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If Pokémon Go has given you the pep in your step life coaches could only dream about, then it won’t be long before you’ll want to take your Pokémon hunting abroad, right?

After tramping the highways and byways of our own little emerald isle, it’ll be no time before you’ll start imagining pastures new, and envisioning the number of Squirtles and Sandshews which are nestled among them.

Let’s be honest, there’s only so much rambling around your own neighbourhood you can do before you start wondering what other countries have to offer you in the Squirtle stakes.

With that in mind, it's definitely worth considering the Pokémon hotspots dotted across the globe, right?

The good folk at Expedia are all about helping you tick off your Pokémon Go travel bucket list, but the question is – are your prepared to pack your bags?

1.Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia

According to the experts, there are Pokémon popping up all over the place in Circular Quay, especially when thousands of Sydney-siders descend on the waterfront to join an unauthorized Pokémon Go Walk.

So, what are you waiting for?!

2. Disneyland, Anaheim, California, United States

Those in the know claim elite players will make a beeline to the Sleeping Beauty Castle which is now a top tier gym if they're serious about catching those little lads.

By the sounds of things, the most magical place on Earth is practically a Pokémon breeding ground.

3. Central Park, New York, United States

We've all seen the vid, right? Yep, there's no denying those little guys have made a home for themselves in one of the world's most famous city parks.

And it's time for you to go find them.

4. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, United States

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Pokémon players will find “Zubats” flying around ancient Roman sculptures, encyclopedic collections as well as antique weapons and armour from all around the world.

If only it had been this much craic when our parents were dragging us to museums of a Sunday.

5. State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

Combine Pokémon hunting with culture-celebrating at this Aussie hotspot!

Sightseeing and Pokémon Go can be an exhausting combination so take some time out and join the other players sitting on the library steps training up their Pokémon.

6. Big Ben or Savoy Hotel, London, United Kingdom

The good folk at Expedia assure us that London is awash with Poke Stops right now.

And if you're in need of Pokeballs? You need look no further than the Savoy Hotel.

7. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

There are some serious Pokémon hunters in this Italian city, and when in Rome…

This city is crawling with Pokémon as both the young and old of Rome have given into the craze, so it looks like you might have a little competition on your hands.

8. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

Not only can you walk in the footsteps of Neolithic ancestors, but you can also follow the path of the adorable Eevee.

And if you really are on a quest to catch ‘em all, you’re going to need to get all of this cute character’s different evolutions.

 

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Unless you're happy to shell out for a space in the short – or indeed long-term carpark – while living it up abroad, the vast majority of us opt to get the bus to and from the airport.

So, the news that Dublin Bus have launched a second airport route will be met with delight from jet-setters in the capital today.

According to the Irish Independent, the new route will start at Camden Street, and will serve multiple stops including St Stephens Green, Merrion Square, the Docklands (Silicon Dock) and the IFSC, before ultimately taking the Port Tunnel route to the airport.

The 757 route, which acts as a competitor to Aircoach, will cost €6 one-way and €10 return –  a difference of €1 and €2 respectively in comparison to Aircoach fares.

The announcement will not only be welcomed by air passengers, but also signalled good news for the economy, with Dublin Bus confirming that both the new route and an extension to the old one has created 40 new jobs.
 

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If you – like the rest of us – spent more time than you'd care to admit salivating over The Wire's Jimmy McNulty than paying attention to the show's storyline, then it might be high time you hightailed it to Limerick.

After a long period of deliberation, Dominic West and his wife, Catherine Fitzgerald, have decided not to sell their home Co. Limerick and will, instead, be opening it to the public as an on-trend boutique hotel.

Following the death of Catherine's father, the Fitzgerald family were forced to put Glin Castle on the market due to the cost of its upkeep, but the Daily Mail now reports that there has been a distinct turnaround.

Commenting on the news, The Wire actor confirmed that the castle – worth a staggering €4.6 million – will be staying in the family, saying: "No, we’re not selling any more, I’m happy to report. We’ve done a marvellous U-turn."

"Selling up was absolutely heartbreaking for all of us, especially my mother-in-law and my wife and luckily, we’re reopening it as a hotel, all going well, some time next year," he announced.

And it sounds like the Golden Globe-nominated actor is going to be as hands-on as it gets with the property, which has been in Catherine's family for more than 700 years, revealing: "I’m going to manage it. I want to be in charge or as much as my schedule will allow."

"Obviously there will be someone in place far more experienced and qualified than I coping with the day-to-day. But we want to be there," he insisted. "We’re going to be heavily involved. That’s why we’re moving home to Ireland."

More than happy to call the stunning castle their home, the couple and their four children will now be opening it to the public, and we all feel a trip to Limerick coming on all of a sudden.

 

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Discussion surrounding anxiety and the lived experience of those who suffer through it has, thankfully, become part of society's daily discourse.

From well-meaning memes and heartfelt Tumblr posts illustrating the agony of an anxious mind to oratory from high-profile individuals campaigning for further awareness of the issue – all are incredibly worthy contributions to a discussion which desperately needs to maintain – if not gain – momentum.

Encouraging communication with friends appears to be a key theme in removing the stigma, and while undoubtedly sound advice, for a child it's unfortunately not that simple. 

You can't exactly shuffle up to your colour group leader and be all: "Oh hey Ciaran, only me. So basically, I'm worrying myself into an early grave because I think Claire looked at me funny during long division. Any advice?"

Other kids played GAA after school or did Speech and Drama at the weekend. Me, I worried for a hobby. 

I was often riddled with unwarranted guilt and unnecessary anxiety, but as far as I can see, nothing sparked it or indeed accelerated it, and yet it manifested itself in primary school, and is as vivid a childhood association as Fat Frog ice pops, light-up runners and rip-off tracksuit bottoms.

And I didn't help myself – I was super creative when it came to tying myself in knots and ruining all my own after-school down-time. 

         I remember asking myself how Ginger Spice would pose for this shot…nailed it.

Kenan and Kel was spent creating a worry, Sister Sister was spent turning it over in my mind and Sabrina the Teenage Witch signalled the alarm for full-on nausea. I mean, I was exhausting to be, and exhausting to be around.

"But, Mam what if this happens?" "But Mam what if that happens?"

I managed to invent ludicrous worries – incidents which never actually happened and were very, very unlikely to – and then worried myself sick until I got distracted by another conjured concern and focussed all of my attention on that.

I used rifle through my books before lending them to the school library incase there was anything of a questionable nature nestled inside. 

What did I think I might have hidden in there? A spliff? a condom? My dastardly plan for world domination?

I once outted myself and was punished – minus five points for my colour group but whatever – for not having practiced my recorder the night before despite the fact I had been complimented on my performance and no one would have been any the wiser. 

I did it simply because another pupil had been snared for not practicing and the injustice nearly sent me over the edge.

I would regularly decline invitations to slumber parties because I was convinced something would happen to my family If I left for the night. 

As if my chubby presence in teddy bear pyjamas and mismatched socks would protect my home and all who dwelled within against the litany of things I had imagined, but my mind was made up – I'll be staying at home, thanks. The fam need me.

My third class teacher picked up on it – I say, picked up on it but it was as obvious as the glasses perched on my round, worried face – and remarked on it in an end of year report. 

"Niamh tends to be a worrier, and needs a little bit of minding", she wrote.  A little bit of minding? I was in permanent need of a carer. 

I got into the habit of leaving my mother notes outlining that day's biggest concerns.

"I called Sarah's name in the line but she didn't hear me and now what if she remembers and thinks I was talking about her?"

I'd like to say I'm exaggerating but if I'm honest, I'm sugar coating.

I'm hugely grateful that this level of anxiety and the regularity with which it presented itself in my childhood didn't follow me into my adult years, but there's no denying that Niamh from third class still appears every now and again.

And while these new – and often irrational – worries are no longer accompanied by the sound of classroom chitchat or Nickelodeon's canned laughter, they can, at times, feel as all-consuming as they did back then … until I remember I probably just need a little bit of minding.

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From Joan Rivers and Dawn French to Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman, women have been knocking it out of the park on the comedy scene for years.

And while there still exists a less than subtle suggestion that men have the market cornered when it comes to the laughs, the Funny Woman Awards have done so much to turn that notion on its head.

Promoting and championing female comics for more than ten years, the Funny Woman Awards are holding their latest event in The Sugar Club next week, and we are PUMPED!

Taking place on Tuesday July 26th, the good folk behind these awards will be hosting some incredible new acts –  all of whom will be competing for a place in the final.

Not only will you get a sneak peek at the rising stars on the circuit and pick up a free Benefit Cosmetic sample while you're at it, but you’ll doing your bit for charity, with funds raised going towards domestic violence charity, Refuge.

And with tickets coming in at just €10, we know where we'll be next Tuesday!

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When it comes to our current weather, many of us don't want to say anything negative in case we scare it away, but there are definite downsides to the increased temperatures we've been experiencing this week.

From round-the-clock upkeep on hairy shins to our barnet's reaction to the humidity, this heatwave isn't all it's cracked up to be, but it looks like the good folk behind Thanko – a Japanese gadget manufacturer – are only dying to lend a helping hand.

According to the Irish Examiner, our friends in Japan have come up with a way to combat sweaty armpits, and all you need is a small, clip-on fan and a desire to looks like a right eejit in public.

Armpit Coolers, which provide wearers with three levels of breezy intensity, can be attached to your clothes with a small clip and are powered by two AAA batteries.

If you fancy ditching your deodorant and cotton tops during this weather, then you can splash out on an Armpit Cooler for – wait for it – €27.

We don't know about you, but something tells us it might not be a go'er in Ireland…
 

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If you've spent half the morning trying to get a handle on your finances, but haven't gotten very far, you're not alone.

Allied Irish Bank customers have been met with 'connection error' messages when attempting to log in to their account through the bank's official app.

Taking to social media to alert their customers to the issue, Aib Customer Support tweeted: "We're experiencing technical issues on Internet, Tablet & Mobile Banking and are working towards a resolution, appreciate your patience."

As of yet, the customer service department are unable to offer the public a time frame regarding its resolution, telling customers: "I'm afraid we have no update on a time frame as of yet, but we will send an update out once we do."

It is important to note that AIB customers are still able to use their cards and carry out transactions in branch as normal.

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There's no doubt that the advent of Deliveroo has changed the way us Dubliners eat.

While delivery services used signal our decline into an evening of major comfort eating, this business has established links with dozens of restaurants in the capital which veer away from the standard fare associated with home delivery food.

With breakfasts on demand and more salads than you can shake a stick at, Deliveroo, which is set to expand its services across the country in the near future, has really upped the ante, and now they've gone one step further.

According to the Irish Independent, the business will be launching a beer and wine service which will operate in the same way as its current food service.

But with concerns raised regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol among under-18s, Deliveroo have confirmed that they will be requesting ID from customers who look under the age of 25.

Further to this, it has been confirmed that cash payments for this service will not be accepted, with a spokesperson asserting: "Customers will be able to pay for alcohol orders through our website and app, like they would our normal delivery service."

"We won't facilitate cash transactions for these orders or our traditional food order," they added.

Deliveroo will be linking up with Baggot Street Wines, Fresh supermarkets and Galway Bay Brewery.

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We’ve all done questionable things around the house in the name of necessity.

From balancing an entire shelf on just one strategically-placed book to standing on one foot and crossing our fingers when trying to work a dodgy tap, we’re no strangers to a little creative thinking around the home.

But with the words of our father – “You only make one mistake with electricity” – echoing in our heads, we always draw the line when it comes to meddling with circuits or tampering with sockets.

However, it seems like one guy, who has recently made his way onto Imgur, never got that memo – despite being an electrician with the navy – and his handy work when it comes to makeshift travel adaptors is stressing EVERYONE out.

My friend, who constantly forgets to bring travel adapters

Happily poking steel nail clippers into various plug sockets when he neglects to bring his travel adaptor abroad, this guy’s approach to health and safety seriously leaves a lot to be desired, and we cannot COPE.

Sharing the snaps online, his mate wrote: ”So, about a year ago my friend went to Australia. He's an electrician for the navy, and decided to use what they learnt him. We called him an idiot, but hey, it worked.”

“Your friend is going places, probably the morgue, but until then he's got power,” replied one Imgur user.

Yep, what he said.

 

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The whistle wasn’t blown for summer’s official start as a child until your mam unearthed the paddling pool from the shed, and set about covering last year’s holes with masking tape and plasters.

And while sitting in a semi-deflated rubber contraption in front of our neighbours doesn’t exactly entice right now, there is a lot to be said for being able to cool down after spending time with clammy commuters during the current heatwave.

If you’re a step away from doing the Ice Bucket Challenge without a nomination, then it’s high-time you check out the waterparks and swimming pools in your locality.

And we've taken a look at our top five!

1. Leisureland, Co Galway

With three swimming pools to choose from, swimmers of all levels will be guaranteed a good time at one of Ireland’s most famous water and fitness centres.

From lane-swimming to water slides, there’s a reason we spent our childhoods begging for a weekend in Salthill.

​​​​​​2. Funtasia Waterpark, Drogheda

Located just two minutes from the M1 motorway, Funtasia Waterpark is super easy to reach for Dubliners in need of a cool-down during the heatwave.

And if slides and water activities are your thing, then a day spent at Funtasia is exactly what you’re after.

3. National Aquatic Centre

While a host for international, national and provincial competitions, the NAC is also open to casual swimmers in dire need of a splash.

The AquaZone is considered one of the most technically innovative water parks in Europe and boasts a whole host of attractions including the Wave Pool, Lazy River and Flow Rider.
 

4. Splashworld, Tramore

Whether it’s a wave machine or water park you’re after, this leisure centre has it.

Located in the sunny south-east, Splashworld is heaven for anyone who’s mad for a dip but has no intention of venturing into the sea.

​​​​​5. Benone Complex & Strand

If an outdoor heated plash pool sounds like heaven right now, you may want to earmark a weekend in Co Derry.

The Benone Complex & Strand in Limavaddy is just a stone's throw from one of Ireland's longest beaches, and is the place to go if glamping and swimming is your thing.

 

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We’ve all fantasised about unearthing a winning lottery ticket under a pile of laundry or stumbling across a discarded scratchcard boasting three matching numbers, but for most of us it will remain a pipe dream.

For one Dublin woman, however, that dream became a reality when she decided to clean out her car over the weekend in a decision which has netted her a staggering €17,023.

After rooting through the standard junk which litters most of our cars, she explained that she came across a Lottery ticket but, as usual, had neglected to check it.

“As a long-time Lotto player, I regularly purchase my Quick Pick tickets but I very rarely ever check them until I hear about a local winner,” she explained.

“I have bundles of out-of-date tickets in my house and in my car and sometimes we laugh that I’ve probably already won the Lotto jackpot 10 times but I never found out about it.”

After putting the ticket aside, the Dubliner decided to check whether the stray ticket was worth anything, and quickly discovered she was suddenly €117,000 richer.

“When I went into the shop to scan my ticket, the shop keeper and I were absolutely dumbstruck, I don’t know which of us got the biggest shock,” she admitted.

Arriving at the National Lottery Winners Room on Dublin’s Abbey Street today, she urged everyone to keep an eye on their tickets.

“Just because a big jackpot isn’t won in your area, it could still be worth a lot of money, I am living proof of that. I have the App now so there’s no excuse.”

You heard the woman – You could be sitting on a gold mine.

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While we don't tend to discuss every aspect of our menstrual cycle with each on a monthly basis, as women we reserve the right to remark on this natural bodily function should we so choose.

However, it looks like the powers that be at Facebook aren't as keen on cramp chat and discomfort discussion as Melody Pool quickly realised this week.

Melody, a leading folk singer from Melbourne, was banned from Facebook for 24 hours after she posted a status referring to period pain and the unholy hell caused by it.

After removing Melody's post on the grounds they considered it 'inappropriate', the singer took to Twitter to vent her frustration at the global corporation.

"Thanks for deleting my post about period pain and not allowing me to post for 24hrs Facebook," she vented at the weekend.

'I am so furious that I got suspended for 24 hours from Facebook for being a woman with a menstrual cycle," she continued. 

Insistent that their reasons for removing the post were illogical at best, Melody continued: "I'm dumbfounded that a normal bodily function is "inappropriate"?! Are you kidding me Facebook? I can't even message anyone."

Melody, unsurprisingly, wasn't alone in her anger, and followers of the singer were quick to add their voice to the discussion, with one writing: "Unbelievable! And on the other side not suspending people who are harassing others or writing racist comments!"

Talk about alienating half their users…

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