Latest news with #MoyaNolan
Irish Examiner
20-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Jennifer Sheahan: How to maximise space in a tiny kitchen
If you're living with a small or narrow kitchen — especially common in Irish homes — you might feel a bit limited. But some of the best meals I've ever had were cooked in kitchens no bigger than a wardrobe. In fact, most restaurant kitchens are little more than tiny galleys, and it doesn't stop the chefs occupying them from producing masses of exceptional meals. There's something about a small space that forces you to be more deliberate, more organised, and often more inventive. My own kitchen is tiny in terms of footprint, but it doesn't feel tiny because I've designed it to function in a way that works for me, tailored exactly to how I cook. With clever planning and the right choices, a small kitchen can be a powerhouse. The key is to maximise every centimetre while keeping your most-used items within easy reach. Here's how to make yours work hard for you. Start with your cooking style Before you pick tiles or measure for new appliances, get clear on how you actually use your kitchen. Are you a baker who needs rolling space? A batch-cooker who needs freezer room? An avid Sunday roaster, or someone who barely uses the oven but cooks most of their meals on the hob? I love baking and entertaining, and I have a soft spot for kitchen gadgets, so plenty of storage and an open prep space to talk to guests while I cook were non-negotiables for me. Your needs may be different, and that's the whole point. Your kitchen should suit you, not some generic layout pulled from Pinterest. Be honest about how you use your kitchen, then create a list of your own non-negotiables and work backwards to fit them into your available space. Layout matters more than size In small kitchens, layout is everything. In narrow galley kitchens, it's helpful to keep items that are frequently used together beside each other, to avoid traffic jams in the narrow middle. For example, design the pantry to be on the same side as the hob, the dishwasher to be on the same side as where the dishware is stored, and so on. Ensure frequently accessed items, such as the fridge, are close to the kitchen entrance so people don't have to constantly squeeze around each other. Jennifer Sheahan's tiny kitchen seems more spacious than it is. Picture: Moya Nolan Pay close attention to how doors and drawers open — there's nothing worse than a fridge door that blocks the whole kitchen when open. Use open shelving above and drawers below countertop height where possible. These tiny details make a massive difference in how smoothly your kitchen runs. Rethink wall space In my own narrow kitchen, I made the bold decision to have no overhead cabinets, and I haven't regretted it. It seemed like a mad decision to eliminate all that storage space, but it opened up the space dramatically. Instead, I use open shelving for daily essentials, which keeps things accessible without closing in the room. Consider open storage over overhead cabinets. Picture: Moya Nolan I also included floor-to-ceiling storage along one wall. A tall unit can provide amazing storage without making things feel crowded, leaving the rest of the room visually open. Space-smart wall appliances You don't need full-sized everything to cook seriously. Go back to your list and consider more compact appliances that you use less often. Many appliance brands now offer slimline options — like 45cm dishwashers — that still pull their weight. For smaller households, they're actually more practical than their bigger cousins. Combination appliances Combination appliances are also a great shout. Microwave combi-ovens save space while offering proper oven functionality, and washer-dryer combos are useful in kitchens that double as laundry rooms. Induction hobs are another small-kitchen hero — flat, energy-efficient, and safe, with some models allowing flexible pan placement across the whole surface. Keep countertops clear In a small kitchen, every centimetre of counter is sacred. I've become militant about clutter on my countertops. I use pocket doors to hide appliances I use often but don't want out on display. Inside, I've installed power sockets inside so I can use my mixer or coffee machine without dragging them out. Folding doors will do a similar job if the budget doesn't allow for pocket doors. You can also consider an appliance lift — a shelf that pulls out and rises up to counter height, perfect for heavier gear like blenders or air fryers. It's a brilliant solution to make good use of awkward corner cabinets. Prevent clutter building up by investing in fewer, better-quality items that can perform multiple functions — for example, one good chef's knife over a block of mediocre knives, or cast-iron pans that can go from hob to oven. Get serious about storage Good storage in a small kitchen isn't just about squeezing things in — it's about accessing them easily. Deep drawers below countertop height beat cupboards hands-down for pots, pans, and Tupperware, and vertical dividers make awkward cabinets perfect for storing chopping boards and baking trays upright. Look for narrow pull-out larders that can slide into gaps beside appliances — these are ideal for spices, rolls of parchment paper and tinfoil, and oils. And don't forget your higher-up spaces: cupboards above cabinets can hold the less-used stuff. Just keep a step stool handy. If you're very tight for space, consider turning your kickboards into drawers for storing flat items. Lighting matters Good lighting can make or break a small kitchen. Under-cabinet (or under-shelf) lights brighten worktops without casting shadows, and layered or dimmable lighting allows you to alter the atmosphere from dicing onions or hosting intimate dinners. Natural light is your best friend — don't block it with bulky cabinets or oversized appliances. A view of the outdoors makes a small kitchen feel bigger, calmer, and more welcoming.
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Working Life: I wouldn't advise people to turn away from stress. I'd say, ‘Turn to meaning'
Dr Jennifer Wilson O'Raghallaigh, principal clinical psychologist in liaison psychiatry, Beaumont Hospital 'As a psychologist, I look at the emotional impact of living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Managing uncertainty is one of the real challenges for people with IBD. Inflammation can strike anywhere along the digestive tract and you can suddenly have a flare-up. 'Most healthy people can get on with their lives and believe in the myth that we are in control of our bodies. Those with IBD have to manage it, but they can't control it and that's the sting in the tail. 'One of the challenges of this chronic condition is that it can become worse with stress. But asking people why they aren't managing their stress better can be unhelpful. People with stressful lives often have meaningful lives. If we give up the things that are meaningful, our lives can become very small. I wouldn't advise people to turn away from stress. I would say, 'Turn towards meaning'. Rather than leaving stressful things behind, can you pick up things that benefit your health? 'IBD is a complicated picture. By the time I see people, they're often dealing with the shock of a chronic disease diagnosis. They're asking, 'How do I cope with this? How do I leave my house if I can't control my body?' Dr Jennifer Wilson O'Raghallaigh, psychologist: 'I'm lucky to have partnered with CCI for 15 years, and I'm taking part in their awareness campaign in the lead-up to World IBD Day on May 19." Picture: Moya Nolan. 'My job is to help them adjust, help them face the reality of an imperfect body, and see if there is something else — like depression — going on besides the adjustment to Crohn's or colitis. 'I'm lucky to have partnered with CCI for 15 years, and I'm taking part in their awareness campaign in the lead-up to World IBD Day on May 19. 'I'm a panellist on its webinar on the day, about Gut to Know, a communication guide. 'When I'm not working, I concentrate on my Irish-speaking, GAA-playing, trad-music-loving kids — not something I envisaged, as I'm originally from Virginia in the US, and only planned to spend one scholarship year at Trinity. 'In my spare time, I enjoy writing. I had a novel published last October, called Mandatory Reporting: A Dublin Mystery. It's about a psychologist, but not me.' Marking World IBD Day, Crohn's and Colitis Ireland will host a webinar, IBD 101, on Monday, May 19, from 6.30-8.30pm. Details and free registration at
Irish Examiner
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
How competitive socialising venues are transforming our nights out
As I swing my golf club over my shoulder only to comically miss yet another shot at launching the ball into a virtual scrap yard, my friends erupt into laughter. I haven't had this much fun on a Wednesday night in a long time. The location is Pitch, a golf and entertainment venue on Dublin's Dawson St where guests can practice their swing via virtual golf on a simulator screen. It's an unusual way to socialise for me, always the one to complain of stomach cramps so I could sit out PE. My willingness to partake takes me by surprise, and my enjoyment even more. Maybe it's a combination of the resident DJ who is spinning tunes, the snacks brought to us by a kind waitress, and the Guinness 0.0 which has been poured perfectly at the bar, but it seems socialising in the capital has entered a new era, one where trashing your pals during a round of virtual crazy golf is par for the course. Research by the property advisor Savills showed that competitive socialising has grown by 40% since 2018 in the UK, and it looks like something similar is happening here. Pitch is one of many competitive socialising venues that have popped up in the capital in recent months, joining others like Flight Club, also on Dawson Street, Super Social, Leopardstown, and Lane 7 on Chatham Street and Dundrum. With more than 2,000 pubs in Ireland closing their doors since 2005, could these new social experiences be the way forward for nightlife? Forging bonds Adele Miner at Pitch. Picture: Moya Nolan Chatting with Claire Cogan, a behavioural scientist and founder of BehaviourWise, she shares that there are several factors at play in these venues which contribute to our bonding experience with friends. 'As humans, we connect through shared experiences including games and activities,' she begins. 'At these venues, together you are bonding through a joint multisensory experience which stimulates different parts of the brain, making experiences more enjoyable and memorable. 'There's also a natural feel-good factor that comes from physical activity. Movement releases dopamine and endorphins that make us feel better. So too does social contact. Blending the two increases happiness and connections.' This form of socialising feels less passive than sitting in a pub and speaking over a table of pints. Andrew Fisher, the General Manager at Flight Club Dublin says the level of engagement he has seen with customers has been different from other venues in the city centre. It has been a joy to watch our customers' reaction as they have come through the doors. 'An activity like Social Darts gets everyone chatting, laughing, and making memories in a way that just doesn't happen in a regular pub. It adds something extra to the night.' The sober curious trend isn't letting up among young people either, with a 2023 study by DrinkAware revealing that 36% of adults in Ireland would like to drink less often. Venues and events which put a focus on an activity might be more appealing to those who don't want alcohol to be at the centre of their night out. Shireen Langan, one of the creators of 'Rave To Remember' a sober rave with events in various coffee shops and other locations around Dublin, says her own sober curiosity led her to set up the community alongside her brother, who does not drink. 'As a nation, we really do rely heavily on a few drinks,' she shares. 'We need more genuine environments to meet people without alcohol. 'For many sober and sober-curious people, these venues can make socialising easier. Alcohol is often described as a social lubricant, and people who don't drink, or are trying to drink less, might find the focus on activity reduces any sense of pressure they might feel. In these settings, alcohol is not the focal point, but enjoying an activity together is.' It's a no-brainer that a venue with a group activity will put less emphasis on alcohol consumption as punters are paying less attention to the drinking habits of others around them. 'It is no secret that people are consuming less alcohol than before and are looking to be part of the experience without feeling like they are missing out,' Fisher says. 'We put a lot of work into our Non Alcoholic Menu too, which offers guests the chance to try some cocktails or beers without consuming alcohol.' This comes at a price tag, I haste to add, with a non-alcoholic cocktail setting revellers back €11.50. Capturing memories Adele Miner: I haven't had this much fun on a Wednesday night in a long time. Picture: Moya Nolan Posting a picture to my Instagram of my trip to Pitch, I realised there's no shortage of free advertisement for these venues too. My inbox was quickly heaving with responses from curious friends keen to find out my location, giving me an extra boost of social currency too. 'There is an appeal in capturing and sharing an experience that is novel or unique. It generates talkability and creates memories. It makes the positive effect last longer,' Cogan shares. Activity venues are encouraging this, curating an Instagramable backdrop and props to entice customers to snap away. 'Designers know how important social media is, both in creating a memorable experience and generating publicity for a venue. They have thought of ways to make aspects of the experience more TikTok or Instagram friendly, to provide ready-made content and to tempt people to share it.' Jade McNamee, a recent visitor to Flight Club, is an example of just how effective this is. 'I took some pictures of our cocktails which arrived with a picture printed onto the top of our pornstar martini. There were a lot of people taking pictures in the old Irish phone booth behind us all night too.' The venue even takes social media marketing into its own hands, capturing key moments from each group's experience and sending a photo and video highlight to guests the next day. This ensures the occasion is immortalised on someone's social media grid. 'I haven't walked into somewhere in Dublin with an atmosphere like that in a long time. It was definitely an unusual night out, with so many stories and memorable moments which made it much better than just some drinks in a pub,' McNamee says. With the rise of these competitive third spaces, there might be the risk of saturating the market as venues all vie to entice the same crowd. But for revellers, it likely means we'll just see venues evolving as they expand their offerings and improve their technologies to provide a unique experience for us to enjoy. See you at the next hole? Five experiences to check out Kelly Gleeson and Laura Maquieira at Potteria. Picture: Larry Cummins Potteria, Cork Opening its doors in Cork's City Centre, Potteria is a premium pottery painting studio offering a fun and creative experience for all ages and skill levels. Plates, bowls, teapots and more, there's no shortage of painting options and many are turning to it as a space to socialise outside of the pub. Padel LK, Limerick The racket sport padel is taking off in Ireland, with new courts popping up all around the country. Limerick has been added to that growing list of enthusiasts, with Padel LK opening, Ireland's largest padel indoor padel tennis centre. It's the ultimate social experience as it requires four players, if you're Limerick local, round up the troops! Hot Box, Louth Outdoor sauna experiences are hugely popular as both a wellness activity and a social experience. Hot Box Sauna connects the power of the traditional sauna experience with the raw beauty of the Irish landscape. With locations around the country, one to note is the Louth sauna, engulfed in views of the Carlingford Marina. Axe Throwing, Waterford If you're keen on something a little more physically challenging for your next night out, try out Axe Junkies Waterford. Physical activities like axe throwing help to release endorphins, your brain's natural mood boosters. At Axe Junkies, you and up to eight people can sling axes side by side while you catch up. Pallas Karting, Galway Europe's longest Go Kart track, Pallas Karting in Galway is for all abilities with three different track configurations catering for beginners to advanced. Perfect for stag or hen dos, corporate events, or a family and friend's day out.
Irish Examiner
05-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Examiner
Jennifer Sheahan: I've a tiny garden. Here's how I make the most of every millimetre
Summer has arrived, and as always, I want to make the most of every precious sunny moment. My house is over a hundred years old and comes with what estate agents might optimistically call "a compact courtyard garden". In reality, it's a tiny 2m x 2m outdoor space that I've been determined to maximise since buying the house. And I'm not alone — many of us in Ireland are dealing with balconies, patios and small gardens that challenge our creativity when it comes to outdoor living. We also need to think practically about materials that can either withstand our damp environment without growing mould, or that can be quickly brought indoors and stored easily. It doesn't mean we can't create something special — it just means we need to be a bit more creative with our approach. Define your priorities Before you spend a single euro, be crystal clear about how you want to use your space. Don't invest in a dining set if you never eat outdoors! Create a list of your actual needs and stick to it. When I planned my own tiny courtyard, I had three requirements: a large dining table for entertaining, a comfortable lounge spot for sunny days, and the ability to clear everything away quickly when needed. Many of us in Ireland are dealing with balconies, patios and small gardens that challenge our creativity. File picture Your priorities might be different — perhaps you want a cosy reading nook, a small herb garden, or a space to enjoy your morning coffee. Whatever it is, start with function before you think about form. Foldaway revolution The absolute game-changer for small outdoor spaces is furniture that folds away. In my own garden, I had a fold-down table built from leftover cedar cladding that hinges on one wall and can be completely folded flat when not in use. This was a custom solution, but there are plenty of ready-made options available now, too. The Tärnö dining set from Ikea remains a budget-friendly classic that folds away neatly, and you can easily customise it with paint to match your style. For balconies where space is especially tight, Søstrene Grene, Kave Home, and Sklum all have affordable wall-mounted folding tables built to withstand our climate — and they're stylish enough to double as a design feature even when folded up. Jennifer's garden with folding dining furniture, tiled bench seating, and vertical garden wall. Picture: Moya Nolan For something more upmarket, the Bistro collection from Fermob is utterly gorgeous and comes in a range of beautiful pastel shades that instantly elevate any space. Made from steel, these pieces are perfect for surviving our Irish climate year-round. Isimar's range of folding furniture deserves a special mention too — their powder-coated metal pieces come in vibrant colours that can transform a dull space into something special, and they're specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Vertical solutions When floor space is limited, think vertically! One of the best decisions I made in my own garden was installing a vertical garden wall. My friend Jonny Gannon (an exceptional landscaper — find him at installed my beautiful garden wall using felt pockets nailed to a plywood board, which is then screwed onto the back wall. The pockets function as plant pots, though they do dry out quicker, so they require more frequent watering. For balconies, railing planters can add greenery without sacrificing precious floor space. Hammock happiness If you love lounging in the sun but lack storage space, hammocks are a brilliant solution. I love the soporific sway of my hammock and use it regularly in summer. All you need are two sturdy hooks (I have one on each of my courtyard walls), and when not in use, hammocks fold down to practically nothing. If you love lounging in the sun but lack storage space, hammocks are a brilliant solution. File picture Just measure your space carefully before purchasing and make sure your mounting points are secure. Søstrene Grene has a gorgeous striped range in stock at the moment. Light the way The right lighting can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a magical evening retreat, plus it looks great when you're indoors too. Solar-powered options have come a long way in recent years, making them perfect for Irish balconies and patios where running electrical cables might be impractical. The right lighting can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a magical evening retreat. File picture I have solar festoon lights zigzagging my little garden and solar fairy lights entwined in the plants in my garden wall, which create an instant atmosphere. For a more subtle glow, solar-powered stake lights tucked among plants create lovely shadows and highlights. Just make sure to position your solar panel where it can catch maximum daylight. For balconies that don't get direct sunlight, look for solar lights with detachable panels that can be placed in sunnier spots. The Solar Centre offers a range of beautiful solar-powered outdoor lights that will charge during the day and automatically illuminate as evening falls. Keep bugs at bay Nothing ruins a perfect summer evening faster than being eaten alive by midges. Citronella candles remain popular for good reason — they work! I've found that positioning these strategically around the edges of your space creates a protective perimeter that most flying pests won't cross. For a natural approach, certain plants act as excellent insect repellents. Lavender, rosemary, mint, and lemongrass all help keep bugs away while adding beautiful scents and greenery to your space. Jennifer's hammock is perfect for lying out on sunny days and folds away for easy storage. Maximise every millimetre When space is truly at a premium, combining functions becomes essential. Built-in benches with storage underneath provide seating and a place to stow cushions and smaller items. I recommend having at least one built-in bench along a wall — it's by far the best use of space for fitting people around a table. We need to think practically about materials that can either withstand our damp environment without growing mould, or that can be quickly brought indoors and stored easily. File picture Materials like treated wood or outdoor-rated tiles work best here — mine is made from the same tiles used in my downstairs bathroom, creating visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Don't forget about awnings and canopies for weather protection. Retractable versions are ideal for unpredictable Irish weather and allow you to maximise your outdoor space even on cloudy days. Options range from affordable manual systems to electronic versions with integrated lighting and heating. Munster Awnings have a fantastic range — they're based in Cork but supply across Ireland.
Irish Examiner
02-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Diary of a Gen Z Student: I went tech-free for two whole weeks, here's what happened
I recently declared that I was undertaking the challenge of going technology free for two weeks. A throw my phone in a drawer and relearn how to read an analogue clock kind of challenge. Well, the two weeks are up. And the results are in. Did I survive two weeks without knowing what my friends were eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Just about. Did I wake up with nightmares about all of the Instagram reels I was missing? I'd rather not say. Look, every generation has its obstacles. Fighting for time on the landline (whatever that is) was my parents'. Social media is mine. Sue me! I started the challenge at the beginning of my assessment season for college. So, it was pretty well timed. I was a powerhouse of productivity for those two weeks, replacing Instagram with my college reading. It's surprising how much study you can do in a day when you don't spend four hours of it doomscrolling. Who knew? With my newfound gift for academia, it's probably fair to say that I became pretty insufferable, pretty quickly. I was like someone doing Dry January and waving a finger of disapproval at anyone going to the pub. Like I had started a diet and I was judging a stranger for eating a Mars bar I would have inhaled 48 hours previously. Any time I found myself wandering through the train station, wondering how to get home without the Irish Rail app, I would scoff at the social media scrollers on the platform. So disconnected from the real world, no one taking in the beauty of the pigeons or the faint scent of urine. 'Young people these days', I'd whisper as I got on the wrong train. The revelations were more than just academic. Did you know that if you don't text your friends or update your Instagram Story about every detail of your life, you'll find you have a lot more to talk about when you see your friends in the wild (off social media)? You can genuinely ask them what they've been up to that day, because you haven't been taking note of their location on Snapchat Maps. You'll actually be surprised if you run into someone in the library or walking around town. Because you didn't already know where they were! "'Young people these days', I'd whisper as I got on the wrong train." Picture: Moya Nolan At the start of the challenge, I wondered if I'd miss any important news stories without the news apps on my phone. Imagine my confusion as my friend started discussing what a conclave consists of over lunch. Strange topic for a Thursday, I thought. Then I found out the Pope had died four days earlier and no one had informed me. I had been wondering what was up with the Catholics in my life, but assumed it was some emotional prep work for Easter. Well, I got that very wrong. Katy Perry also decided to ditch stardom to become an astronaut and find out what love truly is. Her speech about not just taking up space, but making space, felt like it could have been lifted from Kirsten Wiig's speech in 'Bridesmaids'. A classic film. And to think, I missed the live re-enactment. I like to say I live with no regrets, but at times like this, that can be difficult. There were other drawbacks to my tech-free living, like not being able to check a restaurant's website to finalise my order in advance. And not being able to check the weather app before getting dressed in the morning. I even had to go into my hairdresser IRL to book an appointment. Like putting clothes on a dog or sleeping with socks on; it just felt wrong. But there was the added bonus of going about my day without having it disrupted against my will. Two weeks without unexpected phone calls was utter bliss. And if I could make that a permanent fixture in my life, I would. However, the positives of the challenge are probably not enough to keep me off my phone forever. I'm just a girl, I like knowing when it's going to rain! Plus, if you've ever basked in the comments on an Instagram post or the likes on your Story, you'll know that it's an excellent source of validation. Not something I'll give up any time soon. My Instagram followers probably missed me dearly. I sort of understand Katy Perry's space trip: spending some time in a rocket is fun and all, but I'll still kiss the ground as soon as I land. I've seen tech-free living now. And those 11 minutes probably were plenty.
