PORTFOLIO

JANE QUINN
F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T
0 8 7 7 9 5 2 2 6 2 | J A N E E L I Z A B E T H Q U I N N @ G M A I L . C O M
Skellig
WarsFILMING THE LATEST STAR WARS SEQUEL ON SKELLIG MICHAEL
RESULTED IN A HEATED DEBATE OVER WHAT REALLY COMES
FIRST, TOURISM OR CONSERVATION? JANE QUINN REPORTS.
151EAR TO THE GROUND
have been divided about the filming of
Star Wars on Skellig Michael, which took
place on the UNESCO World Heritage
site last September. On one side, conserva-
tion groups believed filming would threat-
en wildlife on the island, while others, as-
sured of its apparent safety outlined in a
report by the National Parks and Wildlife
Service, saw filming of the acclaimed fran-
chise as nothing more than a lucrative op-
portunity for Irish tourism.
Plans for Lucasfilm (Star Wars’ pro-
duction company) to shoot on the island
were put in place back in April. However,
it was when filming became known to
the public that Minister for Arts Heather
Humphreys began receiving complaints
from wildlife conservation groups and
members of the public concerned about
the potential damage human presence
could have on the monastic site as well
as the protected bird population residing
there.
Since filming took place, a report car-
ried out by the National Parks and Wild-
life Service and the National Monuments
Service found that no damage was caused
during production apart from two “mi-
nor incidents” involving a crew member
catching their jacket on the edge of a
stone and a small amount of water-based
paint being spilled on rocks. The ques-
tion of whether we can ever obtain a clear
picture of what impact Star Wars has had
on Skellig Michael remains disputed. Dr
Stephen Newton from BirdWatch Ireland
recently told the Irish Times that damage
caused to eggs or nests could not be fully
accounted for as filming took place dur-
ing breeding season.
Pádraic Fogarty, Chairman of the Irish
Wildlife Trust, says one of the major prob-
lems with Star Wars on Skellig Michael
is how it was planned in a surreptitious
manner. “Not only are the islands famous
for their UNESCO designation, they’re
also under the European Habitat’s Direc-
tive and designated for bird colonies,” he
says. “They are under a legislation stating
that any activity that is going to disturb
them needs to be properly assessed and is
prohibited to go ahead if it’s going to have
a negative impact.The problems that were
encountered were that the assessment was
done very secretively. You’re supposed to
look for the opinions of other interested
parties. That wasn’t done.”
So how does Fogarty believe filming
could have affected wildlife? He says dis-
turbance of nesting and disorientation
could have been major factors. “Birds on
the island, such as shearwaters and storm
petrels, according to BirdWatch Ireland,
nest well into September and October.
They’re nocturnal, they don’t like artifi-
cial light, so you can imagine if there were
spotlights and floodlights being used that
this would have been a problem for them.
Even in breeding season in that part of
Kerry people are urged not to leave lights
on in their garden because they can at-
tract the birds and disorientate them.”
Despite assurance that filming had no
effect on the birds’ welfare, the Irish Wild-
life Trust believes protected areas are un-
suitable for such activity, no matter what
the gain. “We believe that Skellig Michael
is not suitable for Star Wars,” says Fog-
arty. “This is a UNESCO site, it has ev-
ery conservation designation going and is
supposed to be one of our most precious
areas. There are some things that are just
not suitable. Is filming for Star Wars by
Walt Disney compatible with the spirit
of the area? I doubt it very much. This is
the kind of boundary that is crossed when
you do something like Star Wars on the
Skelligs.”
The saga will surely continue, but con-
servation of protected sites and species
is an important issue that should remain
at the heart of tourism sector discussion,
and for events such as Star Wars on Skel-
lig Michael, all stakeholders should be in
a position to bring their concerns to the
table in advance of production.
“The value wildlife brings to our lives;
sustaining our food and our water and our
air are important,” declares Fogarty. “But
at the end of the day it’s the spiritual and
cultural value that wildlife brings to our
lives that is so intrinsic to our wellbeing.
They are values that cannot be monetised.
I think you have to place the proper value
on conservation, and we don’t see that at
Government level. When you see what’s
happened at the Skelligs, everything is for
sale, everything can be monetised and ev-
erything can be translated into short-term
gain. It’s just not a sustainable attitude.”
Fogarty urges people to visit the Skel-
lig Islands and see for themselves the
value that lies in its natural beauty. “It’s
a fantastic place. We always urge people
to take every opportunity to go out and
connect with nature and wildlife, it is an
amazing thing we have.”
PÁDRAIC SAYS: “THIS IS A UNESCO SITE, IT HAS EVERY
CONSERVATION DESIGNATION GOING AND IS SUPPOSED
TO BE ONE OF OUR MOST PRECIOUS AREAS. THERE ARE
SOME THINGS THAT ARE JUST NOT SUITABLE. IS FILMING
FOR STAR WARS BY WALT DISNEY COMPATIBLE WITH THE
SPIRIT OF THE AREA? I DOUBT IT VERY MUCH. THIS IS THE
KIND OF BOUNDARY THAT IS CROSSED WHEN YOU DO
SOMETHING LIKE STAR WARS ON THE SKELLIGS.”
pinions
52 HOTEL CATERING REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2015
A QUICK CHAT
CHEF: JUAN MARI ARZAK
Apart from my mother, my
favourite chef is Juan Mari Arzak,
a fourth generation restaurateur.
Juan Mari is still one of the top
20 chefs in the world. What I
love about him is that he cooks
comforting home food, but at the
highest level, and this is my ethos.
We have received a
huge amount of support
from the people of
Stoneybatter. I don’t
think I’ve ever had better
diners than I have now.
We wanted our design
to be minimalist and
relaxed. I want the food
to be the decoration. The
restaurant is the canvas.
Tapas is all about sharing
good food with good
people. This idea is close
to my heart from my years
living in Spain so this is
what I wanted to do in
my restaurant. I always
make sure that there are
base plates on my tables to
make it easy for diners to
have this experience.
Our first dish at
Boqueria was chocolate
mousse with olive oil and
candied bread. I used to
make my daughter Laia
a Marienda for school
when she was very young
which was basically
soft milk-bread with
chocolate and olive oil.
MEAL: PAELLA
It reminds me of every Sunday in
Spain when more than 30 family
members would dine together.
Dining is about more than the food,
it is the experience, the sharing.
Human beings have a basic need to
dine together. My mother instilled
that in me and I’m glad she did.
Hotel & Catering Review’s
Jane Quinn talks to
Matt Fuller, the Head Chef
and owner of
Boqueria restaurant, newly
opened this June, about his
approach to food.
MATTFULLER
INGREDIENT: FISH
Anything fresh and from the sea -
caviar, sardines, scallops, mussels,
etc. I love using good fish as an
ingredient because it is fresh and
healthy. It demands respect when
being cooked and, when you give it,
the result speaks for itself.
WISH LIST: THERMO MIX
My absolute favourite is the Thermo
Mix - a blender that heats, whips and
blends at the same time.
TREND
38
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1
Girls:1 Carrement Beau felt navy hat (3-8yrs), €38, Arnotts 2 Corduroy pinafore dress (3mths-3yrs), €14.95, Zara 3 Oatmeal stitch cardi (3mths-3yrs), €19.95, Mothercare 4 Ginger ditsy
dress (3mths-6yrs), from €17, Next 5 Rose print chiffon dress (3-12yrs), €14, Heatons 6 Ochre cardigan (3mths-6yrs), from €15.50, Next 7 Little Bird by Jools toadstool skirt (9mths-8yrs), €17.95,
Mothercare 8 Tulle ra-ra skirt (0-2yrs), €7, Penneys 9 Leather boots with buckle detail (1-3yrs), €35.95, Zara Boys: 1 Bobble beanie hat (5-14yrs), €11, Marks & Spencer 2 Petit Bateau solea
pin-cord dungarees (12-24months), €40, Brown Thomas 3 Chain stitch bike crew neck top (3mths-6yrs), from €18.50, Next 4 Boss Kids red cotton trousers (9-24mths), €75, Brown Thomas
5 Cable funnel neck oatmeal jumper (0-2yrs), €9, Penneys 6 Nitlasse K v-neck knit cardigan (1-4yrs), €22.96, name it7 Green bear tee (3mths-3yrs), €6.95, Mothercare 8 Knit sweater with
sudette pocket (6mths-3yrs), €16.95, Zara 9 Denim jeans (18mths-10yrs), €19.99, H&M 10 Navy boots with laces (9mths-3yrs), €25.95, Zara
Wrapped Up
Autumn is most definitely here! Dress
your little ones in deeper, warmer
colours, boots and cosy knits for crisper
and colder days.
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5
4
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AUTUMN
ATTIRE
4
73
BEAUTY & STYLE
TIP
Lyndsey Cavanagh, a top make-
up artist for Max Factor, gives us
her top tip for faking a brighter
and wider eye. “The finer the line
you create, the bigger your eyes
will appear. Use the edge rather
than the tip of the liner and glide
along the roots of the lashes to
include the entire width of the
eye, from the tear duct to outer
corner. This gives a wide, opened
eye effect. Also, add your mascara
mainly to the base of the lashes
and hold the wand against them
for 30 seconds at a time this will
lift the lash line and add to your
bright-eyed look.”
OUR WINTER WISH LIST
Get new season ready with these new make-up beauties on our wish list
1
Inglot AMC Stardust Eyeshadow,
€16. Make your eyes sparkle
with this season’s colours with
Inglot’s vivid and warm coloured,
sparkly eyeshadows. Dazzle darling!
2
SoSu by Suzanne Jackson Gel Nail
Polish in Chocaholic, €7.99. We love
a darker nail and Irish fashion
and beauty blogger Suzanne Jackson’s
new Autumn/Winter gel nail range has
all the colours you’ll need for on-trend
Autumn/Winter nails this season.
3
The Body Shop Colour Crush
Lipstick, €13.50. New on The
Body Shop’s shelves this season
is the Colour Crush lip range – and we
love the range’s dark and warm colours.
We love the shade Berry Me, perfect
for subtly changing your make-up look
from summer to autumn.
4
No7 Airbrush Away Foundation and
Primer, €22. Achieve that flawless
look and picture-perfect skin
without the filters with No7’s Airbrush
Away Foundation, while reducing the
appearance of pores, hiding fine lines
and smoothing uneven skin tone with
No7’s Airbrush Away Primer. Now
you’re party ready!
MAC Strobe Cream, €33.50, is a miracle
worker for brightening up dull, tired-
looking skin, giving you that beautiful
‘I’ve slept for days’ glow. For an extra
added beam to give you a healthy,
refreshed look pop some No7 Skin
Illuminator Radiance Boosting Beauty
Fluid, €14.25, to your cheekbones.
We’re addicted to the golden, pearly
shine this fluid gives.
FLAWLESS FOUNDATION
Use Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation,
€11.29, to achieve a bright and
fresh face. With its peptides and a
vitamin moisturising complex it’s
the perfect anti-fatigue fighter.
BRIGHT EYES
The eyes give us away when we’re tired,
so the trick to creating a more alert
and brighter eye is in your eyeliner,
mascara and concealer. Try L’Oréal’s
True Match Correcting Concealer,
€10.75, to banish those black bags
in an instant by evening out
your skin tone. Eyeliner does
wonders for opening the eye
and making us look more alert.
Whether you opt for a fully lined eye
with a slight flick to create length, or a
half wing to lift and widen the eye, the
secret to wide-awake eyes is eyeliner.
Max Factor’s Masterpiece High Precision
Liquid Liner, €10.99, has the intensity of
a liquid eyeliner with the precision of
a pencil for easy application. Rimmel’s
new Wonder’Full Wake Me Up Mascara,
€9.99, with vitamins and cucumber
extract helps keep your lashes conditioned
throughout the day, helping tired eyes
appear brighter.
LIPS & CHEEKS
There’s nothing quite like a pop of colour
to the cheeks to give you an immediate lift
to your complexion. We
love Clinique Cheek Pop,
€20; with its silky-
smooth formula and
its handy compact
you can apply it in
seconds for a quick
and refreshing tint
to your cheeks. When
you’re feeling tired, a striking, bold
lippy can bring you from grunge
to glam in seconds. We’re loving
Max Factor’s new lipstick range
Lipfinitity, €12.49, and its vibrant
life-giving colours.
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Know you’re not going to get your full
eight hours’ sleep tonight? Use Vichy’s
Idealia Skin Sleep, €28, as your night cream
to stimulate cell regeneration. This lovely
product contains caffeine plant extract,
which drains and decongests the skin to
help to counter signs of fatigue,. It also
contains hyaluronic acid, a hydrating
and plumping sugar that accelerates
circulation, helping your skin look rested
and revived,
even if you
are far from
feeling it
yourself.
Get new season ready with these new make-up beauties on our wish list
72
BEAUTY & STYLE
WASH AWAY A BAD NIGHT’S SLEEP
After a rocky night’s sleep the first
thing you will want to do is splash your
face with a little water to wake your
skin up. The most important step each
morning is cleaning away dirt and oil
that gathers as you sleep, so try not to
let tiredness prevent you from washing
your face properly in the morning as
it makes the world of difference when
it comes to make-up application afterwards.
Clear away these impurities and brighten dull
and tired looking skin right up with Aveda’s
Embrightenment Cleanser, €33, which claims to
be clinically proven to improve skin’s clarity
by an impressive 52 per cent.
ALL ABOUT THAT BASE
The key to faking a healthy glow that makes
you look like you’ve slept for days is all in
your moisturiser and base. Try The
Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting
Moisturiser, €21.50, to revive your skin
with its natural vitamin C source, the
ultimate antidote to tired-looking
skin. Clarins Instant Light Radiance
Boosting Complexion Base, €30.50, is a
moisturising base that illuminates and
corrects your skin tone, while hydrating
and soothing with moisture-rich Katafray
bark extract.
ILLUMINATE
Illuminators are our hero when it
comes to creating a healthy-looking
glow and are a huge trend in the
make-up world at the moment.
Apply them before foundation on the
cheekbones, bridge of your nose, the
corners of your eyes and the Cupid’s
bow for a glow worthy of a Goddess!
Looking wide awake and“glowing”can be tricky when you’ve
been up half the night with a colicky baby. But thankfully there
are plenty of tips and tricks you can try, reports JANE QUINN…
L
et’s face it, whether expecting a little
bundle of joy or already a busy
mum, we don’t always get our eight
hours of beauty sleep each night –
in fact, we’re lucky if we get five!
Whether you’re up all night with pregnancy
bladder, doing the night feeds or sharing your
bed all night with restless babies, the lack of
sleep can take its toll and leave you with skin
that looks tired and dull, along with those
pesky black bags under your eyes that we all
dread. Whatever it is that keeps you up and
leaves your skin looking less than its best, we
have the cure to make you look like you’ve
slept eight hours, even if you’ve only had two.
HOW TO ...
fake
AWAKE

JANE QUINN
FREELANCE JOURNALIST | 087 795 2262 | JANEELIZABETHQUINN@GMAIL.COM
62
BEAUTY & STYLE
SKIN PREP
Prepping your skin before braving
it out into the cold is the first step
to ensure your skin stays protected.
Treat the skin to a scrub once or
twice a week to rid of dull, flaky surface cells.
Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream with
Microbeads, €30, is a soft exfoliating cream that
is smooth on the skin with soothing mimosa
extract, and will make a clean sweep of built-
up underlying dirt. Opt for a cream cleanser
instead of a gel or foam, which can be drying.
Milky cream cleansers like Lancôme Galatée
Confort Cleansing Milk, €27, are great for
dry and sensitive skin. With its honey
and almond extracts, this cleanser will
condition the skin and lock in moisture,
protecting from further dehydration
while being careful not to strip away
the skin’s natural moisture. It’s also a
fabulous make-up remover, gliding away
the day’s grime in a swish.
MOISTURE BASE
Moisturisers are the most important
way of keeping your skin hydrated
throughout the day. Choose something
rich that aims to target intense
moisturisation, as during windy weather
the skin’s natural oil can get dried
away by the elements. La Roche Posay
Hydraphase UV Intense Rich, €22, contains
hyaluronic acid fragments that work to lock
in water, and contains SPF 20 and a filtering
system to shield the skin from UVA and
UVB, which are present in the sun’s rays at
all times during the year. Another hero is
the Kinvara Active Rosehip Day
Cream, €25.95. This cream
contains essential plant oils,
regenerating vitamins, lemon
and lavender and is like a
vitamin cocktail for the skin.
It’s winter time and the livin’ain’t so easy – especially for your skin.
Beat the blues that come with dry, chapped and sensitive skin during
harsh winter weather with these nourishing skin saviours that will
leave your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and protected, no matter
what the elements bring. JANE QUINN reports.
W
e all know winter can play
havoc with our skin. Between
whippingly windy days and
strikingly cold and dry air,
our skin can suffer as a result,
becoming dry, flaky and irritated – especially
if you’re prone to sensitive skin already. But
we’re here to tell you that winter need not be
all doom and gloom for your skin. There are
lots of ways to combat the effects the harsh
hand of winter can have on your skin and hair,
and we’re here to show you them.
BEAT THE ...
winter
BLUES
MI Dec_Jan 2015_Beauty.indd 62 26/11/2015 12:39
63
BEAUTY & STYLE
TIP 1
To prevent drying your skin
out even more this winter make
sure that when you shower the
temperature is not too hot, as a
very hot temperature can cause
broken capillaries in the skin, and
dry it out even more.
TIP 2
Add a drop of aloe vera, almond
oil or vitamin E to your night
cream to restore the skin’s own oil
naturally and let it work its magic
while you sleep.
PARTY FEVER
It’s official, party season is upon us!Whether you’re going to
your work Christmas do, having a night out on the tiles with
the girls or at a festive family gathering, copy stunning mums
NaomiWatts and Julianne Moore’s pale pink palette for a barely
there make-up look.
1
Get the celebs’ secret to
flawless foundation with
Charlotte Tilbury Magic
Foundation, €40.
2
Contour the face to get
cheekbones to die for with
Rimmel’s Natural Bronzer,
€7.49. Achieve dark, thick, long
lashes with L’Oreal’s Volume Million
Lashes Feline, €16.99, and dazzle
in pink hues with Topshop’s Glow
Dome in Galactic, €12.
3
Create a dark, glamorous
eye with Rimmel Glam’Eyes
Liquid Liner, €6.99, and frame
your face with the perfect set of
brows by using Rimmel’s Brow This
Way Kit, €4.99.
4
Perfect your pout with
L’Oréal Paris Collection
Exclusive Lipstick in Rose,
€12.49, and finish off your look
with Next Big Apple Nail Polish,
€5.60. Time to shine!
EYE CARE
Our eyes can become tired
and dull during harsh
weather. Clinique All About
Eyes Rich Moisturising Cream,
€34, strengthens skin
around the eye and creates
a moisture barrier against common
irritants, keeping your eyes hydrated
and refreshed while targeting wrinkles
and fine lines at the same time. We love
some double duty!
SERUMS & OILS
Face oils and serums are really
having their moment in the beauty
world at the moment, and are
considered beauty gods when
it comes to restoring the skin’s
radiance and moisture. Clarins
Double Serum Complete Age Control
Concentrate, €69.50, with 20 pure plant
extracts, is extra hydrating,
and visibly reduces wrinkles,
promising firmer skin and a
more even skin tone. Kinvara
Skincare 24hr Rosehip Face Serum,
€29.95, aims to provide intensive
care, even to demanding skin.
It’s concentrated formula is
packed with plant extracts,
vitamins, antioxidants and calming
ingredients. Crème de la Mer’s The
Renewal Oil, €180, contains sea-
sourced actives to increase the
skin’s resilience and natural barrier
as it is applied. This magic oil is
aromatic, soothing and will enrich
dry skin, and is a real treat to put
on. Just massage a few drops into
the skin, hair, cuticles and dry areas of
the body and you’ll be thanking us!
COVER UP
If you’re looking for
some coverage, go for a
moisturising foundation
like Bobbi Brown’s Moisture
Rich Foundation, €40, which
will lock in the natural
moisture present in your
skin and prevent it from
being dried away by the
elements. For something lighter,
try Olay Regenerist CC Cream,
€27.69, a sheer foundation and
moisturiser with glycerine,
SPF 15 and vitamin E, a powerful
combination which hydrates the skin
and protects against the effects of skin-
damaging free radicals.
HEALTHY HAIR
None of us will disagree on
how dreaded the wind is for
our hair. Nothing is as irking
as frizzy hair out to here and dry, brittle
ends to beat the band! Hair becomes dry
and brittle in winter, so opt for a moisture
rich shampoo and conditioner that aim to
restore your hair’s natural oil and deeply
condition and moisturise it at the same,
like L’Oréal Paris Extraordinary Oil Shampoo,
€5.84 and L’Oréal Paris Extraordinary Oil
Conditioner, €5.84.
HAPPY HANDS
Don’t forget to give your hands
some TLC! Our hands can become
dry very easily from daily work,
and the colder weather can worsen
this and make them sore, dry and
sometimes cracked. Use La Roche Posay
Cicaplast Mains, €7.50, which repairs the
skin’s barrier; soothing, protecting and
restoring dry and overworked hands.
MI Dec_Jan 2015_Beauty.indd 63 26/11/2015 12:39

JANE QUINN
WILDLIFE
158 EAR TO THE GROUND
The bat has been a mammal of
mystery and intrigue for centuries.
These elusive creatures are often
admired or slightly feared – but
a closer look debunks myths and
highlights just how important these
transient mammals are in Irish
natural history as a new book, Irish
Bats in the 21st Century, sets out to
demonstrate the imprint Irish bats
have on our landscape.
Jane Quinn reports.
F
or many years now,
enthusiasts have been
carefully studying the Irish
bat across the country.
Despite having been
protected under Irish
legislation since 1976, real action has
been a much later development – but
in recent years, the bat has become one
of the most respected mammals on the
island.
Ireland hosts nine different species
of bat, from the woodland-residing
pipistrelles and Natterer’s bat to the
waterway-frequenting Daubenton’s bat.
For most of the 20th century, bat
conservation was far from the forefront
of Irish environmentalism, with the
recording of bat sightings occurring
more infrequently than steadily. It was
not until the 1980s that bats began
to take precedence in Irish natural
research. Bat groups began to pop up
across the Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland, and an interest in the
species began to grow.
ON THE
TRAIL OF THE
IRISH BAT
Mystery
Mammal
BAT GROUPS UNITE
Fast-forward to 2004 when Bat
Conservation Ireland was formed. A
means of uniting bat groups across the
Republic, the group aimed to further
the study of the furry flying creature.
As a result of this consolidation, new
monitoring schemes were designed and
put into place by the group and funded
by the National Parks and Wildlife
Service. Importantly, an online database
was formed to publish their findings,
now the Republic of Ireland’s central bat
recording system.
Now another milestone has been
released with the publication of the
comprehensive book Irish Bats in the 21st
Century, a platform of recognition for
the years of recording that the group
undertook. It gives the general public,
as well as bat volunteers and lovers alike,
a summary of records and a greater
understanding of the Irish bat as it is
today.
Niamh Roche, co-author of Irish Bats
in the 21st Century (along with Tina
158_ETTG_Summer 2015_Bats.indd 158 29/06/2015 14:05
WILDLIFE
Aughney, Mathiu Lundy and Ferdia
Marnell), recalls how national awareness
of the bat species, and the subsequent
formation of Bat Conservation Ireland,
began to come about. “Ireland was
found not to be sufficiently protecting
its bats back in the early Noughties, and
so the monitoring schemes became up
and running around that time... we set
up the database to record bats, because
in Ireland there was no central system
for recording any biological data in the
1990s or early 2000s.”
The online database was set up to
record the results of the many newly
designed monitoring schemes that
were deciphering where the different
bats and their particular habitats were,
nationwide.
“We felt, well, if we want to know
what’s going on with bats, we need to
know where they are, and when people
are recording them they need to have
somewhere to be able to submit those
records. So we constructed the database,
and it allows those people to enter data
online and is the central recording
system for bats in the Republic of
Ireland.”
MONITORING THE MAMMALS
The new monitoring schemes aimed to
decipher specific species-related details
for each of the nine different types
of bats within these shores. BATLAS
2010 was Ireland’s first systematic
bat-recording scheme that followed a
standardised method. Devised in 2007
by Bat Conservation Ireland, and later
funded by NPWS and the Heritage
Council, the scheme focused on the
distribution of four particular species: the
common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle,
the Daubenton’s bat and Leisler’s bat.
Other monitoring schemes were
designed to target certain species, such as
the Car Based Monitoring Scheme which,
with the use of bat detectors, determines
the roadside population of the pipistrelle
species; the All Ireland Daubenton’s
Bat Waterways Scheme, surveying the
presence of the Daubenton’s bat along
canals and rivers; and the Brown Long
Eared Bat Roost Monitoring Scheme and
Lesser Horseshoe Bat Roost Scheme for
species that inhabit woodlands.
So how have these schemes helped to
gain a better and more precise insight
into the bats that inhabit our island – and
more importantly, how have they helped
with their conservation? According
to Niamh, understanding the species
acts as a basis for their conservation.
“In order to prioritise conservation
it is important to know how a species
is doing to start off with. You need to
know where it is, how its population is
doing, and then tell if that population
is increasing or decreasing or staying
stable, so population trends would be a
baseline piece of data before you come
up with any conservation strategies. The
standardised schemes that we now run,
with the help of hundreds of volunteers
around the country, give us that baseline
data, and at the moment the species that
we monitor seem to be doing reasonably
well.”
LEFT: A Daubenton’s bat at a tree roost.
BELOW: A lesser horseshoe bat hibernating.
Photos: Paul van Hoof.
158_ETTG_Summer 2015_Bats.indd 159 29/06/2015 14:05

JANE QUINN
LIFESTYLE: travel
DOWNLOAD
BEFORE
YOU GO
MADRID SUBWAY
Madrid Subway is a
comprehensive guide to
travelling through the city. It
offers an official map of the
Madrid subway along with a
helpful guide of all subway
lines, station locations and
destinations in the capital.
Available: |
MADRID MAP
& WALKS
This app provides pictures,
info, and a brief review of
all the top clubs, bars and
restaurants in the city so
you can choose the venue to
suit your mood.
Available: |
MADRID MAP
& WALKS
This app comes with a
detailed and fully functional
map to help you explore the
city and locate sights through
guided walks featuring
the best Madrid has to
offer, from world famous
attractions to hidden gems.
Available: |
138 InBusiness | Q2 2014InBUSINESS | Q3 2015
high street shops
can be found on Gran
Via and Calle Fuencarral.
Calle Serano also offers
a selection of cool bars
and restaurants, but you’ll
be rewarded with some
hidden gems if you’re
willing to explore the
smaller streets off the
beaten track.
In terms of
accommodation,
Madrid doesn’t fall
short on choice. The NH
Eurobuilding, a four-star
hotel located in the
city’s financial district,
is perfect for a business
trip. With a fitness
centre, spa and modern
conference facilities, you
won’t struggle to pass the
time. The hotel is also
located minutes from
Paseo de la Castellana,
the city’s main avenue,
as well as Real Madrid’s
famous Bernabeu
Stadium, a must-see for
any football fans.
For the food-lover, the
same hotel houses the
a rooftop setting where
you can enjoy a panoramic
view of the impressive
architecture on Calle
Alcalá.
Serrano 41 is a fantastic
spot for an after dinner
drink. The stylish bar,
which is a frequent haunt
for celebrities, is the
perfect way to wind down
after a long day exploring
the city. It stays open until
5.30 in the morning – like
most of the nightclubs in
Madrid – in case you’re in
the mood for a late night.
The Madrid natives,
‘Madrileños’, generally
leave the city in August,
ensuring that their
holidays coincide with
the extreme summer
temperatures. Therefore, a
visit to the Spanish capital
either side of August is
highly recommended, to
ensure you have enough
energy to avoid siestas and
make use of your time to
discover the best sights
and activities that this
lively city has to offer.
three Michelin
starred restaurant
DiverXO. Be warned
though, it’s a popular
place and bookings need
to be made months in
advance. Time is another
consideration when it
comes to dining. The
locals like to eat late and
for this reason a late dinner
gives visitors the chance to
fully appreciate the local
experience as the buzz of
the city comes alive.
There are a host of
other great restaurants
on offer in the city, as well
as stylish cocktail bars if
you’re looking for a lively
atmosphere. Try Cafeteria
La Terraza, where you
have the choice of café,
cocktail bar or restaurant.
There they serve tapas
and casseroles for a
casual lunch or the best
of Spanish and world
cuisine for a formal dinner.
La terraza del Casino at
the Casino de Madrid,
meanwhile, offers some
of the best local dishes in
138
For the food-lover, try the tapas and
casseroles for a casual lunch or the best of
Spanish and world cuisine for a formal dinner.
Arganzuela
footbridge
Buen Retiro Park
Toledo is the most visited city
in Madrid’s vicinity
136 InBusiness Q3 2015_Travel.indd 138 05/10/2015 13:23
137
LIFESTYLE: travel
InBUSINESS | Q2 2015InBUSINESS | Q3 2015
WHERE TO
Other landmarks
worth a visit in the city
are the Royal Theatre,
the beautiful Buen
Retiro Park and the
Golden Triangle of Art,
which comprises three
museums; the Prado,
the Reina Sofia and the
Thyssen-Borenmisza,
featuring classical,
pre and post-20th
century paintings,
a must-see for art
aficionados. For
something a little
different, check out
Malasaña. With its ethnic
restaurants, traditional
bars, retro food shops
and bohemian cafés, it
makes for some vibrant
street scenes at any time
of the day.
Getting Around
Navigating the city is
easy enough thanks
to the metro system,
local railways and bus
networks. The Empresa
Municipal de Transportes,
or EMT, is the city’s bus
network. Operating 24
hours a day, it services
the city centre, suburban
areas as well as the
airport. Many of the main
sights of Madrid are also
accessible by bike if
you’re looking for a truly
authentic experience.
When it comes to retail,
Madrid offers a host of
the world’s top designer
brands in the Salamanca
District. The luxury end
stores are located on
Calle Serrano while the
MEET...
NH
Eurobuilding
This stylish retreat
located in the city’s
financial district is the
perfect location for a business
meeting. With excellent services
such as 27 state-of-the-art
function rooms with holographic
technology, all your business
meeting needs will be catered for.
www.nh-collection.com
EAT...
El 38
de Larumbe
Immerse yourself in
the city’s culture by
trying some of its traditional
Spanish cuisine and fine world food at
the El 38 de Larumbe. Have an after
dinner drink in the relaxing lounge
surrounded by beautiful minimalist and
modern interiors.
www.pedrolarumbe.com
SLEEP...
Catalonia
Plaza Mayor
Located in the centre of
Madrid, the stylish four-
star Catalonia Plaza Mayor is
a 10-minute walk from the Prado
and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums.
Offering a gym, hot tub, free WiFi
with modern furnished rooms, you’re
guaranteed a comfortable and sound
night’s sleep after a long day.
www.hoteles-catalonia.com
SEE...
Segovia
Taking a day trip to
Segovia is well worth
the effort. There you’ll
see its two-thousand-
year-old Roman aqueducts,
Romanesque churches and stunning
castle. You can go by bus or take
the Renfe AVE or Avante Train from
Chamartin station in North Madrid. The
journey takes around 40 minutes.
www.visitsegovia.turismodesegovia.com
Ryanair operate
two daily flights
between Dublin
and Madrid, and
from the end
of October will
operate three
daily flights. Aer
Lingus fly direct
from Dublin to
Madrid daily.
EMT bus
network.
operates 24
hours a day,
and services
the city centre,
suburban areas
and the airport.
Madrid
The Madrid
natives, ‘Madrileños’,
generally leave the
city in August, ensuring
that their holidays
coincide with the
extreme summer
temperatures.
136
LIFESTYLE: travel
InBUSINESS | Q3 2015
STYLISH, MODERN AND RICH IN CULTURE,
YOU WON’T BE STUCK FOR THINGS TO
SEE OR DO IN THE SPANISH CAPITAL,
WRITES JANE QUINN.
B
oasting the title of third largest city in Europe, Madrid
has more than enough to offer in terms of hospitality,
history, entertainment and food. But for a city of its scale,
it can be a little overwhelming when trying to decide how
best to spend your time.
Whether on business or leisure, the city’s Palacio Real
de Madrid (the Royal Palace of Madrid) is a good place
to start. The palace dates back to the ninth century and is a sight to behold
with its elegant columned structures and an interior filled with a wealth of
art and decor, most notably works by acclaimed painter Caravaggio. The
palace is Europe’s largest by floor area and its impressive walls hold court
to many official banquets and state ceremonies. You can purchase a ticket
for guided tours or you can choose to walk around the banquet halls and
lavish rooms at your own leisure.
Madrid is also home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alcalá de
Henares is noted for its rich archaeology and was once the home of famous
Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. Then there’s the 17th-century Royal
Palace of Aranjuez. A residence of the King of Spain, this spectacular
palace and grounds is open to the public as one of the Spanish royal sites.
Toledo, meanwhile, is the most visited city in Madrid’s vicinity, boasting
an 11th-century mosque and a 13th-century cathedral. There’s also daily
trips available to Segovia where you can see its famous Old Town, Roman
aqueduct, medieval walls, Romanesque churches, former royal palace and
Gothic cathedral.Palacio Real de Madrid
MadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadridMadrid
The Real

JANE QUINN
37
TREND
2
3
5
SCHOOL BAG
Essentials
Get started with your school prep early with these
cute school bag essentials for your little ones.
3
5
8
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1 Girls’junior pencil case backpack, €14.99, Easons 2 Monster Mash Up mini backpack, €22, Paperchase 3 Marvel Avengers stationery pack, €15, Littlewoods 4 Frozen barrel pencil case,
€2.50, Penneys 5 Just In Case bear lunch bag, €20, Paperchase 6 Kids’drinking bottle, €2.99, Lidl 7 Pirate colouring pencils, €7, designist 8 Marvel Avengers Assemble pencil case set,
€12.99, Smyths 9 Coloured pens, €2, Tiger 10 Ultimate Spider-Man 3D EVA face lunch bag,€12.99, Easons11 Bow hairband, 2.99, Zara 12 Mickey pencil case, €3.50, Penneys
MI Aug_Sept 2015_Schoolbag.indd 37 27/07/2015 09:40
36
TREND
2
Main image: Zip-through hooded fleece (18mths-8yrs), €14.95; graphic tee (18mths-8yrs), €6.95; denim-look jogger (18mths-8yrs), €15.95, all Mothercare 1 Mantaray boy’s
red striped space dye t-shirts (3pk) (12mths-6yrs), from €12.60, Debenhams 2 Robot t-shirt (12mths-14yrs), €7.15, Marks & Spencer 3 Petit Bateau skating denim dungarees
(12-36mths), €55, Brown Thomas 4 Mid-cut high tops (3-8yrs), €25.95, Zara 5 Billy Bandit blue t-shirt (2-14yrs), €24.50, Arnotts 6 Navy jogger (2-7yrs), €7, Penneys 7 Cool kids
sweatshirt (18mths-10yrs), €14.99, H&M 8 Little monster printed hat (6mths-4yrs), €7.95, Zara 9 Nitlox M knit dress (1-4yrs), €24.95, name it10 Chop-out hi tops (3mths-6yrs),
from €23, Next 11 name it girls knitted jumper with ribbon detail(9mths-4yrs), €13, House of Fraser 12 Printed snood, €3, Penneys 13 Billie Blush navy jeans (2-14yrs), €31,
Arnotts 14 Top with sequined embroidery (18mths-10yrs), €6.99, H&M 15 Stripe jumper dress (3mths-6yrs), from €21, Next
PIECES
8
11
13
14
10
9
1
Pre-School
Little one starting pre-school this
September? In the absence of a uniform,
invest in comfy and durable clothes that
are great for both playtime and learning.
1
3
4
5
6
7
2
15
12
MI Aug_Sept 2015_PreSchool.indd 36 27/07/2015 09:37

JANE QUINN
TREND
38
2
3
5
6 7
8
9 9
10
7
1
Girls:1 Carrement Beau felt navy hat (3-8yrs), €38, Arnotts 2 Corduroy pinafore dress (3mths-3yrs), €14.95, Zara 3 Oatmeal stitch cardi (3mths-3yrs), €19.95, Mothercare4 Ginger ditsy
dress (3mths-6yrs), from €17, Next 5 Rose print chiffon dress (3-12yrs), €14, Heatons 6 Ochre cardigan (3mths-6yrs), from €15.50, Next 7 Little Bird by Jools toadstool skirt (9mths-8yrs), €17.95,
Mothercare 8 Tulle ra-ra skirt (0-2yrs), €7, Penneys 9 Leather boots with buckle detail (1-3yrs), €35.95, Zara Boys: 1 Bobble beanie hat (5-14yrs), €11, Marks & Spencer2 Petit Bateau solea
pin-cord dungarees (12-24months), €40, Brown Thomas3 Chain stitch bike crew neck top (3mths-6yrs), from €18.50, Next 4 Boss Kids red cotton trousers(9-24mths), €75, Brown Thomas
5 Cable funnel neck oatmeal jumper(0-2yrs), €9, Penneys 6 Nitlasse K v-neck knit cardigan(1-4yrs), €22.96, name it7 Green bear tee (3mths-3yrs), €6.95, Mothercare8 Knit sweater with
sudette pocket (6mths-3yrs), €16.95, Zara 9 Denim jeans (18mths-10yrs), €19.99, H&M 10 Navy boots with laces (9mths-3yrs), €25.95, Zara
Wrapped Up
Autumn is most definitely here! Dress
your little ones in deeper, warmer
colours, boots and cosy knits for crisper
and colder days.
8
6
5
4
3
2
1
AUTUMN
ATTIRE
4
38
TREND
3
4
1
2
4
6
11
12
14
15
1 Yellow lace dress (3mths-6yrs), from €34, Next. 2 Baby flower details walker sandal(0-3yrs), €21.50, Monsoon 3 Pants Pickles (2-12yrs ), €89.90, Oilily4 Jersey Bee set (0-18mths), €18, Next
5 Ice and slice bag, €15, Monsoon 6 Baker by Ted Baker white chameleon pocket shirt(12mths-3yrs), from €22.50, Debenhams7 Yellow skinny jeans (0-24mths), €14.40 , Mamas & Papas
8 White lace-up boots (3mths-6yrs), from €16, Next 9 Shirt Tyle (2-12yrs), €39.90, Oilily10 Mini Nithane chino shorts (1-3yrs), €16.95, name it 11 Green giraffe long-sleeved tee(0-24mths),
€10, Mamas & Papas 12 Hooded fisherman jacket (0-24mths), €24, Marks & Spencer;Assorted pure cotton three-pack t-shirts(0-24mths), €16, Marks & Spencer 13 J by Jasper Conran white
skinny jeans (4-14yrs), from €21, Debenhams 14 Mini Nithua short-sleeved top (1-3yrs) €12.95, name it15 Jurk Dorita cotton dress(2-12yrs), €109.90, Oilily
5
7
8
9
10
13
IN
YELLOW
!"##$Summer has arrived, and with it
brighter weather. Dress your little one
in sunny yellows to brighten up their
wardrobe for a fresh, summer look.

JANE QUINN
ALL YOU NEED
TO KNOW ABOUT…
TOILET
TRAINING
5
4
Q
At what age should I
begin toilet training
my child? Each child is
different and there is no set age or rule of
thumb as to when to begin toilet training.
However, usually parents begin introducing
the potty to their children when they are
in the ‘toddler’ age bracket, so anytime
from age two onwards. Toddlers may
even express interest themselves in using
the potty, so it’s really all about striking a
balance between your toddler’s interest,
awareness and age.
Q
How will I know my child is ready? Your
toddler may express an interest, but more often than not it’s
usually a case of trying it out with them and seeing how they
respond. Try getting them to sit on the potty to get used to it while you
explain how it works. If your child is able to express to you in either
facial reaction or words when they need to go, is telling you they don’t
like the feel of wet nappies, and is staying dry for two hours or more
during the day, then they could be ready. If they respond well to the
potty and seem to understand the idea when you explain it, then try
going ahead with the toilet training. If they seem uninterested or unsure
of what to do, hold off and try introducing it again in a month.
Q
When do I
switch from
nappies
to pull-ups and
underwear? Again,
try not to feel pressured
to make the switch if your
child is taking longer than
anticipated to master the
potty, as no child learns
within the same time
frame or even in the same
way. Whether you use
pull-ups or not really
depends on you and your
child. Some parents like to
go straight to underpants
as the child might be
more aware if they wet
underwear. Others ﬁnd
pull-ups a godsend. Nap
and night-time training
can take a little longer, and
pull-ups can be invaluable
for this. Many children
don’t master staying dry
at night until they are four
or ﬁve, so be patients and
don’t rush your child. In
the meantime, use pull-ups
and a mattress cover.
Q
How do I start? If you think your little one is
ready to start potty training, make a plan for yourself.
Make sure that you have a few days off in a row.
Giving yourself a window of time where you are not going to be
over occupied with other tasks at the same time will help place
focus on the toilet training, and allow you to be repetitive with
the routine over a few straight days in a row. This will achieve
better and quicker results, as well as keep the learning process
fresh in your toddler’s mind.
Q
What are the best toilet training tactics? To begin,
start off by getting your toddler acquainted with the potty. Maybe
buy them a potty in their favourite colour, explain what it is and
let them ask questions about it. Be enthusiastic, and every time your toddler
uses the potty or follows the technique you have created, react in a positive
and enthusiastic way. Teach them a routine - remove the pull-ups, go potty,
wash hands - and have some fun with it by making your routine into a song or
a rhyme. A reward system is also a great tool for positive reinforcement. By
rewarding your little one with a small treat every time they try or by creating
a ‘potty chart’ will enforce positive association with using the potty, making it
more fun and easier for them to want to try.
61
HEALTH
3
Toilet training is a big step for your little
one, and it can often take a while for
them to master.The secret is timing,
patience and lots of love.
MI Aug_Sept 2015_All you need to know.indd 61 27/07/2015 08:48
26
TREND
WINTER BRIGHTS
5
1
Winter clothes don’t have to be all dark and dreary – set the
season alight with these cheerful and bright pieces.
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Main image: Cardigan karel,€169, pants herman, €59.90, shirt tyler, €44.90, all Oilily1 Earmuffs, €11, Marks & Spencer 2 Printed dress (3mths-3yrs), €19,95, Zara 3 Red rib rollneck (3mths-6yrs),
from €11.50, Next 4 bluezoo tunic and leggings set (1-6yrs),from €16, Debenhams 5 Pure cotton chunky knit cardigan (1-7yrs),from €16, Marks & Spencer6 Star pattern boots (2-7yrs),€15,
Penneys 7 Red wool hat (2-3yrs),€69.90, Oilily8 Long sleeve tee (18mths-10yrs),€9.99, H&M9 Orange truck tee (3mths-3yrs),€3.95, Mothercare 10 Knitted collar boot (7-13yrs),€19, Penneys
11 Party wear jumper, shirt and trouser set (0-3 years),€49, Mamas & Papas 12 Nitobert knit cardigan (1-4yrs),€22.95, name it 13 Graffiti organic cotton sweatshirt (3mths-3yrs),€9.95, Zara
4
MI Dec_Jan 2015_Toddler_Brights.indd 26 26/11/2015 12:25

JANE QUINN
FASHION
176 EAR TO THE GROUND
His
Chinos with
belt, €39.95,
Zara
ABOVE: Yellow
gold polka dot
tie, €16, River
Island
BELOW: Galway
boot, €350,
Dubarry
Yeats, €278,
Dubarry
ABOVE:
Crushable
safari, €63,
Christys’
London
RIGHT:
Johnston,
€110, Dubarry
Brown leather panelled
lace-up formal shoes,
€65, River Island
LEFT: Tissot
mechanical
skeleton pocket
watch, €865,
Campbell
Jewellers
RIGHT Selected
one-button
blazer, €99.95,
Brown Thomas
NN.07 Marco sand
brushed cotton chinos,
€136, Harvey Nichols
Hallam
cashmere roll
neck, €345,
Aquascutum
RIGHT: Khaki check
tailored fit jacket,
€140, Next
BELOW: Dark blue
coated slim jean,
€44.84, Burton London
LEFT: Jeff
Banks brown
chronograph
watch, €127.50,
Debenhams
BELOW: Suede
moccasin
loafers, €53.24,
Burton London
ABOVE: Howard crepe polo, €84,
Aquascutum LEFT: Polo Ralph
Lauren sand brushed twill shorts,
€143, Harvey Nichols BELOW:
RedHerring brown leather boat
shoes, €54, Debenhams
Blue harbour tortoiseshell
half-rimmed rectangular
frame sunglasses, €35, Marks
& Spencer
173 ETTG_Spring-Summer 2015_Fashion.indd 176 29/06/2015 14:24
FASHION
174 EAR TO THE GROUNDEAR TO THE GROUND
Hers
ABOVE:
Combined knit
padded vest,
€49.95, Zara
BELOW: Canvas
lace-ups, €37,
Next
Venice denim shorts, €99, Tommy Hilfiger
Oversized
blue casual
shirt, €33,
Next
Passigatti blue
mix printed scarf,
€19.95, Fabucci
LEFT: A-line sweater,
€162, Aquascutum
BELOW: Khaki denim
leggings, €33, Next
LEFT: Short parka with
detachable lining, €79.95,
Zara
Women’s original
tall wellington
boots, €120, Hunter
Kerry cotton knit,
€90, Aquascutum
ABOVE: Tortoiseshell
oversized retro sunglasses,
€13.50, Marks & Spencer
BELOW: Camel chinos,
€59.95, ZaraLEFT: Oasis
delicate emb
lace blouse, €34,
House of Fraser
BELOW: Derocky,
€95, Dune
Geishas, €79, Dune
Weekend Max Mara Audrey
chino pants, €165, Brown
Thomas
Inge blazer,
€199, Tommy
Hilfiger
Indigo
collection
pure wool
fedora hat,
€35, Marks &
Spencer
RIGHT:
Oversized
white casual
shirt, €30, Next
RIGHT: Faux
snakeskin belt, €20,
Marks & Spencer
BELOW: Cathryne,
€85, Dune
FASHION
STYLISH BUYS FROMTHE
TRENDIEST BRANDS FOR SUMMER
INTHE COUNTRYSIDE.
COUNTRY
LIVING
Compiled by Rachel Murray
& Jane Quinn
Anderson quilted jacket, €246;
Annabelle jeans, €78; Annie cotton
tee, €42, Aquascutum

JANE QUINN
HOTEL CATERING REVIEW
Commercial
PROFILE
Winemaker of the Year’ and
‘Australian Producer of the
Year’ at the 2013 IWSC, each
for the third time), Chris is
humble and grounded, with an
interesting wisdom about all
things wine.
However, for those who
are not in possession of such
impressive wisdom, wine
can be a little intimidating.
So what is it that makes us
slightly nervous when we
are selecting the type that
we want, or apprehensive
about understanding it as a
drink? “I think as an industry,
particularly from the old world,
there is a lot of confusion
around what wine is and it
is hard to really know which
producers you should go to,”
says Chris. “I think from an
industry’s perspective maybe
we’ve almost made wine a bit
too intimidating.”
Wolf Blass are known for
their different colour labels
to ensure a distinct look for
their various ranges. “One of
the successes of Wolf Blass
when he started was his use of
coloured labels,” says Chris. “If
someone had a Yellow Label
they could go and buy another
Yellow Label so it made it easy
for them to identify a wine that
they had enjoyed and wanted
to drink again without having
to remember a lot of details in
order to recognise the bottle
on the supermarket shelf. We
try to make it as simple as we
can for people to understand
because people should feel
comfortable buying a bottle
of wine.”
With a ratio of 50:50 male
to female employees, which is
rare in the world of wine, the
company promotes diversity
in all aspects of its business
in order to keep things fresh.
“I’m a great believer in that
dynamic of having some
experience and the youth
challenging the experience all
the time because that keeps
it fresh,” he says. “However,
I think the brands that are
successful, irrespective of
what business they’re in, are
true to themselves, they don’t
chase the fashions all the time,
because once you start chasing
every fashion you actually lose
who you are.”
In terms of the price and
quality pyramid, Chris says
that Wolf Blass spans a broad
price point spectrum, selling
both luxury and commercial
wines, while emphasising
attention to detail and passion
when it comes to each and
every type of wine they
produce, irrespective of the
particular range. “Our aim is
to offer the best wine available
at each price point,” says
Chris. “The broad range of
wines and price points, as
well as the company’s intent
on maintaining the specific
Wolf Blass style across all
ranges, means that a special
relationship is required
between the winemakers and
S
ince joining Wolf Blass
in 1987, Chris Hatcher
has played a major
role in the company’s
success. A native of Adelaide,
Chris began to develop a love
for wines from an early age.
In the space of a decade from
the year that he first brought
his talent to the company
in 1987, Chris had made 39
trophy winning wines and
218 gold medalists. Although
he has enjoyed great success
in the industry, with a trail
of awards behind the brand
(‘International Red Winemaker
of the Year’ at the 2013 IWC for
the second time, ‘International
HOTEL & CATERING
REVIEW’S JANE QUINN
MET AUSTRALIAN WINE
COMPANY WOLF BLASS’
CHIEF WINEMAKER
CHRIS HATCHER TO
TALK ABOUT THE
WORLD OF WINE
AND THE COMPANY’S
SUCCESS AS AN
AWARD-WINNING WINE
BRAND.
WISDOM
inWine
Chris Hatcher with rugby guru George Hook at the
launch of the Wolf Blass rugby-themed promotion.
235544_CP_FINDLATER_AMA_H&C.indd 48 15/09/2015 14:09
HOTEL CATERING REVIEW
Commercial
PROFILE
members of the greatest rugby
union team across the globe
to coincide with the Rugby
World Cup. The campaign
is based around Wolf Blass’
new Yellow Label Limited
Edition rugby bottles and
since September 7th fans of
the Wolf Blass Facebook page
have been able to vote for who
they think is the best player to
play in a particular position.
Participants are entered into a
draw each week to win a case
of six bottles of Wolf Blass
Yellow Label Limited Edition
wines. Fifteen different labels
are available, one for each
rugby position, with each
including a different number
and illustration representing
the particular player.
“We believe that this is
a great marketing initiative
for the Irish market,” says
Chris. “We have always had
strong sponsorship with
sport. Rugby, cricket and IFL
football in Australia are the
three sports that we cover.
One of the things that we
always talk about with Wolf
Blass is triumph as a powerful
thing. It has been a key part
of the company’s philosophy
from Wolf’s time through to
today but it is more about
enjoying triumph than the
actual winning. And what
we are trying to convey with
most of our advertising is
that everyone experiences
triumph - even if you just have
a great day at work you have
a triumph. We want people to
drink Wolf Blass to celebrate
their triumph, whether it is
relaxing after a fruitful day or
after they have accomplished
a sporting achievement,
so having an icon of rugby
involved in that philosophy is a
good connection for us. On my
first day at Wolf Blass Mr Blass
held up a bottle of wine to
me and said ‘No gold medals,
no job.’ But it’s part of our
culture, it’s part of what Wolf
did originally and also what we
continue to do today.”
their marketing team in order
to identify and serve consumer
trends and preferences. Our
wine making team knows the
vineyards that we have and
they know what we can make
out of those vineyards so
we’re always experimenting
with wine and putting it to the
marketing guys and saying
‘look this is really, really good
and it has a good region, can
we do something with it?’ We
are focusing on developing
wines from the regions at
the moment because we
know what they are capable
of making and the marketers
probably fine tune how we
take it to market, which is as
important as the production
side of the business.”
As well as their ongoing
official wine partnership
with Leinster Rugby, Wolf
Blass are now teaming up
with renowned rugby guru
George Hook to launch a
rugby-themed promotion in
Ireland that aims to identify the
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay
and Wolf Blass Gold Label Cabernet.
235544_CP_FINDLATER_AMA_H&C.indd 49 15/09/2015 14:09

JANE QUINN
52 HOTEL CATERING REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2015
A QUICK CHAT
CHEF: JUAN MARI ARZAK
Apart from my mother, my
favourite chef is Juan Mari Arzak,
a fourth generation restaurateur.
Juan Mari is still one of the top
20 chefs in the world. What I
love about him is that he cooks
comforting home food, but at the
highest level, and this is my ethos.
We have received a
huge amount of support
from the people of
Stoneybatter. I don’t
think I’ve ever had better
diners than I have now.
We wanted our design
to be minimalist and
relaxed. I want the food
to be the decoration. The
restaurant is the canvas.
Tapas is all about sharing
good food with good
people. This idea is close
to my heart from my years
living in Spain so this is
what I wanted to do in
my restaurant. I always
make sure that there are
base plates on my tables to
make it easy for diners to
have this experience.
Our first dish at
Boqueria was chocolate
mousse with olive oil and
candied bread. I used to
make my daughter Laia
a Marienda for school
when she was very young
which was basically
soft milk-bread with
chocolate and olive oil.
MEAL: PAELLA
It reminds me of every Sunday in
Spain when more than 30 family
members would dine together.
Dining is about more than the food,
it is the experience, the sharing.
Human beings have a basic need to
dine together. My mother instilled
that in me and I’m glad she did.
Hotel & Catering Review’s
Jane Quinn talks to
Matt Fuller, the Head Chef
and owner of
Boqueria restaurant, newly
opened this June, about his
approach to food.
MATTFULLER
INGREDIENT: FISH
Anything fresh and from the sea -
caviar, sardines, scallops, mussels,
etc. I love using good fish as an
ingredient because it is fresh and
healthy. It demands respect when
being cooked and, when you give it,
the result speaks for itself.
WISH LIST: THERMO MIX
My absolute favourite is the Thermo
Mix - a blender that heats, whips and
blends at the same time.
052_H&C_Sept 2015_Quick Chat.indd 52 15/09/2015 14:14
51OCTOBER 2015 | HOTEL CATERING REVIEW
INTERIOR TRENDS
The brief we received was to “bring the
property back to being the best four star
hotel in Dublin and to achieve the high
standards expected of a Hilton Hotel.”
Terry says it was important that the design
“captured a mood that would cater for all
guests”, reflecting the hotel’s corporate
and conference business during the week
and its leisure customers at the weekends.
“The building looked tired, the car park
and gardens were in a poor state, and the
hotel entrance arrangement didn’t help the
overall image,” says Terry. “So the design
process started at that point.There was too
much detail and decoration in the ornate
plasterwork in the restaurant and the beauty
of the room was lost so we decided to strip
back the decoration and carefully repair and
move some of the plaster detailing. We then
painted the room to highlight the detail
that was always there.The hotel’s 500 plus
bedroom doors were replaced and a new
key-less lock system fitted.The Executive
Lounge houses an old style bar counter. We
worked with the hotel to offer the executive
guests more of an Irish experience and the
hotel team provided the solution – a free
Guinness tap.Top that!”
Interior
DESIRETerry McAleavy of interior designers and
project managers Cunningham McLean
talks about mixing leisure and business
when they re-designed the four star
Double Tree by Hilton, Burlington Road.
Style Tip
Be cognisant of the budget
at all times, capture the
brief, deliver the best design
you can within the available
budget and, where possible,
keep it simple.
B Bar,
Double Tree by Hilton,
Burlington Road
Terry
McAleavy
INDUSTRIAL
SWIVEL STOOL
www.cultfurniture.com
KOMPLOT
BAR TABLE
www.gubi.dk
SASSARI
COPPER MIRROR
www.arthouse.com
BLACK
PICTURE
FRAMES
www.ikea.com/ie
SPUN REFLECTOR
PENDANT
www.eu.originalbtc.com
EICHHOLTZ
SIDE TABLE
www.sweetpeaandwillow.com
THEODORE ALEXANDER
RELAX LOUNGE CHAIR
www.goodshomefurnishings.com
WILLOW
RUG
www.rugcouture.com
051_H&C_Oct 2015_Interior Trends.indd 51 29/10/2015 16:57

JANE QUINN
12
ESSENTIALS: PREGNANCY & NEW MUM
!Go to each
appointment
together
If your partner does not already,
encourage them to accompany you
on as many doctor’s appointments
as they can. Seeing an image of
the little baby you are both soon to
care and nurture on the sonogram
screen, or hearing your baby’s
heartbeat for the first time, are very
special moments, and sharing them
will allow both you and your partner
feel connected to your baby and
share in the wonder and excitement
of soon meeting the little one.
"Purchase baby
things together
While the temptation and
excitement of buying cute baby
clothes or adorable accessories
may be strong, try to not to buy
everything alone. Make a list of
what you like when you see it and
decide to return later with your
partner to ask their opinion and
purchase your baby gear together.
This will make them feel involved
in the preparation for the baby, and
it will also allow for you both to
bond as an expectant couple and
share your excitement together.
#Don’t forget
date night
Set aside a night a week for
a date with your partner to keep
a close focus on your relationship.
Communicate with each other
during this time and get the chance
to talk about how your week went
and how you are both feeling.
Talking one to one without the
busy buzz of baby preparation
in the background will keep you
connected to each other, and overall
allow your partner to feel connected
to how you are feeling through
your pregnancy. Remember at the
start that there was two of you,
and when the babies have grown
and flown the nest, you’ll be back
to being two again, so keeping
your relationship alive is possibly
the most important tip of all.
$Share the
baby kicks
Getting your partner to feel
the baby kicking and talking about
the future when baby comes will
make them feel more involved.
Envisioning the future is a great way
to get excited and come together
as an expectant couple, and feeling
your little one kick will give your
partner an exciting insight into
some of the things that you feel
throughout your pregnancy. Tip:
baby kicks are usually stronger in
the mornings when you are waking
up – ideal time for your partner
to give you and baby a cuddle.
%Put them in
charge!
Don’t worry, not of
everything! Give them a job to do
to prepare for baby’s arrival. For
ways to involve your
partner in your pregnancy
The latest release from iCandy, the
iCandy Peach All-Terrain (€740.89)
is a full-on travel system that is
suitable for birth but is light and
clever enough to allow you to get
your exercise too. The quick release,
front swivel wheel ensures your
child will experience the smoothest
ride possible no matter how bumpy
the terrain. The system also features
air-filled tyres, and a compact
one-hand fold for swift collapsing
when on the go. Even better, the
easy-lift, lie-flat carrycot is suitable
for overnight sleeping, which makes
it perfect for adventures abroad.
Available in colours Sneaker and
Toucan; see www.iCandyworld.com
for more.
!"#$#%&'&(#$%)(**%+#,%%
-./%0(,%,..1%2'3,1
!
! !
Runners will love the new Bugaboo
Runner (€710 for chassis, seat and
adaptors), which features air-filled
tyres and a suspension system to
absorb any bumps in rough terrain.
A speed-control brake along the
entire handlebar allows you to
adjust your speed with either hand,
and the fixed, three-wheeled base
is nice and light for easy steering.
Plus there’s the option of your child
facing outwards or facing you.
Bugaboo owners can buy the chassis
as an accessory for €400, and click
their existing Bugaboo seat into the
jogging chassis. Clever! For babies
aged nine months and upwards, see
www.bugaboo.com for more.
BUGABOO RUNNER
ICANDY PEACH ALL-TERRAIN
instance, get the baby room ready,
build the cot or crib, paint a room.
Getting your partner physically
preparing for the baby’s arrival will
help them stay connected with
and excited for the new arrival.
&Share the
baby books
Whenever you pick up a
baby book for yourself to read,
get one for your partner too. Even
better, read bits to them, such
as the weekly update, so your
partner begins to understand how
the baby is growing and what is
happening inside your body. Let
them share in the excitement of
a new baby growing inside you.
'Decorate baby’s
room together
As the months go by and
your baby’s arrival becomes
more imminent, start to plan
together how you want baby’s
room to look. Pick a colour to
paint the room, choose toys and
furniture together and decide on
decorative features as a couple.
(Have some
fun together
Whether it’s making lists of
your favourite names, attending
baby classes together or starting
a baby book/photo album, doing
fun things together to celebrate
your pregnancy will connect you
both more to your pregnancy.
BUGGY LUST
Morning sickness, kicks, heartburn and hormones – you’re not allowed
forget you’re pregnant for a second! But what about your partner?
Here are eight simple ways to involve your partner as much as possible.8
MI June_July 2015_News.indd 12 28/05/2015 14:24
WINTER 2015 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 67
!"#$%beauty
GREAT GIFT
!"#$%&'()#(*#&
+(,&-(.#&%/0'&
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CLASSIC
B(,&5$*J%&K(&1"(*K&
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5$*J%&K(&1"(*K&
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&'($#)"*+'#$,-'
."/-0+'$"'1,+2"'+"//)3$4+",4+5)-2+)-+#16$'+"+!7,+-)6$+-1+(*"0+"/17,4+5)-2+017/+6"8$9
7(+*118:+;6</"#$+<1*4$/=+5"/6$/+#1*17/'+-1+#16(*$6$,-+017/+("/-0+"--)/$+",4+-7/,+
2$"4'+-2)'+5),-$/:+>$-+-2$+'-7,,),?+@"/*)$+@*1''=+5),-$/+6"8$97(+*118+5)-2+-2$'$+
!"#$%&'()*+"!(),'-.$'/$01'23%*303'%.$'4$30%'-5'3--3()'-.5%$'!306'7'"--$01'$1$%8''
A)/'-+'-$(=+!17,4"-)1,B+-/0+CHARLOTTE TILSBURY MAGIC FOUNDATION=+-2$+#$*$</)-0+
%$*0$-'-5'7'34+$%%'%6()8'9$:-&'%*"+#-'-.$';3*$'4(-.'%52$'5;'RIMMEL’S NATURAL BRONZER+
!1/+"+'2)66$/),?+?*15:+C#2)$3$+@"/*)$D'+4"/8=+*1,?+*"'2$'+5)-2+L’OREAL’S+VOLUME+
MILLION+LASHES+FELINE+",4+6"8$+017/+$0$'+'617*4$/+5)-2+CLARINS+ESSENTIALS+EYE+
PALETTE8'<!!';"0-.$0'!$=')(-(5)'4(-.'MAX FACTOR’S MASTERPIECE HIGH PRECISION
LIQUID LINER 3)!'!5)>-';50,$-'-.$'?054%@';032$'15"0';3*$'4(-.'A$)$='->%'A054B(),'
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",4+'(/),8*$+"+*)--*$+!$'-)3)-0+),-1+017/+*118+5)-2+SOSU BY SUZANNE JACKSON+?$*+(1*)'2+
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067 ICA Winter 2015_Beauty.indd 67 13/11/2015 17:09

JANE QUINN
FEATURE
have been divided about the filming of
Star Wars on Skellig Michael, which took
place on the UNESCO World Heritage
site last September. On one side, conserva-
tion groups believed filming would threat-
en wildlife on the island, while others, as-
sured of its apparent safety outlined in a
report by the National Parks and Wildlife
Service, saw filming of the acclaimed fran-
chise as nothing more than a lucrative op-
portunity for Irish tourism.
Plans for Lucasfilm (Star Wars’ pro-
duction company) to shoot on the island
were put in place back in April. However,
it was when filming became known to
the public that Minister for Arts Heather
Humphreys began receiving complaints
from wildlife conservation groups and
members of the public concerned about
the potential damage human presence
could have on the monastic site as well
as the protected bird population residing
there.
Since filming took place, a report car-
ried out by the National Parks and Wild-
life Service and the National Monuments
Service found that no damage was caused
during production apart from two “mi-
nor incidents” involving a crew member
catching their jacket on the edge of a
stone and a small amount of water-based
paint being spilled on rocks. The ques-
tion of whether we can ever obtain a clear
picture of what impact Star Wars has had
on Skellig Michael remains disputed. Dr
Stephen Newton from BirdWatch Ireland
recently told the Irish Times that damage
caused to eggs or nests could not be fully
accounted for as filming took place dur-
ing breeding season.
Pádraic Fogarty, Chairman of the Irish
Wildlife Trust, says one of the major prob-
lems with Star Wars on Skellig Michael
is how it was planned in a surreptitious
manner. “Not only are the islands famous
for their UNESCO designation, they’re
also under the European Habitat’s Direc-
tive and designated for bird colonies,” he
says. “They are under a legislation stating
that any activity that is going to disturb
them needs to be properly assessed and is
prohibited to go ahead if it’s going to have
a negative impact.The problems that were
encountered were that the assessment was
done very secretively. You’re supposed to
look for the opinions of other interested
parties. That wasn’t done.”
So how does Fogarty believe filming
could have affected wildlife? He says dis-
turbance of nesting and disorientation
could have been major factors. “Birds on
the island, such as shearwaters and storm
petrels, according to BirdWatch Ireland,
nest well into September and October.
They’re nocturnal, they don’t like artifi-
cial light, so you can imagine if there were
spotlights and floodlights being used that
this would have been a problem for them.
Even in breeding season in that part of
Kerry people are urged not to leave lights
on in their garden because they can at-
tract the birds and disorientate them.”
Despite assurance that filming had no
effect on the birds’ welfare, the Irish Wild-
life Trust believes protected areas are un-
suitable for such activity, no matter what
the gain. “We believe that Skellig Michael
is not suitable for Star Wars,” says Fog-
arty. “This is a UNESCO site, it has ev-
ery conservation designation going and is
supposed to be one of our most precious
areas. There are some things that are just
not suitable. Is filming for Star Wars by
Walt Disney compatible with the spirit
of the area? I doubt it very much. This is
the kind of boundary that is crossed when
you do something like Star Wars on the
Skelligs.”
The saga will surely continue, but con-
servation of protected sites and species
is an important issue that should remain
at the heart of tourism sector discussion,
and for events such as Star Wars on Skel-
lig Michael, all stakeholders should be in
a position to bring their concerns to the
table in advance of production.
“The value wildlife brings to our lives;
sustaining our food and our water and our
air are important,” declares Fogarty. “But
at the end of the day it’s the spiritual and
cultural value that wildlife brings to our
lives that is so intrinsic to our wellbeing.
They are values that cannot be monetised.
I think you have to place the proper value
on conservation, and we don’t see that at
Government level. When you see what’s
happened at the Skelligs, everything is for
sale, everything can be monetised and ev-
erything can be translated into short-term
gain. It’s just not a sustainable attitude.”
Fogarty urges people to visit the Skel-
lig Islands and see for themselves the
value that lies in its natural beauty. “It’s
a fantastic place. We always urge people
to take every opportunity to go out and
connect with nature and wildlife, it is an
amazing thing we have.”
PÁDRAIC SAYS: “THIS IS A UNESCO SITE, IT HAS EVERY
CONSERVATION DESIGNATION GOING AND IS SUPPOSED
TO BE ONE OF OUR MOST PRECIOUS AREAS. THERE ARE
SOME THINGS THAT ARE JUST NOT SUITABLE. IS FILMING
FOR STAR WARS BY WALT DISNEY COMPATIBLE WITH THE
SPIRIT OF THE AREA? I DOUBT IT VERY MUCH. THIS IS THE
KIND OF BOUNDARY THAT IS CROSSED WHEN YOU DO
SOMETHING LIKE STAR WARS ON THE SKELLIGS.”
pinions
150_ETTG_Winter 2015_Skellig Michael.indd 151 07/12/2015 12:53
NATURE
EAR TO THE GROUND
Skellig
!"#$FILMING THE LATEST STAR WARS SEQUEL ON SKELLIG MICHAEL
RESULTED IN A HEATED DEBATE OVER WHAT REALLY COMES
FIRST, TOURISM OR CONSERVATION? JANE QUINN REPORTS.
150
150_ETTG_Winter 2015_Skellig Michael.indd 150 07/12/2015 12:53

JANE QUINN
57EAR TO THE GROUND
The Boyne Fisherman’s Rescue and Recovery is a service that the country should be thankful for.
Giving invaluable service and time to help recover missing persons from the rivers across Ireland, its group of
volunteers offer commitment and dedication to an important cause. ByJane Quinn.
Heroes
WATER RESCUE
T
homas Daly has been giving
his time and energy to the
Boyne Fisherman’s Rescue and
Recovery service for 11 years, and
with the rescue’s record of saves standing
at 36 in one year, Thomas is no stranger to
the constant hard work, commitment and
dedication that is required of its volunteers.
After sadly losing his sister to the River
Boyne, Thomas decided to join the service
that helped to recover her, and began to
participate in searches for missing persons
in waters across the country.
The rescue service is responsible for
all 32 counties. In Drogheda, 16 of the
team’s members carry pagers on their
person 24/7, in case of a callout. As well
as maintaining day jobs, the service’s
volunteers try to give as much of their
spare time as possible to the needs of the
rescue and the people it saves. Thomas
– a dairy farmer – and the rest of the
volunteers are constantly giving as much
as they can. “When a search is ongoing you
try and give as much time as you can to it,
so it means you just don’t get a minute off.
You’re either searching or working...”
The Boyne Fisherman’s Rescue
members also partake in twice-weekly
training, as well as offering in-house
training to facilitate their newer members.
“We actually do a lot of our own in-
house training ourselves with all the
new members, and then after a while
the members are sent off to do the swift
water technician course.” The team also
contains a couple of paramedics, so there
are members who are trained to different
levels of first aid and emergency response.
A BUSY WINTER
The team are busy all throughout the year,
but unfortunately Thomas says that it is
the winter months that seem to be their
busiest time. “During the summer time
it’s more boating accidents or accidents in
the water […] but we always seem to be
very busy from December right through
to March, and unfortunately that’s people
more or less taking their own lives. We’ve
been on, I think, seven searches so far this
year, and it’s only May.”
With searches sometimes lasting
anything up to five months, both the
team and the families of the casualties
suffer the emotional effects of a long and
anticipatory search. “The difficulty really
is if a search is ongoing for quite a while
it’s difficult to see the family there… They
are relying on you to return their loved
one to them and you are trying to do
your best. So you could be looking for ten
minutes or it could be for a few days or it
could be ongoing for a few months.”
The service has its own boathouse and
an emergency medical room for casualties
once they have been recovered from
the water, and can resuscitate a casualty
while waiting for an ambulance to arrive,
a crucial factor when it comes to the
number of lives saved.
However, when it comes to finance,
the rescue’s funding is generated purely
by its members and the people in the
communities it serves. After a search,
those affected often host fundraisers for
the rescue service, and once a year the
members go around as many houses as
they can in Drogheda as well. “We get no
state funding, it’s all fundraised,” Thomas
explains.
The Boyne Fisherman’s Rescue service
selflessly offers a huge and indispensable
service to the country, and is something
that Thomas and the rest of its dedicated
members will continue to do in the future
as best they can.
On the Boyne at Drogheda.
FROM THE SHOW
057 ETTG_Spring-Summer 2015_Boyne rescue.indd 57 29/06/2015 12:12
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Felicity Hayes-McCoy captures the cycle of the seasons in a warm and
vivid way. Her book celebrates the old Celtic ways and traditions of the
four seasons – Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa – and depicts
the seasonal rhythms that belong to each through a personal account of
the traditional activities and celebrations that take place in the modern
town of Corca Dhuibhne, Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula.
Sprinkled with accounts of her own childhood memories, seasonal
recipes and traditions passed down by her mother, the reader cannot
help but be drawn into the seasons she depicts through her personal
experience. As she writes from her stone house in the Dingle Penin-
sula, you can almost hear the fire crackling and the birds chirping as
the seasons in her book melt into one another through her peaceful
and transitional depictions. Each season comes alive, and along with the
photos that visualise her words, the book acts somewhat as a portal for
the reader to life on the Dingle Peninsula.
With her advice on gardening, personal recipes and descriptions of how
the community marks the four seasons, Hayes-McCoy paints a picture of a
21st century community reflecting on ancient rhythms of their Celtic past.
A book that brings light to “ordinary things and small, bright pleasures that
can go easily unnoticed”, she succeeds in lighting a torch for the small ritu-
als and traditions that are
still very much respected
in the Dingle commu-
nity. A lively 21st century
town with a strong con-
nection to its Celtic past,
the history of the Celts
can be felt along the At-
lantic seaboard, where
the changing of the sea-
sons is still linked to the
rhythms of the Celtic
calendar. The book en-
capsulates a real sense of
tradition; a celebration
of modern life nodding
to the Celtic past.
SUMMER
BOOKSHELF
Yeats for your Diary
We went to press as the calendar marked 150 years since the birth of Sligo’s Nobel prizewinning son, but a full
programme of celebrations continues. See www.yeats2015.com and www.yeatssociety.com for more.
THE WAY THAT
WE CLIMBED
A History of Irish Hillwalking,
Climbing and Mountaineering
by Paddy O’Leary. €19.99.
Paddy O’Leary sets out to
celebrate a long-standing
and ever-growing Irish fas-
cination with mountain-
eering: from the activity’s
earliest beginnings, he
chronicles its growth as a
sport. O’Leary begins his
historical recap in the late
19th century and intro-
duces us to one of Irish
mountaineering’s very first
devotees, Henry Christopher Hart. Alongside his fellow
mountaineers, Hart began to pave the way for Irish
hillwalking and made room for further exploration. The
book highlights how knowledge of the activity grew
and travelled, as we learn of other alpinists who began
to see Irish hills as having great expedition potential.
One such 20th century alpinist, Geoffrey Winthrop
Young, took an interest in exploring Irish ascents and
would later persuade his cousin, Page Dickinson, to
take up climbing – the latter would become associated
with the United Arts Club, a social group containing
many climbers. As the years went on, what began as
an activity reserved for the middle class began to grow
and reach out to all social classes. 1948 saw the forma-
tion of the Irish Mountaineering Club, which provided
a step forward for Irish mountaineering through the
planning and discussion of new routes and enthusiasm
from a younger generation. The decade saw climbers
push the boundaries of the sport even further by set-
ting up new climbing routes in the Black Valley and the
Gap of Dunloe. Women were welcomed into the clubs,
illustrating the backdrop of gender inequality that
prevailed in the fifties. Ireland’s growing self-assurance
in the sixties led to better standards, and a greater
ownership of cars led to more distant expeditions and
a wider awareness.
Paddy O’Leary discusses in detail the metaphori-
cal climb that mountaineering and hill walking took
over the years, envisaging its future in Ireland with the
help of many climbers along the way. Throughout the
decades we learn of the mountaineers, hillwalkers and
climbers whose input formed and structured what we
have come to know as the activity it is today.
171 ETTG_Summer 2015_Books.indd 171 29/06/2015 14:10

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