Latest news with #McGettigan
Time Out Dubai
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Why McGettigan's Souk Madinat is about to become your summer hangout
There's not much that rivals the joy of catching up with your mates over a glass of something chilled when the summer heat kicks in. This summer, your favourite Irish pub has had a bit of a glow-up, to put it lightly. To entice you all in to have a look at the upgrades, McGettigan's Souk Madinat is rolling out a line-up of weekly offers that'll keep your calendar buzzing all the way through the season. Whether you're after bold mixed drinks, hearty roasts, or brunches with a beat, it's got you covered. Whether you're after comfort food, a bougie brunch or summery mixed drinks, visiting here on any of the days will be worth it. Summer-only deals at McGettigan's that are too good to pass up Summer Madness offer Enjoy half off food and get unlimited drinks for three hours for just Dhs199. The offer is available from Sunday to Friday between noon and 9pm. Plus, if you're a teacher or a cabin crew member, you can get the offer for just Dhs169. Not bad for a solid hangout with brilliant views, good vibes and some of the best comfort food in town. Ladies night Wednesdays are for the ladies, and McGettigan's is making sure you're well looked after. For Dhs199, ladies can sip on unlimited drinks from the brand's biggest-ever mixed drinks menu – plus, enjoy four specially crafted drinks served in seriously Instagrammable glasses. The night kicks off with a welcome glass of sparkling grape at 19 Sixty-Four, the venue's brand-new speakeasy-style bar that's tucked away inside. And just to keep the vibes high, a DJ will be on deck spinning tunes from 7pm to 10pm. Bougie Brunch If you're looking for bougie, this is where you can get it on a budget. Dig into a three-course meal and sip unlimited drinks while soaking up dreamy canal views at Souk Madinat, with the Burj Al Arab in the background. The brunch runs from 1pm to 4pm and starts at Dhs299 – however, you can get a buy one, get one free offer on it. That's the win we needed this summer. Don't want to call it a day? Stick around for the boogie drunch from 5pm to 8pm. For Dhs249, treat yourself to unlimited drinks while a lively DJ keeps the vibe going strong. Roast dinners Sundays are all about roast dinners, the way they should be. Choose your preferred cut and get all the trimmings from Dhs149. Got the whole gang with you? Opt for the sharing roast for four at Dhs549 and make a proper meal of it. The best part, though, is that the roast is available all day. Summer mixed drinks menu The refreshed summer mixed drinks menu features over 20 new options and a handy offer where, when you order five drinks, you get a sixth for free. To sweeten the deal, every time you visit and spend over Dhs200 until Thursday July 31, you'll be entered into a prize draw to win a staycation. One lucky winner will be announced on Friday August 1 and will enjoy an overnight stay for two at a McGettigan's-selected venue. Live entertainment throughout the summer No matter when you pop in to enjoy these offers, rest assured, the atmosphere will be thoroughly fun. McGettigan's Souk Madinat has live music and entertainment six days a week from Tuesdays to Sundays. Whether you're dropping in for a drink, dinner or dancing, the vibe's just right for summer nights. Book your next outing: Keep up with McGettigan's Souk Madinat @mcgettigansmadinat
Irish Examiner
15-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
From side hustle to style sensation: Meet the Cork woman building a pre-loved luxury empire
Cork woman Catriona McGettigan always loved fashion. When she worked in Brown Thomas, customers would regularly come in to refresh their designer wardrobe, but feel guilty about the barely worn pieces hanging up at home. 'I remember thinking 'I'd love to buy that, because it's only been worn once' and 'I would love these dresses' but I wasn't in a position to be buying them new,' says McGettigan. This sparked an idea, and in 2020 she began to source lightly worn designer clothing and bags from customers and colleagues, and sell them on her Instagram page. At first, it was something she did in addition to her day job, but it soon grew into more than a side hustle. 'It became like a monster in front of me, where I was so busy because I had this full-time job, and then I was going home, and I had this super busy business,' she says. In 2022, she quit her job and launched Luxury Exchange alongside her partner, Cillian Moloney. They sell pre-loved designer handbags on their website, and clothing through Instagram live. Cork native and Luxury Exchange founder, Caitriona McGettigan Last year, the business recorded €1m in turnover through its online operations, and recently sold over 150 pieces in four days at a pop-up in Dublin City. McGettigan believes the increase in demand for pre-loved luxury fashion reflects customers' desire for style, value, and to shop more consciously. 'They're getting that thrill of changing out the wardrobe, but more sustainably, both environmentally and financially.' With the recent arrival of Vinted to Ireland, the interest in circular fashion is on the rise. McGettigan sees this as a good thing for the whole industry: 'It's great for everybody, that it's becoming more popular.' Unlike peer-to-peer sites, Luxury Exchange is not for the thrifty. Bags start at €299 and go up to €6,999, and customers can expect a shopping experience worthy of the price tag. 'If you were shopping on Depop or Vinted, you'd have to look through a lot of stuff that you mightn't like. Whereas our pieces are very curated, so everything that comes in is really good,' she says. 'Everything is packed nicely and we follow up with all of our customers.' Luxury Exchange handbags Shoppers are drawn to vintage designer pieces in particular, because it's a chance to get something unique. 'You can come to us and you will get value, but you'll also get something that you're not going to see anyone else wearing, even if you're in the likes of London or New York, it's going to be something really special, because it might be a seasonal piece from 1998.' McGettigan prides herself on her knowledge of the bags they have in stock, and in recommending the right piece based on a customer's individual lifestyle and needs: 'I like really knowing about every bag we have in stock so that I can properly advise on that.' For anyone looking to invest in a new piece, McGettigan shares some of her favourite current styles. Luxury Exchange handbag All-round summer bag: 'The Louis Vuitton canvas is such a good material for the summer,' she says. 'It's got a plastic coating, so it's scratch-resistant, it's somewhat water resistant. You wouldn't be dumping it in water, but if it got a splash by the pool, you wouldn't need to be concerned. I always recommend this to people because it's light, it's comfortable, and even ones that we can stock for under €500, they're in perfect condition, and you'll have forever out of them.' 'The Louis Vuitton canvas is such a good material for the summer,' she says. 'It's got a plastic coating, so it's scratch-resistant, it's somewhat water resistant. You wouldn't be dumping it in water, but if it got a splash by the pool, you wouldn't need to be concerned. I always recommend this to people because it's light, it's comfortable, and even ones that we can stock for under €500, they're in perfect condition, and you'll have forever out of them.' Pop of colour: 'Some models of bags just come in particularly nice colours. Chanel does really great colours, but the Lady Dior comes in such vibrant pinks. I'm obsessed with them. You're getting something classic, but with this really fun twist. If you're going to a wedding or something, you can carry it top handle and it looks very dressy, but then with the cross-body strap on, they're great casual bags.' 'Some models of bags just come in particularly nice colours. Chanel does really great colours, but the Lady Dior comes in such vibrant pinks. I'm obsessed with them. You're getting something classic, but with this really fun twist. If you're going to a wedding or something, you can carry it top handle and it looks very dressy, but then with the cross-body strap on, they're great casual bags.' Mini-bags: 'Mini bags are set to be a standout trend this summer — and the smaller, the better. Not sure how to style them? Think of them as a bag-meets-jewellery accessory,' says McGettigan. 'Wear one alongside a larger tote or clip it on as a playful charm. The key is to go bold with bright, fun colours. Chanel's versions are my personal favourite.' 'Mini bags are set to be a standout trend this summer — and the smaller, the better. Not sure how to style them? Think of them as a bag-meets-jewellery accessory,' says McGettigan. 'Wear one alongside a larger tote or clip it on as a playful charm. The key is to go bold with bright, fun colours. Chanel's versions are my personal favourite.' Under the radar gem: 'There's another bag that I love, and I feel like it goes really under the radar, and it's the Hermes Herbag. It's another really light bag, because that's a key thing in the summer, if they're carrying it all day or it's warm, that they don't have something that's already heavy on before they even fill it. And the Herbag is really nice. You can get it in really nice, neutral colours.' 'There's another bag that I love, and I feel like it goes really under the radar, and it's the Hermes Herbag. It's another really light bag, because that's a key thing in the summer, if they're carrying it all day or it's warm, that they don't have something that's already heavy on before they even fill it. And the Herbag is really nice. You can get it in really nice, neutral colours.' Luxury under €500: 'I really think that the Louis Vuitton Saint Cloud is very good. That's a bag that we typically sell for €499 and that would be a cross-body Louis Vuitton bag.' 'I really think that the Louis Vuitton Saint Cloud is very good. That's a bag that we typically sell for €499 and that would be a cross-body Louis Vuitton bag.' Timeless classic: 'Looking for a bag that you want to have forever, that's just going to be a staple in your wardrobe, I'd have to recommend the Chanel Classic Flap. That's just an icon, that bag.' Read More A matter of taste: Nine servings of foodie fashion
What's On
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Irish pop legend Ronan Keating is coming to Dubai this November
Get ready Dubai, Irish pop legend Ronan Keating is set to light up the stage at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for one unforgettable night this November, presented by none other than iconic Irish pub McGettigan's. On Friday, November 21, 2025, fans will have the rare chance to catch the chart-topping superstar live in action, performing the hits that defined a generation. From his Boyzone beginnings to his solo stardom, Keating's catalogue includes fan favourites like 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' , 'When You Say Nothing At All' , 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' , and 'Iris' — anthems guaranteed to have the crowd singing along all night. With over 25 million records sold worldwide, 10 Top 10 singles, and 3 UK number ones, Keating's smooth vocals and heartfelt performances continue to resonate across the globe. This one-night-only concert promises a high-energy mix of nostalgia, feel-good vibes, and timeless ballads, perfect for a date night, a night out with friends, or simply treating yourself to a night under the stars. Make a weekend out of it and head to Ska legends MADNESS in same venue the following night. It's also due to be a fun night of energy and vibes. Set in the heart of the city, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre is renowned for hosting Dubai's most iconic open-air concerts and events such as The Script, and of course the renowned What's On Dubai Awards. With McGettigan's managing the bars for this event, expect excellent service, a wide variety of food trucks, and an electric atmosphere that McGettigan's events are famous for. Ticket Summary: General Admission – From Dhs199 to Dhs399 The Deck (Premium) – From Dhs499 to Dhs2,799 (Includes raised viewing, drink tokens, and group table options) Over 21s Only Tickets available at or > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Irish Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Lawless accused of shirking college fee responsibility in 'rant' to Sinn Fein
Higher Education Minister James Lawless has been told to 'take responsibility for his own actions' after a letter to Sinn Féin criticising its policies on student fees. Arguments over third-level fees dominated political discourse this week following Minister Lawless' interview on RTÉ in which he suggested that 'as things stand', college fees will revert to €3,000 a year from September. In recent years, fees have been discounted by € 1,000 as part of the Government's cost-of-living packages. However, the coalition has insisted that there will be no such package in Budget 2026. This has led to arguments between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, with a succession of Fine Gael politicians calling for clarity on student fees. Tánaiste Simon Harris insisted during the week that the Programme for Government committed to reducing and ultimately abolishing third-level fees. The opposition has also grasped upon the controversy, with Leaders' Questions dominated all week by questions on how much the student fees will be in September. On Friday, Minister Lawless wrote to Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Donna McGettigan, to criticise the party's response to the controversy. In the letter, seen by the Irish Mirror, he called for Sinn Féin to 'publish their full budget strategy in the interests of transparency and to avoid generating uncertainty for parents and students'. He wrote: 'I note your comments that 'As a first step toward abolishing student fees, we are demanding a cost-of-living package in September that will reduce student fees by €1500.' 'This is an uncosted, on the hoof empty promise during dangerous and uncertain economic times. Parents and students need certainty and predictability. 'On the fly policy announcements do the exact opposite. 'In contrast the government is committed to reducing the student contribution fee over the lifetime of the government in a financially sustainable manner. This means as part of the budgetary process not in pursuit of headlines.' Mr Lawless questioned Ms McGettigan on whether the party's position has been costed by the 'Parliamentary Budget Office', suggesting that Sinn Féin has 'a poor track record on this issue', suggesting that 'Sinn Féin chronically underfunded any student fees reductions' in its alternative budget by allocating '€66m to a measure that costs up to double that amount'. He added: 'In a time of global uncertainty, this Swiss cheese budget approach is potentially disastrous.' Minister Lawless stated that he is 'working closely with my government colleagues as part of that process to fund our shared commitment' of reducing and abolishing the contribution fee. He argued that this would be done in the Budget, calling on Sinn Féin to outline how it would 'finance a cost of living package' as 'the public deserve better than cheap headlines and uncosted commitments.' Ms McGettigan stated that Minister Lawless needed to take 'responsibility for the mess he created this week and tell students if their fees are going up €1000 or not'. She continued: 'That would be a better use of his time than sending me a rant in a lengthy letter on a Friday night asking me to do his job for him. 'In the letter, he says that 'parents and students need certainty and predictability'. 'However, his letter does not provide either certainty or predictability. In fact he once again ignores the question everyone has been asking him for six days now. 'Instead, he accuses Sinn Féin of causing uncertainty and asks us to provide clarity. What an absolute cheek from a tone deaf minister. 'It is time that the Minister took responsibility for his own actions, instead of scrambling around blaming everyone else for the mess that he has created.'
Time Out Dubai
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
McGettigan's Irish pub to stop serving Guinness; swapped with Murphy's
One of Dubai's most famous Irish pubs has announced it is waving goodbye to a top brand from the Emerald Isle. McGettigan's has stopped serving the globally famous Guinness in most of its pubs across Dubai and, instead, serves a different version of the black stuff. The chain will now serve Murphy's black stuff as its new signature pour at three of its venues in the UAE. Guinness will, however, still be available at McGettigan's franchised locations, including McGettigan's The Factory on The Palm and the Dubai Production City venue. First reported by Caterer Middle East, Murphy's will be available at an introductory price of Dhs35 at McGettigan's pubs. And, following the initial launch period, the standard price will be Dhs40. You may like: The 10 best pubs in Dubai for every occasion Speaking to Caterer Middle East, the pub chain's CEO Dennis McGettigan said: 'We're proud to be the first to introduce another great Irish export on draught here in the region. 'As a brand rooted in Irish hospitality, we're excited for our guests to experience something new in our pubs.' You'll find the cheapest standard pint of Guinness at both of The Irish Village's locations in Dubai from Dhs47. Meanwhile, during happy hours, you'll find the most affordable Guinness at both Fibber Magee's venues in Dubai as well as at The Dubliner's for Dhs39. Other things to do in Dubai These are the best pubs in Dubai perfect for any occasion) Where to go for a great time with your pals Dubai's 10 best sports bars to catch the action (and get some banging food, too) Whatever team or sport you follow, there's a sports bar for you Dubai happy hours: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place
