The Clare Echo 29/11/2019 Christmas Feature

2

CHRISTMAS IN CLARE

Introduction

W

ELCOME to part one of The Clare Echo’s comprehensive Christmas In Clare Guide, which brings Christmas shoppers bundles of information on planning your festive spend, along with some quirky news stories thrown in along the way.

Whether you’re shopping for a significant other, parent, sibling, child or friend, there are an abundance of valuable and meaningful gifts available to purchase locally. Just turn to page 5 where we asked Ennis Book Shop to give us their top seller in six different categories, from cooking to sport to children’s books. Another popular local business, P&M Golf, have made shopping for dad easy with the top gifts to get the golfer.

And it’s not just about Christmas gifts - you could be popping the question this festive season and we’ve even got tips to get you through that minefield, while there’s also information on what’s happening on the streets this Christmas on page 8, where you’ll learn about the Christmas Tree Throwing Championships, the Christmas Express Train and much more.

Most importantly, our Christmas In Clare Guide is a platform for local businesses to promote their own great wares and deals for their most important time of the year.

With Black Friday done and dusted, the shopping flurry in the coming weeks will provide local business people room to breathe as the streets quiten in January as everybody goes into lockdown. Here at The Clare Echo, we’re all about shopping local and promoting local business, and getting everything you need for the week when everybody comes home to spend quality time with their family couldn’t be easier in Clare.

All that’s left now is to plan the fitness kick and New Year’s resolutions.

Stuart Holly Editor

Contents 5. FINDING THE PERFECT

BOOK TO GIFT A LOVED ONE THIS FESTIVE PERIOD

6. TOP 5 GIFTS FOR THE GOLFER THIS CHRISTMAS

8. WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ENNIS THIS CHRISTMAS? 10. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL - WE HELP YOU PLAN FOR THE BIG QUESTION

CHRISTMAS IN CLARE

All because she’s worth it

Four of the best for the ladies

L

ET’S face it lads - not one of you really know what your doing when it comes to Christmas shopping for women unless you’ve been given the exact name of the item she wants.

And to be fair, women are usually more specific when it comes to what they want,

1

but if you’re lost at sea on this one, don’t fret because we’re here to help.

Here we bring you four sure-fire ways to impress the ladies in your life - all affordable presents and even better, available in abundance in shops across County Clare.

So no reason not to shop local!

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

Jewellery is a great Christmas gift and a sure fire way to make her feel special - and remember this; it doesn’t have to be expensive. Shop around in Clare, there are endless places to pick up a stunning piece at a bargain price.

2

Scent from the heavens...

Like diamonds, perfume and body creams are a must-have for ladies and something they use on a regular basis. If you know their favourite scent, why not put together a special hamper?

Haven Pharmacy Holly’s have a wide range of gift sets, so take away all the stress by popping in!

3

A tea-rrific day out with pals

She’ll definitely thank you for a voucher for afternoon tea in a classy hotel. The beauty of a gift like this is she can use it in her own time and bring her favourite people. Sometimes it’s nice to pretend you’re in the Royal Family!

4

We’ll vouch for this present

When it comes to clothes and shoes, steer clear (trust us). A voucher can often be the most sensible answer! So why not call into the lovely staff in The County Boutique, Nozomi, or Cornucopia to pick up something that leaves it up to the person who knows what they really want. Alternatively an Ennis Gold Voucher will allow the person to sohp in a number of shops across the county town.

3

4

AUTUMN WEDDING GUIDE

Aoibhín Garrihy’s Top 4 ways to stay sane during 2. DO AS THE AMERICANS DO

1. ADOPT A GIFT POLICY

If you find yourself aimlessly shopping and spending crazy money on unwanted gifts each year why not break bad habits an adopt a new policy. A Kris Kindle is a good idea for larger families or why not make a decision to just buy for the children. Perhaps offer your time or experience this year as opposed to buying presents for example offer to paint the house, babysit, offer financial advice etc.

Gifts don’t always have to cost money.

Celebrate thanksgiving and practice gratitude… at a time when we’re bombarded with temptation to spend, the true meaning of this time of year can get lost. Spend time with those you love, help those in need and recognise things that are important rather than the frenzy of the festivities.

3. KEEP MOVING

We all have high hopes for the new year and getting back on the wagon…what if you don’t fall off to begin with?

Christmas has now become a season of excess…so why not join that gym or start healthy eating NOW! Of course enjoy yourself over the holidays but staying healthy now will keep your mind healthy too and make those inevitable January blues less bluey!

Silly Season

4. SOUL TIME

Whether you decide to do the Christmas Day swim, volunteer with a local charity, reconnect with the spiritual side of Christmas in your local parish, do some stress reducing acupuncture or spend time on a yoga mat…take time from the mad merry goround of silly season and ground yourself with some “soul time” as I like to call it!

“Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us, once more" GIVE THE FAMILY A PRECHRISTMAS TREAT OR SIMPLY GET IN THE MOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS, GATHER FAMILY, FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES AND €47.50 CELEBRATE WITH US THIS Per Person FESTIVE SEASON IN THE MAGICAL SURROUNDS OF OUR CASTLE

Dromoland Castle, N ewmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare, I reland T +353 (0) 61368144 | dromoland.ie

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Castle

CHRISTMAS IN CLARE 5

Christmas best sellers

6 categories to fill any stocking

lTIMELESS CLASSIC: Books are always a brilliant Christmas gift

C

HRISTMAS is the perfect time to kick back with a book in front of the cosy fire, so we asked the experts at Ennis Book Shop to compile their top seller in each category this Christmas.

NON-FICTION: RENAISSANCE NATION (DAVID McWILLIAMS)

SPORT: AT ALL COSTS (DAVY FITZGERALD

FICTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AISLING (EMER MCLYSAGHT & SARAH BREEN)

In this raw and forthright account of his time in management, Davy Fitzgerald returns to the moments that have defined his career to date: The tactics, the gambles, the breakthroughs and regrets.

COOK: SIMPLY DELICIOUS (DARINA ALLEN)

Nearly 30 years on from the original Simply Delicious book and TV series.

Darina Allen brings together 100 of her timeless, tried and trusted recipes.

HUMOUR: THANKS, PENNEY’S (VALERIE LOFTUS) From the chaos of the changing rooms to the questionable delights of the lingerie section, Thanks, Penney’s is a love letter to an Irish institution that is an integral part of all our lives.

In this timely successor to ‘The Popes Children’ economist David McWilliams returns to trace the course of a generation of change-makers and asks: where do we go from here?

A surprise change means Aisling may have to move to Ballygobbard, giving up the sophistication of Dublin. Throw in a surprise engagement, a very public brawl, new friends and nasty foes; maybe BGB is the place where Aisling will discover her true strengths.

CHILDREN: ICE MONSTER (DAVID WALLIAMS)

Elsie is an orphan living on the streets of Victorian London; when she hears about the mysterious Ice Monster found at the North Pole she’s determined to discover more.

An adventure that spans from London to the Arctic begins when Elsie comes face to face with the creature by chance!

6

CHRISTMAS IN CLARE

Top 5 gifts for the golfer Padraig McGrath of P&M Golf Superstore in Ennis makes Christmas shopping for the golfer of the family a simple hole in one this year

1

STOCKING FILLERS My favourite stocking filler is a neck warmer or better known as a snood.

They are extremely comfortable to wear and they really trap the heat on your body. They are a must accessory for every golfers golf bag on these cold winter days. (Value €15 - €30).

Other clever stocking fillers include woolen fleecelined hats, golf balls, a shoe bag, storm umbrella, ball retriever, putting cup or chipping net.

LINED SWEATERS / WINTER TROUSERS Lined sweaters and winter fleece lined trousers are a must purchase for every golfer or even a non-golfer.

They are windproof and

2

completely block any wind chill. On top of that they are also water repellent and everyone should have both of these clothing items in their wardrobe for these cold winter months whether your a golfer or not. Last Sunday I golfed in both of these items and although it was only 5°C - I was extremely warm out on the course. (Price range from €59 - €99) GOLF SHOES Every golfer should have at least two pairs of golf shoes especially with the Irish climate. They s h o u l d have a

3

winter waterproof pair of shoes or boots for the wet days and a second comfortable lighter spikeless pair for those dry summer days.

When you alternate golf shoes they last for years.

(Prices range €49 - €249) GPS / RANGEFINDER GPS units and Rangefinders give invaluable information to a golfer about how far they are away from the front, centre and back of the green as well as to any hazards that may well be within reach from the tee box. These devices help save a lot of shots, as well as telling the golfer how far exactly they actually hit the golf ball with each individual club.

If you don’t have one of these in your bag, your certainly

4

at a huge disadvantage against the golfers who do. A must have device for every golfer. (Prices range €99 - €299) HAMPER OR VOUCHER At P&M Golf Superstore we can produce a hamper for that golfer in your life. Just pop in store and together we can make up a hamper for your loved one this Christmas. Our expert team of professionals are on hand to help you choose the latest golf attire that will best suit the golfer in your life.

You can never go too far wrong with a voucher. At P&M Golf Superstore you

lROLLING IN: Will Santa bring golf goodies to your loved one?

5

lTECH SAVVY A GPS / Rangefinder gives the golfer invaluable information

can use that voucher for a golf lesson or custom fitting with our in store PGA Golf Professional or you can simply choose to use it to purchase something in store.

Spoil that loved one in your life this Christmas and purchase them a P&M Golf Superstore voucher to put towards that golf club they have been dreaming about all year.

8

Specialists in

Engagement and Wedding rings Choose from

Traditional, Contemporary or Designer Rings in 9ct, 18ct, and Platinum 9ct, 18ct and Diamond Jewellery Designer Silver Jewellery Gallery Raymond Weil, Citizen, Seiko, Michel Herbelin, Rotary, Dalton Kenneth Cole Watches

Deposits taken Gift Vouchers aVailable Free Engraving

Collins Jewellers 63 O’Connell Street, Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.

Tel 065 682 4490 / 682 3411

email: collinsjewellers@eircom.net

Wishing all our Customers a Very Happy Christmas & New Year

CHRISTMAS IN CLARE

Festive bonanza

What’s happening in the county town this Christmas period?

W

ITH Santa Claus having Road will be pedestrianised from midday already carried out his to 6pm on Saturday December 15, Sunday pre-Christmas visit to En- December 16, and December 21-24 (more nis last Friday to switch on p14). on the lights of our new The ‘Christmas in Ennis’ programme 40ft Christmas tree with Mayor of Ennis concludes on Sunday, January 6 2019 with Municipal District, Clare Colleran Molloy, the Irish International Christmas Tree The Clare Echo looks at what’s happening Throwing Championship taking place at around the town for the festive season.

For those who haven’t sent their wish-list Active Ennis Tim Smyth Park. Organised to Santa yet, fear not as a post-box, crafted by Clare Co Council, the 8th annual event by the Ennis Men’s Shed, is situated in the is a novel way to turn Christmas tree recySquare giving children the opportunity to cling into a sport, while raising funds for a post their Santa letters.

The Christmas lIN THE THROWS in Ennis proOF IT: Patrick Duggan gramme, which of Clarecastle taking is hosted Clare part in last year’s tree throwing County Council Photo by Eamon Ward and supported by the Ennis Chamber, will feature the “Christmas Express” train operating through the town from Wednesday, December 19 to Saturday December 22 inclusive. Train fares will cost €2 with all proceeds raised going to local charities.

Ennis Christmas Market will bring the sights, sounds and worthy cause. smells of the festive season to the Market Mayor of Ennis MD, Clare Colleran Building on Friday, December 21 (3pm to Molloy complimented the partnership ap7pm) and Saturday December 22 (10am to proach adopted by Clare Co Council and 4pm). Traders will be showcasing a variety of locally produced gifts and produce, the local business community to making which would make an ideal Christmas gift, Ennis an ‘attractive shopping destination’ at or last minute stocking filler. On Sunday, Christmas.

The Mayor added, “The magic of ChristDecember 16 a Santa Run will take place with all proceeds raised going to Clare Cru- mas comes alive for me when I see the twinsaders. kle of the festive lights in Ennis, which in The streets of Ennis will come alive to the their own small way, further enhances the sound of Christmas music from December town as a place to visit, shop and do busi14, when Christmas Street Radio returns ness during the Christmas period. The until Christmas Eve. Radio presenter Ger quality and range of shopping outlets in the Sweeney will broadcast daily from Ennis Market with the broadcast being relayed on town is second to none as exemplified in recent retail accolades and that’s why I would street speakers throughout the town.

Clare Co Council has confirmed Salt urge as many of you as possible to shop loHouse Lane and High Street, and O’Connell cal this Christmas.”

Square and O’Connell Street from O’Con- nFollow ‘Christmas In Ennis’ on Twitter, nell Square to its junction with Station Facebook and Instagram for more.

10 CHRISTMAS IN CLARE

C

A Christmas proposal

HRISTMAS is the most popular time for popping the question. All that’s left is to figure out how you are going to propose.

Popping the question is very daunting. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The most important thing is that the proposal comes from the heart.

1. BUY THE RING

If you want it to be a surprise, you can do one of two things. Get the ring, keep the receipt and have it insured.

Otherwise, an affordable substitute ring will do until you can shop for the real thing.

2. LOCATION

Go for a place that has meaning for the two of you, such as a beach, park, or nice restaurant.

3. THE SPEECH

Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror. Short and sweet is the safest.

4. ASK PERMISSION

Although this has become less of an obligation, it can be important to certain families and her parents will definitely appreciate it.

5. THE PROPOSAL

Kneel down, recite your proposal and await the answer. Stay kneeling down for a while – it’s romantic. Proposing to your girlfriend is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

spell out “Will you marry me?” Be creative – duct tape, colored paper, and petals are all good. Alternatively,spell out the proposal in leaves in the yard.

At-Home Proposals

Tie a velvet ribbon between two places in your house. Fasten photos and notes detailing your relationship along the ribbon. At the end, you’ll wait to present them with the ring.

Catch her off guard

BONUS: PROPOSAL IDEAS Away from home At the end of

Make enquiries about her ring size, for example, by showing her a ring chart.

When she says you’re spoiling the surprise, whip out the real ring.

Homemade

At New Year’s, find a romantic location. Just before the clock strikes 12, propose to her, and you’ll have a lot more to celebrate than just the New Year.

a day’s sightseeing, go for a drink. Arrange for hotel staff to set up candles, flowers, and champagne in your room.

When you return, you’re all set for a beautiful proposal.

Get material for making letters and

New Year’s Proposal Ideas

lWEDDING PREP: There will be plenty of wedding proposals across Clare this Christmas and the coast is a popular location

12 CHRISTMAS IN CLARE

Santa takes to the skies

O

VER 2,000 lucky children and their parents will get to meet Santa 15,000ft above sea level as Shannon Airport’s 2018 Santa Flights take place this weekend.

Short of Christmas Eve itself, Santa’s busiest day in the run up to December 25 is set again for Shannon Airport as the big man jets in for his sixth successive annual Santa Flights, one of Ireland’s best loved and unique Santa experiences.

In what has become the most sought after Christmas event for children across the country, Santa will take to the skies with a troupe of elves on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December.

Shannon welcomes 2,000 kids The excitement will be palpable and spirits soaring as the delight fills the airport’s terminal building and skies above for a special treat for children.

The event will be supported by teams of staff volunteers from Shannon Airport, a Shannon Group company. The build-up will take off from the minute the very special passengers enter the airport where Mrs Claus herself and her team of helpers will be manning the airport check-in desks.

Tickets for this prized event have been allocated through a lottery system (€1 per seat lottery application fee) with all profits going to Shannon

Group’s designated charities for 2018, the Share a Dream Foundation and the Clare Crusaders.

Children will also be treated to a range of Christmas activities - dancing elves, games and other treats - in the transit lounge to help them while away the final minutes before boarding.

Andrew Murphy, Shannon Airport, Managing Director said: “Our Santa Flights are a really lovely, heart-warming event and from our perspective it is great to be able to spread a bit of Christmas cheer and put smiles on so many children’s faces.”

lSO MUCH FUN: The Santa Flights is one of the most anticipated Christmas events taking place in Clare

CHRISTMAS IN CLARE 13

Fitness & Mindset with Cillian Keane, Personal Trainer

Xmas: You’re never alone

A

S WE are nearly into the Christmas period, there are a few things I wanted to share with those that have been reading my Clare Echo articles every two weeks and resonated with all the ones on mental health. I have had so many people approach me and say it’s amazing to see someone spread the positive message on mental health issues and especially from a male perspective. A lot more needs to be done and I’m on a mission to make that impact.

With the next few weeks being busy, make sure you are minding your mental health.

I remember a Christmas went by a few years ago when I was going through tough times and didn’t socialise. In the past, I would have kept all that was going on in my head to myself. I didn’t confide in anyone.

I avoided social situations as I had lost all confidence in myself. I felt that I wouldn’t add value

to any conversation so I just kept to myself. For the whole of that Christmas, I barely saw any of my friends. I just couldn’t face going out or going to the Christmas events.

At that time, I did feel alone and trapped but I had so many people looking out for me.

During tough times you may feel like there is no way back and life is going to have this dark cloud over your head. I knew that Christmas, I had to do something. I had to get my mindset strong again.

So what changed?

I eventually plucked up the courage to speak up.

I didn’t fear what people would think anymore as I knew I had to get my mindset back to where it used to be. I needed to get that release of what was brewing in my head for months on end.

So in your own situation, one bit of advice I can give you is this: Speak up. Let everything going on in your head, be known. Don’t let this Christmas go by and you are still in the same situa-

tion even by the time the New Year comes around.

You don’t want this to manifest into something more severe. Each and every day you will get better by doing all the right things. This is a small setback in your life as life is there to be lived happily with those closest to you.

So spare a thought today for those you know who are struggling with their mental health.

Check in with your friends or family members over the Christmas period. Ask them how they are and make sure all is okay.

Somewhere along the way, I hope these articles the last few months on mental health have given you the motivation to take the first step.

Remember you are never alone.

Cillian Keane is a personal trainer at Hustle Fitness in Ennis. If you are looking to kickstart your fitness regime and get the results you strive for, contact Cillian on 0863305024 or email cillian.keane87@gmail.com.

14 CHRISTMAS IN CLARE

Free parking over Christmas

C

LARE County Council has announced that free parking will be provided at all public car parks in Ennis from 3pm commencing on Friday 7th December 2018 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday up to and including Saturday 5th January 2019 as part of efforts to promote Christmas and New Year shopping in Ennis.

Additional free parking spaces are also being made available at Buttermarket/ Waterpark House on 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th December from 9.00am to 6.00pm and at

Clare GAA/Rear of The Cloister Car Park from 7-24th December from 9.00am to 6.00pm.

Meanwhile, a €3.00 parking charge (full-day) will apply at Holy Family School on 22nd-23rd December (9.30am to 5.30pm) and on Christmas Eve (9.30am to 2.00pm),

with stewarding being provided by Ennis Chamber.

The Christmas Pedestrianisation arrangements have also been finalised to facilitate and enhance the shopping experience for locals & visitors to the town over the festive period. O’Connell Square, O’Connell Street, Salthouse Lane and High Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from midday to 6pm on Saturday 15th December, Sunday 16th, Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd and Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS IN CLARE 15

Carols by candlelight at Dromoland

T

HE perfect festive evening celebration...

Gather family, friends and colleagues and celebrate this fabulous festive season at Dromoland Castle.

Enjoy flavours and sounds of Christmas in the elegant surrounds and wonderfully atmospheric Earl of Thomond dining room. This is an ideal occasion for an intimate company Christmas gathering, a family get togeth-

er, friends or local club festive soiree. Executive head chef David McCann has created an exciting five course festive menu with lots of the traditions and Christmas treats.

Dromoland invites you to come and enjoy this ex7th, 14th, 15th, 21st, quisite evening with enter“Yuletide caro8th, ls being sung by a choir” December. tainment throughout pro- 22nd Carols

by Candlelight Tickets of Ser7th, 8th, 14th vided by Trilogy featuring , 15th, Inclusive 21st ,22nd Dec ember.

Enjoy flavou rs and sound s of Christ vice Charge: €85.00 per mas Kate Purcell entertaining in the elegant surrou nds and wonderfully atmos person. us with festive & traditionpheric Earl of €85 room. nCall Dromoland today al Christmas Carols. Thomond dining Per Person FIVE COURSE FESTIVE MENU on 1 800 201 300 to These special EXQUfestive ISITE ENTERTAINMENT BY KATE ELL & 'TRILO book evenings take place PURC on: GY' your table.

Dromoland Castle, N ewmarke t-on-Fergus, Co Clare, I reland T +353 (0) 6136814 4 | dromoland .ie

Celebrate with family, frien ds and colleagues this Christmas at Dromoland Castle

“Yuletide carols being sung by a choir” Carols by Candlelight 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st ,22nd December.

Enjoy flavours and sounds of Christmas in the elegant surrounds and wonderfully atmospheric Earl of Thomond dining room.

€85 Per Person

FIVE COURSE FESTIVE MENU EXQUISITE ENTERTAINMENT BY KATE PURCELL & 'TRILOGY'

Dromoland Castle, N ewmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare, I reland T +353 (0) 61368144 | dromoland.ie

Celebrate with family, friends and colleagues this Christmas at Dromoland Castle