl.ie

For further information on the facilities at the Diamond Bowl & Kid Zone please call us on 0404 65222 or lookup our website www.wicklowbowl.ie

folloown us

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familytime

Bray Head

BRAY HEAD

FREE

If you’re planning on taking a spin out to Bray during the Bank holiday then a walk up Bray Head is not to be missed.

The cliff walk takes about two hours and covers the flora and fauna of this isolated – yet entirely accessible – place.

The journey is easy enough with plenty of gentle slopes but it can be hard going pushing a buggy, so bear that in mind!

If you get to the top keep a lookout for the Brandy Hole, a famous spot where smugglers stored their loot, once upon a time.

Wicklow Gaol WICKLOW GAOL Built in 1702 and finally closed in 1924, Wicklow Gaol has a long history of cruelty and shame. The gaol housed thousands of prisoners during the Great Famine, the 1798 Rebellion and the War of Independence and was known locally as The Gates of Hell.

Rumoured to be the most haunted place in Ireland, youngsters are enthralled at

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the harshness of the dungeon, and of particular interest is the Schoolroom, where you can meet 19th century Gaol Matron Mary Morris and listen while she instructs you in today’s lesson. There’s also a café and gift shop to visit.

years, Mount Usher has been a truck mill and later a corn mill, which used the Killiskey River to turn its wheel.

Adults €7, children & OAPs €6 Tel: 0404 40205 www.mountushergardens.ie

Family ticket €19 (2 adults + 3 children, under 5s are free) Tel: 0404 61599 www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com MOUNT USHER GARDENS Laid out along the banks of the River Vartry, Mount Usher is one of the loveliest day tours you can do in Wicklow. Trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants have been introduced from all parts of the globe and are planted in harmony with woodland and shade loving plants. Like all the great gardens of Ireland, Mount Usher offers varying pleasures at different seasons of the year. Rhododendrons in spring, a blaze of summer colour and the wistful tints of autumn, all elegantly set off by the crystal waters of the river. Over the

Mount Usher Gardens

Avon Rí AVON RÍ Situated overlooking Blessington Lake, Avon Rí is an ideal destination for a family holiday, with luxurious selfcatering houses, Il Lago restaurant, a leisure centre and tons of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Activites include mountain biking, hill walking, orienteering, treasure hunts, archery, power-boating, kayaking, windsurfing and much more. Children can participate in activities from 8 years of age while younger children are catered for in certain actitivies.

Children’s full day package €35 Tel: 045 900670 www.avonri.com

familytime GLENROE FARM A wide variety of farm animals live on Glenroe Farm including deer, sheep, lambs, cattle, pigs, goats, ducks, geese, turkeys, peacocks, hens and chickens. There’s also a pet corner where visitors can get up close and personal with rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs and chipmunks! The farm also boasts a nature walk beside Kilcoole Beach, perfect for a sunny day. The farmhouse museum is located in a 350 year old cottage and is brilliant for giving youngsters an insight into how our ancestors lived many years ago. If you’re planning a visit to Glenroe Farm don’t forget to visit the Coffee Shop which is packed with home-made goodies for you to take home and enjoy.

the Roundwood to Glendalough section.

This trail is do-able at just 10-12km long and allows plenty of time for exploring the majestic glacial valleys in the heart

of the Wicklow uplands. Beginning at Roundwood, the walking route takes in Laragh – a lively village with plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants – the

Tel: 287 2288 THE WICKLOW WAY

FREE

While the actual trails start in Dublin and finish in Carlow, one of our favourite hikes on the Wicklow Way is

Glenroe Farm

For gs c Savin Fantasti group visits ol and cial on scho ils on our spe : deta s on and for ackages call u P y Birthda 939

66 01 28 2010: OR NEW F

OPEN DAILY

from 10.00am Strand Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel: 01 286 6939 Web: www.sealife.ie inWICKLOW

April 2010

27

familytime course runs for 8 weks at a cost of €60 per child.

12 months family pool and gym membership €800 (only €66 per month!)

Tel: 0402 23328 www.coralleisure.ie

The Wicklow Way Brockagh Forest and Glendalough, which has top class accommodation, if you’re considering an overnight stay. www.wicklowway.com BRITTAS BAY FREE Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Brittas Bay is one of our finest beaches and is popular throughout Ireland as a place to visit. With 5km of beautiful white sand dunes and clean beaches – Brittis is an EU Blue Flag recipient for 5 years running – it’s ideal for bathing, sailing and walking. Pack up the car, bring a picnic and hang out at the beach all day – perfect!

CORAL LEISURE With facilities that include a 25 metre swimming pool, a separate learner pool, sauna and steamroom, a large, spacious gymnasium, indoor sports hall and a dance studio, it’s hardly

Brittas Bay Beach 28

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April 2010

surprising that Coral Leisure is the biggest leisure complex in the South East. A range of classes are offered at Coral Leisure to suit every child’s individual needs, from beginner to advanced level. If you’re unsure of your child’s swimming abilities, an instructor is on hand to assess each child. Lessons run on Mondays 3.30pm and 4.20pm, Wednesdays and Fridays 3.30pm, 4.20pm and 5.15pm and on Saturdays 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am and 12.30pm. Each

AVOCA HANDWEAVERS Located in the heart of County Wicklow, Avoca is a family-run company that has come a long way since its birth over 280 years ago, when a mill was built on the banks of the Avoca River which was used for grinding corn for bread and spinning and weaving wool from local sheep for clothing and blankets.

The retail end of the business started with a small shop at the Avoca Mill and today, thousands of products –kidswear and toys to knitwear and jewellery – are on sale at the 7 Avoca stores in Ireland. There are foodhalls, kitchen shops and even a garden centre. And of course, there are the award-winning Avoca Cafes. Packed with artisan products from both home and abroad, exotic ingredients, speciality cheeses and unusual coffees and teas cram the shelves. Freshly-made sandwiches, soups and gourmet tarts can be taken home

familytime or eaten in the café – the perfect ending to a day spent trekking through the Wicklow hills with the family.

Tel: 01 2867466 www.avoca.ie

Rivers of the World, Lair of the Octopus, Nemo’s Kingdom and Tropical Shark Lagoon. Children of all ages will be entranced by both the residents and their feeding habits! (see website for feeding times). There are talks available on most of the marine life, so the kids get an education, too.

Tickets from €9 per adult and €6 per child www.sealifeeurope.com

NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE Located on Bray’s Seafront, County Wicklow, the National Sea Life Centre is one of the country’s largest allweather marine and freshwater zoos.

Its collection of over 90 species of underwater animals is displayed in a range of exciting exhibits that include

DIAMOND BOWL & KID ZONE Located within walking distance of Wicklow Town yet with ample parking for visitors from further afield, Diamond Bowl offers a host of entertainment, all under one roof. With ten-pin glow in the dark bowling, arcade games, pool tables and a KidZone run by friendly and helpful staff, there’s something for everyone at Diamond Bowl. KidZone offers 15,000 sq ft of fun for all the family, as well as a baby area for under 3’s, where Mums and Dads can interact with their babies in a safe environment.

For the more adventurous 5-12 year olds, there’s a huge play frame consisting of 3 levels of fun from astra slides, tube slides, ball pools with giant steps, a mini soccer pitch and much more. There are also water bumper boats and formula 1 cars which are brilliant fun!

Tickets from €9 per adult and €6 per child Prices vary but keep an eye out for midweek special offers! www.wicklowbowl.ie

Lakeshore & Activity Resort

4 star accommodation with restaurant and bar

Tel: +353(0)45 900 670 / +353 • (0)86 600 7702 • Email: info@avonri.com • www.avonri.com Sailing, Fishing, Canoeing, Windsurfing, Power Boat Training, Tennis, Mountain Biking, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Zorbing & much more...

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eating&drinking

On The Town

WICKLOW IS RENOWNED FOR ITS OUTSTANDING NIGHTLIFE, FROM ONE-ROOM PUBS TO MODERN STYLE BISTROS SERVING HAUTE CUISINE FOOD. EACH MONTH, WE STRIVE TO BRING YOU THE RESTAURANTS, PUBS AND CLUBS IN OUR COUNTY WHO ARE PREPARED TO GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS, OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND VALUE FOR MONEY.

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THE MARTELLO TOWER & BISTRO Named after the Martello Tower that once stood sentinel on Bray beach, The Martello is laid out over two levels, with a conservatory upstairs boasting spectacular views over the bay and a fully heated area on the ground floor, facing the seafront. The burgundy and black décor of the tables and parasols outside give The Martello a distinctive look that makes it instantly recognisable to residents. The outdoor area is of course a huge attraction in the summer months, although the extensive bar food and cocktail menus as well as live music seven days a week do much to pull the crowds from near and far. There are 13 large plasma screens for sports fans and the late license means The Martello is always popular.

The recent refurbishment of The Tower Bistro into an open plan, 50 seater restaurant with an adjoining bar where diners can enjoy a quiet

April 2010

drink before moving to their table has raised the profile for The Martello, placing it high on the list of must-visit restaurants in Bray Town.

For bookings please call 01 286 8000 SHELBY’S BRASSERIE Located on the first floor of No. 73 on the Main Street in Bray, Shelby’s has certainly raised the bar for restaurants in this area. Although it’s relatively new, this restaurant has a wonderful ambience which is possibly down to the fact that it’s a family-run establishment and the front of house team - husband and wife Bert

eating&drinking pan fried Hick’s black pudding salad, fillet of sea bass with potato rosti and marinated Barbary duck breast.

The Bistro is open from Wednesday – Saturday and an Early Bird Menu is available from 6pm-7.30pm, each day.

Communion Lunch menus are available throughout April and May and include a 3 course lunch menu for €21.95.

For bookings please call 01 282 8903 and Michelle Egan – are always on hand to help with any question a diner might have, or indeed, to say hello.

All ingredients at Shelby’s are sourced locally and there are several gluten-free options on the menu. Children are welcome making Shelby’s popular with families on special occasions. Shelby’s offer an excellent value Early Bird Menu which runs from Monday – Saturday, from 5pm-7pm and that consists of two courses, plus tea or coffee.

For bookings please call 01 276 8894

THE BISTRO Situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Enniskerry, The Bistro is a modern restaurant that is popular with locals and tourists alike. An intimate yet relaxing place, The Bistro use locally sourced produce and serve superb cuisine at affordable prices.

The combination of fine food and pleasant ambience make The Bistro an unforgettable dining experience, and certainly worthy of a night out. Head Chef Louise Clarke has created an impressive choice of dishes including

Gerry Mooney ‘Sunday Independant’

Brings Dining Style to Bray Decorated with smart decor entirely influenced by the Moulin Rouge in Paris, on entering Diva Restaurant, Bray, one would be forgiven for thinking they were dining in the Montmartre, the chic Bohemian quarter of Paris. Restaurateur Tara O’Grady has used her experience as an interior decorator to create a stylish restaurant space which offers overtones of the theatre and cabaret.

Whilst the food at Diva is based on Mediterranean cuisine, it is widely varied. The restaurant specialises in catering for diners with special dietary needs, offering vegetarian, gluten-free and nut-free dishes.

51 MAIN ST BRAY

Owner Tara recently moved from her premises in Greystones Harbour, where she operated a similar restaurant with the same name, for five years. At the new Bray premises Tara looks forward to opening earlier in the day for morning coffee and scones, throughout lunch meeting the demands of hungry workers, then in the evenings, with an Early Bird Menu from €16.95 and dinner for two (including a bottle of wine) for €50. Families are welcome at Diva and the recently launched Sunday Kids Club is proving extremely popular! Music is also performed at Diva with familiar faces appearing on a regular basis.

TEL: 01-2860006 / 087 7672761

WWW.DIVARESTAURANT.IE

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eating&drinking

Confirmation

Season

GIVE YOUR FAMILY A DAY TO REMEMBER BY HOSTING CONFIRMATION LUNCH IN ONE OF WICKLOW’S MANY RESPECTED ESTABLISHMENTS

T

he lead up and preparation for your child’s confirmation day is usually a time of great stress for mums and dads; as well as hunting down the all-important outfit to be worn on the day, students are also under pressure in school from teachers to be word perfect in their catechism and responses at Mass. If you add in throwing a celebratory party on the day at your home, things can get very stressful, indeed. The latest in home parties includes not only caterers, but some form of entertainment for the pre-teen and their pals, too. If you have a confirmation looming in the not too distant future, why not remove at least some hassle from your day, and book an area in a local Wicklow restaurant?

Local restaurants are clued in to the impressive business that confirmation bookings can bring. With an average party usually consisting of 10-16 adults and as many children, this is an essential revenue stream that is not to be sniffed at. Many local restaurants are now offering confirmation packages, with private rooms providing lunch at a leisurely

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pace proving very popular. Family friendly establishments are obviously the most important factor, as well as restaurants offering highchairs, a children’s play area and ‘children eat for free’ offers.

Local hotels are keen to be seen as an alternative option for this special occasion. With many hotels offering free, secure parking and discounted 3-course meals, we’re confident that the hotel trade in Wicklow will be doing a roaring trade for Confirmation lunch over the coming months. Many hotels also boast beautifully attended, private gardens, which will prove invaluable when it comes to taking family photos.

eating&drinking

Tulfarris Hotel And Golf Resort Glenview Hotel And Leisure Club

Now taking Communion and Confirmation bookings. Enjoy your child’s special day in beautiful surroundings while dining in the Lime Tree Restaurant overlooking the Blessington Lakes.

Adults 2 Course €21.00, 3 course €26.00 Children’s menu from €6.50 GOLF MEMBERSHIP ONLY €1000 APRIL SPECIALS Dinner, bed and breakfast Midweek from €54.00 pps Play, stay and dine midweek special €75 pps The perfect venue for weddings, christenings, 21st parties, anniversaries banquets and all special occasions.

Situated in the Glen O’The Downs,The Woodlands Restaurant & adjoining rooms are the perfect venue for all occasions such as Christenings, Anniversaries, Communions, Confirmations and Birthdays.

We have a number of private dining rooms that can cater from 2 -180 people.

Tulfarris House & Golf Resort, Blessington, Co. Wicklow t: +353 (0) 45 867600 f: +353 (0) 45 867601 e: info@tulfarris.com w: www.tulfarris.com

WICKLOW TOWN

0404 32 622

The Glenview Hotel has been serving the public for almost a century and have mastered the art of great food and excellent service in an idyllic location.

We also offer a buffet option in our Glenview Suite on the ground floor of the hotel with breathtaking views of the Glen.

The communion or confirmation child eats for free and they also receive a small gift from the hotel to mark the day.

We offer a table d’hote menu with 4 courses (prices midweek are €25 for adults and €10 for kids and weekends are €30 for adults and €15 for kids.

The Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club Delgany, Co Wicklow Tel: +353 (1) 287 3399 • Fax: +353 (1) 287 7511 www.glenviewhotel.com

Mon - Sun: 12.00pm to 11.00pm Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge, Vale of Avoca, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Ph: +353 (0402) 35146 Fax: +353 (0402) 35573 Web: www.woodenbridgehotel.com Email: info@woodenbridgehotel.com

M GlefnCouill

l Go

rse Exclusive Par 3 Golf Course

For bookings: www.glenmillgolfclub.ie Tel: +353(0)1 281 0977 “A hidden Gem in the heart of Wicklow”

Irelands Oldest Hotel Celebrating 400 Years of Heritage and Hospitality.

Special lunch menu for confirmations and the child making their confirmation goes FREE. Children’s menu also available

Lunch Menu A Homemade Soup of the Day ~~~ Roast Sirloin of Irish Beef ~Served with a Burgundy Reduction~ ~~~ Poached Fillet of Salmon ~Served with Lemon cream Sauce~ ~~~ Traditional Stuffed Turkey & Ham ~Served with Cranberry Sauce~ ~~~ Profiteroles with chocolate sauce Homemade Cheesecake Tea/Coffee €18.50

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fashionfix

FIRST THINGS

First

TO ENSURE YOUR NAILS AND HANDS ARE IN TIP-TOP CONDITION ALWAYS USE A GENTLE HAND-WASH FOLLOWED BY AN INTENSIVE HAND-CREAM. FILE NAILS INTO DESIRED SHAPE – WE LOVE A SOFT OVAL – AND REMEMBER, ALWAYS FILE IN THE ONE DIRECTION. NAIL POLISH LASTS LONGER WHEN YOU USE BOTH A TOP AND BASE COAT AND THIS ONE FROM BOOTS REALLY DOES THE TRICK!

SHAPE UP...

AND GET YOUR CURVES IN PLACE WITH NAILS HE CAN’T SAY NO TO!

IRIS MOISTURE RICH HAND WASH (€4)

FROM MARKS & SPENCER

ALL DAY LONG HAND CREAM SPF15 (€7) FROM MARKS & SPENCER

1

NATURAL COLLECTION NAIL FILE (€2.99)

TOTALLY RED FROM CHANEL (€22)

PHARMACIES AND BOOTS STORES

FROM BROWN THOMAS AND DEPARTMENT STORES, NATIONWIDE

2

FROM BOOTS STORES

5

BOURJOIS ULTRA SHINE IN DIAMOND RED (€7.50) FROM

AUTOGRAPH ULTIMATE WEAR IN CHOCOLATE (€8.50) FROM MARKS & SPENCER

6MAXI BRUSH RANGE (€3.49) FROM RIMMEL PRO IN FIRE ENGINE RED

7REVLON’S PINK CANDY 3MAC REBEL IN GLITTER (€15) (€2.99) FROM BROWN THOMAS STORES IN DUBLIN, CORK, LIMERICK AND DUBLIN AIRPORT

4

NO7 STAY PERFECT TOP COAT ( €7.45) FROM BOOTS STORES

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April 2010

SELECTION OF NAIL POLISHES FROM MODELS OWN RANGE (€2.99 each) AVAILABLE AT WWW.ASOS.COM

FROM PHARMACIES AND BOOTS STORES

8

FROM A SELECTION AT ACCESSORIZE (PRICES START AT €2.99)

fashionfix

5 TO

Dazzle

NOW THAT YOUR NAILS LOOK AMAZING IT’S TIME TO SHOW THEM OFF! THE HIGH STREET HAVE A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF COCKTAIL RINGS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2010, HERE’S A SELECTION OF OUR MUSTHAVES…

FLOWER POWER IN RED (€24) FROM ACCESSORIZE

VINTAGE STYLE PEARL (APPROX €10) FROM WWW.ASOS.COM

DAZZLE WITH THIS KNUCKLE-DUSTER (€29) FROM FRENCH CONNECTION

8

PINKCOURTURE (€11) FROM NEXT

DIAMANTE FLOWER (€3.00) FROM PENNEYS

inWICKLOW

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CORNER

Whats the Story, Rory?

With 9 cubes, 54 images and unlimited stories, Rory’s Story Cubes will provide hours of fun for children of all ages.

WHETHER YOU’RE SPENDING A QUIET WEEKEND WITH THE KIDS OR THEY’RE STUCK INDOORS BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER, KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED WITH SOME FUN THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Baking Fun All children love baking and Fairy Cakes are a tasty treat that are simple to make, and loved by everyone!

MAKES 12 125g sieved plain flour (For a chocolate alternative, replace 25g of flour with cocoa powder) 125g softened butter 125g caster sugar 2 medium eggs

You will need: Mixing bowl and spoon Cake tray with paper cases Mix together the softened butter and caster sugar until combined. Add in the sieved flour and stir well. Break in the eggs, making sure not to drop in any shell! When all of the ingredients are combined spoon the mixture into the paper cases and bake for 12-15, until golden brown.

To ice the Fairy Cakes, mix a little icing sugar (50g) with a couple of spoons of water to form a paste. Spread over the buns and get decorating!

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Roll the cubes…and, beginning with ‘Once Upon A Time’, take turns to tell a story that links all 9 face-up images. Start with the first symbol that grabs your attention! Rory’s Story Cubes® can be enjoyed solitaire or by taking turns with multiple players.

“Once Upon a Time, there was a little boy called Toby, who’s best friend was a Buzzy Bee. Toby and Buzzy were out playing one day, when they saw a giant ice cream cone…”

Remember kids – there are no wrong answers!

The aim of the game is to let the cubes spark your imagination. It really is that simple! RRP €9.99.

Our Holidays

For our holidays we are going to Galway where our Granny lives.

Our Granny lives on a farm where there are lots of sheep. Last year a baby sheep was born and we called her Lottie. Baby sheep are called s year for our lambs. I can’t wait to go to Galway thiny! midterm break to see Lottie and Gran From Sadhbh, Town. aged 3 ½ in Wickow

To submit your poems, stories or birthday wishes, email darren@coffeymedia.ie

DON’T FORGET TO SEND A PHOTO! April 2010

The Wicklow Gaol Experience Visit one of Ireland's best and most interactive experiences... Wicklow's Historic Gaol. On entering the building, you will be transported back in time and meet face to face with some of the most notorious characters to have walked the floors of this dramatic and history filled building.

Travelling through the gaol you will hear the stories of some of the unfortunate souls who passed through the prison gates, which were known locally as ‘The Gates of Hell’.

Discover the inmates true stories - from children to convicted murderers and the most notorious of all Captain Luckyn Betts who commanded the transport ship with savage efficiency.

• Open all year round • From Family to Corporate • Unique Events for All Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow, Ireland. T: +353 (0) 404 61599 E: wicklowgaol@gmail.com W: www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com

localnews

BYRNES

Gifts & Furniture Ltd.

Interior designed Showrooms incorporating furniture, giftware, lighting, mirrors & accessories at unbelievably low prices.

Take a visit today to Byrnes Gifts & Furniture PHONE: 0404 67824 FAX: 0404 25552 Main Street, Wicklow 1

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