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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
In school I was told ‘try for factory job' – making it in music was much more difficult for working class, says Imelda
'I remember trying to get into art college, and one of the nuns was making a laughing stock of me, you know, saying, 'Who do you think you are? You? Trying to get into art college?'' HUMBLE BEGINNINGS In school I was told 'try for factory job' – making it in music was much more difficult for working class, says Imelda IMELDA May has opened up about her battle to make it as a singer, having come from a working class area in the heart of Dublin city. The star has worked with some of the great musicians and songwriters of all time, and is currently receiving rave reviews as the star in Mother of All The Behans at the 3Olympia Theatre. Advertisement 5 Imelda May has worked with some of the greatest musicians and songwriters of all time Credit: Getty 5 Imelda is starring in the play Mother Of All The Behans,which moves from Dublin to Belfast's Grand Opera House next week Credit: PR Handout 5 Imelda May with music legends Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart 5 Imelda told us she accidentally interrupted Noel Gallagher in the middle of a recording session Credit: Redferns But she admits it was a hard graft to get where she is today and many in her community never believed it would happen for her. Advertisement Imelda, 51, said: 'When I was in school, we were told you'd be lucky if you get into the local factory, do you know? Aim for Guinness'. Don't get pregnant. You might be a secretary — it was that kind of stuff. 'And I remember trying to get into art college, and one of the nuns was making a laughing stock of me, you know, saying, 'Who do you think you are? You? Trying to get into art college?' This is me trying to do a portfolio to get into art college and she said, 'You're not doing it in school time, are you joking, who do you think you are?' 'It's much easier for people who have either had a few bob to fall back on, parents that would help fund buying instruments and having the space, even the garage — we didn't even have a garden — to rehearse in. Things like that, like practicalities like that are tough.' Imelda stars as acclaimed author Brendan Behan's mammy Kathleen in an evening of songs and stories celebrating her life in Mother of All The Behans, which was adapted for the stage by Peter Sheridan from the book by Brian Behan. And she said she identifies with the character as someone who is from a working class background herself, having been born and raised in The Liberties in Dublin — and called for more support for people from the same background. Advertisement 'I THINK THE ARTS GIVES YOU FREEDOM' Imelda explained: 'I think there should be way more working class kids in the arts. 'So really, I'm a big believer in the arts and for working class people, because it's very, very difficult. 'You know, Brendan Behan and Kathleen Behan were working class. Sean O'Casey was working class. I'm working class. The Liberties was kind of known as an underprivileged area and I think the arts gives you freedom. The arts saves. 'The arts can save any soul in the world, but you have to be dedicated and you have to be ready to educate yourself.' Imelda May opens up on friendship with late Irish icon She added: 'I was 15 when I started. I was properly gigging and working at it for a long time. It wasn't that I was only doing it to break through, whether it worked for me or not I'd still be doing it. Advertisement 'It's not a choice. It's something that I have to do or I die inside. 'The only problem is obviously paying your bills. So I was working during the day and gigging at night. I was working as a waitress, I was working in a garage, I worked in a launderette, I worked in a nursing home as a carer. 'And I loved that job. I loved being a carer. It was such a privilege to look after people, especially as they left this world. So really, I'm a big believer in the arts and for working class people, because it's very, very difficult" Imelda May 'That made you really see the world in a different way. 'I'd sing to them actually, I'd sing to them in the bed if they wanted, but I'd gig at night, I'd be writing songs over the weekend. Advertisement OASIS INTERRUPTION 'So I think it's difficult for people when you are trying to make ends meet. Music is a tough business. The arts, it's really hard. You have to have a backbone of steel.' The star also told of the time she accidentally interrupted Oasis great Noel Gallagher in the middle of a recording session as he worked on a song with her and Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood four years ago. She recalls: 'I thought he was just rehearsing, I walked in on him asking did he want a cup of tea! I was like, 'I've made a bit of cake, do you want a bit?' 'He's like, 'F*** sake, Imelda! I was in the middle of the best solo I've ever done!' But he's very proud of being Irish.' Imelda's show moves from Dublin to Belfast's Grand Opera House next week, opening on August 18 the day after the Oasis double-header in Croke Park. Advertisement She added: 'I'd love to see them, of course, they're flying high. 'My own show has been going phenomenally well, it's been incredible. 'The tickets are flying out the door and I've been having a standing ovation every night, which is phenomenal. 'It's just wonderful that it's been received so well. 'You know, people are just jumping up to their feet before I'm nearly finished the end of the song. Advertisement 'So that's great after all the work that went in, to have that response is really fantastic.' 'QUEEN OF IRELAND' It is her latest career highlight. But she wants to set the record straight over a reported claim Bono called her 'the queen of Ireland' when she guested at a U2 concert in Dublin. She laughs: 'Bono called me 'the other queen of Ireland'. And that went all over the place, and everybody was saying, 'How dare he, we don't have a queen of Ireland!' 'It was all taken out context, because what he had was, before me, he had Panti Bliss on, the best drag queen in Ireland. And when Panti Bliss came on he says, 'Welcome the queen of Ireland, Panti Bliss'. And then when I came on he went, 'And the other queen of Ireland, Imelda May!' 'Well, they cut out that front bit. You can imagine the ructions that caused — the other queen of Ireland? Hang on a second! Advertisement 'But you learn and watch from these brilliant legends, Rod Stewart and Robert Plant and all of these gorgeous people that I've got to work with. You take it in like a sponge and you work really hard and then you feel like, 'Yeah, I'm all right to be here'. 'And like with this play, I've worked and worked and worked on it. I'm constantly going over the lines and putting the work in, so I think if you put the effort in and you're in a comfortable place, work extra hard with it and know your stuff, know your songs, then you get to enjoy it.' MOTHER of All The Behans takes place at Belfast's Grand Opera House from August 18-23. Visit for tickets and further details.
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The ‘Ozempic-like' breakfast to turbocharge your weight loss – & five commuter-friendly recipes to help lose the pounds
IF you're on a weight loss jab, you'll have a suppressed appetite and feel full quickly after eating - the ideal recipe for droping fat fast. But you may not be keen on jabs, like 7 The best breakfast choice will have a source of protein, fibre and healthy fats Credit: Getty 7 Reema Pillai reveals five healthy breakfasts that are suitable for home and work Credit: PR Handout If you're watching your weight – or trying to lose some – it all starts with 'the most important meal of the day'. Reema Pillai, dietitian at energy stable throughout the morning." You won't be reaching for snacks, sugar or caffeine to fuel you - only your next meal. We all want a breakfast that's tasty, affordable and for many, on-the-go. So it's no wonder that 'healthy' often drops off the list of non-negotiables. But if you can eat something that's both filling and low in fattening ingredients, you're onto a winner - and food choices over the rest of the day are likely to follow. "A good breakfast choice will have a source of protein and often a source of fibre and healthy fats," says Reema. Here, Reema recommends five fast, healthy breakfasts with minimal prep and washing up, suitable for home and work. 1. Overnight oats 7 Make a big batch of overnight oats to keep you going for the week Credit: Getty Oats are rich in beta-glucan fibre, which aids the release of GLP-1 – the hormone made synthetically for injections like Many of us have tried porridge before, but have you given overnight oats a try? A pple crumble, peanut butter and jam, carrot cake – cold oats can be inspired by any of your favourite dessert flavours. Reema says: 'You can make a big batch to keep you going for the week.' To make overnight oats, mix five tablespoons of oats with 200ml of milk and a couple of tablespoons of Greek yoghurt. The oats should have enough liquid to soak up. Use toppings like nuts, seeds, and fresh or frozen fruit, which will defrost overnight. Leave it overnight in the fridge (it becomes thicker), then enjoy it cold or warmed up the next day. NHS healthy snack tips and ideas for kids Reema says: 'My favourite combinations are peanut butter and chopped banana, shredded carrot with cinnamon and flaxseeds or grated apple or pear with pumpkin and chia seeds.' 2. Smoothie 7 Smoothies are great for when you need a quick breakfast Credit: Getty Images A smoothie is a breakfast that hits all the main food groups (protein, fats and carbs) that will fill your belly fast. Reema says to try fruit like pineapple and banana, add yoghurt [protein] or protein powder and mix with milk and water. Oats can offer more carbs, while a teaspoon of peanut butter or half an avocado will provide healthy fats. You could sweeten with honey. It's also perfect for when you have to dash out of the house. Reema says: 'Prep the ingredients the night before and keep them in the fridge. In the morning, blend the smoothie, transfer to a portable cup and enjoy it on your commute or at work.' You can buy portable smoothie cups. Portable blenders, such as Ninja Blast (£49, or Nutribullet's model (£32, Argos), let you blend once you get to your destination to avoid any separating on route. 3. Egg muffin Prefer savoury to sweet? Eggs are high in protein - the most filling macronutrient over fats and carbs - and low in Make egg muffins in minutes on a Sunday evening and you have breakfast sorted for days. Reema says: 'Make a large batch of an omelette mixture and then split these into muffin cases and bake. Mix in spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms for a fibre boost, plus a bit of cheese, herbs and spring onions for flavour.' You could also add feta cheese, black olives or chilli flakes. Try six eggs for a batch of 12, use silicone muffin cases for ease of cleaning and bake for around 20 minutes at 180C. 'Then you can take some to work and eat cold or warm in the microwave,' says Reema. 7 These egg muffins are high in protein and low in calories Credit: Getty Images 4. Granola Keep it simple with old-fashioned yoghurt, fruit and granola. Greek yoghurt is high in protein (9g per 100g), and for some healthy fats, add a small handful of nuts. But be wary that this can become a high-sugar breakfast quickly. Reema says: 'Purchase a good quality, low-sugar whole grain granola and this can be a quick and easy choice.' Try Eat Natural low sugar whole grain oats granola (£2.10 with a Nectar card) or Lizi's low sugar granola nuts & seeds (£4, Tesco). 'Combine a few tablespoons of Greek yoghurt with a handful of granola and a couple of servings of fruit,' Reema says. 'Store in a container in the fridge overnight, or prep it in the morning.' 7 Keep things simple with old-fashioned yoghurt, fruit and granola Credit: Getty Images 5. Cottage cheese toast An excellent source of protein, cottage cheese is having a 'moment' among the viral TikTok chefs. A 100g serving contains 11g of protein but only 160 calories. It is versatile, working with both sweet and savoury ingredients. The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Reema says: 'If you are at home, a speedy breakfast would be a slice of good-quality wholemeal bread or sourdough, topped with an optional half avocado mashed and a few spoons of cottage cheese. 'Season well with lemon, black pepper and chilli flakes. 'If you fancy, top with a spoon of kimchi for a spicy kick and an extra dose of gut-friendly probiotic bacteria!' 7 Cottage cheese and avocado on toast work with both sweet and savoury ingredients Credit: Getty Images How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake : Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels : Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings : Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety : Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake : When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage : High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism : Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being.
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The ‘Ozempic-like' breakfast to turbocharge your weight loss – & five commuter-friendly recipes to help lose the pounds
Don't despair, if you can't afford to shell out for weight loss jabs or just don't like the idea of them, there is another way... and it starts with a few simple tweaks to your first meal of the day BREAK YOUR FAST The 'Ozempic-like' breakfast to turbocharge your weight loss – & five commuter-friendly recipes to help lose the pounds Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're on a weight loss jab, you'll have a suppressed appetite and feel full quickly after eating - the ideal recipe for droping fat fast. But you may not be keen on jabs, like Mounjaro and Wegovy, or won't be eligible under NHS criteria - so what else can you do? Your food choices can help create the same effect. 7 The best breakfast choice will have a source of protein, fibre and healthy fats Credit: Getty 7 Reema Pillai reveals five healthy breakfasts that are suitable for home and work Credit: PR Handout If you're watching your weight – or trying to lose some – it all starts with 'the most important meal of the day'. Reema Pillai, dietitian at Dietitian Fit, tells Sun Health: 'Starting with a balanced and nutritious meal in the morning sets you up for the day by satisfying hunger, managing satiety levels and keeping your energy stable throughout the morning." You won't be reaching for snacks, sugar or caffeine to fuel you - only your next meal. We all want a breakfast that's tasty, affordable and for many, on-the-go. So it's no wonder that 'healthy' often drops off the list of non-negotiables. But if you can eat something that's both filling and low in fattening ingredients, you're onto a winner - and food choices over the rest of the day are likely to follow. "A good breakfast choice will have a source of protein and often a source of fibre and healthy fats," says Reema. Here, Reema recommends five fast, healthy breakfasts with minimal prep and washing up, suitable for home and work. 1. Overnight oats 7 Make a big batch of overnight oats to keep you going for the week Credit: Getty Oats are rich in beta-glucan fibre, which aids the release of GLP-1 – the hormone made synthetically for injections like Ozempic, Wegovy and Monjaro to supercharge weight loss. It signals to the brain that you're full. Many of us have tried porridge before, but have you given overnight oats a try? Apple crumble, peanut butter and jam, carrot cake – cold oats can be inspired by any of your favourite dessert flavours. Reema says: 'You can make a big batch to keep you going for the week.' To make overnight oats, mix five tablespoons of oats with 200ml of milk and a couple of tablespoons of Greek yoghurt. The oats should have enough liquid to soak up. Use toppings like nuts, seeds, and fresh or frozen fruit, which will defrost overnight. Leave it overnight in the fridge (it becomes thicker), then enjoy it cold or warmed up the next day. NHS healthy snack tips and ideas for kids Reema says: 'My favourite combinations are peanut butter and chopped banana, shredded carrot with cinnamon and flaxseeds or grated apple or pear with pumpkin and chia seeds.' 2. Smoothie 7 Smoothies are great for when you need a quick breakfast Credit: Getty Images A smoothie is a breakfast that hits all the main food groups (protein, fats and carbs) that will fill your belly fast. Reema says to try fruit like pineapple and banana, add yoghurt [protein] or protein powder and mix with milk and water. Oats can offer more carbs, while a teaspoon of peanut butter or half an avocado will provide healthy fats. You could sweeten with honey. It's also perfect for when you have to dash out of the house. Reema says: 'Prep the ingredients the night before and keep them in the fridge. In the morning, blend the smoothie, transfer to a portable cup and enjoy it on your commute or at work.' You can buy portable smoothie cups. Portable blenders, such as Ninja Blast (£49, or Nutribullet's model (£32, Argos), let you blend once you get to your destination to avoid any separating on route. 3. Egg muffin Prefer savoury to sweet? Eggs are high in protein - the most filling macronutrient over fats and carbs - and low in calories. Make egg muffins in minutes on a Sunday evening and you have breakfast sorted for days. Reema says: 'Make a large batch of an omelette mixture and then split these into muffin cases and bake. Mix in spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms for a fibre boost, plus a bit of cheese, herbs and spring onions for flavour.' You could also add feta cheese, black olives or chilli flakes. Try six eggs for a batch of 12, use silicone muffin cases for ease of cleaning and bake for around 20 minutes at 180C. 'Then you can take some to work and eat cold or warm in the microwave,' says Reema. 7 These egg muffins are high in protein and low in calories Credit: Getty Images 4. Granola Keep it simple with old-fashioned yoghurt, fruit and granola. Greek yoghurt is high in protein (9g per 100g), and for some healthy fats, add a small handful of nuts. But be wary that this can become a high-sugar breakfast quickly. Reema says: 'Purchase a good quality, low-sugar whole grain granola and this can be a quick and easy choice.' Try Eat Natural low sugar whole grain oats granola (£2.10 with a Nectar card) or Lizi's low sugar granola nuts & seeds (£4, Tesco). 'Combine a few tablespoons of Greek yoghurt with a handful of granola and a couple of servings of fruit,' Reema says. 'Store in a container in the fridge overnight, or prep it in the morning.' 7 Keep things simple with old-fashioned yoghurt, fruit and granola Credit: Getty Images 5. Cottage cheese toast An excellent source of protein, cottage cheese is having a 'moment' among the viral TikTok chefs. A 100g serving contains 11g of protein but only 160 calories. It is versatile, working with both sweet and savoury ingredients. The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Reema says: 'If you are at home, a speedy breakfast would be a slice of good-quality wholemeal bread or sourdough, topped with an optional half avocado mashed and a few spoons of cottage cheese. 'Season well with lemon, black pepper and chilli flakes. 'If you fancy, top with a spoon of kimchi for a spicy kick and an extra dose of gut-friendly probiotic bacteria!' 7 Cottage cheese and avocado on toast work with both sweet and savoury ingredients Credit: Getty Images How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being.
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major boost for Irish parents as huge travel firm vows ‘kids go free' – but there's a catch
FERRY company Stena Line has announced kids can travel for free - until January next year. A report recently found 42 per cent of 1 Stena Line has announced kids can travel for free until January next year Credit: PR Handout The Legal & General's Family Holiday Report also found that almost a third said they now have a real focus on money-saving measures due to But the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with routes to Scotland, England, Wales and the French port of Cherbourg, says the Kids Go Free offer applies to all Economy and Flexi motorist fares on the Irish Sea until January 5, 2026. The routes included are: The offer is applicable to travel in either direction on the above routes, e.g. from Dublin to Holyhead and from Holyhead to Dublin. Read more in Travel However, your trip must be booked before August 31, with the offer applying to kids aged 0 to 15. Prices start from €175 per car, with one adult, and kids go free. Use the offer code KIDS when prompted in the booking process online. Stena Line has around 40 vessels running 20 routes in Northern Most read in News Travel The Swedish-owned ferry firm added: "Younger passengers can enjoy Happy World play areas, games zones, an interactive POD lounge on crossings between Belfast and Cairnryan and free movie lounges. "For the grown-ups, the relaxation begins the moment you step on board with the Pure Nordic Spa (available on the Belfast to Cairnryan route and the Rosslare to Cherbourg route), Taste Restaurant, bars, and excellent shopping all available. "And with pet-friendly travel on Stena Line routes you can even bring your four-legged friend. "For cost-conscious passengers travelling on the Dublin to Holyhead crossing and the Rosslare to Fishguard crossing, you can take advantage of Duty-Free savings on a wealth of products, including alcohol, cosmetics, fragrances, gifts, and confectionery." For more information visit Meanwhile, take a look inside the The Swedish-owned ships depart from The trip is an ideal way to stock up on goodies without breaking the bank, as shoppers can buy items tax-free and duty-free in international waters. The round trip takes about nine hours, with a 3.5-hour journey there and back and a two-hour stopover in the seaside town of Holyhead. And the ideal way to spend the trip is in the comfort of one of the two lounges on board, which can be added to your ticket. Both car and foot passengers are welcome in the eight-floor areas, and the Irish Sun recently had the chance to check them out. To enter the Hygge lounge or the Stena Plus lounge, we were given cards with a code that serves as a passcode to the lounge door. The newest addition to the ship is the Hygge lounge, inspired by and named after the The space is designed to create a relaxing atmosphere ideal for work or just some peace and quiet while on the crossing. It features glass wall windows offering a stunning sea view and rows and rows of reclining leather seats.
