SHEmazing!
follow us
more
 
HomeTagsPosts tagged with "Ireland"

Ireland

by

We all recognise a part of ourselves in fictional female characters, whether that’s Bridget Jones and her goofy personality or Katniss Everdeen and her loyalty to her family and friends.

However, I don’t think us Irish women relate to anyone as much as Aisling, the protagonist in the best-selling book Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling.

Aisling’s story continues in the sequel The Importance of Being Aisling and reading the second instalment felt like I was reuniting with an old friend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gill Books (@gillbooks) on

Her obsession with The Corrs, her lunchtime trip to Dunnes Stores to find a new ‘shumper’ and her determination to never miss a free hotel brekkie makes Aisling one of the most real female fictional characters.

After quite the emotional year things seem to be getting back on track for Aisling. She’s been enjoying many a glass of Pinot Greej with Sadhbh and co., she’s become accustomed to Dublin’s brunch addiction and she's even rekindled her romance with John.

However, she is still struggling to deal with the loss of her dear Daddy as Aisling, Mammy and her brother Paul are facing their first Christmas without him.

Anyone who has lost a family member knows just how hard that first Christmas is. Ever the positive person, Aisling seeks joy in the little things like Auntie Shelia’s famous stuffing and doing the ‘Big Shop’ in the new Aldi with Mammy, but that heartache is still there, which makes this book that little bit more personable.

Us Irish aren’t known for expressing our feelings and this is perfectly portrayed in the way Aisling and her family deal with Christmas without Daddy. The secret tears and unfulfilled traditions are oh so relatable for many readers.

What I adore most about Aisling is her ability to see the light in even the darkest of moments. Her “Ah sure, it’ll be grand” attitude is infectious in this tale and part of me felt proud of her for continuing on despite the hurdles life throws at her.

When things at PensionsPlus go awry, Aisling has no choice but to abandon her life in Dublin. She returns home to Mammy and That Bloody Cat, but before she knows it she's planning an escape route when life in Ballygobbard is too much to handle.

Aisling jets off to Las Vegas with Majella and Sadhbh in tow and the trip gives her the confidence boost that shows Aisling she’s capable of a hell of a lot more than she ever gave herself credit for.

The Importance of Being Aisling is full or warmth and that unique Irish wit. It'll be a comfort to you on those dreary Autumn evenings and your best companion on your commute to work

The Importance Of Being Aisling: Country Roads, Take Her Home by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen is published by Gill Books.

You can pick up your very own copy here.

Trending

by

We love our dirty old town, from the cobble stones to the Molly Malone. – She's a beaut.

It's no surprise that our Dublin streets are busy with the hustle and bustle of tourists.

Our culture, art and humour are all a draw for those across the globe, to book a ticket, take a plane and discover the gems that lay in our land.

Our little capital city might be small in scale to others, but it's just as rich in spirit and heart.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by DiscoverDublin (@discoverdublin) on

However, this heartbreaking video ignites the double standards that live in our city.

The problems we walk by everyday on our way to work or college.

The issues we protest or may be all too familiar with as we collect the dole, search for a place to live or scrap to get by.

The things the tourists miss as they stroll through the gates of Trinity or picnic in Stephen's Green. 

You might be pondering the issues the poem raises, as you listen to Pete St John describing our city.

You could be nodding along, agreeing to the things he's recalling, but the terrifying fact is, that poet and songwriter Pete St John, wrote this piece 30 years ago.

Debuting 'A Dublin Poem' on the Late Late Show on the eve of Dublin's Millennium in 1988, he was reflecting on Dublin's progress – but what has changed?

The things that plagued the city 30 years ago, seems to be very much alive and kicking in the present day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SUBSET (@subsetdublin) on

The video opens with how much the tourism industry has generated last year, and ends with the poignant question of – how much is a life worth?

The filmmaker, Paul Butler Lennox wanted to raise awareness of the housing crisis and homelessness problem that continues to be a huge issue.

Our city and earning power has radically changed over the last 30 years, however, the same problems persist. 

According to Focus Ireland, in July 2018, 9,891 of people were homeless, included in this figure is 3,867 homeless children.

The question that remains is why?

 

Feature image credit: Discover Dublin

Trending

by

Health Minister Simon Harris has confirmed abortion services will be free in Ireland. He said the services will be available for all women from all financial backgrounds.

He said he wants the services to be available to everyone who needs them. According to the Irish Examiner, he said cost should not be a barrier for women who need these services.

The Health Minister confirmed: “Yes, it is my intention that the services will be free.”

"I've said from the start that I don't want cost to be a barrier, because if cost is a barrier you get into a situation where one of two things happen, you get abortion clinics to develop or you can see people having to continue to travel,” he commented.

"I want this to be provided as part of our health care system, our public health care system and part of our primary health care system,” he added.

Ireland’s constitutional ban on abortion was officially lifted on September 19.

The 8th amendment was removed from the Irish Constitution, as President Michael D Higgins signed the formal repeal legislation.  

The 36th Amendment of the Constitution reads:

'Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.'

Trending

by

There are so many fab things about being Irish.

Our alcohol tolerance, Ryan Tubridy, how a cup of tea can cure literally anything…I could go on.

However, unlike our more exotic European counterparts or our straight-up American friends, we kinda self-sabotage when it comes to the whole dating thing. 

Jesus, we don't even use the word ''dating.''

Or ''date'' tbh.

In short, I think we can all agree that we're hopeless.

Navigating the battlefield of romance is tough at the best of times but we seem to have a special talent for making it even harder for ourselves.  

So why do we do this, and more importantly how do we do it?

Here are a few mannerisms that you might be familiar with…welcome to The Dark Side of Irish millennial relationship culture. 

What is the ''date'' that you speak of?

A date is a pretty straightforward concept…for everyone who isn't Irish.

What we do is; find someone we like, who likes us and message each other for about a million years until we grow a beard and die alone in our bedroom surrounded by pizza boxes, with our phones clasped in our withered hands. 

A bit too dramatic? Not really tbf. 

Game Playing

FYI all you foreign folk reading this – slagging the complete shit of someone in Ireland = fancying the arse off them. 

''Let's wait three more hours to text them back then they waited to reply to me..yeah, that'll show him that I'm interested.'' What the actual f*ck?! 

Mixed signals everywhere…you can see why we get confused. 

White Lies

We don't like to hurt anyone's feelings (unless we're taking the piss out of them) so we tell a few white lies.

''I don't mind where we go…'', ''I like that shirt'' etc. etc. etc. 

The bottom line is that we're too nice, and no one benefits from it.  

Booze 

We need it, ok? We just do.

Before a date, during a date, after a date. We're not like these Italians or Spanish who think a date is a sober-free affair hiking up a mountain to look at goats.

No – meet us at the pub, please. We'll have been there two hours with our mates having a few ''to loosen the nerves.''

Awkward Overload

We can't take a compliment, we don't like to talk about our feelings, we avoid the ridiculous are-we-together-or-are-you-shifting-other-people-talk.

We'll literally say nothing and pretend we're OK with this level of painful uncertainty for the rest of our days. Why? Because we're kind of insane if we're gonna be brutally honest with ourselves. 

If you're nodding your head a more than two of these, it might be time for a dating attitude overhaul lads.

Otherwise, your romantic future ain't lookin' too rosy. 

Trending

by

Ireland became Blake Lively’s second home when she was filming upcoming movie Rhythm Section. The Gossip Girl alum spent many months filming in Dublin, but managed to find a little piece of heaven to unwind after a busy day on set.

It’s obvious the actress had the time of her life during her time in Ireland. She opened up about her love for the country at the premiere of her latest release A Simple Favour.

She told Lisa McLoughlin of Independent.ie all about the gorgeous location that stole her heart.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on

The actress gushed about the quaint Wicklow town Avoca, “Oh my god can we talk about Avoca, have you guys been to Avoca? You have to go to Ireland just to go to Avoca, it's just heaven.”

Blake couldn’t help but express her love for the town: “How it's described in the bible is inaccurate, heaven is what Avoca is… it's just hand weavers and amazing pastries and it's just heaven.”

“Everybody's gonna be like 'she's disgracing the bible' – I was joking world,” she clarified.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on

Avoca is located just by the River Avoca in Co. Wicklow.

The serene town is full of heart and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin city.

Blake admitted she is eager to return to Ireland. She encouraged fans to go see her movie Rhythm Section so she can return to her “second home.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by GosteiFotografei (@gosteifotografei) on

“Well if everybody goes and sees Rhythm Section in theatres in February then we will have to make a few more, there are about five books so it will be our second home – Dublin will be my second home," she shared.

We can’t help but wonder if Blake and husband Ryan Reynolds enjoyed a pint or two in the town’s local Fitzgerald’s Bar.

Trending

by

The marks and scars from EP are only starting to fade as we withdraw from a weekend of a lifetime.

As we scrub the remainder of the glitter off our bodies, and reminisce about living in a tent – we received the BEST news. 

It's time to clean up your bank account, open the laptop and book NEXT year's tickets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Electric Picnic (@epfestival) on

It's all systems go: time to act fast as they go on sale TODAY and punters have started to snap them up at 9 am this morning.

The epic festival will be making its 2019 comeback to Stradbally.

You need to head to Ticketmaster to secure your purchase and don't delay.

These bad boys sell like hot cakes and usually disappear in record timing. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Electric Picnic (@epfestival) on

If you're a seasoned EP goer, and been to the event three times or more, a ticket will set you back €165.

If you've explored the campsite and music twice, you'll be coughing up €185.

And if you're a total EP virgin, it's time to pop the cherry and find €205 to spurge on a ticket. 

For all the info your need on 2019 ticket prices, instalment plans and claiming your discount code, take a visit to the Electric Picnic website here.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Electric Picnic (@epfestival) on

This might be the best Friday, and an opportunity to make more memories like last weekend.

Sure if you're broke after buying the tickets, get your friends to pool in for a bag of cans, head to a field, and it will feel as if you're already back in the campsite.

Trending

by

Ireland has a long history of babies being sadly separated from their birth mothers.

For Colleen Anderson, this is exactly what happened.

When she was just three years old, Colleen was taken from her mother by the church and put on a plane headed for Chicago to meet her new family.

Now 52-years-old, Colleen is desperate to be reunited with the family she never knew.

She has set up a Go Fund Me campaign to raise $1,500 so that she can come back to Ireland to meet her family and stay here. 

She was born August 4th, 1965, at Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea to a 16-year-old victim of rape, Josephine O'Brien.

Josephine was dealt the same fate as many other girls in the 1950's who found themselves pregnant and unmarried.

Anderson said, ''the way she was treated was a source of shame her entire life."

Sister Hildegarde McNulty arranged for the 3-year-old Colleen to go to McNulty's niece, Margaret, in north suburban Niles.

Her adoptive mother suffered from mental illness, and Colleen ''left home as soon as I was able."

Colleen did locate her birth mother in 1998 and flew to Dublin, but the meeting didn't go well. 

Her mother had gone on to have four other children and had, according to Colleen buried this piece of her past. 

Josephine passed away in 2009 and her  husband, Aidan, told his children about their unknown stepsister in America.

Today, Colleen is close to her half brother, Myles, and will visit him in his home in Florida this month.

Colleen explains on her GoFundme page that she is looking to renew her Irish passport, her green card, buy a plane ticket, and raise spare funds for living expenses. 

''I want to go home,'' she writes.

Hopefully, this might help her make that dream a reality. 

Trending

by

Things are looking rosy for Kirsten Mate Maher this morning, in light of her win last night. 

The 21-year-old student and part-time model was crowned the 2018 Rose of Tralee.

Representing Waterford, Kirsten was a hot favourite to win the contest.

The student is the third mixed-race woman to secure the title.

Before her, was 1998 winner Luzveminda O’Sullivan and Clare Kambamettu, who took the crown in 2010.

Since the humble beginnings of the show in 1959, Kirsten is the first African-Irish woman to win the competition.

The 21-year-old couldn't believe she had won as her parents joined her on stage, she confessed she was "speechless."

The Rose works in a boutique in Tramore, Co Waterford, but earlier this week she discovered that Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) was waiting for her.

Kirsten had been accepted to study Multimedia and Application Development at the university.

However, in light of her win, WIT might have to wait another year.

“I certainly did not think it would be me. I haven’t clicked any buttons yet. I might have to click on the defer button,” she explained.

“I haven’t thought this far ahead. I really haven’t. I don’t know what I am going to do yet. I’ll have to make a few plans.”

Kirsten parents met in Waterford when her father, Kwalo Mate, an army officer from Zambia, was training in the Curragh.

He bumped into his future wife while enjoying some down time in Waterford.

Despite her father returning to Zambia before her birth and not reuniting with Kirsten until she was almost two, the pair have a special bond.

“I still have the teddy bear he gave me,” she said.

The 21-year-old takes pride in her Zambian heritage but has expressed her desire for the press to not focus on the colour of her skin.

“It is something you touch off but you don’t dwell on too much. There is a lot more to me than the colour of my skin and my hair,” she said.

The student is planning to keep in touch with the culture and her Zambian relatives were even tuning into the Irish programme.

“My Dad was over in Zambia last month and he was filling them in what the Rose of Tralee is. I don’t know what they are going to think when they find out about this. They are probably all in bed now.

“I like to stay in touch with my Zambian culture. I can’t wait to go back there. It’s the first thing on the list this year.”

Congratulations to Kirsten! And well done to all the 57 roses.

Trending

by

It's time to get your sesh cap on.

The bar of the year 2018 has been revealed and we can't wait to give it a try.

Cork is not only Ed Sheeran's favourite place to gig, but now it's home to the best bar in the country.

Cask Cocktail bar in the city was crowned champ, beating out some stiff competition. 

Last night, the bar claimed the top prize as judges assembled in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road to announce all the winners.

For months, a panel have been on an epic nationwide pub crawl, grading and rating bars and pubs in a number of areas – and they seem to be impressed with this year's standard.

Despite the amount of great places, there could only be one winner.

One judge, Rafael Agapito gave Shemazing all the details and it was sickeningly close.

"Picking the winner was definitely the toughest part, the standard has improved so much, we had to return to some venues for re-evaluation.

I can’t disclose the runner up, but it was a matter of one mere point." 

Ah here lads, that's just too close!

That being said, Cask is a worthy winner.

The hospitality consultant said since the bar has opened, they have been "stacking up awards."

"Their talented team led by Andy Ferreira is always innovating and pushing boundaries. What impresses me the most is the attention they give to non alcoholic creations," Rafael said.

Since the bar is renowned for their cocktails, we asked Rafael what cocktail we should try out.

His reply was the Fine and Dandy – and it looks like perfection in a glass. 

Now if cocktails ain't your jam – don't worry.

The judges were marking establishments for a whole host of categories, which include the best bar for gin and craft beer.

For us gin lovers, this is a place you need to put on your list.

Photo credit: Gin Library

So who was the lucky winner, I hear you cry?! – it was the Gin Library at Galgorm Resort & Spa in Antrim that snatched Gin Bar of the Year.

"The library at Galgorm Resort has a great selection, and the bartenders are always at hand to help you pick the best suitable gin for your palate," said Rafael.

Take notes now, as the judge explained that quantity doesn't mean quality.

"When picking a category winner, we look for expertise rather than quantity. The bar with most gins on offer is not necessarily the best gin bar," he added. 

As for the best craft beer, a Galway bar sealed the deal and it's not hard to see why. 

From their Instagram alone, the newly opened bar, Caribou seems to have it sussed.

Commenting on the win, Rafael said:

"Caribou in Galway has also made the craft beer scene more inclusive and exciting, by offering a world class selection of beers in a fun and relaxed atmosphere."

 

Delighted #devitts #devittspub #dublinpubs #baroftheyear2018

A post shared by Devitts Pub (@devittspub) on

As for the best pub in the capital, Devitts on Camden Street claimed top dog for the scoops.

Now you have no excuse to venture out and try some seriously wonderful Irish pubs and bars.

It's only Tuesday, but we are already living for the weekend to try out these places – Sláinte!

Trending

by

No matter what you hear, you do not owe iTunes money! Gardaí are warning the public of an ongoing iTunes scam.

There have been reports of scammers claiming to be an iTunes employee contacting people and requesting payment for money they claim is owed.

The scammers insist the victim buy an iTunes gift card as payment and ask for the 16 digit gift card number.

The anonymous cons recently tried to trick a business in Cork into sending them money. A request was made via email, sent by a person claiming to be the Manager of the company.

The message asked a staff member to purchase €2,000 of iTunes gift cards and send on the voucher numbers, but thankfully the employee contacted their Manager by phone to verify the request, suspicious of the sender's intent.

Gardaí say to be cautious of the ongoing scam and watch out for any phone calls, voicemails or emails from scammers claiming to be a representative of an organisation.

They may claim that you owe money and insist on immediate payment by a gift card. In some cases, victims are told they are facing criminal charges.

The scammer may know some information about you, so be sure not to trust them just because they use your name or have other personal details.

Detective Superintendent Healy warned: "We fear that this is an emerging scam and would urge people to be vigilant. The retailers of such cards should also be vigilant.

“Please remember, If you are NOT purchasing an item from the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, or an Apple Music membership, do not make a payment with iTunes Gift Cards.

“There's no other instance in which you'll be asked to make a payment with an iTunes Gift Card. If you fear you have been a victim of this scam or any other scam for that matter, please pick up the phone and call Gardaí”.

The iTunes gift card scam is just one of many that have recently surfaced in Ireland and the public is advised to continue to exercise extreme caution when answering phone calls.

Always say "NO” to unsolicited callers or texters seeking personal information about you, and never use the contact details supplied to you by the caller or texter.

Personal information includes your name, address, date of birth, family details, bank account numbers, PIN, Passwords.

If you think you are being scammed, call your local garda station immediately.

Trending

by

It's only mid-week but we can't prevent ourselves from already thinking about the weekend…

Considering how popular some brunch places are at the moment, it's probably a good time to book a table for you and your friends.

For those of you wondering where to go for a delicious (and probably very Instagrammable) meal, we picked some of our favourite places around Ireland that never fail to impress with their IG account. 

Ali’s Kitchen, Cork

 

Vanilla custard & Raspberry! #doughnuts #classic #therealdeal #madeinAK #madeincork #akcork #bunnage #bunlove

A post shared by ALI'S KITCHEN (@aliskitchencork) on

Brick Lane, Cork

3FE, Dublin 2

Five Points, Dublin 6W

Slice, Dublin 7

 

French toast and scrambles all morning loooong!! #breakfast #SLICEfood #stoneybatter #frenchtoastfriday

A post shared by SLICE (@slicedublin7) on

Two Boys Brew, Dublin 7

Meet me in the morning, Dublin 8

 

This week we are making beetroot flatbreads for our Splitpea Pea and Chickpea Falafel plate #meetmeinthemorning

A post shared by Meet Me In The Morning (@meetmeinthemorning) on

Dela, Galway

Tribeton, Galway

Cafe Rua, Mayo

 

Morning muffins . . #caferua #newantrimstreet #friday #muffins #saywhat #apple #walnut #dozen #castlebar #mwah

A post shared by RuaCafeRua (@ruacaferua) on

Knox, Sligo

Pudding Row, Sligo

Featured image: Instagram @twoboysbrew 

Trending

by

Our favourite ginger, Ed Sheeran sat down with Dermot O'Leary to talk all things Éire. 

Naturally, things took a personal route and Dermot quizzed Ed about his most-loved things to do in Ireland.

That includes his favourite city on his recent tour, his number-one place to visit and all the gigs he has done around the country before he hit superstar status.

 

Cork night #1 ! @zakarywalters

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos) on

Now, before you take your guesses: Dublin-folk take a seat.

The Galway Girl singer said the wanna-be capital, Cork was his number one fav stop on his tour around Ireland.

Although, Dublin has a special place in his heart as he's gigged in Whelan's, Vicar street and the Olympia.

 

Dublin night #2 !

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos) on

When asked what was the difference between Belfast, Dublin and Galway crowds on his tour, Ed's answer was way too relatable for any Irish person.

Poor Belfast was washed out of it when it came time for the 27-year-old to take to the stage.

Therefore, the crowds' enthusiasm had been well dampened, according to the singer. 

Ed confessed to Dermot that he has more of a connection to an Irish crowd than a Scottish – ah, bless.

Don't get too big headed though, this is due to the influence of Irish music and taking about five annual trips growing up, to our beautiful country. 

Adding sweetly in the intimidate Q and A, Ed said the guy who made him want to write music was Irish.

Now getting to the proper juicy part, Ed's favourite place in the Emerald Island is….Dingle Bay.

Honestly, we cannot even blame him. 

Situated in Kerry, it marks one of the westernmost points of mainland Ireland, and it's breathtaking. 

Unsurprisingly, the bay is a usual hot-spot with tourists too.

However, Ed advised anyone wanting to live in Ireland to move to Wexford.

It seems like the singer is always true to his roots – and we love him for it.

Ed and Dermot's chat was a part of Ireland.com's tourism project.

So sit back, enjoy the natter and the incredibly beautiful Irish spots featured throughout the video, which is bound to give you the travel bug.

  

Trending
© Copyright 2012-2024 - Shemazing.net. Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology.