Latest news with #PhoenixPark
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Mainie Jellett painting fetches record price
There was great excitement at Whyte's art auction on Monday night when the Mainie Jellett painting Achill Horses, 1933, was sold to a private collector for €210,000. This is the highest price achieved for one of the Irish modernist painter's works to date, and the second-highest for a painting by an Irish woman. Sarah Purser's portrait of Constance and Eva Gore-Booth made €239,000 at the Lissadell House auction in 2003. The Jellett painting, which had an estimate of €70,000-€100,000, was one of a series of more representational works by the artist created in the 1930s. Previously, the highest price achieved for a Jellett painting was €110,000 for The Land Eire 1940, at Whyte's in 2019. This latter painting is part of the current National Gallery exhibition, Mainie Jellett and Evie Hone: The Art of Friendship . Garden calm Thoughtfully designed and thoroughly maintained gardens are more relaxing for the mind and body, according to a new Japanese study. The researchers found a correlation between rapid gaze shifts and a reduction in heart rate and improved mood among students interacting with Kyoto's famous Murin-an garden, compared with a garden in the University of Kyoto. READ MORE Visitors to Bloom , the annual gardening festival in the Phoenix Park this weekend will no doubt be seeking inspiration on how to create moments of calm when viewing the 21 show gardens on display. While many of the show gardens focus on naturalistic planting and biodiversity, there is also a nod to heritage. The Pot Gallery Garden's uses free standing and vertical pots to show how to create green spaces on terraces and balconies, and the Estate's Essence, a mini-walled garden inspired by garden designer Patrik Weisser's work on Abbeyleix House and Farm in Co Laois, are cases in point. Victor Mee's Summer Garden sale in Co Cavan on Tuesday, June 10th and 11th, has been timed to follow Bloom, with the expectation that gardening enthusiasts will be keen to create new areas of interest in their green spaces after their visit to the country's largest and most popular gardening festival. The 2025 Summer Garden sale at Mee's auction rooms has more than 1,000 lots. Outdoor sculptures are always of interest, but this year the bronze and cast-iron statuary features a range of wild and domesticated animals, including Irish hares, horses, sheep, ducks, pigs and red squirrels. Two life-size bronze pigs (€600-€1,200) at Victor Mee's Summer Garden sale Two bronze hares (€1,500-€2,500) Two bronze geese (€600-€1,200) Take for example, the two life-size bronze pigs (€600-€1,200), the two bronze hares (€1,500-€2,500), the two bronze geese (€600-€1,200) or the bronze galloping horse (€10,000-€20,000). Peter Dowdall of the Irish Gardener says animal sculptures can do something quite magical in a garden. 'They catch the eye, spark curiosity and often bring a sense of playfulness or nostalgia,' he says. There are also some larger pieces with the potential to become the centre pieces of a garden. These include a wrought-iron English Victorian-style glasshouse (€18,000-€22,000). And, then there is the usual mix of cast-iron tables, garden seats, bird baths, sundials and a good range of troughs in limestone and granite. The French wrought-iron entrance gates (€1,500-€2,500) might be exactly what a rural or urban homeowner requires to bring a dash of style to the entrance to their property. Irish sculptor Bob Quinn's Best Night Ever (€47,000) will feature on the grounds of Cork's Castlemartyr resort Irish sculptor Eamonn Ceannt's Happy Face III (€55,000) will feature on the grounds of Cork's five-star Castlemartyr resort The five-star Castlemartyr resort in Co Cork is the venue again this year for Art and Soul, the touring art and sculpture exhibition run by Gormleys Fine Art Gallery. This is the third time that Oliver Gormley has opted to use one of Cork's most luxurious hotels as the sumptuous setting for his art and sculpture sale. With more than 350 works for sale, including pieces by world famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Banksy and Salvador Dalí, the show is an opportunity for people to view works – even if they can't afford to buy. Ninety large sculptures and installations will be set throughout the 220-acre grounds of the 18th-century manor house estate. These include works by Irish sculptors Bob Quinn (Best Night Ever, €47,000) and Eamonn Ceannt (Happy Face III, €55,000). Both sculptors are renowned for their figurative work in bronze. Following a career as a commercial artist and designer, Quinn became a full-time sculptor in 2002. His works can be seen in the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, the Newman House garden on St Stephen's Green and on the University College Dublin sculpture trail. Similarly, Eamonn Ceannt turned to sculpture later in life, after a long career in the private and public sector. His work can be seen at Blarney Castle, Co Cork; Sligo town; Bewley's Cafe on Grafton Street; and on the UCD sculpture trail. Art & Soul at Castlemartyr runs June 1st-29th, 11am-7pm daily, with guided tours at noon, 3pm and 5pm each day. There is also a series of talks by participating artists. Anyone keen to incorporate a visit into an overnight at the hotel can avail of the Art + Soul visit and stay package. Finally, the biggest Vintage and Antiques Fair, run by Robin O'Donnell of Hibernian Antiques Fairs, goes ahead next weekend, June 7th and 8th, 11am-6pm at Limerick Racecourse. Admission €5 for adults and children go free. Antique and vintage dealers will also gather to sell their wares in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, tomorrow (June 1st), 11am-5.30pm. Admission €3.50. And an Antiques, Vintage and Collectables fair will be held in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix, Co Laois, on Sunday, June 8th, noon-5.30pm. , , , What did it sell for? West of Ireland Bog by Paul Henry West of Ireland Bog, Paul Henry Estimate €120,000-€180,000 Hammer price €125,000 Auction house Whyte's Anglesea Market, Dublin, 1933 by Harry Kernoff Anglesea Market, Harry Kernoff Estimate €30,000-€50,000 Hammer price €40,000 Auction house Whyte's Mid-18th-century limestone Medici lions Mid-18th-century Medici lions Estimate €50,000-€70,000 Hammer price €42,000 Auction house Adam's A life-size bronze horse by Anthony Scott. Bronze horse, Anthony Scott Estimate €30,000-€50,000 Hammer price €26,000 Auction house Sheppard's
Irish Times
a day ago
- General
- Irish Times
Branding those opposed to Netanyahu policies as anti-Semitic is ‘slander', says Michael D Higgins
Michael D Higgins said accusations that those who criticise the policies of Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu are 'anti-Semitic' is a 'slander'. He said the 'slander' had been used against Ireland and individuals including himself. Speaking at the Bord Bia Bloom in Phoenix Park, Dublin, the President said there was an active campaign against Ireland in the United States . He said that it 'breaks my heart' that there were countries that were holding back on a ceasefire. READ MORE Mr Higgins said that more than 81 per cent of the people in Gaza had been displaced. 'They have been put into temporary accommodation that has been bombed. Their soil is being destroyed,' he said. 'Their hospitals have been bombed.' Mr Higgins, who last visited Gaza in 2006, was critical of the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, saying it was an 'entirely unaccountable body' whose executive director resigned. Jake Wood, the American heading the foundation, unexpectedly resigned, saying it had become clear that the foundation would not be allowed to operate independently. Mr Higgins said: 'One of the things you should look at is what is in the boxes they are distributing. Far from me to speak about any delay in anyone getting any relief, but they are branded products for the future private sector of retail. 'Look at the wrappings. Imagine giving a starving person something wrapped in your own brand so that you will have opportunities in the future.' He also said those who were seen to criticise Mr Netanyahu's policies were being described as anti-Semitic. 'That is a disgrace and a slander and has been a slander against Ireland, against individuals, including myself,' he said. 'People who have worked all their lives in relation to human rights activity. 'I think it has been given too much space. 'The idea that propaganda can pay against Ireland is now active in the United States, so that when we are seeking to have meetings with people who are investing in Ireland, they are being contacted in advance with a suggestion by saying, 'You must open why is Ireland so against the US position in Israel'.' He also repeated comments in which he urged the UN General Assembly to use its special powers to override the Security Council if it fails to act in Gaza. 'Now is the time, today is the day for food and medical aid and water to be made available,' he said.
The Independent
a day ago
- General
- The Independent
Branding those opposed to Netanyahu policies antisemitic is ‘slander'
Irish President Michael D Higgins said accusations that those who criticise the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are 'antisemitic' is a 'slander'. He said the slander has been used against Ireland and individuals, including the president himself. Speaking at the Bord Bia Bloom in Phoenix Park in Dublin, Mr Higgins said there is an active campaign against Ireland in the United States. He said that it 'breaks my heart' that there are countries who are holding back on a ceasefire. Mr Higgins said that more than 81% of the people in Gaza have been displaced. 'They have been put into temporary accommodation that has been bombed. Their soil is being destroyed,' he added. 'Their hospitals have been bombed.' Mr Higgins, who lasted visited Gaza in 2006, also spoke about the importance of the bakeries in the region. And he was critical of the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, saying it was an 'entirely unaccountable body', whose executive director resigned last week. Jake Wood, the American heading the foundation, unexpectedly resigned earlier this week, saying it had become clear that the foundation would not be allowed to operate independently. Mr Higgins added: 'One of the things you should look at is what is in the boxes they are distributing. Far from me to speak about any delay in anyone getting any relief but they are branded products for the future private sector of retail. 'Look at the wrappings. Imagine giving a starving person something wrapped in your own brand so that you will have opportunities in the future.' He also said that those who are seen to criticise Mr Netanyahu's policies are being described as antisemitic. 'That is a disgrace and a slander and has been a slander against Ireland, against individuals, including myself,' he said. ' People who have worked all their lives in relation to human rights activity. I think it has been given too much space. 'The idea that propaganda can pay against Ireland is now active in the United States, so that when we are seeking to have meetings with people who are investing in Ireland, they are being contacted in advance with a suggestion by saying, 'you must open why is Ireland so against the US position in Israel'.' He also repeated comments in which he urged the UN General Assembly to use its special powers to override the Security Council if it fails to act in Gaza. 'Now is the time, today is the day for food and medical aid and water to be made available,' he added.
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Branding those opposed to Netanyahu policies antisemitic is ‘slander'
President Michael D Higgins said accusations that those who criticise the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are 'antisemitic' is a 'slander'. He said the slander has been used against Ireland and individuals, including the president himself. Advertisement Speaking at the Bord Bia Bloom in Phoenix Park in Dublin, Mr Higgins said there is an active campaign against Ireland in the United States. He said that it 'breaks my heart' that there are countries who are holding back on a ceasefire. Mr Higgins said that more than 81 per cent of the people in Gaza have been displaced. 'They have been put into temporary accommodation that has been bombed. Their soil is being destroyed,' he added. Advertisement 'Their hospitals have been bombed.' Mr Higgins, who lasted visited Gaza in 2006, also spoke about the importance of the bakeries in the region. And he was critical of the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, saying it was an 'entirely unaccountable body', whose executive director resigned last week. Jake Wood, the American heading the foundation, unexpectedly resigned earlier this week, saying it had become clear that the foundation would not be allowed to operate independently. Advertisement Mr Higgins added: 'One of the things you should look at is what is in the boxes they are distributing. Far from me to speak about any delay in anyone getting any relief but they are branded products for the future private sector of retail. 'Look at the wrappings. Imagine giving a starving person something wrapped in your own brand so that you will have opportunities in the future.' He also said that those who are seen to criticise Mr Netanyahu's policies are being described as antisemitic. 'That is a disgrace and a slander and has been a slander against Ireland, against individuals, including myself,' he said. Advertisement 'People who have worked all their lives in relation to human rights activity. I think it has been given too much space. 'The idea that propaganda can pay against Ireland is now active in the United States, so that when we are seeking to have meetings with people who are investing in Ireland, they are being contacted in advance with a suggestion by saying, 'you must open why is Ireland so against the US position in Israel'.' He also repeated comments in which he urged the UN General Assembly to use its special powers to override the Security Council if it fails to act in Gaza. 'Now is the time, today is the day for food and medical aid and water to be made available,' he added. Advertisement
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Bloom festival 2025: Opening times, ticket costs, gardens to see, things to do and more
Ireland's largest gardening festival, Bloom , returns to the Phoenix Park in Dublin this weekend, marking the 19th anniversary of the event. While gardens are at the heart of Bloom, there is plenty there for everyone to enjoy. Here's all you need to know, along with some of the highlights of this year's show. Grab your sun hats (and an umbrella) ... you don't want to miss it. When is it on? This year's festival takes place across the June Bank Holiday from Thursday, May 29th to Monday, June 2nd. The event will run from 9am to 6pm each day. Where is it on? It takes place in the Phoenix Park, on a 28-hectare (70-acre) site surrounding the Visitor Centre. This can be accessed via the park's main Chesterfield Avenue Road, which runs from the Main Gate at Parkgate Street to the Castleknock Gate. [ Six easy tips for making your garden planters last all summer in Ireland ] Where can I buy tickets? Tickets for Bloom can be purchased through Ticketmaster . They cost €30 per adult and for students and senior citizens (aged 66 and over) €25 each. Tickets are only available for one day so ensure you choose the right day when purchasing. Some tickets will be available to buy on the gate but cannot be guaranteed. READ MORE Who can attend? Admission is free for two children (aged 16 and under) with one paying adult. Each additional child's ticket will cost €5. Admission is free for wheelchair users, the visually impaired and people with a disability. One accompanying carer will also receive free entry. There is disabled car parking located close to the Bloom entrances in both car parks. Dogs, unless they are guide or assistance dogs, are not permitted. How do I get there? The festival encourages visitors to take public transport where possible. By foot: It takes about 45 minutes to walk from the Parkgate Street Gate to Bloom's front entrance (Chesterfield Avenue) and about 10 minutes from the Ashtown or Cabra Gates to the rear entrance (North Road). Walking from the Castleknock Gate takes about 25 minutes. By bike: You can cycle directly to the entrance of Bloom and park and lock your bike in one of the cycle parks. By shuttle: A number of free shuttle buses will be running on a loop from Park Gate Street to the festival and back from 7am to 7pm daily. The drop-off point will be at a designated Bloom stop on Chesterfield Avenue. [ Side hustle to gold: Kerry gardener on winning medal at Chelsea Flower Show Opens in new window ] By train/Luas: If you are travelling by Dart or Intercity train into Connolly Station or by bus into Busáras, you can get on the Luas Red Line at the stops outside the stations and get off at Heuston Station. From Heuston Station, it is less than a five-minute walk to where the shuttle bus departs from Parkgate Street. If you are travelling on the Luas Green Line, which terminates at Broombridge Train Station, it is a 40-minute walk to Bloom. If getting the commuter line to Ashtown station, it is about a 20-minute walk to the festival. By bus: The 99 bus route stops outside Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park which is a 10-minute walk from the festival. You can take public buses such as routes 11, 26, 38b, 19, 99, C5 and C6 that stop on the Navan Road. You can then walk about 15 minutes to Bloom. If you are travelling on a private bus, it can park in the Papal Cross car park in the park. By car: Traffic coming from the city centre can use the Cabra Gate via Black Horse Avenue, the Main Gate to Phoenix Park and the NCR Gate. Traffic coming from the north side and the M50 can use the Castleknock Gate, Ashtown Gate, Knockmaroon Gate or the Chapelizod Gate. Once you enter the park, follow signs to the nearest car park. Parking costs €10 per day and parking passes can be purchased from Ticketmaster when purchasing your entry ticket. What will you see? With more than 300 talks, demonstrations, performances and workshops taking place at Bloom, there is plenty to keep you busy across the weekend. One of the main attractions at Bloom is the Show Gardens, which see some of the most talented designers from Ireland and overseas create spectacular gardens. This year's festival will have 21 different gardens on show, giving you with lots of inspiration for your own gardens at home. There will also be 11 Postcard gardens that have been created by amateur gardeners from community groups and schools across Ireland to showcase their local area or issues that matter to them. The winner of Bloom's Cultivating Talent programme, Sarah Cotterill, an Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering at University College Dublin, will showcase her 'Into the Forest' show garden at Bloom. The Nursery Village will host large displays from 17 nurseries and floral artists to provide you with plenty of ideas for your garden space this summer. Garden designers and television presenters Diarmuid Gavin and Adam Frost will headline a busy programme of talks and discussion panels with presentations from show garden designer Leonie Cornelius, Niall McCauley of 'Niall Gardens' on YouTube, and many more. There will also be a series of 'Polytunnel Talks' from expert speakers on all aspects of kitchen gardening. The Westland Potting Shed is offering a hands-on experience for gardening newbies, experts and everything in between. Visitors will get to plant their chosen seeds, decorate their pot and learn gardening techniques to nurture their seeds into thriving plants. For little ones, the Budding Bloomers stage will host an array of children's activities across the weekend including a magical Science of Bubbles show with Scientific Sue and lessons on bees and growing your own food will be provided by Paddy Courtney. Face painters will also be in attendance at the Budding Bloomers Children's Area. If you fancy a bit of retail therapy, there are plenty of options to choose from such as, the Indoor Shopping Pavilion, the Plant Emporium, the Nursery Village, the Design and Crafts Council Ireland Irish Craft Village and many more. Where can I get something to eat? The Food Hall at Bloom's Food Village has more than 100 Irish artisan producers. The possibilities are endless from chocolate, to cheese and oysters or teas. If you are in the mood for an afternoon tipple, why not pop over to the Bloom Inn where some of Ireland's best craft brewers and distillers will be and enjoy a drink. You can watch your favourite chefs in action such as Donal Skehan, Neven Maguire, Aishling Moore and Catherine Fulvio, who are just some of the culinary stars that will take to the stage for 30 live demos across the weekend. For the real foodies, there will also be a special three-course menu experience, 'A Taste of Bloom, curated by Neven.' Tickets for the 'Taste of Bloom' package can be purchased on Ticketmaster for €79 per person and also include entry into the festival. A whole host of delicious food options will be available to cater for the whole family from The Seafood Terrace, Country Crest Restaurant or a choice of options from more than 60 food trucks. What will the weather forecast be? Met Éireann forecasts Thursday to have a range of temperatures from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius with some cloud and patchy rain. Friday will be cloudy with some scattered showers. The weather will start to brighten up on Saturday but may be followed by some possibly heavy showers. Sunday will see a mix of sunshine and showers with temperatures from 10 to 16 degrees Celsius. Monday is expected to be dry and bright with a few scattered showers. Anything else? There will be free waterpoints to refill your bottles at the event entrances, the showgardens, the Budding Bloomers area, the picnic area and in the Food Village. There will be wifi hotspots will be located across the showgrounds. If you buy any plants at Bloom, don't worry about carrying them around. Bloom has you covered with a complimentary Plant Creche where you can leave your purchases. The festival also runs a 'wheelbarrow taxi service' to help people get their purchased plants back to their car, in the Red or Green car park. You are not allowed to stay overnight at the festival. Any other information can be found at .
