Latest news with #Swedes
Daily Mirror
36 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ace of Base now as iconic 90s band suffer Eurovision failure and knifeman terror
Swedish Europop group Ace of Base were once some of the biggest names in music, but their story is one that is filled with surprise achievements, failures and regret Ace of Base, the creators of some of the most iconic Europop tunes of the 90s, have had a rollercoaster journey. Their story is filled with everything from humble beginnings in Sweden to gangland threats and even an unsuccessful Eurovision attempt... The Scandinavian electro-pop band was first established in 1987 in Gothenberg, consisting of siblings Jonas, Linn and Jenny Berggren, with Ulf Ekberg rounding off the quartet. They started their journey performing in various clubs around the Swedish city but initially found it tough to gain traction, as heavy metal was the preferred genre for Swedes at the time, quite different from their techno sound. However, after their single Wheel of Fortune hit the charts, their subsequent release, All that She Wants, catapulted them to global fame, earning platinum certification and topping the UK charts for three consecutive weeks in 1993. Their success continued with hits like The Sign, becoming club favourites worldwide in the early 90s. But, just as swiftly as they rose to stardom, they faded into obscurity. The band was last seen performing in a series of concerts between 2007 and 2009 as a trio without Linn. Since then, the original members of the band have all embarked on very different journeys:, reports the Daily Record. Jenny Berggren Jenny, the only ex-member from the band to embark on a solo career after departing in the late 00s, also turned her hand to writing. She released her autobiography, Vinna hela världen, in 2009. However, a promised English version, titled To Win the World, never emerged. Her solo musical journey began with Here I Am in 2010, peaking at number 14 in Swedish charts; she followed up with Gotta Go, and unveiled her maiden album, My Story, that year. 2010 saw another bid for the spotlight as Jenny contended for the honour of representing Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with Let Your Heart B Mine, but didn't secure the nomination. Fast forward, Jenny starred in the 2024 documentary Ace of Base: All That She Wants, telling the band's story alongside Ulf. She reflected on a terrifying incident from the early '90s in which a fan invaded her home and threatened her life by holding a knife to her throat. Reliving the harrowing moment with People, she asserted: "I think that was when the star was born in me. I wanted to sing. I had to calculate with all the dangers, and I just realised, 'No, I want to sing. This is what I want'." Ulf Ekberg Meanwhile, band founder Ulf Ekberg has swapped melodies for tech ventures back home. In conversation with ABC, Ekberg expressed his enthusiasm about the tech buzz: "There's so many tech companies in Sweden, especially Stockholm. "I'm interested in creating a sector in technology and music. I'm building companies, and it's been a fantastic last five years. It feels like everything is exploding here. We are in a lot of different sectors, but we try to keep it to the creative sectors as much as possible; movies, TV, music and entertainment, which are obviously very close to my heart." The documentary last year also saw Ulf candidly discuss his past affiliations with a far-right extremist group during his teens in Sweden, expressing profound remorse for his actions. Speaking to People, he continued: "I think it's a very important topic to talk about because it is a very angry world we live in right now. It's much more angry than when I was a teenager. "I hope that maybe that part of this documentary can show that even if you are completely lost, you can always find your way and it's never too late - which, I was blessed with a second chance in my life." Jonas and Linn Berggren Post-band life has seen Jonas and Linn Berggren shying away from the limelight, especially Linn who has kept her distance from the glare of fame. Jonas briefly emerged to attend an event highlighted at the end of the documentary, while Linn decided to contribute through a letter read by Jenny in the concluding episode. The band, however, did reunite for a one-off celebration on their 30th anniversary. Much to the joy of numerous fans, they returned to headline the 90s Nostalgic Electric Circus festival in Canada, donning black lace and flower-inspired outfits.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Huge 90s band Ace Of Base now from Eurovision failure to extremist gang regrets
From being involved in a far-right extremist gang to failing to qualify for Eurovision, the members of hit 90s group Ace of Base have been on quite the journey during their lifetime... Behind some of the best Europop songs of the 90s, Ace of Base have had a wild history. From humble beginnings in Sweden to gangland threats and even an unsuccessful Eurovision attempt, their story has everything... The Scandinavian electro-pop group was first formed in 1987 in Gothenberg, and was made up of siblings Jonas, Linn and Jenny Berggren with the quartet then being completed with founding member Ulf Ekberg. The group began working their way around the clubs of the Swedish city but struggled to take off, with heavy metal being the go-to for Swedes at the time, a far cry from the techno sound. But, after the release of the single Wheel of Fortune broke them into the charts, their next release, All that She Wants, would make them a hit across the world, as the track became certified platinum topping the UK charts for three weeks straight in 1993. They would continue to build on their success with hits like The Sign, becoming staples of clubs across the world in the early 90s. But, just as quickly as they shot to fame, they would as quickly disappear into obscurity. The group were last seen in a series of concerts between 2007 and 2009 as a trio without Linn, but since then the band's original members have all gone down some very different paths: Jenny Berggren After leaving the band in the late 00s, Jenny was the only member to continue recording music with a solo career, as well as turning to writing. In 2009 she published her autobiography, Vinna hela världen, and although an English version translated to 'To Win the World' was due to be released, it never came to fruition. In 2010 she released her first single, Here I Am, which only reached 14 on the Swedish charts before releasing her second single, Gotta Go, and her first album My Story that same year. The same year she was in the running to be the Danish contestant for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with her song, Let Your Heart B Mine, but she failed to get through and gain the nomination for the country to go to the event. She also appeared alongside Ulf in the 2024 for the Ace of Base: All That She Wants documentary looking at the band's story. In the show, she also recounts a scary experience when a fan broke into her home and held a knife to her throat in the early '90s Speaking to People about the ordeal, she said: 'I think that was when the star was born in me. I wanted to sing. I had to calculate with all the dangers, and I just realised, 'No, I want to sing. This is what I want'.' Ulf Ekberg Founder Ulf Ekberg has found himself working with and trying to grow tech start ups in Sweden. Speaking to ABC, the former musician said: "There's so many tech companies in Sweden, especially Stockholm. "I'm interested in creating a sector in technology and music. I'm building companies, and it's been a fantastic last five years. It feels like everything is exploding here. We are in a lot of different sectors, but we try to keep it to the creative sectors as much as possible; movies, TV, music and entertainment, which are obviously very close to my heart." In last year's documentary, Ulf also talks about his involvement with the far-right extremist gang in Sweden as a teenager, something that has shown his deep regret for. In the People interview, he added: 'I think it's a very important topic to talk about because it is a very angry world we live in right now. It's much more angry than when I was a teenager. 'I hope that maybe that part of this documentary can show that even if you are completely lost, you can always find your way and it's never too late — which, I was blessed with a second chance in my life." Jonas and Linn Berggren Since the end of the band, two have stepped back away from the public eye with Linn in particular staying away from the spotlight of fame. Jonas made a very brief appearance at an event covered at the end of the documentary, while Linn chose to write a letter which Jenny reads in the final episode. The band however did come back together for a one-off reunion on their 30th anniversary. To the delight of many fans, they came back to headline the 90s Nostalgic Electric Circus festival in Canada dressed up in black lace and flower-inspired outfits.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Summer 2025 in Ireland: 50 great ways to spend your days
We got a real sense of what it must be like to live somewhere gorgeously warm and sunny over the course of a decent chunk of April and May, with long spells of dry weather and blue skies turning Ireland into a kind of magical outdoor playground. It couldn't – and indeed didn't – last, but all the pleasantness will have left many yearning for a life outdoors, and looking for ideas for lovely ways to spend summer days. While we can't guarantee a stretch of warm sunshine over the months ahead – we've had many false dawns in the past – it's always possible to knock a bit of craic out of Ireland no matter what the weather. But as the Germans (or Swedes, or Dutch or Finns) say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing and the key thing is to make plans and then stick with them even if it isn't as lovely as you might have hoped. READ MORE Fish and chips eaten al fresco tastes (almost) as lovely on a grey day as on a sunny one, and a hike or cycle along one of the many 'Ways' criss-crossing the country and snaking around our coasts can be just as enjoyable – and sometimes even more so – when the sun isn't beating down. And then, of course, there is the water which we have in abundance in Ireland. One of the best things about a day spent kayaking or surfing or boogie boarding is that it doesn't make a blind bit of difference what the weather is like and you can have as much fun splashing around in the sea or a nearby lake (but safely, please) when it is lashing as when it is dry. If you are starved for inspiration on what to do on dry land or by the sea this summer, don't panic, we have you covered. This list was complied by Rosita Boland, Jessica Doyle, Alanna Gallagher, Corinna Hardgrave, Róisín Ingle, Katie Mellett, Cathal O'Gara, Nadine O'Regan, Conor Pope, Úna McCaffrey and Gemma Tipton By the water Take a dip at Barley Cove Co Cork Barley Cove in Co Cork. Photograph: Peter Cox Jump off the sand dunes, splash in the invigorating surf, build a sandcastle or delight in a long and leisurely walk: Barley Cove beach might be a relatively isolated spot, situated as it is just a few kilometres from Mizen Head, Ireland's most southwesterly point, but on a sunny day, there are few places more glorious in the country to find yourself. After a bracing dip, venture down the road to the village of Crookhaven to enjoy a creamy pint of Murphy's at O'Sullivan's, and a spectacular seafood dinner at Nottage's, taking your pick of offerings from crab lasagne to monkfish and prawn masala. NO'R Roguey Cliff Walk Bundoran, Co Donegal The waterfront of Bundoran town. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Fancier tourists might be tempted to write off Bundoran's simple, honest pleasures, but this would mean missing out on one of the country's most glorious Atlantic walks. Start with a view of the surfers at Tullan Strand, make your way down the Green Hill and stop for a 99 or a bag of chips on the Main Street, before looping back up through the East End. Sea air as it should be. UMcC Swim and sundowners Kinsale, Co Cork Charles Fort, Kinsale, Co Cork. Photograph: Paddy Whelan Irish summer in the sun. Illustration: Kiera Murphy/ Walk the path below Kinsale's Charles Fort to find a sweet swimming spot off the rocks, with a dab of beach at low tide, then bask yourself dry before coming back up the hill to Shirley's Fish and Chip Van. Shirley's family is in the fishing biz, so your supper is fresh off the boats, and the views as you munch are marvellous. See FishAtTheFort on Facebook for opening hours. Head west out of Kinsale to find The Dock pub, across what locals still describe as 'the new bridge' (actually built in the 1970s). There's a sheltered beach hidden behind it, with walks around the headland at James Fort. Salty post-swim locals spill out to The Dock after, sipping sundowners as boats bob on the marina. GT Blackwater river walk or swim Lismore, Co Waterford In July and August the Blackwater river gets dammed at the spot just below the bridge below the Castle to make a safe swimming spot. Park opposite the filling station, and walk a short distance to find delighted kids rushing the weir on inner tubes, and dare a chilly plunge yourself. Quench your thirst after at the Red House. Lismore Castle's gardens are gorgeous in summer and there's great coffee, as well as great art at the gallery. Go on a Sunday for the Farmers' Market, but whatever day you go, take Lady Louisa's Walk from behind the cathedral. Duck down to the left to the Blackwater when you get to a crossroads on the path, for a gorgeous riverside walk. Stay at The Dairy Cottage, sleeping eight via Airbnb. GT Kayaking on the Blackwater Villierstown, Co Waterford Paddleboarding down the Blackwater River, Villierstown, Co Waterford Hire a kayak to get a gentle taste of life on the river. From €15, . As this is the Blackwater, it also means views of some huge and impressive stately piles. Stay at one of them: Ballyvolane, where your evening cocktail comes with garden garnishes, . Pro tip: kayak out up river, to glide back down when muscles are tired. GT Sunset on deck River Shannon and Glasson, Co Westmeath Cruising down the Shannon Hire a cabin cruiser and putter around the Shannon waterways and lakes, from around €900 for three nights with Emerald Star, or get all the feeling with absolutely zero effort on the Full Circle at Wineport Lodge, where they'll even deliver dinner to your permanently moored boat. Sleeps six. GT Dart around the bay Killiney, Co Dublin Hot Box Sauna. Illustration: Kiera Murphy/ Some say Killiney Bay looks like the Bay of Naples. Or does the Bay of Naples look like Killiney Bay? You get some of the best views from the Dart. Get off at Killiney and walk city-wards along the beach to find Fred & Nancy's serving coffee from a swanky Airstream, with HotBox saunas alongside. GT West Pier walk Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin Dún Laoghaire's East Pier gets most of the attention, but head west for a quieter stroll. On a recent walk, we spotted basking seals and perching herons. Finish at the Purty Kitchen, for a tasty bowl of mussels with negronis on the side, , and stay at the lovely Haddington House. GT Gooey brownies and wild walks in Dunquin Dunquin, Co Kerry Dunquin harbour, which services boats for the Blasket Islands Owned by local Riverdancer and Gaelic footballer Tomás Ó Sé, the Cupán Sé coffee trailer is a must-stop after a stroll to Dunquin Pier. Set against dramatic cliffs and a winding path to the sea, it's a dream backdrop for social-savvy teens. After capturing the perfect shot, reward them with Cupán Sé's Blasket Brownies, chocolatey, gooey and gluten-free (though you'd never guess). After refuelling, hop on a ferry to the nearby Blasket Islands to explore abandoned cottages, spot dolphins and soak in some of Ireland's most rugged natural beauty. Instagram: @ cupan_se CO'G Ballymastocker Bay and Portsalon Beach Co Donegal Ballymastocker Bay on the Fanad Peninsula is perfect for a walk in the sand or a dip in the water. Swifties can recreate Taylor's Instagram pictures from when she visited the beach in 2021. Afterwards, visit Latte Love Coffee for a delicious açai bowl or grab a pint at the Stores Bar. KM Crab fishing from shoreside rocks This is a glorious way to spend time with small children – at least as long as their attention span will allow. It costs nothing, save a scrap of bacon held over from a full Irish breakfast, or if you cleaned your plate just whack a limpet off a nearby rock. Tie either to a length of cat gut or thin rope, add a stone to weigh it down and ensure you have a bucket filled with seawater to put the crabs in. Sit and wait a while – if atop a pier lying down, peek over the edge to watch the action (the usual safety caveats apply). This is a catch-and-release sport so let the crabs go back to their habitats to recount their tales of derring-do to their friends and family, as you will likely do with yours. AG Active adventures Lead Mines meander Ballycorus, Co Dublin Ballycorus lead mines, near Kilternan, Co Dublin. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw A walk at the Lead Mines doesn't sound so enticing, but the iconic stone tower at Ballycorus was built to take the fumes away from the smelter below. Expect amazing views. Take selfies if you must. Then a short, if energetic walk takes you to the top of Carrickgollagan, to feel like the king or queen of the world. Car parking on Barnaslingan Lane; info at GT Bogs and baking Causey Farm, Co Meath Causey Farm's summer camp is four days of hands-on adventure for children aged six to 13. Set on a real working farm surrounded by forest and bog, it's all about messy fun with bog jumping, bread baking, farm animals and woodland exploring. While the smallies are making memories (and their clothes very mucky), parents can sneak off to explore nearby Meath gems such as the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle or a quiet riverside coffee in Slane. Camps run weekly through July and August and cost €120 per child. CO'G Dublin Port Greenway The Tolka Estuary Greenway in Dublin. Photograph: Leah Farrell/ This beautifully landscaped cycle and pedestrian route overlooks the Tolka estuary, following the northern edge of the port. The route has a number of points where cyclists or walkers can rest and take in interpretative panels offering information on the port, its environs and local bird life. A lovely, calming way to see Dublin afresh. UMcC St Anne's Park Market Dublin 5 Every Saturday (unless it's lashing), stallholders offering everything from street food to flowers, jewellery and greeting cards, even dog portraits, open for business in the grand surroundings of this former Guinness estate. You can rely on eating well here and on finding no shortage of walks to work up your appetite or work off those freshly made cookies. Instagram: @ stannesparkmarket UMcC 'Secret beach' at Castletown House and Parklands Celbridge, Co Kildare The grounds of Castletown House are a lovely place to enjoy the sunshine. The 18th-century parklands offer stunning riverside walks and plenty of open green space. Our favourite spot looks like a little beach hidden behind trees, where you can lay out a blanket and read for hours to the sound of chirping birds and rushing waters. JD Donadea Forest Park Co Kildare A 15-minute drive from Maynooth, Donadea Forest Park is a gorgeous place to go for a picnic or a walk. Run by Coillte, it costs €5 per car to enter, and is home to the most beautiful array of trees, beds of bluebells and a duck-filled lake. info at JD Japanese Gardens and National Stud Kildare Town There are few places more magical than the Japanese Gardens on a sunny day; the array of colour and beauty on display feels good for the soul. If you're into horse racing, the National Stud is on the same site, and there are plenty of gorgeous horses to meet in their paddocks. Online tickets are €19 for adults, €11 for children (free for under-threes) or €52 for a family. JD Go to your local Parkrun There are more than 150 park runs around the country. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien You can walk or run. Everyone is welcome, and there are more than 150 around the country. Better still, go with the Sanctuary Runners group ( ). It comes recommended by President Michael D Higgins, who says it's 'a great solidarity-through-sport initiative that fosters friendship and respect for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees while bringing greater awareness of the migration system.' There are Sanctuary Runners groups all across Ireland. Many (not all) run on Saturday mornings. Check the website to find a map. Just show up and look out for the people wearing blue T-shirts. Some groups stick around for tea and coffee and chats afterwards. CH Mount Errigal Co Donegal Mount Errigal, Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal. Photograph: Getty Images If you're looking for a challenge in Donegal, why not summit the county's highest peak, Mount Errigal? A stone path and a series of steps lead you to the top, standing at 751m. The moderate hike takes between two and three hours. Remember to pack appropriate footwear and consider an early morning start to get the perfect sunrise selfie at the top. Info at KM Pedal around the park Phoenix Park, Dublin If you don't own a bike you can hire one at the gates of the Phoenix Park in Dublin for the day for €20, or an electric bike for €50. Bring a packed lunch and just set off with no particular plan other than to cycle the 11km perimeter of the park. CP Dublin to Howth cycleway Cycling the 18.5km from Dublin city centre to Howth has never been safer thanks to the opening of a new cycleway. Reward yourself with Beshoff's fish and chips at the midpoint in your adventure, and if it's warm, stop off at Dollymount for an invigorating swim along the way. CP Culture & craft Cruinniú na nÓg Our national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18 falls on June 7th and you can expect all manner of activities and workshops hosted by artists and community groups across Ireland. Find them all listed at – just select your county and the age of the little people you are looking to entertain and off you go. CP Tourist in your own town Become a tourist in your town with the help of the OPW list of heritage sites at . The site is searchable based on location and admission price. Many are free and none are wildly expensive. CP Historic houses and gardens Drawing room at Borris House, Co Carlow One of the lovely, unusual things to do in Ireland in summer is to visit the hidden gems that are privately owned historic houses and gardens. These are places that come under Section 484, whereby owners receive tax relief in return for opening to the public. They only open to visitors on designated days, a good portion of which are during the summer. Often, it's the owner who gives the tour, which adds greatly to the experience. Some places charge a small fee, and some are free. The current list is at RB Leitrim's quirkiest museum Glenview Folk Museum, Aghoo, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim If your young ones think history is boring, Glenview Folk Museum might just change their minds. This place is pure eccentric Irish magic with a treasure trove of rural life, packed with more than 7,000 artefacts, from antique tractors to butter churns and Bakelite radios. There's even a reconstructed street scene to give a real feel of 1930s Ireland, complete with an old-school pub and grocer. But the real showstopper? The largest collection of novelty egg cups in Ireland. We're talking thousands, each more delightfully odd than the last. CO'G Vikings ahoy Athlone, Co Roscommon/Westmeath Sail back in time this August Bank Holiday at the Athlone River Festival , where Viking horns meet live music and sizzling street food. As the Shannon-side town transforms into a buzzing hub of boats and battle re-enactments, explore Viking villages, cheer on boat races and let the kids run wild with storytelling, music and carnival games. Add in fishing competitions, craft stalls and water safety demos, and you've got a full day out with just the right mix of fun and education. Horned helmets optional, great memories guaranteed. CO'G Mysterious towers Lismore, Co Waterford Ballysaggartmore Towers, Lismore The lodges at Ballysaggartmore were built by notorious Famine-era landlord Arthur Keily-Ussher to satisfy his, and his wife's, social-climbing desires. The project impoverished his tenants and he went bankrupt in the process. What could be a modern morality tale is also a magnificent, intriguing and pretty easy walk, complete with tasty picnic areas. GT The Curragh plains Co Kildare If you have an army-obsessed child or a history buff in the family, the Curragh offers a great free day out. Situated between Newbridge and Kildare town, the Curragh has acres of open green space to explore with old bunkers to climb (carefully) and landmarks such as Donnelly's Hollow. The Curragh Museum is free and has an impressive array of tanks – open Monday to Thursday and 2pm-5pm on Sunday. JD Offbeat Have a nose The Burren Perfumery, Co Clare Rain or shine, this sweet-smelling patch of paradise cures all ills. There's the feel-good perfumes and potions, a meditative video about the magic of the Burren and a small, beautifully laid-out herb garden with plenty of secluded spots to discover. Nab a seat outside the cafe and enjoy some of the finest home-made soup and carrot cake in the county. RI The Diva bench South William Street, Dublin We love a bit of window shopping when the sun shines in Dublin and top of our list is a browse around the fabulous Om Diva boutique. When you've finished ogling the beautiful Irish-designed jewellery – check out Capulet & Montague for original and colourful creations – and chatting to the famously friendly staff, you can sit outside on the white bench, comfy cushions provided, and watch the city go by. RI Donkey hugs and castle views Liscarroll, Co Cork Some of the donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Co. Cork. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision Meet the long-eared locals at The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll. This free, family-friendly spot has scenic walkways, playful foals, gentle mules and plenty of donkeys to greet. Kids will love spotting favourites like Snowdrop and Bowser, while grown-ups can soak up views of Liscarroll Castle in the peaceful countryside. CO'G Star gazing If you can't tell your bear from your big dipper, download the Sky Guide app. Photograph: iStock There's nothing like a stargazing adventure and it can be done almost anywhere as long as the night sky is clear and you're far from street lights and cars. So, on a warm, clear evening after a day in the sun, go to the remotest location you can think of, pack a picnic, watch the sun go down and wait to be dazzled by the heavens. If you can't tell your bear from your big dipper, download the Sky Guide app which highlights the constellations, planets and satellites above us. All you need to do is point your phone upwards to have a galaxy of wonder revealed. CP Make a home video Plan a home video shoot involving all your family. Bring everyone together, write a loose screenplay which you can film on your phone in a high definition Alfred Hitchcock could only have dreamed of. There are all sorts of free or cheap apps available to stitch together your home movie – and then you have something to look back on, or play at your children's weddings, in 30 – or three – years' time. CP Food & drink Fresh oysters with a sea view Dunmore East, Co Waterford For great seafood in Dunmore East , with a glorious view overlooking the sea, head for the village's charming East Pier takeaway. You can sit outside in the sun with a platter of the freshest oysters, generous lobster rolls and great chips, washed down with a glass of wine. Everything locally sourced (apart from the wine). Excellent seafood by the sea, just as it should be in Ireland, but so often isn't. RB Take a food tour There's no better way to see Ireland than travelling like a tourist, and this means booking yourself on one of the brilliant food tours that run around the country. Generally, you'll eat your way through town on these tours, but the real benefit is how much you will learn, facts you'd never pick up on your own. Check out Karen Coakley's Kenmare Foodie Tours ( ); Sheena Dignam's Galway Food Tours ( ); and Fab Food Trails in Dublin and Cork ( ). CH Bean & Batch Kenmare, Co Kerry Skip the cafes in town and head to Bean & Batch on the edge of Kenmare for a big outdoor seating area and great coffee. Egg sandwiches come thick and soft, like something your farming auntie would hand you. Cakes are tray-baked – lemon drizzle, coffee, carrot and apple tart – sliced into generous squares. They do breakfast too: sausage rolls, waffles, overnight oats, porridge and açaí bowls, all made fresh daily, and well worth returning for. Instagram: @beanandbatchkenmare CH Snappy Snappy Letterfrack, Co Galway Snappy Snappy food truck Parked above Ballinakill Bay, Snappy Snappy is Michael Nagle's crab-focused food truck, serving just a few options – all of them excellent. The crab is local, from Renvyle Fisheries, piled into toasted milk rolls or open sourdough from So-Doh bakery. Dressings include lemon, dill and mustard or a mild chilli mayo. Watch out for the crab tostada with guajillo chilli and pickled onion which sometimes appears on the menu. Grab a side of green beans in almond dressing and sit under the awning. Instagram: @snappysnappycrab CH Little Fish Cleggan, Co Galway Little Fish in Cleggan What began as a food truck in Letterfrack is now a bright, clever seafood cafe on Cleggan pier, run by Eva Caulwell and Tom Mullan. The fish and chips are top-tier, but it's the attention to detail – fermented hot sauce on buffalo prawns, pickled aioli made by Eva's sister Laura, a fish spice bag, fresh mussels and proper vegetarian options – that sets it apart. Add local leaves, compostable cutlery, and lovely outdoor seating, and you've got a summer stop worth seeking out. Instagram: @littlefish_cafe CH Roundwood Stores Roundwood, Co Wicklow Inside the Roundwood Stores on the Main Street of Roundwood, Co Wicklow. Photograph: Alan Betson Part cafe, part grocer, part deli, run by Simon Pratt (ex-Avoca), Monique McQuaid and her son Jake McCarthy, this is the spot to hit after a hike or cycle. There's a refurbished Italian deck oven turning out focaccia which is served with tomato soup thick with fennel and chickpeas. Pick up a cake and a coffee. Grab a seat outside or by the stove. Stock up on Dermot Carey's organic vegetables, Tory Hill Farm kefir, and cold-pressed juices on your way out. Instagram: @roundwoodstores CH Piglet Wine Bar Temple Bar, Dublin 2 At the quieter end of Temple Bar on Cow's Lane, Piglet draws a loyal local crowd with its deep wine list – heavy on organic and biodynamic bottles – and sharp cooking. The lunch and early-bird menu offers three courses for €35 and changes regularly, though their cacio e pepe rarely leaves the rotation. You might also catch pork ragu or confit duck gizzards. Outside tables are prime for people-watching, so get in early if the sun's out. CH Pota Baile na hAbhann, Co na Gaillimhe Pota in Baile na hAbhainn, Connemara Diarmuid Ó Mathúna runs a beautiful cafe in the Connemara Gaeltacht – breakfast, brunch and lunch built on proper seasonal produce. The taco with deep-fried Ros an Mhíl haddock, Aran Island crab salad with Velvet Cloud yoghurt, and Feeney's pulled pork collar toastie are all standouts. Kids can order half portions, menus are bilingual, and there's a 40-seat garden powered by solar panels. Even the condiments – honey mustard mayo, berry compote – are made in-house. Everything here earns its place. CH The Blue Light Barnacullia, Sandyford, Dublin 18 It's 213m above sea level, just down from the Dublin Mountains, with one of the best views in the city – across Dún Laoghaire Bay to Howth – and plenty of outdoor seating. The Blue Light, owned by Pat Healy, was a local secret, popular with bikers and classic car groups, until lockdown walkers, a certain beer ad and Instagram blew it wide open. Now hikers and cyclists have joined the regulars, piling in for pints, trad sessions and solid plates of wings, fish and chips or steak sandwiches. @thebluelightpubdublin CH Drive the Michelin green roads On every Michelin roadmap, the scenic routes are highlighted in green, and it's always worth exploring these as an alternative to the main roads. Three favourites in Ireland are: the Beara peninsula, both more scenic and less-travelled than the neighbouring Ring of Kerry; the coastal route in Connemara along the R340 and R341 from Screebe Cross to Clifden; and the Antrim Glens, from Ballycastle to Larne. CH The petrol station 99 (Anywhere) Anyone for a 99? Photograph: Getty Images Nothing beats a 99 from a petrol station or a convenience shop. Why not take it to the next level and create a table of best 99s around the country? We're talking ice-cream thickness, Flake freshness and cone crispiness. Our local Maxol is unbeaten so far, but a colossal 99 pulled by a young man somewhere outside Belmullet comes in a close second. JD Belfast baps St George's Market, Belfast The last time we were here, we asked a man if we could take a picture of his bap, it looked THAT delicious. Apart from baps, the market has everything you could hope for from the freshest fish to racks of reasonably priced vinyl. There's been a market on this site since 1604. To find out even more about this storied place book a St George's Market walking tour. RI Fresh fish and chips from Morton's Ballycastle, Co Antrim You won't mind queuing for your dinner here on a fine summer's evening, with the freshness and quality of the fish and chips from this fishmonger and takeaway making any wait more than worth it. Savour your culinary reward outside on the marina and throw in a cone from Maud's Ice Cream for dessert. A walk on the Blue Flag strand, with glorious views of Fair Head, will complete the experience. Instagram: @mortonsballycastle ; UMcC Tickety Moo Ice Cream Killadeas, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh This ice-cream wholesaler sells directly to the public from its family farm in Fermanagh's lakelands. Not only can you test novel flavours such as French Macaroon and Buttermint Toffee, you can see at first hand where the creamy milk behind them comes from – the farm's on-site Jersey cows. These handsome creatures reside in luxury in a custom building catering for their every need, from back scratchers to on-demand robot milking, with visitors able to watch (and smell) it all from an elevated viewing platform. UMcC A blooming good lunch at Rolf's Country House Baltimore, Co Cork Treat yourself to lunch at Rolf's Country House, the Haffner family-owned hotel and restaurant perched on a hill just outside Baltimore in west Cork, where the atmosphere is convivial and the verdant, subtropical gardens have an immediately restorative effect on the senses. While dining among the flowers, keep an eye out for Frieda and Mable, the Haffner family's pet poodles who amble happily around the picturesque grounds. Don't leave without ordering the bouillabaisse and Gertrud's chocolate tart. NO'R
Local Sweden
3 days ago
- General
- Local Sweden
Essential vocabulary for talking about DIY in Sweden
Until you've engaged a Swede in a discussion about, say, how best to sand a parquet floor, you haven't really understood them. They really come into their own when doing or talking about practical things. Here are some of the words you need to know to join them. Advertisement It's difficult to overestimate just how central practical projects like building, chopping wood and painting, known collectively as hemmafix (literally "home fix") or gör det själv (DIY), are to Swedish culture. One of the first things a young couple does when they move in together is often calling over their respective parents to paint and renovate. When they get a little older and buy a summer house or kolonistuga, they're likely to spend at least as much time beavering away at some useful project or other, like installing a new wooden deck (utedäck) as they are swimming or socialising. There's a reason why the fringes of each and every Swedish town are crammed with branches of building supply stores and DIY chains like Byggmax, Bauhaus, Hornbach, and Jem & Fix. Swedes can be reserved, but if you engage them in a discussion on a practical subject, such as how best to drain a boggy lawn, you will often find them willing to continue chatting almost indefinitely. The only problem is that as soon as the talk strays into this territory, many foreigners find themselves needing vocabulary they've never previously encountered. So here's a list of some of the words you need to know to join them in the conversation. Advertisement In every building shop you'll find a section for järnvaror, which literally means "iron goods", and covers all sorts of screws (skruvar), nails (spikar), nuts (muttrar), bolts (bultar), hooks (krokar) and much else besides. There are also still ironmongers (järnhandel or järnaffär), particularly in towns too small for an out of town retail park, which mainly sell these goods. Most jobs will require tools, such as a screwdriver (skruvmejsel), saw (såg), or an adjustable spanner (skiftnyckel), which was invented, incidentally, by the inventor Johan Petter Johansson in the Swedish city of Eskilstuna back in 1891. You'll need an electric drill or borrmaskin, which will often be a träborr (wood drill). If you live in an apartment with hard concrete walls then you'll need a heavier slagborr. A hammer (hammare) will come in useful. During a building project, Swedes often have a utility knife stuck permanently in their belt, which is often called a morakniv, after the leading brand. You'll also need a vattenpass (spirit level) to keep your angles straight, and a tum- or meterstock (a folding ruler) or måttband (measuring tape), to measure everything out. You'll need to keep all this in a verktygslåda (toolbox). If you're engaged in a more ambitious DIY project, you will probably need wooden building materials. Wood as a material is trä, but if you're burning it, it become ved, and if you're building with it, it becomes virke. Studs, the long, load-bearing pieces of wood used to build the frames for walls are reglar, planks are brädor, but when used to cover the inside and outside of walls they are called paneller, and can be either innerpanel or ytterpanel. Often it's easiest when covering a wall or roof to use råspont, tongue and groove panels that slot together. When you're putting on the finishing touches to a wall you'll need lister, or skirting boards. Advertisement Once you've made the frame, you're most likely to cover the wall with plasterboard (gipsskiva) or possibly chipboard (OSB or spånskiva). You might stick in some insulation or isolering first, usually mineral wool (stenull). If you're painting a wall you will need färg ("paint", literally "colour"), although to put it on you'll need to måla (paint). You might want to lay on some plaster (noun spackel or verb spackla). And if you want to sand (slipa) the wall to make it smooth, you will need use sandpaper (sandpapper), or perhaps a sanding machine (slipmaskin). Swedes don't tend to go for this in a big way, but you might decide to use wallpaper (tapet) instead. Redoing the bathroom is one of the most common renovation projects, and if you are convinced to do this, you'll need to get tiles (kakel), and grouting (fogmassa). If you are laying down a new bathroom floor, you might also need liquid putty or flytspackel, to make the floor slope down to the drain. Good luck!
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Jimmy Thelin brought Aberdeen calm when needed most as Alan Burrows offers honest assessment of Swede
The former Elfsborg boss guided the Dons to their first Scottish Cup triumph in 35 years by beating Celtic at Hampden last week Alan Burrows reckons Jimmy Thelin hasn't just delivered silverware – he's brought a sense of calm to Aberdeen when they needed it most. The Swede sealed his place in Dons history at the weekend by leading them to victory over Celtic at Hampden – ending an 11-year wait for a trophy and landing their first Scottish Cup in 35 years. Thelin let his emotions really show for arguably the first time since the season began, soaking up the jubilant scenes across the Granite City. Aberdeen chief executive Burrows said: 'We need him to be calm, because he's one of the few people who are calm. When you take me, the chairman and others – all very emotional! 'It's an emotional club because it's got such a rich history, and such big expectation because it's a big city. When you've got that, people like Jimmy – who are calm in there – ensure everyone is on the straight and narrow. 'He's very, very good. Not only for around the club, but managing upwards, sideways and downwards. He's a really good guy.' Thelin was headhunted from Elfsborg by Dons chairman Dave Cormack, who refused to take 'no' for an answer from the Swedes. The club chief wanted to get away from the regular turnover of managers and insisted that his new boss would be given time and it was a long-term project. Burrows said: 'He's done remarkably well. Listen, we were saying when we appointed him – 'this is a long project. 'Aberdeen are trying to get away from this churn of managers that we've had over the previous four or five seasons' and we were saying to everybody at the start, 'this is going to require patience, it's going to require a bit of time'. 'Then we go and win 11 games out of 12 and completely blew that up! 'That takes everybody's expectations up really, really quickly, but we always knew that in the first season – as he was getting used to Scottish football and building his team – that it would take a bit of time and effort. 'That manifested itself through the middle of the season but the mark of anyone is to try and keep calm, keep doing the things you're doing, not abandon your principles. That's the ultimate credit. 'He's remained the same guy from day one. That's a mark of a really good manager, who can keep on that straight line.' Cormack has vowed to back Thelin again, with the majority of the riches from their European campaign. Burrows said: 'It's crazy. John Boyle once said, very poetically, 'in football one minute you're a peacock, the next you're a feather duster'. Don't get too high and try not to get too low. 'Hopefully, what we've demonstrated through the course of this season was a resoluteness about this project, about this manager and we'll continue to try and back him.'
