Latest news with #Oak
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Staycations 2025: Forest walks to lift your soul
It's been said that centuries ago, a squirrel could travel from one end of Ireland to the other without ever touching the ground, as more than 80% of the land was covered by trees. Sadly, we now are one of the least forested countries in Europe. Trees are powerful when it comes to promoting wellbeing and a walk in nature provides respite to daily stresses. Thankfully there are still lots of parks and woodlands to visit, it might take a little more planning to get there. We have chosen nine great forest parks to make a day of it this summer. Remnants of Rossmore Park's estate can be found throughout the forest and grounds, such as the buttresses of the castle, the walled garden and the Yew Avenue. And there are many miles and variations of walks one can take through the Scots pine, Cedars and Monkey trees of Rossmore. A large play area featuring double zipline, swings, climbing frames, hammocks and see saws is a boon for youngsters. Follow up lots of activity with a picnic and then a treasure hunt through the forest. Little ones can look for carved animals along the way, as well as some sleeping wooden giants, with heads popping up around the lake and through the trees, causing much excitement! Tell creepy tales at the mausoleum or keep an eye out for otters, badgers, fox, hedgehogs and pigmy shrews. Staying in Ulster, Glenveagh National Park in Donegal is mountainous, with lakes and rugged walking trails but also has woodland that is home to many native species of trees including Oak, Birch and Holly, as well as more rare trees such as Yew, Aspen and Bird Cherry. Red deer roam freely here, and the walks range from lakeside for those looking for something manageable to steeper mountain paths for the more intrepid. Trails are well marked but always heed the warnings to come well prepared and check weather before setting off on a more adventurous hike. For something gentler, see the Victorian Castle and Gardens along Lough Veagh and enjoy a picnic near the lake. Avondale Forest Park is situated within the Garden of Ireland and for this reason you can expect lush greenery all around. The focal point is however the newly built Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower, which overlooks and offers impressive views of much of those gorgeous Wicklow surrounds. Stroll at a very slight acclivity along 1.4km of wooden walkway as you make your way to the top, taking in the Yew, Larch, Fir, Oak, Spruce, as well as Giant Redwood trees along the spiral loop. Curragh Chase in Limerick has over 300 hectares of woodland walks, lakes, and the ruins of a big house, the former home of the deVere family. Children's play areas, and interactive learning make this a fun experience for young and old. However little members of your group will be thrilled to find a rather ingenious if not hair-raising route to the bottom, a gigantic slide, tickets for which can be bought as an add on. Those less interested in thrill seeking can take a more leisurely pace, back the way they came. Gougane Barra in Cork offers up 339 acres of rugged, wild scenery. Sitting in a valley on the edge of the Sheehy mountains, this place is ideal for hiking and to really switch off. Breath in the freshest air along the six walking trails including Slí an Ghaorthaidh which takes 30 minutes up to the more strenuous Slí na Sléibhe which takes about two hours. Do bring a picnic and supplies as there is no café on site and you'll find this place a real retreat from the stresses of modern life. Situated in the southwest of County Kerry is Killarney National Park, where you can check out those world-famous lakes, as well as mountains, waterfalls and forest. This park has a wide diversity of habitats including ponds, bogs, heath, grassland and rock, making Killarney National Park home to several species that are unique not only to Ireland but to the National Park itself. These include White Tailed Sea Eagle, Kingfisher, Red Deer and Ireland's only native reptile the Viviparous lizard. Walks take in historic sites like Muckross House and there are boat rides and horse carriages to be enjoyed too. Muckross and Torc Forest is a popular area within Killarney National Park, offering scenic trails, waterfalls, and historical attractions. Curragh Chase in Limerick has over 300 hectares of woodland walks, lakes, and the ruins of a big house, the former home of the deVere family. The trails around Curragh Chase will suit both the more casual walker and those looking for a little more stride. There is plenty of wildlife including deer and Red squirrel. It's not so remote and it great for kids to explore with loops that are clearly marked. The de Vere's put together a large collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world which really is worth checking out as well as the Yew woodland and the bats who reside in the old house. Slieve Bloom Mountains and Forest Park in Laois/Offaly features one of the largest continuous areas of upland blanket bog and thick forest in Ireland. Among its many features are the Glenbarrow Waterfall, Ridge of Capard, as well as long hiking routes for those in need of quiet solitude. Bring snacks as you won't find truck stop coffee here but it's the perfect place to get away from crowds and walk for hours in peace and not meet another human. It's a gem for those seeking silence, space, and fresh mountain air. It's also an ideal place for the avid birdwatcher, with spring and summer the best times to visit. Donadea Forest Park is compact and perfect for a short visit at any time of year. The castle and estate are the former home of the Aymler family and there are many lovely features to view at the park including St Peter's Church, the boat house and icehouse. There is a lake filled with ducks, waterhens and lilies, with picnic areas close by. There is even a 9/11 memorial carved in limestone. The café is open year-round, perfect for some refreshments after the Lake Walk or the longer Aymler Walk which will take you all around the park. There are also three permanent orienteering courses, short (1.8 km), medium (3.4 km) and long (4.6 km). In Galway, covering around 450 hectares is Portumna Park which mixes forested land with lakeside. An old abbey dates back to the 15th century and the nearby castle, which was once the seat of the Earl of Clanrickarde, has had considerable restoration work carried out on it. Made up mainly of coniferous woodland, there are smatterings of semi-natural woodland including Ash and Beech with Silver Birch along the lake shore. Red squirrels are frequently spotted in woodland areas and there is a large number of Fallow deer too.
Graziadaily
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
This Viral Brand's New Launch Is Already Selling Out
When it comes to glow-inducing makeup, REFY is the brand I always come back to. Its cream formulas are genuinely unrivalled - particularly the Cream Bronzer and Cream Blush, which have become permanent fixtures in my beauty routine, even while I test new products. The brand's minimal, skin-first ethos resonates with my own approach to makeup: effortless, polished, and never overdone. The Concealer and Lip Sculpt have also earned staple status in my collection, striking that rare balance between effective and understated. The latest drop from the brand has arrived, and we can safely say these new additions create the ultimate beach make-up, no passport needed. Think naturally flushed, sun-kissed skin, delivered through three new additions to the brand's cult-favourite cream lineup. Two new blush shades - Rust and Plum - have joined the roster, along with a brand-new bronzer shade, Oak, all designed to fill the gaps in the original offering. Co-founder Jess Hunt introduced the shades on Instagram, citing her inspiration behind these fresh summer tones. The new blushes bring the kind of warmth and depth that were previously missing - Plum (a fan-favourite from the Lip Collection) brings a rich berry tone to cheeks, while Rust is the ultimate faux-sunburn hue - minus the UV damage. These tones flatter a wide range of skin tones and channel that effortless summer glow. As for Oak, it's a game-changer. Described by REFY as a medium bronze with a neutral-cool undertone, it sits perfectly between the existing bronzer shades. Personally, I'd been alternating between Dune and Tan, never quite finding my match - until now. Oak gives dimension without looking overly sculpted, and it blends seamlessly into the skin with that signature REFY cream finish. What makes this launch so compelling is that it doesn't reinvent the wheel - it simply completes it. It's everything I love about REFY's best-selling formulas, now in shades that feel tailored for summer and more inclusive than ever. If you're already a fan of the brand's skin-enhancing textures, this trio is bound to become your warm-weather essential. Spoiler: I'm completely sold - and you will be too. 1. REFY Cream Bronzer - Oak 2. REFY Cream Blush - Rust 3. REFY Cream Blush - Plum Georgia Scott is a beauty and fashion product writer writing across brands such as heat, Closer, Grazia and Yours specialising in all things lifestyle and trending. Before starting at Bauer, Georgia completed her degree in Journalism at University and worked as a retail beauty advisor and make-up artist.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Two Wicklow properties totalling over 90 acres to be sold at auction
Located in Ballymaghroe, 1.7km from the village of Knockananna, the expansive 58-acre property, which is fit for 'a range of agricultural uses' will be sold in one or more lots on June 18 at 12 pm. Comprising lands that are currently in grass and have good road frontage, the property is being offered in four lots. Lot 1 is c. 14.413 acres of good quality grassland with outbuildings, while Lot 2 (c. 17.385 acres) and Lot 3 (c. 26.353 acres) are suitable for rough grazing and have potential for forestry plantation, subject to the relevant planning permission, and Lot 4 is the entire. Noting that the property will 'suit a range of agricultural uses', offering level, easily accessible fields ideal for grazing or tillage, a spokesperson for Quinn Property said: 'The holdings` convenient location and natural layout make an attractive investment for both farming and future development potential. 'Planning for a residence may be achievable, subject to planning permission.' On June 27 at 11 am, a c. 35.6-acre forestry holding in Rosnastraw, 4km from Tinahely, will be sold at a guided price of €220,000 for the 'prime parcel of forestry land'. Featuring extensive road frontage onto the R748, the property is currently growing a crop of mature timber, comprising mainly Sitka Spruce and Scots Pine and a small quantity of Oak, with the Scots Pine planted in 2000 and the remainder in 1994. 'Due to the extensive road frontage, there may be site potential, subject to the relevant planning permission being obtained,' the Quinn Property spokesperson said. 'Whether you're an investor, conservationist, timber harvester, or outdoor enthusiast, this property offers abundant resources and endless potential.'
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
We completely transformed our fake-wood, dated kitchen for less than £150 – there was ZERO priming needed too
A WOMAN has been praised after sharing how she transformed her dated kitchen for less than £150. Not only that, but there was absolutely no priming involved. Advertisement 6 Natalie took to TikTok to share how she completely transformed her kitchen for under £150 Credit: TikTok/@everythingnatalie_ 6 She also didn't even have to prime the cupboards before painting - thanks to the paint she used Credit: TikTok/@everythingnatalie_ 6 The worktops were also changed to a much lighter colour Credit: TikTok/@everythingnatalie_ 6 She didn't want to fork out for new cupboard handles, so ended up spraying the old ones black Credit: TikTok/@everythingnatalie_ Natalie "We used Frenchic trim paint in the colour Stone Rosie for the cupboards, and we went with the trim paint because we wanted a sheen finish," she explained. "And another amazing thing about it - it self primes and it self seals! "We used a total of three tins." Advertisement Read more Home stories To give the worktops a new look, she used the DC Fix Vinyl in Ribbeck Oak from B&Q. It's heat resistant up to 70 degrees Celsius, but it's advisable not to put hot items directly on it - and to use worktop savers or trivets instead. The final question Natalie answered in the clip was about her cupboard handles. "I didn't realise how expensive new door handles would be and I needed a total of 18 and that wasn't cheap," she said. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive "So to keep the costs down I did respray them. "And for that we just used the Rust-Oleum Black Matte Spray Paint and a clear matte sealant over the top." Stacey Solomon reveals 99p transformation of grubby kitchen unit she picked up on Facebook Marketplace so it looks brand new She concluded her video by sharing a budget breakdown, revealing that she spent £146.83 on giving the kitchen a whole new look. "I don't think that's bad at all, let me know what you think!" she said. Advertisement The comments section was quickly filled, with one person asking: "Did you sand the cupboards first? "And how many coats? Can you tell it's painted? "I'm wanting to do mine but I'm scared if looks awful close up!" To which Natalie replied: "Yes, we lightly sanded them with 120 grit and then washed it down with sugar soap. Advertisement What are the biggest kitchen trends of 2025? The kitchen is the heart of every home and this year it's taking centre stage, Tracy Coleman, Product Director at told Fabulous. Hardworking appliances Space-saving essentials are needed in every room of the house, and the kitchen is no exception, meaning appliances are often doing double (or triple) the job. Expect to see air fryer ovens that roast, bake, and fry or blenders with attachments for everything from chopping to grinding. Health and wellness With people becoming more mindful of what they eat and how it impacts their well-being, kitchen appliances are stepping up to meet the demand for healthier, more balanced lifestyles. Air fryers remain hugely popular, along with blenders and juicers that retain nutrients. Energy-bill conscious Finally, with rising energy bills and an increased focus on sustainability, people are turning to appliances that help reduce power consumption and keep costs down. More people are finding joy in cooking at home as a cost-effective way to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals. Cooking at home doesn't just save money—it's also a fun way to bring the family together or experiment with new recipes. With the right tools, such as multi-functional appliances and smart kitchen gadgets, creating meals at home becomes easier, faster, and more satisfying. "We did three coats but could have got away with two. "There's one door you can slightly see roller marks but unless you are close up, you'd never know!" "Wow this is really inspiring," another added. "It looks amazing. I desperately need to do mine," a third commented. Advertisement "That's flipping gorgeous - lovely and clean and bright!" someone else wrote. "Looks brilliant, nice work and a bargain!" another praised. "So many people, including me, get hooked on having someone into do jobs. "This is proof you don't need to." Advertisement "Absolutely love this - you've inspired me," someone else gushed. 6 The new kitchen looks "bright and lovely", people commented on the video Credit: TikTok/@everythingnatalie_ 6 Natalie also shared a budget breakdown of the transformation Credit: TikTok/@everythingnatalie_
Technical.ly
27-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
This Week in Jobs: Pour yourself some Java and check out these 20 tech career opportunities
This week, we're returning, once again, to the year 1995. It was May 27, 30 years ago to the day, and Sun Microsystems released a programming language called Oak, running a demo of interactive content in Netscape Navigator at SunWorld '95. Due to a trademark issue, it wouldn't be known as Oak for long. Its new name? Java. Java, with its 'Write Once, Run Anywhere' philosophy, changed both software development and web browsers — Java applets, tiny programs that enhanced web pages beyond what simple HTML could do, enabled things like animations, interactive charts, and file processing. Java was quickly adopted by enterprise and became one of the largest software languages, driving ecosystems, banking systems and Android apps. Today, 15 years after Sun Microsystems was acquired by Oracle, Java is still the dominant language for enterprise backend applications. If you're searching for a job at a financial institution or large corporation, you likely have Java certification. Whatever your coding language of choice, let's get to the job listings. The News is getting a new reporter: Meet Baltimore County's Maria Eberhart. Experts debate how to handle AI's role in US-China relations at Johns Hopkins University forum. Pittsburgh Public Schools weigh adoption of a $2 million deal with a Philly startup to upgrade its cafeteria logistics. How machine learning can help prevent burnout in healthcare workers. . Client Spotlight Certara has a truly global footprint, and is a leader in biosimulation, model-informed drug development and clinical trial data standardization and workflow automation. The company has proven a draw for technologists who prefer autonomy and thrive on the challenge of doing application development in a highly specialized scientific domain. The Jobs Greater Philly The City of Philadelphia is hiring an Information Technology Support Coordinator. Drexel University has a job listing for a Web Support Specialist. Software company Certara is seeking a Senior Software Engineer. Dental technology company Kleer and Membersy needs an Integration Engineer. MetaTechnical in Narberth is hiring an IT Support Technician. DC + Baltimore Startup investor Techstars is looking for an Investment Manager in DC. Coworking space Spark Baltimore is seeking a Community Manager. Enoch Pratt Free Library has an opening for a Digital Equity Coordinator who will be a member of the Department of Innovation and Technology. Brooksource needs a Business Analyst. DataAnnotation is looking for Data Engineers to help train AI models. Pittsburgh Allegheny County is hiring an Information Systems Specialist. Professional services firm KPMG has a listing for Marketing Cloud Technical Lead. Bridgeway in Coraopolis is seeking an IT Service and Support Specialist. Westco needs a hybrid IT Technology Lead. GE Vernova is hiring for . The End Those are the jobs — get yourself to a cup of joe and apply.
