GalwayNow July/August 2022

GALWAYnow.com JULY/AUGUST 2022 FESTIVAL GUIDE

THE RACING ISSUE FESTIVAL EVENT GUIDE

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Lucia Evans

THE RACING ISSUE

PERFORMANCE & PERSEVERANCE

* LEGACY OF STYLE

COLOURFUL WORLD

THE BEST OF GALWAY INTERIOR DESIGN

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

of Ciara O’Neill

with Karen Weekes

the west’s leading lifestyle magazine

GALWAY RACES Legacy of Style

JULY/AUGUST 2022

The new Club Sport from NOMOS, extremely robust and water resistant up to 1000 ft. Under water, the hour markers, numerals and hands illuminate blue on the galvanized dial. The NOMOS crafted caliber, DUW 6101 with the patented date mechanism, is protected by extrathick sapphire crystal glass. The Club Sport bracelet with individually adjustable link elements was specially designed for Club Sport neomatik 42 date blue. Available now from jeweler Hartmann. For more information: www.hartmanns.ie and nomos-glashuette.com

INTERIOR ATMOSPHERE

€4.90 INC VAT £4.10 STG

Summer in Galway NEW PEUGEOT

308

HYBRID

WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined fuel consumption for 308 Hybrid in l/100km is 1.1-1.3.

WLTP combined CO2 emissions (g/km) range is 24-29.

KENNY GALWAY Main Peugeot Dealer, City North Business Park, Tuam Road, Galway. Tel: 091-783000 www.kennygalway.ie Kenny Galway - New 308 Hybrid - 195w x 141h mm - June 2022.indd 1

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It's the place to be ..... www.GalwaySC.com

20/06/2022 14:31:41

MANAGING AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Patricia McCrossan patricia@goldenegg.ie

EDITOR

Donna Reidy-Maguire editor@goldenegg.ie

We’re Back

ART DIRECTOR

Linda Galvin design@goldenegg.ie

Over the last few weeks, I’ve heard a lot of people say it is great to “be back” to the full schedule of The Galway Races, GIAF and Film Fleadh.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Trish O’Sullivan digital@goldenegg.ie

While it’s wonderful to “be back”, there’s no doubt that in the last two years of sporadic lockdowns, we’ve become comfortable in our part forced and sometimes self-imposed isolation.

It’s not easy to get back out there again, and there’s a bit of reluctance to return to where we were post pandemic, and I’m not alone in thinking this. So at GALWAYnow, what have we learnt from the last couple of years?

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Deirdre Tarpey sales@goldenegg.ie

As a business, we have changed a lot. We’ve become champions of Irish talent and design and stand for community and sustainability.

We constantly strive to be supportive and inspirational.

STAFF CONTENT CREATOR

Erin Grant erin@goldenegg.ie

ASSISTANT CONTENT CREATOR

Aisling Dowd

Maria Bru design@goldenegg.ie

Tel: 091 384350 G A LWAY N OW.C O M

Flare [Oceania] 2022, John Gerrard

DESIGN ASSISTANT

When reading this issue, we hope you feel inspired to support local businesses, consider buying vintage and preloved clothes, and applaud someone who wears their outfits multiple times. We encourage you to make informed choices, look for retail products that last a long time, and support Irish made when possible. Let’s applaud and recognise these more conscious and informed actions. Websites like Good On You, Project Just and Done Good tell you where a company stands on issues like work conditions, material sourcing and waste. The best way to make a difference and hold these companies accountable is by voting with your hard earned cash.

Galway is an extraordinary place to live, work, and visit, especially during summer so let’s get back out and enjoy it!

Patricia

TRUSTWORTHY. RESILIENT. INCLUSIVE. COMMITTED. CONSCIENTIOUS. FEMALE-LED. WE ARE

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CONTENTS

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MAKING A STATEMENT

FOOD TRUCKS

ON THE COVER Photography: Kenny Whittle Model: Sarah Morrissey, Assets Model Agency Make-up and Hair: Roisin Derrane Shot on location at The Hardiman Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway

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CONTRIBUTORS

THE FESTIVAL GUIDE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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RÉ NAO

Conor Biggins

INTERIORS ATMOSPHERE

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Kenneth Keavey

Amber Doyle

04 LIFESTYLE INSPIRED

People, Places and Things Inspired by Galway and the West of Ireland

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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Ciara O’Neill

19 FASHION LEGACY OF STYLE

Racing Style through the years at The Hardiman

12 MUSIC LUCIA EVANS

Performance & Perseverance

64 BEAUTY SKIN

49 FLEA STYLIN’ 40 Galway’s second hand style scene

SPF Summer saviours WELLBEING MINDFULNESS Living in the moment

60 FOOD FOR THOUGHT ODDS ON FASHION FAVOURITE 76 Green Earth Organics Head Judge Mandy Maher’s 29 Ladies Day tips ACROSS THE ATLANTIC 42 The Karen Weekes story

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GET RACING READY Tom Lee has you covered

Isabel Conway

SUMMER DINING Great Galway food spots

Kirsten Curran FOLLOW US

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

INSPIRED

INSPIRED PEOPLE, PL ACES AND THINGS

From Galway and the West of Ireland

Siofra Holyland siofraholyland.com @siofraholyland Siofra Holyland is a textile artist based in the west of Ireland in County Galway.

The themes seen throughout her work include nature, movement and texture, taking inspiration from rural and urban landscapes.

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INSPIRED

Leahy Bee Keeping leahybeekeeping.com @leahy_beekeeping Leahy Bee Keeping is a family run business in the West of Ireland. All their products are 100% natural, and their Sliabh Aughty honey is traditionally harvested from the mountains and meadows.

The Burren Perfumery burrenperfumery.com @burrenperfumery The Burren Perfumery is a small, west of Ireland based company making cosmetics and perfumes inspired by the surrounding landscape around us. Everything is handmade on site, in small batches.

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INSPIRED

Things Sophie Makes soph.ie @things_sophie_makes Things Sophie Makes is run by Sophie from a cosy room in the West of Ireland.

Sophie strives to create slow fashion pieces which have been handmade with love and care.

Nóta Póca notapoca.com @notapoca Nóta Póca is an online stationery store; bringing together fun & functional products from designers in Ireland and around the world to brighten up whatever space you work from.

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© moodley brand identity

Beauty with Integrity Vegan.

Handmade.

Cruelty free.

We are open every day … come and visit us The Burren Perfumery, Carron, Co. Clare, Ireland burrenperfumery.com AVOCA stores nationwide

FEATURE

Ciara O’Neill A RT IST IN RE SIDEN CE

The colourful world of Galway based artist Ciara O’Neill began when she was a young child. Art class in school was always Ciara’s favourite part of the day, and her inspirations started to flourish and develop during those formative years. Her love of all things creative led her to obtain her degree in interior and spatial design, where coursework offered various opportunities to make furniture, light fittings and unique interior spaces.

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mongst Ciara’s work and studies, painting was a much loved side project, but she decided to embark on it full-time and embrace the unknown after moving to Ireland from Australia six years ago.

Ciara reflects on the leap of faith she took, “It was at this time I said to myself “it’s now or never”, so I gave my all towards making painting my full-time business”.

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Ciara’s work has become a recognisable addition to the art scene here in the west of Ireland and has inspired audiences both nationally and internationally. Ciara notes that one of the highlights of her career so far was working with Brown Thomas on their new Dundrum Store, in which Brown Thomas comes to life with art. This collaboration has been a perfect match and offers the customers a creative, vibrant and joyful experience. Ciara says of the project that it has been a match made in heaven.

“Being chosen for this amazing project has been an absolute dream for my work, and the team has been so lovely to work with. It’s the only store of its kind in Ireland. It’s not only a shopping space, but it’s also an interactive, happy, and colourful experience for the customers to enjoy as they shop”. Inside, you will find six large paintings and an expansive wall mural which spans the length of the 24 ft wall and welcomes you as you enter from the car park.

You will also see many of Ciara’s pieces around the store, on the windows, across the walls, and suspended in sculptural form from the ceiling above the escalators.

The only thing Ciara would change? She wishes the store was closer to her home in Galway so that she could pop in regularly for a burst of happiness.

Another recent achievement is her collaboration with The Westbury Hotel Dublin on their “Everything’s Rosé” campaign, for which she designed the menu cover for WILDE restaurant. If those achievements weren’t impressive enough, Ciara is also one of the artists taking part in the Brown Thomas CREATE project this year which celebrates Irish design from July 5th to August 15th. Ciara is currently designing 20 hand-painted vases for this project which will be sold exclusively through Brown Thomas during this time.

This facilitating and regular experiencing of joy is integral to Ciara’s work. Her paintings, sculptures,

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FEATURE

“My palette is heavily influenced by a combination of the Australian climate and Irish summers.”

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FEATURE

jewellery and designs aim to bring these emotions into people’s lives, and she wants her audience to look at her work and feel warmth and happiness inside. She says that for her, “the icing on the cake is when I get feedback from my customers, I love hearing them say that their painting is the focal point in their homes, and how happy it makes them feel every time they look at it”.

Ciara acknowledges that life can bring many stresses and obstacles at times and that it is important to surround ourselves with things which bring us joy, art being one of the best vehicles for this.

Ciara’s creative process while developing a new body of work always begins with putting this commitment to fun first and foremost. Her colour choices are positive, optimistic and uplifting colours that inspire play and happiness. She says, “the colours I choose look like tones that have been hit by the sun, so this allows me to bring a lot of warmth into my paintings”. Ciara’s collection of work is bright and energetic, combining the use of pastels mixed with pops of neon. Her palette is heavily influenced by a combination of the Australian climate and Irish summers. More recently, she brought Galway into her work by incorporating

the fresh blue skies and vibrant colours from the wildflowers that pop up in the spring and summer.

Another source of inspiration for Ciara’s work is the community of strong independent women she has fostered both in person and online. She says, ‘I receive a lot of messages of support from women, which is so uplifting and gives me that extra push to continuously work on and develop my craft’.

For Ciara, her work is constantly evolving, transforming and growing along with her inspirations around her, and each new series brings with it something new and unexpected.

Working as an artist in today’s climate has been a great experience for her, and she is using digital platforms to share her work with a wider audience.

As Ciara likes to keep her studio as a private space so she can focus 100% on her craft, these online spaces have worked great to bridge that gap. Ciara has a very supportive community both locally and countrywide and chooses to release each series online where people can buy it directly. Her first exhibition was held locally in the Leaf and Bean cafe, and the following year she held another in Two Wild Geese in Galway City. The Galway Enterprise office has also been a massive support to Ciara, and she continuously recommends them to anyone starting a new business for guidance. To emerging artists, Ciara says that it is never too late to start something new in life. “If it’s your passion, then go for it. You can work on it slowly and go from there.

It’s amazing the support that will be out there for you. People want to see you succeed, so why not give it a shot”.

“My aim is to create pieces that bring joy into people’s lives, and for my customers to look at their paintings and feel pure happiness inside.”

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www.ciaraoneillart.com @ciaraoneillart

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FEATURE

LUCIA EVANS Growing up in the second largest city in Zimbabwe, Lucia Evans still felt overwhelmed in a city as large as Dublin when she first moved here.

The jump from a developing nation to the bustle of a major world capital was a shocking and transformative process. For her, Galway struck the perfect balance.

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he was drawn to the innate friendliness of the city and even the rain, although she notes that the love for that feature has waned a little. And it was Galway, after all, which she credits with facilitating her musical growth, ‘There was so much happening musically in Galway when I moved, and it was so diverse. I had never sung jazz before, but the first band I played in here was a jazz band. I was exposed to sonic scapes that weren’t necessarily commonplace in Zimbabwe. To this day, I firmly believe that I would have a very different sound if I hadn’t had those early baptisms of fire’.

Photo by Julia Dunin

To say that Lucia’s music career has tested her resilience would be an understatement. Lucia was catapulted to fame after winning the nationwide ‘You’re a Star’ in 2005/2006 and subsequently dropped by her label. From one extreme to the other, Lucia notes the impact this had on her at the time, ‘I didn’t want to do the show, so winning it was a complete shock to the system. And then, when the dust settled, I felt this insane pressure to be a massive success.

After all, people supported me, voted, and got on buses to head up to Dublin and see the show live. So when the label dropped me, it was a massive blow. The sense of having failed not only myself but also the people who had invested in me was really difficult to deal with’. Coupled with this, being an ethnic minority in Ireland also brought a further, deeper struggle. Lucia experienced racism and degradation, and it hasn’t been easy for her, but the gratitude and love for Ireland as her home have far outweighed the negatives.

Lucia notes, ‘This country has been very good to me, and I am so thankful for the 20 years I’ve lived here. “ With all of this behind her, Lucia continues to be the personification of resilience, determination and drive. Over these two decades, she has accomplished extraordinary things like her acting debut on Fair City in 2017, performing for the pope in 2018, and performing My Hudson River from Angel of Broadway with RTÉ’s concert orchestra in the National Concert Hall, a performance which showed her how far she had come. Lucia remembers it vividly, ‘There is a song in Angel of Broadway called Fairy Tales which my character Sylvia, an aspiring singer in an abusive relationship, sings to audition for a spot performing at a famous New York Jazz club. Nobody knew that I was struggling with feelings of inferiority. I honestly felt like I wasn’t measuring up. I could barely feel my legs as the song started. Then something took over - I was completely immersed in the song, and when I opened my eyes after the last note, the audience was on its feet. I was so gobsmacked, I burst into tears, it was a truly unforgettable moment’. She has also recently been an adjudicator on the Late Late Eurosong special panel, and after another year of failing to qualify for the final, Lucia shares her thoughts, ‘Honestly, Brooke’s failure to qualify was a real sore point

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for me. You could see that the whole team had put in a tonne of work, and she did a fantastic job in her semi final. I don’t have the answers at all, but I have noticed a shift in that there seems to be a renewed appreciation for great songs that are written well, sung well and performed authentically. So there’s hope for us yet.’

Similarly to the changing tides of the Eurovision scene, since she released her first single, “Bruised not Broken”, in 2006, the music industry has transformed at a rapid pace.

She notes the unpredictability of the industry today, ‘On the one hand, it can feel like the worst time to become an artist - it’s virtually impossible to get decently paid from streaming platforms, but they are here to stay, so there’s no point bemoaning the difficulties of cutting through the noise. And paradoxically, it’s also an amazing time to be an artist. You don’t have to wait for a label to discover you, develop you and release your music. The freedom is there to create your own identity, have your own devoted fanbase, and have 100% ownership of your art without compromise.

There’s something very exciting about that.’ Inspired by artists such as Emily King, Janelle Monae and Laura Mvula, Lucia continues to persevere and create new, cathartic, vulnerable and authentic music. Her new EP encapsulates each one of these traits vividly. Lucia shares, ‘Every song is like a journal entry - personal, authentic and humorously unedited at times’. Most recently, her emotionally connected performances were part of the Late Late Show for “Songs for Rosabel”, which helped raise awareness for ‘Rosabel’s Rooms’. Lucia notes how she was blown away by Rosabel’s parents Suzzane and Gary, ‘Their resilience is mind blowing.

How do you provide ongoing hope from an unspeakable tragedy? But that’s exactly what they’ve done, and I feel deeply honoured to be a small part of that.’

Resilience and connecting with others who persevere seem to be a common thread in Lucia’s work. With the many ups and downs in her own life, and experiences of rejection, prejudice and uncertainty, one would wonder how Lucia has managed to stay committed to her pursuits, indeed, there must have been moments when she wanted to throw in the towel? Lucia agrees, ‘It’s funny, I have threatened to quit music more times than I care to mention - I probably threatened to quit sometime last week! Working in the creative industry is tough, but it is essential that you become your greatest cheerleader. It’ll help you thrive even when things get really hard. When adversity lands on my doorstep, one of two things always happens to me. Either an opportunity comes my way that reignites my passion, or I stumble across a podcast or interview. Recently it was Viola Davis in conversation with Oprah that reminded me of how valuable everything on the other side of the fight is. My choices are to quit or keep going, so I might as well keep going.’ @officialluciaevans

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FEATURE

Lucia’s latest single, ‘Holding Onto The Fire’ is an unexpected gem carrying her signature soulful vocals underpinned by a sublime string and piano arrangement, all of which reveal the vulnerability and authenticity that she now celebrates instead of hiding. ‘Holding Onto the Fire’ is available on all streaming platforms.

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FEATURE

Let’s talk... with KIRSTEN CURRAN

NEW EXPERIENCES

If you’ve read any of my earlier ramblings, you’ll know that I discovered the joy and frustration of running about four years ago. I still love it and will happily keep it up for as long as I can. Recently, I felt I needed to mix it up - not like a new sportscar, but rather more sumo squats, downward dogs, and jumping into the cold Atlantic Ocean.

I want to get fitter: physically and mentally.

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o, first up - Weights and a 30-min zoom session with my PT, Shauna, at Health Fit Galway. Beforehand, I was so nervous. Ask me to run for 60mins? – fine, but lifting any weights, and I am breaking out in a cold sweat. I needn’t have worried. Shauna has a plan to push me constantly but gradually, with the result being that I genuinely look forward to our twice-weekly sessions, and although they are the hardest and most challenging parts of my week. I feel like I can do anything afterwards (even if, on day 2, my thighs don’t always agree).

Being on camera lets her check my technique and whether I am actually doing the session, so “there is no escape”, in her words. The sessions themselves are so varied working on arms, legs, core, mobility, and strength and even though it’s early days, I do feel stronger.

Mental fitness – Yoga. I only started going to yoga a couple of months ago because my friend asked me to try out a new studio in Moycullen. I’ll admit that I did not have high hopes for sticking at it. I’d tried – and given up – yoga many times in the past finding it either frustrating and intimidating (I couldn’t get into the poses) or a bit too new age for me. Surprisingly, however, I really enjoyed my Monday evening slow flow session and left feeling incredibly calm, stretched and chilled. Probably a combination of this specific yoga class and instructor and where my head is at, but I’ve now signed up and gone to lots of different types of classes – slow flow, yin, and gravity yoga. I am still working on getting comfortable with that weird loud exhaling and a long way off a

“Before I knew it, I was hunting out my swimming costume, signing up, and heading off for my first dip.”

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headstand, but yoga is working for me, and my head feels calmer and a lot less ‘busy’.

Fun: Yoga led me to another fun thing I have been dying to do for ages, which, for some reason, I didn’t have the courage to do. Sounds like something huge, right? Well – no – it was simply to go Sea swimming in Galway. I can swim, and I love the water, but I don’t know – something was holding me back. I think I just didn’t want to do it on my own. But then I spied a yoga class on the beach at Spiddal, followed by a sea dip and coffee.

Before I knew it, I was hunting out my swimming costume, signing up, and heading off for my first dip.

What can I say?

Amazing! The old childhood practices of counting to 5 and then just submerging still work. Yes, it was cold, but, my goodness, it was totally invigorating.

The post-dip coffee tasted so good, and I slept like a baby that night. I was back for more that same week, and I’ll be working up to a jump off the diving board soon.

One key lesson from yoga is the importance of gratitude, and so to finish, can I just say that I am genuinely grateful to Shauna, my PT, for helping me to feel strong; to Sinead at ‘Move and Breathe’, for showing me that yoga is for everyone and for helping me to get into the sea in Galway for the first time in 20 years; to my friend, Yvonne, who roped me into both the weights sessions and the yoga; and to my own body, which is able to lift, to squat, to stretch and to swim. Thank you. Before I knew it, I was hunting out my swimming costume, signing up, and heading off for my first dip.

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FEATURE

The Ultimate Galway Fe ARTS

CULTURE

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RACING

Flare [Oceania] 2022 - The Docks Flare will be shown as a large–scale 7M x 7M LED wall at Galway Docks and streamed live online. John Gerrard is best known for his large–scale and site–specific works including Mirror Pavilion GIAF’s commission for Galway Children of Carrowbrowne - Galway City Museum As Ireland’s largest minority group Travellers are often faced with discrimination, pushed to the periphery of urban spaces. The Children of Carrowbrowne is a set of portraits by award–winning documentary photographer Tamara Eckhardt. 2020.

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Climate, again - O’Donoghue Theatre, NUI Galway To bring you up to date and advise on solutions, Kevin O’Sullivan, Environment Editor of the Irish Times joins Sadhbh O’Neill, former Green Party Councillor, Professor at the School of Law and Government DCU and coordinator of the successful Climate Case Ireland 2020.

MUSIC

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FILM

CULTURE

Eimear Noone - O’Donoghue Theatre, NUI Galway Galway born, LA based Eímear Noone is an award–winning film and video game composer and conductor. Eímear is responsible for some of the most enduring soundscapes on World of Warcraft and in 2020 she made history by becoming the first female conductor to perform at the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony.

Eimear will be interviewed about her life and work by GIAF Artistic Director Paul Fahy.

Steppenwolf Stories - O’Donoghue Theatre, NUI Galway From Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, newly appointed Artistic Directors Audrey Francis and Glenn Davies and Executive Director Brooke Flanagan discuss the challenges of running a theatre company in an ever changing, challenging and contemporary America, and building a new auditorium during a pandemic.

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The Flaming Lips - Heineken® Big Top Their GIAF18 gig was one of the most talked about in GIAF history. In July 2022 The Flaming Lips will make their triumphant return to the Heineken Big Top. Q Magazine has listed The Flaming Lips as one of “50 Bands to See Before You Die.”

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26 27 Throwback Tuesday 80’s Night

The Opening Day We’re Back!

The Gamblers and he Conquerors

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ARTS

Country Music Extravaganza with Nathan Carter

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FEATURE

stival Guide July 2022

ACING

MUSIC

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FILM ARTS

CULTURE

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Ukraine and Russia - O’Donoghue Theatre, NUI Galway Donnacha O’Beachain is Professor of Politics at Dublin City University. He will be in conversation with Ruadhán Mac Cormaic, Assistant Editor, Irish Times and author of The Irish Supreme Court.

Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competition The Connacht Hospitality Group will sponsor both the Best Dressed Lady competition with a €10,000 cash prize, and €3,000 to the winner of the Best Hat. Head Judge on the day is well-known stylist Mandy Maher who will be joined by fellow judge Kieran O’Malley, Digital Marketing Manager for the Connacht Hospitality Group.

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MUSIC

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FILM

Compagnie Off presents ‘Les Girafes’, Festival Garden These spectacular animals, who will enthral audiences of all ages, are joined by a troupe of circus ring masters adding to the excitement and energy of this magical street parade.

Anna Mullarkey - Róisín Dubh Anna Mullarkey is an award-winning composer and performer from Galway, whose music weaves electronics with piano and voice. This show features Anna with musicians Sam Wright on bass and Paul McClure on accordion and bodhrán creating a hybrid folk fusion with a mix of electronica.

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RACING

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Deirdre O ‘Kane, Róisín Dubh Catch Deirdre O‘Kane’s brilliant new stand–up show, Demented, on the final night of Galway International Arts Festival 2022.

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Friday Night LIVE & Fridays Most Stylish Fashion Competition Michelle Lally in the Champagne Bar, DJ Train Rhythm and Bongo Steve in the Festival Marquee and The Gamblers and The Conquerors on the Main Stage.

The Weekender The BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle with music from The Gamblers and DJ Ronan Lardner

Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day Along with races and live music, there will be lots of free entertainment for children which makes it sure to be a great family day out!

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FEATURE

Enjoy a

Pistachio tulle hat, €795, carolkennellymillinery.com ‘Carmen’ ivory suit €580, tinagriffindesigns.ie, Gloves, €17.95, Anthony Ryan, Galway.

‘Faligia’ leather sling back, €165, Premoli, Galway.

LEGACY OF STYLE at the

HARDIMAN HOTEL LADIES DAY COMPETITION THURSDAY JULY 28

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FEATURE

LEGACY OF STYLE The iconic Hardiman Hotel on Eyre Square celebrates its 170 year anniversary this year and what better way to mark this important landmark and the hotel’s Legacy of Style than to attend a chic evening on one of the most fashionable nights of the year in Galway.

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he Hardiman Hotel’s ‘Legacy of Style’ Ladies Day Competition takes place on Thursday July 28 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm . Come and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles, great entertainment and be in with a chance to win a fantastic stylish prize.

Stylish ladies are invited to the Hotel on the evening of the 28th July to enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles and be in with a chance to win a fantastic stylish prize – a €1,500 voucher for Les Jumelles Boutique, a €1,000 cash prize, plus a two night stay for two in a suite at The Hardiman Hotel, a bottle of Champagne on arrival and dinner for 2 in the Gaslight Brasserie.

Second prize is a Magnum of Taittinger Champagne and for the social set there are great prizes from some of Galway’s best, including a stunning Kate headband from Emily Jean Atelier and Micil Gin and Micil Connemara Cream Liqueur for ‘Best Instagram Post’ on the night.

The judges on the evening include two of Galway’s fashion stalwarts, sisters Mary McSweeney and Margaret Gallagher of Les Jumelles Boutique on Chapel Lane, sponsors of the main prize.

The twins opened Les Jumelles in 1997 and their exclusive luxury brands include Paskal, Philip Lim, Acne Studios, Rick Owens, and Saloni.

The judging line-up also includes fashion editor Bairbre Power who has judged Ladies Day both at Ballybrit and at evening style events in the city.

As guest stylist for this unique shoot at The Hardiman, Bairbre took inspiration from vintage looks that Race Week guests might have worn over the decades and chose modern day looks inspired by style icons of the past.

For further details on the Legacy of Style Ladies Day event, go to www.thehardiman.ie

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Red floral hat, €425, carolkennellymillinery.com ‘Montserrat’ gloves, €365, Paula Rowan, Westbury Mall, Dublin.

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe dress, €610, Les Jumelles, Galway.

Photography: Kenny Whittle.

Model: Sarah Morrissey, Assets Model Agency.

Make-up and hair: Roisin Derrane.

Morgan car courtesy of Bob de Silva Shot on location at The Hardiman Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway.

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Straw hat with bow, €375, carolkennellymillinery.com Wolfhound sunglasses €350, Optica Dublin, Dawson Street, Dublin.

Paul Costelloe SS22 runway dress, POA, Curated by Design Centre, Kildare Village.

‘Mouchette’ bow gloves, €520, Paula Rowan.

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FEATURE

1950’s ruffle rim hat, €110, 1950’s R&K Originals brocade jacket and dress, €220, gloves, €50, vanity case, €180, from Dirty Fabulous, Glaslough Street, Monaghan.

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FEATURE

1940’s satin and feather hat, €140, ‘Donald Original’ pleated dress, €220, rhinestone earrings, €75, cocktail ring, €110, gloves,€50, vanity case, €180, from Dirty Fabulous, Glaslough Street, Monaghan.

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FEATURE

Leonora Ferguson crochet wire headpiece, €185, Catriona Hanly jacket, €490, trousers, €370, all from Curated by Design Centre, Kildare Village.

Silver ‘Montserrat’ gloves, €350, Paula Rowan.

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Relax and renew at Wineport Lodge

Soak in the outdoor seaweed baths. Let our therapists work wonders in our intimate cedar clad treatment cabins. Then re-energise in our lakeside infinity plunge pool.

Finish it all with a glass of fizz in our hot tub pontoon. This is bliss.

For bookings visit: wineport.ie or call 090 6439010

Join us this Raceweek at The Galmont for the best of Entertainment FROM MONDAY 25TH TO SUNDAY 31ST JULY

BLOCK ROCKIN’BEATS & DEC PIERCE

THURSDAY 28TH JULY

Galway’s Most Stylish Entertainment Venue this Race Week Immerse yourself in the location, excitement and fun of Galway Race Week. Enjoy a long awaited catch up with friends while indulging in a delicious selection of food and drink in our inviting bars and restaurants. The Galmont is the place to be this race week for style, glamour and entertainment.

TICKETS €25 TICKETMASTER.IE

ASLAN SATURDAY 30TH JULY

TICKETS €42 TICKETMASTER.IE

THE GALMONT HOTEL & SPA, LOUGH ATALIA ROAD, GALWAY Call 091 538 300 | info@thegalmont.com

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FEATURE

RACE WEEK EV

DATE

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RACECOURSE

THE GALMONT

MAIN STAGE The Gamblers The Conquerors FESTIVAL MARQUEE DJ Train Rhythm CHAMPAGNE BAR Piano Man Barry Ryan

COOPERS BAR & LOUNGE 10pm to 12am The Crooner Liam O’Brien

MAIN STAGE The Gamblers Spring Break FESTIVAL MARQUEE DJ Train Rhythm CHAMPAGNE BAR Piano Man Barry Ryan

COOPERS BAR & LOUNGE 10pm to 12am The Crooner Liam O’Brien

MAIN STAGE The Gamblers Nathan Carter & Band FESTIVAL MARQUEE DJ Train Rhythm, Niall Doorhy CHAMPAGNE BAR Piano Man Barry Ryan

COOPERS BAR & LOUNGE 8pm to 2am DJ James Sexton 10pm to 12am KIF Band VERANDA 12am to 2am Maurice Piano Man

MAIN STAGE The Gamblers Jason Fallon FESTIVAL MARQUEE DJ Train Rhythm, Bongo Steve CHAMPAGNE BAR Michelle Lally

COOPERS BAR & LOUNGE 7pm to 2am DJ James Sexton 10pm to 12am Lady & The Tramp VERANDA 12am to 2am Maurice Piano Man INIS MÓR 12.30am to 2.30am House DJ MARINAS RESTAURANT 11pm to 2am House DJ TERRACE Until late DJ Adam Sexton

MAIN STAGE The Gamblers The Conquerors FESTIVAL MARQUEE DJ Train Rhythm, Bongo Steve CHAMPAGNE BAR Michelle Lally

COOPERS BAR & LOUNGE 7pm to 2am DJ James Sexton 10pm to 12am KIF Band VERANDA 11pm to 1am House DJ INIS MÓR 8.30pm to 10pm House DJ 10pm to 12am Conquerors Band 12.00am to 2am House DJ MARINAS RESTAURANT 11pm to 2am House DJ TERRACE Until late DJ Adam Sexton

MAIN STAGE The Gamblers FESTIVAL MARQUEE DJ Ronan Lardner

COOPERS BAR & LOUNGE 8pm to 2am DJ James Sexton 10pm to 12am KIF Band INIS MÓR Doors 9pm ASLAN - Ticketed Event €42

MAIN STAGE The Gamblers FESTIVAL MARQUEE DJ Ronan Lardner, Lackagh Comhaltas

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FEATURE

ENT GUIDE 2022 THE CL AY TON

THE ARDIL AUN

THE HARDIMAN

PAVILION BAR 8:30pm – 4 Men & a Bass MAIN BAR 9pm – Altrad, 11:30pm – DJ Derek Flaherty BACK STAGE BAR 10:30pm – Oddity BALLROOM 11pm - Johnny Brady

FOYER 9.30pm - VINNIE MONGAN

OYSTER BAR and RESTAURANT Open

PAVILION BAR 8:30pm – Dakota MAIN BAR 9pm – Sum Craic, 11:30pm – DJ Derek Flaherty BACK STAGE BAR 10:30pm – Amazing Apples BALLROOM 11pm – All Folk’d Up

FIRST FURLONG AT THE ARDILAUN IN AID OF NBCRI 12 noon Live Music by Guinness Jazz Band. Duo Vocis performing after the meal 11.30pm - THREE MEN & A BASS

Pre Racing JAZZ LUNCH, featuring Jazz Singer Michelle Lally.

Booking is essential.

Evening entertainment in OYSTER BAR

PAVILION BAR 8:30pm – The Sixty-Five MAIN BAR 9pm –Sum Craic , 11pm- DJ Derek Flaherty BACK STAGE BAR 10:30pm Who Knows BALLROOM 11pm – Derek Ryan

9.30pm - CARMEL DEMPSEY & MIKE STEWART

Pre-Racing Jazz TIPSTER LUNCH featuring Michelle Lally. 1pm to 4pm.

Prosecco on arrival, 4 course lunch, house wine, ticket, and transport to Galway Races. Booking Essential.

Evening Entertainment 4 Men and A Base, Noel Finnegan and DY Free Bird.

PAVILION BAR 6:30pm – 4 Men & a Bass 9pm – Elastic Band MAIN BAR 9pm–John Haugh, 11pm–DJ Derek Flaherty BACK STAGE BAR 11pm – Amazing Apples BALLROOM 11pm – Smash Hits

FOYER 9.30pm - ERIC & LISA

LADIES DAY COMPETITION Prizes worth over €3K 6.30pm to 8pm.

Jazz Dinner that evening in GASLIGHT BRASSERIE. Evening Entertainment 4 Men and A Base, Noel Finnegan and DY Free Bird.

PAVILION BAR 8:30pm – Dakota MAIN BAR 9pm–Joe Hession, 11pm–DJ Derek Flaherty BACK STAGE BAR 10:30pm – Oddity BALLROOM 11pm – Gerry Guthrie

BLAZERS BAR 9.30pm - ERIC & LISA

Jazz Dinner that evening in GASLIGHT BRASSERIE. Booking is essential.

Evening Entertainment Noel Finnegan and DJ

MAIN BAR 7pm - Rhythm & Rhyme 9:30pm – DJ Derek Flaherty BALLROOM 11pm – 80s night featuring Qween MAIN BAR 7pm – Paddy Jordan 9:30pm – DJ Sean O’Neill BALLROOM 11pm – Ruaile Buaile

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BLAZERS BAR 10:00pm - GERRY KENNEDY

BLAZERS BAR 9.30pm - ROBBIE MONAGHAN

OYSTER BAR and GASLIGHT BRASSERIE Open Evening Entertainment Noel Finnegan and DJ OYSTER BAR and GASLIGHT BRASSERIE Open Evening Entertainment Noel Finnegan and DJ

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Odds On

FASHION FAVOURITE

FEATURE

especially with the responsibility of giving away a total of €13K in prizes.

I have no game plan. As a judge, all I can do, along with the team of people that will be with me on the day, is choose who I feel is the Best Dressed and the deserving winner.

What style tips would you give when dressing for Ladies Day? The best style tip I can give to anyone dressing for Ladies Day is to remember it is a day event, so dressing appropriately is imperative.

Being chic, elegant, and stylish is important, but not to be afraid to add your own uniqueness to the outfit and show your individual style!

How important are the details when choosing an outfit for Ladies Day? Details are vital. Judges will look for the complete package, so everything must be impeccable.

Preloved and sustainable fashion are in focus right now.

Are you hoping racegoers will keep this in mind when planning their outfits? We all love preloved and sustainable fashion, and it’s important to remember this is the new trend too, which I hope we will see this year. This is where people can get creative with outfits already in their wardrobes by recycling the styles and adding their own twist to finish the look.

With the countdown well underway for The Galway Races, Patricia Mc Crossan caught up with the fabulous Mandy Maher who is head judge at this year’s Best Dressed Lady Competition. Here she shares the style scoop on what undoubtedly promises to be an unmissable day out for fashion lovers.

L

adies Day holds so many beautiful memories. What comes to mind when you think back over the previous years? I have many special memories of Ladies Day in Galway. The most precious memory is the friends I have made over the years. People I got to know literally only because of Ladies Day. The bond, fun and craic we had together.

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What are you expecting to see at this summer’s Racing Festival? I don’t know what to expect this year as fashion has evolved so much in the last few years. However, I do hope to see plenty of colour.

Are you feeling any pressure from being head judge, and do you have a game plan for the day? Absolutely I feel the pressure of being head judge,

Millinery trends have changed a lot over the years. Are you looking for anything in particular?

Millinery..... I never know what to expect. We have so many incredible milliners in our country, and there is always someone that will come up with a new creation and be different.

It will be down to the finished product, which must be unique and perfectly made.

Do you have a favourite past winner?

OMG, this is putting me on the spot. Over the years of attending Ladies Day, I know that all the winners on the day were well deserving.

Ladies’ Day takes place on Thursday, 28th July, ‘Guinness Galway Hurdle Day’, during the seven-day Summer Festival at the Galway Races. The Connacht Hospitality Group will sponsor both the Best Dressed Lady competition with a €10,000 cash prize and €3,000 for the winner of the Best Hat.

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YOUR COMMUNITY

Hello again.

St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union is now Claddagh Credit Union. We’ve developed our brand as well as our range of services to meet the demands of our growing, diverse community. A new era and a new look with the same great member focused service and people. Find out more at

www.claddaghcu.ie Claddagh Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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Making a

FASHION

STATEMENT Galway Designer Róisín Dockry specialises in luxury slow fashion. She is currently working from her studio in Barcelona where she creates bespoke feminine pieces with unique statement silhouettes and elegant compositions that empower the wearer and inspire confidence.

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óisín has always found inspiration in her surroundings and in her personal experiences, with strong references to nostalgic memories such as her grandmother, who shared the same creative passion for hand making garments. From the traditional boats of her home town Galway to her current experiences in the creative city of Barcelona, Róisín’s artistic environment continuously influences her creations.

Describe yourself in three words: Kind, positive and creative.

What is something our readers might not know about you?

Before studying fashion design, I studied Midwifery at NUI Galway for two years. I enjoyed learning to be a midwife, but I always had a passion for art and design, and eventually, I made the brave decision to change direction.

Ultimately, my creative passion took over, and I knew I was making the right decision to switch careers and study Fashion Design at the National College of Art & Design in Dublin. Although I didn’t pursue a career in Midwifery, I strongly value my time working in the hospital. It gave me a great experience and life lessons that I will take with me forever while also inspiring me in many of my college projects at NCAD. I also now have a huge admiration for nurses and midwives for the amazing hard work they do!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is honestly taking the leap to create my own clothing collection. Leaving a stable job during the global pandemic to pursue designing my garments was the scariest yet best decision I have ever made. Feeling such lovely support from customers gives me the encouragement to keep going and take more risks.

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Seeing my creations give confidence and happiness to others is an amazing feeling.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is my grandmother, Glam. I believe my creativity and passion for designing clothes was hugely influenced by her when I was growing up. She would hand make all of her clothes for herself and her children. Living in a small town in County Sligo, she didn’t have access to highend fashion and would create her statement pieces for occasions. Growing up my favourite past time was creating with her, from painting, drawing and knitting, to making mini clothes for dolls. I feel like she passed her passion for art and design onto me.

Tell us something you love about Galway: What I love most about Galway is the supportive community. Galway is full of small businesses and creative entrepreneurs who support each other and the community around them. Being such a tight-knit city, people want to support local brands and help each other grow in all areas of business. Galway has a strong creative arts community and fantastic cafes and restaurants. I love the city’s atmosphere, especially during the International Arts Festival and Galway Race week. The Galway hooker was the concept for my degree collection in college, as I wanted to bring a piece of Galway tradition into my work.

Galway has a very special place in my heart, and it would be my dream to open a shop in Galway to further develop my brand and business. My hometown will always be my favourite city. roisindockry.com @roisindockrydesign

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FEATURE

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FASHION

Models: Eliska McAndrew, Catwalk Modelling Agency Róisín Dockry, Catwalk Modelling Agency Location: Parque del Forum, Barcelona, Spain Photographers: Lee Hutchisnson, Roisin Dockry The range is available at www.roisindockry.com

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GALWAYNOW.COM

FEATURE

RACING READY with Tom Lee

Remus Uomo 3 Piece Laurino Suit, €299, Anthony Ryans

After completing well over a decade as both RTE and Channel 4 Racing's betting expert, Tom Lee now works in various roles, including as a presenter and pundit across various sports TV channels. He also runs a bespoke wealth management and investment firm. A regular at Ballybrit, Tom knows something about what to wear at the Galway Races.

With less than a month to the Galway Races, what are you looking forward to most at this summer’s Racing Festival?

The people! Being back amongst that unique mix of 30,000 happy souls all dressed up and wanting to get together and have a great time. There’s that old saying that the Galway Races is ‘a state of mind’, it’s not far off, is it?! I love the way the mood switches through the week, from the undiluted excitement of Monday, to the fervour and glamour of Thursday, right up until the at ease Mad Hatter’s family day on the Sunday. Also, the multiple events off the track throughout the week with the Prom To Paddock at the Salthill Hotel and the Tipster Lunch at Tom Sheridan’s being two to look out for.

It’s been a tough couple of years for Horse Racing. Do you think this year will see a full recovery of the sport?

Attendances at tracks in Britain are struggling post pandemic, there’s no disguising that. They need to do more to lure people back, both in terms of pricing, comfort and entertainment, but that won’t matter one iota at Galway, which puts on a great show, has an almost disturbingly loyal following, and consequently will be packed to the rafters.

What’s your favourite thing about Galway?

Imagine being told about a place that sits perched on the wild atlantic coast, has something bordering on an obsession with having fun, great beaches, rocking nightlife, a deep rooted love of sport, brilliant food, incredible music, a massive choice of places to relax, all while being inhabited by a mix of curious,friendly, welcoming locals and goggle-eyed tourists.

That place exists, it’s called Galway!

Any favourite restaurants or pubs?Oh yes! You can’t miss Moran’s Of The Weir out in Kilcolgan, O’Grady’s in Barna, Spiced in Barna, Coco Cafe in Salthill. All brilliant. As for pubs, I’d happily lay down my sleeping bag in O’Connor’s in Salthill and stay there for the rest of my days. The Guinness, craic and music are unparallelled, so much so, you’ll even see 38 | J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

me dive behind the bar and pull a few pints most nights during race week.

What advice would you give those who leave shopping to the last minute or have trouble putting an outfit together for The Galway Races?

Don’t panic! One of the many reasons I infinitely prefer Galway is the pure sense of relaxation and West of Ireland ease. Get yourself down to any one of the quality outlets around Galway, they’ll have you sorted in no time, without spending a fortune. Also, don’t be afraid to recycle.

I collect suits and would happily wear one in 2022 that I also wore in 2016, no-one will remember!

Fashion has become more relaxed over the last few years, with trainers a staple, even with smart attire. What’s your take on this?

I agree, and I like it. If people are comfortable and happy, that’s one of the key angles of Galway after all. Turning up in your 15-year-old mud splattered pair with a sole flapping off, maybe not so good!

Suit or sports jacket?

Either. Both are cool, both look great. I’m a suit lover and collector, but I also have several great jackets which can be paired up with smart jeans or a trouser. It’s a win-win situation.

Tie or no tie?

I’d almost always favour a tie. There are so many great ties available to style up a suit jacket or sports jacket together with a pocket handkerchief, it seems an opportunity missed, if you swerve it. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t rule out the dickie bow!

Have you any favourite menswear stores in Galway?

It’s a hidden gem and arguably Galway’s best-kept secret: Wolf & West in Oranmore. An incredible shop. When I first saw it I couldn’t believe my eyes.

They’re thriving and if you go in there you’ll see why. Suits, jackets, shirts, ties, jeans, shoes, trainers, casuals; they’ve got a great formula. Nap bet.

Rains Box Bag, €70, Kindfolk

Canon 10x20 IS Binoculars €649.99 Canon

Jaeger Italian Woven Terrazzo Print Pure Silk Tie, €47.00, Marks and Spencer

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Andre A2 Derby shirt, Declan Rooney Menswear

“Absofuckinlutely” double sided silk/ wool scarf, €289, Tidings

Flen Double Hip Flask, €52, Ted Baker

Waistcoat €99, Chinos €109, Shirt €89, Wolf and West

Bugatti Shoe,€100, Greenes Shoes

Dubarry, Moore Leather Jacket in Walnut, €399.00, Millars Connemara

Olymp Luxor Modern Fit Shirt, €79.95, Anthony Ryans

Benetti Archie Grape 3 piece suit, Declan Rooney Menswear GALWAYNOW.COM

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Flea Stylin’

After selling vintage treasures from her wardrobe when she was 17, Chloë Redmond fell in love with the atmosphere of the Flea Style market.

In conversation with ERIN GRANT

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rom here, she was inspired to keep sourcing and to sell vintage while making her own jewellery making and clothing under her brand Lemon Queen. In 2019, Chloë took over the running of the market, and after a two year hiatus, this haberdashery of preloved gems is back and bursting with colour in Galway’s west end.

Can you tell us a little bit about the Flea Style market you run and what is available?

Flea Style Market is a once a month event in Aras na nGael on Dominic Street, and it’s all about showcasing preloved, handmade and vintage clothes & accessories. It is Galway’s longest running indoor style market, and it had its 10th birthday

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in June! Sinead Sheridan started up the market and ran it for seven years, she has done so much for preloved style in Galway by creating this wonderful space once a month, and I’m just thrilled to carry on running Flea Style. We have many vendors, from small businesses, local crafters, vintage sellers and wardrobe clear-outs. You never know what you’ll find.

There’s a large community of people in Galway wanting to do their bit, and Flea Style is a one stop shop where they can source good quality, secondhand and locally handmade pieces.

Where do you find influence for your style?

I take inspiration from a lot of different sources, and I’m always changing up my style! Pinterest is probably my most

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FEATURE used app on my phone, and I’m constantly looking for outfit ideas, colour combos, and different ways to pair pieces of clothing together.

My best friend Caitlinn Lowry, who runs her own second hand styling business Ur Cyber Stylist, has always been a huge style inspiration for me. She continuously inspires others to venture out of their comfort zone and find their own personal style. My mum is a big influence on me too, and she has been making clothes for both of us since I was a baby! If she ever needs an outfit for an occasion, she will make it herself, and it always looks fabulous. She taught me to sew, and there would be no “Lemon Queen” if it weren’t for her. The founder of flea style Sinead Sheridan is another huge inspiration, and she introduced me to the world of vintage, for which I am ever grateful!

How would you encourage others to find their own personal style?

To find your style, you have to push yourself to try new things and consider how a certain look makes you feel: does it portray what you’re trying to express about yourself? Charity shopping is a great way to try finding your style, you can pick up unique pieces without breaking the bank, and while searching through the rails, you could find something that you wouldn’t have thought of, which could spark inspiration. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve fully found my own style yet, or maybe I just don’t have a set style! I love trying out new things all the time, some days, I’m in the brightest colours, mixing up all the patterns and decked out in accessories, and other days I’ll feel better in neutral colours with a more minimalist look. My favourite item of clothing is Probably my “Meadow” fleece from small Galway business LilBits, I wear it constantly, and it can be styled in so many different ways.

Do you think there is still a social stigma around buying and wearing second hand clothing? What would you say to people who are afraid to make the change?

Perhaps it’s because I am so involved in the “vintage world”, but I feel that this stigma has died down a lot. Back when I was in school, it certainly wasn’t as common, and friends who didn’t like the idea of it then love it now! As we all become more educated on the climate crisis, the waste involved in fast fashion, and the poor working conditions, it’s hard not to let that affect your thought process when buying clothing.

To anyone afraid to make the change to buying second hand clothing, I say, ‘what is there to be afraid of? They’re just clothes!’ Changing your mindset on something as simple as where you shop opens you up to a whole new world of clothing available in charity shops, and you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

Do brands and influencers have a responsibility to promote sustainability?

Yes, there is no excuse in this day and age for these huge brands to be causing so much waste and further damaging our planet. We are seeing a lot more high street brands implement sustainability factors into their stores, which I think is a great step in the right direction, and these changes will hopefully lead to bigger steps in other brands.

I think it’s gradually becoming more accessible for consumers to find these types of brands, and hopefully, that continues to grow! As for influencers, I believe if you have a platform of any size, you should at least shed some light on the fast fashion industry and working conditions. Nobody is perfect, and we can’t all buy 100% sustainable items, but it would be great if we saw more influencers showing how fun it is to choose second hand.

What do you think is the future of fashion?

I certainly like to think the future of fashion is exciting and bright!

There are so many more of us calling out for sustainability, and as long as we keep that up, I think the fashion industry will have no choice but to listen. Personally, I find fashion so much fun that it’s hard for me not to feel excited and positive about it. Fashion is a huge way in which we express ourselves and portray ourselves to the world, and no matter how you do that, I think it’s pretty cool!

Summer Market Dates: 17th July and 14th August

GALWAYNOW.COM

Five tips for buying pre-loved clothes

by ERIN GRANT @papermachemind

1. Do you already have something similar?

First things first, do you think we should bring this home?

When we ask ourselves this question, we can avoid impulse buying or filling up our wardrobe with similar pieces. This rule of thumb keeps our selection curated and saves on unnecessary purchases.

2. Can it be styled with your existing wardrobe?

Taking stock to see how a new item can blend with your current wardrobe and style is a great way to measure if you will wear it or not. Often if something is too far removed from our current style we tend to reach for alternatives, meaning the ones which don’t work get pushed to the back of our wardrobe.

3. Is it made from good quality fabric/material?

There is nothing better than investing in some good quality pieces, and when you manage to find them at a bargain, it’s even better! Some timeless classics such as pure cotton or linen are sure to last and keep looking their best.

4. Can you care for it properly?

Let’s be honest, we’ve all thrown something in the wash on the wrong cycle and taken it out looking a little worse for wear. Have a look at the label. Does it need to be washed in a certain way, and can you make that commitment? Also, it’s important to consider the impact of the material on our environment as many synthetic blends will end up broken down and circulating in our oceans.

5. Will it last?

Stitches, seams, holes, stretches and missing buttons should all be considered when browsing pre-loved items. Although most people take care not to donate poor quality pieces, some can slip through and make it to the rails. Keep an eye out for anything you think might mean you could be done with it sooner than you had hoped.

WHERE TO SHOP: For curated style bundles: Ur Cyber Stylist For great second hand: Irish Cancer Society Charity Shop + Vincent’s For hidden treasures: Simon Community Sea Road For curated vintage: Public Romance For preloved designer goods: No8 JULY/AUGUST 2022

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FEATURE

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC with Karen Weekes Words by ISABEL CONWAY

Alone in the vast expanse of empty ocean 1500 miles out on an epic journey, bidding to become the first Irish woman to row the Atlantic, Karen Weekes looked into the horizon and saw Galway Bay. “That happened two or three times, in my mind I would visualize Galway, Salthill and Bearna, as far over as Carraroe and the Aran Islands and that familiar view came into sight”, she tells Galway Now.

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“I

n my mind’s eye, out there in the middle of nowhereI pictured the Galway coast ahead. If you are familiar with something, you are more comfortable with it.

I was able to get my head back into where I rowed when training, and that helped me. I know the south coast much better, Lynches Pier near my home, passing Island Eddy, Crushoa, Kinvara and on down to Ballyvaughan. But funnily it was always Galway Bay to the North that I saw”.

During her history making 3,000 plus nautical mile marathon rowing solo in Millie (named after her late mother), a selfrighting small craft from the Canaries in early December, ending over 80 days later in Barbados, the adventurer from Kinvara in Galway brought her past training and experience as a sports psychologist into play whilst coping on her own with the sheer enormity and emptiness of the sea.

The Flaggy Shore, famous for its limestone pavements and wonderful views, immortalized in the Seamus Heaney poem, is one of her favourite areas of the Irish coast. Wrapped in rainwear we meet on a chilly, drizzly afternoon north of Kinvara and wander out into Co Clare – a contrast to the exoticism of Barbados on a balmy warm evening a few weeks earlier. The 54 year-old extreme sports veteran had just alighted onto Bridgetown’s quayside, after much customs red tape, form filling and a medical check-up.

Looking remarkably fit for someone who had rowed against the elements for much of her journey, she swivelled her hips, waving in time to the beat of the Barbados Tourist Board’s welcoming Bajan band and the gyrating dancers in frilled skirts. A large crowd of family, friends and supporters – who had travelled from Ireland to greet her, cheered and sank a few beers at the impromptu harbour party. Karen Weekes then presented the island’s Minister for sport with specially designed placemats charting the distance from Galway to Barbados.

An important moment to acknowledge this Irish woman’s bravery and true grit, it was also a celebration for those who had supported her #SheCanDo campaign goal, aiming to provide a platform for encouraging women and girls to push themselves outside of their comfort zones to succeed both in their work and everyday lives. Dr Weekes, a lecturer at Munster Technological University also wanted to highlight the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality and the conservation of oceans and marine life.

As Karen Weekes recalls the highs and lows of her incredible journey – from magical starry nights punctured by the glint of flying fish and Dorado “who sheltered from sunshine underneath the boat” to battling monstrous seas and moments of loneliness, the owner of a nearby holiday home overlooking the Flaggy shore stops to congratulate her. Rolling down the driver’s window, he pushes two fifty

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euro notes out towards the causes she rowed for - the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and Irish children’s hospice the Laura Lynn Foundation. The sponsorship fund has already raised over €40,000, It’s a familiar reaction everywhere in these parts. Strangers come up to her on Galway’s streets, remembering her Late Late show performance and a line of nurses stop to watch her at Galway Racecourse receiving her COVID vaccine booster.” One woman who I had never met before said that I wasan inspiration and I had helped her manage to get through the winter months. That was special to hear, very humbling.” she says. Weekes has a great sense of humour and makes little of her achievements. “What you did was magnificent. You had us all enthralled”, the donor of the €100 on the Flaggy shore tells her. Jokingly Karen offers to buy him a pint later. When we drop into Kehoe’s pub back in Kinvara after our walk, the barman refuses to take any money from her. “We followed your adventure all the way.

We’re so proud of you”. The wide eyed girl behind the bar adds,” we were all watching you on the TV telling how you hit a Hammerhead shark by mistake on the head with your oar and that he came up behind your boat again”.

Talking of her life and times, that has included cycling across Canada, circumnavigating Ireland in a Kayak, climbing two of Africa’s highest peaks and sailing the Atlantic twice she explains, “I came here to Kinvara 25 years ago and never left; it’s such an amazing community; it’s unique here, people look out for each other so well”. After only 4 hours of sleep a night throughout her ordeal, a ten day chill out in Barbados enjoying the sunshine and turquoise blue sea followed. Returning home, she became an overnight celebrity. “President Michael D Higgins sent a message of congratulations to me, bonfires were lit along the road, and I got a Garda escort and people were lining the streets and cheering; it was totally unexpected”.

The Co Galway woman went on to charm the nation on TV and radio shows, making light of the numerous challenges she faced, such as spending three days strapped into her tiny cabin in the midst of a storm. Those Trade winds that would have swept her along for a good portion of the journey only kicked in for a couple of days. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done”, she told Galway Now. Exhausted and sleep deprived, she hallucinated, seeing a large long tailed cat walking over her oars followed by a polar bear that gazed contentedly at her. That begs the question: how does she feel now? “My body is a bit beaten up, but it will come back in time; I lost a lot of muscle which is really upsetting, but I am sleeping and eating well.”

She was deeply affected by the vibrancy of colours, orange yellows, red, as if her eyes were hungry after all the blues, greens and whites at sea and the forgotten texture of real food – from spinach to chicken, garlic to steak, after eating “re-hydrated slop for a couple of months at sea”. On her birthday December 30th, a German yacht drew alongside and she received a piece of apple pie in a bag thrown across as Ziggy, the skipper sang happy birthday. Then a day later, on New Year’s Eve, a Spanish yacht arrived, but after taking photos of her, it left without giving her anything. Karen laughs in disbelief at the memory, chuckling, “I was dying for a beer, I asked for any kind of a cold drink, but they said they’d none and left; imagine you meet a girl in the middle of the ocean after 67 days on her own, wouldn’t you surely give her something?”

When Millie arrives back in Ireland by ship Karen Weekes plans to bring her back to Kinvara for one last visit and show her off before she is sold and goes to a “good home” perhaps to help create yet another record breaking row to come. As to her next adventure, Karen Weekes would “love to cycle through Mongolia,” but for now, she plans to “weed my garden patch and plant a few spuds and vegetables”.

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the GREAT OUTDOORS

DELPHI RESORT Delphi Resort is a picturesque, 4-star resort located on the Galway/Mayo border near Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway.

Located off the beaten track in the truly beautiful, mountainous scenery of the Delhi Valley, it is a stunning resort with several offerings and is just 80 minutes drive from Knock Airport.

The resort offers a combination of a luxury experience and a chance to get active in the great outdoors. There is something for everyone including a 4-star hotel with luxurious bedroom, an outdoor adventure centre offering up to twenty activities, an award-winning spa with Thermal Suite and stunning mountain views, hotel bar

CLONBOO RIDING SCHOOL Clonboo Riding School is a family run riding school that has been open for 38 years. They offer riding lessons for tots, children and adults who want to learn something new. They have half hour lessons which are popular and suitable for children from 4 years of age. The hour long lessons are suitable for older children and can be taught either in our indoor or outdoor school. Cllasses are delivered in small groups so that each participant can receive individual attention and support.

If you’re looking for something a little different why not try their side saddle lessons? The school does not provide hacking or trecking and is approved A.I.R.E. Contact Alexandra Donnelly 0879111738

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and restaurant overlooking the Mweelrea Mountains, café and budget accommodation at the Wild Atlantic Hostel.

Situated on a 200 acre site, there are also several self guided forest trails around the Resort that you can explore all while surrounded by the stunning mountainous scenery of the area.

Designed as a welcoming pause from the world, Delphi Resort is the perfect base from which to explore Connemara and the South Mayo regions. It is just 35 minutes from Westport, 15 minutes from a number of stunning Mayo beaches and 35 minutes from Connemara National Park. www.delphiresort.com 095 42208

CONNEMARA SHOOTING SCHOOL For both ladies and gentlemen, for the complete novice who has never touched a gun, for an experienced shot who would like to enjoy an hours shooting, a competitor who needs some coaching with a problematic target or indeed someone who would like to improve their general ability with a shotgun, the Connemara Shooting School at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel will take you through every aspect of safety, gun handling and the methods for breaking all your targets. With their new shooting shelter, clay shooting can be enjoyed without being rained upon, perfect for Irish weather. connemarashootingschool.com

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the GREAT OUTDOORS

BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE & ESTATE Planning a day trip to Connemara this summer, be sure to add Ballynahinch Castle to the itinerary. Enjoy over 10 miles of woodland and riverside walking trails or a gentle stroll around the beautifully restored Walled Garden followed by takeaway refreshments from The Garden Café. Bring your own bicycles to explore the first section of the Connemara Greenway which runs through the estate. A lovely experience is to pre book one of the hotel picnics to enjoy in the walled garden or further afield as you explore the area. Picnics are available from €30 person and must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. Lunch in The Fisherman’s Pub is also worth the stop, tables are subject to availability so best to call in advance of your visit.

095 31006 or visit www.ballynahinchcastle.com

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 made in house sweet treats and a cup of tea is a must. After a short trip to Ireland Sadie Chowen fell in love with the beauty of the Burren. She now runs the Burren Perfumery with her husband Ralph, producing top quality perfumes and cosmetics inspired by the surrounding landscapes and herbs of the landscape. Visitors can 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! www.burrenperfumery.com

the WILDLANDS Just 10 minutes from Galway city and set on over 20 acres of mature woodland in Moycullen, Wildlands is a hotspot for thrill-seekers of all ages! Choose from indoor and outdoor adventures including Zip ‘n’ Trek, new Irish mythology themed Celtic Challenge Rooms, Fun Walls, Archery, Bushcraft, Disc Golf, Yoga, Fairy Trails, Woodland walks and more! Mini adventurers will love Baile Beag play village, Zip ‘n’ Trek Junior, or mini 4 x 4 driving! Enjoy a panoramic view of the park’s ziplines as you dine in the Olive Tree Kitchen restaurant. www.wildlands.ie

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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. www.pallaskarting. com 090 9745914

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FEATURE

LIVING in the

MOMENT with AMBER DOYLE @AMBERMOONHOLISTIC

Mindfulness is a practice that encourages us to live in our present moment without diving forward, or looking backward.

L

iving in a mindful way has many proven and significant psychological, cognitive, and physical benefits to enjoy including increased memory, improved immune function, decreased anxiety, and better sleep patterns. In modern society, truly living in the present and ‘switching off’ the daily chatter within the mind can be a difficult task. We may begin our day with the positive intention to meditate, only to become distracted by a steady stream of emails, or an overwhelming ‘to do’ list.

In these instances, adopting smaller, less time-consuming micro-practices will be beneficial and more realistic to achieve.

Here are three ways to incorporate mindfulness in your day to day routine.

BE IN THE HERE AND NOW Be mindful at different stages of your day. If you are stretching before exercise, notice how your body feels with each movement. Where are you holding tension? If you are walking to the shop, focus on the people you encounter, the sounds you hear and the feeling of your feet hitting the pavement. Notice a beautiful flower, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face. If you are eating your lunch, observe the taste, texture, and how your food makes you feel.

Are you chewing your food properly, are you savouring the taste? If you are having a conversation with a loved one, practice active listening. Listen fully with your ears, heart and intuition. See if this changes the quality of your conversation, and your knowledge of the other person.

FOCUS ON YOUR BREATHING If faced with an unpleasant situation or feeling anxious, breathwork will help ease the tension, relax the mind, and gain clarity. Whilst sitting or lying down,

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mindfully focus on deeply inhaling and exhaling for three minutes. With every deep breath, focus on the rise and fall of your stomach. Scan your body to notice any aches or sensations felt at that given moment, and how you begin to feel as you continue to breathe. Where are you holding tension? Do you feel heavy or light? Use your breath as your anchor; when your mind starts to wander or intrusive thoughts come forward, refocus on your breath and inhale deeply for three seconds, followed by a slow release exhalation for three seconds.

TAKE A WALKING IN NATURE Bathing yourself in the sea, or grounding yourself in the forest can help to ground the mind and body. Immersing yourself in nature and being wholly present in that moment is a wonderful destressor. Whilst enveloped in the great outdoors, bring your attention to the sounds of the birds chirping or waves crashing. Experience the smell of wild garlic, or the salty sea breeze. Feel the sand beneath your feet, or the light rain droplets on your face. Notice how your legs and feet feel – Are they tired, heavy, light? Is your posture uplifted, or wilted? When your mind begins to drift, gently bring your energy back to centre and breathe deeply. The journey is less about the destination, and more about your internal and external observations whilst you walk.

Learning how to stop momentarily, breathe deeply, see the beauty surrounding us can help us evolve spiritually and live a more compassionate and fulfilled life. It is your way to choose you at this moment.

Amber Moon Holistic, Reiki Practitioner and Reiki Master, Nadia Beauty Salon, Doon, Kilrickle, Co. Galway

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FEATURE

RÉ NAO

XI’AN TRADITION AND DELICIOUS CUISINE IN THE HEART OF GALWAY

The West of Ireland, and in particular Galway, is known for an unbeatable love of great food, community and culture. It is no wonder then that the award-winning Hitianland Group (Established in 2001) has chosen to situate their new relaxed, sophisticated and authentic Asian dining restaurant here.

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he team is no stranger to these shores, after all, three of their establishments in both Dublin and Galway have won the prestigious McKennas’ Guide. This is no surprise as their popular restaurant Xi’an Street Food on Quay street maintains an eight year reputation for some of the best food in the city. Similarly their recently opened and much acclaimed Ré Tea shop has brought bubbles and bao buns to the wild atlantic way. Standing beautifully on Galway’s Spanish Arch with its heated outdoor patio looping around to face Galway bay, their latest trump Ré Nao has quickly become one of the finest places for dining in the west.

The Chinese city of Xi’an, which is the longest serving capital of China, an integral part of the Silk Road, and the city at the centre of the Tang Dynasty, is renowned for culture, trade and food.

Inspired by Xi’an’s rich history of community and shared dining

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experiences, Ré Nao hopes to nurture the same atmosphere here in Galway. While dining, you will observe the detailing of former dynasties on the floor beneath your feet and the traditional musical instruments on the walls.

Perhaps you’ll even notice the link between Irish and Chinese history in some of the artefacts, details and design.

The name Ré Nao contains the meaningful Irish word ‘Ré’ which represents time, an age or an era. In Chinese, ‘Ré Nao’’ (热闹) translates to the spirit of delight, excitement, and happiness, all of which are clearly visible throughout the restaurant.

The interiors are mesmerising but undoubtedly, food is the team’s passion, Crispy Vegan Tofu and creating delectable and intricately delightful dishes is something they have perfected. At Ré Nao the food is carefully curated using the finest and most authentically pure ingredients in order to offer an emotional, sensory and enjoyable dining experience. Here, food is about healing and they maintain that the atmosphere you dine

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FEATURE

Hand Made Biang Biang Noodles

Fresh Bubble Tea

in should be rejuvenating, inspiring and inviting. This is why visiting Ré Nao offers a culinary experience like no other.

Each dish is expertly crafted in their ‘show kitchen’, where you can watch everything being prepared in front of you. From your seat, you will see the chefs vibrantly and enthusiastically preparing your noodles fresh to order. This creates a fun and inviting atmosphere while also showing off the skills of the team. The sounds from the kitchen are lively and have a rich history attached to them with Ré Nao’s famous hand pulled ‘Biang Biang’ noodles being named after the impressive reverberation they make when being prepared. These culinary experts also offer their own unique and exclusive dishes made using Xi’an chilli oil and spices which have been carefully brought here from the Xi’an region. Jiamo, Liangpi Noodles, handcrafted dumplings (made from scratch in house) and Jianbing – a decadent Chinese style burrito made using mung bean flour, are just some of the speciality dishes available.

On the other side of the restaurant, you’ll find a stylish and well stocked cocktail bar serving everything from the reliable ‘old fashioned’ to a summer ready fresh ‘cucumber sesh’ or a tantalising alcoholfree ‘watermelon blitz’, along

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with many other signature cocktails. While these drinks are sure to please your taste buds, we can’t forget the star of the drinks show, their impressive bubble tea selection. Ré Nao has their own brand of bubble tea, including ‘trouble bubbles’ for when you want an alcohol infused treat, made using fresh fruits, and home-made natural syrups.

The Galway vegan food scene is sure to be pleased with Ré Nao as they offer an extensive vegan menu showcasing impressive, well thought through and interesting options. Veganism is not a new concept, in fact it has long been advocated in Asian culture and the Ré Nao team are well versed on the topic. When browsing the menu you’ll find Nasi Goreng and vegan sizzling ‘duck’ which is a labour of love, taking considerable care to create, along with other favourites all made by renowned head chef Nasri Zamran and their skilled team.

If this wasn’t impressive enough, Ré Nao has gone the extra mile by establishing a separate vegan kitchen for their customers’ peace of mind. They can also happily prepare many of their dishes to suit gluten free diets and cater to suit your food requirements. Among the household favourites, lunchtime dining offers an extra selection of flavourful tapas deals, and an additional menu with enticing, delicious and affordable student options. With all of this in mind, it is clear to see that upholding an ethos of including everyone at the table, is where Ré Nao shines.

Food has long been known to bring us together, and what better time than now, with the warm Summer evenings rolling in, to experience Ré Nao for yourself. You will find them ready to warmly welcome the community of Galway to experience food from another west, the Xi’an region of China. @renaorestaurant renaorestaurant.ie info@renaorestaurant.ie 091534935 GALWAYNOW.COM

Images: Martina Regan Photography @martinareganphotography

FOOD

Traditional Liangpi Noodles GALWAYNOW.COM

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FEATURE

At Home with

SARAH BUTLER @sarahbutlerathomeofficial

Born in Castlebar, Co. Mayo in 1983 and the youngest of six, In Sarah’s home food was possibly the most talked about topic! From a family producing food to making their own dishes, Sarah’s home was food focused from the beginning.

F

rom the time Sarah had her own kitchen, she always had her head in a cookbook trying out new recipes for herself or to entertain guests.

When she and her husband had two small babies, along with both being self employed, Sarah learned quickly how to make food wisely, use leftovers for lunch and eat great food without the stress by meal planning and batch cooking to avoid food waste. This is something she now loves to teach people to do in the busy lives we lead.

When her hard earned and acclaimed Instagram was hacked in 2021, Sarah felt disheartened but didn’t let it stop her, setting up a new page, “Sarah Butler at Home Official”, on February 10th. That evening, Sarah gained an incredible 16,500 followers from the sheer support of her online community.

Her page continues to grow and now has over 70,000 followers. Due to the constant requests of my followers for a cookbook, Sarah took the next step and launched her cookbook, and here we are sharing her delightful, decadent recipes which are perfect for these sunny Summer days.

Sarah’s book Sarah Butler Home Cooking is available on her website sarahbutler.com and cookbook number two is due in Dec 2022

Swiss Roll A really quick and simple dessert to make, one that will be sure to impress the family! Fill with whatever jam you want. Some great tips here on how to get it just perfect. Serves 6.

Ingredients 75 g caster sugar 3 eggs 75 g self-raising flour 180 g strawberry jam 250 ml freshly whipped cream 2 tbsp caster sugar 2 tbsp icing sugar to decorate

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FOOD

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

2. Grease and line a 16 x 28cm swiss roll tin with baking parchment paper.

3. Combine 75 g caster sugar and eggs in a mixer and beat for 5 minutes until a pale and fluffy consistency develops.

4. Sieve the flour into your mixture, and with a large spoon fold in your flour gently.

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5. Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for 10-12 minutes until light golden and firm, do not overbake, or the sponge will break when rolling.

6. Once baked, sprinkle 2 tbsp of caster sugar over a sheet of parchment paper and turn out the sponge onto the sugared paper.

7. Remove parchment paper from the base of the sponge and gently roll from the longest side into a swiss roll shape.

8. Allow to cool completely rolled up in this shape covered with a dry tea towel.

9. Once cool, gently unroll the sponge and spread the whipped cream all over the surface.

Piping the jam on top of the cream will make it easier, and they will not mix together.

10. Roll up your swiss roll again, and dust with 2 tbsp sieved icing sugar.

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FOOD

Chocolate & Hazelnut Brownies A regular bake in this house, these are so ‘moreish’.

Serve warm or cold with ice cream and whipped cream for a real treat dessert! Makes 16.

Ingredients 175 g butter cubed 175 g dark chocolate 80% cocoa 25 g cocoa powder 3 eggs 225 g light brown sugar or caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

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100 g self-raising flour sieved 75 g chopped hazelnuts 75 g chocolate chips 2 tbsp icing sugar to decorate Method 1. Preheat oven 200C/180C fan/gas 6 2. Place 175 g butter, 175 g dark chocolate and 25 g cocoa powder in a large bowl and melt over a saucepan of simmering water until all is melted.

3. Beat 3 eggs, 225 g light brown sugar or caster sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until pale and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.

4. Add chocolate mixture once cooled to the egg and sugar mixture and combine.

5. Fold in 100 g of self-raising flour carefully with a large spoon until all is well combined.

6. Add 75 g chopped hazelnuts and 75 g chocolate chips and combine.

7. Line a 20cm square tin with baking paper and pour the mixture in, and place in a preheated oven 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 19-20 minutes.

8. Once edges begin to become crispy, remove from the oven and remove baking paper. You want the brownies soft in the middle, otherwise, it will just be a chocolate cake.

9. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

10. Decorate with icing sugar.

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FEATURE

FOLLOWING THE

FOODIE TRAIL Misunderstood Heron This seasonal food truck opens for the Spring and Summer months along the shores of Killary Fjord in Connemara. Here you can enjoy creative homemade meals from a daily changing menu while looking out at the beautiful views. Local seafood and meat dishes are made using local produce. Why not go for a walk along the looped path by the shore and finish with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat?

Where? Derrynacleigh, Leenaun, Co. Galway @misunderstood_heron

The West of Ireland has some of the best food trucks around. We have compiled a list of our favourites including a mixture of some well known wonders and hidden treasures. Grab your friends, follow our trail and let the foodie adventure begin!

The Coffee Shack Mayo’s first drive-through coffee shop, The Coffee Shack, is located in the heart of Castlebar. Here you can quickly get yourself homemade coffee and a freshly made tasty snack. Plus if you bring your own reusable cup you can get 50c off your coffee!

Where? The junction of Station Road McHale Road in Castlebar Co. Mayo @thecoffeeshackcastlebar 58 | J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

Pink “Mama no Drama” van This aesthetically pleasing pink van in Moycullen serves delicious coffee, sandwiches and treats using local produce and suppliers. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options. Get yourself an amazing cup of coffee in an Instagram worthy spot.

Where? Ballyquirke West, Moycullen @mamanodrama.official

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FEATURE Seahorse Seahorse Ireland is a beautiful pink truck serving decadent coffee and treats down by the pier. Located in Oranmore, it’s the perfect place to grab a warm cup of coffee after walking to the point and dipping your toes in Galway bay.

Where? Renville Park, Oranmore Dogs Bay and Gorteen strand

Boho Barista Ballina Inspired by travel and nature, Boho Barista was created by Anne and Mark Tickle to bring great coffee to rural Ireland.

Located along Quay Road in Ballina, Boho Barista is ideal for some refreshing drinks along the Wild Atlantic Way. Where? The Quay Ln, Quignamanger, Ballina, Co. Mayo @boho_barista

Julia’s lobster truck Julia’s lobster truck is open for the Summer season in West County Clare and serves freshly cooked restaurant quality seafood.

You can enjoy their delicious grub in the scenic rocky mountains.

Where? Glencolumbkille South, Carron, Co. Clare @juliaslobstertruck

Blasta Located on Achill Island, Blasta food truck serves freshly prepared, high quality dinners during the summer.

If you’re not hungry enough for a big meal, their sandwiches or range of hot drinks are sure to hit the spot.

Outdoor seating is available and you can also enjoy the food inside Ted’s restaurant next to the truck.

Where? Cashel, Achill Island, Co.Mayo @blastaatteds

Alainn Salthill This seaside van serves coffee and superfood bowls made using local produce. Located right beside the iconic Blackrock diving tower, you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a nourishing smoothie bowl after a refreshing swim.

Where? Blackrock Diving Tower, Salthill, Galway @alainn_galway Fadó Pizza At Fadó Pizza you can enjoy woodfire pizza right in the middle of the Connemara countryside.

With both gluten free and vegan pizzas available, there is something for everybody. Open in the evenings, Fadó also sells the occasional sweet treat such as homemade brownies and cheesecake.

Where? Clifden at Fernwood Farm H71 XY80 @fadopizza GALWAYNOW.COM

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SUMMER DINING

MURTY RABBITTS Situated just off Eyre Square on Forster Street offering a relaxed dining experience with an ability to enjoy the best of Irish cuisine. Serving food daily from 1pm – 9-pm. Murty Rabbitt’s extensive menu will satisfy a variety of taste buds from Murty’s Famous Steak Sandwich, their very popular Irish Stew and locally sourced fresh cod which is battered only when the customer orders their traditional fish & chips dish. To complement Murty Rabbitt’s menu the bar boasts a wide variety of craft beers and an extensive cocktail menu. In the summer months enjoy dining al fresco style in their award-winning beer garden. (091) 566 490

WILD BEANS CAFE Wild Beans is the latest addition to Galway counties’ impressive roster of cafes and restaurants. Located in the coastal village of Kinvara, this bright and inviting space offers a specially selected range of artisanal coffees and sandwiches. Visit this warm and inviting cafe for yourself to get the full experience and enjoy great 3FE coffee prepared by a team of skilled and experienced staff. During Cruinniù na mbad on the 13th & 14th of August they will have live music in their seating area. Open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 7.30 to 3.30, Saturday and Sunday 8.30 to 3.00pm. Follow Wild Beans on Instagram for more updates @wildbeanskinvara

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ARMORICA Located on Main Street in Oranmore, Armorica is an intimate but open dining space with a menu rooted in a modern yet classic French style and refined yet accessible wine list. Its beautiful conservatory with garden views and spacious outdoor seating makes it a perfect destination for the summer months. With a menu that values using the freshest, most sustainably produced and locally sourced ingredients, you will get a truly extraordinary dining experience. The live Jazz sessions every Thursday evening and Sunday lunchtime make Armorica an ideal destination. The team led by Natasha and Nicolas is on hand to offer a unique dining experience, and ensure the perfect venue for weddings, christenings and special occasions. 091388343

CORRIB HOUSE TEA ROOMS & GUEST ACCOMMODATION This beautifully restored historic 1830’s Georgian townhouse is located on the edge of the Salmon Weir, in the heart of Galway City with uninterrupted views of the spectacular River Corrib from almost every window of the house. Located just a stone’s throw from Galway’s shopping and nightlife hubs, Corrib House is the perfect location to unwind. Their unique tea rooms offer a delicious range of breakfast, lunches, cakes and treats with specialty teas and coffees. Five luxurious boutique guestrooms, each individually styled in a traditional manner with modern facilities, offer an unforgettable stay.

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FEATURE

BASILICO Since 2008, Basilico has offered customers an authentic Italian dining experience with a professional friendly service, quality and affordability. All produce is sourced locally, including from their own farm, to create dishes that will enhance your dining experience. Basilico Oranmore is the only Italian restaurant in Galway to win the prestigious “Eccellenze Italiane” award. This company protects all businesses that proclaim Italian authenticity so you know you will be experiencing original Italian cuisine. 091 483693

CHEFS CAFE Nestled in Craughwell, Chef’s Cafe prepares high quality, local, fresh cuisine which is suitable for everyone. Every day you will find freshly prepared dishes and warm baked goods available with an extensive breakfast and lunch selection, and a decadent dinner menu available. All their dishes are made using the freshest, local ingredients available which means their menu is packed full of flavour and they are happy to cater to all different tastes. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious menu awaits you. chefscafecraughwell. com 091 876497

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OLIVE TREE KITCHEN AT WILDLANDS GALWAY The Olive Tree Kitchen at Wildlands provides you with a feast for the senses! Enjoy a panoramic view of the park’s ziplines and watch people zipping overhead as you dine. Their menu champions locally sourced and home-grown ingredients, and their popular firebrick pizza is cooked in front of you in a traditional Neapolitan pizza oven. Freshly baked sweet pastries, light bites and sweet treats can also be enjoyed with award winning Irish Fixx coffee all day long. The perfect spot to relax after a day of adventuring, or to gather with friends and family! Indoor and outdoor terrace dining available. www.wildlands.ie

GOURMET FOOD PARLOUR Gourmet Food Parlour in Salthill has launched its brand-new menus with some delectable changes to the dinner offering, not to mention some must-have new dishes on the breakfast, brunch and lunch menus. New tapas-style starters include Wild Mushroom Arancini, Garlic & Chilli Prawns and a Falafel Taco alongside customer favourite dishes. For the main course, the classic GFP Hereford Irish Beef Burger is joined by new dishes such as Pan-Fried Hake Fillet and the scrumptious Fisherman’s Pie. For bookings visit www. gourmetfoodparlour.com or call 01 895 7565 to book a table today.

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Mervue organic award winning sustainable skincare

Handmade in Ireland www.mervuenaturalskincare.com 62 | J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

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FEATURE Invest in A Good Summer Hat A foolproof way to protect your hair this summer while still looking stylish is to get a bucket hat! A bucket hat has a wide brim to protect your hair from the sun much better than a baseball or golf cap.

We love this one from COS. €35.00, cos.com

Remington Hydraluxe Volumizing Hair Styler During the hot summer months, your hair doesn’t need any more heat damage from straighteners and curlers. Get the perfect at home blow out without the excessive heat damage with Remington’s Hydraluxe Volumizing Hair Styler. With Moisture Lock Technology, Remington allows you to personalise your bouncy blow out look while protecting your hair from the moisture ripping sun, sand, and sea. €37.50, boots.ie

SUMMER HAIR

Aveda Sun Care Hair Summer Proof your hair with Aveda’s Summer Care Hair products. These products prep your hair before you step out into the sun and maintain its moisture balance to treat sun exposure. €25.50, avedastore.ie Olaplex`s No 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo If you have bleached or chemically treated your hair, the sun’s harmful rays are more likely to dry it out and cause further breakage. Whatever type of blonde hair you have, highlights or root to tip, Olaplex`s No 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo will neutralise brassy tones while hydrating and repairing your hair. €27.50, brownthomas.com Boucleme Curls Redefined Protect your curls and get that perfect beach curls look this summer with this curl cream from Boucleme. It is ultra-nourishing and offers unrivalled moisture and humidity protection, allowing you to harness the power of your frizz and embrace your bouncy velvety curls. €12.00, boucleme-eu.com

During the Summer months our hair endures everything from UV sun rays to chlorine pools. As a result, there are a lot of things to consider when looking to keep our hair shiny and healthy. Here are some enriching products that will give you that gorgeous, smooth, beach hair look this Summer.

Naturtint shampoo bar.

If you’re looking to travel carry on only this Summer, shampoo bars are the perfect solution to minimise your liquids on your next getaway. You can save room for other liquids all while this shampoo bar from Naturtint strengthens, revitalises and restores your hair. €15.00, hollandandbarrett.ie

Seoulista Silky Locks Hair Wrap While it’s good to avoid excessive heat damage from hair dryers, especially during the summer, letting your hair completely air dry can do more damage than good. A Seoulista Silky Locks Hair Wrap is extremely absorbent and provides friction-free drying to protect your hair at its most vulnerable. €16.50, mccabespharmacy.com

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BEAUTY Avant Skincare Multi-Defense Ceramides Protecting Veil UVA/UVB SPF50 Safeguard your skin from environmental stressors including harmful UVA/UVB rays. Key ingredients in this vegan friendly formula include ceramides to form a protective layer that helps plump skin and hold moisture, acting as a barrier against bacteria and environmental pollutants.

The white tea extract works to protect the skin from cell damage whilst simultaneously soothing the complexion and jojoba aims to nourish and protect your skin from environmental stressors whilst helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 50ml/€87.00

NUXE Delicious Face and Body Lotion High Protection SPF30 150ml This SPF 30 sun protection milk helps to protect your face and body from the sun’s rays and premature photoaging of the skin while enhancing your tan.

Its fluid, milky texture glides smoothly over your skin. This evocative holiday scented product with notes of sweet Orange, Tiare and Vanilla is an irresistible invitation to savour that summer feeling. €24.90

SPF SUMMER

SAVIOURS

No matter the season, protecting ourselves by applying SPF each day should be non-negotiable. Finding a good sunscreen is a must and whether you’re looking for a daily defence staple or the best summer beach protection, we have curated the perfect list of sun creams to help protect your skin this summer.

Ultraceuticals UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30 Mattifying Protect and mattify your skin every day with broad spectrum sun protection combined with a boost of moisture. Ultraceuticals best-selling, non-whitening, shine-free formula is fast absorbing and lightweight. It delivers a vital blend of moisturising ingredients including Shea butter and Sodium Hyaluronate. Panthenol and nicotinamide support the skin’s lipid shield without clogging the pores or leaving an oily residue. €50.50 P20 Face SPF P20 Face SPF 30 is a non-greasy sunscreen specially formulated to offer a high level of sun protection to delicate facial skin. Suitable for all the family. Why you need it: Riemann P20 Seriously Reliable Suncare Face SPF 30 has photostable UVA and UVB filters that give you up to 10 hours of protection with just one application. P20 Face provides UVA protection that far exceeds EU recommendations and is rated 5 out of 5 stars, which helps protect against the visible signs of premature skin ageing. €26

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Nimue Tinted SPF 40 These days we are wearing a lot less makeup but it’s still nice to dress up for that daily zoom call. Nimue’s Tinted SPF 40 will not only protect your face from harmful UVA and UVB rays but also from High Energy Visible Light from Smartphones, computer screens and blue light so you can look good and feel protected. €45.50

IMAGE Prevention + Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturiser SPF50 This sheer daily moisturiser delivers SPF 50 broadspectrum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. The modernised formula with Digital Ageing Defence helps to fight against the effects of blue light and environmental skin stressors that cause dryness, discoloration and other signs of ageing. The lightweight formulation has you covered for indoors, outdoors or in high sun exposure. Thoughtfully formulated without the sunscreen actives octinoxate and oxybenzone, and free of parabens and artificial fragrances. €49.50

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer SPF30 Smooth fine lines, brighten and prime for flawless skin, and prep for make-up application with Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer.

The velvety formula with soy protein helps even out skin texture, creating a smoother surface.

Pearl Powder and natural earth minerals provide a neutral tint for visible luminosity, radiance and more even skin tone. Wear alone over your moisturiser, or after moisturiser application and before foundation, to help decrease the appearance of fine lines for a lasting make-up finish. €55.00

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BEAUTY

Lisa’s Health and Beauty Beauty Therapist Lisa O’Flynn has owned and managed her salon in Clarinbridge for ten years. With 21 years of experience in the health and beauty business, Lisa always strives to improve and grow to cater to her clients.

Left to right: Emma Walsh, Andrea Gill, Lisa OFlynn and Marie Hayes. Missing from photo Ruth Walsh

T

he highly skilled and trained team at Lisa’s includes assistant manager and senior therapist, and Lisa’s right hand woman Andrea, who has been working there for eight years. Emma started in reception five years ago and has since been upskilled to a therapist. Now Ruth has replaced her in reception. Lisa’s husband John has supported her with all the background work, her mother, Marie, has been with her from the beginning, helping out on reception and looking after her three beautiful boys, and Dad John looks after all things maintenance. The community of Clarinbridge welcomed her with open arms and continued to support her daily, for which she is incredibly grateful.

Recently Lisa has added to her retail products, including HD Brows Products, Nouveau Lash Conditioner, Teeth Whitening Products, and Elemis Skin Care. She also provides make-up services using Mac and Jane Iredale, with Charlotte Tilbury being added to the list very soon. They have recently added new brands, Perron Rigot Wax, the first ever strip and hot wax, and brand new Irish tan Bia Belle to complement their Bellamianta and Vita Liberata range.

Lisa has worked through a recession, lockdowns, and flooding but keeps returning stronger. This year began with repainting and redecorating the salon, followed by a total upgrading and rebranding of the business. On the 9th of July, Lisa’s Health & Beauty will celebrate its 10th Birthday in the salon with an Afternoon Tea Party. She looks forward to celebrating with her clients and staff.

Here’s to wishing Lisa and all her staff another wonderful 10 years in business!

New Treatments Available Elemis Biotec Facial, MiniMi Wrap, HD Brows, HD Brow Sculpt Lamination, Nouveau Lash Lift.

The brand new Elemis Biotec 2.0 Facial Machine offers 6 Technologies in one; Oxygen Therapy, Cryo Freeze Therapy, Ultrasonic, Light LED Therapy, Microcurrent and Galvanic.

As a result, Lisa can offer her clients numerous technologies that complement each other and enhance results in just one treatment. This addition places Lisa’s Health and Beauty at the top of its game.

THE BRIDGE CENTRE, CLARINBRIDGE, CO GALWAY | (091) 485701 | LISABEAUTY30@GMAIL.COM | LISASHEALTHANDBEAUTY.IE

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www.tubstiles.ie

SHOP ONLINE

Glocal - concrete effect porcelain | Jewels - marble look porcelain

090 6424000 info@tubstiles.ie www.tubstiles.ie

Briarhill Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway • 091 752500 • galway@tubstiles.ie • Sandyford • Kylemore

• Cork • Galway

• Kilkenny • Limerick

• Tralee • Ennis

• Sligo • Wexford

• Navan • Athlone

FEATURE

INTERIOR ATMOSPHERE With Summer here, and both the Galway Races and International Arts Festival in full swing, the city is primed and ready for a busy season.

When planning ahead and choosing the perfect venue, it is important to consider both the space and atmosphere. Here are four stand out interiors which deliver that and more in Galway city.

Words by CONOR BIGGINS SOPHIE’S RESTAURANT Perched on top of The Dean Hotel’s folded limestone facade is Sophie’s Rooftop, the latest in trendy restaurants of Galway City. The new venue is built on the old Clifden to Galway railway tunnel and is still visible in the hotel. Designed by the talented Ann Marie O’Neill, the restaurant takes on a rustic, bohemian style, resulting in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while maintaining a modern feel. Many elements of this design are in keeping with the Dean’s other locations in Dublin and Cork.

The medley of bold colours, patterns, and natural finishes welcomes all and matches Sophie’s Irish-NewYork-Italian menu well. The restaurant’s most striking feature is the top floor veranda, which gives a panorama view of Galway City like no other. The natural wood ceilings and angled Top and left: Sophie’s Restaurant

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FEATURE

parquet flooring is dynamic and emphasises the views beyond. The space’s overall style has become very prominent in Irish design due to its high appeal, especially to western countries.

Without a doubt, Sophie’s Rooftop is a place to bring Galway newbies you’re looking to wow.

ARD BIA Ard Bia overlooks Claddagh Bay, nestled into the landscape of Spanish Arch. This charming cafe/restaurant is located in one of Galway’s most iconic buildings, which can be seen on maps from 1651. Stepping through the arched ruby red door into the refreshing white interior, you will notice the eclectic combination of minds, hearts and souls of its many previous owners. And thanks to Aoibheann McNamara, these charming details, such as the stained glass windows and metal window details, have remained celebrated as part of its current design.

As the designer and owner of the restaurant, Aoibheann considered the flow of the space along with its story. She wanted something simple that would function at a high level. With a menu of international dishes made with love and locally sourced food, Aoibheann wished to continue this story to the surrounding environment, seeking locally sourced talent and natural materials.

Bespoke pottery lamp shades were made in Spiddal by potter Martha Williamson. The Tweed Project crafted tweed bench pillows throughout the space.

Going for an eclectic mix of locally sourced talented design while also bringing in new inspirations worldwide, she wanted to ensure the space remained cohesive to avoid it just looking like a jumble sale. At its core, this design is a celebration of contemporary international art, making it the ideal location to visit for all those who enjoy the Arts Festival and the spirit of Galway.

HYDE Located just off Eyre Square, Hyde Bar is an exciting addition to the Galway social scene and Connaught Hospitality Group. Elegant, stylish and refined, the Bohemian interior style hosts many marks of free-spirited expression through blends of patterns, colours and textures. The result is an overall sense of fun and youthful energy, especially in their newly designed Jekyll restaurant. Natural light floods into the bar area utilising their large street facing windows. The transition from Bar to dining is flawless yet defined, and the arrangement of various seating and tables gives a character to each space. Hyde’s design remains grounded in nature by finding creative and exciting ways to add floral elements such as artificial greenery ceilings, woven rattan lighting and a gorgeous flower wall designed and hand-crafted by Third Mind Studio. Hyde is the place to be if you’re looking to brunch in a sophisticated style.

This page: Ard Bia Opposite page top: Hyde Restaurant Opposite page bottom: Ground & Co.

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FEATURE

GROUND & CO Along the Salthill promenade, located beside the Galway Aquarium, you’ll find Ground & Co cafe. Continually growing in popularity thanks to the café owner Kevin Nugent, Ground & Co has become the hub for young families and friends to relax and bask in the sun after walking along the Salthill Promenade.

Catching the morning sun through its window seating illuminates the space with a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. Recently renovated by Tripod Design, it has a fun and energetic feel using colourful terrazzo tile, green fluted panelling and complimentary neon lights. The choice of gorgeous petal pendant lighting and dark Thonet era chairs gives the space a transitional design style with a balance of masculine and feminine features. A perfect location for your morning coffee and catch-up.

Graduating from the University of Limerick in 2019, Conor took his design skills to New York City and secured a position with Chris Shao Studio (CSS), a high-end design firm based in SOHO, Manhattan and led by interior designer and businessman, Chris Shao. Conor helped design the studio’s first collection Objective, bringing to reality the Jelly Stool and Hug Bed. As the furniture collection grew, the studio began to incorporate more Conor Biggins independent artists and designers breaking away from CSS becoming the multidisciplinary brand, Objective Gallery. www.conorbiggins.com

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GARDEN

GALWAY CRYSTAL | LOUGHREA

Creating magic in every home...

Bloom 2022

The June Bank Holiday has always been an exceptionally busy weekend for McD’s stores, but this year’s one was like no other. The promotion of the Bord Bia Bloom Festival into our yearly calendar came as a late entry and with limited time to prepare, McD’s took an unprecedented leap of faith and gave it our best go. With unwavering confidence in our team’s ability, and knowing the time was right, we wanted to showcase what we feel is our most impressive garden furniture collection yet.

Verona Range

Our stand featured an assortment of some of our most popular sets, including the Verona range. Constructed with strong yet light Aluminium frames, this Verona Range boasts the practical benefits of strength, sturdiness and added corrosion resistance.

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In addition to circular dining sets, the Verona collection includes a versatile corner dining set with an adjustable table that is a modern twist on a classic style, Reclining Deluxe Lounge set and and a gorgeous Bistro for two.

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A message from McD’s owner,

Sean McDonald.

Tuscany Range

The contemporary Tuscany range has something to suit everyone with its striking, modern tones of grey, The range is constructed using a premium grade synthetic polyethylene wicker which is not only extremely durable but easy to clean and maintain. The Tuscany cube set is a true winner with the ability to seat 8 and pack away with undeniable ease. Including 4 chairs, 4 stools and a cover, this set is perfect for every family.

Exciting Times!

Along with our exciting Bloom news, we’re over the moon to be able to finally announce our partnership with Lucy Kennedy. There are so many exciting things in the pipeline for the coming year and Lucy even got a sneak peek at some of the work going on to extend the Galway Crystal store!

As the dust settles on a fantastic five days at Bord Bia Bloom 2022, I want to wholeheartedly thank everyone involved.

Firstly all those that came to the stand to see us, to those who supported us and those who purchased from us. We enjoyed meeting every one of you and we appreciate you being so friendly and kind. To everyone who complimented the stand and our products your support never goes unnoticed and is hugely appreciated. Finally to the whole team, those who kept the show going at home through a busy long weekend, the guys in the warehouse who worked tirelessly to get all orders ready for shipping, every single member of staff who helped make the stand look as well as it did and those who worked the long days at bloom.

Thank you. McD’s would not be what it is without you. I am so incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team and this is only the beginning.

Grá mór agus go raibh míle maith agat, Sean McDonald.

Perennials

At this very moment our garden centers are in full bloom and bursting with colour and “Perennial” is this season’s buzz-word.

Perennials are plants that flower reliably every year.

There is a huge range of Perennial plants and they can be used for a variety of planting schemes, they work particularly well in beds and borders. Blooms such as Lilies, Peonies and Hydrangeas are some of our customers’ favourites.

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Hanging Baskets

Pre-planted hanging baskets are an easy way to brighten up any size outdoor space.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

CONNEMARA

WHISTLESTOP CLIFDEN WHISTLESTOP gifts & interiors is a number one priority when visiting the picturesque area of Clifden. If you are looking for the most unique and special item you’ll find something marvellous among the fabulous brands stocked there. After 22 years in business, Grainne is skilled in seeking out beautiful items and offers brands such as Garden Trading, BRITA Sweden, Cote Table France, La Bougie Candles, Mervue Organic Skincare Galway and a wide range of childrens clothing from brands such Weekend A La Mer and PIGEON Organics for Kids. WHISTLESTOP also offers a personal instore and online shopping service including thoughtful gift wrapping and delivery service. whistlestop.ie 0862304210

Daises in a glass vase

by Martin Mooney

WHITETHORN GALLERY One of the best Art Galleries in the West of Ireland, The Whitethorn Gallery showcases work by some of the finest contemporary Artists that Ireland has to offer, together with a selection of International Artists personally selected by Award Winning Artist, & owner, Anne Merrins. With flexible viewing hours to suit your needs, and 7 beautifully curated rooms to wander through, The Whitethorn Gallery is a must see when visiting Clifden. www.thewhitethorngallery.ie 0872275171

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THE TWELVE HOTEL Already a popular and much-loved bakery with locals and visitors alike, The Twelve Bakery Shop has a brand-new look and is stocked to the brim with old favourites and some new surprises!

Guests will enjoy more of the same fresh produce and friendly service in a continental setting with lovely décor and now can also avail of aromatic breads, scrumptious cakes and melt-in-the-mouth confectionery. All of these make a delicious accompaniment to the smooth and velvety coffees, teas or soft drinks available. The Twelve Bakery caters for all taste buds, offers flourless options for Coeliacs and stocks fantastic gourmet gifts which are all made in house. 9am-5pm. thetwelvehotel.ie/twelve-bakery-shop 091 597076

RENVYLE HOUSE HOTEL Renvyle House Hotel is a family owned, historic, 4 star hotel set on a 150 acre estate with its own freshwater lake for fishing, boating and kayaking and 1km of beach on the shores of the Atlantic. It is an award winning hotel for its food, service and hospitality. Leisure facilities on the grounds include an outdoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub with Atlantic views, tennis courts, woodland and garden walks. Our guests describe it as ‘a very special place’, ‘the ultimate staycation’ and ‘a magical place’.

Here, the only stress is on relaxation. renvyle.com 095 46100

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SPOTLIGHT ON

CONNEMARA

CONNEMARA BLUE Connemara Blue creates strikingly unique, kiln-fused glass art pieces inspired by the beautiful Connemara landscape with a strong focus on contemporary design. The family team are passionate about creating art to suit all budgets and craft all of their pieces by hand in their Clifden based workshop. As well as their own glass pieces, the team at Connemara Blue also offers a bespoke design service and international shipping. connemarablue.com 095 30782

CONNEMARA CARPETS Denis McMurray began crafting beautiful carpets in Connemara in the early 1970s and Connemara Carpets continue to deliver stunning handmade carpets and rugs worldwide to this day. Their renowned heritage of excellence, quality and craftsmanship is immediately recognisable and every unique Connemara Carpets piece is an enduring testament to their pursuit of perfection.

With over 1,354 colour samples in their inventory, whatever your inspiration they will find the perfect product for you. www.connemaracarpets.ie 095 41010

FEATURE

Supporting Local

IN GALWAY AND THE WEST OF IRELAND

Cobwebs

Healing Harvest

Healing Harvest is a tiny but jam packed health store in Kinvara with a strong leaning towards eco-friendly options. All the staff are knowledgeable and can advise on a range of natural healthcare options and nutrition. They stock all key health food brands, a range of chilled and frozen foods with gluten-free and vegan options, a wide range of zero waste and plastic free products and much more. They also offer a refill service on a wide range of household cleaning products. In response to rising prices due to Brexit and inflation, the team have bi-monthly offers and recently launched their ‘Healing Harvest Helps’ range of health store basics which they promise to keep at as low a price as possible. healingharvest.ie 091 637176

Declan Rooney Menswear

Declan Rooney Menswear in Athenry was established in 1987. To this day Declan’s business continues to have a renowned reputation for stocking the highest quality brand names available including André, Casa Moda, Benetti, Skopes & Bruhl. With a wide range of suits, jackets, shoes and accessories to choose from this is a must visit for all your men’s wear needs. You can be guaranteed that the friendly and knowledgeable team will put you at ease during your shopping experience and help style you for any occasion.

091 845 303

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For 50 years Cobwebs at 7 Quay Lane has enchanted Galwegians.

Phyllis Mac Namara seems to have the secret of how to keep her customers happy. Many people reminisce about the Teddy bear that came from Cobwebs 20 or 30 years ago but today Phyllis’ passion and knowledge of jewellery is what draws customers in.

While virtually all the stock can be viewed online, coming to the shop to see the jewels for yourself is absolutely essential. “It is so important to find the piece that suits you, something that can only be done by trying on the jewellery” says Phyllis. This joy of finding the perfect piece for each customer is what has kept the excitement alive for 50 years. Today, Cobwebs is managed by Joe Hawksley, whose knowledge of jewellery brings customers back time and time again. Phyllis and Joe’s combined passion and knowledge makes a visit to Cobwebs an unmissable and exciting experience. Here’s to wishing them another 50 years in business, at the very least. cobwebs.ie 091 564388

Pavilion Outdoors

Now opened in the Corbett Court Centre, Pavilion Outdoors showcases an exclusive range of contemporary outdoor Italian furniture and retractable roof pergolas that are designed to enhance any outdoor space. As pergola and awning specialists, they design and create sophisticated outdoor settings in which you can relax and savour the true luxury of free time. To book an appointment to visit the Showroom to talk about your garden plans contact Pavilion on 091 876550 www.pavilionoutdoors.com

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Night and/or Daytime Care Available For less than the Cost of a Nursing Home or Private Visiting Care Service

Carer duties: Housekeeping Preparing meals Keeping company Personal care, if required Night only care also available

Affordable Live-in Homecare Limited

By availing of a professional homecare agency, like ALHomecare, you know that the carer has been Garda-vetted and referencechecked. Consistent and reliable care is vitally important because elderly people can become very unsettled if there is a lot of chopping and changing of care staff. Having the support of a professional care agency is very beneficial. Live-in care naturally delivers a much higher level of satisfaction for the client than a visiting care service can, because the carer is live-in, and is able to adjust and adapt to the client’s needs. ALHomecare’s live-in homecare service costs from €485 per week with free accommodation and food for the carer. www.alhomecare.ie 087 744 0729

All our carers are Garda vetted and provided with ongoing training and support.

Three week trial period with all placements.

For more information, phone

Eileen on 087 991 6791

Tom on 087 744 0729

www.alhomecare.ie

FEATURE

Food for

THOUGHT We all want to be happy and healthy. The little things we do every day have a bearing on how we feel and yet we are mostly operating on autopilot. We go about our daily lives; we are all so busy and we find it difficult to give time or attention to what we are consuming and how it is affecting us.

WORDS BY KENNETH KEAVEY greenearthorganics.ie

M

y experience with nature and growing food has taught me that being out on the farm, feeling the rain on my face, or the bright warm sunshine, listening to the birds and watching the bees and insects move around, helps me feel alive. This is certainly nourishment for the spirit, and I am lucky I guess that my work of producing healthy food allows me this privilege.

Eating a freshly picked carrot straight from the ground, or an already warm tomato harvested from the vine is an amazing experience, it is pure vitality, and you can feel it. The food we consume every day, three times a day and mostly if we are honest with ourselves much more than that, affects our health and our mood. It determines how much energy we have and how we feel.

This nourishment is critical to our well-being and yet it sometimes is given little thought.

We put our trust in large food companies to supply us with sustenance, they certainly supply us with calories and vitamins, but whether this food is good for us is another question.

Is our trust misplaced? In their quest for profit these corporations unfortunately, generally have little interest in our nourishment, they do however have a very healthy interest in their bottom line. This does not form the basis for an enlightened

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food system. Take cereal for example, the food that is in our packets has been processed to within and inch of its life, it is devoid of all goodness, so the companies add sugar to make it palatable and “fortify” it with vitamins and minerals (which are present in the original cereal but are destroyed in the processing) to make it appear healthy. We all know now that a bowl of organic porridge is infinitely better for us.

So, as we move through our day, a little mindfulness can help us a lot. I am not particularly religious, but my mother still insists that we stop and give thanks prior to eating on special occasions. This I think is a lovely idea, it allows us to appreciate the food and to think a little more about what it is we are putting into our bodies.

I wonder if we put our health and the health of the planet at the centre of our food making decisions, how much sickness would disappear from our hospitals and from our planet too? How much biodiversity would flourish in the absence of toxic chemicals, and how much better would our food be for us? I think we would feel better, and our planet would not be facing the existential crisis it is today. As we head into July remember this is the very best time to support local food producers, organic if you can. You will taste the difference and you will feel better for it.

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.

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R 4 Oranmore Business Park Oranmore, Co. Galway H91 C89A

VISIT OU

091-795777 | info@tomdempseyflooring.ie

www.tomdempseyf looring.ie

S

WROOM O H

Monday - Friday 9:30 - 6pm Saturday

9:30 - 5:30pm Sun & Bank Holidays Closed

FUEL CENTRE NA FORBACHA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Local Friendly Service

091 867433

LARGE RANGE OF PLANTS AVAILABLE

COVERING KNOCKNACARRA, SALTHILL, BARNA, FURBO, SPIDDAL, INVERIN AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Paula Beatty & Ronan O’ Connell were recently married at the Galway Cathedral Reception: The Hardiman Cake: Sandra’s Cake House Flowers: Athenry Flowers and Gifts Dress: Smart bride Suits: Hanley & Co Galway Hair: Natalie O’ Brien Makeup: Caroline Coyne Honeymoon: Upcoming in August- Egypt, Jordan, Petra Photographer: Abaca photography

Claire Burns & Kieran Coen were recently married at the Salthill Hotel Celebrant: Tara Carroll Videographer: Mint Videos Ceremony Music: Nicola McGuire Music Band: The Cosmonauts, Galway Drinks reception music: Ceili Cottage Dress: Thistles Suits: Suit Republic Hair: Bridal hair by Carrie Make-up: Hayley Coleman Make-up Photographer: Melissa Mannion Photography

Tracy Gannon & Eoin Mc Monagle were recently married in the Rosleague Manor Hotel.

Dress: Eliza Jane Howell from Vintage Pearl Bridal Flowers: Yes Flowers Makeup: Caroline Coyne Hair: Bridal Hair by Carrie Bridesmaids dresses: Folkster Suits: Q23 Cake: Couture Cakes Galway Honeymoon: Azores Photographer: Sean Lydon Photography www.lydonimages.ie

Egle Prusaityte & Damien Kenny were married recently in the Glenlo Abbey Hotel.

Dress: Agne Kuzmickaite Flowers: Flower Haven, Oranmore Make up: Patrycja Skupinska Hair: Mint Hair & Beauty Suits: Wolf & West, Oranmore Cake: Connie Gong Video: Days to Remember Photo: Sean Lydon Photography www.lydonimages.ie

Gráinne Mullins with jockey Danny Mullins

Marietta Doran, Jennifer Wrynne and Emily Jean Byrne

GALWAY RACES OFFICIAL LAUNCH The Galway Races official launch was held in the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin.

Photos: Andrew Downes, Xposure.

Bernie Turley, Sarah and Dr Colm O’Flaherty

Jennifer Wrynne, Mandy Maher and Kieran O’Malley

Marilyn Gallagher, Shirley Delahunt and Aine Killilea

Sinéad Cassidy and Orlagh Winters

Mary Lee and Greg Lally

Tina Munroe, Michelle Burke and Caroline Downey

Sinead Mullins, Annmarie Hession and Jenny Turnbull.

THE PINK AFTERNOON The Pink Afternoon in aid of NBCRI returned to The Lodge at Ashford, with guest speaker, X Factor star Mary Byrne performing for the lucky guests PHOTOS: TOM TAHNEY

Jackie O’Dowd, Mary Byrne Guest Speaker and Bernie Turley

Shauna Walsh

Una McMcDonagh, Sinead Joyce, Johanna Downes, Dr Siobhan Eagle and Dr Deirdre Smithwick

Noleen Lowry and Sinead Joyce

Michelle Lally

Brigid Quinn, Lauragh Quinn and Nessagh Quinn

Daniella Gardiner and Michelle Murphy

Pauline Hession, Laura Lynch, Emer Joyce and Anne O’Donnell

Collette Nugent, Johanna Downes, Moyra McMahon and Michelle Burke

BPW SUMMER LUNCH Galway’s Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) returned to the much anticipated and hugely popular Summer Lunch on Thursday May 19th in The Ardilaun Hotel.

World Champion Paralympic rower Katie O’Brien was guest speaker.

PHOTOS: TOM TAHNEY

Jean Hughes and Cathy Hackett

Attracta Real, Nollaig Kelly and Jean Corbett

Michelle Carpenter CEO Rowing Ireland, Annette Walsh President of BPW Galway and Katie O’Brien World Rowing Champion.

Orla O’Carroll, Jean Hughes and Cathy Hughes

Gail Murphy, Stephanie Campion, Finuala Cook and Maggie Folan

Aisling Kelly, Catherine Kelly and Fiona Walsh

The committee of Network Ireland, Galway

NETWORK IRELAND GALWAY Network Ireland Galway Businesswoman of the Year Awards were recently held in the Salthill Hotel, Galway.

PHOTOS: ANDREW DOWNES, XPOSURE.

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Pam Richardson , Sarah Mcdermot, Many Maher, Jennifer Wrynne and Fiona Louise Folan

GALMONT RACE WEEK LAUNCH The Galmont launched its Race Week live entertainment line-up with a mini fashion show hosted by Mandy Maher.

Katie Geoghegan and Simona Va

Igna Drungilaite

Karen Jones, Pamela Uba and Sheila Considine

FEATURE

GET TO KNOW

Anna Mullarkey @anna.mullarkey

Photo by Julia Dunin

Anna Mullarkey is an award-winning composer and performer from Galway who weaves electronics with piano and voice.

Having grown up in the West of Ireland, Anna draws inspiration from the sea for her compositions. Anna’s debut album, Falling, which will be released this year, is a shapeshifting soundscape, with sometimes comforting and sometimes haunting melodies that evoke summer afternoons and winter evenings.

Tell us about growing up in the west of Ireland: I feel very fortunate to have grown up in the west of Ireland. When I was six we lived in Inishturk for a year and I think that really shaped me.

Getting to see the sea at all times for a year had a big impact!

How does it feel to be back performing again at the Galway Arts Festival after time-out during the pandemic?

So wonderful! I am very excited about this show and getting to see so many wonderful artists perform. I’m over the moon to be part of the line up.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

The sea, going for walks and drama!

Did you always want to be a musician?

Since I was 14, I really wanted to be a composer and fell in love with Philip Glass, thanks to my wonderful piano teacher Elena Gekker.

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Have you found the music industry in Ireland to be a supportive one?

I am very lucky to be on the Strange Brew label!

Gugai has been a massive support. I have also found other artists to be really helpful and supportive.

Do you have any pre or post performance traditions or rituals?

Sometimes after a show I like to watch a movie to unwind.

When you’re not performing or writing music what do you do to relax?

I am currently crocheting a throw which is very relaxing. I like to crochet and watch tv, hang out with friends and go for walks.

Describe an ideal day in Galway: Barbeque by the seaside with friends and if we are talking “Ideal” it isn’t raining What’s next on the agenda for Anna?

Festivals, touring and soundtracks.

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