From fast fashion workshops to cooking classes and toy swaps – Dublin Climate Action Week to offer top sustainability tips
It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to being climate-conscious at home.
However, the week's bill of events aims to 'showcase the ongoing efforts, ambitions and the collaborative approach' of the four local Dublin authorities, according to fellow co-ordinators Dublin City Council, energy agency Codema and Dublin Climate Action Regional Office.
Cool Food School cooking class, Castleknock
Children's cookbook author and food educator, Deirdre Doyle, from the multi-award-winning The Cool Food School, will host an interactive zero-waste kids cooking class.
The children will use a carrot from top to tail and make two delicious recipes at the Castleknock Community Centre on May 13 from 3.30 to 4.30pm and May 14 from 4.30 to 5.30pm.
The workshop is for children aged seven to 12 who must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is not required.
Change Clothes mending workshop, Kevin Street Library, Dublin city
The non-profit Change Clothes, who work to prevent textile waste, is hosting an event to give your worn or damaged clothes a new life.
Bring items with you to learn some new creative repair techniques, such as visible mending, Sashiko-style stitching, and patchwork. The workshop is on May 15 from 1pm to 2.30pm at Kevin Street library. Booking required at dublinclimatechange.codema.ie
The Toy Library Swap & Play, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
The newly opened Ballyogan library is hosting a fun and eco-friendly Toy Swap & Play event facilitated by The Toy Library.
Children and families will be able to swap pre-loved toys, engage in play, and learn about reuse. The event will feature a swap and play zone, a teddy bear hospital for checkups and cuddles, prescriptions and some temporary tattoos.
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The swap event will be hosted at Ballyogan library from 1pm to 2.15pm and 2.45pm to 4pm. Booking is required at eventbrite.ie
Pedal Power Festival, Crumlin
Pedal Power Festival is set to celebrate the benefits of cycling at Sundrive Velodrome, Eamonn Ceannt Park, Crumlin from 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday, May 11.
With workshops such as bike maintenance classes, children's activities, BWX demonstration, food trucks and more there's something for all the family.
The Pedal Power parade themed bees and flowers will be held at 11am before the festival along a 7km route. There will be four pick up points of the parade at Bangor Circle, Mount Argus Park, Harold's Cross Park and Parnell Road (Fire station) ending at Eamonn Ceannt Park. No booking is required.
Clean Coasts beach walk and talk, Portmarnock beach, Fingal
Clean Coasts who support local community groups across Ireland to engage in beach clean-ups, marine litter surveys and more, are hosting a workshop on Portmarnock beach from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, May 17.
Clean Coasts advises participants to dress for the weather and wear appropriate clothing such as sturdy shoes and a waterproof coat. Booking is required at eventbrite.co.uk
Birdsong film screening, Malahide library
Malahide library is hosting a screening of director Kathleen Harris' movie Birdsong (2024).
The movie follows Irish ornithologist Sean Ronayne as he ventures to capture the sound of every Irish bird, 200 species in total.
The screening will take place from 6.30pm to 7pm on Monday, May 12. Booking is required through Malahide library at 018704430.
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The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
We swapped cocktails in Ibiza for summer holiday in Afghanistan… why it's become unlikely tourist hotspot for Brit women
STROLLING along a pristine street adorned with shrines glittering in the sunshine and cafes offering tasty local delicacies, Carrie Patsalis snaps a photo for her holiday album. But this isn't a city break in the Advertisement 21 Carrie Patsalis swapped cocktails in Ibiza for a holiday to Afghanistan Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Unlike local women who aren't allowed out of their homes, Carrie was able to soak up the culture and enjoy local delicacies Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie visited cultural monuments and shrines during her trip to the country, which is under strict Taliban rule Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Despite its oppressive regime and appalling human rights record - and an advisory against all travel to the country from the UK government - Carrie is one of a growing number of British women who have swapped cocktails in Ibiza for a holiday in one of the world's top terror hotspots. Only 691 tourists are believed to have visited the country in 2021, but this rose to an estimated 5,200 in 2023 as the government is trying to encourage more tourism. Earlier this month the Taliban launched a warped campaign to lure more visitors, complete with a bizarre video showing spoof hostages and gunmen in the back of pick-up trucks and frolicking in lakes amid stunning mountain scenery. Ever since Afghanistan - which doesn't have a British embassy - was seized by Taliban authorities in 2021, its citizens have experienced Advertisement READ MORE FEATURES In August last year women's voices were banned from being heard outside of the house and they are not allowed to visit public parks, gyms or use transport without a male chaperone. Authorities dictate how they dress, and Afghan women do not have access to education beyond primary school level. Anyone who is critical of the Taliban regime faces being tortured. However, it is slowly becoming an unlikely destination for brave travellers looking for a true culture shock. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Home-stays are not allowed and tourists can only stay in hotels verified by the Taliban. Carrie, a media producer from Wanstead, London, travelled by herself to Afghanistan for 10 days, accompanied by a male tour guide. Taliban launches warped Afghan TOURISM campaign with vid of brutes posing beside 'hostage' in ISIS-style mock execution Just six days after she left, a terrorist attack saw three Spanish tourists killed in the Bamiyan province, the largest in the Central region. A tour guide Carrie met during a trip to neighbouring Pakistan encouraged her to visit Afghanistan, insisting it would 'blow her mind'. Advertisement But it took two years before she even considered it as she didn't want to support the controversial Taliban regime. She eventually decided she wanted to see for herself what local life was like for Afghan people. After extensive research she found a local guide she felt comfortable with who helped her book the trip and answered questions over FaceTime. Carrie told The Sun: "He said, 'You've got to come, it'll blow your mind, it's not what you think.' Advertisement 'I was like, 'No way, absolutely not.' I felt like if I went I was supporting something I don't agree with. The first thing that struck me was how super clean the streets were. Everything was very quiet and calm. You'd imagine it would be carnage and it wasn't Carrie Patsalis 'It took me a lot of time and consideration, and then I just thought, 'Maybe if I go, I can see how local life is and we can talk about it on social media.' "It was a risk but I felt I'd done enough research." Carrie only told her husband and 16-year-old twin sons about the trip to avoid scaring the rest of her family. Advertisement It cost her just over £1,100 for a return flight to Afghanistan, and she stopped off for two days in Dubai to collect her visa which cost around £220. Landing at Kabul International Airport on May 2 last year, she was surprised to be greeted by 'massive smiles'. She recalled: "I was nervous flying in as there is no British embassy. Hospitals are not well-equipped at all. I took my own medical supplies in and I went in very, very steady. "The first thing that struck me was how super clean the streets were. Everything was very quiet and calm. You'd imagine it would be carnage and it wasn't. Advertisement "Afghan people are very kind, sweet and shy. You notice immediately there are no women on the streets." Unpleasant encounter 21 Carrie visited 'White Flag Hill', home to a large white flag raised by the Taliban that features the Islamic declaration of faith in black writing Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie was shocked when a local man asked her for a picture, only to be escorted away by Taliban guards Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media During her stay in Kabul, the capital, she visited stunning shrines, reflected on the impact of War at Babur Garden and tasted local delicacies. Advertisement One day she visited 'White Flag Hill', home to a large white flag raised by the Taliban that features the Islamic declaration of faith in black writing. Feeling out of place as the only woman up the hill, she was shocked to witness a local man be punished simply for asking to take a photo with her. Carrie said: "I noticed that the men up there were intrigued [by me] but also backing away from me. "One young guy came up to me and was like, 'It's amazing to see you here' and we had a chat. Taliban guards were floating like sharks. Advertisement 'He said to me, 'Can I take a photo with you?' "The Taliban guard came and pushed him in the back of the head and took him off. I assume he got his photo deleted and we have to hope that nothing more happened. 'It's a real shame because for me in my world, everything he did was normal. White Flag Hill was not pleasant." Days later she took a one-hour flight to Kandahar, a city Advertisement I noticed that the men up there were intrigued [by me] but also backing away from me Carrie Patsalis With Taliban checkpoints and patrols, Carrie was 'nervous' about stepping foot in a place with such strict government control. 'It just felt a lot more serious there,' she said. Sniffer dogs and armed Taliban guards lined the airport and Carrie was struck by the heightened security checks for tourists, which saw her bag checked five times. She feared one of her camera sticks could be mistaken for a weapon, but it wasn't that which generated panic. Advertisement Carrie said: "I remembered the very last thing I'd shoved in my bag was a purple Victoria's Secret bra. "One of the guys managed to pull the bra out by its strap so it dangled lengthways in the air for quite some time. "The remaining four men looked horrified and clearly didn't know what to do with themselves. "The main guy had seemingly frozen and suddenly he dropped the bra as if it was a grenade." Advertisement The incident ended up cutting short what could have been a gruelling search process - as guards accepted Carrie's offer to help repack the offending garment and the rest of her bag. Trailed by Taliban guard s 21 In Kandahar, Carrie's tour guide drove her through the lively city for a day of visiting the beautiful mosques and historic landmarks Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie was trailed the whole day by a man on a motorbike, seemingly a Taliban guard keeping an eye on her Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie captured the man on the bike on her camera Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Local Afghan women are denied an education past primary school age Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media In Kandahar, Carrie's tour guide drove her through the lively city for a day of visiting the beautiful mosques and historic landmarks such as the Friday Mosque, known for housing the cloak of the Prophet Muhammad. During the six-hour trip, the tour guide parked up the car to allow Carrie to admire the historical shrines. Carrie was trailed the whole time by a guy on a motorbike, who she figured was a Taliban member linked to the tourism office, ordered to keep an eye on her. Advertisement Carrie said: "He was always at a bit of a distance but he was always there. Every time we went to a shrine he was there about 10 or 20 feet away. "If I turned my head he'd turn and pretend to be looking at the mosque. He obviously assumed I was oblivious. The guard was always at a bit of a distance but he was always there. Every time we went to a shrine he was there about 10 or 20 feet away Carrie Patsalis 'When we went for lunch he parked down the side of the restaurant and sure enough drove out when we drove off. "He followed us for the rest of the day and then went off." Advertisement Carrie realised she was an 'unusual' site in Afghanistan given the lack of tourists and freedom for women. "Obviously they're wary of me,' she said. 'They've been bombed for years so they're not going to just let anyone in. "If you go in knowing and understanding why they might be frightened of you then you will understand why they are following you. "I'd rather the Taliban know where I am because they can see I'm not doing anything dodgy. Advertisement "It's really easy to wrap up an entire nation with a regime but actually most of the people, even if they work for the Taliban, they work for the Taliban to put food on the table. "It doesn't necessarily mean they support the oppression of women." Foreign privilege 21 Throughout her travels Carrie couldn't forget her 'foreign privilege' as unlike local women, she could visit public places Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie said her trip to Afghanistan was incredibly rewarding and she wants to go back Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Carrie recommends anyone interested in travelling to Afghanistan does their research beforehand Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Throughout her travels Carrie couldn't forget her 'foreign privilege' as unlike local women, she could visit public places, which she admitted 'didn't sit right'. While she encourages others to experience the country's 'beautiful culture', she urges people to be 'completely aware of the risks' before travelling there. Carrie said: "My trip to Afghanistan was incredibly rewarding and I do want to go back. Advertisement 'What I wouldn't do is say, 'Sure, go and book your flight now.' 'It is a regime that is not recognised politically by many governments around the world. If you go you must be completely aware of the risks and it must be a risk you are willing to take. "But when we only talk about the Taliban and women we lose the opportunity to celebrate what is a beautiful culture." 'No more dangerous than UK night out' 21 Zoe Stephens has visited Afghanistan three times between August last year and June 2025 Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Zoe travels with a group of up to eight women and with local female tour guides to get a glimpse into the daily lives of women and girls living there Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe sticks to following cultural norms to avoid unwanted attention Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Zoe Stephens, 31, who works for Koryo Tours and lives in Crosby, Liverpool, has visited Afghanistan three times between August 2024 and June 2025. She travels with a group of up to eight women and with local female tour guides to get a glimpse into the daily lives of women and girls living there. Advertisement It took a year of researching and planning, which included a research trip in August 2024, before she was able to safely take her first tour group there. Zoe said: "Everything is a risk in life. For me, the risk of going to Afghanistan is no more dangerous than walking the streets of a bustling city centre on a dark night. "People always think they know better. They always warn you against going to these places. "I'm confident in myself to go to these places because of my ability to handle any tricky situation, and if I didn't then I wouldn't go. Advertisement Everything is a risk in life. For me, the risk of going to Afghanistan is no more dangerous than walking the streets of a bustling city centre on a dark night Zoe Stephens 'I had chatted to other travellers who'd been there and done my research. I wanted to see what it's really like." Zoe doesn't let any of her group walk around alone and sticks to cultural norms to avoid unwanted attention. Recounting her first-hand experiences with the 'morality police' - a law enforcement body which implements strict interpretation of Islamic morality - she said: 'They're the ones you have to watch out for. "It's not allowed for women to go into public parks. There are a couple of instances where they very politely enforce these laws. Advertisement 'If you're a woman and you're there then they may come up to you and politely ask you to leave. "It's a very brief insight into the daily life of what the women there have to deal with. "The biggest rule is how you're dressed. I always go on respecting and trying to blend in rather than sticking out and challenging any cultural norms. 'That would be to wear clothing down to your wrists and ankles and having your hair covered at all times. Advertisement "The main thing is modesty, not just in clothing but in behaviour as well. I wouldn't recommend going around singing and dancing." Pro-tourism 21 Zoe saw first-hand how the Taliban are trying to encourage more tourism Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe says visitors must be wary of the 'morality police' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe said the Afghan women she came into contact with were ' so similar to us' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement Zoe and her group took part in traditional embroidery and cooking classes with local women and visited a women's retreat centre. She said it allowed her to see a different side to the lives of Afghan women. "When all we see in the media is Afghan women as shapes behind cloth, that's all we see them as,' she said. 'The Afghan women that I know and have seen and danced with, gossiped with and laughed with, are women who have great ambition and are so similar to us. Advertisement "But the reality for some people is they're not allowed to leave their house. It's about seeing these different dimensions." The traveller says she saw first-hand how the Taliban are trying to encourage more tourism. The Afghan women that I know and have seen and danced with, gossiped with and laughed with, are women who have great ambition and are so similar to us. But the reality for some people is they're not allowed to leave their house Zoe Stephens During her stay in Kandahar, a government minister decided to film her group as part of a 'propaganda video' by the Taliban for its X account. But she wasn't allowed to be part of it because she is a woman. Advertisement Zoe said: "At the moment, for a traveller, the authorities are on your side. It's in your favour to cooperate with them. It was a surprise during my first visit. "When you speak to them you realise there are varying levels and not everyone subscribes to certain ideologies. "The minister wanted to get us on camera and make films, literal propaganda videos. They're very pro-tourism.' Zoe would recommend Afghanistan as a travel destination to Brits to better understand the culture and people - but she advises caution. Advertisement 'Afghanistan has quickly become one of my favourite countries. You need to experience it to believe it,' she said. "The amount of things the Afghans have been through compared to their warmth, resilience and friendliness, they're just incredible people. "Do your research beforehand, and if you're not willing to follow the cultural norms and be respectful, then don't go.' 21 Zoe and her group took part in traditional embroidery and cooking classes with local women Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Zoe says Afghanistan is one of her favourite countries to visit Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe would recommend Afghanistan as a travel destination to Brits to better understand the culture and people - but she advises caution Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
See inside the Clare home with private access to the River Shannon on the market for €1.6m
Moys House in the Clarisford area, just off the R496 Killaloe Bypass, is located on approximately 2.35 acres of landscaped gardens and is just a short walk from Killaloe town. Brought to the market by Sherry FitzGerald Talbot, the seven-bedroom residence extends to approximately 594 sqm and also includes a private gym. Three bedrooms are located downstairs, with the remainder on the upper level. The master bedroom features a beam ceiling, an Italian-designed en-suite with walk-in shower, and a dressing room that leads via spiral staircase to a unique tower snug. The elegant country home combines 'generous' proportions with bespoke finishes and private access via a large jetty to the River Shannon. The interior of the house is finished with French and pitch pine flooring, vaulted beam ceilings, and Indian slate. A gravel footpath weaves through the gardens and woodlands of the house, with the outdoor spaces complemented by decked terraces, a well-maintained vegetable garden and a mix of shrubbery. The house itself opens with a split-level entrance that leads to a drawing room and dining room, both with solid pitch pine floor. A kitchen and adjoining snug area form the 'heart of the home' on the ground level. The area is finished with oak-effect flooring and looks across the tennis court, landscaped grounds, and river beyond. A Mediterranean-style courtyard is accessible via the kitchen and features terracotta tiles and ample space for dining al fresco. Located off the master bedroom via a spiral staircase, the eye-catching tower snug retreat features eight windows to view the surrounding countryside, with the listing stating that the snug could be suitably used as a private painting studio or observatory. The lower-ground level includes a spacious gym with several machines and weights as well as a swim in place pool. These facilities, combined with the tennis court, make the house an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts. The property itself is well located with easy access to Limerick city (17km) and Shannon Airport (44km). Another major draw is the house's easy access to other major towns and cities, including Nenagh (25km), Ennis (40km) and Galway city (60km).
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Kate and William share adorable photo of Prince George to mark future king's 12th birthday
BEAMING Prince George looks the spitting image of dad Wills in an adorable new photo released to mark the future King's 12th birthday. The portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales' eldest son was posted on their social media pages this morning. Advertisement 8 The sweet image was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales' social media pages this morning 8 Prince George looks the spitting image of dad Wills at the same age Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd It was taken by professional photographer Josh Shinner in Norfolk earlier this year. Shinner also snapped the heartwarming picture of Prince William, 43, with his three children for Father's Day this year. Last year, the doting parents shared a 'Vogue-style' photo of the young royal for his 11th birthday. The black-and-white shot showed George looking grown up in an open-necked shirt and dark blazer as he beamed at the camera. Advertisement Read more in Royals George has had a busy 12 months since then, often appearing at events alongside the Royal Family. The avid tennis fan was present with younger sister Charlotte, ten, at Wimbledon to congratulate this year's champion Jannik Sinner. He told them it was "very nice to meet you", before signing three tennis balls for the kids. over the two-time consecutive Wimbledon winner, earlier this month. Advertisement Most read in Royals Following the game, Kate could be seen kindly asking to sign a ball for youngest son Prince Louis, seven, so "he doesn't get upset". As a loving gesture, the mother-of-three said: "We're taking one for their brother." William chimed: "Louis will be upset otherwise." George gave a polite thank you to Sinner, before his mother said "huge congratulations" and shook his hand. Advertisement Lip reader reveals what Prince Louis asked George from carriage as royal kids excitedly arrived for Trooping the Colour He also had a starring role at Trooping the Colour, where he appeared to The cheeky pair were spotted chuckling as they made their way back to George was forced to cover his face and stifle a laugh as the brothers travelled past jubilant crowds along the Mall on a glorious sunny morning. This year marked King Charles' third Trooping the Colour parade as monarch. Advertisement Mischievous Prince Louis, who often entertains royal fans with his antics, was also seen grinning. A lip reader revealed to The Sun the sweet question Louis asked his more experienced older brother. The expert claims Louis asked George: "Should I wave?" George then turned to his younger brother and is said to have replied: "It's up to you, I can't believe how sunny it is.' Advertisement In May, as they joined the Royal Family for the and military flypast. He watched as Prince George pushed back his fringe In a playful attempt to copy his sibling, Prince William meanwhile appeared to be holding in a laugh as he sat alongside his sons. Advertisement George also joined his dad for The pair showed a rollercoaster of emotions as they watched their side lose out to the eventual winners at the Parc Des Princes in the French capital. The Prince of Wales was seen wildly celebrating and hugging his son after . But later, he was spotted with his head in his hands as three spectacular goals gave the French side a 3-1 victory. Advertisement 8 The cheeky pair were seen chuckling as they joked during the parade in June Credit: Reuters 8 Louis jokingly mocked George at the VE Day celebrations in May 8 Wills and George showed a rollercoaster of emotions during the game in April Wills said bringing Prince George to the crunch game was a 'big deal', as he spoke to pundits Ally McCoist and Rio Ferdinand before the game. Advertisement When asked if he was nervous, he said: 'I'm pretty terrified. It's been a while coming this, so it's a big game. "43 years since the last time this happened, a big European night for Villa. "So yeah, I'm nervous, but I'm confident, but also excited by the whole prospect.' Earlier this year, royal expert Ingrid Seward suggested that Kate could be eyeing up a co-ed school for George to attend next year. Advertisement While Princes William and Harry went to single-sex elite school Eton College , the Princess of Wales has done numerous viewings of different locations. The Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine told Fabulous: 'I think he will probably go to a co-ed where all three of them can be educated together, because also that cuts hugely down the security bill. 'I think Kate and William are very conscious of how much it costs the taxpayer to guard them - guard not being the exact word - but to kind of give them the security which they absolutely have to have. 'To have three different schools in three different parts of the country, I think would be very difficult.' Advertisement The royal expert pointed out that Harry and William always went to school together, and said: 'I feel very sure that this is what Kate and William will want to do.' She added that she thinks the Prince and Princess of Wales will be looking for a 'very rounded education for Prince George', when he moves school at 13. 8 George attended Wimbledon with his parents and sister Charlotte Credit: PA 8 George could attend a co-ed school next year, according to royal experts Credit: Reuters Advertisement 8 Last year, Wills and Kate released a black and white pic of the young royal
