Latest news with #SocialMediaCollect
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
The brilliant Irish playground with climbing net, swings and slides – and it's minutes from busy town
TAKE a look at the brilliant Irish playground with climbing nets, swings and slides - and it is minutes from a busy town. Located near Balbriggan, in 4 The 194-acre parkland with stunning gardens is only 30 kilometres north of Dublin city 4 It is perfect for a magical family day out surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes Credit: Social Media Collect 4 The fantastic state-of-the-art playground has over 30 pieces of play equipment to enjoy. Credit: Social Media Collect The park is about 20 minutes from Dublin city centre and features stunning sea views, woodland walks and a fantastic playground that is an ideal spot for families. The highlight for This underrated spot is a spacious and well-equipped zone that offers hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. It reads on their website: 'The fantastic state-of-the-art playground has over 30 pieces of play equipment to enjoy, from cradle swings for the very young to a large climbing space net for older children.' READ MORE IN TRAVEL "The playground is set in an elevated location overlooking the Irish Sea and is easily accessed from the main car park through a woodland walk which is very close by." The area features a large country-styled house with castellated embellishments. And the Castle, originally named 'Prospect House', was built in 1738 by Robert Taylor, with the west and east wings added in the late 1800s. The state-of-the-art playground has over 30 pieces of play equipment to enjoy, from cradle swings for the very young to a large climbing net for older Most read in News Travel The playground is set in an elevated location overlooking the Irish Sea and is easily accessed from the main car park through a woodland walk, which is very close by. The spot features swings, climbing areas and slides, while the recent addition of an inclusive swing can be used by a wheelchair user and a non-wheelchair user at the same time. 'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine A lower car park is available for wheelchair access only. The playground is themed on the castle and the sea to identify with the Ardgillan focus. The ground is coloured blue to represent the sea, with aquatic playground equipment, brown to represent the sand of the nearby beach, and the castle is perched on a green mound to represent Ardgillan Castle itself. The park also includes plenty of benches and shaded seating, making it an ideal place for families to spend the day. And there's even a tearoom in the castle to grab BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE Ardgillan Castle is situated between the coastal towns of Balbriggan and Skerries. Both towns are rich in Balbriggan Beach is an ideal walking spot, and visitors can enjoy views of the Martello Tower, Bremore Castle, and an 18th-century Lighthouse. Skerries' picturesque harbour, cosy cafes and friendly bars all act as magnets for people enjoying this seaside fishing town. Visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do for all the family, from heritage and adventure to music and comedy concerts. Visitors have taken to One person wrote: "Anyone who visits really enjoys the walks, sea views and the playground. Loads of space for picnics. Feels very safe for kids. "Overlooking the sea with stunning views, wide open spaces, great gardens, interesting architecture, perfect picnic areas - this is an ideal place for families to enjoy a day out, complete with playground for children." 4 The residence at Ardgillan is perfect for an enchanting adventure Credit: Getty Images
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Such a stylish family' say fans as Pippa O'Connor celebrates son's communion with star-studded event
PIPPA O'Connor has celebrated her son's communion with a star-studded event. The influencer and her husband Brian Ormond have three sons together; Ollie, 12, Louis, nine, and Billie, three. 4 Pippa O'Connor's son made his holy communion last week Credit: Social Media Collect 4 Pippa shared gorgeous family snaps on Instagram Credit: Social Media Collect 4 Pippa invited her friends over to her stunning home Credit: Social Media Collect On Saturday, the middle child, Louis, made his holy communion with his classmates. And Louis looked dapper wearing a beige suit and tie with a cream shirt and a pair of stylish trainers that matched. Pippa stunned in a blue high-neck flowy mini dress from Zimmerman that she said she "loved wearing". read more on pippa o'connor The businesswoman paired the fabulous frock with gold lace-up heels. Brian matched Louis wearing a beige suit with a white shirt and blue tie. While Ollie wore a white shirt and beige trousers and Billie had a blue shirt and beige shorts on. Pippa invited their family and close friends, including Most read in Celebrity The mum-of-three had table and chairs set up in a gazebo tent in her back garden. Pippa shared gorgeous photos of the big day over on Instagram and captioned it: "Special memories made." Pippa O'Connor recalls decision that could have ruined her The Dubliner's friends and fans flooded the comment section with compliments. Aimee wrote: "The one of Billy. What a gorgeous family." Petra remarked: "Absolutely magical. Such a gorgeous stylish family Really happy photos. Hope little Louis had a special day." HAPPY HOLS Pippa often jets off on holidays with her celeb pals Brian and Arthur and last summer they went to Ibiza together. And fans were all left in stitches after Brian posted a hysterical video of her lounging on a paddle board in the sea. The 40-year-old looked happy as ever as she put her feet in the air and threw her head back with a big grin on her face. The mum-of-three held a glass of champagne in the air as Brian and Arthur hyped her up behind the camera. The businesswoman donned a sexy one shoulder swimsuit with a funky striped print and a pair of chunky black sunglasses. As she continued to kick her feet in the air while laying on the paddle board she quickly began to slip off the side. The Irish star hilariously fell off the paddle board with a big splash, but managed to keep her glass of champagne totally in tact by holding it up. 4 Pippa's fans all loved her stunning snaps Credit: Social Media Collect
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Cannabis-smoking nursery worker GUILTY of punching, grabbing and pinching 21 babies in sick attacks caught on camera
A CANNABIS-smoking nursery worker has been found guilty of punching, grabbing and pinching 21 babies in sick attacks. Roksana Lecka left the children with scratches to their faces and necks and pinch marks on their inner legs and stomachs. 4 Roksana Lecka was accused of attacking 23 babies at a nursery Credit: Social Media Collect 4 She told a court she would be moody if she could not vape at work Credit: Social Media Collect She also kicked one young boy in the face and stomped on him in footage that left the courtroom horrified. The 22-year-old was accused of "badly harming" the tots over a six month period while working at the Riverside Nursery in Twickenham, South West London. The nursery, which charges up to £1,900 a month to look after children aged up to two years, follows the Montessori method of teaching. She has now been found guilty of 14 counts of child cruelty after previously admitting seven charges. Lecka was cleared of two counts relating to one child at Kingston Crown Court. The court heard how there were no apparent safeguarding issues when Lecka was hired. But last summer, CCTV of the baby room appeared to show the worker pinch a child - leaving them with red marks. In footage played to the court, Lecka could also be seen pinching the legs, back and under arm of a girl who can be seen crying. Further footage showed her pinching the side of a girl's face and grabbing her hair. Lecka can be seen vaping in another clip before she took a baby from a crib and pinched and punched her side. One victim was sat at a table when Lecka repeatedly pinched her - causing the girl to cry, it was said. She then grabbed the girl by the arm and pulled her hair so her head made contact with the table. The court heard Lecka was "looking around" at other members of staff to see who was "watching when these assaults occur". One colleague reported seeing the worker assault a boy by pinching his legs - leading the headteacher to check CCTV. Jurors were told the footage showed Lecka also pinching his nose, body, wrist, and mouth. Police trawled through a month's worth of CCTV and discovered the babies had been "badly treated in some way". They also seized a pair of trainers Lecka had used to kicking a baby four times in the face and step on his shoulder. In her evidence, Lecka told the court she would "smoke cannabis quite regularly with my boyfriend". She said: "At that time I was really addicted to vapes, I would smoke two little crystal disposables a day. "I was vaping in nursery. Because if I did not smoke I would get agitated and fed up. I couldn't keep asking to go to the toilet. Any opportunity I would take. I would be really moody and fed up. 'It would be a couple of puffs and then I'd put it away… I would put it in my bra." She also told the court how she was "so tired" at the time and was not getting any sleep. Lecka claimed she was "addicted" to her boyfriend so was "over-prioritising" him. Her lawyer also claimed she was "worn out, had bad period pains, was short of energy, she was not her normally bubbly self". But prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC told jurors that smoking cannabis and not being able to vape were "excuses" for the alleged offences. She added: "It is clear her actions are deliberate or at the very last careless, but on most occasions we say deliberate. "There are, of course, some clips where Ms Lecka - as we put it - keeps going back for more." Lecka was arrested on July 5 last year and said in a prepared statement: "I deny assaulting any children at the Riverside Nursery…I went into work that day and had a normal day. There were no accidents where any child seemed hurt. "We have procedures for the handling of the children, which I adhered to. I am unaware how any injury to these children were caused." Lecka admitted two charges of child cruelty but denies 21 further offences. She was remanded into custody to be sentenced at a later date. 4 Lecka denied 21 child cruelty offences Credit: Social Media Collect
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Cannabis-smoking nursery worker GUILTY of punching, grabbing and pinching 21 babies in sick attacks caught on camera
A CANNABIS-smoking nursery worker has been found guilty of punching, grabbing and pinching 21 babies in sick attacks. Roksana Lecka left the children with scratches to their faces and necks and pinch marks on their inner legs and stomachs. 4 Roksana Lecka was accused of attacking 23 babies at a nursery Credit: Social Media Collect 4 She told a court she would be moody if she could not vape at work Credit: Social Media Collect She also kicked one young boy in the face and stomped on him in footage that left the courtroom horrified. The 22-year-old was accused of "badly harming" the tots over a six month period while working at the Riverside Nursery in Twickenham, South West London. The nursery, which charges up to £1,900 a month to look after children aged up to two years, follows the Montessori method of teaching. She has now been found guilty of 14 counts of child cruelty after previously admitting seven charges. Lecka was cleared of two counts relating to one child at Kingston Crown Court. The court heard how there were no apparent safeguarding issues when Lecka was hired. But last summer , CCTV of the baby room appeared to show the worker pinch a child - leaving them with red marks. In footage played to the court, Lecka could also be seen pinching the legs, back and under arm of a girl who can be seen crying. Most read in The Sun Further footage showed her pinching the side of a girl's face and grabbing her hair . Lecka can be seen vaping in another clip before she took a baby from a crib and pinched and punched her side. One victim was sat at a table when Lecka repeatedly pinched her - causing the girl to cry, it was said. She then grabbed the girl by the arm and pulled her hair so her head made contact with the table. The court heard Lecka was "looking around" at other members of staff to see who was "watching when these assaults occur". One colleague reported seeing the worker assault a boy by pinching his legs - leading the headteacher to check CCTV. Jurors were told the footage showed Lecka also pinching his nose, body, wrist, and mouth. Police trawled through a month's worth of CCTV and discovered the babies had been "badly treated in some way". They also seized a pair of trainers Lecka had used to kicking a baby four times in the face and step on his shoulder. In her evidence, Lecka told the court she would "smoke cannabis quite regularly with my boyfriend". She said: "At that time I was really addicted to vapes, I would smoke two little crystal disposables a day. "I was vaping in nursery. Because if I did not smoke I would get agitated and fed up. I couldn't keep asking to go to the toilet. Any opportunity I would take. I would be really moody and fed up. 'It would be a couple of puffs and then I'd put it away… I would put it in my bra." She also told the court how she was "so tired" at the time and was not getting any sleep . Lecka claimed she was "addicted" to her boyfriend so was "over-prioritising" him. Her lawyer also claimed she was "worn out, had bad period pains, was short of energy , she was not her normally bubbly self". But prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC told jurors that smoking cannabis and not being able to vape were "excuses" for the alleged offences. She added: "It is clear her actions are deliberate or at the very last careless, but on most occasions we say deliberate. "There are, of course, some clips where Ms Lecka - as we put it - keeps going back for more." Lecka was arrested on July 5 last year and said in a prepared statement: "I deny assaulting any children at the Riverside Nursery…I went into work that day and had a normal day. There were no accidents where any child seemed hurt. "We have procedures for the handling of the children, which I adhered to. I am unaware how any injury to these children were caused." Read more on the Irish Sun Lecka admitted two charges of child cruelty but denies 21 further offences. She was remanded into custody to be sentenced at a later date. 4 Lecka denied 21 child cruelty offences Credit: Social Media Collect 4 The offences are said to have taken place at Riverside Nursery in Twickenham Credit: Google
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
I'm an Irish driving instructor and here's what happens when you hit the kerb during your test
AN Irish driving instructor has revealed what happens if your car hits the kerb during the test. This common mistake happens more often than you may think. 3 @Vistadrivingschool is a popular Irish driving instructor on TikTok Credit: Social Media Collect 3 And he shared what happens if you hit the kerb during your test Credit: Social Media Collect @Vistadrivingschool is a popular Irish driving instructor on And he shared with his followers what happens if you hit the kerb on the day of your test. The He said: "If you hit the kerb when you are doing the reverse around the corner or the turnabout during your Irish driving test this is a fail. READ MORE IN MOTORS "That's something I hear a lot and it is definitely a myth so let's break it down why it's not true." And he revealed that if your car lightly touches the kerb you will be given a minor fault or a grade two mark. This is because it indicates a lapse in vehicle control or observation, but not one that poses an immediate danger. A light kerb contact shows that the driver has misjudged their positioning, but since it doesn't normally endanger pedestrians or other vehicles it's not serious enough to warrant a grade 3. MOST READ IN MOTORS He said: "If you simply tap the kerb when you are doing your reverse around the corner or your turnabout that should not be a fail. "You will most likely get a minor fault or a grade two, depending on how hard you hit it or if you scuffed it or just clipped it simply. Gardai and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads "But if it's a light tap or a light bump off the kerb it should not be marked as a fail." However, if hitting the kerb were forceful enough to cause the vehicle to mount it or result in a loss of control, it could be considered more serious. And the He added: "Now don't get me wrong you can fail the driving test during the reverse around the corner or the turnabout due to hitting the kerb super super hard. "Or if you mount it or possibly hit it when there's a pedestrian near it." Driving test tip This comes after another TikToker has shared the @Next_level_driving_school on TikTok shares useful tips and tricks on their page. Faded L plates could give your driving instructor a reason to cancel your test, and you may lose out on the money. He said: "Probably better off not turning up to your test with the L plate being faded like this because your test might not go ahead and it will be a waste of €85. "So make sure your L plates are in good condition. They're not faded so that the tester doesn't have the chance to not go out on the test with you." 3 Hitting the kerb usually doesn't land drivers a fail Credit: Social Media Collect
