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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The pretty twin beach villages in the ‘forgotten corner' of Cornwall
BEAUTIFUL beaches and charming coastal cottages are what you'll find in Kingsand and Cawsand . The villages in Cornwall are found in a 'forgotten corner' of the coast and while they are now twinned, were once in separate counties. Advertisement 4 Kingsand and Cawsand are twin villages in Cornwall Credit: Alamy 4 They're found in the forgotten corner of the country on the Rame Peninsula Credit: Alamy They are often described as being in the 'forgotten corner' due to their secluded location on the The adjoining villages aren't visited by tourists as much as the likes of But both villages have beautiful shingle beaches and cosy looking cottages. Advertisement The banks of Cawsand have plenty of rockpools to explore, and when the sea is calm, boats can be hired for another adventure. One visitor wrote on "The beach was clean and well kept, very safe for the children as it was within a bay so there were no rips." During the summer season, a vintage ice cream called Cawsand Bay Vintage Scoops on the promenade next to Cawsand beach to serve iced treats. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays The village of Kingsand has another of the area's favourite beaches. The bay is well sheltered so it's perfect for swimming, and it's dog-friendly all year round. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 4 The beaches on both villages have classic shingle shores Credit: Alamy The beach is surrounded by pubs, making it a great spot for holidaymakers, popular spots include the The Devenport Inn and The Halfway House Inn. Advertisement The two village were historically separated by a stream, with Kingsand in Devon and Cawsand in Cornwall. This division continued until 1844, when the boundary was adjusted, and Kingsand officially became part of Cornwall as well. Both have a rich history of smuggling and fishing, you can even see remains of old pilchard cellars from the late 16th century on the shoreline beyond Kingsand. Further along the coastline is another Advertisement Polperro has white-washed cottages and in the summertime, a bright turquoise sea which has led to it being compared to . Quaint cottages sit in the hillsides and fishing boats bob in the harbour which further paints the image of Greece. In the Read more on the Irish Sun And another Advertisement Plus an 4 The twin villages are in the 'forgotten corner' of Cornwall Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
7 fab Aldi & Lidl wines from just €9.99 to try over August bank holiday weekend, including Rosé ‘with little bite'
CYNICISM, I have always believed, is a healthy trait in a good journalist. Whether writing about politics, sport, or wine, they need it at times to cut through the BS served up to them by officialdom, or marketing personnel. Advertisement 10 A selection of great bargain wines are reviewed below Credit: Getty 10 Matt was intrigued to read Sunny Hodge's The Cynic's Guide to Wine So, as a 'practising' cynic for over half a century, I was intrigued to read Sunny Hodge's The Cynic's Guide to Wine. His approach to wine education is coloured by science rather than the storytelling BS normally served up by many in and around the business. Hodge is certainly not afraid to go against what he refers to as 'well-established myths,' including those surrounding terroir, and our perception of flavour. And he crucially claims that the language used by many wine writers misleadingly gives their subject an air of mystery. Advertisement Read more on Wine Throughout the book the science of wine, from the vineyard to the cellar, is stripped back to help unravel the truth. He takes in elements of horticulture, soil science, botany and sensory science as well as oenology, in bite-sized, very readable chunks, to back his case over seven revealing chapters. A straightforward and eye-opening book for anybody who wants to question the stories told around wine but was afraid to ask. It has certainly changed my perception of many facets of winemaking and the business of it. Thoroughly recommended. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun The Cynic's Guide To Wine, from Academie Du Vin Library, is priced at €36.25 from all good bookshops. I POPPED into my local Aldi and Lidl stores and chose some wines that I suggest you should stock up for the August bank holiday weekend – and then pray for good barbecue weather. Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel Specially Selected DOC Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio 2024 (ABV 12.5%) 10 €9.99 @ Aldi Stores Advertisement Grape: Pinot Grigio UNFUSSY, straightforward, easy drinking Italian sipper, with a pale straw colour and nice aromas of lemon, pear and white flowers when poured. The palate is quite rounded, light, dry and refreshing, with notes of citrus fruits and green apple, along with a hint of grapefruit zest and a nice mineral backbone. Enjoy with: Fettuccini Alfredo Advertisement Irish Sun star rating: *** White Island Spanish Rosé 2024 (ABV 12.5%) 10 €9.99 @ Aldi Stores Grape: Garnacha, Bobal, Pinot Noir Advertisement At last… a Rosé with a little bite! A medium salmon colour when poured, the nose is all soft red summer fruit, dominated by strawberries, with a note of spice. The palate has good structure and is silky smooth, with vibrant notes of red berries, a hint of watermelon and nicely balanced acidity. Lingering finish. Enjoy with: Grilled shrimp and summer salad. Irish Sun star rating: *** * Advertisement Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2022 (ABV 13.5%) 10 €10.99 @ Lidl Stores Grape: Corvina THE refermenting of a 'standard' Valpolicella with used Amarone skins gives this wine a little more complexity, and texture. Advertisement A deep cherry red colour, it has enticing aromas of dried black and red fruits, leading to a smooth palate, layered with dark sweet fruits, a lick of vanilla, and toasted oak. The tannins are well integrated while the finish is long and silky. Enjoy with: Pan-fried duck breast. Irish Sun star rating: *** Advertisement Albariño D.O. Rías Baixas 2023 (ABV 12.5%) 10 €11.49 from July 24 @ Lidl stores Grape: Albariño AFFORDABLE Albariño that is a wonderful introduction to this exceptional white grape. It is a pale straw colour, with notable floral, citrus, and stone fruit aromas. Advertisement The palate is bone dry and super fresh, with great acidity and notes of citrus, peach, pear and green apple. Good length and finish. Enjoy with: Grilled black sole. Irish Sun star rating: *** Specially Selected Baron Amarillo Godello 2024 (ABV 13.5%) 10 Advertisement €11.99 @ Aldi Outlets Grape: Godello I ALWAYS see Godello as Albariño's 'big brother', generally more rounded on the palate and usually that bit more textured. This is certainly rounded, a deep straw colour, and with earthy and Granny Smith apple notes on the nose. Advertisement It has lovely acidity and intensity on a creamy palate, with peach, apple and citrus notes. Nice touch of minerality on a very satisfying finish. Enjoy with : Pasta with clams. Irish Sun star rating: **** Cepa Lebrel Rioja, Gran Reserva 2015 (ABV 13.5%) 10 Advertisement €11.99 from July 24 @ Lidl stores Grape: Tempranillo INCREDIBLE price for a 10-year-old Gran Reserva Rioja - and €2 less if you use the Lidl Plus facility. It has a wonderful brick red colour in the glass and a nose bursting with dried soft red fruit notes. Advertisement The medium bodied palate is complex and velvety, with melting tannins and still discernible ripe soft summer fruit flavours, complimented by a twist of oak. Enjoy with: Roast leg of lamb. Irish Sun star rating: **** Portuguese Sparkling Vinho Verde (ABV 11%) 10 Advertisement €12.99 @ Aldi outlets Grapes: Loureiro, Arinto, Arzal & Trajadura THIS is a pleasant surprise. Vinho Verde usually has a little spritzy effect, but this is a real sparkler. It's a combination of four white grape varieties that deliver a wine with a pale gold colour and aromas of tropical and citrus fruits. Advertisement The palate is light, fresh and quite zippy with good acidity and a nice citrus and melon note. Enjoy with: Light nibbles. Irish Sun star rating: *** 10 The book is priced at €36.25 Advertisement
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Mum got shock diagnosis in darkest days, now we face new challenge on 1st day in mega role, says Fair City's Johnny Ward
ACTOR Johnny Ward will take to the stage in Little Shop Of Horrors next week - but he will be wracked with nerves for a completely different reason. The 7 Johnny Ward with his beloved mum Kathy who will attend the opening night of Little Shop Of Horrors 7 Johnny told how he channels his pain into his work Credit: Alamy 7 The show will run at Dublin's Bord Gais Energy Theatre for several weeks 7 Johnny with supportive wife Brenda The 38-year-old told the Irish Sun: "Tuesday is going to be a strange day because we are going to get the results from St Vincent's Hospital about whether a lump my mother found is cancerous or benign and what the next six months will hold." That evening as Johnny is processing the results, the musical will have its opening night in Dublin. Johnny will play the role of the demented dentist Orin Scrivello, made famous by Steve Martin in the movie of the same name. He told us: "This might sound strange, but this is like doing "I want to work in situations like this because I find it strangely therapeutic, in that dancing or acting helps me to escape the pain I'm feeling." 'I WAS GRIEVING' The Johnny said: "I should have taken mum's condition more seriously, but I guess I was grieving myself. "Then lockdown happened, and mum got Speaking of the close bond between mother and son, Johnny said he would always be there for Kathy, who encouraged him to follow his dream and become an actor when he was young. 7 Proud said he'll be there for Kathy no matter what The TV star revealed how he feared he had lost her last year when he got a call to say Kathy was unresponsive in St Vincent's Hospital. However, she has staged a comeback since, so much so that she will be in the Docklands theatre next Tuesday to support him on his opening night, alongside his wife Brenda who he says has 'DARKEST DAYS' Johnny said: "In the darkest days of last year, I never thought we would come so far. "Mum came out of the convalescent home in March and has been making steady progress with us since. "It's the little things that you notice, like she wouldn't know whether you turn left or right for the bathroom at home. "But she really is an incredible woman." Meanwhile, Johnny was thrilled to land a major role in the groundbreaking new production, the first full-scale musical theatre production produced in-house by the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, in partnership with TheatreworX. He said: "I had to do three auditions, then I got the call to come in and meet the other cast. "We've been rehearsing for the past four weeks, and it really is something special." The Walkinstown man is thrilled to be playing sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello in the new production, a role made famous by Steve Martin in the original 1986 movie. Johnny revealed his own experience of suffering at the dentist as a child. He said: "When I was about eight-years-old, I had this dentist who really hurt me. "He stuck a needle in me so hard, I kicked him in the balls. "I remember if your visit to the dentist went well, you got a lollipop, but I kicked this guy, so all I remember is that I got a new dentist really quickly." 'COOLEST THING' But his molars survived, and he had a good enough set of teeth to land a gig in Boyzonly, a Johnny previously told us: "There wasn't a lot of dancing, really, just a step and a click performing No Matter What. "But for about three or four years, we thought we were the coolest thing. "It got very difficult soon after because I was Stephen Gately, and when he came out, I was in an all-boys' school. "I meet the other guys from the tribute the odd time in the pub, and we remember Boyzonly." However, he soon progressed to serious musical theatre, then winning roles in Love/Hate and Johnny's next TV part is in the Amazon Prime drama Suga: Ride or Die, out this September, in which he plays a hitman sent to Holland to recover a gangster debt. He said: "The other actors are literally talking Dutch, but all my lines are in English." 'TOTALLY DIFFERENT' Playing the second lead in Little Shop of Horrors couldn't be further from his last stage role, playing Gino Wildes, the star of the Dublin football team, in Copper Face Jacks: The Musical. Johnny said: "Yes, it's totally different from that. For one thing, Little Shop of Horrors is not set in Copper Face Jacks." Other big names in Little Shop of Horrors include David O'Reilly, who stars as the hapless florist Seymour Krelborn, opposite Jacqueline Brunton, a rising star of musical theatre, who takes on the role of the sweet and soulful Audrey. Producers have hailed the new musical, featuring an entirely Irish cast and creative team, as a landmark moment for Irish musical theatre and a bold new chapter for the theatre itself. The casting process began back in December 2024, with over 2,000 hopefuls applying from across the country. Following an intensive audition process, the list was whittled down to 150 talented finalists who auditioned in January 2025. The final cast showcases a dynamic blend of established names and emerging talent, making this a truly exciting production for audiences to experience. 'TRULY OVERWHELMED' The cast were in full bloom this week as they came together for their very first official group photo at iconic Dublin flower shop Howbert and Mays. Surrounded by vibrant foliage and floral charm, the moment marked a fresh beginning for the production. Speaking at the cast launch, Stephen Faloon, General Manager of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, said: 'We were truly overwhelmed by the extraordinary wealth of talent that came forward during the audition process. "What we witnessed throughout was every bit as strong as the calibre we've come to expect from the biggest West End productions that have graced our stage. "It's a proud and significant moment for us to announce this phenomenal cast, made up of both established and emerging Irish talent. "We are confident that audiences are in for something really special in this bold, high-energy and unforgettable production of Little Shop of Horrors this summer." Little Shop of Horrors runs until August 9. For more information, check out 7 Johnny dances with Emily Barker on Dancing With The Stars in 2019 Credit: Kyran O'Brien 7 Johnny as Ciaran Holloway on Fair City
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I look like a tall Amazon warrior and can lift 315lbs, men constantly ask me to spot them in the gym
A WOMAN has revealed men swoon over her in the gym because she looks like an Amazon Warrior. Marie Temara stands 6ft 3in tall and attracts a lot of attention when she hits the weights - throwing up a whopping 133kg during hardcore 12-hour lifting sessions. Advertisement 4 Marie spends a lot of time in the gym 4 She's always the centre of attention when she works out 4 The model doesn't mind the attention 4 She can lift heavier weights than most men in the gym Fellas often ask her to be their spotter because they are so overawed by her larger than life look. She said: "A lot of people think that women should be smaller and that men should be the strong ones who take care of everything. 'But I love being a big, strong woman – especially in the gym. I don't see a problem with flipping gender roles. 'Every time I go to the gym, a man will ask me to spot them, and I'm happy to do it. I get some stares and comments now and then, but I think most men are curious or impressed by what I can do. Advertisement 'Or maybe they feel intimidated. I love feeling fit and strong. The gym feels like home." Marie now runs a successful OnlyFans page and rakes in £7.5m a year - earnings that helped her build a £75k gym in her own home. The influencer, who has 2.9m followers on Instagram ( Cruel trolls would call her 'Bigfoot' or say that she 'looked like the Jolly Green Giant'. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Latest Exclusive But the Miami-based fitness fanatic turned what they viewed as a weakness into her biggest strength. She said: 'It seems to be older men who make rude comments. I made six figures on OnlyFans but would give it all back not to be an embarrassment to my daughter, says Jemma Lucy 'They'll give a funny look and say, 'I can lift that' – I didn't ask if they could. 'I try not to let their negativity bother me, but I'll admit that it can feel a bit uncomfortable sometimes.' Advertisement 'They would call me a man because I was so tall, so I wanted to lose weight and get fit. 'I started going to the gym every day, but it didn't stop them. 'Now, I get messages from the same bullies, trying to befriend me. Advertisement 'They'll say 'Hey, do you remember when we went to school together?' – but I don't reply. 'The first thing I did after buying my house was build my gym. 'I plan to knock it down to double the size in the next few years.' Read more on the Irish Sun Marie, who used to be an accountant, added: 'I truly hope to see more women owning their strength and taking up space in the weight room. Advertisement "Lifting isn't just for guys; it's empowering, confidence-boosting, and so worth it. Let's normalise strong women."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Ma was made of strong stuff', says tearful Ray D'Arcy in emotional funeral tribute to mum ‘fast-tracked to heaven'
RTE star Ray D'Arcy choked back tears as he paid tribute to his late mother at her funeral, telling mourners: 'Our ma was made of strong stuff.' Family matriarch 4 Ray D'Arcy choked back tears as he paid tribute to his mum during her funeral mass Credit: 4 Mary D'Arcy passed away peacefully in Naas hospital last Friday Credit: 4 Ray was comforted by his wife Jenny Credit: Speaking at her requiem funeral in St Brigid's Parish Church, in Kildare Town, In a deeply emotional eulogy, the 'Nothing life-threatening we thought, and then about six weeks ago we got the diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer. 'The doctor said (she had) 'weeks' last Wednesday, then they said it was going to be 'short days'. She didn't suffer much.' Read more on Ray D'Arcy The broadcaster revealed how the staff at Naas hospital spoke of her quiet bravery in her final days. Ray said: 'The nurses had the measure of my mother. One nurse, also called Mary, told me your mum strikes me as someone who wouldn't complain. Another palliative nurse called Linda said there was an official name for patients, she said: 'Your mother is an under-reporter.' 'They were right. My mother was an Olympic gold standard when it came to 'it's only me-isms'. That was our Ma.' He added how the family joked over the last few days that their mum 'had been fast-tracked to heaven and was being given the full VIP treatment with a complimentary box of chocolates'. Most read in the Irish Sun The well-known TV and radio star then spoke about his mum's life, recalling how she had married his dad, Ray senior, 'the local James Dean look-a-like' , who he described as "trouble with a capital T" at aged 23, and had nine children in sixteen years. Ray recalled: 'They had a lot of children but not a lot of money. It could have broken mammy and nearly did at times.' RTE star Ray D'Arcy shares 'very very special' moment late Shane MacGowan sang in his mum's kitchen Holding back tears, her son told the church: 'But our ma was made of strong stuff. Her ability to manage a household on a meagre income would put many a Minister of Finance to shame. 'We never wanted for anything, I don't know how she did it. I'm in awe of how she got through it. Imagine, nine of us in that little council cottage.' However Ray also managed to bring laughter to the service when he recounted his late father's attempts to get their kids to lend a hand. UPSET MAMMY He recalled: 'I remember when Ma was pregnant with our sister Joan. Dad came in from the pub one night, and found mammy in tears over the kitchen sink, complaining that none of us were pulling our weight. 'Dad returned to the sitting room where we were watching The Old Grey Whistle Test, and he proceeded to read us the riot act. 'He said, 'Your mother needs your help, and it's not my fault your mother is pregnant.'' Ray said that once her child-rearing days were over, his 'Mammy emerged from under a mountain of Terry cloth nappies and damp denims to become a person in her own right who didn't exist exclusively to make us meals, darn our socks and patch our jeans'. 'CALMING PRESENCE' He told of his late mother's role as secretary of the local St Joseph's Academy where she 'ran the place' for over 20 years, 'not just as an administrator but looking after the welfare of all the students and teachers". He added: 'Our mother was a calming presence, everywhere she went. She led the choir here in this church for years.' 'We never wanted for anything, I don't know how she did it. I'm in awe of how she got through it. Imagine, nine of us in that little council cottage.' Ray D'Arcy Each of Mary's nine children had done "reasonably well" and were based in New York, Scotland, the Middle East, and in Ireland. Ray recalled how his sister Anne had taken his mother's hand in hospital last Friday, just before she passed to tell her how much all her children loved her. Ray added: 'If my mother had been able to talk back to us last Friday mam would have said, 'I love you all equally and unconditionally. Mary D'Arcy was a truly amazing person and we were lucky to have her.'' Mary was buried afterwards in St Conleth's cemetery, Kildare Town. 4 Ray told how his family were shocked at Mary's sudden passing Credit: Robbie Reynolds
