The Aubergine April 2015

April 2015

The Aubergine

How to Run 5Km for Dummies Doing Naughty Things With Vegetables

A Guide to Ireland’s Summer Festivals

Welcome to The Aubergine!

F

irm, smooth, with bright green stalks: The Aubergine is a student magazine about students and their quest for freedom. Based on firm research, written in smooth styles and colourfully amplified with a mind of its own, The Aubergine focuses on students in Dublin and introduces them to opportunities to get the most fun out of life.

We wanted to create a student magazine that would be beneficial to students living and going to college in Dublin as well as preparing them for any challenges they may face. Everything from buying your first car, or planning a trip to another country to helping you create or improve your CV, The Aubergine team is here to help.

Inhabitants of Dublin as well as students from abroad will discover new places in this beautiful city thanks to our article about hidden places in Dublin. Broad event guides for sport, music, festivals, and theatre & drama will all feature in The Aubergine to show you the best events going on around the country this summer.

If you are a big fan of fitness and staying healthy, like myself, you will love our pages on all things fitness related; healthy eating, a guide on how to run your first five kilometres and which gym is the best around for you and your pocket!

The mixture of international views on how to get the most out of your time in Dublin provides an entertaining and interesting guide on how to study efficiently and use your free time in the best way possible.

Have fun with the first publication of The Aubergine, a magazine from students, with students, for students.

Matthias Ritters

Editor Matthias Ritters Design Zoe Fagan Colm Ryan Jennifer Lyons Susan Knox Leslie Bourrelier

Advertising

Sub-Editing Mallorie Ronan, Colm Hayes, Florence De Nazareth, Jeanne Measom, Ruairi Scott-Byrne

Scot Tanner Bucholz, Adelaide Fay Robyn Gleeson Jeanne Measom

Photo Editor

Dimitry B.

Hayley Kenny

Cover Image

Contents 3 Editorial

Dublin 4

Best places hanging around in Dublin

6

Top 5 fashion trends this summer

8

Which accommodation is the best?

Travelling 10

12 12

14

Tips on buying your first car Top 5 weekend trips 6 things you’ll experience interrailing Backpacking in Asia with budget

Career

18

To get a good job you need a good CV

19

The new calorie legislation

20

Doing naughty things with vegetables

22

Top 4 healthiest places to eat

23

What can I do to eat more healthy?

26

Inexpensive gyms for Griffith students

27

How to run 5km for Dummies

In the kitchen

Sport

What’s up in Ireland?

28

The best theatres in Dublin

30

Guide to the smaller festivals in Ireland

32

Your summer sporting event guide

Games

34 Crossword Disclaimer: This magazine was produced by journalism students in Griffith College Dublin. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of the editorial team or management of Griffith College or any of its employees.

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Don’t leave Dublin without seeing these places

Photo: William Murphy

By Colm Ryan

W

hether a native to Ireland or not, by now you’ll have grown accustomed to life in Dublin. The city offers just about everything you could want from a major capital, from shopping on Grafton Street, to great nightlife and sporting events.

But, aside from the main attractions and thoroughfares, there exists an abundance of things to do away from the mainstream – often at little or no cost.

Whether you want to find hidden treasures in the city centre or escape it all for an afternoon these options won’t disappoint you.

The Little Museum of Dublin

Despite the more recent additions of multi-million euro shopping complexes spread over multiple floors, Dublin actually plays host to the oldest shopping centre in Europe – The Georges Street Arcade. Nestled between Drury Street and South Great Georges Street, the building first opened in 1882 and is now home to around 50 stalls and small shops. If you want to buy some unique crafts and fashion that can’t be found elsewhere in the city, pick up that rare vintage record or simply grab a bite to eat, you’ll find it here.

Photo: Heather Cowper

St. Stephen’s Green is world-renowned and its surrounds include many impressive features in the vicinity. Nestled amongst some more well-known spots is The Little Museum of Dublin, located on the first floor of a Georgian townhouse that borders the Green itself. Don’t be put off by the name, however, as since its foundation in 2011 it’s grown across three levels and boasts over 5,000 artefacts. The exhibits focus on Dublin and its changes during the 20th century and currently features a display about U2’s early days in local pubs and clubs, amongst others. Admission is just €7.00 or €4.50 for students, with guided tours available that also take in nearby streets.

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The Georges Street Arcade

Photo: Simon (Flickr)

National War Memorial Gardens

If getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city is desired, then why not take a trip just beyond Heuston station to the National War Memorial Gardens. Located in Islandbridge, it’s dedicated to those Irishmen that fought during World War I, and wwyou don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the architecture or tranquillity of its space. The centre piece of the monument is the remarkable sunken rose garden, which is amongswt both the more spectacular and lesser known jewels of the city.

Photo: Mint Ginger

DART Trip

For those wanting to venture further afield, then DART trip for around half an hour presents some picturesque coastal towns and villages. Travel north to Howth, Malahide or Portmarnock or check out Killiney and Greystones further south. You can choose a walk along one of those beaches and piers as well as exploring the local areas themselves. Highlights include the castles of Malahide and Howth as well as Bray’s National Sea Life Centre.

Pub Crawls

Back in the city, there might be a plethora of walking tours and ideas for pub-crawls, but one ingenious company have combined the two. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl begins on Duke Street at The Duke Bar and takes in a half mile path of city streets. Starting at 7.30 p.m. four nights a week (Thursday-Sunday) its participants will get to learn about the nation’s literature while sampling the ambience of some of the cities more quaint establishments. To reserve a place call 01 670 5602, while non-night owls can enjoy the Dublin Writers Museum in Parnell Square that celebrates the lives historic and contemporary authors.

Wining and Dining

For those looking for some more wining and dining: Sure, the Guinness Storehouse and Old Jameson Distillery across the Liffey are worth a visit, but the selection of food and particularly drinks to be found in the likes of Wexford Street’s Against the Grain or The Porterhouse on Parliament Street will leave one content for the evening. Elsewhere The Bull and Castle on Lord Edward Street even has Scottish-influenced deep fried mars bars as part of its fare.

Harcourt Street

Most people experience the joys of Harcourt Street during the small hours of the morning, quickly regretting their life choices the day after. For a more cultural endeavour you can drop into Uimhir 6 (Irish for number six), the city’s Irish language hub. Downstairs is Club Chonradh na Gaeilge where Irish culture and language can be enjoyed by those familiar or new to Ireland just starting out.

The Project Arts Centre

The Project Arts Centre features music, theatre, dance and art exhibits across three intimate spaces in Temple Bar. There is a consistent line up of ever-changing acts and genres meaning there’s always something worth checking out. Add to the fact that both Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne cut their teeth here; you never know what future star you may catch appearing. Upcoming is the 12 Points Festival showcasing twelve Jazz acts from across Europe, The Dublin Dance Festival and Before Monsters Were Made starring Peter Coonan, one of the stars of Love/Hate.

Try one or all of the above suggestions for a more cultured experience of Dublin that’s off the beaten track.

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The Top Five Fashion Trends This Summer

By Susan Knox

A

s the temperatures warm from the runway to the red carpet, it’s hard not to be just a little inspired by this season’s hottest trends. Whether it’s bold printed shorts or a dramatic backless dress, these five stylish trends are guaranteed to have you looking on point this summer.

Credit: Lauren Phillips

Photo: Lauren Phillips

Denim Shorts

Kimonos

Credit: Lauren Phillips

If you’re looking for an effortlessly chic look, then you need a kimono in your life this summer. Perfect for dressing up an outfit, just throw on over a dress to cover you up or pair with some high waisted shorts and you’re good to go. Kimonos can be worn as occasion wear or casually and are available in most high street shops at very reasonable prices, beginning at €5 from nationwide Penneys stores.

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A summer essential whether you’re at home or abroad, denim shorts are one fashion trend that will never go out of fashion and it continues to be one of the top trends this summer. Wear with a crop top and a colourful kimono for a colourful and playful look or a scalloped blouse for a more girly and sophisticated look. Again, these are available in any good high street shop and don’t have to break the bank.

Leather Dresses

Photo: Sandra Kaponi

Crop Tops After being on trend for the last number of years, it has become pretty clear that the crop top is not going anywhere. Show a little (or as much) skin as you wish-the secret to styling the crop top is to always look chic and not too flashy. Pair with a midi skirt to balance your ensemble out, or an A-line skirt to add a little more class. Crop tops are abundantly available in any high street store and in an array of colours and patterns

Leather for summer? It just seems wrong, but oh no! This season, it’s so right. The cold weather fabric can work just as well when the mercury rises, as long as you keep your silhouette airy and your colours light. If you want to turn heads at an event and transition away from the typical florals that we see during the summer season, then the leather dress will do just that.

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What are the best places to live in Dublin?

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By Jeanne Measom

nce you decide to attend Griffith College, the next thing you might consider is where to live.

As a student, you have a few main options.

Photo: Griffith Halls of Residence

Griffith Halls

Living in Griffith Halls, which is right on campus, surely makes your travel time nil. It’s not cheap, as a shared room will set you back.

Tim Horstmann, a student who lives in Griffith College, says, “It’s close to campus, which is the best thing.

I moved there because I wanted to get to know people, and it’s very international. My roommates are from France, Spain, and Egypt. My other friends who live off campus pay less rent, but they have to travel far, and they have to eat in Arthur’s, which can be expensive. The bad things are the room sharing, it’s quite expensive, and the security is too tight. The first week I was there, I invited some friends over for a few beers.

The curfew is 10pm, and one minute after that I had a knock on my door from campus security, and they took my name. They sent me a bill for €100 euro which I had to pay.”

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Living at home Living at home is sometimes an option. This can be quite cheap if the parents are understanding.

But it can put a dent in your dating style if you get lucky and want to bring the person back to yours.

Paul McCarthy, who went to DCU, says, “My parents were great as mam would cook a lovely dinner for me every night, and they didn’t charge me much rent. But I had to limit my hook-ups to women who had their own place, and to put limits on an already limited female opportunity was criminal.”

Off Campus Off campus rental accommodation can be great as you have freedom to do as you wish, and you could be close to campus. You can also pick your own roommates and rent it as a group.

The downsides are you may need to sign a 12-month contract, which might not suit. It’s also expensive.

According to Daft.ie annual rent report, the price of renting a room with a single bed in City Centre Dublin is €489, with South Dublin city €448 per month.

That is not including electricity, heat, bins, and of course, food and drink. Adelaide Fay, a student at Griffith College, currently is looking for new, private, rented accommodation and is finding it quite tough.

“My apartment I am in now has had no heating for the last month. I am looking for somewhere close that is not too expensive, with cool roommates, but this is proving hard to find. I may end up sleeping on a friend’s sofa if I don’t find something soon. And as I am French, I only want a place until September, so that makes it hard as well.”

Host Family Living with a host family can be a great option, as you get your breakfast and dinner included. It’s cheaper than the other rental options, at €160 per week. Griffith College has many host families that they can match students up with, if needed. You can sign a lease per term or per year. Peggy McDonald, a host mother for many years has, at times, four students living in her house in Walkinstown. She provides them with breakfast and dinner. She provides a laundry service and has cable and Wi-Fi free for the students. Peggy says, “I have had all nationalities from all European countries, America, China, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. I will cater for the students’ eating habits whether they are vegetarians or coeliacs. The oldest student I ever had was an amazing, 75-year-old man. I have never had much trouble with any of my students, and I consider them all my children. I am there to help them out in any way they need.” Robin Castle, a student at Griffith College, was in host family accommodation twice. “The first place was too far away, an hour on the bus, and she was very strict wanting me home to eat dinner at a certain time. The second host family was easy. The mom would make the dinner and put it in the fridge so I could eat whenever I wanted. There was no curfew. I just needed to be quiet when I came in, and the house was a five-minute walk from the school.”

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You Auto Check This Out:

Tips on Buying Your First Car This list is your bible. Here is what you need to know when you’re out

By Jennifer Lyons searching for your new baby - your first ever car.

I

nterrogate the seller. Don’t go all Guantanamo Bay on them, but don’t leave any stone unturned – “Pink furry dice… really?”

Always speak to the seller/dealer on the phone and again in person. My advice would be to get your first car from a dealer as you will get 12 months warranty which will give you peace of mind, but I’ve included questions for both.

Your aim is to get as much information as possible.

Confidence gets you everywhere, so brush up on what to ask before meeting the seller. o Why they are selling the car? o How many previous owners? o How long have they had the car? o Where and when it was last serviced? o Does it have a full service history? o Has this car ever been crashed, damaged or had any major repairs? o Is the car NCT’d and taxed, and if so how long is left on each? o And finally, what is their bottom price? You can always negotiate with them.

Check the engine size (1.0L, 1.4L, etc.) The engine size plays a huge part in how much your road tax and insurance will be. The lower the engine size the cheaper the tax and insurance.

Diesel is best, but those cars will either have too big an engine or will be too saucy on the old wallet. Best option for city driving: 1.0-1.2L car.

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Watch out!

In recent years the number of cars being imported into Ireland from the UK has increased.

The big thing to note here is that nearly 85% of these cars have very high mileage and are clocked. Clocked means that the mileage counter (odometer) has been reset to show a lower mileage. So while the cars imported might look lovely and appear cheaper, in a short space of time you’re going to have major engine problems.

As I said before, save yourself the hassle and buy from a reputable main dealer and get your full warranty.

Actually look at the car!

Don’t get distracted by SQUIRREL! You need to look beyond the nice air freshener, or the spoiler on the boot door. Bypass how phenomenal the car might look, and really look at every little detail.

Walk around it slowly checking that every panel is straight.

Look at the paint work. Dullness can be polished away as can some minor scratches. Peeling paint or cracks though is generally an indication that some dodgy repairs have been carried out over some previous damage.

Don’t worry too much about stone chips; these are pretty much unavoidable. Watch out for subtle differences in colour. Are the door sills/steps slightly darker? Are the wings slightly brighter? These are telltale signs of not only a shocking re-spray, but that something has happened to the car.

Photo: Domantasm (Flickr)

Make sure all the electronics work. Push all the buttons, turn on the radio, try all the lights, indicators, windows, EVERYTHING. Electronics can be an expensive job to fix and they’re known to be a favourite among NCT inspectors.

Open and close every door. Sit in the back seat and look around. Check out the interior, look for wear and tear. Try the seat belts.

One important thing to look out for is condensation on the windows, this coupled with a damp odour will tell you that there are window or door seals gone. Imagine you’re driving along when suddenly the skies open.

You’re probably going to be more soaked than a sponge in a bucket.

Once you’ve all that done and everything seems to be decent so far, it is time to open up the bonnet and check the engine.

First things first:look for damage of any kind. Probably rare, but if there is anything here you can be sure it won’t be too difficult to spot.

The engine bay should be reasonably clean. What we don’t want to see is anything wet. Check the oil level, especially if it is a private sale. Low oil level? Honestly, just go home and search again for another car.

Important: Find out when the timing belt was changed last. It needs to be changed every 60,000-120,000 miles depending on the make/model of the car. If it snaps…

Oh dear, you’re in a whole lot of trouble and your wallet won’t be happy.

•Just like the third wise man said to the baby Jesus, “But wait, there’s Myrrh”. The last and final step: TEST DRIVE! o Don’t worry, your common sense will help you through. o Any strange clunky noises, knocks or shudders are huge reason for concern. o When you’re changing gears does it grind? How high do you have to lift your left foot off the clutch before it allows you to put the car into gear? A high ‘biting point’ means that the clutch is on its last legs. o Make sure the handbrake works, 3 to 4 clicks is good. o Check for blue or black smoke. Not a healthy engine if you’re seeing either of these.

So now you know what you need to look out for so now you just need to find your motor! But where to begin?! What model?!

What make?! Don’t fret! I have advice on what cars are good and what you should avoid.

Renault/ Citroen: Avoid

French cars are beautiful to look at, but everyone has heard about German efficiency and not French efficiency! These cars cause a bit of trouble. Yes they’re cheap but are prone to trouble and parts are expensive to buy.

Honda: Good

A classic amongst boy racers, so avoid earlier models. Those cars will be knackered and driven into the ground! The later spaceship-esque models are the way to go, and while it might be on the expensive side, it is a great, comfortable car.

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6 Things you’ll Experience Whilst Interrailing

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f you’re looking for an adventure this summer, an interail ticket could be just what you need. With one ticket, you can travel freely on Europe’s high-speed and local trains ranging from a ten day period up to thirty days. Interrailing gives you the opportunity to visit over thirty different countries of your choice, where you can experience bustling cities, sun-soaked beaches and tiny towns that cling to the mountainsides. You can either buy a pass for a single country or purchase a ‘’global pass’’ which allows you to visit any of the thirty countries in Europe.

1. Getting Lost I went Interrailing last year and there are definitely a number of lessons which I learned. I also spoke to a number of students who took the journey across Europe. Interrailing could very well be described as a rite of passage for many university students, and if you do head off on a European adventure, it’s almost certain you will experience much of the following…

It’s going to happen; somewhere along the way you’re going to get lost. The underground systems in Europe are worlds apart from the Luas here in Dublin and with all the different languages, it’s very difficult to read maps precisely.

Even if you’re doing a geography degree, you may find yourself getting on the Hungarian underground and emerging further away from where you were attempting to go. As long as you don’t get separated from your travelling buddies though, you should be fine. It’s all part of the experience.

By Susan Knox

Travelling Abroad for Only €125

A

re you planning a weekend trip with your mates or your partner? Why don’t you fly to another country? See new cultures, different architecture and meet new people! Here are five cheap travel trips – and all you need is €125 for the flight and accommodation.

Dublin to:

*prices include both ways

Average price on weekends Average price on weekdays How early to book?

Travel to the city centre Local Hostel for 2 nights

By Matthias Ritters

Cologne, Germany

Oslo, Norway

Copenhagen, Denmark Brussels, Edinburgh, Belgium Scotland

€69

€49

€46

€61

€58

€49

€36

€39

€48

€30

8wks.

2wks.

8wks.

8wks.

6wks.

€5.60 Train: 30min.

€25.00 Bus: 60min.

€6.00 Bus: 30min.

€6.40 Train: 15min.

€5,60 Bus: 25min.

€43 8-bed

€48 6-bed

€36 6-bed

€42 12-bed

15min.

18-bed

€118

€122

€88

€109

€107

Photo: Jiuguang Wang

You can check the flights on www.ryanair.com.

The cheapest hostels are to be found on www.hostelworld.com. But use this site just for comparison.

Book the hostel on its original site – so you can save yourself more money.

Photo: Johan Bakker

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2. Developing a Healthy Dislike for Your Backpack There will become a point in your journey where your backpack will become your worst enemy, namely when you’re running to board the train as it is pulling off. When your bag starts to weigh more than you do, it’s about time to throw away some of the (many) clothes that you brought with you, ‘’just in case’’.

3. Staying at a Dodgy Hostel

It doesn’t matter how many hours you’ve spent on TripAdvisor, at least one of your hostels will be horrendous. The less you pay, the worse it will be but what’s the fun in staying in a swanky upmarket hostel when you will forever have that story about sharing a room that resembled a horror film set with twenty different people. Hostels around Europe are immensely cheap, with prices starting from €5 a night in Berlin, Budapest, Prague and many other popular cities.

Photo: Kevin Dooley

Photo: Flickr

4. Enduring a Train Journey from Hell Cross your fingers and hope that those seat reservations are kind to you, because when your carriage detaches from the train at 3am, you do not want to be sat with that screaming baby.

You certainly don’t want to be stuck beside that strange man that takes an unhealthy interest in every move you make so, be sure to actually reserve the high-speed trains because if not you will be standing for the eight hour duration of the journey. And definitely be prepared for the over-night trains; now that is one experience you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

5. Having No Understanding of the Currency That You’re Using You’re likely to have at least five variations depending on the different cities that you visit. After the Euro, you’ll pretend you understand the dog eared receipt you got from the currency exchange and proceed to buy a pint for 10p and a jar of pasta sauce for £20.

6. It’s Worth it for the Memories

Your Interrailing experience might not always go as planned, and it is a very expensive way to travel, even though it is assumed that it’s immensely cheap. But it’s not the money spent that you will remember, it’s all those hilarious times where things went wrongwhen you got lost, when you nearly missed that train, that horrendous train journey where you had to sleep beside six other people, and most importantly, the strange yet wonderful people that you met along the way.

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Backpacking in Asia with a student budget

By Florence De Nazareth Photo: Michaël Garrigues

Most of us would love to travel, but we all think it is out of our reach. We are students, and money is often lacking.

O

f course, you would have to spend a lot of money on your plane ticket. That is non-negotiable if you want to travel. But over that, did you know that, according to budgetyourtrip.com, a day spent traveling in Vietnam in a «budget way» need not cost more than €13.38, and this price even includes alcohol and the scams you will probably fall into. Doesn’t that seem a bit more doable now? So, here are a few tricks on how to save money, and how to get a backpack trip to Asia for an «affordable» price.

big price difference at the end of the month if you’re doing your grocery shopping in a «high standard» supermarket versus a hard-discount one. Also, grocery shopping every day can often hide the truth: corner shops are expensive. So grab your packs, and go to Lidl or Aldi. You will probably save half on your budget.

The other expense item is what we could call your «daily pleasures». Grabbing a coffee at the end of the day, or a beer with friends: this doesn’t seem that expensive in your daily life, but it can rapidly become a huge expense item when you add it up. For example, let’s take a normal coffee at an average place: €2.40 x 30 = €72, which means €864 a year, or more than a flight to Thailand.

But here is the truth: it is not that expensive to travel

First of all, you would have to put money aside. Not an easy thing to do, for sure. But there is always a way to do so, trust me. I’m a girl, so I really know how hard it is to put money aside and not touch it; nope, not even for those awesome shoes you’ve spotted on Asos. Because, yes, traveling is awesome, but it takes money. Unfortunately, this is a fact, and even if you hitchhike, there will always be a point where you will need money.

To put money aside, you will first need to cover daily expenses. First, the food; of course you need some food, and the fact that you are planning a trip is not an excuse to starve yourself. But trust me; there is a

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If it is totally impossible for you to put money aside daily, don’t worry; there are other ways!

Here is another method that Marek, from the blog indietraveller.co, told me about: volunteering. While this is not the first solution most of us would probably think about for Asia, it seems quite common in Australia. Going there and working on a farm for the summer is most common, and a few websites are even

dedicated to that. So, what does that have to do with Asia? you are probably asking. Marek told me about these people he met, who worked in Australia for a summer job, and then used the money to travel across Asia, which is definitely a double adventure.

Photo: Fran (Flickr)

If you’re not interested at all in Australia, Marek also told me about volunteering jobs in Manila. «I’ve met students who worked in an orphanage in Manila and paid some minimal money towards accommodation while doing a lot of rewarding work. Then, after their volunteering period, would go travel around the country,» he said. Which is definitely an alternative, but also a rewarding solution. So now you know how to put a little money aside, but let’s be careful with this money and spend it wisely. First thing you will need to do: purchase your flight tickets.

There is no real secret about this step. You will first have to book your flight in advance. Or if you’re a real adventurer, at the last minute. Sometiwmes there are good opportunities at that time, but sometimes not.

Fly during the week, and if you can, not during peak vacation periods. Also, try to take both flights the same day of the week, as it seems to be cheaper.

Additionally, you can try to book your flights during the night. On some flight search engines, the application fees are not applied between 4 and 6am, or between 11 and 12pm.

Don’t forget: before making your reservation, always think about taking a look at the airline’s website directly. Sometimes, their prices are a little bit lower.

And one last thing: be careful about your cookies. Try

to clear the cookies off your computer, or even make your reservation on another device other than the one from which you have been researching these tickets.

Last big expense on a trip, the sleep. Of course, there are solutions like Couchsurfing. Very well known, this website allows you to sleep on some people’s couch for free. This is great since it is free, but also because it would, most of the time, allow you to meet some locals.

But let’s say you don’t want to spend the night at someone else’s place and prefer to have your own space; there are a few other solutions for you. First, Airbnb; well, that’s maybe not the best if you’re traveling alone.

If you’re not, then it can definitely be a great one. In Thailand, for example, you can find places to stay for €30 a night, which means €15 / person if you are traveling with a friend; and this is actually the price for an apartment with a swimming pool on the rooftop, so you can definitely find something cheaper.

Another solution is hostels. With many of us who already know hostels, our first reflex is to book it at the same time as the flight, but this is not always the best solution. Of course, it is safer, and you will probably want to book your first night so that you know where to go when you land. But then, try to find a hostel by yourself once there. You will certainly be able to negotiate the price and then pay a cheaper rate. Of course, avoid this solution if you’re traveling during a big event.

Photo: Flickr

Now you know how to take your first steps to an amazing Asia backpack trip, so there is only one thing left to do: grab your LonelyPlanet guide, and plan your trip!

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So what?

Photo: Lufa Farms

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KEYS CUT while-u-wait Household and locker keys available Padlocks and Bike locks available Light bulbs Silicones and Glues O ther hardware items Glass and Mirrors cut to size Glass table tops and shelving Single and double glaze Glass repairs PVC window frames hinge and handle repair

Photo: Mitchell Joyce

To get a good job you need a good CV

Students also need to think of their CV as their personal ad, according to Seamus Fitzpatrick who is the head of the business faculty at Griffith College Dublin and author of the booklet Career Guidance & Professional Development. “This is your opportunity to promote yourself; as such you want to get it right,” says Fitzpatrick.

By Scot Tanner Buchholz

A

fter all the studying, writing of essays and little sleep, graduation seems the perfect ending to your college career. However, it is just a stepping stone as you move into that next phase of your life, getting your first professional job. To do this you will need to create a CV, yet students need to be mindful of some of the do’s and don’ts when creating their CVs, as simple mistakes could be the difference of getting the interview or not.

According to a recent survey conducted by Careerbuilder.com, companies receive 75 resumes (CVs) for each open position. This means students need to ensure that hiring managers see a perfect CV that best represents your skills and experience. “The fundamental mistake college graduate makes they’re not selling themselves,” says Paul Mullan, a leading Irish CV expert with the company CV Solutions.

“The work experience they have they’re not selling it to its potential.” If students performed highly during college, achieving 1:1 or 2:1 marks, Mullan says students need to say this on their CV. Also, he acknowledges that most college students may not have a lot of experience, yet he is quick to point out all degree programs have projects, and students need to count this as experience on their CV.

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“What you’re trying to do is stand out, differentiate, not fit in, not look the same as everyone else.”

Students need to make sure they are formatting their CVs like a professional; keeping them easy to read, says Fitzpatrick.

“Focus on skills and experience to date,” says Fitzpatrick. In his booklet, Fitzpatrick says the most important attribute of a successful

Do’s:

Sel l yourself al ing Make it visual ly appe Use co llege experience

Don’tsG: o over two pages Use ‘I’ Lie!

CV is that it explains very clearly to the reader what it is that you can do for them. “Your CV should demonstrate that you have the relevant skills, attributes, and experiences for the specific job which you are applying for,” says Fitzpatrick.

Even if the experience is not relevant, Eileen Moloney, the head of marketing at Bright Water Recruitment, says, “Put it down, but don’t go into details; just give dates.” Employers want to see evidence on the candidate’s CV, according to both Moloney and Mullan.

“If you make a statement, show evidence if you make a statement,” says Mullan.

All three say, “Don’t lie on your CV.” Employers understand students will have limited experience, and students should not get discouraged, says Fitzpatrick. “Employers are hiring on potential.”

Students also need to be aware that the purpose of the CV is not to get you the job, but rather to get you the interview, says Fitzpatrick.

“What you’re trying to do is stand out, differentiate, not fit in, not look the same as everyone else,” says Mullan. When it comes to social media, students need to heed this warning as companies look at an applicant’s social media page to learn more about the person: “To all students, be careful on what you post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as it could come back to haunt you,” says Fitzpatrick.

The Cost of the New Calorie Legislation

In 2013 a survey was conducted by Nutri Vive Nutrition Consultancy and it found that 96% of Irish consumers wanted to know the calorie content of meals found in all types of food outlets.

By Robyn Gleeson

Photo: Emma Morris

my only concern, particularly in the case of pay as you go meals’’ she said.

L

ater that same year, several food chains became more proactive and volunteered to display this nutritional information on their menus to help customers make informed decisions about their food choices.

This year Ireland has taken it a step further by introducing new calorie legislation, that will come into force by the end of 2015, and aims to make it a legal obligation for all restaurants and food outlets, to outline the calorific content of their food.

Enforcement of these calorie counts on menus will cost restaurants €110 million to implement, and this will also take place at a time when the food service industry appears to be struggling, according to a number of food industry chiefs from the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI).

The RAI firmly believes that there is no proof that calorie counting influences the choice of a majority of consumers, and that this new legislation will only cause damage to the sector through

This concern is also voiced by the RAI to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, stating that each of the country’s 22,000 restaurants and food service businesses will be forced to pay between €5,000 and €10,000 to comply with the «calories on menus» initiative. increased costs and job losses.

Irish students seem to be in full support of this new legislation, as it may cause more food diversity across college campuses, with an increase in healthy options when it comes into effect. Aoife Kenny, a

‘It may be hard to reguate this legislation.. particularly in the case of pay as you go meals. student at Griffith College Dublin, speaks about the lunch options that are available to her on a daily basis :

This expense includes hiring qualified and experienced nutritionists to test the food and count how many calories are in each product, reprinting menus, and training staff.

The increase cost on food businesses, many of which are already on their knees, will be compensated by a reduction in employee numbers or staff hours,» warned Adrian Cummins, RAI Chief Executive.

The practice of putting calorie information on menus is already in place in large food outlets in Australia and the US, and more recently in the UK.

“I think as far as colleges go, here we do have some great food options but a lot of the calorie information is only available on the packaged items like sandwiches or bars, things like that. Now sometimes they would state the calorie content on their cooked meals but I suppose that is really just an estimation. It may be hard to regulate this legislation that’s

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Doing Naughty Things With Vegetables

By Zoe Fagan Photo: Zoë Fagan

T

he day you move out of home and into student accommodation is the day you can finally stop finding ways to hide those horrible things called vegetables the Mammy makes you eat. It’s a pretty great day for your parents too because all of a sudden the dog is losing weight, there’s no more funny mouldy smells coming from the cupboard and they can finally stop ‘setting example’ and live a veggie free life too.

What you’ll need: - 2 aubergines cut into thin slices - 2 tbsp olive oil - 500g spinach - 250g tub ricotta - 1 tbsp of ground nutmeg

But for some reason, crisps and dairy milks just don’t seem to do the job like those long lost vegetables used to. A rare pea in KOKA noodles does give that sudden burst of iron and energy needed but let’s face it, vegetables are usually just too expensive to be a real option for us penniless students.

Suddenly, thanks to technology the aubergine emoji is putting the dreaded vegetable into a whole new light. Cooking with vegetables has never seemed so wrong yet so fun. Here is a recipe to satisfy the ever-hungry student tum and even better, it’s cheap, cheesy and oh so boldly healthy.

Supposedly serves 4 but realistically, serves 2 hungry students.

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- 500g of any tomato pasta sauce - 4 tbsp fresh breadcrrumbs 4 tbsp parmesan cheese

Photo: Zoë Fagan

Step-by-step guide to wrapping aubergines: Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Brush both sides of the aubergine slices with oil, and then lay on a large baking sheet. Bake for 15-20mins until tender, turning once.

Put the spinach in a large colander and pour over a kettle of boiling water to wilt. Cool, then squeeze out the excess water, so that it is dry (warning: it feels gross). Get down and dirty mixing the spinach with the cheese, ricotta, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Photo: Zoë Fagan

Dollop a spoonful of the cheesy spinach mix in the centre of each aubergine slice. Now the fun part; it’s time to wrap those aubergines by folding over to make a parcel. Lay parcels, sealed-side down, in an ovenproof dish.

Pour over tomato sauce, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake for 20-25mins until golden and piping hot.

Call over some friends and tuck into the parcels of pleasure.

Photo: Zoë Fagan

Photo: Zoë Fagan

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The Healthiest Places to Eat in Dublin

By Hayley Kenny

G

Healthy Eating Doesn’t Have To Be Boring

oing out to eat doesn’t always have to mean going out for greasy, deep-fried fast food. In fact, you’ll never have to go somewhere like McDonalds again. There are so many new healthier options popping up around Dublin that it’s a lot easier to treat yourself and stay in shape when doing so. Whether you’re looking for a healthy sit down meal or something on the go, you’ve got to give one of these a try!

The Lo-Cal Kitchen

Alchemy Juice Co.

4 Phoenix Park Avenue, Dublin 15.

BT2, Level 2, Grafton Street, Dublin 2.

Photo: Pog FroYo

The owners thrive on the fact all their products are Irish and Organic where possible and the menu is constantly changing to keep up with the seasons. They say, “Our dishes are low in calories and filled with nutrients to help you to maintain a strong and fit body and mind.” Jenny even studied nutrition before creating the menu for The Lo-Cal Kitchen so all dishes on the menu show the calorie content.

The cafe is ideal when looking to grab a smoothie or a full breakfast, lunch or healthy treats and coffees.

P.s. keep an eye out for the tea cosies as well. Too cute!

Alchemy Juice Company focuses on food that is healthy and unprocessed. They sell small batches of fresh, raw, unpasteurised juices that are packed with big flavour and essential nutrients. “The menu’s been designed to appeal to all food religions, ” says Domini and Peaches Kemp, the owners, “or as least as many as we feel are relevant in today’s world. Veggie, vegan, coeliac, ketogenic, dairy free, sugar free, Paleo, lowcarb… you are bound to find something your stomach can worship each day.”

Take a look at Alchemy’s menu online and see what they have to offer.

Toss’d Noodles and Salads CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1.

At Toss’d Noodles & Salads they make wholesome food that is prepared and cooked daily in their kitchen inside the CHQ Building. They’re all about healthy eating, “our mission is fresh natural ingredients, simply prepared, right before your eyes.” They offer a wide range of wholesome freshly prepared salads and Asian & European noodle dishes that are cooked to order in an open kitchen.

Póg Fro-Yo 32 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1.

Póg Fro-Yo decided to combine both health and indulgence when they opened their store just off O’Connell Street. They believe in the idea of treating yourself however they also believe in fresh, healthy living. All the products are fat free, gluten free, low GI, low in sugar and full of pre and pro biotics, vitamins and minerals.

Did you know? They got their name póg as it means kissing in Irish, “we want to promote our love for kissing with our customers… Kissing has amazing health benefits just like our products.”

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Here they serve hot & cold breakfasts, tasty lunches, afternoon tea/coffee and early evening suppers, all to eat-in or carryout. The salads can be made to your liking or you can pick a pre-made salad as well. They are well known for their €9.99 lunch curry specials such as the “green curry Tuesday” and “masamma Friday” deals.

Photo: Pog FroYo

Food for thought

Healthy eating for students

B brain?

By Scot Tanner Bucholz

alancing college life with exams and essays as well as a social life can be stressful for students. Ensuring that one is eating right is the last thing on any students mind. Pizza, fast food, and energy drinks are what normally give you food for thought; yet feeding the mind is exactly what students should be doing when eating. So what foods are good for a college student’s

“The big food is carbohydrates, which are one of the main sources for the brain,” notes Dietician Richelle Flanagan from Nutritionwise.ie and a Healthy Ireland council member.

Whole grains are one of the best ways to keep energy levels stable. “Whole grains are slow to break down and give you energy during the day,” she says. Students can have whole grain pasta, bread, brown rice and breakfast cereals to keep your mind focused and energy up to work on the big project.

Flanagan says protein is another good way to keep your brain going. “Meat or vegetarian proteins are also good for the brain,” She suggests students go back to the basics. “Apple a day is a good message. You should have five fruit and veg a day. Students probably get two a day.”

Some of the top fruit snacks are apples, bananas, avocados and berries. You can even eat dried fruit just avoid the ones with sugar. Dried fruits are a great snack that releases slow burning energy and allows students to keep their mind on college.

Photo: Scot Tanner Bucholz

Vegetables also make great snacks, like broccoli, carrots, celery, snap peas, and cauliflower. To get the most nutrients out of them, Flanagan says eat them raw.

For meals, students should think dark green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and brussel sprouts.

“There are a wide range of benefits from eating fruits and veg, not only to keep you healthy, but also they are a good source of vitamins,” she says.

Nuts and seeds are another great source of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids for a quick pick me up during a long day of classes and studying. You can add them to salads, stir fries, dessert and breakfast cereal.

“Some of the best sources are almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, linseeds, and chia seeds,” said nutritionist Áine Waldron with nutrimission.ie. Just 30 grams is enough to make a healthy snack either in class or while studying.

Photo: Scot Tanner Bucholz

Both nutritionists say oily fish is another way to boost your concentration. “Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring and trout contain the best food sources of Omega 3,” Waldron said.

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Photo: Spinster Cardigan

“Beans and [whole grain] toast is a relatively cheap and a complete meal,” Flanagan said. “The big problem is, students don’t know how to cook for themselves. If you’re studying, batch up food like spaghetti bolognese, stews, or have tin or frozen vegetables and healthy food that is easy to grab,” Flanagan said. “Stir fries are a great way to get your vegetables.”

One of the other important things is to stay throughout the day drinking one and a half ters of water and tea, says Flanagan. “You coffee, however three cups or 400 mg of enough.”

hydrated to two lican have coffee is

“Watch your caffeine intake as too much coffee and caffeine containing drinks will make you more dehydrated,” said Waldron.

Avoid fizzy drinks and energy drinks as both nutritionists state they are not healthy for students when they need to have their brains actively concentrating and can make you more dehydrated resulting in your concentration levels dropping. “Have a mixture of fluids a day,” Flanagan says.

When it comes to alcohol, which is as much as part of the college experience as studying, Flanagan says it is deadly thing for students. “Alcohol knocks the immune system out especially under stress,” said Flanagan. “If stressed, I advise cut the alcohol.”

Photo: Pink Sherbet Photography

However Flanagan does offer up a compromise if you feel you need a drink to take the edge off the stressing of college. “Moderate it if going through a stressful time, 100 mils of wine, or a ½ pint or 35 mils of a shot instead of a standard drink,” she said.

In the end Flanagan says students should plan and shop for food. “Don’t wait until exams to stock up on healthy foods for the brain,” Flanagan said. “Be prepared.”

For more information visit www.nutrimission.ie, nutritionwise.ie or healthyireland.ie.

Call @ Net Internet Cafe 40 Clanbrassil Street Lower, Dublin, Tel. 01 402 0333, Fax. 01 402 0336

Internet cafe facilities (printing, scanning, faxing, lamination, thesis binding) All school supplies available Student discount with valid ID

Computers available while you wait

Good, Inexpensive Gyms for Griffith Students

Photo: Tim Horstmann

By Jeanne Measom

E

very college student tries to do a little exercise every now and again. With the Irish weather, this can make anything outdoors a challenge. This is where a gym can come in handy. Here we will take a closer look at some of the more affordable local gyms for the Griffith student.

Raw

They do a rate for students of €289 per year. You can join for one month, six months, and one year. This includes all 30 gym classes per week. “We have a free trial available and have had many professional athletes using the gym” RAW Trainer.

More info: www.rawcondition.ie

“We have a free trial available and have had many professional athletes using the gym” Swan Leisure Centre

“I love the Swan! The people are really friendly and the classes are great."

Herberton Leisure

This leisure centre has a 12-metre swimming pool, complete with swim jets, and a spa area with jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and plunge pool. A fully-equipped free weights area, resistance, and cardiovascular exercise equipment. For students, they do a price of three monwths for €100 and twelve months for €300, all classes included.

More info: www.herbetonleisure.ie

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“We are happy to offer you the option of a full membership or pay as you go. We are a not-for-profit organization, and this is what makes us really different. Our mission statement is just to get the community active.” Gavin Finn, Manager. “I love the Swan!

The people are really friendly and the classes are great.“ Alanagh Nolan, student and member.

Membership includes full access to swimming and gym facilities, as well as aqua aerobics classes every day. For September only, they have a 9-month student special for €269. In addition, they also have the payas-you-go membership: €6.50 per gym visit, €6.00 for just swim, or €7.50 for both.

More info: www.swanleisure.ie

"As a student, the Herberton is clean and cheap!"

Photo: the Pug Father (Flickr)

How to Run 5Km for Dummies

By Leslie Bourrelier

S

taying in shape is not always easy when you are a broke student. Gym memberships are expensive and college teams are not always accessible if you don’t do well in a particular sport.

Running remains the simplest and cheapest way to keep your body healthy. However, motivation can be hard to find when you are starting off as a runner.

The standard objective for a new runner is to run five kilometres. A beginner will need around 40 to 45 minutes to achieve the goal, while someone who trains regularly will need less than 30 minutes. If you have never been running or haven’t exercised for a while, proper running shoes will be your main concern.

run has to start and end with a five minute walk.

Stretching after exercise is also important in order to avoid muscular pain. Don’t forget to drink water to hydrate your body, but not too much.

Once you are ready, put on your headphones, play your favourite playlist and go.

It is normal not to be able to run the whole five kilometres on your first try; do not despair. Active walking is also a very good way to train.

Through this method, your body can get used to physical activity again and get prepared for a run. Robbie Purcell, Student Union President, has some advice for new runners.

“Take your time. If you’re starting with a running buddy, don’t feel as if you have to race them.

Go at a pace that is a little faster than walking, ignore the voice in your head telling you to stop and take a break if needs be. It sounds hard but it’s possible.”

«"Don’t think you’re Mo Farah on your first run"»

A decent pair of running shoes cost at least €30 but it is important to find the ones that will suit you the best. Blisters or sprains can easily occur if your shoes are not equipped for physical activity. At any time you should have a bottle of water with you and colourful clothes in order to be visible to other people, bicycles and cars. Women should also consider buying a special bra to reduce breast movement.

Even if five kilometres seems to be a short distance for some people, warming up is mandatory. Every

The more you exercise, the less you will feel the need to walk instead of running. “Build your distance slowly.

Don’t think you’re Mo Farah on your first run and do ten kilometres. Start with shorter runs and build up your endurance. Each time you increase your distance you’ll feel better about yourself and it’ll be better for you in the long run,” says Robbie.

Fitness coaches all agree that intensity is the key to good training. Alternating jogging with sprinting will help you to get fit faster. Regular training is the key to reaching the goal of running your first five kilometres. Training twice or three times a week will help you achieve this goal within two or three months.

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Take a Trip to Dublin’s

By Adelaide Fay Great Theatres

D

ublin offers students a wide selection of affordable theatre. Dublin is a buzzing city for actors and each week you can find something worth watching. For those of you who miss the theatre and a good play, or are simply fervent drama addicts, here is a review of the famous places where you can see live theatre in Dublin City. We fell in love with…

The Gate Theatre

This famous theatre, established in 1928, is located in the heart of Dublin at the top of O'Connell Street. When you come into this theatre you immediately realise that it’s as beautiful outside as it is inside. It’s quite small which makes for a cosy atmosphere. The good news for representation addicts is that there is no bad seat. Another bonus is that tickets are easily affordable. A bar is available for pre and interval drinks with your friends and they serve cups of tea in pretty porcelain cups.

“I had the feeling of being on stage and participating in the play, it’s so heart-warming! The actors are very good” says Lea, 24, with a smile right after enjoying The Caretaker by Harold Pinter. “This theatre is my favourite one in Dublin”.

Cavendish Row, Parnell Square, Dublin 1 01 874 4045 http://www.gatetheatre.ie/. boxoffice@gate-theatre.ie

Upcoming P lays Not to be Missed in the Gate Theatre Romeo & Juliet

This play, about a rich heir who falls in love with a girl he meets at a masquerade ball, is perhaps the finest play by Shakespeare and comes crashing across The Gate stage next spring.

Previews from Thursday 26th March Opening Night Tuesday 31st March Evening Shows: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm Selected Matinees at 2.30pm Tickets are on sale from €25.

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The Gaiety Theatre

This old historic theatre in the heart of Dublin has a large repertoire of dramas, operas and musicals and is known as a famed Dublin landmark. The bar area is very large and impressive. Even for groups who might not be as able-bodied, the location and layout work perfectly. The staff is very attentive with groups or families and are always on hand if you need some help.

“Just saw Ross O'Carroll-Kelly’s 'Breaking Dad’. The play was hilarious. I had good craic with friends. The theatre is intimate and its style, with its balconies and décor, is very sophisticated. I’ll be back to see ‘The Pillowman’ by Martin McDonagh in March! I can’t wait!” - Ciaran, a Master’s student in Business in UCD, who attends the Gaiety regularly with friends.

The Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin 2 01 187 19 388 info@gaietytheatre.com http://www.gaietytheatre.ie/

Upcoming P lays Not to be Missed in the Gaiety Theatre One Night in Istanbul

This play, which has already been adapted to the screen, follows the exploits of a group of Liverpool fans at the 2005 European Cup final in Istanbul. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of “that night” in Istanbul, Alterean Media is bringing Nicky Allt’s stage show to The Gaiety Theatre for one special week in June 2015, from Tuesday 2nd June to Saturday 6th June. The show lasts for about an hour and forty minutes including an interval and ticket prices start at €25 now on sale at www.ticketmaster.ie or at the Gaiety Theatre box office.

There are many other great theatres in Dublin, in both the city and just on the outskirts. I recommend The Project Arts Centre, The New Theatre, Smock Alley, The Civic Theatre (Tallaght), The Loose End (a small theatre in the Civic Theatre), The Teacher’s Club, The Samuel Beckett Theatre, The Sean O’Casey Theatre, The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, The Peacock theatre (a smaller theatre inside the Abbey).

The Best Places to Act in Dublin

By Adelaide Fay

A

UCD dramsoc is the student drama society of UCD and is known for being the most active student drama society in Ireland. Only registered students and staff of UCD can join dramsoc but they stage, on average, two full productions per week, Monday-Friday at 1pm and 7pm, which are open to all audiences.

Alliance Francaise

If you are French, or a French speaker (beginner accepted), head to the ‘Alliance Francaise’ where a group meet every Friday to act and do improvisations with a teacher.

A show about ‘L’Amour à la Française’ (French love) runs on 21st May and is not to be missed.

1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 01 676 17 32 info@alliance-francaise.ie

Abbey Theatre Amharclann na Mainistreach 26/27 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

The Gaiety Theatre also hosts summer and part time courses.

Lots of great theatres offer acting courses such as I TW

South King Street, Dublin 2 0818 719388

Lots of other great theatres offer acting courses such as ITW (previously attended by actor Jack Gleeson from Game of Thrones!), Billy Barry Kids (a famous course for kids that do lots of musicals), or The Lir (a drama school attached to Trinity).

No Drama Theatre

There is also a great drama/improvisation group called ‘No Drama’ that run weekly drama workshops.

They are a Dublin-based amateur theatre group and they meet for workshops every Tuesday night in Synge Street CBS at 6.45 p.m.

The first workshop is free and after that you can pay €10 for a drop in workshop or become a ‘No Drama Member’ by paying their membership fee of €25 per month.

The Abbey Theatre also offers workshops and summer course, including part time ones for adults.

01 887 22 00

re you looking for a drama course? Perhaps you used to be an amateur actor/actress and want to find a new one in Dublin? Or maybe you are simply tempted to give it a go? I have the solution!

First, as a student, almost every college has its own drama society and lots of them are very active and take their shows on tour.

Photo: Adelaide Fay

See you on stage soon!

Photo: Mike H.

This entitles you to entry to the regular workshop every Tuesday, improvisation courses, various specialised workshops and other perks (over 18s).

No Drama Theatre Synge Street CBS, Dublin City 8 chairman@nodramatheatre.com

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A Guide to the Smaller (and Cheaper) Festivals in Ireland This Summer

By Ruairi Scott Byrne

S

ummer festivals offer students a great escape from the stress of the college year.

While the likes of Electric Picnic may be already high on a number of summer bucket lists, there is an array of fantastic festivals taking place around the country this summer. Some of these lesser-known festivals offer a great chance to experience something completely unique and fresh – while also being generous on your bank accounts.

The Sky Cat Laughs Comedy Festival When: 28th May - 1st June 2015 Where: Various Venues Around Kilkenny How Much: Around €25 per Gig For anyone looking to laugh away the memories of the college year, this festival combines the top Irish and international talent in shows featuring renowned comic stars as well as newcomers and breakthrough acts. This year’s stellar line-up includes a wealth of Irish comedic talent such as Ardal O’Hanlon, Neil Delamare and David O’ Doherty. International acts

include Rich Hall, Jack Dee and Eight out of Ten Cats’ Jon Richardson.

Organisers of the comedy festival have promised that this year will be bigger than ever with a special birthday bash gig opening the festival. There will also be a hoedown, physical comedy showcase and a tribute to past comedy legends. A special event taking place is the annual football match between the Irish Comedians and The Rest of the World. Every year thousands come to marvel at 22 comedians making a mockery of the beautiful game. The event is free of charge with special commentary by Karl Spain.

The Festival of Curiosity When: 23rd – 26th July Where: Various venues across Dublin City How Much: Most events FREE – Most Expensive - €16 During July, Dublin will play host to one of the most innovative festivals of science, culture and curious technology in Europe. By day, Dublin City transforms into a carnival of curiosities with free daytime adventures in science, play and curious technology for kids and adults alike. By night, expect interactive performances, shows, debates and events that will play host to some of the most inquisitive scientific minds of our time (from both home and abroad) that are guaranteed to intrigue, challenge and inspire even the most curious of minds.

From Dublin’s first interactive science playground, the Curiosity Carnival, to debates and shows, this year’s festival promises to inspire the curious hearts of Dublin.

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Photo: Ciara Sherlock

Photo: Dust Storm Coachella - Noel

Holi Festival of Colours Dublin When: Saturday June 27th 12:00 pm How Much: €35 for 1 Ticket, €42 for 1 Ticket and 5 Bags of Gulal Powder The inaugural Holi Festival of Colours Dublin promises to be a pretty spectacular event. Derived from an ancient Hindu festival of love, this festival has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the summer since its first outing in Germany in 2012. This promises to be one of the more fun activities on offer this summer with those attending painting themselves with various colours and throwing colourful powder in the air to express freedom and to colour their everyday lives.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Iveagh Gardens, just a five minute walk from Grafton Street, this promises to be a memorable outing for all those attending. From 3 pm onwards there is a countdown for throwing the colours in the air every hour with the likes of Bombay Boogie Soundsystem and Izzy Trixx providing the exact kind of music to dance to and have paint fights with friends and strangers alike.

When: July 31st - August 2nd Where: Charleville Castle, Offaly How Much: 3 Days Including Camping - €89

When: 10th - 12th July Where: Valentia Island, Kerry

Where: Iveagh Gardens, Dublin

Castlepalooza

Valentia Isle Festival How Much: Adult Weekend Camping Ticket - €69 Set around the natural beauty of Valentia Island, the Valentia Isle Festival is Ireland’s premier arts & cultural boutique festival. Nominated for Irelands Best Small Festival in 2013, this year should prove to be the biggest in the festivals short existence. The new theme of the festival combines culture, art, music and food through open air art exhibitions, organic food stalls, spoken word, poetry, live music and dance. Visitors can snack on their meals while taking in the quirky art on display. Hundreds of people get involved every year and help sculpt the site into a mystical wonderland full of fun and nonsense.

The inclusive music policy includes everything from fiddle and squeeze box to skanking dub so there is always something to suit the taste of every visitor. For those who want to take a quick break from the festival, Valentia offers a wide variety of activities for every type of individual. Whether you enjoy swimming, diving, canoeing, sailing, kayaking, fishing, archaeology and historical sites, arts and crafts or even a pet farm, there is no shortage of activities for you to enjoy.

Castlepalooza is an independent music festival, held at the spectacular location in the grounds of Charleville House, a 17th century castle. Known as a ‘Boutique Festival’ – tickets are limited to just 1500 – those attending have access to the inside of the castle, where there are art and film exhibitions and some surprise performances, and the small numbers make for a very friendly event. Although the main focus is on the music, in previous years other events have included fortune tellers, games, a cocktail bar, a comedy club, a circus workshop and burlesque shows.

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Photo: John Finn

6 Sporting Events for you to Enjoy in Ireland this Summer

By Mallorie Ronan

S

ummer is fast approaching (although not fast enough for my liking!) and that usually means sun, smiling and plenty of fun for everyone although the sun part is very hit and miss since it’s Ireland and not Spain we are talking about. But who needs Spain when you have these great events to keep you more than occupied throughout the summer months. Here are some sporting events that are slightly off the beaten track that you should get involved in this summer.

The Hodson Mile Swim

Where: Athlone, Co. Westmeath When: 18th July 2015 How Much: €25 to participate If you are up for the challenge of dipping your feet in the icy cold waters of Lough Ree, located in the geographical centre of Ireland, then this is the event for you. Standing on a tiny island, within view of every swimmer as they complete their challenge, is the famous “Hodson Pillar” – said to be the most central point in Ireland.

For information: www.openwaterswimmer.ie

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Heineken Kinsale Sevens

Where: Kinsale, Co. Cork (surprise, surprise) When: 1st May to 3rd May 2015 How Much: €15 for a day pass, €25 for a weekend pass Europe’s premier seven-a-side club rugby event is back for another year. What started in 1988 with 12 teams participating to fundraise for Kinsale RFC has turned into one of the favoured sporting weekends of the Irish summer calendar. Last year 8,000 players, spectators and locals enjoyed a weekend of fast paced competitive rugby (not to mention the wild antics that took place off the pitches).

For those of you not too fascinated by the beautiful game that is rugby and are perhaps more more interested in the social element, this is definitely the event for you with with a whole village to cater to your every food and beverage whim. When the festivities end in the rugby club, a regular shuttle bus is on hand to bring you the two miles back to Kinsale town where the party continues into the early hours of the morning, so make sure to stock up on sleep beforehand.

Check out the Heineken Kinsale Sevens website: www.kinsale7s.com for more information.

Whats up in Ireland?

Croagh Patrick Climb

Ireland Bike Fest

Where: Westport, Co. Mayo

Where: Killarney, Co. Kerry

When: 26th July 2015

When: 29th May to 1st June 2015

How Much: FREE

How Much: FREE

This is the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick, one of the most ancient practices in Ireland. It is believed there has been an unbroken tradition of climbing Croagh Patrick at the end of the summer for over 5,000 years so why not indulge in a bit of ancient Irish history and take part in this years’ pilgrimage along with an estimated 20,000 other participants.

For an extra challenge (as if getting to the top wasn’t enough), it is a tradition that most pilgrims do the climb barefoot.While it is associated with Christianity and St. Patrick, people nowadays climb the mountain for their own reasons and not necessarily on the day of the pilgrimage. But regardless of when they climb they don’t usually regret it when they see the view from the top, so why not give it a go.

The Ireland Bike Fest is an international motorcycle festival that has taken place annually since 2007 in Co. Kerry. It is Ireland’s only free open biker festival and it attracts every make and model of motorbike imaginable to the scenic roads of Killarney. Motorcycle enthusiasts and owners of all ages from an array of countries such as Ireland, France, Germany, Norway, Australia and the United States gather each year to enjoy the festivities. Concerts, open-air gigs, test rides, and parades are all on offer and it is family friendly too.

More information can be found on the website: www. croagh-patrick.com/visitorcentre/need-know

Where: Leopardstown Racecourse, Co. Dublin

For more information about this event check out their website: www.irelandbikefest.com

Bulmers Live at Leopardstown 2015

When: Every Thursday from 11th June to 13th August 2015 How Much: €15 or €13.50 bought online (student) to €30 (top level seat) What’s better than a great day at the races? How about a great day at the races with equally great live music? If you enjoy both then this ongoing event is right up your street. With very reasonably priced tickets you can save your money for the important things… like betting on the horses of course!

Photo: Sean Ryan

All Ireland Poc Fada Championship Finals

Where: Annaverna Mountain, Co. Louth When: 1st August 2015

Bulmers Live consists of 8 fun filled Thursday evenings at the races. Starting at 6pm people don’t even have to miss work, so there are no excuses for not going at least once or twice over the summer period.

The line-up has been announced and it doesn’t disappoint, with Paddy Casey, Delorentos and Hermitage Green along with more to be announced closer to the time.

For more information about these events take a look at the website: www.leopardstown.com

How Much: FREE An Poc Fada (long puck) will celebrate its 54th anniversary this August. Now, for those of you not too familiar with what the hell I am talking about, the championships are the only national contests for individual players of both Camogie and Hurling (our national sport). The aim of the contest is that individuals who are nominated by their county try to hit the sliotar (ball) with the hurley along the course.

The winner is the person who completes the course using the least amount of pucks or hits.

To learn more about what this event even is, try their website: www.anpocfada.net/

Photo: InPHO Photographers

The Aubergine -33

Games Crossword

By Colm Hayes Horizontal 2- A football pundit that keeps you dry 10- Someone who uses sunbeds 13- Expensive pints are us!

14- American football game and holder of enormous amounts of cereal 16- Not quite a solid building 17- The best kind of emoticon 18- Turf can be both dug from and deposited in this 19- Griffith’s student body profile 1917

2014

T. Delaney

Bicycle & Motorcycle Specialist • Cycle Sales & Repairs • Motorbike Sales & Repairs • Wheel Building Contact: (01) 497 1509 Email: jamesbike@eircom.net

Vertical Owns the caf -1 A shocking poece of equipment -3 Another Arthur created this -4 Politician, opposite of starter -5 Where the shift can be found -8 Harry said this to quench the light -9 Sitting on these is no game -10 Building in Griffith, tasty type of beef -11 Stick out on O’Connell Street -12 The best type of Emma -15

34 - The Aubergine

Services at the gym: -Free personalised fitness programmes -Free access to classes including Zumba and Pilates -25m Pool with sauna and steam rooms -Professional staff ready to help you every step of the way

â‚Ź27 per month

Monday to Thursday: 7.00am - 10.00pm Friday: 7.00am - 9.00pm Saturday,Sunday, Bank Holiday: 10.00am - 6.00pm

Lower Rathmines Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Tel: 01 4967908 Email: info@swanleisure.ie Website: www.swanleisture.ie

FREE

Admission Voucher

One day full access

35

62 Clambrassil Street Upper Phone: 01 549 5125 Kids Dry Cut (all week) €6 Students Dry Cut (Mon-Wed) €8 Students Dry Cut (Thurs-Sun)€10 Wash & Cut (all week) €15 OAP Dry Cut (all week) €8 Hot Towel Shave €13.99 H ot Towel Shave & Cut €20 Head Shave €10 Clipper Cut €8 €10-€20 Design Cuts Eyebrow Waxing €5 Highlights €20 Colour €15 B eard Trim €3