Latest news with #DiamondHill
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Irish Times
Five of the best family friendly hiking trails around Ireland: From easy to demanding
As a family we love hiking. We started getting into it five years ago when our little boy was three years old. Before that we brought him, as a baby and toddler, on local town, canal and wood walks and saw the fun he had in discovering the outside world. Our boy is well able to keep up with other hikers now, but the old saying that you have to walk before you can run is also true for hiking – you walk before you hike. From three to four years old, your child can start going on slightly longer and more uphill walks. The trick is to choose interesting walks so that the rocks, water and scenery carry the load of entertaining your child. Watch your own physical and emotional wellbeing too – try to be in a good mood and not stressed so that you can support your child while also being able to look after yourself. The more walks you go on, the better hikers you and your children will become. A few uphill hikes on easy routes are recommended to build up stamina in your calf muscles before you undertake longer, more demanding hikes. By steadily increasing your hiking experience, you and your family will be able to climb most mountains in Ireland. Here are some of our favourite hikes to try. Diamond Hill, Co Galway An exhilarating hike through Connemara National Park Diamond Hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean Diamond Hill is one of the first mountain hikes that we undertook as a family and is still one of our favourites. It offers so much bang for buck in terms of the effort required to experience stunning vistas of the Twelve Bens mountain range and Atlantic Ocean. This walk has a great mix of safety and wildness. Our son loves the boardwalks and rocky steps and at several points was so entranced by the views that he spontaneously twirled and danced en route. On our first hike up Diamond Hill, we introduced the Irish saying of 'Tóg sos' (take a break) as a way to put brakes on our son who always clambers ahead faster than his parents. In our experience, children are naturally adept and agile hikers; it's the poor old parents who in the early days of hiking need to strengthen their calf and joint muscles and need multiple water breaks. There is a very companionable atmosphere on the mountain with fellow climbers urging each other on. There are stunning views of Kylemore Abbey and the Twelve Bens from the summit with lots of fun rocks for children to explore. You can also see the mountains where Fionn Mac Cumhaill and Cú Chulainn had one of their many spats, according to the legend. We have climbed Diamond Hill on calm days, windy days and cloudy days and it's a different experience each time. It is lovely to have a picnic on top on a calm day and exhilarating to experience it on a wind-buffeting day. There are shorter walk options for families with very young children but we would encourage aiming for the top if your children are over four years old. There is a playground and cafe at the start of the hike. Our son always has plenty of energy left to try out the slides and swings while we take it easy on the benches. READ MORE Mullaghmore, Burren, Co Clare A hike through a fascinating limestone kingdom Mullaghmore, in the heart of the Burren When we asked our son what his favourite hike was he told us quite definitely that it was Mullaghmore in the Burren, Co Clare . Our son loves the Burren in general – the unique flora and karst landscape – and this hike has it all. Mullaghmore and the surrounding hills look like giant coiled snakes or soft cake mixture and remind us that the landscape results from layers of seabed being twisted skyward 325 million years ago. The hike is clearly marked throughout and there is something truly satisfying about walking across the karst limestone. Our son especially enjoys the sections where you have to scramble a bit by using your hands to get up or down rocks. The views from the summit of Mullaghmore across the Burren are beautiful and offer much exploring and picnicking opportunities. We have visited this site many times, and each time it is so much fun. There is also something surreal about the landscape, and this is brought home by seeing the house used in Father Ted on the far side of Mullaghmore. As you cross some of the more barren sections of the limestone slabs, you may well think of the great line from that series, 'Are you on your holidays, Father?' Once you finish the hike, you may find that part of your heart has turned to karst limestone, ensuring that you will be compelled to return here again and again. Great Blasket Island, Co Kerry An unmissable hike exploring a bygone time The Great Blasket Island This hike is full of adventure, nostalgia and beauty and will last long in the memory. It starts with making the steep descent to Dunquin pier from where you take the boat to the Great Blasket Island. Even on a calm day, the waters of Blasket Sound are somewhat choppy. As we crossed, we noticed a small dinghy being carried behind the boat and imagined what it would be like if we needed to use it as a lifeboat. We were somewhat taken aback when we realised that we would have to transfer to the bobbing dinghy in order to access the harbour in Oldtown. Once safely ashore, tranquillity settles. You realise you are now on the most westerly point of Ireland and Europe, with the next parish being America. The old abandoned village puts you in mind of the people who lived on the island, the last of whom left in 1953. We are tempted to explore the beach first but since the island is relatively compact, we decide to walk around it before exploring the old houses and beach later. This proves to be a good decision and we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the other Blasket islands, including Inishvickillane, the island bought in 1974 by taoiseach Charlie Haughey and now owned by his family. Seals, whales, dolphins and puffins can be seen from the beach. The tour provided by the OPW was excellent and it was fascinating to hear the stories of the islanders, including their celebrated literary figures Peig Sayers , Tomás Ó Criomhthain and Muiris Ó Súilleabháín. Then it was back on the boat again and, to top the day off, we had a very delicious meal in Páidí Ó Sé's traditional and memorable pub in Ventry. Slieve Foye, Cooley Mountains, Co Louth Where Queen Maeve fought the king of Ulster for the Brown Bull of Cooley Overlooking Carlingford Lough on the way to Slieve Foye Slieve Foye is one of the first mountains that we hiked as a family and the experience was so amazing that it became our gateway to exploring the rest of the Cooley and Mourne Mountains. The views of Carlingford town and lough are beautiful from the start but it's at the summit ridge that the hike really comes alive, with its tremendous vistas and clambering opportunities. The route is clearly marked for the most part but there is a chance to test your navigational skills as you near the summit. Slieve Foye is the literal high point of Co Louth , and the route is made up of different terrains – rock, grass and bog. The walk can be shortened if needed for younger families but reaching the summit does require a bit of stamina or prior hiking experience. The views from the summit are so expansive and beautiful that it was here that we were first put in mind of the mythological Fianna who were said to roam Ireland in pre-Christian times. We could imagine Queen Maeve coming here with her army to raid the Brown Bull of Cooley and Cú Chulainn single-handedly defending Ulster on Slieve Foye against the invading Connacht army. It was within the Cooley Mountains that we began to understand the intersection between landscape and psyche in Irish mythology and decided to research the myths and folklore linked to other places we had hiked. The charming village of Carlingford is a great place to finish your day. Fair Head, Co Antrim A breathtaking hike along a sublime route The Fair Head coastline Fair Head in Co Antrim is surely among the finest cliff walks in Ireland. It offers adventure and superlative views for little effort. It is not far from the Giant's Causeway cliff walk (also stunning) but there will be very few if any people on this route. Right from the start at the car park, the waters of Murlough Bay rise up to meet you and the shores of Scotland and Rathlin Island are clearly visible. The path is clearly marked, navigation is straightforward and the walk can be shortened or lengthened as desired. It is thrilling to be able to walk near to the cliff edges and yet feel completely safe (children should be old enough to be fully secure on their feet and trusted not to go too near the edge). There are also many unusual rock formations to explore en route. There are beautiful inland views too as well as across the ocean. Chilling tales of the enigmatic Grey Man are linked to this path, usually associated with the grey mists and fogs that roll in off the north Antrim coast. Another mythological link to the area is the story of the Children of Lir, who were cursed by their stepmother to live as swans for 300 years in the stormy Sea of Moyle between Fair Head and Scotland. If I could be teleported to anywhere right now, I would ask to go to Fair Head. The 50 Best Family Hikes in Ireland by Mairéad Furlong and Fergal McLoughlin is published by Gill
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Live Oak Bancshares (LOB) Fell Due To Credit Issues
Diamond Hill Capital, an investment management company, released its 'Small Cap Fund' first-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In Q1, markets were uneven due to the new presidential administration's activity, leading to concern about the future. The Russell 3000 Index fell by 4.7% in Q1, the first quarterly loss since Q3 2023. Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund returned -11.56% in Q1, trailing the Russell 2000 Index's -9.48% return. For more information on the fund's top picks in 2025, please check its top five holdings. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund highlighted stocks such as Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB). Headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB) is a bank holding company for Live Oak Banking Company that offers commercial banking products and services. The one-month return of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB) was 12.99%, and its shares lost 25.73% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On May 5, 2025, Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB) stock closed at $26.93 per share with a market capitalization of $1.189 billion. Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund stated the following regarding Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "Among our bottom individual Q1 contributors were Triumph Financial and Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB). Shares of regional bank Live Oak Bancshares were pressured as it faced credit issues during the quarter, as well as auditor questions regarding its review process. However, we believe the company has carved out an attractive lending niche to small businesses and could position itself well to become a go-to lender for small businesses in the US." An executive in a suit walking across the lobby of a modern commercial bank. Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 12 hedge fund portfolios held Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB) at the end of the fourth quarter, compared to 10 in the third quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. In another article, we covered Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB) and shared SouthernSun Small Cap Strategy's views on the company. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First Advantage Corporation (FA) declined due to the Uncertain Macroeconomic Environment
Diamond Hill Capital, an investment management company, released its 'Small Cap Fund' first-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In Q1, markets were uneven due to the new presidential administration's activity, leading to concern about the future. The Russell 3000 Index fell by 4.7% in Q1, the first quarterly loss since Q3 2023. Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund returned -11.56% in Q1, trailing the Russell 2000 Index's -9.48% return. For more information on the fund's top picks in 2025, please check its top five holdings. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund highlighted stocks such as First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA). First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA) is a global provider of employment background screening, identity, and verification solutions. The one-month return of First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA) was 11.66%, and its shares lost 10.59% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On May 05, 2024, First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA) stock closed at $14.83 per share with a market capitalization of $2.575 billion. Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund stated the following regarding First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "Other bottom Q1 contributors included First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA), Civitas Resources and Allegiant Travel. First Advantage, which provides employment background screening, identity and verification solutions, faces pressure related to the uncertain macroeconomic environment, which could weigh on demand for background screenings in 2025. Further, it is amid its integration of recent acquisition Sterling Check Corp., which has leveraged the balance sheet for the time being." Is Clear Secure Inc. (YOU) the Most Promising Technology Stock to Buy Now? A close-up of the fingers of a technician scanning an ID, verifying the Enrollment Verification process. First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 16 hedge fund portfolios held First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA) at the end of the fourth quarter, compared to 15 in the third quarter. First Advantage Corporation's (NASDAQ:FA) pro forma revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $375 million, up 0.9% year-over-year. While we acknowledge the potential of First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FA) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Avanos Medical (AVNS): Positioned for Growth Under New Leadership
Diamond Hill Capital, an investment management company, released its 'Small Cap Fund' first-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In Q1, markets were uneven due to the new presidential administration's activity, leading to concern about the future. The Russell 3000 Index fell by 4.7% in Q1, the first quarterly loss since Q3 2023. Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund returned -11.56% in Q1, trailing the Russell 2000 Index's -9.48% return. For more information on the fund's top picks in 2025, please check its top five holdings. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund highlighted stocks such as Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE:AVNS). Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE:AVNS) is a medical technology company that offers medical device solutions. The one-month return of Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE:AVNS) was -1.61%, and its shares lost 37.62% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On May 5, 2025, Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE:AVNS) stock closed at $12.19 per share with a market capitalization of $560.779 million. Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund stated the following regarding Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE:AVNS) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "As volatility picked up sharply in the quarter, we were active in the portfolio — and we anticipate that as volatility continues into Q2, we will likewise attempt to capitalize on compelling opportunities to reposition the portfolio for the period ahead. We initiated three new positions in Q1, including in Helios Technologies, Titan America and Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE:AVNS). A medical professional using a chronic care product in a hospital.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mr. Cooper Group (COOP) Surged Amid Challenging Mortgage Environments
Diamond Hill Capital, an investment management company, released its 'Small Cap Fund' first-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In Q1, markets were uneven due to the new presidential administration's activity, leading to concern about the future. The Russell 3000 Index fell by 4.7% in Q1, the first quarterly loss since Q3 2023. Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund returned -11.56% in Q1, trailing the Russell 2000 Index's -9.48% return. For more information on the fund's top picks in 2025, please check its top five holdings. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund highlighted stocks such as Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP). Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP) is a residential loan service providing company. The one-month return of Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP) was -8.95%, and its shares gained 44.66% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On May 5, 2025, Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP) stock closed at $117.54 per share with a market capitalization of $7.521 billion. Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund stated the following regarding Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "On an individual holdings basis, among our top contributors in Q1 were Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP) and UGI Corporation. Mortgage servicing company Mr. Cooper Group executed well during a particularly challenging mortgage environment as interest rates have remained high relative to historical levels. Importantly, Mr. Cooper's business model is specifically designed to help protect it from just such periods: As rates go up, the value of its mortgage-servicing rights business goes up, giving it the ability to continue generating healthy cash flows even as the mortgage industry overall may slow. Shares were additionally boosted by the announcement on the final day of the quarter that the company will be acquired by Rocket Companies in an all-stock deal projected to close in the fourth quarter of this year." Why Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (COOP) Went Up On Monday? A direct-to-consumer channel customer checking their mortgage account online. Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 38 hedge fund portfolios held Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP) at the end of the fourth quarter, compared to 37 in the third quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Mr. Cooper Group Inc. (NASDAQ:COOP) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
