Notions and necessities: From ‘summer sweat' sessions to inclusive coffee mornings and tasty tapas nights, it's all here
Coffee 'n' Chat events – an initiative of the last Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain – are now taking place in four of the capital's park cafes, offering a space to people with early onset and early stage dementia, as well as their carers, to meet, share and also feel seen in their communities. Coffee 'n' Chat mornings will run from 10am to noon at the cafes in Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, on the fourth Wednesday of every month; Albert College Park, Glasnevin, on the first Wednesday of every month from August 6; St Anne's Park, Raheny, on the second Wednesday of every month from August 13, and Palmerston Park, Dartry, dates to be announced. SC dublincity.ie
NOTION
Under the grill
The Saddle Room in The Shelbourne Hotel has launched a new Signature Menu that pays homage to the traditions of the hotel, now 201 years old. It includes a Green Spot whiskey-glazed Dublin Bay prawn, grilled Slane wagyu ribeye, and an eclair inspired by executive chef Garry Hughes' childhood. LH For more, see theshelbourne.com
NOTION
Holiday fun
The school-holiday diversions keep on coming with a visit to Dream Point in the Point Square, Dublin 1. Running 90-minute sessions, six days a week, it's an immersive experience of giant ball pits, 'draw alive' colouring rooms, immersive light experiences and other activities for all the senses. And if one visit isn't enough, they have membership packages that include discounts and between two and unlimited tickets per month. SC Tickets from: child, €13.90; adult, €17.90; membership packages from €169-€379, dreampointexperience.ie
NECESSITY
Handy haircare
If you use a lot of styling products or find your post-holiday hair is limp and jaded from chlorine, salt and sand, a good detox could help. Luna Haircare Weekly Detox Shampoo is exactly what it says, an occasional spring (or summer, in this case) clean for your crowning glory. With lavender and orange-peel oils, it has a zingy scent and leaves hair super-clean but not stripped. SC Selected shops and pharmacies nationwide, lunahaircare.ie
NOTION
Summer nights
Grow HQ, the award-winning cafe and garden of Grow It Yourself (GIY) in Waterford, is hosting a series of tapas evenings throughout the summer on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-7pm. Enjoy Spanish flavours created using local seasonal produce, paired with craft beer or house-brewed kombucha. LH To book, tel: (051) 584-422, Grow HQ, Outer Ring Road, Waterford
NECESSITY
Festival frolics
The WTAF!? festival is enjoying its inaugural run in Galway this week, currently running until July 30. The Westend Theatre & Arts Festival, run by Hysteria Theatre Company, includes a kayaking choir, aerial circus in the Róisín Dubh, drag storyslam, and micro-theatre in a campervan. LH See wtafgalway.com/festival
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The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I swapped the UK for Spain – wine is just £3, the food is much healthier and it feels like a holiday every day
A WOMAN ditched the UK for Spain - where a glass of wine is Euro 3.50 and there are free concerts every night - and says it feels like a "permanent holiday". Jade Gartshore, 25, had a successful career but says it didn't give her "enough" fulfilment and she struggled with the "dark" days. Advertisement 4 Jade said that moving to Spain is like a "permanent holiday" Credit: Getty 4 She quit her job as an estate agent and moved to Murcia Credit: Alamy After travelling with her husband Edward Partis, 25, an electrical engineer, she fell in love with the Spanish city of Jade ditched her job to move out last November and say they can't seem themselves "moving back to the UK". Jade said: "I used to sit in the office and used to look out and think, this can't be life, you know, every day going to work in the dark and coming back in the dark. "I was always doing very well in my job, but it just didn't give me enough. Advertisement more on spain "It's like a permanent holiday, I wake up feeling a lot happier and often have those pinch me moments where I still can't believe I live here. "We have a free concert every night. It's different in each town. "So you'll have jazz, you'll have disco, techno, and they'll just be on the seafront, and it's all put on by the council. "That's where some of your money goes, which is a nice feeling. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Live Blog "You can get a glass of wine for Euro 3.50, which is crazy, but your day-to-day shopping can be pretty much the same as the UK." Jade and Edward, who are from Leicester, went travelling for six months in 2023 and spent five weeks of it in Murcia - where Jade's parents retired to. The couple carried on travelling in I quit my job and did a complete 180 moving to Spain - beer is just $3 a pint and my life is so much better Jade said: "The whole six months we were just working out ways how to get back to Spain, and we just completely fell head over heels for it. Advertisement "The conversation just kept coming back to Murcia that we kind of loved it and both felt exactly the same way, which was really lucky. "To be honest, growing up in the UK, I always felt like it wasn't my home. "When I was 16, I was going to California on holiday by myself to see friends, and when I was 19, we tried to live in Australia, but it just wasn't for us. Everything you need to know about visiting Spain Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country. Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit. Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border. Spain is one hour ahead of the UK. The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55. Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination. "So I just feel like my whole life, I've just known that the UK is not for me. Advertisement "It can be scary, but definitely making the jump in your twenties is a perfect time." Jade was on the path to being promoted as a manager in her estate agent job, but decided to "make the jump" and live a new life elsewhere. She said: "I was completely petrified, I had this great job, and my collegial manager wanted me to become a manager. I just left it all behind because it didn't feel right. "The people here, especially in Murcia, are just so kind. Advertisement "I've always wanted to lived by the sea, but Murcia also has the mountains where you can go on hikes. "It's very outdoor living, which is right up my street." Despite incredible free events hosted by the council, Jade wanted to break the misconception that it is a lot cheaper to live abroad than it is in the UK. She said: "I think people have the perception that it is quite cheap here, especially when you come on holiday, but it's mainly the alcohol that's a big difference." Advertisement Jade, who is currently looking for work, explained how rent and bills are also pretty similar as "it fluctuates as to where you live". "Some places near us are more expensive than what you'd rent in the UK, and you get less for your money, but then some areas you get more for your money depending on location," she said. Murcia is located in south-eastern part of the country and is the seventh largest city in Spain. It is known as "the fruit basket of Spain" due to its Jade said: "The fruit and vegetables are so much bigger and they just have so much more flavour. Advertisement "Our diet hasn't changed drastically because I feel like it's difficult to just quickly change. So we'd still have our basic meals that we'd have in the UK, but you just feel better." She can also go and visit the local farmers and do tours to see the produce for as cheap as Euro 12. Jade's parents moved to the city two years ago for retirement, and the couple are currently staying with them until their big move to their new apartment - just 15 minutes from the beach. The couple have noticed one specific cultural difference in Spain compared to the UK. Advertisement Jade said: "One thing I've noticed is that people don't just want to do stuff on the weekend, they'll happily make plans every day, even if it's just a walk". At the beginning of her move, she was "quite concerned" about how lonely Jade is "100%" more sociable now, she said: "I think I've had two events every day. The other day we went to the beach with friends and then drove to another area to watch the sunset. "And with my other friend we went to see a concert, so it's just utilising the free things and not being weather dependent." Advertisement The couple have done this through indulging in the culture and are even trying to learn Spanish too, which her new friends are helping with. Jade said: "I go to an hour lesson in the village once a week and then just picking up comments from my social media and putting it into practice." Jade shares her life in Murcia on social media and has created a community of people who also hope to one day move abroad. Her audience is around 60% Spanish, which helped her "learn the area and the culture a lot quicker". Advertisement "I try to use my account to show people that if I can do it, they can do it. "Even if it's just going to travel, take the risk, do what you want to do." Data found by It also found that Spain is the most popular place for Brits to move this year. Advertisement Jade plans to live in Murcia permanently now and said she "can't see herself moving back to the UK again". 4 The alcohol is the biggest difference as it's much cheaper than in the UK Credit: Getty 4 Jade has inspired a community of people who also hope to one day move abroad Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major warning for Irish tourists in Spain as beaches turn BROWN from ‘impossible to control' seaweed covering sand
SPAIN'S beautiful holiday beaches are under threat from an invasive seaweed, which has left local officials "completely overwhelmed". Thousands of tonnes of rugulopterix okamurae, a fast-growing invasive seaweed from East Advertisement 2 The seaweed, which is not native to the region, piles up on beaches emitting a foul and rotten odour Credit: Getty Images - Getty Over the last ten years, the Pacific seaweed species has infested areas of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, covering seabeds and releasing waste which floats up to the surface. Ocean currents carry this waste to the coast, where the seaweed piles up on The species has become a significant issue for towns and cities across the coast of Spain. Impacted areas include Ceuta, Murcia, Valencia and Tarifa. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS Experts warn that Juan José Vergara, a professor of biology at the University of Cádiz, spoke with the Guardian about the issue. He said: "It was first spotted 10 years ago in Ceuta, Spain's north African enclave, by a researcher from Málaga university, but the authorities are always too slow to react." He added: "In the first phase of an invasion such as this, it can be controlled. It's like catching cancer early on before it spreads," Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN "But now the scale of it makes it impossible to control." The seaweed has already impacted local economies, particularly in areas of tourism. Activities such as windsurfing, swimming, and fishing are becoming increasingly difficult in these regions, as seaweed snags lines, restricts access to the water, and depletes the oxygen fish need to survive. A ROTTEN HOLIDAY The rotting seaweed also makes for an ugly sight and emits a foul odour, deterring beach-goers. Advertisement Many regions have taken to dumping the excess seaweed in landfill sites across the country, at the cost of the taxpayer. Some towns, like Tarifa, however, are unable to afford the removal due to the sheer amount of seaweed buildup. Some businesses have since sought permission from the Spanish government to use the seaweed as This week, the regional government in Andalucía launched its four-part plan to confront the crisis, which included options for recycling the seaweed. Advertisement Vergara, however, said: "I doubt it will be able to eradicate or even significantly diminish the intensity of the invasion when hundreds of thousands of tonnes can wash up on a single beach." 2 The seaweed is affecting local tourism and costing taxpayers money to have it removed Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Ditch the Caribbean for UK islands with white sand beaches that are just a 20-minute ‘Skybus' from the mainland
THE UK is home to picturesque islands with Caribbean-style beaches and you can visit them by catching a 20-minute 'Skybus' from the mainland. The Isles of Scilly off of the coast of Cornwall are often referred to as beautifully untouched, boasting several islands with white sand beaches and Atlantic grey seals. 8 The Isles of Scilly are located 28 miles off of the coast of Cornwall Credit: Alamy 8 To get there, you can get the ferry or hop on a 20-minute flight Credit: Alamy There are more than 140 isles that make up the islands and they are only 28miles from the coast of Of the islands, only five are actually inhabited - St. Mary's, Tresco, St. Martin's, Bryher, and St. Agnes. And many people who head to the isles, choose to hop between them via a 30-minute But the biggest benefit of the islands making them a great alternative to the Caribbean, is that they have their own microclimate. Read more on travel inspo Caused by the North Atlantic Drift, the islands have flourishing palm trees. This climate also means the islands rarely see cold weather , consistently staying several degrees hotter than the UK mainland - adding to the overall Caribbean feel. The easiest way to get to the islands is via the 'Skybus', which you can do from Land's End Airport, Newquay Airport or Exeter Airport. From Land's End Airport it takes just 20 minutes to reach St. Mary's and if you don't want to leave your furry friend out, the flight even allows dogs . Most read in News Travel Return flights cost £65 per person, or £52 for children under 11-years-old. Alternatively, for a cheaper option hop on the ferry from £35 per adult and from £17.50 per child. The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities St Martin's St Martin's measures just two miles long and a quarter of a mile wide but is home to scenic footpaths, clear waters and white beaches. On the island, is one of two vineyards in the Scilly Isles. At the vineyard, visitors can wander through the woodland trail before joining one of the tours. The tours are self-guided and guests will learn about the 'viticulture' and wine making that happens at the site. There is no need to book and a combined tasting and tour costs just £10 per person. St Martin's is also home to some of the "finest beaches in the British Isles", And just moments away from the The beach boasts crystal clear waters and 8 The islands are home to a wealth of things to do including seal spotting Credit: Getty When the tide goes out some small rockpools emerge, as does the long stretch of golden sands. Also noticeable from the beach is the island's red and white day mark that stands 40 feet tall. Only around 120 people live on the island, so it makes the ideal quiet spot to visit with beaches just like you are in the Caribbean. St Agnes Over on St Agnes, there is the second vineyard - Holy Vale Winery & Vineyard on St Mary's. Whilst not much else to do on the island, you should make sure to head to Troytown Farm One recent visitor said: "The taste and texture of this homemade ice cream is so good that it stays with me all year around and I miss it." You can camp here too, just steps away from the water's edge. 8 Across the islands, there are many flourishing palm trees Credit: Alamy St Mary's Over on St Mary's - the largest of the inhabited islands - you will find the Scillonian capital called Hugh Town. This is a great spot for exploring independent shops, with art galleries and restaurants . There are even some pubs such as The Mermaid Inn - which used to be a spot popular with smugglers. If you fancy seeing the island in a slightly different way, head to St Mary's St Mary's is also where you will find the airport and ferry dock, so if exploring all the 8 And on the largest island, St Mary's there are many independent shops to explore Credit: Alamy 8 On Tresco, you can visit Abbey Garden which is home to 20,000 plants Credit: Alamy Tresco Tresco is then the second largest island out of the five and is known for its dramatic, rocky landscape. For history buffs, this might be the best island to visit as it has a whole host of castle ruins, coves, Bronze Age burial sites and Tresco Abbey Garden. Here, visitors can wander around 17acres of gardens that were first opened in the 1830s. The location is home to over 20,000 exotic plants from across the globe and hand-craved figurines made from the wood of shipwrecked boats. Tresco, like St Mary's, also has a number of independent shops and spots to eat. And if you really want to indulge, you can head to Tresco Island Spa, complete with an indoor swimming pool , gym, jacuzzi, steam room and 8 Many of the beaches feature sprawling white sands and clear waters Credit: Alamy Bryher Bryher is the smallest island of the Isles of Scilly, but there are still things worth exploring there. For many, Visitors can head to the beaches like Portcressa for swimming or enjoy a boat trip off of the island. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the island offers some great hiking options with many of the walks including views of rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes. At low tide, you can even stroll across the channel to the uninhabited island of Samson. Wanting a real taste of local life? Then head to the Crab Shack for a crab dish, located near Hell Bay. Or head to the quirky Fraggle Rock Bar, just moments from the beach. Some of the most exotic islands near the UK THE UK is home to a number of exotic-looking holiday islands. The Isles of Scilly The Islands have been compared to several amazing holiday destinations, with some even giving it the moniker "the Maldives of the UK". Its blue waters, warm weather and secluded beaches all play a part in it drawing the comparison from visitors. And the Royal Family are known to be fans too, with William and Kate regular visitors. The Isle of Harris, Scotland Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in Scotland has been compared to the Caribbean by visitors and locals due to its secluded sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters. The beach was named the seventh best in Europe at the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards last year. Jersey The island off the south coast of the UK has been described as having a "Caribbean-like coastline" as well as a number of amazing beaches, perfect for family holidays. St Ouen's Bay is particularly popular, with the white-sand beach spanning almost the whole of Jersey's west coast and well-loved by surfers. The Plus, 8 Often compared to the Caribbean, the Isles of Scilly offer a great budget-friendly holiday alternative Credit: Alamy
