Latest news with #Hinterland
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Books are my business: Bookshop owner Antonia Daly
Antonia Daly owns Antonia's Bookstore in Trim, Co Meath. She is also on the committee of the Hinterland Festival Kells, which takes place from June 26 to June 29. How did youget into bookselling? When I decided to open a bookshop, I didn't really have a history or a background in bookselling, I actually had a diploma in civil and structural engineering. I was working, and I was studying part time at night to finish my degree. I always had it in the back of my mind that I'd love to open a bookshop, and my parents and my husband told me to go ahead and do it, that I would have the degree to fall back on if it didn't work out, but to give it a go and see. And here we are, we're celebrating 20 years open in December. I grew up in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, but my dad is from Meath and I would have spent a lot of time up here. When I started talking about opening a bookshop, I looked at a lot of different towns but there was something about Trim — when you come into it, you have this big fairytale castle and the Tidy Towns committee here are amazing. There's flowers everywhere; I come in here at 8am to open up and there are people out picking up rubbish on their own time It's a beautiful town, and the perfect town for a bookshop. The library in Trim is fantastic as well and the schools really promote reading. It really is a town of readers. What does it involve? A bit of everything. Normally, my day to day would be ordering stock, doing displays, accounting, and paperwork. But at the moment, it's even busier because it's schoolbook season. We're dealing directly with schools now rather than parents, so we would be doing quotes with schools, talking through what they might need, and then ordering the books and delivering them. We also have the Hinterland Festival, and I'm currently putting together all the books to sell at that. We have to go through all the authors that are coming, and make sure that we have everything they've written. What do youlike most about it? You have the lovely experience of meeting your customers in the shop day to day, then at Hinterland, there are people who've come from all over the country that we see every year. Historian and broadcaster Myles Dungan and local schoolchildren Dara Sheridan, seven, and Róisín Byrne, six, outside the Courthouse in Kells, Co Meath, at the launch of the 2025 Hinterland Festival of Literature & Arts programme. So you're catching up with them again. It's a fabulous festival and it's lovely to meet the authors and just to get out there and do something different. What do you like least about it? Nobody enjoys doing the paperwork. You could probably make it easier on yourself if you stayed up to date on it day to day, but I think we all tend to pile it up in the corner and think 'I'll get to that', and then you regret not keeping on top of it I actually enjoy the other parts, like the ordering and all of that because there is the excitement of getting stuff in and seeing what people are buying. Three desert island books My first one came out 20 years ago, it was a big seller when we opened the shop — Labyrinth by Kate Mosse. When I read that, I just wanted to go to Carcassonne. And myself and my mum actually did go there, just because we had read that book. For the next one, I would definitely have a classic, I'm torn between Little Women or A Christmas Carol. I'd probably go with A Christmas Carol, because if you're going to be stuck on a desert island, you won't have Christmas, and I do love a Charles Dickens every so often. My last one would be Dissolution by CJ Sansom, who unfortunately passed away last year. The first time I read it, the way he described things, I could smell London in the 1500s and taste what they were eating. He has a style of writing that means you're completely immersed in the place. Read More Books are my business: Specialist bookshop owner Caroline Sullivan
Top Gear
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Expedition Motor Company 250GD Wolf (US) review: the OG Wolf rides again Reviews 2025
It's true, the long-lived Geländewagen has strayed into ludicrous ubiquity, passing the point when it was unique and different to becoming a standard-issue status accessory. While the former military vehicle retains some of its original character – either through design or attitude – we need only to look at variants like the AMG G 63 6x6 to see how far it's strayed from its roots. That's an extreme example, sure, but even the current run of 'normal' G-Classes and the EV version are wild departures from the original. Advertisement - Page continues below This one aims to be a solution for those seeking to get back to the raw appeal of the classic G-Wagen, one that's more Hinterland than Hollywood. It's the EMC Wolf, a restored Mercedes-Benz 250GD from Expedition Motor Company. Wow, so EMC does G-Wagen restos? EMC restores *one* specific G-Class. The 250GD 'Wolf' is the convertible version of the military vehicle built with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder diesel engine and a fold down windshield. Company founder Alex Levin grew up in these and loved them so much, he started EMC to build top-notch 250GD restorations for folks with similar passions. Alright, we're intrigued. What's the story? We'll always find rugged, practical equipment tough enough for the military to be intriguing, with the Jeep Wrangler being the most famous example. Sorry, Defender fans. For the G, it's the same thing but with that particular German sensibility. The classic Wolf has this in spades – ammo box, a gun mount, a built-in map light and the aforementioned fold-down windshield for easier, er, aiming. Powering it all is the OM602, a 2.5-liter straight-five diesel engine that puts out around 100hp and maybe 114lb ft of torque. Power output varies by vehicle so if you want specifics, feel free to travel back in time and dyno several military diesel trucks yourself. Advertisement - Page continues below That's pretty much the case with the builds out of EMC. The company sources disused Wolfs (Wolves?) from around the world, takes them to a facility and begins the restoration process with a full breakdown. You'll never find its facility on a map, by the way, it's the convenient side effect of having a lot full of camouflaged vehicles. Apart from certain custom requests, Alex and crew tend to stick to the original builds as possible, and even those are quite limited. Everything from the donor car is broken down, rehabilitated, and put back together while paired with a few modern components like a working HVAC and some sound absorbing materials. The ammo box even sticks around, though it's home to the new sound system's subwoofer instead. Customers can either choose from an existing Wolf in the EMC inventory or build their own with the help of the website's 'Wolf Builder' that displays the available interior and exterior color options, add-ons and powertrain configurations. You can go full 'mil-sim' and spec a murdered-out Wolf for nighttime ops, or have some joy in your life with a colorful, beach-ready G-Wagen complete with extra jump seats. All Wolfs roll away with creature comforts like that HVAC system, heated seats, a six-speaker Harman sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. How does it drive? It doesn't take long at all for the EMC Wolf to work its charms on you. We first drove one of two builds, a Sahara-colored Wolf with the naturally aspirated diesel paired with a five-speed 'ironbox' manual. The fully-synchronized gearbox is easy and familiar for any modern manual driver, though the lack of a tachometer did take us by surprise. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Might as well take the speedo off, too. The maybe-100hp engine isn't built for modern highway pace and indeed takes its sweet time getting up to neighborhood limits, too. This isn't meant as a knock, it's very much part of the Wolf's character, but it's easy to see how someone used to modern G-Wagens would be put off. The EMC Wolf isn't difficult to drive, it's fundamentally basic, and therein lies the joy. Skip 14 photos in the image carousel and continue reading With the ration of power on hand, you're hyper focused on the act of driving the G-Wagen – carrying momentum through an incline, scrutinizing bends in the road and thinking about what to do four steps ahead from now. You're not even looking at gauges for much info, you're listening and feeling for the car's behavior and thus more connected to the act of driving. You quickly realize how much we take the effortlessness afforded by modern-day cars for granted. You said that was one of two builds… Yes, due to some arm-twisting, Expedition Motor Company does offer a couple of different engines for their Wolf builds, including a six-cylinder turbodiesel. This power unit is era-accurate and stems from the same family of diesels as the original. A conservative estimate puts the power output at around 225hp, but it's likely more. The Wolf with this engine was married to a five-speed automatic transmission this time around, and while it shared the charm of its more authentic sibling, the character was quite different. In short, it's the build for folks interested in the 250GD but aren't 'hardcore' about the lifestyle. We also fibbed a bit. We drove the two builds that were on hand. There is a third engine option, a 430hp LS3 V8, which sounds like… a lot. To date, EMC has only built six. Even so, to my original point, super-powered G-Wagen builds are a dime a dozen, and as fun as they can be, it changes the experience of what something like the 250GD offers. Silly question: can it off road? It's certainly built for it, of course. How much you'd want to is another question. The Wolf has two- and four-wheel drive capability, locking diffs for both axles and multiple ranges for the transfer case since powering out of trouble isn't going to happen. It also rides on a rugged off-road ready suspension, with the option to upgrade to one with adjustable dampers if you're looking to get serious about it. Would you, though? We ask because if you want to pretend you're traversing the Ardennes, there are cheaper ways to do it. A naked build on the Expedition Motor Company's configurator starts at $180,000. Accessories like a brush bar and a winch up the price, as does the inclusion of the automatic and, of course, the optional engine upgrades. We suppose if you're the one paying for all of this custom craftsmanship, it's up to you to decide. We'd be happy to let this retired service vehicle enjoy the peace of civilian life. What's the final takeaway? The Expedition Motor Company's 250GD Wolf restorations are wonderfully analog vehicles that honor the character of the original, with just enough upgrades to bring them in line with modern sensibilities. Along with giving junked military vehicles a second life, they are fun, back-to-basics rides that allow us to be romantic about our automotive past while being authentic to the experience. LS3 swap notwithstanding. READ MORE Please buy this incredibly cool restored Merc G-Wagen As with most cars in this category, the craftsmanship comes with a cost, but even after a short time with the 'Wolf pack', it's hard to say it isn't worth it.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Happiest place to live in Scotland is named and it's not where you'd expect
A Scottish city has taken the top spot as the country's "happiest place to live", and it may come as a surprise. Perth, aptly nicknamed The Fair City, has outshone more prominent destinations like Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Guardian recently compiled a list of the "happiest places to live in Britain", considering various factors such as access to green spaces, average driving times to healthcare services, air quality, broadband speeds and cultural offerings. Perth, situated in the heart of Scotland, boasts a unique location on the banks of the River Tay and is home to around 40,000 residents. The Guardian highlighted Perthshire's diverse landscapes, featuring waterfalls, canyons, and picturesque lochs like Loch Tay and Loch Rannoch. Perth's position "at the gateway to the Highlands" offers easy access to an array of rural countryside walks, as well as ample green spaces within the city itself. The city is flanked by two scenic riverside parks: the 57-hectare North Inch, a popular golfing spot, and the 31-hectare South Inch, which hosts events like funfairs, circuses, and other shows. Perth's winning combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and amenities has earned it the title of Scotland's happiest place to live. The must-see sites in Perth, as recommended by connoisseurs, include the Perth Museum and the excitement-packed Perth Leisure Pool, reports the Daily Record. The museum has recently become the proud home of the historic Stone of Destiny artefact, and the leisure pool is all the rage with its variety of thrilling flumes. Despite The Guardian's observation that the city is "struggling to recover post Covid", it applauded the array of independent businesses peppering the city centre. Highlighted establishments include coffee connoisseur haven The Bean Shop and vinyl treasure trove Concorde Music record shop. When it comes to dining out, The Guardian gave a shout-out to Hinterland, Cafe Tabou, and North Port. Patrons can savour breakfast and lunches at indie coffee spot Hinterland, experience modern French flare at brasserie Cafe Tabou, or indulge in Scottish fare centred around fresh ingredients at North Port. In addition, Perth won plaudits for its accessible transport links. Railway journeys to Edinburgh and Glasgow take roughly 90 minutes and one hour respectively, while Aviemore and Inverness are also conveniently within travel distance. Property prices were another focal point, with experts surveying average values across Perth. Reportedly in The Guardian, homes in the sought-after Craigie area come with a price tag of about £280,000, whereas three-bedroom flats overlooking South Inch park have an average costing upwards of £240,000. Perth's strategic position as the gateway to the Highlands has long been cherished as prime property territory, tracing back settlements to prehistoric times, noted The Guardian: "Perth's appealing position at the gateway to the Highlands has long been recognised as a prime real estate spot, with historians tracing settlements as far back as the prehistoric period. "A rich bounty of archaeological finds from the region's past are displayed at the light and airy Perth Museum, which reopened after refurbishment last year, complete with swish cafe. "This city of only around 47,000 people punches above its weight as a cultural hub, with a small but mighty art gallery, a theatre, a concert hall and an art deco cinema, not forgetting its annual arts festival. June sees Potfest, the UK's biggest ceramics festival, hit the city, while August heralds Perthshire Pride." Elsewhere, Berwick-upon-Tweed has been crowned the overall happiest place to live in the UK. This northernmost town in England, whose football team competes in the Scottish leagues, has been lauded for its compelling history, bustling weekly markets and abundant green spaces.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish city named 'happiest place to live' and it isn't Edinburgh or Glasgow
The city was praised for its green spaces and yummy food offerings. A city in Scotland has been named the country's "happiest place to live" - and it might not be the one you expect. It triumphed over more well-known destinations such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. On Saturday, May 17, The Guardian published a list of the "happiest places to live in Britain". The newspaper considered many factors when putting together the list, including access to green space, average driving time to GPs and dentists, air quality, broadband speeds, and culture. Cities and towns across the UK were included in the roundup. The most happy city in Scotland was named as Perth, aptly known as The Fair City. Perth is a city located in Perthshire in the centre of Scotland, nestled by the River Tay. It is home to a population of approximately 40,000 people. The Guardian praised Perthshire for its diverse landscapes, featuring everything from waterfalls to canyons. The newspaper also singled out the region for its many picturesque lochs, which include Loch Tay and Loch Rannoch. Perth itself was noted for its unique position "at the gateway to the Highlands". It offers easy access to a huge variety of rural countryside walks, while there is also plenty of green space within the city. On each side of Perth, there are scenic riverside parks. North Inch is 57 hectares in size and is a popular golfing destination, while South Inch is slightly smaller at 31 hectares and is often used to host fun fairs, circuses, and other shows. Top attractions in the city, according to the experts, are the Perth Museum and the Perth Leisure Pool. The former is the new home of the legendary Stone of Destiny artefact, while the Perth Leisure Pool boasts various exciting flumes. While The Guardian noted that the city is "struggling to recover post Covid", the newspaper praised its various independent city-centre businesses. Among those mentioned were coffee specialists The Bean Shop and the Concorde Music record shop. In terms of places to eat, The Guardian singled out Hinterland, Cafe Tabou, and North Port. Hinterland is an independent coffee shop serving up breakfast and lunches, while Cafe Tabou is a modern French spotlit brasserie, and North Point specialises in ingredient-led Scottish cuisine. Meanwhile, the newspaper also praised Perth for its transport services. Edinburgh and Glasgow can be reached in around 90 minutes and an hour respectively by rail, while Aviemore and Inverness are also within easy reach. The experts also considered the average house prices in different areas of Perth. According to The Guardian, the standard cost of a home in the popular Craigie suburb is £280,000, while three-bed flats that overlook South Inch park cost more than £240,000 on average. The Guardian wrote: "Perth's appealing position at the gateway to the Highlands has long been recognised as a prime real estate spot, with historians tracing settlements as far back as the prehistoric period. "A rich bounty of archaeological finds from the region's past are displayed at the light and airy Perth Museum, which reopened after refurbishment last year, complete with swish cafe. "This city of only around 47,000 people punches above its weight as a cultural hub, with a small but mighty art gallery, a theatre, a concert hall and an art deco cinema, not forgetting its annual arts festival. "June sees Potfest, the UK's biggest ceramics festival, hit the city, while August heralds Perthshire Pride." Elsewhere, the overall happiest place to live in the UK was named as Berwick-upon-Tweed. The town and civil parish in the very north of England, whose football team play in the Scottish set-up, was praised for its fascinating history, its weekly markets, and its various green spaces. The full list of the "happiest places to live in Britain" can be found on The Guardian website.
News.com.au
18-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Dreamworld founder's Hinterland retreat hits the market
A luxury retreat built by Dreamworld founder John Longhurst has been listed in a Hinterland hotspot favoured by crypto traders. The striking A-frame home at 105 Wongawallan Rd, Tamborine Mountain was designed as a holiday retreat for the late Gold Coast theme park creator and remains the suburb's highest recorded residential sale. It last sold sight-unseen for $5.025m in 2021 to a crypto-trading family from New Zealand. Sprawled over 7.11ha, the property is marketed by Ivy Realty agents, Ivy Wu and Aidan Knox, and goes to auction on June 1. It includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a self-contained guest suite, and a triple garage. There's also a huge shed, a caretaker's cottage, dams, a horse facility, and a fully irrigated food forest packed with fruit trees and climbing grapevines. A lift connects the home's three levels, with floor-to-ceiling glass framing coastal and Hinterland views. The interiors feature quirky touches like an elk antler chandelier, while the master bedroom suite is housed in a dramatic wing that juts into the forest canopy, complete with a marble spa ensuite. Mr Knox said the rare estate had drawn unexpected levels of inquiry from overseas and interstate buyers. 'It's an awesome home and such a different lifestyle,' Mr Knox said. 'We've had calls from New Zealand, Perth, and Melbourne – all wanting that unique vibe. 'It is such a beautiful estate in a picturesque location with standout architecture.' Mr Knox said the owners had made their fortune trading digital currency, rolling profits into high-end real estate. Buyer of $12m mansion plans to give it away It's a trend reflecting the broader national interest in cryptocurrency, with new data revealing 57 per cent of Australian coin holders have reported profits over the past year. The 2025 Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index shows 31 per cent of Aussies now own some digital coin. While 25 to 34-year-olds are the largest cohort of investors at 53 per cent, Baby Boomers are increasingly buying in, with 8 per cent of all owners now aged over 65 — up from 2 per cent five years ago. Sydel Sierra, dubbed the Gold Coast's 'crypto queen', is another cashed-up trader calling Tamborine Mountain home. Ms Sierra also churned Bitcoin profits into bricks and mortar, splashing $4.63m on a luxury retreat in the Hinterland suburb in December 2021. She views real estate as a strategic way to 'lock in profits from crypto's volatile cycles'. 'I like to say, it's time in the market and timing the market,' she said. 'The [Cryptocurrency Index] shows 73.5 per cent of all Australian investors made a profit if they stayed in the game for six to 10 years. 'Bitcoin has had an average annualised return of 86 per cent over the past 10 years — how do you argue with that?' Mr Knox said his clients had put the home on the market as they contemplated their next international move. M. Longhurst, who died in 2022 aged 90, purchased the site for $2.3m in 2010 from former Gold Coast councillor Eddy Sarroff and reportedly spent $5m redeveloping the estate. PropTrack data shows the median house price in Tamborine Mountain is $1.015m.
