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RTÉ News
6 days ago
- RTÉ News
Bread making, Druid knowledge and more in Ireland's Ancient East
Under the din of ringing church bells, in a graveyard dotted with purple herb robert flowers, Cynthia Simonet was telling us that yew trees never die. She had just walked us through half of Trim in Co Meath, painting a picture of medieval life in the town, peppered with her own memories of growing up exploring its streets. In one breath, she'd point out the ancient well where locals would draw their water and gossip; in another, she'd point out Church Street, which led to St. Patrick's Cathedral and was, ironically, the place to go for a smooch as teenagers in her day. Coming to stop at the cathedral, Simonet - a tour guide with Trim Tourism - explained why yew trees are often planted in graveyards. "The Druids always made their laws within a grove of yew trees", she said. "The Druids believed in reincarnation, and then the Christian church believed in resurrection. It's said that a yew tree can't die, its roots grow out. The roots will incorporate the corpse as it decomposes, it will feed on that, and it's a way of coming back." Regeneration would turn out to be a theme of this trip to Ireland's Ancient East, which I'd been invited on as part of Fáilte Ireland's Keep Discovering campaign. Over the course of the two days, my boyfriend and I explored Meath and Louth, where numerous producers, makers and destinations are celebrating a return to their roots. We had luck on our side with the weather, but even nicer was the relative peace and quiet before the summer season kicks off in earnest. We began our trip by meeting Simonet at the cannon outside Trim Castle, which she wasted no time in telling us the history of. Dating back to the Crimean War, the 2,200kg cannon was gifted to the town in thanks for its support during the war. From there, we visited the Sheep Gate, one of the five gates in the wall into medieval Trim that kept the Irish out and the French-speaking townspeople in. Simonet brought us on a brusque walking tour of the town, doling out facts about Boann, the goddess of the Boyne, alongside modern-day updates to the town like the new protective enclosures for the sand martins that fly across the river. Filled up with mythology and local gossip, we set off for our next destination in Carlingford, Co. Louth, where we met Garrett Mallon, a goldsmith with over 30 years of experience who has created a country-spanning network of makers and producers in his studio. Located up one of the town's winding streets, Mallon's shop is a treasure trove of artisanal designs. The Tyrone native opened the space in 2014 with 40 makers represented on the shelves. Ten years later and that number has soared to 105, with creators from all across the island. Every nook and cranny is filled with handmade pieces, from knitwear by Edmund McNulty based in Termonfeckin and Donal Sweeney in Kilcar, Donegal, to pottery by Alison Hanvey in Co Down. Each display features a label noting the name and location of the creator, hammering home the sense of the studio being a pan-Ireland celebration of craft. "It's all about the maker", Mallon said. "Me being a maker myself, it's all about your hands and what you make." Tucked into the heart of the shop is Mallon's own workshop: long benches filled with glittering pendants, rings and more, lined up with their order papers. The team used to host hen parties and workshops in this space, but these have been paused while they gear up for a renovation. Mallon's commissions, meanwhile, haven't slowed. He said his favourite part of the job is being trusted to create something timeless and sentimental, especially when there's a special meaning attached to a piece. He told us about a recent wedding band commission for a man whose father had passed away. Inspired by the power of jewellery to connect people, Mallon offered to create the band from the man's father's own wedding band, and even made his mother a pendant from the leftover gold. With a few additions to my Christmas wishlist made, we set off for our next stop: picking up bikes and hitting the Carlingford to Omeath greenway. Carlingford Greenway Bikes supplied us with not only sleek and comfortable peddle assist bikes, but excellent sandwiches from their onsite food truck, Wildwood - a crispy chicken sambo with cheese, pickles and a cup of ranch for dunking. A section of "The Great Eastern Greenway" currently being developed along the east of Ireland coastline, the Carlingford to Omeath greenway is built on the old Dundalk Newry and Greenore Railway, and is a handy 7km long. The trail is entered down by the marina and hugs the coastline beautifully for the rest of the way, offering breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough. Sunkissed, windswept and happily tired, we dropped off our bikes and made the short trek to our accommodation for the night. Located down a turn-off from the main road into Carlingford, down a hedge-hemmed drive and in view of the sea, Ghan House is a distinctly different kind of hotel. Built in 1727, this Georgian manor was converted into a guesthouse 31 years ago and is now run by Paul Carroll, who took over the business from his mother Joyce (who still handmakes many of the delicious treats you'll find served at breakfast). This isn't your usual reimagined manor house hotel, however. With just 11 bedrooms, a surprisingly understated breakfast room, lived-in but ornate furniture and a stately restaurant complete with a piano, spending the night there felt like stepping back in time to visit a wealthy friend. Our room had an enormous bed, a crystal chandelier, long windows, opulent wallpaper and a view of the mountains and a graveyard, which some might find morbid, but I found extremely cinematic. One of the many joys of being in Carlingford is how walkable it is, so our dinner at The Bay Tree restaurant was only a short walk away. We both opted for the natural Carlingford oysters, which were sweet and briny and came with a classic mignonette sauce, Tabasco and an excellent soy and ponzu sauce. For mains, we had the pan-fried salmon and steak, and for dessert, we went with the white chocolate and raspberry tiramisu and the lemon pot with summer berries. The next morning, we visited Skypark, an impressive series of aerial obstacle courses located outside of the town (€30 per person, for children aged 9+). We were swiftly trained on how to safely navigate the courses and got stuck into tackling the yellow course, the easiest of the three. With zip lines, balancing challenges and plenty of opportunities to tease your boyfriend, a thrilling day out for kids and big kids alike. An appetite firmly worked up, we headed back toward Navan for a bread-making workshop - with a difference. Founded by Chris Brownlow, Bread with Benefits is a new venture striving to teach people about the connection between food and wellbeing, using sourdough as a way in. Originally a potato farmer, Brownlow was bitten by the sourdough bug like many of us and became fascinated by the power of fermented foods. He and his wife, Sarah, a local GP, decided to create a space in their home for immersive, hands-on workshops, celebrating the "soil to slice" journey of sourdough bread. A full-day bread-making course starts at €154. Leavened bread, he explained, likely existed in ancient Ireland, and noted that there was even an ancient Irish word for sourdough: descaid, mentioned in A Social History of Ancient Ireland by P W Joyce, a book published in 1907 and proudly displayed in Brownlow's workshop. Rather than a faddish pastime, a hangover from pandemic times, Brownlow's classes show how ancient ways of baking are coming back into fashion thanks to our renewed appreciation for food and wellness. With Groove Armada playing in the background and some fruity kombucha to sip on, we got stuck into making our own loaves while Brownlow finished off some bread he'd made earlier. The result of our work, a crisp and golden loaf topped with seeds and an incredibly bouncy structure, was one of the best loaves of bread I've ever tasted, especially when slathered with the cultured butter Brownlow showed us how to make in less than five minutes. As with any memorable trip, it's the unexpected conversations, tidbits and stories that stay with you, and this part of the country is overflowing with places to find them. Whether that's stopping into the Moorland Cafe in Drogheda for pastries after a walking tour of the historic town, or taking part in an art class, such as the one by Lucia Errity, who holds needle felt painting courses at her countryside gallery that are inspired by the ancient beauty of the Boyne Valley landscape. Details We were invited by Fáilte Ireland to visit Meath and Louth for the purpose of review. Prices for one night accommodation at Ghan House start at €210 for B&B for two people sharing from June. Dinner and breakfast was provided by Fáilte Ireland.
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Wales Online
Dreamy sandy beach that could be on the Californian coast that has something distinctly Welsh in the background
Dreamy sandy beach that could be on the Californian coast that has something distinctly Welsh in the background This popular North Wales beach has golden sand and strong 'Californian coast vibes' Traeth Llanddwyn at sunset bordered by Newborough Forest (Image: I Love Colour/Wiki ) We are spoiled for choice for dreamy beaches in Wales. One popular North Wales beach, in particular, has golden sand and strong 'Californian coast vibes' and is a magnet for snap-happy tourists. Beautiful Traeth Llanddwyn is a blue-flag beach on historic Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island) that's part of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve and home to one of Wales' most photogenic lighthouses. The area is also rich in birds and wildlife, from wild ponies to red squirrels and even leeches. It's located in Anglesey, once the sacred heartland of the Druids and the last bastion of the Celts. This ethereal isle remains a land of ancient power, with standing stones, Iron Age forts, and eerie burial chambers scattered throughout. Here, wildflower-covered fields and Neolithic tombs meet storm-battered cliffs, windswept dunes, and secluded coves waiting to be discovered. Traeth Llanddwyn is a walkers' favourite (Image: John Winder/Wiki ) There are also several gorgeous beaches across the isle where you can stroll along sandy shorelines, feast on seafood or take a cold water dip. Article continues below With its impressive sand dunes, legend-filled Traeth Llanddwyn offers magnificent views of Eryri National Park, Caernarfon, and Llyn Peninsula. This romantic beach is included in 'best beaches' lists and is famed for its enchanting tidal island, which has an irresistible allure. A path leads to the nature reserve at Llanddwyn Island, and the nearby forest has lovely footpaths to traverse. Take a leisurely walk towards the beach, amidst Corsican pines, where red squirrels dart up trees and the sea glints on the horizon, and you might think you've been transported to the west coast of America. On the Isle, you'll also find a lighthouse called Goleudy Tŵr Mawr, a remarkable Celtic stone cross situated at the heart of the island and Dwynwen's well. It's believed the well is home to sacred fish who can predict whether couples' relationships will succeed; if the fish are active when visiting the well, it is seen as a sign of a faithful husband. The photogenic tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn at sunset (Image: Richard Banton/Wiki ) Besides the well, there is also Crochan Llanddwyn, meaning Llanddwyn's cauldron, a small wishing well that is located in a rabbit warren between Llanddwyn Island and Newborough. According to folklore, if the water of the well boils while visitors are present, love and good luck will follow. Tidy. This magical isle, with its rugged shoreline and crystal-clear waters, is closely tied to the legend of Saint Dwynwen, Wales' patron saint of lovers, which basically makes her the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine. According to the story, Saint Dwynwen sought solace on this island after a heart-wrenching love story, and the island is a place of both romantic and spiritual significance. Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey's west coast is home to the church of St Dwynwen - the Welsh patron saint of lovers (Image: Portia Jones ) Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and fell in love with a prince named Maelon Dafodrill. Unfortunately, her father, who had 24 daughters, had already arranged for her to marry someone else. Our gal, Dwynwen, was so upset that she could not marry Maelon that she begged God to make her forget him. After falling asleep, an angel visited Dwynwen, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice. Yikes! God, feeling generous, gave Dwynwen three wishes. Her first wish was that frozen bae Maelon be thawed; her second was that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and her third was that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her immense gratuitude, Dwynwen devoted herself to God's service for the rest of her life. With so much history, folklore and picture-perfect panoramas, this spot is unsurprisingly hugely popular (Image: Visit Wales/Welsh Government ) With so much history, folklore and picture-perfect panoramas, this spot is unsurprisingly hugely popular. The car park at Traeth Llanddwyn Beach has space for 300 vehicles and is often full shortly after opening. A viral video of the beach's golden sands racked up more than 1.4 million views on TikTok. It was posted by user Heykeyt, who claimed it was 'hands down the most romantic spot in Wales,' driving a huge number of visitors to the picturesque beach. On clear sunny days, there are often huge lines of cars along the twisty route leading from Newborough village centre, with jams extending another half-mile on the A4080 towards Pen-lôn. Understandably, frustrating locals. To avoid the crowds and adding to mass tourism, this beach is best visited in the winter, when fewer tourists traverse the whipping winds and salt-sprayed shores. If you are visiting in summer, you could go for a sunrise beach walk and beat the morning crowds. Make sure not to leave any rubbish behind or park anywhere that blocks in residents. Need to know Location: Llanddwyn, Newborough, Isle of Anglesey, LL61 6SG Parking: New charges for the main car parks came into force on Friday, 23 May. It will now cost £5 to park for up to two hours, and 70p for each additional 20 minutes up to a maximum daily charge of £15. Tides: Ynys Llanddwyn can be cut off in high tides. Check tide times before starting this route. Environment: Do not leave rubbish or light fires or BBQs during long spells of dry weather. Article continues below
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Company secures landmark letting to Druids Golf at Livingston industrial hub
The five-year, six-figure deal will see the unit, at Houston Industrial Estate in Shairps Business Park, Livingston, serve as the central operational hub for the rapidly growing e-commerce business as it continues its rapid expansion across the UK and internationally. Edinburgh-based property investment company SRA Ventures has announced the lease of a West Lothian commercial unit to high-growth golf apparel brand, Druids. The five-year, six-figure deal will see the unit, at Houston Industrial Estate in Shairps Business Park, Livingston, serve as the central operational hub for the rapidly growing e-commerce business as it continues its rapid expansion across the UK and internationally. The company's move to the 29,500sq, modern standalone facility further reinforces Livingston's status as a prime distribution and logistics location, with Druids deepening its operational footprint in the central belt. Shaf Rasul, director of SRA Ventures, said: 'We're thrilled to welcome one of Scotland's most exciting young brands, Druids Golf, to Unit 22 at Shairps Business Park. 'Its decision to establish this major operational base in Livingston is a vote of confidence in the area and the quality of this high spec commercial space. 'This deal reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in best-in-class commercial property and working with ambitious businesses scaling globally from Scotland.' Unit 22, which was acquired by SRA Ventures in March, is a high specification facility, offering three roller shutter doors, LED lighting, a self-contained secure yard and an EPC rating of A+. Its location near to the M8 offers excellent connectivity between Edinburgh and Glasgow, making it an ideal choice for Druids' warehousing, fulfilment, and operational needs. The deal was concluded with legal representation from Gilson Gray acting on behalf of SRA Ventures, while Graham & Sibbald and Ryden advised SRA on the transaction. Founded in 2000, SRA Ventures has owned and manages a substantial commercial portfolio across Scotland for over two decades, including industrial, retail, and mixed-use assets.
Telegraph
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Scotland's Stonehenge at centre of right-to-roam row
A right-to-roam row over 'Scotland's Stonehenge' has broken out after it emerged that visitors to the ancient stone circle could be charged an admission fee. The Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, has long been free for the public to access – but now anyone wanting to marvel at the stones in future could be forced to buy a ticket. The circle of stones are up to 13ft tall and were built before Stonehenge, with an imposing megalith weighing 5.5 tonnes standing at its centre. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which has admitted that they are considering imposing an entry fee. Urras nan Tursachan, the charity which runs a neighbouring visitor centre where people could choose to buy a ticket, is building a new £6 million centre at the site which is expected to open next year. Documents relating to the project suggest the stones will only be accessible after buying a ticket. Druids are worried the new set-up will stop them seeing the stones at night at key moments of astronomical activity. This summer a rare 'lunar standstill' will see the moon skim across a nearby range of hills before disappearing briefly and then shining into the centre of the stone circle. Daru Mcaleece, an artist and storyteller from outside Edinburgh, represents the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, which has 30,000 members in 50 countries and is dedicated to practising and promoting Druidry. He said: 'The Calanais Stones are a significant feature of a sacred landscape, and have been a focus of ritual activity since the Bronze Age. 'Druids have a long history of working with sacred sites across the eight festivals of the year and these celebrations take place across the entire ceremonial landscape of Britain. 'Free access is required for these festivals.' The charity said: 'Previously and currently, visitors can freely walk up to the stones from the visitor centre car park without having to enter the visitor centre or make any payment. 'The new exhibition will now become part of the visitor journey to the stone site with access via the visitor centre, through the exhibition. This will be an all-in-one ticket price.' An HSE spokesman said: 'The proposed admission charge will help efforts to balance conservation of the monument with visitor access.'
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Car crashes into Metairie podiatrist office
METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — A developing story on Wednesday night in Metairie, a car crashed into a building along North Causeway Boulevard. The below photo was the scene at the local podiatrist office, Foot Health Center. It happened around 3:00 this afternoon. No word on whether anyone was crashes into Metairie podiatrist office Parade goers react to the krewes of Druids and Alla Deming kids forced to live in 'underground caves' alongside feces, per court docs Migrant crossings down but cartel activity evident in Rio Grande Valley Three arrested in LaPlace fentanyl lab drug bust Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
