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June bank holiday in Meath: Five fun things to do in the Royal County this weekend

June bank holiday in Meath: Five fun things to do in the Royal County this weekend

A visit to Emerald Park
Emerald Park in Ashbourne is always a perfect family destination, with over 45 rides and entertainment for all ages, however visitors might be more keen than ever to visit the park over the next few weeks to welcome a new addition to the diverse zoo.
Emerald Park recently welcomed the arrival of a 13-year-old male Amur leopard called Manchurian, who joins resident Amur leopard, Freya.
The park will also be holding it annual campaign on the bank holiday weekend, 'Love Your Zoo Week', with activities taking place both Saturday and Sunday.
Activities on across the weekend include 'Wildlife Ally Workshops', which teaches people how to make bird boxes, feeders, and wildlife-friendly garden spaces. There will also be interactive zoo tours, talks, and a chance to track local pollinator species.
Battle of the Boyne Living History
Step back in time at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre on Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm as Laoch Living History presents a 17th century military camp complete with blacksmiths, gunners, sutlers, monks, and soldiers.
Costumed historian Tóla Collier will also hold a battlefield walk both days from 2pm to discuss tactics, strategy, geography, and personalities on the battlefield.
Moynalty country music festival
This one day festival offers performances from All Folked Up, The Highstool Prophets, The Whistlin' Donkeys, and Meadhbh Walsh and her band.
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The entrance fee is €35 and campers are welcome for the festival in the field at €20 per night, starting Saturday.
There will be a full bar, food trucks, coffee dock and ice cream on site, for what promises to be a fantastic days entertainment in raising money for the local church.
Blue Jean country Queen Festival
Since 1987, the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has been an annual staple organised by Macra. The event sees women from all around the country and abroad compete for a perpetual trophy and a golden sash.
This year's event in Athboy includes live music from Rhythm and Sticks and The Fógues. The opening ceremony on Friday will be at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets.
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EcoChic clothing swaps
The first of the EcoChic Meath clothing swaps will be held on Saturday, May, 31 at 11am at Swift Cultural Centre in Trim.
With clothing waste on the rise, this campaign aims to raise awareness on the impacts of clothing waste, and encourage sustainable alternatives.
Visitors are encouraged to bring any unwanted clothing and swap it for something else. A maximum of 15 items can be swapped per person and tokens will be given based on what you bring, which can be used for swapping.
All events are free to attend and aim to give participants awareness about the environmental impacts of their clothing choices and provide them with the tools and skills to be more sustainable.
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August bank holiday in Donegal: Six fun-filled ways to spend the long weekend
August bank holiday in Donegal: Six fun-filled ways to spend the long weekend

Irish Independent

time6 days ago

  • Irish Independent

August bank holiday in Donegal: Six fun-filled ways to spend the long weekend

Across Donegal, there are lots of events organised with something for everyone to enjoy. Here is a guide to some of the events happening over the weekend: The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival is a community based festival which has been held annually since 1967 in Dungloe, County Donegal. This year's festival runs from July 26 to August 3 with some of the big names in country music taking to the stage including Daniel O'Donnell, John Mc Nicholl, Dominic Kirwan, Shawn Cuddy, Conor O' Donnell and Sinead Black. It is family friendly with a wide variety of musical, cultural, child, sporting, artistic and novelty events. Irish diaspora communities from around the world, as well as Irish counties and towns, participate by nominating a young woman to represent their area. The winner, crowned 'Mary From Dungloe' holds the title for a year and acts as an ambassador for the festival, Dungloe & Donegal. For the full line up, visit Get ready to tap your feet, clap your hands, and sing along as the 48th Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival bursts onto the scene from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3, 2025. This year, the festival is truly 'On the Move,' bringing an electrifying lineup of traditional and folk music to every corner of Ballyshannon. Throughout the festival, there will be performances from The Highstool Prophets, Luka Bloom, Porter Bellies, Muddlers Club, Phoenix, Seamie O'Dowd, Leonard Barry, Andy Morrow and Suil. Add to the mix some great street entertainment all weekend with lively pub sessions with the Ballyshannon Folk Trail, fringe events and workshops - this leading festival still has something to cater for all tastes 48 years later! Resident artist, Barry Britton will launch his exhibition on Thursday, July 31 at 7pm in the Abbey Arts Centre and will be live in the centre until the end of August 2025. This is a unique opportunity to view the Barry's artworks on display locally. Muff Féile The Muff Féile is back for another year this August Bank Holiday weekend. The event runs from July 31 to August 4, 2025 and it kicks off with the opening parade with dozens of events planned throughout the weekend. Organisers cater for all ages, aiming to create a Féile weekend full of fun events that entertain the residents of the area and visitors alike. From the popular opening parade to bonny baby to glamorous granny comps, live music, sports events, treasure hunts, gaming and retro arcade, fun fair amusements, craft fair, bake off's, art displays, workshops, films there is an action packed something for everyone. The Féile is a new event and a reimagining of the popular Muff Festival which began in the village in 1980. This year's Muff Feile marquee is destined to be a hive of musical activity. Situated down at The Ardmore Bar at The Treehouse Restaurant, Muff, there really is something for everyone. FRIELDAYS – A homecoming 2025-2029 An unprecedented five-year theatrical celebration building to the centenary of one of Ireland's great literary figures, Brian Friel (1929-2015). Beginning with a 35th anniversary production of his most celebrated play, Dancing at Lughnasa, staged just fifty metres from the house in which it is set, and close with a combined 50th anniversary celebration of the work of Ireland's greatest poet – and Friel's close friend - Seamus Heaney. Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel, 35th Anniversary Year, will be held from August 1 to 17, 2025 at The Canteen Hall, St. Columba's School, Glenties. Faith Healer by Brian Friel will be held on August 8 to 10 and 15 to 17. Bus Meeting Point – Market Hall. Glenties at 4.30pm. (Act 1 – Edeninfagh / Act 2 Portnoo / Act 3 Ardara / Act 4 Glenties). A unique journey by bus through the Bluestack Mountains and west Donegal coastal scenery to visit three small community halls, dramatically finishing in the ballroom bar of the Highlands Hotel. Includes special Tennessee Barbecue at the interval on Portnoo Pier. Translations by Brian Friel. 45th Anniversary Year. August 22 to 25, 2025 at the Dunlewey Centre, Dunlewey at 7.30pm. Arrive early (5.30-6.45pm) and book your mini-bus seat to the early 19th century Glentornan ghost-village, plus experience a special silent prelude at the Weaver's Cottage – prior to evening performances only. For more information, visit Glencolmcille Agricultural Show 2025 The annual Glencolmcille Agricultural Show will take place on Sunday, August 3,2025. There will be cattle, sheep, horses, ponies, donkeys, poultry, craft and produce. There will also be trade stalls, childrens activiities, a dog show and a best dressed lady and gent competition. The annual show is extremely popular and has something for everyone to enjoy. Sheepdog trials will take place on Monday, August 4, 2025 with entry on the day. Meenacross Agricultural Show The Meenacross Agricultural Show will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025. The popular event kicks off at 11am and is sure to be a fun filled day. The day will include the traditional cattle, sheep and horse sections. The committee has put a lot of work into the children's classes this year and there will be categories for the young handler in the cattle, sheep, ponies and the dog section with some fantastic prizes. They have also added some great classes and cups to the vegetable section, home baking, arts and crafts and photography.

I quit my corporate job to go self-employed & live in an 8ft caravan – it feels huge & I'm saving to buy my own land
I quit my corporate job to go self-employed & live in an 8ft caravan – it feels huge & I'm saving to buy my own land

The Irish Sun

time24-07-2025

  • The Irish Sun

I quit my corporate job to go self-employed & live in an 8ft caravan – it feels huge & I'm saving to buy my own land

A WOMAN has revealed how she quit living in a house, swapping it for a caravan instead. Freya, from the UK, took to social media to share the new caravan she and her partner, Charlie, were living in as they saved up their cash to buy their own land. 2 Freya showed off her new caravan Credit: tiktok/@caravanlifewithfreya 2 There was a lot more space for her, her partner and the dog Credit: tiktok/@caravanlifewithfreya Recently, Freya showed off the new The caravan measures 8ft wide and is a four-berth, making it super roomy for Freya, her partner and their pet dog. But Freya hasn't always dreamt of following an off-grid lifestyle as she explained that she once had a corporate job while living with her mum to save for a housing deposit. Now, Freya runs her own business while living out of a caravan as she saves up to buy her own land. READ MORE ON HOMES Showing viewers around her new home she shared that it also comes with a relatively large kitchen and living room area which had lots of secret storage hidden away. Most importantly for Freya, she now had a full-sized fridge. She said: "I was so excited about this. Look at all that room and a huge freezer as well. "There's also a cupboard at the top and the bottom of the fridge. So plenty of space, don't have to have Charlie's beers on the floor anymore." Most read in Fabulous She also pointed out that the bed was a lot bigger than they expected as it was a queen-size and also had storage space underneath. Above the bed, the caravan has USB ports to plug your phone into as well as a little spotlight for reading. I bought a £26k caravan, trolls say it's a mistake but my bank account disagrees Most importantly, Freya said they went for this type of caravan as they are well insulated to stop it from getting damp in the winter. The clip of her new home soon went viral on her TikTok account @ Many were in awe of her lifestyle and loved the look of the caravan. One person wrote: "Living the dream, I'd swap my mortgage for this any day." Another commented: "That is amazing, I'm going to look for one of those for me and my family we currently have a compass rally." How much does it cost to live in a caravan? LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs: Initial Costs Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year Ongoing Monthly Costs Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120 Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80 Internet and TV: £20 - £50 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40 Other Potential Costs Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25 Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time) Sample Monthly Budget Pitch Fees: £400 Utilities: £80 Maintenance and Repairs: £40 Internet and TV: £40 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25 Total: £585 Annual Estimated Cost Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020 Insurance: £500 Maintenance and Repairs: £480 Total Annual Cost: £8,000 Tips to Save Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself. Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs. While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK. "Just wanted to say your caravan/home is beautiful," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Looks amazing, I bet you can save so much money." "Love it, beautiful caravan,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "Looks amazing. I'd love to live like that."

Happy Valley role born out of fear, Sarah Lancashire says
Happy Valley role born out of fear, Sarah Lancashire says

RTÉ News​

time22-07-2025

  • RTÉ News​

Happy Valley role born out of fear, Sarah Lancashire says

Bafta-winning actress Sarah Lancashire has said her star role in Happy Valley was "born out of fear". Lancashire, 60, won two leading actress Baftas for playing no-nonsense Sergeant Catherine Cawood in the BBC drama set in Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. Her decades-long "brilliant and intangible" working relationship with writer Sally Wainwright influenced her role, but fear was key to her performance. Discussing the role at Windsor Castle in the UK on Tuesday, after being formally made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), Lancashire told the PA news agency: "That was just born out of fear, abject fear, of feeling quite off-piste. "Literally it was a leap of faith, jumping off the cliff at midnight in the dark. "But knowing that somebody has the confidence in you and the belief in you - she (Wainwright) is deeply persuasive as an individual, which I absolutely, really admire, I'm very grateful, always." The actress's breakout role came as fan-favourite barmaid Raquel Watts in Coronation Street, which she played for five years until 1996, appearing in more than 260 episodes. She and Wainwright first met when they were "cutting their teeth" on the soap opera. The duo later collaborated on the BBC drama Last Tango In Halifax, for which Lancashire won her first Bafta in 2014 for her supporting role. They worked together again on Happy Valley, which ran from 2014 to 2023. Asked what spurred the terror of playing Sergeant Cawood, Lancashire told PA: "The setting of it, being asked to play something which I had no knowledge of at all - absolutely no knowledge. "And knowing that the level of research that was available to me was going to be quite limited in the time available. "But in actual fact - as she (Wainwright) always said - it wasn't a procedural drama, it was not a police drama, it… was a family." She spoke about performing during a conversation with the Princess Royal at the ceremony at the Berkshire royal residence. Anne told her that she had briefly acted while at boarding school, Lancashire said. The actress told the news agency: "We were really talking about performance, and how she'd done a little bit of this when she was at boarding school. "I think they all had to go onto a stage at some point and it can stand you in very good stead for future roles in life, no matter where it takes you." Being a professional actor "is sort of clinging on for dear life", she said. "It never changes. Very often as an actor you're swimming against the tide whilst standing on shifting sand. "You feel that you may have some sort of trajectory but then the industry changes, because the industry is ever-evolving - every 10 years, you'll find yourself in an industry which is slightly different, requiring something different from you. "So, you're never secure, there's never a moment where you can be complacent, at all. "It's sort of a clinging on for dear life; you just hope that you can stay with it." Her relationship with Wainwright was pivotal in fighting that tide. She said: "Having known her (Wainwright) for a very long time, decades, and just meeting someone whose voice you admire so much. "Who knows why… there's an alchemy, that just works. It's a wonderful thing when you find it, not that I was looking for it, but it just happens - that's a tremendous thing."

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