
Muireann O'Connell is bang on the money with new South Dublin house
New homeowner Muireann O'Connell, who previously lamented being gazumped when bidding on houses, managed to nab her new pad for bang on the asking price.
Muireann has previously documented years of soul-destroying house-hunting with her partner Phil as an absolute 'nightmare' revealing that properties the couple bid on had gone for €100,000 over their asking price.
Now, the new home-owners are surely relieved that they finally managed to snap up their three-bedroom house for the bang on the asking price of €675,00. Pic: Sherry FitzGerald
According to property pricing websites, the house Muireann acquired was on the market for €675,000 and it sold for that corresponding price.
Popular presenter Muireann revealed last month that she was now a mortgage-holder having picked up the keys to her new abode. Pic: Muireann O'Connell/ Instagram
Muireann's new South city pad is spread over three floors with large private front and rear gardens.
The turn-key property has a homely touch with an open plan style kitchen-come-dining room, with double fronted French doors which affords optimum light to brighten the entire first floor. Pic: Sherry FitzGerald
The rear of the house is spacious and can provide for summer BBQ's and family gatherings, boasting as it does, private rear access double gates, a central lawned area, brick built shed and patio area finished with sandstone patio slabs.
Muireann and her fiancé Phil have, like many young couples, been renting in Dublin for many years as the housing crisis shows no signs of abating. Pic: Sherry FitzGerald
While Muireann is a well known face for her presenting work on Ireland AM, her fiancé Phil also works in the media sphere..
A native of Co Offaly, Phil is a programming director who has worked with various national radio stations. Pic: Sherry FitzGerald
But the pair's house hunt has been a full-time gig in itself.
Muireann has often spoken of the utter soul-destroying process of simply trying to buy a suitable place she can call her own home.
Taking to social media after she had picked up the keys to her very own front door Muireann told her online fans: Pic: Sherry FitzGerald
Thank you to the lovely previous owners and to everyone who helped us to get here. Ye are the best.
We've been terrible at this process. God, house buying has been a slog. I know it's not easy. For anyone going through it, much love. It can be soul destroying. But bloody hell do I feel good today. Pic: Sherry FitzGerald
'Now how the hell do you decorate a house.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Why turning 30 isn't a deadline - it's a launchpad for new joys
A milestone birthday should be the spark for exploring new hobbies, conquering fears, and joining some of Ireland's most welcoming social circles instead of panicking over a number, writes Kate Brayden. For some, turning 30 instills a sense of panic or introspection around the current state of your life. Especially women, for obvious societal reasons. For me, the only sense of fear I felt was in relation to things I promised myself I'd try in my twenties that I had yet to start. When I was in college, I wanted to learn how to DJ. I tried attending a society that was supposed to teach lessons for beginners, but found the all-male scene too intimidating. It was one of those things I always said I'd eventually get around to, but never did. The final four weeks before my 30th birthday, I signed up for two-hour workshops with Skin&Blister and Puzzy Wrangler, who showed me the ropes of the craft without judgement. Whether I will ever become an actually skilled DJ who can play four-hour sets in the basement of Tengu is another story, but pushing myself to learn something that always scared and excited me felt like an achievement on my 30th birthday. I also started bouldering to force me to get over both a fear of public-facing exercise and heights - and built up strength over 12 months (I can now carry grocery bags without nearly passing out!). I faced a fear of public swimming pools after a childhood incident, and now go regularly to my local spot without anxiety anymore. It only took four attempts. After going to Colombia for five weeks and having the stark realisation that I did not have a notion of how to communicate with anyone there, I promised myself that I'd sign up for Spanish classes once I came home. My Leaving Certificate French was useless in South America, a region I will definitely be returning to. Last year, I started attending Instituto Cervantes in person and did a second batch of classes virtually, which has been rewarding. My 30th birthday felt like a fresh start, mostly because I had given myself confidence that I could try something new whenever I felt like it - and had the financial means, in some cases. Age doesn't have to revolve around what milestones you've achieved at that stage in life as a woman, it can just be about the everyday joys you give yourself that don't follow a timeline. Ireland is packed full of activities of all types to try, encompassing arts and crafts, sports, culture, movement and more. Whether it's about trying something you've always had an interest in, meeting new people or challenging yourself, you won't be stuck for options here. The 'be a good sport' approach Not all of us are able to cross the finish line at the Dublin Marathon, and that's fine. For those of us who still break into a cold sweat at the word 'cardio', Ireland offers a range of social sports leagues like tag rugby and mixed hockey - fun, informal, and built for friend-making. Queer friendly football clubs like Phoenix Tigers and Emerald Warriors have built incredible networks if you're searching for your tribe. Social Sports Dublin (@socialsportsdublin) connects multiple clubs together, like Ultimate Frisbee groups for women, men and non-binary people (@sundrivesocial and @rosemountgreenuf recently had a friendly). Shout out to @herbyhoofaround and @kerrytownkickabout for their ability to welcome people from every background and nationality to their pitches without taking themselves too seriously. For the thrill-seekers, there's a growing community of mountain bikers and climbers hitting places like Ticknock or Glendalough on weekends (look up @mountaineering_ireland on Instagram for routes and events, and the amazing @galzgonewild_ gang are now in Dublin, Wicklow, Cork and Galway). Or dip into cold water swimming: the @seaswimsquad crew in the North and Irish open water community offers swims that feel like pure magic. If you're after something intense but indoors, CrossFit and Hyrox gyms are booming across Dublin and Cork, especially, offering both competition and community. Bouldering has also seen a massive uptick in recent years, with The Wall in Sandyford proving popular as well as its sister site Bloc opening in Dublin 22. You can also try Awesome Walls near Finglas and Gravity Climbing Gym in Inchicore - both great, established spots. Of course, we can't omit run clubs. Though they have boomed in numbers during the Covid pandemic (and the bigger ones can be a tad clique-y at times, rumour has it), there are smaller ones that strive to put friendship and encouragement first. For example, @slowgirlruns_dublin is a relaxed group catering to a more easygoing pace, emphasising fun and fitness over speed. @the_libertiesrunningclub welcomes runners of all abilities - same for @innercityrunningclub's community-focused crew. The 'you're very cultured in your old age' approach Not everyone can aspire to be a polyglot, but learning a new language can be both useful for travelling and great for training your brain. If you want to learn cúpla focal or get your fluency back, Conradh na Gaeilge on Harcourt Street offers Irish language classes that double as cultural hubs. Whether you're a Gaeilgeoir or a complete beginner, you'll find a session to suit you - and probably some cairde, too. Ireland's literary scene is thriving, and you can dive in at book clubs like Léamh Rave or by volunteering at literature festivals. You can also find groups who love to sit and read in silence together, if you want to escape into another world surrounded by others before gathering at a pub or restaurant after to discuss each person's books. Writing groups like Frustrated Writers or literary salons like Salon Rógaire as Gaeilge are also on the rise. For something a little more offbeat, Timeleft hosts "dinners with strangers" - perfect if you're looking to have a conversation between five people (matched with personality tests) that doesn't go beyond small talk. Love strategising? Try board game nights via @meetup_dublin or @boarddublin - oddly addictive and easy to chat to people with easygoing competition. The 'move into your thirties' approach We've all experienced the targeted ads for ClassPass on our feeds, presumably. Yoga is everywhere, but some of the more specific communities are great for moving your body in a focused way while chatting to some lovely people. Some more catered classes in Dublin now have wine nights after a restorative session, or yoga while listening to live music - like Sunflower Sessions (@sunflowersessions_ on Instagram). Aerial classes have also seen a major increase in members, with many women in particular finding the strength-building and community to be empowering beyond measure. Irish Aerial Creation Centre in Limerick is Ireland's home for aerial arts - and offers hoop, silks, rope and Cyr wheel classes for adults, professionals and juniors. Tribute Fitness and Dance Studio in Dublin offers pole fitness, aerial hoop, acrobalance, flexibility, and heels classes with a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, Tribe provides a supportive environment to explore your passion for aerial arts. Outside of Dublin, you can try Flying High Fitness in Galway, Limerick and Ennis - or Pole Garage in Galway. The crafty 'Eat, Pray, Love' approach Embroidery classes like @be_alice_ are hosting 'sewcial' groups for meeting like-minded, crafty friends. Knitting, tufting, jewellery making, drawing classes - even wood turning - you can find it in the capital and in smaller communities around Cork, Clare, Galway and more. Pottery in Throwing Shapes, Temple Bar, and stained glass workshops in Flux Studios are both brilliant hubs for using your hands to make something new and fulfilling. Irish Stained Glass ( also has its own workshops on its website. Music is also one of the best ways to harness a new skill while meeting a community. You can take serious one-on-one classes with a tutor or attend group classes before trying open mic nights around your area, or try joining a choir if singing has always been your secret passion. For trad, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music, song and dance in the country, for example. Turning 30 isn't about landing at a final point and evaluating what you've done so far in your three decades. Ireland has plenty of welcoming communities and creative corners to discover more about yourself. Whether it's climbing a wall, learning salsa, sea swimming at sunset, or finally taking that DJ class you put off in college, the real win is just showing up. You don't need a five-year plan, just enough energy to introduce yourself in a room of strangers.


The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Wedding guest dressing has turned tacky thanks to celebs like Georgia Steel – boob-bursting dresses belong in Benidorm
WEARING white as a wedding guest used to be a cardinal sin and the ultimate insult to the bride. But nowadays there's a far worse style crime . Advertisement 8 Kim Kardashian sported a cleavage-baring gown paired with strappy heels at her former assistant's wedding Credit: Mega 8 Kendall Jenner wore a barely-there cut-out black gown to her pal's wedding Credit: laurenperez/Instagram 8 At Hailey and Justin Bieber's wedding, fans accused Kylie Jenner of trying to steal the bride's limelight by wearing a gold, floor-sweeping gown Credit: Instagram Gone are tailored trouser suits , chic two-pieces and glamorous, ankle-skimming gowns. Instead, you're more likely to spot looks you would find on the strip in Advertisement Think bum-skimming Lycra mini-dresses, skimpy bra tops, or dresses with sky-high thigh slits and boob-baring cut-outs. One of the things I love about a wedding — aside from dancing to Come On Eileen and drinking a headache-inducing amount of champers, — is getting dressed up. I'm talking The novelty of getting spruced up to the nines makes the special day all that more exciting and memorable. Passing judgement on others' outfits while you wait for the bride to make her entrance (which, admit it, we all do) is a big part of it, too. Advertisement I'm out of the 'going to a wedding every other weekend' age bracket now — and what a relief, because the looks that seem to be trending wouldn't be out of place in the queue for an Oceana nightclub. Across social media, scantily-clad twenty-somethings share their wedding outfits with pride — while I gawp, with prejudice. A quick Google search for 'wedding guest outfits' produces dozens of brands' standalone pages dedicated solely to this category. Frankie Bridge is slammed by fans for 'OTT' wedding guest dress - as people warn 'don't upstage the bride' But as you scroll through the likes of Club L, Oh Polly and River Island, you'll find that the dresses and gowns — yes, Gen Z wear full-on gowns now — are better suited to the Love Island finale than a wedding in your local country house hotel. And, like most trends , we have celebrities to blame. Advertisement When After Georgia posted a snap on TikTok of the lace-trimmed Miss Circle number she wore, the trolls came out in force, bashing her for picking what was in fact a 'soft beige' dress. 'Wearing white to a wedding?' questioned one, while another waded in with: 'Way too bridal for a wedding.' And Georgia isn't alone. Two months ago, White Lotus actress Across social media, scantily-clad twenty-somethings share their wedding outfits with pride — while I gawp, with prejudice Clemmie She chose a cleavage-baring corset-style dress from V Chapman in a very pale blue. Advertisement Fans thought the colour was an issue. Comments included: 'That is not an appropriate shade of blue for a wedding' and 'The number one [rule] of a wedding is don't wear anything close to white.' 8 Love Islander Georgia Steel was slated for wearing this dress to Dani Dyer's big day Credit: Instagram 8 Sydney Sweeney was slammed for wearing a cleavage-baring corset-style dress to co-star Glenn Powell's sister's wedding Credit: Instagram 8 Hailey wore a backless white dress to a friend's big day in 2023 Credit: Instagram/@haileybieber Advertisement Personally, I take no issue with guests wearing white at a wedding. As long as they aren't also wearing a long veil (cropped veils on fascinators are allowed), who cares? Especially during summer , when every other dress on the high street is some shade of white. No one at the wedding is going to mistake someone else as the bride. It's the bride's name on the invite and her kissing the groom — so no need for the unnecessary uproar. However, what I would take issue with is the plunging neckline and lingerie-style basque of Sydney's outfit and, in Georgia's case, the fact her lacy dress is practically see-through. Don't get me wrong, Sydney is a knock-out, and if I looked like that, I'd be wearing sexy numbers, too — just not to a wedding. Advertisement As one person commented online: 'Kinda tacky to wear to a wedding. C'mon Syds, you can do better.' And she can. The woman is an ambassador for designer brand Miu Miu, for crying out loud. Raid something from their archives that's less underwear-like and more sophisticated. But it's not just Sydney. Kendall Jenner wore a heavily cut-out black gown to her pal's wedding, which sent the internet into meltdown due to its slashed fabric that barely covered her nipples. And her sister, Kylie, has also faced outfit-shaming from keyboard warriors. Don't get me wrong, Sydney is a knock-out, and if I looked like that, I'd be wearing sexy numbers, too — just not to a wedding Clemmie At On X, one critic wrote: 'If someone tries to pull a Kylie Jenner move like this at my wedding . . . they will kindly be escorted out with a red wine stain down the front of their dress.' Advertisement Ouch! But then Hailey wore a backless white dress to a friend's big day in 2023, which broke all the so-called wedding rules for looking just like a bridal gown. When it comes to these codes, they're subjective and are dependent on the wedding location. If you're lucky enough to be a guest at a ceremony abroad in a hot country, sitting in a long-sleeve, high-neck, polyester dress at noon is going to give you heatstroke. And wearing a tailored pencil midi dress to sit on a bale of hay in a field will make you stick out like a sore thumb. I get it. I've been there myself and it's a minefield. But if in doubt, aim for a more demure style. Advertisement Don't copy the under-boob and pelvis-flashing looks of young celebs — think more of the women who have nailed the guest brief. Keep it classy Cast your mind back to happier times when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got married. 8 Demi Moore was a flawless royal wedding guest in a burgundy dress and matching veiled hat by Stella McCartney Credit: Getty 8 Amal Clooney, in a yellow, capped-sleeve midi-dress by Stella McCartney, was crowned best-dressed guest in attendance at Meghan and Harry's wedding Credit: Getty Advertisement Another flawless guest at a royal wedding was She battled gale-force winds in a burgundy dress and matching veiled hat — again, by Stella McCartney — when Cindy Crawford's daughter, actress Miami , Florida . At the time, the navy, slit-leg frock retailed for £180, proving that even supermodels with designer brands at their fingertips can look amazing in high street buys. A big emerging trend on the high street this wedding season seems to be minimal frocks with slinky scarves, which are intended to be worn draped down your back, not wrapped around you like a winter woollen. Advertisement They create a sense of elegance without having to have your boobs and bum out. So if you are heading to someone's nuptials this summer, keep it classy, girls. Underwear as outerwear and flesh-flashing cut-outs are for the weekend, not for a wedding.


Extra.ie
5 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Arthur Gourounlian opens up on 'eye-opening' weight loss journey
Arthur Gourounlian has taken to Instagram to share his impressive weight loss progress, revealing that he's lost 4.3 kilos since starting his fitness journey. The Dancing With The Stars judge embarked on a 28-day fitness transformation, and his results are undeniable. Arthur has been clear that his weight loss journey isn't about vanity or appearance. Instead, he's focused on improving his overall health and well-being. Arthur Gourounlian has taken to Instagram to share his impressive weight loss progress, revealing that he's lost 4.3 kilos since starting his fitness Brian McEvoy Photography The TV star has spoken openly about wanting to feel stronger, more energised, and more confident in his own skin—goals that go far beyond just looks. 'I can't believe it! After just 28 days of being consistent, working out (in total only four hours!), and staying mindful, I've lost 4.3 kilos of body fat — and I feel absolutely incredible,' the post began, alongside two progress images from the month. 'It just goes to show: when you put your mind to something, you really can do it. This journey has been eye-opening, and I'm proud to say this is the start of a new chapter — a new me. A new Arthur Gourounlian with a pinch of old ARTY still in there. Arthur went on to share his top tips from the past month, adding: 'One of the biggest lessons I've learned over these 28 days is that moderation is key. You don't have to give up everything — it's about balance, self-care, and making choices that serve your well-being. I'm not giving up all the foods I love, but choosing to be better. And honestly, I've loved every single minute of it. 'Let's be clear — I didn't do this to chase a six-pack or become the next muscle-bound superhero. I did this to feel lean, to be healthy, and to move forward in life with clarity, purpose, and love — especially for my little family. 'Here's to progress, not perfection. Here's to health, balance, and being the best version of myself. LET'S DO THIS, you gorgeous people,' the post concluded. The Dancing With The Stars judge embarked on a 28-day fitness transformation and his results are undeniable. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Fans and famous friends of the star were quick to take to the comments to congratulate him on his new venture. 'Unreal! Great job,' DWTS host Jennifer Zamparelli wrote. 'Well done Arthur, keep her lit,' Roseanna Ruanne shared. 'Well done Arthur… you will need those suits taken in !,' the style doc, David O'Connor penned. Congrats Arthur, looking fabulous!