WW25 2022

HO HO HO OUR GREAT GET READY TO PARTY ISSUE IRMELAADNEDIN

FAMILY, HOME & WELLNESS

SANTY'S LIST DRESS TO

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GIVEAWAY! TURKEY
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IRISH BUYS ECO
CHRISTMAS
DEMI MOORE
EASIER THAN
ISCTOYNLE YOU THINK

TURNS 60

IRISH Issue 25
December 5th 2022
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¤3.50
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WORTH IT
HAPPY YOU TIME RECHALRLISYTDMOACSOWMIESHTREUSE

CONTENTS HOME & GARDEN

Sonya Lennon 34 Winter Woodland: Twelve cosy, winter
Page 4 woodland ways to spruce up the home.
36 Glow Up: Inspo and tips for lighting up
outdoor spaces.
62 Winter Containers: Tips to get you
started.
64 Rose Hips: Why you should think
before you prune.
85 Duvet care: How often you need to
replace your bedding.

ON THE COVER Glow Up Christmas Recipes
Page 36 Page 54
4 Sonya Lennon: e fashionista talks
about going back to school and learning FOOD & DRINK
from failure.
54 Christmas Recipes:
WIN WIN WIN
Kevin Dundon and Neven
16 VeganTan: Bag yourself one of five Winter Woodland Maguire share theirs.
tanning hampers. Page 34 58 Cake of the King: A
70 Dermalogica: Be in with a chance to delicious and simple
Galette des Rois. Raise a Glass
win skincare holiday gift sets. 60 Raise a Glass: A Page 60
78 Pelo Hairdressing: Win a €500 voucher selection of the best Irish
tipples.

to use at the award-winning salon. TRAVEL
84 Lily O’Brien’s: Get your hands on one

of five chocolate hampers.

Dermalogica 38 On the Radar: We round up the places
Page 70 to see and be seen around the country.
On the Radar 40 The Land of Fire and Ice: Norah Casey
Page 38 visits Iceland to ring in the New Year.

The Land of
Fire and Ice

Page 40

FASHION & BEAUTY

17 Beauty Faves: What the WW
crew use on repeat.
22 Back to Black: It’s classy, it's
flattering and it’s back.
24 Beauty Buys: Check out our
skincare prezzie selection.
26 Makeup Tips: Get ready for the
party season.
31 Faux-Glow Goodies: Fake tan
gifts.
88 Demi at 60: Her best fashion
and beauty looks over the decades.

Email... Online... Subscribe... Facebook... Twitter... Instagram...
[email protected] womansway.ie 01 4569872 facebook.com/womansway Womans_way Womans_way

FEATURES

14 Nigel Pivaro: e former Terry

Duckworth goes Dub.
18 Festive Feels:

What the

Woman’s

Way crew June’s Jolly MoodBoard
loves about Christmas Page 10
Christmas. Page 86
28 Buy Irish: REGULARS

Our pick of

local artisan

and producer 9 We Love: e WW team shares what
they’re loving - and what they’re not.
gifts. 10 MoodBoard: Dreaming of a Green
32 Have Yourself a Very Eco Christmas: Christmas.
46 The Hot List: Check out our top
How to indulge and not kill the planet. entertainment picks. Hello,
44 Books for Him This Christmas: ‘Cos he 50 You Said It: Reader’s letters and Who doesn't love a party? With the Christmas
pictures. season now underway, it's time to glam up,
deserves a treat too. 52 Timeout: Take a break, try our quiz get out there and enjoy ourselves. True, our
66 Gardening Books: Digging up the best worries won't evaporate. e stresses of
day-to-day life won't disappear. e traffic
green-fingered reads. will still drive us nuts. e government, the
86 June’s Jolly Christmas: June Rodgers fella (or lack of fella, or lady), the neighbour,
the work colleague...they'll still annoy us. But
talks about her new show. and Prize Crossword. ladies, the day we can't put all that stuff to
68 Knitting: A one side, get into our glad rags and go partay
is the day we may as well call the undertaker.
Buy Irish Christmas jumper. It's bizarre, in a way, that as we enter the
Page 28 71 Horoscopes: darkest part of the year, we humans want to
celebrate. But it actually also makes perfect
What’s in the sense. We need the distraction. We need
stars for you? those bright Christmas lights to banish the
73 Ask Fiona: gloom on these long winter nights. We need
the security of being around good friends
Our columnist and family when nature is at its most barren.
answers reader We need to feel the simple joy of being happy,
regardless of what else is going on, because
dilemmas. Knitting hey, it's good to be alive. We've made it
91 Lend a Hand: Page 68 through another year and that alone is worth
Ways to give back. celebrating.
92 Quick Fire: Amid all the organising and prepping and
present buying and decorating, don't forget
Have Yourself Adriana Tahey of Zzzana. to take time out to have fun this December.
a Very Eco 93 We Tried: Rice water hair treatment. Who knows and, frankly, who cares what
Christmas Is it worth it? the future might bring? All we have is the
Page 32 94 Why Is This a Thing: Rude service. present moment, as all those mindfulness
and meditation teachers tell us. And as most
HEALTH & WELLBEING THE WW TEAM of us know by now, life goes by so quickly.
Remember to put a bit of magic into your own
74 Evening Workouts: Why it could be Editor in Chief: Norah Casey Christmas. We're never too old or too world-
better for you. Editor: Carissa Casey weary to feel excited about what Santa might
76 5 Hacks to Long Life: Tips to boost Staff Writer: Rachel Spillane bring. Have a blast.
health and live longer. Copy Editor & Writer: Astrid Madsen
79 Dealing with Hangovers: How to get Website Co-ordinator: Niamh O’Reilly Cari a x
through hangxiety. Art Director: Karl O’Toole
80 Happy in 10: Ways to instantly lift Designers: Áine Duffy and Susan Conley
your mood. Subscriptions: [email protected]
82 14 Pancreatic Cancer Warning Signs: Email: [email protected]
How to spot them. Woman’s Way, December 19, 2022
Vol.60 Issue 25

To subscribe online log on to womansway.ie or call the Subscription Hotline on 01 465 9872

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Published by Harmonia Limited, printed by Boylan Print Group, distributed by Newspread. Woman’s Way is now a fortnightly magazine. Subscription rates for the Island of Ireland are:
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information is correct at time of going to press.

osftosruyccess
Fashion designer
Sonya Lennon tells
Andrea Smith about
going back to school
and learning from
failure.

4 WOMANSWAY.IE

INTERVIEW

She’s one of Ireland’s it. Ultimately, the tech company
most stylish women; failed and we had to let 17
a clothes designer, fabulous people go, which was
a TV presenter, an horrendous and pretty brutal.
entrepreneur, mum We let people down who had
and an activist. believed in us and had to face
into failure in a way that we
Dubliner Sonya Lennon never had before.”

recently added student to her After such a challenging time,
Sonya and Brendan had to pick
CV when she embarked on the themselves back up again and
grow their other business,
master of business in equality, Lennon Courtney. As they
were such high-profile figures,
diversity and inclusion course they worried about how to
publicly explain the closure of
at IADT Dún Laoghaire, along Frockadvisor/Fafinder when
they were already so upset.
with her friend and business
“Emotions were running
partner, Brendan Courtney. very high and we were very
raw and broken,” says Sonya.
e entrepreneurial duo “We tried so hard and worked
so hard for five years of this
attended college there two business. We pulled the plug
in June and made a decision
evenings per week and every together to do nothing initially
and take the summer to defuse
second Saturday, which gave the emotion of it. By the time it got to
September, we realised that ultimately
rise to an interesting situation. nobody cared because businesses fail all
the time, especially in the tech sector.
“ e president of the college We didn't need to explain ourselves as
our job was to pick ourselves back up
brought my dinner on a again and go again. We also had to take
the learnings, because failure in itself
tray to me every Tuesday “We realised that is no good unless you take the lessons
from it.”
and ursday,” Sonya at was a disappointment but Lennon
Courtney is still flourishing a decade
laughs. nobody cared fashion heaven. later and has been very well-received.
Lest anyone think that because businesses “I had to leave all Sonya and Brendan changed their
business model in 2015 to create a new
something untoward fail all the time, brand, Lennon Courtney at Dunnes
was taking place, Sonya’s Stores, and Sonya feels there are huge
opportunities for it going forward that
partner of 28 years, David especially in my clients behind she is excited to explore.
Smith, is the college the tech sector” and make a decision She describes herself as “slightly
president. that was really risky,” allergic” to the term “busy,” but there
is now doubt she has a lot of balls in the
“At a certain point, I felt Sonya admits. “ at air.
She and Brendan have a great podcast,
duty bound to tell the class really familiarised me Lennon Courtney Left Alone, which
tackles life's big issues, including ageing,
that I shared a bed with the president in with the realisation that fear is not a money, anxiety, food, homophobia and
grief.
case anybody said something,” she says. good enough reason to hold us back Sonya also founded the Irish branch
of Dress for Success, now rebranded as
“It was very funny.” from sampling and playing with the WorkEqual, in 2010. It supports women

Sonya (53) had never been to college opportunities that are presented to us continues overleaf >>

prior to enrolling on the course two throughout our lives.” WOMANSWAY.IE 5

years ago. Rather than finding it nerve- TAKING RISKS
wracking, she was invigorated by the

experience, although she admits to Sonya and Brendan actually set up two

wondering in advance if she would be businesses, the other being fashion

able for the course. She was, of course, app and tech company, Frockadvisor.

and graduated with first-class honours, It was supported by Enterprise Ireland

as did Brendan. as a ‘high potential start-up’ and later

“It was amazing,” she says. “It was rebranded to Fafinder. e idea was

a totally new way to use my brain. I that it was an online fashion discovery

wasn't used to the rigour of academic platform, designed to connect existing

writing, but I’m definitely a closet nerd communities focusing on fashion.

so I really enjoyed it. I wasn't nervous “It took in a million in funding and

because my story has been populated we had 17 staff and offices in London

with moments where I've had to face and Dublin,” Sonya recalls. “Lennon

into my own courage.” Courtney was like Cinderella in the

ese moments include walking away corner sweeping up the ashes and

from her successful 20-year commercial bootstrapping it. We took no funding

styling career to start the womenswear for that and took no money out of it.

brand Lennon Courtney with Brendan In fact, to this day, I have no idea how

in February 2012. e talented pair first I paid my mortgage in those years.

met when they were put together to We Airbnb-ed our house and had

co-present the RTÉ fashion show, Off e to upstick everybody into my dad's

Rails, in 2008, and it was a match made in house, which was so hard but we did

re-entering the workforce “I don't think it's
by providing them with a good idea to be
clothing to present defined by who
themselves to the world and you're married to
also advocates for full gender because we're more
equality.
than that”
Sonya is also a co-
founder of LIFT Ireland, who we are on our own two feet. I think opinions or advice, but will be cooking
a social enterprise aimed that that helps to give us a sense of our dinner and being present. Evie and Finn
at increasing the level own personal validity and relevance in are great humans. Although I have a secret
of positive leadership the world.” yearning to raise a couple of accountants
in Ireland. She speaks or lawyers, they are definitely both
internationally around Sonya and David have two children, creative. I just want them to get a broad
equitable workplaces, and Evie and Finn, who will turn 18 in knowledge now and not worry too much
is passionate about equality January. Having twins must have been about where they're going to end up,
and the empowerment of full-on in the early days? because I think every step of the way gives
women. you more understanding of where you're
“ e first year was a complete blur,” supposed to be.”
“I work very closely with Sonya laughs. “I don't really remember
multinational organisations how we got through it. My main focus Sonya’s beloved mum Deirdre, known
and SMEs, and I'm exposed was on keeping them alive and then, after as Dee Dee, has progressive dementia and
to cultures through the that, it got easier.” entered residential care during the first
women I work with,” she Covid lockdown. e decision was made
says. “We spend so much As the twins are almost 18, they’re at
time at work, and it's not a fun age where good conversations are
impossible to feel valued and happening with their parents.
impactful and happy in that
space. So part of my job is to ey will sit their Leaving Cert in June,
make sure that it's possible.” and Sonya is determined to ringfence the
time to be present in the run-up to the
“If I look at my career exams.
story, I started out as a shop
girl selling high-end fashion “I’ll make sure of that because I travel
and then moved into styling. a lot for work and they give me a terrible
time for not being there, to be honest
at was around a love of with you,” she says. “I won’t be offering
clothes and what they do for
you, and understanding the
power of image in clothing
and self-identity. en I
moved into expanding that
as a concept through Off the Rails and
getting it to a wider audience. It was
further democratised through setting
up WorkEqual and offering it as a free
service to the wider population. I then
developed an increased passion for
leadership and worked in the areas of
equality, diversity and inclusion, so, I've
been broadening what my career impact
is in a really lovely way.”

FAMILY LIFE

Although media reports and she herself
often refer to David as her husband, they
are not married. She says that one of
their strong points is that they very much
have their own identities outside of their
identity as a couple.

“I really think that's important,” she
says. “I don't think it's a good idea to be
defined by who you're married to or who
your mother is because we're more than
that. People can leave or die and we have
a duty of care to ourselves to understand

6 WOMANSWAY.IE

INTERVIEW

when it became apparent that it had hard things about caring for somebody She remembers Dee Dee being a “total
become untenable for Sonya’s dad Donal at home is that, if they need a lot of care, trailblazer.”
to care for her mum at home any longer. there's very little time for anything
other than logistical and practical “She was full of life and energy and
“It was horrendous,” she says, “and one considerations. But actually, people need always on the go,” she says. “She was
of the hardest decisions we have ever had socialisation and fun and they need joy, a career woman when none of my
to make. It's so wrapped up with guilt particularly with dementia patients, friends' mothers were, which was
and letting down the one you love, not who will surf those emotions and mirror very inspiring to myself and my sister
keeping your promises and a derogation them. Mum is getting that in the care Aisling. My dad Donal is amazing and
of duty. It's horrible.” home and she’s very happy,” he wants to take myself and Aisling to
India in April for three weeks. He has a
e family found the first three weeks Sonya’s mum previously worked as great spirit of adventure. I went there in
really hard as Dee Dee acclimated, but a transatlantic air hostess with Aer 2019 with my guys and I think he wants
then, to their surprise, there was a very Lingus. She used to bring back gorgeous to go as he is sick of listening to me
welcome development. clothes from her trips abroad, which is going on about it.”
what got Sonya interested in fashion.
“She really got a new lease of life and Sonya increasingly emphasises
she’s thriving,” says Sonya. “One of the spending time with friends, and enjoys
sea swimming and hiking. When it comes
to work, she is hugely enthusiastic.

“I feel like I'm at a very, very exciting
point of my career, where everything
is coalescing together into something
that makes total sense,” she says.
“Realistically, it's been 30-odd years in
the making to get that sort of clarity. I
think because of the span of what I've
done over my career, I have a multiplicity
of reference points that makes things
really clear right now and it’s hugely
exciting.” WW

Visit www.lennoncourtney.com

WorkEqual is launching a network of
companies who are prioritising gender
equality. Companies wishing to be part of
the Equal Alliance should get in touch at
[email protected]

WOMANSWAY.IE 7

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We Love
PASSION · CRAVES · MOOD

Cari a loves So Into...

Maggie O’Farrell. Having adored her Faux fur jackets. They’re
latest, The Marriage Portrait, I’m everywhere, in every colour.
finally reading her critically acclaimed Fabulous style and keeps that
Hamnet. Beautiful writing that December chill at bay.
immerses me immediately into another Online present
world. She’s my new favourite writer. buying. There’s
enough to
A Wardrobe Weed. Just done with top tips do without
from stylist Cathy O’Connor, who’ll be passing having to
them on to all of you in the January issues of traipse
Woman’s Way. A good haul for the Vincent De around over-
Paul and a well organised wearable wardrobe for heated, over
me. crowded shops.
Christmas songs
Rachel loves we love. Fairy Tale of
New York, Stop the Cavalry, Little
Food Network. A little random, but I have Drummer Boy, Caravan of Love,
been absolutely glued to the Food Network even Slade's Merry Christmas
lately. I’ve been watching James Martin cook Everybody. The season has finally
Christmas feasts since early November if started.
I’m being honest. It’s a total comfort watch
for me. Plus, I get some delicious ideas for So Over...
dinner.
Bad TV. So many channels, so many
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Intense. I was streaming services. Still, nothing
gi ed this perfume for my birthday in that gets us excited to hit the couch
August and I’ve been wearing it every day. It of an evening and binge.
has a bold, slightly spicy scent that lasts for ‘Cu ng’ season. It’s a thing
hours. And I think the bottle is gorgeous too. apparently. Finding someone -
anyone - to cosy up to these long
Niamh loves dark nights. Boo to relationship
pressure. There’s nothing wrong
Mince pies. There I said it. I bloody love them and with being single in winter.
now it's December I'm finally letting myself run riot. The World Cup. Even the WW crew
I love them even more with a glass of LBV have been known to watch the odd
port. Yes, get me, I'm fierce posh. match of a summer evening but not
during this one. It’s just the wrong
Turning 40. I turn the big 4-0 this month time of year. There’s enough going
and I'm pretty okay with it. In fact, I'm on already.
more than okay with it, I'd go so far as
to say I'm quite happy with that number. WOMANSWAY.IE 9
I know who I am. I feel more confident
in myself and I now only care about the
important stu .

CREATE · CURATE · INSPIRE

MOODBOARD
DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS 4

The heavenly scent of fresh holly and eucalyptus filled our home 2
at Christmas, writes Norah Casey. Growing up in the Phoenix
Park, bringing the outdoors in, was a family activity. Foliage and
botanicals were fashioned into wreaths, bouquets and garlands
creating this lovely aromatic woodland feel. This year, Christmas
will be all about connecting with friends and families (now that
we can) and nostalgia will play a huge part in creating that cosy
and comforting Christmassy spirit from childhood. Giving
your home a seasonal botanical flair with lush green leaves,
whether real or sustainably faux, creates rich textures
and aromas. The focus is less on a lavish tree and more
towards key focal points like fireplace mantels, doorways
and staircases. Match it with some lovely orange and
cinnamon scented candles, plush cushions and simple
artisanal handcra ed ornaments to create that Christmas
cabin vibe. This year’s green theme blends both our
heightened sense of sustainability with nature-inspired
style and decor. Use wood, natural rattans, re-usable
fabrics and recyclable wrapping paper and head out
to the woods for some foliage foraging. Here are our
botanical picks matched by some lovely sustainable
and botanical fashion pieces.

Let It Snow Oblong Cushion (Green) €10.00;
Fringed Foil Tree Cushion (Green) €15.00; Multi
Tree Cushion (Cream) €15.00; Sapphire Velvet
Cushion €8.00; Sherpa Fur (Taupe) €15.00;
Large Led Tree €20.00; Xl Led Tree €25.00;
Luxury Fur Throw (Cream) €25.00; Boucle Stool
(Cream) €40.00, visit dunnesstores.com

1 GARDEN SHOP Classic Poinsettia Plant (1L Pot) €7.49 visit the gardenshop.ie 2 HEATHER VICTORIA DESIGN Christmas Botanical Fine
Bone China Mug €14.80, visit andsotoshop.com3 HELEN ROUND Set of Two Pure Linen Christmas Placemats €27.52, visit helenround.
com 4 ANNABEL JAMES Mistletoe Bauble €6.82, visit annabeljames.co.uk 5 SUNDAY’S DAUGHTER Personalised Floral Initial Cushion;
Personalised Christmas Wreath Velvet Cushion €40.13 (each), visit sundaysdaughter.com 6 ELLA JAMES Led Berry Heart Christmas Wreath
€56.19, visit ellajames.co.uk 7 BLUE BRONTIDE Wooden Flower Press ( Folksy Floral) €66.51, visit bluebrontide.com 8 GINGER RAY
Mistletoe Sprig Christmas Garland Bunting €11.46, visit gingerray.co.uk 9 EVIE AND SKYE Sustainable Patchwork Teddy Bears and Bunny
Rabbits €112.95, visit evieandskye.com 10 LOUISE KENNEDY Ceramic Egg Candle Emerald €90.00, visit louisekennedy.com 11 MAGEE
1866 Fern Throw in Pink & Cream €199.00, visit magee1866.com 12 BABYBOO Christmas Cuddle Heirloom Blanket from €80.00, visit
babyboo.ie 13 ELHO Brussel Herb Station (Sustainable Plant Pot) £15.29 visit elho.com Green-inspired style overleaf

10 WOMANSWAY.IE

6 3 MOOD BOARD

Woodlands Trend Assorted Baubles
from €2.00; Natural Leaves Garland
from €21.00; Blackforrest Pre-Lit
Tree (7 ) €385.00; Eucalyptus
And Berry Garland €25.00; White
Ceramic Deer €12.50; Gold Angel
€7.50; Mica Grisa Candleholder €8;
Christmas Wrapping Paper From
€2.00, visit woodies.ie

1 5

87

9 10 13

12 WOMANSWAY.IE 11

12

14

6

10 14 720

19

1 NATALIA WILLMOTT Eisenberg Ice vintage Christmas tree brooch €80.26, visit nataliawillmott.co.uk 2 ONE HUNDRED STARS
TRADING Emerald Cashmere Jumper €126.12, visit onehundredstars.co.uk 3 CAROLYN DONNELLY Cashmere Gloves €15; Large Cashmere
Scarf €60, visit dunnesstores.com 4 FÉRÍ Niki Dress €298, visit feri.ie 5 TED BAKER Longline Woven Cardigan €190, visit tedbaker.com
6 M&S Modal Blend Floral Long Sleeve Blouse €42, visit marksandspencer.ie 7 HOBBS Helena Silk Floral Dress €395, visit hobbs.com
8 KAREN MILLEN Petite Spring Green Botanical Bunches Woven Kimono Maxi €186, visit karenmillen.com 9 HOPE & IVY Embroidered
Velvet Wrap Mini Dress In Forest Green €74.75, visit asos.com 10 OXENDALES Black Sequin Xmas Tree Jumper €45, visit oxendales.ie 11
CHELSEA PEERS Poinsettia Flower Button Up Long Pyjama Set €51, visit zalando.ie 12 BAUKJEN Organic Cotton Samantha Pink Pyjamas
€56, visit next.ie 13 MONSOON Sustainable Wendy Embroidered Midi Dress In Recycled Polyester Black €213, visit monsoonlondon.com
14 HANNA HATS Vintage Cap Tweed €88, visit hannahats.com 15 JOE BROWNS Under The Mistletoe Dress €75, visit next.ie 16 ANA
FAYE Jessica Forest Green and Black €265, visit anafaye.com (Irish) 17 BLARNEY Aveen Double Collar Aran Cardigan €95, visit blarney.com
18 OASIS Sustainable Dark Floral Lace Dobby V Neck Midi Dress €187, visit oasisfashion.com 19 NICKI HOYNE Camera Bag €250, visit
nickihoyne.com 20 GROUND Wellbeing Sleep Body Oil €33, visit groundwellbeing.com (Irish) 21 THE HANDMADE SOAP COMPANY Body
Butter €22, visit thehandmadesoapcompany.ie 22 THE BURREN PERFUMERY Summer Harvest €55, visit burrenperfumery.com

12 WOMANSWAY.IE

MOOD BOARD

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221 22

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99 15
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WOMANSWAY.IE 13

Notes
Nabigoeult

Nigel Pivaro tells Andrea e good news is though he was puzzled
Smith about playing
Terry Duckworth on that Irish audiences by their acting methods
Coronation Street
and starring in e will also get to see the initially.
Commitments musical.
stage version of Roddy’s “ ey're a great big loss
When we last saw him on
Coronation Street in 2012, Doyle’s story about young to me personally and a big
baddie Terry Duckworth
had gone on the run in working-class music loss to the show, obviously,”
Spain after leaving his
son Tommy’s girlfriend Tina for dead. fan Jimmy Rabbitte, who he says. “I read at both of their

Fast forward ten years, and the actor who transforms an unlikely bunch of Roddy Doyle funerals and am still in touch
plays him, the infinitely less villainous Nigel amateur musicians into an amazing with their families. When I started on
Pivaro, is swapping the cobbles for touring
around the UK in the smash hit musical live soul band . the show, I was a fresh young Turk, planning
version of e Commitments.
Nigel is playing Da, aka Jimmy Rabbitte to set the world on fire and do it my way. ey

Senior, and when he speaks to Woman’s had this weird thing of writing bits of their

Way, he’s very much looking forward to script on props, so the lines would be on the

spending two weeks in Dublin in February. cornflake box and sugar bowl or in between

“I’m excited because, for me, Ireland is the racing pages of the Daily Mirror.”

like ‘abroad but not abroad,’” he says. “It's Bill and Liz knew their lines well, but did

different but familiar and the fact that it’s this because they didn't trust themselves

not the UK gives it a little bit of a frisson.” to remember them. ey hadn't trained in

Nigel appeared in the hugely popular soap theatre, Nigel points out, and had come up

Corrie between 1983 and 2012 as the son of through TV shows and performing in clubs.

the lovable Jack and Vera Duckworth, aka “I’d reach out to touch the cornflake packet

the late Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn. He had and a big hand would come in saying, ‘No,

a great relationship with them both, even no, no,’ and to be honest, that caused a little

14 WOMANSWAY.IE

IN PERSON

Nigel Pivaro as Da with James Killeen as
Jimmy Rabitte in The Commitments

As Terry Duckworth
in Coronation Street

bit of tension in the first “I worked in Turkey
few months,” he admits. and Syria and the
“And then I stood back and Mariupol region

thought to myself, ‘Hang of Ukraine, so of love with acting? “I COMING TO DUBLIN
on - these are two wonderful my studies put me
characters. ey look great Nigel is enjoying doing live theatre,
on screen and they interact in good stead” where the response from the audience is
immediate. Did he feel any pressure taking
beautifully together.’ e had been doing it for 20 the role in e Commitments because Colm
Meaney was so brilliant as the dad in the
comedic element, of course, years and it just seemed 1991 film version?

was second to none with them so I realised to be following the same old pattern,” he “ ere is a pressure to give authenticity to
the role, but not a pressure to be the same
that if it wasn’t broke, then I shouldn't try says. “Unless you sign your life away to as Colin because I'm not the same and don't
want to be either,” he says. “Colm had an
and fix it and should just accommodate it. something like Coronation Street, there are advantage because he is native born and came
to it first, but I give it my own authenticity
So after that, if I tried to move the teapot gaps in between the jobs you do, which is based on the script that I've got to work with.”

and it had some lines written on it, there frustrating. You'll finish with a play and As e Commitments is set in Dublin, it
presumably will put extra pressure on the
would be a bit of a laugh about it. And will maybe have some other work lined staff to have everything sounding right when
the show comes to the Olympia. After all, we
things went very well professionally and up, but it won't be starting until six weeks Irish are merciless when it comes to bad Irish
accents.
personally from then on and I had a lovely later. So you've got to tread water until that
“I work hard to fail at it,” he laughs.
relationship with them.” happens, unless a nice little bit of telly drops “ ere’s a good core of Irish actors and
Dubliners in the show so they’re a point of
CAREER MOVE in but that rarely happens. I've done quite reference for me with the accent. e director
well as an actor, jobbing-wise, but when I is from Dublin, and he had younger friends
in who didn't know me from Adam. ey
Nigel recalls how Liz was so supportive of added it up, I also spent a lot of wasted time couldn't tell who on the stage was Irish so that
was good to know. I suppose there will always
him, she would turn up in the audience in between.” be somebody reaching for the green pen to say
the accents weren't authentic though.”
every time he was in a play. Was it fun Nigel had never been to college, so when
As long as he isn't as bad as Tom Cruise in
playing a bad lot like Terry? the opportunity came to go and study Far and Away, we’ll forgive him,Woman’s Way
assures Nigel.
“I enjoyed doing it,” he says. “He didn't for a degree in contemporary military
“Well thank God for Tom Cruise pitching
get parachuted into the show as a runway and international history, he decided to that lower benchmark,” he laughs. WW

murderer all of a sudden, he was just a kid take it. He then went on to do a master’s The Commitments is coming to Dublin’s
3Olympia Theatre from February 7 - 18, 2023.
who was a bit lost at first really. You saw in international relations, specialising in Tickets from €34.50 including booking fee are
on sale now from www.ticketmaster.ie with
things happening to him in the show that terrorism. “ ese subjects certainly helped evening and matinée performances.

started pushing him down that path, and me in journalism, especially with some of

that subtle progression towards the villain the work I did abroad,” he says. “I worked

he became was very nice to play.” in Turkey and Syria and Mariupol region

By his own admission, Nigel fell out of of Ukraine, so the international relations

love with acting after he left Corrie and in a background put me in good stead.”

classic poacher-turned-gamekeeper move, Nigel has two daughters, and admits to

he became a journalist. worrying about them even though they

“I left acting for 15 years so it feels great are now grown-up. He loves being a dad

to be back but I'm still a card-carrying NUJ and is very proud of his girls. “Being a dad

(National Union of Journalists) member,” is wonderful but it’s fraught with worries

he says. “I still consider myself an actor and as the father of two daughters,” he says.

a journalist and have done everything from “One of my girls is quite grown up and

local papers to international and also TV. established, but I'm still around there fixing

I enjoyed it and hope to do it again in the things for her and putting up the garden

future.” fence. e other one is at university and

Nigel seemed to have what would be a having a great time, but you worry about

dream to many actors - a great role on a her being safe - you wouldn't like her to

leading TV show. What made him fall out meet a lad like Terry Duckworth.”

WOMANSWAY.IE 15

COMPETITION

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is final.

16 WOMANSWAY.IE

Recent Splurge

I finally got my hands on
the Gucci Flora Collection
Beauté Des Yeux Palette
€144. Full disclosure - it’s a
beautiful palette but I’m a bit
disappointed. The pigment
isn’t what I expected for such
a steep price tag. The brown
shades are nothing to write
home about, but, I really love
the three blue hues. These,
weirdly, are saturated with
pigment and look great as a
pop of colour on the eye. I’ve
used them a lot throughout
the party season to vamp up
my makeup looks.

Skincare Stars What are the products Hair Talk
the Woman’s Way crew
Central heating, roaring fires use on repeat? In this I’m a bit late to the party when it comes
and too many late nights are issue, Rachel Spillane to hair oiling. But it’s now a staple in my
the main contributors to my shares a few of her new haircare routine. Oiling your hair weekly is
dry skin. There is an upside said to prevent loss of hydration, improve
though. It gives me the chance favourites that have scalp health as well as boost hair growth
to dip into my never-ending, found a forever place on and shine. I’ve been oiling my hair twice
never-tried stash of serums. a week for almost two months now and
I’ve been reaching for Bondi her bathroom shelf. I can see a real di erence. My hair feels
Sands Thirsty Skin Hyaluronic smooth and shiny, and brushing out knots
Acid Serum €11.99 quite a bit. has never been easier. Total win. I haven’t
It’s really hydrating and works noticed a huge amount of hair growth yet
great under makeup. I’ve also but time will tell. I use Annutri’s Grow It
been loving the Ultraceuticals Scalp Oil €35. It has a strong scent of
B2 Hydrating Serum €69.50 lemongrass and lavender, which I love,
to plump up my skin on colder and it’s made in Ireland. I also like the
days. To banish any breakouts, Drench & Repair Conditioning Hair Mask
the new Clear Start Breakout €16.95 from King Hair & Beauty, another
Clearing Liquid Peel €28 from Irish company. It makes my hair lovely and
Dermalogica is fantastic. I so and a little goes a long way. WW
religiously used the Clear Start
range when I was a teen so it's WOMANSWAY.IE 17
a bit of a throwback. I use the
peel once or twice a week as
needed and I’ve seen a major
improvement in my skin texture.

FFeesteivlse

e Woman’s Way crew
share what they love
most about Christmas.

Carissa loves the quiet Carissa and husband
Alan last Christmas
Having worked as a journalist all my life,
I’m used to December being a crazy busy And then, usually around Christmas walk or a cosy drink somewhere quiet,
month. On most publications, Woman’s Eve (shortly after the Winter Solstice), catch up with friends, browse the sales,
Way included, we write in advance pieces everything stops. The office lights go out, take a trip up to the allotment to check
to cover the period between Christmas the shops close, the streets empty and my seedlings are still alive. I don’t plan.
and New Year. It’s a slog. Between the Christmas finally begins. This is what I I don’t want to plan. January will come
extra work, nights out, mornings after, love. The calm after all that frenzy, the around soon enough and my 'to do' lists
crazy traffic, present buying and general silence after all those jingle jangles. My ‘to will reappear.
organising, I pretty much dread the lead do’ lists go in the bin.
up to Christmas. It doesn’t help that the While the change will be subtle at first
days are getting shorter and shorter, I’m not bothered what happens after but something in me senses it. The days
which to me feels like the walls are that. I don’t have any big rituals or must- are getting longer again. The darkest part
closing in around me. do traditions. I’m just happy to go with of the year is over and, before I know it,
the flow, chill in front of the TV, go for a another growing cycle will begin.

18 WOMANSWAY.IE

FESTIVE FEELS

Rachel with
her cousins

Rachel loves family fun Last year, we were huddled in the Underpants indeed.
sitting room each waiting for our turn Safe to say, the little man wasn’t
I love everything about Christmas. on the stool. Then suddenly, Kevin
Exchanging gifts, ugly Christmas announced he had a big present for impressed. But the rest of us couldn’t
jumpers, roast turkey swimming in Daithi. Such an unbelievable gift contain ourselves. We still giggle
delicious gravy and Irish coffees galore. warranted breaking tradition and so he whenever someone brings up his cute
The childhood delight I felt when was first to sit on the stool. Huge deal. but horrified face.
leaving out carrots for Rudolph and Daithi sat down, unable to contain his
Guinness for Santa has morphed into delight, as any six-year-old would. A lot of cajoling ensued, Daithi was
something entirely more special. I now And Kevin presented him with this given his real presents and all was
help my younger niece, nephew and fabulously wrapped present. Daithi forgiven. But that memory sums up
cousins get ready for the big day. wasted no time tearing into the gift, what Christmas means to me. Family,
only to find a pair of Kevin's underpants love, laughter and plenty of slaggin’. I
For me, Christmas is a time for inside (clean, I hasten to add). Captain wouldn’t change it for the world.
family. And I’m lucky enough to say I
have two Christmases. One in Dublin Continued overleaf >>
with my Dad in mid-December and one
in Dungarvan, Waterford, my second
home. Christmas at the Spillane's is no
joke. A mix of 11 adults and children
barge through the front door, raining
kisses down on my grandparents
and their dog, Beau. We have a long-
standing tradition that family members
sit on a stool in the centre of the sitting
room - oldest to youngest - while being
given their presents. We started it to
make a big fuss of the younglings but ,I
have to say, I think we all secretly love
being in the spotlight.

My uncle, Kevin, and godson, Daithi,
will tease each other relentlessly. And
it never fails to make me laugh. There’s
plenty of harmless name calling too, in
particular, Kevin's nickname for Daithi
which is Captain Underpants.

WOMANSWAY.IE 19

Niamh loves enjoying the fun cracker hats, and take the dog round the worst of my life. I was silently struggling
block after eating way too much. Of course with post-natal depression. I didn’t feel
Christmas was - and still is - my favourite we’d always fit in a turkey and ham sambo like myself. I was scared and lonely and I
time of the year. It was always a big deal later on. It often ended with me getting didn’t know what was happening to me.
in our house. We had lots of traditions. my, by then, maybe slightly tipsy relatives That Christmas went by like a fuzzy tv
The letter to Santa always went up the up to dance the Macarena or Saturday reception playing in my head.
chimney. On Christmas Eve we’d gorge Night.
on fancy frozen ‘bits’ as we call them. On Thankfully, things got better, and
Christmas morning after seeing what the Then as I got into my twenties, Christmas today, Christmas is once again my
man in red had brought, we’d have fillet lost a bit of its magic, and it just never felt favourite time of the year. Living the
steak and poached eggs. We’d have lots the same. That was until I became a mum magic through my little boys’ eyes is
of family over, put on the naff Christmas in December 2016 and had a two-week- even better than when I was a child.
old when Christmas Day came around. Their innocent delight and excitement
However, it’s probably not the change brings me such joy and I hope I can make
you’re expecting. That Christmas was the that magic last forever for them.

Niamh with her two
sons visiting Santa

20 WOMANSWAY.IE

FESTIVE FEELS

Astrid loves the magic Astrid's kids get A decade later my daughter told
decorating me of how she got a glimpse of
Hands down, the best thing about Santa. Just enough to run up the
Christmas is the artifice. The magic of of sightings. stairs and tuck herself back into bed.
the fairy lights on the tree, the flicker I personally know of two. The first
of the flames in the chimney. The This Christmas Eve will no doubt
smell of the candles, the songs. Even was my nephew who chased the bring that same mix of tantalising
the hushed tones of late-night TV. cloaked figure up the stairs. Running anticipation and glee. And,
Parents’ voices giddy with excitement, into the bedroom, his pudgy finger hopefully, a good dose of well-
pregnant with expectation. pointed at the window. By the time we earned magic. WW
flung it open we could only see a trail of
All of it fuses with the decorations to stars. But we both knew it was the man
create an electric atmosphere. himself.

Year after year my mum would
wave her magic wand and turn our
house into that enchanted sanctuary.
In fact, I derived such joy from the
holidays that I’ve been known to play
stirring Christmas tunes at the most
inappropriate of times. In my defence,
there’s nothing quite like Louis
Armstrong and Bing Crosby to shake
the boredom out of long, lazy summer
days.

And that’s the thing. It’s all about
heightened emotions.

Just add a pinch of witchcraft to this
heady mix and your senses are on full
tilt. Yep, I’m talking about Saint Nick.
A jolly beard draped in red. Breaking
and entering to leave presents. There’s
a bit of an edge to that. Especially
when you pile on first-hand accounts

WOMANSWAY.IE 21

Lipsy Sequin One
Shoulder Maxi Dress

€110

Back to Black
Never underestimate the power of an all-black
ensemble. Embrace the elegance of an LBD or a
chic monochrome moment this Christmas.

22 WOMANSWAY.IE

Oxendales Lynott Jewellery Black Louis FASHION
Black Sequin Bracelet €25
Pencil Midi Skirt Nadine Merabi
Katie Black
€27.50 Dress €440

Phase Eight
Medora Sequin

Shirt
€125

iClothing Amaze
Short Ruched
Sequin Dress In
Black €52.99

River Island Black
Sequin Wide Leg

Trousers €53

Nikki Hoyne Flat Point

According to colour Ankle Boot €250 Oliver Bonas
psychologists, black is Paloma Black
symbolic of mystery, power, Enamel & Glass
elegance and sophistication. I Inlay Collar
mean, why would we bother Necklace €34
with other colours at all?
New Look Black Disco
e festive season, complete with chock- Sequin Ruched Sleeve

a-block diaries and fabulous soirées, is Blazer €49.99

the perfect excuse to give in to the Linzi Forever Court Heeled Sandal WOMANSWAY.IE 23
glamour that December brings. Many With Diamante Bow Trim €52
think Christmas calls for bold and

bright reds and emerald greens, but M&S Buckle Detail
there’s nothing wrong with dusting Top Handle Shoulder
off your favourite LBD. Not only
is black flattering, but it's also Bag €35

practical. Times are tight which

means people don’t have money to

constantly splurge on new outfits Roman Sequin Trim
every holiday. Investing in Overlay Jumpsuit
a black staple will carry
you through an impressive €63

amount of occasions with

no fuss. Plus, you can

always zhoosh up your

outfit by adding bright

accessories or a classic red

lip. Experimenting with

different pops of colour and

jacket styles can transform

your look into something

By Rachel Spillane entirely different. For the

season that’s in it, we’ve

chosen our favourite

sequined pieces to give Never Fully Dressed Clara Simply Be Black Sequin
you some added sparkle. Velvet Blazer €175; Clara Velvet Tank Top €26.50
Take a look… WW
Trousers €110

Beauty Buys

Shopping for a skincare junkie this
Christmas? You’ve come to the right place.

24 WOMANSWAY.IE

GIFT SETS BEAUTY

ese gift sets are a STOCKING 3
little more high-end than the FILLERS 2
average stocking filler. Although,
they’re still great value. Skincare If you don’t know 1
gift sets make for great presents your retinol from your
remover, stocking fillers
because they allow the receiver to try are a great place to start
products they wouldn’t normally buy when buying skincare for
someone this Christmas.
themselves. We don’t tend to stray
from our skincare routine if it works e inexpensive, smaller sets contain a couple of products
that are versatile enough to be used on a variety of skin types
well, but that doesn't mean we and target skin concerns. Or, provide a bit of well-deserved
shouldn’t. Embrace the pampering.
new, ladies.

1

1 No7 The Skincare Discovery Collection 6 Piece Gi Set €25
2 Seoulista Glow Inducer Wellbeing Kit €24.99
3 Patchology Best in Snow €18
4 Q+A Skincare Heroes Gi Set €23

2 1 4
4 3

CULT 2
BEAUTY

BUYS

Not every viral product you see
is worth the splurge, but this year
has been exceptionally good for
skincare. Each of these products
has hundreds of rave reviews and

might just deserve a forever
place on your bathroom
shelf. WW

By Rachel Spillane 5 43

1 Lancôme Renergie H.C.F Triple Serum Gi Set €125 1 Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum €51
2 Nuxe Happy in Pink Gi Set €40.50 2 Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask €22.45

3 Trilogy Three-Step Radiance Routine Gi Set €49.95 3 Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil €105
4 Image Skincare Hydrate Collection €134 4 Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask €136

5 Dermalogica The Ultimate Cleansing Kit €180 WOMANSWAY.IE 25

Blank Canvas and Up Cosmetics founder Una Tynan shares a
festive makeup look, perfect for the party season.

STEP 1: Prep your skin for a flawless illuminated finish that evens out the perfect for blending concealer seamlessly
makeup finish that will last all night. After skin tone. I love the Silk Foundation from under the delicate eye area.
cleansing your skin, apply Skingredients Luna by Lisa. It’s hydrating, buildable,
Veg Hylauronic Acid Hydrating Serum all and leaves a beautiful natural glow that’s STEP 4: Now for the eyes. Apply the
over the face and décolletage to brighten soft to the touch. Apply your foundation shade Source from the Ten Palette by Up
and plump out the skin. en follow this using the F20 makeup brush from Blank Cosmetics. Place this neutral shade all
by applying your SPF. I love Skin Shield Canvas Cosmetics. is multi-purpose flat over the eye as your base tone. With the
Moisturising and Priming SPF 50 PA+++ or buffer face brush will help you to achieve same brush, blend Soft Brown from the
Ella and Jo’s New Plump and Protect SPF a wonderfully even and lightweight Ten Palette on the outer corners of the
30. SPF is not just for summer, it really coverage. eyes, blending slightly upwards to open
protects the skin against all of the harsh the eye. Top this with the shade Bronze
elements found in every season as well as STEP 3: ‘Tis the season of excess so, if Age for a little more depth and a beautiful
the drying effects of central heating during needs be, add a little extra coverage using Christmassy shimmer - use a flat brush for
the colder winter months. ese products the Luna by Lisa Filter Finish Concealer this like the E43.
act as great primers to prepare the skin which can go a long way. e formula
before applying your foundation. which contains hydrating and brightening STEP 5: With a blush brush, apply Pink
vitamin E and hyaluronic acid reduces the Rosé cream blush. Place this on the tops
STEP 2: For a flawless base, use a buildable appearance of fine lines and fatigue. e of the apples of the cheeks, almost like
foundation with a natural-looking E45 brush by Blank Canvas Cosmetics is an extension of the cheekbones to lift

26 WOMANSWAY.IE

BEAUTY

the face. Top tip - always apply cream or
liquid products before powder products so
products don’t ‘cake’. e F36 brush by
Blank Canvas works well here.
STEP 6: To create a soft contour, use the
Sculpt contour compact from Up Cosmetics.
Place the ultra-smooth textured contour on
the tops of the cheekbones and lightly dust
the excess along the top of the forehead,
jawline and down the sides of the nose to
enhance and define the face.
STEP 7: For a gleaming complexion, use
a highlighter along the nose, tops of the
cheek and brow bones with the F88 from
Blank Canvas. I recommend Spotlight
single compact from Up Cosmetics as it has
just the right amount of glossy glitter to get
you into the festive spirit.
STEP 8: Finish off the look with Ella &
Jo’s 3-in-1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist to set your
makeup making it last all night long. Next,
apply your favourite lip colour. We’re using
Perfect Nude by Up Cosmetics - it really
is the perfect nude. Or to amp up your
look, reach for red lipstick. Siren from UP
Cosmetics will look striking. For a long-
lasting effect or if you get caught under the
mistletoe - apply your lipstick with a lip
brush such as the L29 By Blank Canvas to
last all night long. WW

1 Skingredients: Skin Veg Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum €55 2 Skingredients: Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF 50 PA+++ €5 3 Ella and Jo’s: New Plump and
Protect hydrating day cream with SPF 30 €3 4 Ella and Jo’s: 3-in-1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist €25 5 Luna by Lisa: Silk Foundation €27 6 Up Cosmetics: Ten Palette €50 7 Up
Cosmetics: Sculpt contour €20 8 Up Cosmetics: Spotlight highlighter €20 9 Up Cosmetics: Pink Rosé cream blush €20 10 Up Cosmetics: Perfect Nude lipstick €20 11 Blank

Canvas Brushes: E26, E43, F20, F36, F88, F04 and L29 from €7
Blank Canvas Cosmetics: available at www.blankcanvascosmetics.com, pharmacies nationwide and Dunnes. UP Cosmetics: available from www.upcosmetics.com Skingredients: available from

selected pharmacies nationwide Ella & Jo: available at www.ellaandjo.ie and from selected pharmacies nationwide Luna by Lisa: available from selected pharmacies nationwide

WOMANSWAY.IE 27

BuyIrish Art

It’s easier than ever to buy Irish. Astrid Madsen Irish artists are making
gleefully does the rounds and serves up Christmas a name for themselves at
picks that won’t break the bank. home and abroad. Prints,
canvases or ceramics could
The holiday season is well 2 in fact be the perfect present
and truly upon us. And for that person who’s always
so is the need to buy hard to buy for.
presents. But fear not,
we’re here to help. From But, tempting as it may
Secret Santa buys to thoughtful be, buying art for someone
presents, we’ve brought together else is risky. To make sure
a selection of what’s on offer from they’ll like it, bring the
talented Irish makers. topic up in conversation.
What do they think of the
Gift Sets proliferation of Irish art?
And see what your loved
Do you remember that impersonal one gravitates to when you
Christmas hamper full of stuff you show them a few Instagram
didn’t want? It’s gone for good. accounts. And there are
Enter the tailored gift set that plenty. Audrey Hamilton,
doesn’t cost the earth and comes Orla Hickey, Teresa Owens,
in neat little packaging. Chloë Dowds, Anita
McCarthy. To name just a
Take the EPIC Museum’s few.
themed gift boxes. ey’re ideal
for expats who don’t visit home From pop art to nostalgic
nearly often enough. streetscapes, architectural
to animal themes, there
Or you could encourage a really is something in it for
hobby. e Book Resort is a everyone.
Waterford-based subscription box
that delivers a novel to members’ 4 1
doors every month alongside
chocolate and a small gift made 3
by a local artisan business. en
there’s that budding vegetable
gardener, who can’t quite commit
to starting their own patch.
Nothing will get them going like a
Grow It Yourself kit.

e Soft Cotton Shop is another
good place to find more tailored
Irish-made goodies. ere’s the
Sea Lover set for those who can’t
get enough of the ocean. Or the
Gear Bag Mini Gift Set at €48 to
encourage even the most reluctant
of gym-goers. Everyone probably
needs one of them.

28 WOMANSWAY.IE

6 SHOP LOCAL

58

9 Jewellery
7
Irish jewellery brands are
10 experiencing a bit of a
13 renaissance. Seoidín is the
love-child of Irish jewellery
maker Maureen Harrison
in Ennis. Her hand-made
collections ooze style.

en there’s the
delightfully affordable
Little Light range. Each
piece represents a feeling
or moment in your life,
from new beginnings to
celebrating having found
your soul sister.

For a heartfelt Irish feel,
check out Enibas whose
authentic designs evoke
times past.

As for the mammy who
keeps losing or breaking
her glasses, hope is not
lost. Woods & Byrne have
refreshed their Eye Keep
collection. It’s a simple
contraption that’s worn like
a necklace with a ring for
the glasses to slot securely
through. If you don’t fancy
all the glam, go for the €20
durable Casual Cord range.

12 1 EPIC Museum Irish Granny’s Kitchen €19, visit epicchq.com 2 The Book Resort Christmas hamper from 11
€36, visit thebookresort.ie 3 GIY Ultimate Starter GROWBox €39.99, visit giy.ie 4 The Soft Cotton Shop
Sea Lover Gift Set €63, visit thesoftcottonshop.com 5 Orla Walsh Dip Dab €38 print, visit orlawalsh.com Continued overleaf >>
WOMANSWAY.IE 29
6 Ruth Gunning Miow Meow €40 print, visit ruthgunning.com 7 Simone Walsh Growing Up in Ireland
€80 framed print, visit Kilkenny Design and simonewalsh.net 8 JANDO prints from €35 unframed to
€75 framed, visit jando.ie 9 Kim Gaffney Stag Cushion €50 and Stag Fine Art Print Framed €90, visit
kimgaffneyart.com 10 Seoidín Emerald Green Crochet Pendant €104, visit seoidin.com 11 Little Light
Go Getter Pendant €59, visit littlelight.ie 12 Enibas Croi Alainn Double Silver & Gold Bracelet €155, visit
enibas.com 13 Woods & Byrne Eye Keep Sterling Silver Murano Glass Pink €190, visit woodsandbyrne.ie

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 15

14 17 Homewares

18 20 Home is where the heart is,
especially at this time of year.
16 And there’s no better way to set
the mood than scented candles.
19 For maximum impact as a
present, choose from a range of
30 WOMANSWAY.IE Irish makers. Not only are they
home-grown, the gift boxes
look fab.

Gillian Halpin of Jane Darcy
partnered up with Melissa Riddell
for the holiday season. e
fragrance they came up with is
orange blossom and grapefruit.
Yum. And the candle itself is free
of preservatives, uses soy wax
and has lead-free cotton wicks.

Now if you’re looking for
something to hand down
through the generations, Little
AngelRose’s rattan beauties
could be just the ticket. For
Christmas, the Dublin-based
company introduced a range
of dolls and doll furniture to
make children with extra needs
feel like they belong. And help
abled children to see beyond
disability. ey have gorgeous
wall decorations too.

You could go with more
quintessential Irish themes like
Celtic patterns or Father Ted
paraphernalia. You’ll find those
on very giftable throws and
mugs.

We really are very lucky to have
so much choice. And it is magical
to see the love that’s being put
back into craftsmanship. May it
long last. WW

14 Max Benjamin White Christmas 3-Wick Candle €40 with some of the proceeds going to SVP and Children’s Health
Ireland, visit maxbenjamin.com 15 Jane Darcy X Melissa Riddell Candle €40, visit janedarcy.ie 16 Little AngelRose Ellie
the Elephant Wall Head €94.95, visit littleangelrose.com 17 Loominations Map of Ireland €149, visit loominations.ie 18
Cliodhna by Cliodhna Pink Home Mug €21.17, visit cliodhnadohertyart.com 19 Hairy Baby Father Ted Down with This Sort

of Thing Mug €14, visit hairybaby.com 20 Dunnes Stores range of Christmas gifts by Costelloe

Faux-Glow BEAUTY

Goodies VeganTan Self Tan
It’s the season to sparkle and Mousse €12.99
shine. So why not give the gift Bare Your Bold Smart
of bronzed, glowy skin this Mousse 4-Piece Bellamianta Master
Christmas? Gi Set €54.99
Tanning Set €19.95
S hopping for a fake tan addict at He-Shi Clearly Flawless
Christmas can be overwhelming. Tanning Set €41.99
ere are hundreds of tanning brands BeautiEdit Decadance
to choose from, with countless shades, Gradual Tanning
matte and shimmer finishes, and a Cream €40
slew of vitamins and skin-loving ingredients.
How on earth are we meant to choose? Well,
aside from reading our tan-tastic
round-up, gift sets are a great
place to start. Not only are they
fantastic value, they usually
contain two or three different tan
products to suit all skin types and
applicators for a seamless finish.

If you’re a self-appointed faux-
glow pro, keep an eye in-store
and online for new releases. ere
are always exciting drops around
Christmas. And it’s nice to try
out new products ahead of the
December festivities. Take a look
at some of our favourite tanning
treats… WW

Pestle & Mortar Glow Iconic Bronze
Drops Customisable Medium Matte
Tanning Drops €38 Luxury Instant

Tan €11

By Rachel Spillane

Bondi Sands Best of WOMANSWAY.IE 31
Bondi Set €54.99

GO GREEN
Christmas takes its toll on the planet.
Astrid Madsen looks at how we can
limit the damage.

Christmas is by far the most Guiney’s Christmas Holly
environmentally damaging Napkin 4 Pack €12.95,
holiday of the year. Just think
of how many people fly or visit guineys.ie
otherwise travel home. And
it’s not just petrol we’re guzzling. Energy candle every year. e Coinneal Mór na
costs from lights and ovens, gas and
wood for heating. Nollag or the great Christmas candle was

It’ll be hard to convince anyone to traditionally decorated with holly. e
forego any of these pleasures. Festi-
Zoom, for one, doesn’t have a great ring youngest member of the family is to light
to it.
it at six o’clock on Christmas Eve, as a
But there is a lot we can do to limit the
amount of physical waste we send to religious symbol that there is room at the
landfill. We will produce nearly 100,000
tonnes of packaging waste in Ireland this inn.
Christmas. Old decorations, unrecyclable
wrapping, even the Christmas tree, real And if you don’t already,
or not, will all end up making their way
to the dump. save the Christmas cards “Let people
you receive in the post. manage their own
Reducing that mountain of waste is Tonnes of the stuff ends up portions. Leftovers
where we can make a real difference. in landfill every year. You

Yes, all plastic packaging can now can string them together in the dish are ok to napkins, tissues and
go into the recycling bin. But it's a last to decorate a wall, or use reuse, the rest gets paper towels not only
resort. e first thing to do is reduce. on a mantel year after decimate trees, they
year. ey not only look binned” require huge
en reuse. at could even mean no
Christmas jumpers. Gulp. festive, they carry special amounts of

Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty, meaning. water and
stressed out or depressed over it. You
don’t need to deprive yourself. ere BUY ECO bleach
are ways to indulge without killing the to make. Cloth is a much
planet. Here are some tips.
e reality is, cheap and cheerful better alternative. Just throw
STICK TO A PLAN
ornaments are enticing. But if you do give them in the wash after use. ey
Decorating the house the same way
every year reduces the need to buy new in to the temptation, avoid plastic. After hardly take any room and dry
decorations. It also helps keep the stress
levels low. a few years the decorations will make really quickly.

e Christmas crib is hard to beat for their way to landfill. Tinsel and glitter As for the ubiquitous
a centrepiece. And there’s a bit of magic
around assembling it. Adding moss, (aka microplastic) don’t decompose Christmas cracker, make your
straw, some lights. Hiding baby Jesus til
Christmas night. and pollute the waterways. Sequins are, own. Apparently 15 million of

Another tradition you may want to sadly, also a big no-no. Of course the these things will be pulled in Ireland
revive is buying a large Irish-made
manufacturing process is harmful too. this year... to be thrown straight into the

After that, focus on longevity. Paper bin.

32 WOMANSWAY.IE

HOUSEHOLD

Soilse Hand Poured reducing your carbon footprint, is
Apothecary Candle Soy Wax chipping the tree to spread in the garden.
Turf €19.50, visit faerly.ie Burning will release all the carbon stored
when growing.
Ecosnap Keep This Cracker If you want to stop the madness, yet
€23.99 and €2.99 for the keep the tradition going, get reusable e worst thing to do is send it to
snap refills, visit jiminy.ie ones. e bit that snaps can be replaced. landfill. At the dump, organic material
releases methane which is 25 per cent
UPCYCLED DECORATIONS more potent a greenhouse gas than
Home-made tree decorations are a carbon dioxide.
good way to reuse packaging you would
otherwise put in the recycle bin. Small DITCH THE MEAT
boxes wrapped in paper can be hung as Food waste is, of course, a major issue so
ornaments that look like presents, for plan your meals. at said, who wants to
example. be a party-pooper? Eating loads is part of
the holidays. And fattening up for winter
If there are children in the house, feels good.
making paper chains is a fun activity
that’ll keep them busy. Adults can Going veggie would certainly reduce
indulge too while watching tv. your environmental footprint by a lot.
But can Christmas be Christmas without
WRAP WITH KRAFT the meat? Regardless of the answer,
Wrapping paper is a major waste culprit. this could be the time to evaluate how
If it’s foil wrapped or in any other way much of it we eat throughout the year.
glossy, it won’t be recyclable. Ideally, Reducing our intake in the long-term is
choose paper or compostable wrapping better for our health, and for the planet.
instead. Kraft paper looks great with
natural twine and a sprig of holly or a To go full hog, say no to plastic bottles
home-made name tag. and candy wrappers.

TREE CHOICE Perhaps easiest, but no less
e most eco-friendly solution here is to controversial, is to stop plating up. Let
people manage their own portions.
have no tree at all. But then you might Leftovers in the dish are ok to reuse, the
as well cancel Christmas. According to rest gets binned.
the Carbon Trust, best case scenario,
an artificial tree is more eco-friendly SHOP LOCAL
than a commercially-grown tree after We all know single-use plastic is an
seven years. But you could be looking environmental issue, as are food miles.
at up to 20 years depending on size and Buying from your nearest market helps
materials. both, and supports local businesses to
boot. It may seem more convenient not
If you do buy a real tree, make sure to, but you’ll get better value.
it was grown sustainably. Preferably
without fertiliser and not intensively. A And if you can’t find a present, don’t
potted tree is apparently best. But you’ll worry about it. According to Repak,
need strength to move it and resilience to we spend more and more each year on
keep it alive (not as easy as it sounds). presents. Unwanted Christmas gifts end
up in landfill. And with clickmas comes
More manageable perhaps, and yet more packaging and transport.

So if you’re not sure you’ve found the
perfect gift, give some hard cash. No, it’s
not crass. It’s better for the planet. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 33

Winter

Woodland

Woodland wonders are perfect for 1
this season, with stag motifs and
country life inspired by nature and
forest creatures. Here are 12 of our
favourite wintry woodland ways
to cosy up at home.

With a happy balance of PLATE €18.00, AND 2 a warm glow, these forest scented
creature comforts and COCK PHEASANT candles come in a reusable ceramic
woodland themed decor, MEDIUM PASTA vessel evoking ancient woodland,
it’s easy to capture BOWL €22.50 dappled sunlight, wild fauna and the
the laid-back vibes of (other items from rich scent of oak filling the air with
country living – wherever you live. a selection), visit aromas of cedarwood, smoked oak,
eu.emmabridgewater. birch and moss. ey’re also hand
Just as being amongst nature and wildlife com decorated with real 22 Carat gold.
can bring a sense of calm, we can channel
these feelings in our interiors, creating a Country earthenware at its most 6>> ART FOR THE HOME STAG WOODEN
welcome refuge from the stresses of modern joyous, this new Oak collection imbibes PLAQUE €26.99, visit very.ie
life – not to mention a wealth of creative thoughts of crunching through fallen
inspiration over the holiday period.
leaves, Sunday roasts and chestnut is handsome fellow projects the wonder
Whether you’re looking to create a log
cabin feel, add a touch of rustic charm or stuffing. Lots. of the wilderness and can be left unadorned,
chill-out zone to snuggle up with a winter
warmer, these pieces light the way for 4>> WOODLAND OVEN GLOVE, NAVY or hung over a sideboard and finished with a
wintry wonder… collection of rustic tools.
€18.00, visit fatface.com
1>> ECOPOT DISNEY WINNIE THE POOH
‘HUNDRED ACRE WOOD’ (23 Litre) Made A kitchen essential for soup season and hot 7>> STAG LUXURY MERINO THROW €114.99,
From Recycled Plastic Bottles €17.27, visit pots. visit annabeljames.co.uk
jardinopia.com
5>> THE ENCHANTED FOREST CERAMIC When you’re cosying up in your snug chair
is sweet eco-friendly plant pot offers SCENTED CANDLE €63.29, visit
a whimsy escape to the woods – and and slippers and want to treat yourself, this
chrysanthemums can be switched for chaseandwonder.com super-soft merino throw in a reversible
poinsettias, as soon as they land in the
shops. cream and grey stag design could be your

2>> SET OF 2 GEMSTONE LEAF HIBALL Ideal if you want to introduce texture and best buy.
GLASSES €10.00, visit very.ie
Ideal for green smoothie recipes, these
highballs will also love a Bloody Mary,
especially with a celery stalk and green
olives for garnish.

3>> EMMA BRIDGEWATER OAK FRENCH
BOWL €20.25; GREY PARTRIDGE 8 ½ INCH

34 WOMANSWAY.IE

3 7 INTERIORS
9
8

10

A statement piece and 11
object of desire, we love

this handsome lamp

shade featuring a herd

of Stag deer with an

incredible gold antler

detail. is shade with its

monochrome and touch

of gold will suit most warmth and this bedding

decors from the ultra set features an enchanting

modern to the vintage design of woodland

collector. animals such as hares,

10>> GLASS DECANTER WITH STAG’S leaping deer, squirrels
HEAD €82.95, visit athomeinthecountry.co.uk and foxes. e easy pairing of grey and
white makes this bedding design an easy to

You can never have too many decanters, coordinate colour scheme.

especially if you’re planning on throwing 12>> THE
ENCHANTED
5 some stylish winter soirees – or reaching for WOODLAND 12
a dram of whisky to put a twinkle in your GREEN
eye. WALLPAPER (SET

11>> WOODLAND WANDER BED LINEN SET

€46.03, visit frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk OF 3 ROLLS)

Brushed cotton is hailed for holding in the €224.39, visit

4 limelace.co.uk
A feature wall of
8>> ONE WORLD LAMPSHADE
COLLECTION €56.45; HARE CUSHION 6 woodland finds
€43.72, visit perkinsandmorley.com provides the
perfect backdrop

For when you’re pulling all your log cabin- for nature book

inspired furnishings together, this hare or wildlife

cushion works beautifully with luxe wood photography

By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA tones. Pared back colour schemes meet collections.

naïve, folk art animals in the 'One World' Each elegantly

collection from Perkins & Morley. And all drawn element fuses with every wild

cushions are handmade complete with filler epitomised creature in this detailed

pad made from 50 per cent recycled ocean wallpaper, to embody the comprehensive,

plastic. yet mysterious cast of Transylvanian

9>> STAG DEER LAMPSHADE €74.80, visit woodlands. Otherwise, you can just enjoy
mountainandmolehill.com
the fabulous flora and fauna in their new
natural habitat – your home. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 35

Find inspiration with the fabulous Wild Lights
at Dublin Zoo and light up your own garden.

Lantern surrounded Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo Lanterns and
by pine cones is a spectacular light star lights
festival and makes for a
Tree with lights great evening out – but white bark. Another great tree to highlight
and baubles how about bringing a with lights is Tibetan cherry, with its
little bit of that sparkle home? striking red bark. Acers, especially
36 WOMANSWAY.IE snakebark maples, can also work well.”
ere are lots of ways to make your
own garden glow, using outdoor fairy Duff suggests: “Rolling up a ball of fairy
lights, lanterns and uplighting in warm, lights and sticking a number of those in
welcoming tones, to cheer the cold nights a tree so they look like huge snowflakes
and get you into the festive spirit. can be really effective.

HERE ARE SOME EXPERT TIPS… “You can also get large snowflake-
shaped lights, which are often solar-
ALL ABOUT THE ATMOSPHERE panelled, charging through the day and
“Rather than thinking of decoration, then coming on at night, which can be
think atmosphere first, and the mood and good alternatives.”
the feeling you want when you are in the
garden,” suggests designer Andrew Duff, LIGHT UP WITH LANTERNS
co-chair of the council of the Society “Lanterns are an excellent idea,” Duff
of Garden Designers and director of the continues. “Consider where the light is
Inchbald School of Design. going to fall. If you are going to be outside
for a glass of mulled wine, maybe it’s just
“If you are after a relaxed, festive, soft about illuminating the table area, which
look, how are you going to achieve that? you could also decorate.
It might not necessarily be covering a tree
with fairy lights. You might want to do it “Rather than over-illuminate, you just
in a more subtle way.” want the area to be subtle and soft. You
might be using candles in lanterns. What
CREATE TREE APPEAL you get with candlelight is rich softness
Kevin Martin, head of tree collections at and the flicker which you can’t reproduce
Kew, says: “One of the best ways to add any other way,” he adds. “You could even
festive lights to your garden is to wrap pea use a scented candle with a Christmas
light LEDs around the trunk and branch fragrance.”
structure of any trees in your garden. is
is always incredibly popular at Christmas THINK WARM COLOURS
at Kew, and will bring interest into your “Select a warm white light with a slight
garden through the long dark nights of hue of yellow in it for a warm and
winter. It will also accentuate the lovely traditional look,” suggests Matthew
structure of the tree. Pottage, curator of Royal Horticultural
Society Garden Wisley. “Pure white lights
“Another way is to use uplighters on the have a colder and more stark appearance,
ground, pointing directly up through the
canopy and highlighting the trunk. Again,
be sure to use LEDs, as halogen bulbs
give off heat which can cause damage
to bark in the colder months,” Martin
adds. “Good trees to light up in the winter
months are birches, with their striking

EXTERIORS

Dublin Zoo Wildlights

which can say ‘winter’ as opposed to which have come on in leaps and bounds the giant baubles, the tunnels of light and
‘Christmas’.” in recent years, and are powerful with the fire garden. Visit hrp.org.uk
low energy uptake, which helps the
A pure approach of all warm white environment and your energy bill,” he MAKE THE MOST OF PLANTING
lights gives a very timeless and elegant notes. “Slow twinkling lights brings a “If you’ve still got the dried foliage of
effect, he adds, but if you want a kitsch, sense of magic – rapid flashing of lights grasses and the seedheads of perennials
vintage look, mix all colours. tends to be less tranquil in a garden in winter, they capture the light and
landscape. Have lights on a timer to always reflect candlelight if you have it
Duff adds: “I’m a great fan of sticking save energy bills and reduce the risk of nearby,” Duff advises.
to one colour, whether it’s whites or off disturbing wildlife.”
whites, but nothing says Christmas like “Alternatively, look for sculptural lights
red outside. Maybe you make all the lights Take inspiration from the after-dark that are on sticks, standing about a metre
in your trees red, which can produce a illuminated Hillsborough Light Trail in high, and place them in the planting, but
beautiful red glow. But when you start Co Down where over a million twinkling let them be white or clear because then
mixing a lot of colours it falls apart a bit.” lights and festive sounds fill the grounds the browns or yellows will come through
of the historical gardens, not to mention rather than be coloured by coloured
FILL YOUR FRAMES lights.”
“Anything structural can be highlighted Christmas at
beautifully with lighting, such as an Hillsborough Castle As well as lighting up trees, baubles can
arbour, seat or feature tree, but just be hung on the stems of deciduous trees.
go back to atmosphere rather than
decoration. Less is more is key in creating “Nothing says Christmas like a bauble,
a magical space,” says Duff. and we need to have fun, but maybe just
stick to one or two colours on a tree,” he
suggests. “We are not trying to create a
Christmas tree – that’s happening inside
– so the simpler it is, the better.” WW

To book tickets for Wild Lights at Dublin
Zoo, visit dublinzoo.ie.

By Hannah Stephenson, PA CONSIDER LIGHTING TYPES

Duff says: “Solar lighting has got much
better, but if you’re prepared to turn
things on and off, the battery-operated
LEDs are superb and last a very long time,
certainly as long as you’d need them in
the evening. en there are no electrical
requirements.”

Net lights – fairy lights on a net cable
system – are the quickest and easiest way
of lighting clipped shrubs, hedges and
topiary, says Pottage. “Use LED lights,

WOMANSWAY.IE 37

On the Radar...

A round up of all the best places to see and be seen.

People in glass Glistening chandeliers at
houses… the glass mansion in Royal

Hospital Kilmainham

For something

completely different

this festive season,

dine and dance

under the stars in a

stunning ethereal

glass mansion

in the courtyard

of the historic

Royal Hospital

Kilmainham.

The opening night

of the spectacular

‘crystal palace’ saw some of our

homegrown stars out in their

sparkling finest to feast on an equally

incredible six-course dinner created

by Michelin chef Danni Barry. The

talents of the celebrated Northern

Ireland chef were matched by wine

pairings chosen by sommelier Brigid

O’Hora. Of course, bubbles were the

perfect choice for a welcome toast

while the resident piano man played

some Christmas classics.

Iconic glass buildings like the

famous Louvre pyramid in Paris are

perfect palatial partners for places

with a sense of history. The twinkling

towering christmas tree, giant

crystal chandeliers, festive décor and CITC from above
stunning table settings add to the

glamour of the contemporary glass

orangery, while blending beautifully away to The Spring Break, with Victory The signature Art of Dining is a six-
course dining experience celebrating
with the Royal Hospital Kilmainham Dolls and The Runaways joining the the best of Irish produce, including
Goatsbridge Trout, fresh Irish
façade. It’s definitely worth a visit. entertainment line-up. vegetables and a Christmas Pudding
Nitrogen Ice Cream.
The unique ‘Christmas in the With women centre stage in the kitchen
The opening night attracted a stellar
Courtyard’ glass venue once featured and front of house, it is no surprise that list of attendees including Woman’s Way
duo Norah and Carissa Casey along with
at golfer Rory McIlroy's wedding. entrepreneur Avril Bannerton (who Roz Purcell, Elaine Crowley, Lorraine
Keane, Georgie Crawford, Erica Cody,
Over the holiday period it will be launched Taste of Dublin) is a co-founder Sophie Murray, Terrie McEvoy, Michelle
Regazzoli Stone, Jodie Wood and Louise
home to all manner of brunches, of the project. She stressed that pre- Cooney. Glenda Gilson and husband Rob
McNaughton were also there along with
lunches and dinners hosted by a booking is essential: “There will be an influencer turned Six O’Clock Show

varied line-up of celebrities from abundance of festive fun, fine dining and

Pippa O’Connor to the funny and fantastic entertainment for everyone 18

fun drag queens, Davina Devine and over. Our opening weekend is now

and Victoria’s Secret. And yes Bingo sold out, so due to ticket demand, we

Loco is on the menu every Saturday are now hosting 25 different dining and

as well as some great party bands entertainment events over our four-week

to get you in the mood. We bopped run.”

38 WOMANSWAY.IE

Galway Chrismtas Market IN THE KNOW
Eyre Square, Galway
One of Cathríona
King's fabulous

wreaths

The Marinas Restaurant Galway Glow time for a spot of creativity by way

at the Galmont Hotel Galway is a cracking city of wreath making, with Cathríona

at the best of times but it King. Best known for her amazing

really comes into its own millinery, she has branched out into

at Christmas. All those homewares and has some spectacular

winding lanes and cosy wreaths for sale. But if you’re the

pubs make for a wonderful crafty type - and I like to think I am

getaway during the - it’s a surprisingly fun way to spend

festive season. This year, the morning. Cathríona is thankfully

Eyre Square is lit with a on hand to give her expert tips. Her

giant Ferris Wheel, the wreath making workshops cost €50 a

centerpiece of a Christmas head and include all materials. WW
market packed with stalls For more visit thegalmont.com and
selling everything from caithrionakingdesigns.com

food and drink to local

presenter Greg O’Shea. artisan crafts.

But the glass mansion was the biggest Just a short hop from Eyre Square, Christmas at the
star of the show. The construction of the the Galmont Hotel and Spa is a great Galmont Hotel

heated all-glass building took 18,000 spot if you’re looking for a pre-

hours with the final 500th glass panel Christmas break. On a recent stay

secured just in time for the Christmas the place was buzzing with that

run. The scale of the space at a height of uniquely lovely Galway vibe. And

7.5 metres, and 45m in width is a first for all the festive fun downstairs,

for the city. the bedrooms upstairs were a haven

There are a total of 25 festive events of tranquility.

By Carissa Caasey throughout the holiday season, so dust The hotel is offering an overnight

down your favourite Christmas gúna stay during the Christmas Market

and get ready to party. which includes an afternoon tea
To view the full calendar of events and dinner from just €335 per room
and book tickets visit per night.
christmasinthecourtyard.ie.
If you are going, try and make

WOMANSWAY.IE 39

FIReELaAnNdDofICE

Snowmobiling across you haven’t been then let unpronounceable name
a glacier, swimming me give you a glimpse of that caused chaos in the
in a blizzard, and the this strange and spectacular skies and halted air traffic
craziest and longest island. across Europe in 2010. And
fireworks spectacular in yet by Iceland’s standards the
the world were all on the There is nowhere quite like eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull
cards for Norah Casey’s Iceland. The lava fields, glaciers, volcano was pretty small. What’s
trip to Iceland for New fiery volcanoes, pitch black sandy even more extraordinary is that the
Year’s eve. And she also beaches and steaming geothermal springs eruption led to another explosion – that of
went to the world’s only create a sense of otherworldliness. This tourism. In just two years tourist numbers
Phallological Museum surreal landscape has been the backdrop to rocketed to a million, a pace of change
and yes it is what you many Hollywood blockbusters including that Icelanders have yet to catch up with.
think it is. Batman Begins, No Time To Die, Game of And while Ireland saw on an uplift from
Thrones and numerous Star Wars movies. Skellig Michael’s appearance in The Force
Snowballing across a glacier has to So although only two and a half hours Awakens one of our guides told me that the
be one of the best kickass ways of flying time from Dublin it feels like a Star Wars film crew came back on multiple
starting a new year. Swooshing million light years away. This is a place that occasions to different parts of Iceland and
across a pristine white expanse of US astronauts use as a training ground for that he definitely spotted storm troopers
snow in the few hours of daylight landing on the moon. And better still you on the side of a volcano and on another
in Iceland on the last day of 2022 is way up can fly there directly from Dublin. occasion he was fairly sure he could see
there as one of life’s great experiences. If Chewbacca in the distance in the south of
VOLCANOS the island. So tourism is set to rise steadily
40 WOMANSWAY.IE A visit to Iceland is a real life geography into the future.
lesson where the power of Mother But the kick starter was the volatility of
Nature is up close and personal and she the 2010 eruption that grounded planes
is without doubt the boss of this country. but also intrigued intrepid travelers
And if you wonder about the power that keen on adventure. And there is plenty
she can unleash then cast your mind of drama to be had. Earthquakes are a
back to that erupting volcano with the

TRAVEL

Volcanic eruption of the
Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland

daily occurrence, mostly low level – last “ e tectonic plates
month Grímsey, an island off the north
coast of Iceland was hit with a 4 on the of America and
Richter Scale. They pretty much take Eurasia crashing
together causes

this level of earthquake in their stride all these The Northern Lights
(over 6 is significant). There are over a earthquakes”
hundred volcanoes in the central region friend of mine is the daughter of Thomas so
her surname is Tómasdóttir – her brother
with around 30 or so considered active. Strokkur Geyser is called Tómasson. Her husband is named
after his father so he’s Jóns Stefánsson
The Fagradalsfjall Volcano erupted again and their son and daughter’s surnames
are Jónsson and Jónsdóttir– so they have
last august and the lava is still steaming. four different surnames. The telephone
directory lists people by first name and you
Iceland has a major volcanic eruption have to apply to the naming committee if
you want to introduce a new name that’s
around every five years or so. It’s planet not on the approved list.

earth’s youngest country, created over PEACEFUL
It has the lowest crime rate in the world
millions of years from volcanic activity (less than 150 prisoners in the whole
country out of a population of 372,295).
where magma erupted from a deep fissure The language is strange and ancient
and they have 46 words for snow. They
in the earth’s seam creating the island. are the world’s most consummate book
readers and writers. The Icelandic Sagas,
And it is still constantly growing. Back in ancient stories that trace the lives of their
ancestors circa 1000 AD are among the
1963 an underwater eruption created a new most historically significant texts in the
world. Icelanders can still read the Sagas
island called Surtsey off the south coast. in their original Old Norse writings and
rather than opt for English words for new
It is the only place on earth where you technologies or devices such as the mobile
phone, television or computer they create
can see the mid-Atlantic ridge above sea a name from ancient Viking words. Many
Islanders believe in elves (hidden people)
level. One morning we ventured forth to and mystical powers.

the valley of Thingvellir to see this miracle Much of Iceland in the coastal areas
and to the north is deserted with the
of nature first hand (thingvellir.is). This highest population in Reykjavik of around
123,000, which is similar to Cork – except
is where the massive tectonic plates of it occupies a land area similar to Paris.

America and Eurasia thrust up against Continued overleaf >>

each other, shoving and pushing causing

all those earthquakes. But the two massive SURNAMES

plates also drift apart in places allowing

magma to spew to the surface creating While back in Ireland we’re wondering

new land as it cools – about 2.5 centimeters if there’s enough salt for the roads during

annually. It’s quite something to have one an icy spell, this is a country that lives

foot in America and one in Europe. with constant seismic activity, gurgling

lava and shifting plates. On the plus side

Small Church in all that geothermal activity provides the
Thingvellir national park vast majority of hot water and heating
in Iceland making it one of the cleanest

countries in the world.

And maybe it is the precariousness of

living at the whim of mother nature or the

remoteness of the island but it’s not just

the landscape that’s a bit different. This is

a country that gave the world Björk. Here’s

a rundown of some of the quirkier stuff.

There are no surnames in Iceland. You’re

named as your father’s daughter or son. A

WOMANSWAY.IE 41

Reykjavik (Iceland) with fireworks
during New Year s celebration

It’s a huge low rise sprawl. Downtown you can experience a quake above 6 on the SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Reykjavik is really just one main street. Richter Scale.
Most of the shops feature Icelandic jumpers Right across from our hotel was the
and cute cuddly furry Puffins which also POOL HANGOUTS proudly titled The Icelandic Phallological
appear on most menus, along with Minke Swimming pools and baths are the focal Museum and I wondered if there was
Whale and fermented shark. point for Icelandic life where young and old a chain and I had somehow missed the
go most days, to chill out and catch up on Irish or French version on my travels. But
FIREWORKS the gossip. As well as the public pools there apparently not because it boldly states that
They’re crazy for fireworks. New Year's is the famous Blue Lagoon, the ethereal it is the “only one of its kind in the world”.
eve was indescribable. Hours beforehand blue lake that is the most visited attraction I had to visit (once in a lifetime and all
the fireworks started popping sporadically in Iceland. Back in the 1980s locals that…). After a while I had seen enough
around Reykjavik and by midnight they started to visit this man-made lagoon penises to do me a lifetime. There are more
were exploding everywhere, 360 degrees believing that the waters had skin healing than 200 penises and penile parts, the man
of the most prolonged, uncoordinated properties. The lagoon is actually fed from at the ticket desk told me proudly. Floating
explosion of lights and sounds. Everywhere the silica and sulfur rich water output of a eerily in gigantic tubes of formaldehyde are
you looked blazing trails, fountains and geothermal power plant. In 1992 it opened various types of ghostly specimens from
swirls of sparkles fought for attention. officially to the public and soon after various mammals - whales, elephants,
myself and Richard went to visit. There zebras, seals, a rogue polar bear (that’s
ICELANDIC BANANAS was a rustic area for showering and we how it's listed!) and three homo sapiens.
Extraordinarily, given that it snows for ran over slippery rocks in the snow to get I read the framed letter from one of the
at least five months of the year, Iceland is under the water as fast as we could. There men who donated his – hard to explain
Europe’s largest banana grower through was just us and a few others swimming really, something to do with posterity.
the wonders of geothermally heated in the lagoon. Now it is booked out well in I can tell you, however, that mankind
greenhouses around Hveragerði – a advance so it's busy all the time. You can didn’t compare favourably to the other
town that was rocked by an earthquake swim up to a bar and sip Prosecco under specimens. After a while, and especially
measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale in 2008. the stars, book a table in the restaurant after my mother called to see how I was
It sits on a 5000-year-old lava field and afterwards or avail of a VIP experience getting on (there is no good way of saying
is well worth a visit. This is a trip with with personal changing rooms. It's still a I am in a room full of floating penises) I
a difference and it’s only 45 kilometers beautiful experience even with the crowds. shuffled closer to the door as a couple
from Reykjavik. The town claims to be Visit bluelagoon.com giggled into a penis telephone under the
the Hot Springs Capital of the world (the glow of the stretched scrotum overhead
earthquake added a whole new area Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavik lamps. It was different. Visit phallus.is.
of mud and hot spring activity on the
hillside above the town). The Geothermal SNOWMOBILING
Park is a bit of a rustic spa treatment
area where you can dip your feet in mud, Nature in all her spectacular glory is the
wash in the warm springs but make sure main reason to visit Iceland. We spent
you have a map of where it’s safe to dip five days, enough to sample some of its
because there are other pools where you treasures. If you want to try the ultimate
can cook eggs and bake bread. Round thrill of scooting across a glacier on a
it off with a visit to the earthquake snowmobile then here’s how we did it.
simulator in the town’s museum where

42 WOMANSWAY.IE

TRAVEL

Driving up the mountain to get to Iceland’s Langjokull Glacier in Iceland the multiple thermal layers and made it
second largest glacier Langjökull is not for impossible to linger too long – my eyes
the fainthearted – happily for us we went stumbled through the snow into the were in danger of freezing up! Black ice
with Mountaineers of Iceland and someone basecamp and struggled into waterproof made it difficult to get too close to the side
else (Gummi) was at the wheel of the super suits and helmets and headed out for a of the waterfall but I got close enough to
jeep. Iceland had more snow in December quick lesson. Soon we were off sliding feel the icy spray on my face. Exhilarating.
than it has had for the past ten years so the across the snow. It was magical. Visit
roads were treacherous. We started out mountaineers.is. REYKJAVIK
in what, by Irish standards, would have A walk along the harbour front became
been impossible driving conditions but THE GOLDEN CIRCLE a daily ritual with the ever changing
this is a country that lives with snow for You can combine snowmobiling with a colours of the sea, sky and snow covered
most of the winter and a few feet doesn’t tour of the Golden Circle, a very accessible mountains. We also went to the top of the
phase them. But nothing can quite prepare one day trip around some of the great Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland’s largest church,
you for the ascent up the mountain with sights within driving distance from and looked out over the snow-topped roofs
the jeep plunging deep into several feet of Reykjavik. Earlier that day we visited the of Reykjavik. Most areas downtown are
snow. Even by Iceland’s standards this was historic Þingvellir National Park, where walkable but we also did a bus tour to see
extreme. And it was dark for most of the in 930 AD (around the time of the Sagas) some of the famous landmarks and get a
journey as we raced against time to hit the Iceland’s first parliament was founded. It feel for the city.
glacier during daylight hours and got back was dark and difficult to see anything but
down before the pitch blackness descended we returned there a few days later on a NORTHERN LIGHTS
again. It got light around 11am and waned quest to see the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights have been top of my
again around 3pm. wish list for some time and for two nights
On the way back I stood far too long in running we chased them, poured over
At times it looked like we were destined the freezing cold waiting for Strokkur to the various websites for ratings of solar
to join the many others we saw stranded on perform. Every seven or eight minutes activity and predictions of cloud cover. I
the side of the road waiting for rescue. In this ancient geyser erupts up to 30 or spent hours resetting my camera and stood
blizzard-like conditions Gummi hung his 40-meter-high – and even though you well past midnight knee deep in show.
head out the window to try to get visibility know it’s going to happen, me and the Almost everyday I met someone who had
on the road markers – virtually impossible small crowd gathered around shrieked seen them but sadly it wasn’t to be. And
as all you could see was a glimpse of the every time it did. I had to drag myself although it would have been amazing to
tip of the three foot yellow poles that away. Strokker and the world’s original have finally seen them there were so many
straddled the route. As we neared the Geysir (from which the name is derived) other spectacular sights in Iceland. I left
summit our intrepid driver got out to let are in a geothermal area near the Hvítá feeling invigorated for the year ahead and
air out of the tyres so that we could stay (White) river which starts life in a lake on with a small glimmer of excitement that I
on top of the snow (on the way back down the Langjökull glacier where we had just had the perfect excuse to come back and
we stopped to put air back in). The jeep snowmobiled. And afterwards we followed continue my quest to see those dancing
creaked and pitched as it plunged through it on to the spectacular Gullfoss (Golden) lights in the sky. Some day.
the snow dunes and at times came to a waterfall which literally took my breath
standstill. Dara and I began to rummage away. GETTING AROUND
through our backpacks to see how long
our food and water provisions would last SPECTACLE OF GULLFOSS You get used to the BSI bus terminal
if we were stranded. It was a complete This was one of the most magnificent in Reykjavik very quickly as it’s the
whiteout for the most part – impossible to vistas among many contenders in Iceland. hub for all excursions and trips.
tell where we were going. We thought we I have never seen a frozen waterfall and Taxis are expensive and unnecessary
were hopelessly lost for the final half hour. on the day we went sub zero temperatures because the bus system is superb
Gummi was unusually quiet but then again created improbably beautiful ice spikes and (but allow more time as FlyBus picks
he was trying to steer through three foot a wintery white mist with the thundering up at hotels and guesthouses all
drifts with his head out the window. Then river pummeling downward. It was wild around the city). You can book most
suddenly the incongruous sight of a hut in and powerful and an awesome display tours including the Blue Lagoon,
the distance, a speck on the horizon. of nature at its best. On sunny days the Northern Lights and others with
And was it worth it? Heck yes. We Gullfoss shows off her gentle side with Reykjavik Excursions (visit re.is).
stunning rainbows. It also took my breath
away because the wind-chill tore into GETTING THERE

Both Iceland Air (icelandair.com) and
Fly Play (flyplay.com) fly direct from
Dublin to Reykjavik, journey time
circa 2 hours and 35 minutes and at
time of writing the price for
a return trip over new year was
€309. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 43

Books

Himforself

From sport to fashion, we’ve got the ultimate Christmas book
list to satisfy all the men in your life this festive season.

That hazy week or so in between Cusack’s blackthorn
Christmas Day and New Year’s stick, or a pair of glasses
damaged during the
Day can be a weird limbo. You’re events of Bloody
Sunday. Each item in the
full of food and probably wine, book has deep meaning,
not just in the context
you’re not quite sure of the day of the GAA, but for this
fabric of Irish history.
of the week and you’ve become very fond
The GIY Diaries
of your PJs. It is, however, the perfect quiet
by Michael Kelly is published by Gill, priced
time to sit down and read a book. €26.99
If the man in your life is an avid reader, then Many of us got the grow-
you’ll be happy to hear this year there’s a rich it-yourself bug during
selection of Irish and international books to lockdown and if the man in
choose from, with every interest catered for. your life fancies himself as
Here’s a few of our top picks. a bit of a home crop expert,
then this book from the GIY
Threads founder himself is an ideal
choice. It’s in the style of
by Paul Galvin is a diary and brings readers
published by Gill Books, through nearly every day of
priced €19.99 the year with informative and o en witty
Paul Galvin may have entries on feeding soil, sowing seeds, dealing
started life as a GAA with Irish weather, harvesting tips, growth
sportsman, but he has expectations and realities. What’s really
morphed into designer nice is that each month features seasonal
and male style icon in delicious recipes too.
seamless fashion. His
book Threads, is an The Road To Riverdance
interesting mix of his interests and equates to
a fascinating collection of essays on design, by Bill Whelan is published by
style, sport, Irishmen, history and one of The Lilliput Press priced €25
two unexpected stories on famous characters He’s worked with the likes
such as Samuel Beckett and Harry Boland. of U2, Van Morrison, The
Dubliners and Kate Bush,
A History of the GAA in 100 Objects as well as numerous stage
productions and legends like
by Siobhán Doyle is published by Merrion Richard Harris. But most
Press, priced €24.95
This very special book gets to the heart of
those evocative and emotional items that are
o en intertwined with the GAA. Be it medals
passed down from generation to generation,
jerseys worn in All-Ireland finals, Michael

44 WOMANSWAY.IE

THE FELLAS

By Niamh O’Reilly will remember Bill Whelan for the seven- the world of traditional Irish music, Paul
minute interval act from the 1999 Eurovision, made it to the world stage and recounts
which became a cultural phenomenon and a his encounters and collaborations with
worldwide hit. such musical luminaries as Bob Dylan, Eric
The book is a memoir of his life from his Clapton, Carole King.
home in 1950s Limerick where he grew up
an only child, to his early love of music and The Rodfather
ultimately to his attic studio in Ranelagh
where Riverdance was first created. He also by Roddy Collins, with Paul
frankly talks about his own inner demons. Howard is published by
Sandycove, priced €25
The Game Football man Roddy
Collins grew up in Cabra.
by Tadhg Coakley is In his long career as a
published by Merrion player and then manager,
Press, priced €16.95 he was o en injured,
Part memoir, part many times sacked, and
examination of the constantly on the move.
nature of sport itself, However, he somehow always found himself
The Game brings on the right side of football history. Now
readers into the heart a pundit and football personality, Collins
of why sport is so has told his story to Paul Howard who has
important in our lives. brought just the right amount of humour to
The book takes us through Tadhg’s time this o en-colourful life
as both a player and fan and how sport has in sport.
shaped us. He looks at it on a wider level too.
The good and the bad, the way it can bring us An Enemy of the
together like nothing else, as well as the dark Crown
side it brings out. A thoroughly immersive
read for lovers of all sports. by David Burke is
published by Mercier
The Ballycotton Job Press, priced €16.99
David Burke delves
by Tom Mahon is into the murky waters
published by Mercier of espionage to bring
Press, priced €14.99 readers the true story
Truth is o en more of the British Secret Service campaign
fascinating than fiction against Charles Haughey during the 1970s.
and this book very Masterminded by Sir Maurice Oldfield of
much fits in with that MI6, it was a decade-long campaign to
mantra. It tells the derail the political career of Haughey. The
astonishing true story English spymaster believed Haughey was a
of the most audacious Provisional IRA godfather, therefore, a threat
act of piracy carried out in Ireland in the to Britain.
last two hundred years. The event was the
capture of the British warship, the Upnor, by Ireland’s Call
the IRA which changed the course of Ireland's
Civil War. by Stephen Collins is
Reading more like a thriller than a true history published by Orpen
book, it is based on years of archival research Press, priced €19.99
and tells the story from both sides, Irish and Ireland’s Call tells the
British. inside story of how
Irish political leaders
Crazy Dreams and o cials waged a
successful diplomatic
by Paul Brady is campaign to achieve
published by Merrion their goals, enlisting the support
Press, priced €22.95 of the EU institutions and member states
Belfast born Paul Brady for their strategy. It triggered chaos in the
commits his eventful House of Commons, the sacking of one prime
musical life to paper in minister and a spectacular U-turn by her
his new memoir. As a successor. The book is based on interviews
singer and songwriter with some of the leading players in the
Paul has been in the process and research into the behind-the-
business for over 60 years. Starting o in scenes diplomatic activity. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 45

Check out our HoetList
review of new Irish READ · WATCH · LISTEN
film Aisha, the latest
movies, TV shows
and podcasts and, as
always, our pick of the

best new books.

5 NEW BOOKS TO READ THIS WEEK

Fiction story swinging from side-splitting set- unsettling, with undertones of menace
The Sh!te Before Christmas pieces to moments of real pathos and high throughout. Some of the endings feel a bit
drama. abrupt and unfinished, but it’s an original
by Serena Terry is published by and unique collection
HarperCollins, priced €18.75 Seven Empty Houses
Tara Gallagher from Non fiction
The Secret Life of The by Samanta Schweblin, The Nana
Uncool Mum is back translated by
and she’s desperately Megan McDowell, by Alice Taylor is
trying to pull o is published in published by O’Brien
the perfect family hardback by Oneworld Press, priced €22.99
Christmas. It all get’s a Publications, priced A heart-warming
bit much though. From a €16.25 celebration of nanas
vaping teen to explosive A short story and grannies up and
potty training, not to collection by the down the country, Alice
mention a disastrous Argentinian-born Taylors memoir is like
Nativity play and her author. There are chicken soup for the
mother moving back in for the holidays. seven strange tales soul. Reflecting on her
Things get very stressful, chaos ensues. here with vivid characters and writing memories which go back
Full of the refreshingly honest humour as smooth as butter. In the opener, a to her own Nanas, both born in the 1860s,
that earned author Serena Terry a huge woman sneaks into other people’s houses the book remembers the special place
following online, this book is a complete to rearrange things; then there’s the story they hold in the Irish family; chiefly at
hoot. It will also probably make you feel of a search for two kids who have gone its heart of course. In the past, the nana
a little bit better about your own crazy missing with their naked grandparents; was the person who passed on family
family at Christmas time. and the disturbing tale of a young girl who stories, traditions, and all aspects of
is led away from a hospital by a stranger. homemaking, cooking, baking, mending,
The Satsuma Complex Arguably the best story is Breath From taking care of animals, and pretty much
The Depths — the longest in the collection everything to do with everyday life. Now
by Bob Mortimer is published in hardback — about an elderly woman su ering life- a Nana herself, Alice has an even deeper
by Gallery UK, priced long grief and mental and physical decline, perspective on the role and brings her
€21.25 as she prepares for the inevitability of trademark empathy and warmth to these
Mr Clown Shoes. death. These tales are unusual, o en pages.
Lassoo the dog. The
corn cob dongle. CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK By Niamh O'Reilly and Prudence Wade, PA
Just three hilarious
elements of The The Great Irish History Book
Satsuma Complex
– a surprisingly by Myles Dungan, illustrated by Alan Dunne, is published by Gill,
serious debut novel priced €24.99
from Would I Lie Historian Myles Dungan takes children back in time through
To You? and Gone Fishing comedy star the history of our incredible little island. Starting out with the
Bob Mortimer. The stellar success of his ancient celts, he weaves his way up through big moments in
surreal and semi-truthful autobiography time like the famine and the 1916 Rising with clear, engaging
And Away… caused clamour for a fully text younger readers will enjoy, without talking down to
fictional follow-up, and Mortimer fulfils them. The illustrations are bight and bold, perfect for small eyes. It’s
the brief with a remarkably dark and probably best suited from age six and upwards, although even smaller people will
gritty tale of sink estate murder, law and get plenty out of it too. WW
order mystery, and honey-trap romance.
His distinctive tone and bizarrely British
humour sing from every page, with the

46 WOMANSWAY.IE

HOT LIST

Aisha’s Quiet

Defiance

Letitia Wright as Aisha Osagie

Letitia Wright is Aisha, the young Nigerian woman
trying to navigate Ireland’s hellish direct provision
system, in this unflinching film that will stay with you
long after it’s over.

By Niamh O’Reilly Letitia Wright as Aisha Osagie and her card, even though the security Letitia Wright as Aisha Osagie and
Josh O'Connor as Conor Healy man on the desk is more than familiar Josh O'Connor as Conor Healy
with who she is. She suffers judgment
If there was ever a film to highlight the and microaggressions on a daily basis There is some light to be found. She
utter dysfunctional and dehumanising from well-meaning Irish people who say strikes up a friendship with centre
way the direct provision system operates things like her “English is very good”, security worker Conor, played by an
in Ireland, this is it. Writer and director oblivious to the fact that most people in unrecognisable Josh O’Connor. He’s
Frank Berry’s film at times plays out like Nigeria speak English to start with. a million miles away from his outing
a docu-drama, so real is its approach. We as Prince Charles in The Crown. He’s
follow Wright’s Aisha, as if we were seeing The oppressive nature of the system every bit the Dublin lad here. His accent
things through her eyes, as she quietly is staggering. She must be at the centre is pitch perfect and shows immense
tries to battle through the many layers of at set times. She is not allowed to have tenderness in his relationship with
nonsensical bureaucracy she's caught in. visitors. She cannot cook her own food Aisha.
and access to a microwave to heat up
The film follows her everyday life in a a halal meal is forbidden. Her direct Aisha’s case is heard by panels and
country which gives her no agency over provision centre manager takes a dislike bureaucrats who constantly push her for
it whatsoever. She can’t do the simplest of to her and, at his whim, she’s moved more detail on the attack that killed her
things, like get her post unless, she shows “down the country” to a new centre, father and sent her running for her life.
with a few hours’ notice to pack her Traumatised and holding back, Aisha’s
bags. The consequences are huge. With quiet resolve at times feels like her only
a work permit and part time job, she’s way to stand up to the system she’s
manging to send money home to her trapped in. The ending is one that may
mother and has a solicitor in Dublin leave viewers disheartened, but with
who can help with her asylum case. All significant research behind the film, it
of that is taken away the second she is feels utterly authentic. WW
told to move. She has no choice but to
be swept along with the demoralising Aisha will be available in selected cinemas
vagaries of a broken system. and on Sky Cinema.

WOMANSWAY.IE 47

Hot Right Now…
With a couple of fun festive picks thrown in to get you in
the holiday mood, Niamh O’Reilly’s got your entertainment
line up sorted for the fortnight ahead.

Emma Corrin, Lady
Chatterley's Lover

Ryan Reynolds and
Will Ferrell in Spirited

MOVIE PICKS the understated charms of gru estate A Christmas Carol story, it sees Ryan
LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER gamekeeper Oliver Mellors. Reynolds’ Clint Briggs as the dark soul
There have been many iterations of D. H. who’s been selected for saving. However,
Lawrence's infamous book over the years. While not bringing anything new to Briggs turns the table on the ghosts,
The most notable recent version was in the story, the chemistry of the leads is dismissing the first one to arrive. In this
2015 for the BBC. Laure de Clermont- terrific. Corrin, who had her breakout role story, haunting is a business and his
Tonnerre’s new take stays faithful to playing a young Diana in The Crown plays attitude throws the ghosts into disarray.
the original book. For those unfamiliar, the eponymous Constance with perhaps a
Constance, played by Emma Corrin, little more agency than the book gave her.
marries Sir Cli ord Chatterley, but soon While Jack O’Connell plays gamekeeper
a er they are wed, he goes o to the Mellors with slightly more tenderness
Great War and comes back paralysed from than we’ve seen in the past.
the waist down. This being establishment Streaming on Netflix
England, they must have an heir, so he
gives Constance permission to have a SPIRITED
secret a air in order to get pregnant. If you want to get in the festive mood,
Things get tricky when she falls for then you could do worse than checking
out Spirited. A new take on the well-worn

48 WOMANSWAY.IE

HOT LIST

The Ghost of Christmas Present played by
Will Ferrell is edging towards retirement
but is desperate to make one big splash
before then. He makes it his mission
to save the cynical Briggs and hilarity
ensues.

This is an all singing, all dancing
Christmas fiesta, packed with jokes. Not
all of them land, but as festive popcorn
flicks go, it’s harmless fun everyone can
enjoy.
Streaming on AppleTV+

STREAMING PICKS Now an older and wiser sorcerer, a new The Ghost of Richard Harris
THE GHOST OF RICHARD HARRIS band of heroes seek out his help to save
Richard Harris was undeniably one of, if a prince from all sorts of baddies. Expect Muireann O'Connell
not the greatest Irish actors of all time. trolls, fairies, brownies and a host of
He was not just an actor though and had fun mythical creatures. Star Wars bigwig executive who has no heart. He of course
a love of poetry and singing, as well as Kathleen Kennedy and Ron Howard are gets visited by three ghosts including
hell raising. His legend looms large, and involved, as well as original star Val the late Robert Mitchum. What makes
this immersive documentary brings his Kilmer, although he is behind the scenes Scrooged stand out from the other
life into focus, seen through the eyes of this time. versions of the classic story, is that it’s
his three sons; actors Jared and Jamie and Streaming weekly on Disney+ laden with a low level of menace, dark
director Damian. humour and cynicism. Heartless '80s
PODCAST excess is everywhere. Still, the payo at
The documentary is narrated by Harris AND ANOTHER THING! the end has more heart-warming vibes
himself, he’s the ghost of the title, drawn This time of year can be all-go and full than you’d imagine. It may not be as woke
from many sources. These include some of stress. So a chilled out podcast that is as today’s brand of comedy, but it is a
previously unheard tapes recorded over a essentially tackling none of the big issues cracking film. WW
period of 15 years. The film also features of the day can be just the tonic we need.
unseen and intimate family footage from Enter the And Another Thing! Podcast Bill Murray and
the Harris Estate. Whether you know from funny woman Emma Doran and TV Carol Kane
him as ‘The Bull’ from The Field, or as presenter Muireann O’Connell. It sees the
Dumbledore from Harry Potter, Harris' pair essentially add to the conversation
talent was immense. The film explores his “without contributing any value”. As they
complex, flawed genius, and his unique say themselves, “look, if it's worth saying
gi . it's probably already been said”. Light,
Available on Sky Arts. funny and like being in the room for two
friends having a natter, it’s well worth
WILLOW checking out.
Fans of the cult classic 1988 Ron Howard Available wherever you get your
film might be in two minds about this podcasts.
TV continuation of Willow’s story. Not
everything requires a sequel, reboot or the
sick-making term ‘requel’. Some things
are classic and should be le alone. That
said, there is a lot fans can be excited
about for this family-friendly fantasy
series. It picks up on Warwick Davis’
Willow many years a er the original.

The cast of Willow

CLASSIC FILM
SCROOGED (1988)
If you want a truly di erent take on the A
Christmas Carol story, then forget Ryan
and Will and instead strap in for the '80s
stylings of Bill Murray. Scrooged sees
Frank Cross played devilishly by Murray,
as the typically soulless, ambitious, TV

WOMANSWAY.IE 49

LETTERS get pregnant at certain times of the Recently I spent
month and more... In a world where time in hospital
The Joy of Sex everyone thinks they know so much, sex and I purchased
education is not delivered correctly by Woman's Way,
Adults are only parents and schools. None of these topics reading it from
understanding are ever discussed. And it's only in later cover to cover. I
sex now in their life that people know about them. passed it on to
late thirties and Claire Mulrooney, Co Offaly other patients
forties. So many in the ward who
couples now Can’t get enough of nostalgia found the articles
have families very enjoyable. As
later in life and e Woman’s Way nostalgia issue was we all had a short
find it hard to absolutely brilliant, going back in time. concentration
conceive, and span we found
only learn about e Mood Board, seeing all the old- Woman's Way ideal as we could read
sex through style kitchens. Angel Delight, Marietta it at our own pace, as the articles
doctors. ey biscuits, Pond’s, Gay Byrne, the Irish were well written and short enough
are learning stamp, the old TV, the DeLorean car, for us to read with ease. Well done
about miscarriages, IVF, why some the DIY beauty skin tips. Brilliant. Well to Woman's Way for a reasonably-
people can’t conceive. ey are all done to all the team. Great reads and priced magazine to purchase and full
only learning about how you can only competitions. I always really love buying of interesting subjects for every age
it every fortnight. But this is the best one group. Keep up the good work.
yet. Old memories down memory lane. Bea Gallagher, Co Mayo
Keep up the great work.
Martina Hynes, Co Dublin

Neven Maguire Christmas Prep about presents and spending money. It
should be a time for family, recuperating
I cottoned on to Neven's buttermilk I loved the foraging article in the last after a busy winter and delicious food.
brined turkey recipe last Christmas issue of Woman’s Way. I’ve been using Hopefully the feature will help people to
and it was a complete game changer. homemade decorations to spruce up my change their perspective this year. Life’s
I won't be going back to doing it any home for Christmas for many years. I too short.
other way. He's a lovely guy and always get loads of compliments about Claire McNeill, Co Kerry
really enjoyed your interview with my wreaths and ornaments. Not to
him. But how does he always stay mention, it’s really satisfying to DIY LETTER EMAIL DETAILS
so positive? He's never got a bad or something pretty. I used to make all
grumpy word to say about anyone. kinds of decorations using loot from For the moment, we are asking you to
I could do with a cup of whatever when I went foraging and gift them to send us all your letters and pictures to
he’s drinking. Joking aside, he’s so people but as I get older, it’s too much [email protected]. We love to
humble and down to earth and not work. I thought the What Do You Want hear from you so please stay in touch.
one of these over fussy chefs who For Christmas article was another great
you can't relate to. He makes real read. Christmas has become too much
food for real people, and I love that
about him.
Brenda McNamara, Co Cork

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