In Wicklow

44
August 2011 | Issue 11 OPEN DAILY from 10.00am Strand Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel: 01 286 6939 | Web: www.sealife.ie NEW FOR 2011 DRAGONS DEN 2 Kids for 2 quid * when purchasing 1 full priced adult ticket *Voucher may not be used in conjunction with any other special offer, valid until the 31/12/11

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Transcript of In Wicklow

Page 1: In Wicklow

Aug

ust 2

011

| Is

sue

11

OPEN DAILY from 10.00am

Strand Road, Bray, Co. WicklowTel: 01 286 6939 | Web: www.sealife.ie

NEW

FOR 2011

Dragons

Den

2 Kids for 2 quid*

when purchasing

1 full priced

adult ticket*Voucher may not be used in conjunction with any other special offer, valid until the 31/12/11

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2 inWICKLOW August 2011

Most competitive pricing in Town!

Fitzwilliam CourtWicklow TownFor any queries

please ring 0404 – 25773

H A I R S T U D I O

Most competitive pricing in Town!Most competitive pricing in Town!Most competitive pricing in Town!Most competitive pricing in Town!Most competitive pricing in Town!Most competitive pricing in Town!

HHHHH AA II RRR SS

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ugust

all Blow

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Published in Ireland by: Coffey Media

editor: Aengus Cox

SaleS and advertiSing: Coffey Media T: 0404 66990 M: 085 217 4274 E: [email protected]

deSign: Mediahouse M: 085 725 2610 E: [email protected] W: www.mediahouse.ie

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Views expressed in inWiCKloW do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editors or publishers. No responsibility is accepted by inWiCKloW for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within the publication. All material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly marked ‘Not for Publication’.Reproduction in whole or in part without expressed permission of the publisher is prohibited.

inWICKLOW ©2011

With summer drawing to a close August is traditionally the month in which people take stock, try and get that last-minute holiday in and begin to prepare for a new season. However, such is not the case here in Wicklow with a whole host of events taking place around the county. The 2011 Rose of Avondale Festival will grace Rathdrum from the 11th for four action-packed days that will include activities and events to suit all tastes. Our popular home improvements section returns with a definitive guide on how to transform your bedroom with the minimum of fuss and at little cost with some creative and innovative ideas. In this edition we have also compiled a comprehensive guide to weddings, with resident experts advising on everything from what food to serve to what to wear in the bedroom on your special night! For all golf fans out there we have sourced all of the current special offers from courses around the county and presented them in a convenient feature. All of the regular features are also in attendance this month; sport covers the kick-off of the new Premier League season, while the cinema review returns and we’ve even added a section on book reviews to help narrow down the choice for you! So, be sure to put on the kettle and enjoy the read this August at In Wicklow!

8 Home Improvements: Bedrooms

15 Rose of AvondAle festivAl

16 Wedding Feature

30 Golf in WickloW

C O N T E N T S2 News and Events Local news from around the county for local people

8 Home improvements This month we show you how to makeover your bedroom stylishly and cost-effectively.

15 Rose of Avondale Festival A preview of the eagerly anticipated Rose of Avondale Festival that will grace the picturesque town of Rathdrum this month

16 Wedding FeatureA definitive guide to everything to do with weddings; from advice on floral arrangements to the rings themselves

30 Golf in Wicklow A summary for golfers outlining all of the latest offerings from clubs around the county

35 SportAll of the major upcoming events for August are covered as well as full fixture lists and key dates

39 Book ReviewsA new book review slot with a guide to the hottest new publications

40 Film Reviews A comprehensive and impartial guide to all of the latest film releases being screened in Wicklow

inWICKLOW August 2011 1

ON THE COVERDiscover Derma Glo: Laser Clinic & Beauty Salon51a Main Street, Bray, Co. WicklowTel: 01 276 8858, [email protected]: www.dermaglo.ie

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WAR In Co, Wicklow“On a sunny day in Wicklow you may have noticed numerous blue cycling jerseys climbing over the hills. These are the hard earned proof that the wearer has completed a seriously tough Wicklow Adventure Race. If you want to earn this privilege, there is one last chance this year: the 53N WAR Powerscourt. On the 24th of Sep-tember racers will tackle the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, kayak

News & Eventson the spectacular Vartry Lakes, cycle over the Sally Gap, and run above the Powerscourt Waterfall, all based from the famous Pow-erscourt Estate. There is a full WAR course of 65km and a shorter beginner friendly Sport option of 39km. The event will raise much needed funds for Concern’s East Africa Crisis Appeal. This course has it all; the best that Wicklow has to offer in a day.

To enter or for more information go to: www.wicklowadventurerace.com

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WICklOW COffEE COMPANy WINS TOP INTERNATIONAl TASTE AWARdSA County Wicklow coffee-roasting company has won three gold awards at one of the world’s most prestigious annual food and drink competitions, the International Great Taste Awards, held recently in London.

McCabe’s Coffee, based in Newtownmountkennedy, was the only Irish coffee company to be awarded the highest honour in this year’s competition, a two-star gold award, for its Classic Italian Blend espresso. It also scooped two one-star awards for its Mocha Java and Finnbees blends, the latter of which is made to order for the Bray café chain of the same name.

Founded in 1995, McCabe’s Coffee is County Wicklow’s only coffee-roasting company. It supplies high-quality, hand-roasted beans, ground coffee and leaf teas to cafés and restaurants across Ireland. The company also appears to be bucking the economic downturn, having recorded a 50% increase in year-on-year sales over the past 12 months.

Stephen McCabe, Managing Director, says the awards are a great honour for his small company.

“Our coffees were competing with some of the world’s largest and best-known coffee companies, including Java Republic and Robert Roberts, so to beat them to a two-star gold award for our espresso was something very special”, he said.

“We put a huge emphasis on quality and consistency in our roasting and blending, and because we’re a small operation with low overheads, our prices are also extremely competitive.”

In addition to Finnbees, McCabe’s also supplies a number of other popular cafés in the county, includ-ing The Happy Pear in Greystones and Poppies of Enniskerry, and Stephen is now look-ing forward to growing the retail side of his business.

“We also sell direct to the general public and we are hopeful that this awards success will encourage even greater numbers of discern-ing coffee lovers to visit our new online shop [at mccabecoffee.com] to experience the unique pleasure of freshly hand-roasted coffee from some of the finest Arabica beans in the world.”

McCabe’s Coffee is located at Unit 36, Newtown Business & Enterprise Park, Newtownmountkennedy. Tel: (087) 6777 658 or see www.mccabecoffee.com.

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Here at DermaGlo you can receive the simplest of beauty treatments to the latest in skin rejuvenation. The staff here are friendly informative and highly skilled beauty thera-pists offering over 40 years experience to their clients.

At the centre of DermaGlo is a medical grade candela laser and luminette advanced IPL machine, this technology is used for treating various skin complaints such as rose-cea, red veins, birthmarks, sun damage and hair removal. The laser clinic is operated by registered general Nurse Julie goldsmith who holds a BTEC for laser and light associated therapies and has over tens years of experience in the medical aesthetic field. Keeping herself up to date with years courses nurse Julie also is high skilled in the use of Restylane (derma fillers) and regularly holds a clinic with Dr Hone for anti wrinkle injections and tooth whitening

DermaGlo only use internationally recognised skin care brands for their treat-ments These include dermalogica for face and body, glotherapuetics a skin care range that is paraben free and St Tropez professional tanning to name a few.

DermaGlo offers a truly unique experi-ence and treatment menu here in the heart of

co Wicklow. So if you want to kick back and relax with beauty treat-ments or in need of latest

Skin rejuve-nating treatments DermaGlo is the the place to be !! DermaGlo offer there services to both men and women and can accommodate special parties such as bridal parties, debs and hen make-overs.

DermaGlo have a comprehensive website listing all treatments you can even book on-line. You can also see special promotions that DermaGlo have to offer www.dermaglo.ie

BEAuTy TREATMENTS:Dermalogica facialsGlotherapeuctic facialsLeighton Denny pedicuresLeighton Denny manicuresShellac nailsGel Nails

Everlasting manicuresTintingSpecialist waxingSt Tropez tanningGlo mineral makeup

NON-SuRgICAl:Jet M peelChemical exfoliationRestylane dermal fillersAnti wrinkle injectionsTooth whitening

lASER/IPl TREATMENTS:BirthmarksPigmentation RedveinsRoseceaPermanent hair reduction

Tel: 01 276 8858

51a Main Street

Bray, Co. Wicklow

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.dermaglo.ie

fINd dERMA glO ON fACEBOOk

DermaGlo Laser Clinic and Beauty salon was opened November 2008 by Dr David Hone and Registered General Nurse Julie Goldsmith. Since DermaGlo’s opening in 2008 the business has seen a rapid climb in clientele and has recently relocated to more spacious premises on the Main Street.

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ABBEY THEATRE B FOR BABY

BY CARMEL WINTERS

Tues 13 & Wed 14 Sep @ 8pm

€18/€16 conc.

Mrs C wants a baby not a Christmas tree. B wants a real hairdressers’ scissors and a wife. D wants a snow globe and ‘a big head of dirty auld curls’. All of them want their own place in the world. And if they can’t find it, they’ll create one of their own …

The Abbey Theatre present The Irish Times Theatre Awards Best New Play 2010 at Mermaid.

WAITING FOR IKEAThu 1 & Fri 2 Sep @ 8pm €16/€14 conc.

‘Recession? Is dat a new fragrance by Calvin Klein’?

This heart-warming sto-ry of friend-ship, family, community and sun bed obsessives, will appeal to

friends of all ages with its unforgettable characters and colourful language.

A sell-out success throughout Ireland since it first appeared in 2007, now makes its way to Mermaid.

THE HEN NIGHT EPIPHANY Wed 28 & Thurs 29 Sep @ 8pm

€16/€14 conc.

A week before the wedding of her dreams, a woman wonders if some secrets should never be kept no matter what the cost.

Enjoy an emotional evening of laughter and tears with a hen night you will never forget.

Treat yourself to a night of some magical theatre at Mermaid!

box officeMain Street – Bray – Wicklow

Telephone: 01 272 4030

www.mermaidartscentre.ie

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm, 10am – 8pm on performing days

mailing listJoin out mailing list to receive special offers, e-mail updates on forthcoming shows and the printed Mermaid brochure

3mendous Theatre atthis September

SPECIAl OffERGO TO ALL THREE SHOWS FOR €33

WHEN YOu BOOK THEM AT THE SAME

TIME

COUNTY WICKLOW ARTS CENTRE

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ANTO’S TREE SERVICES

Removal & Maintenance of all types of trees & hedging Removal or Mulching of cuttings

Stump Grinding

Fully Insured Tree Surgeon

CALL NOWTel: 01-2873667

Mob: 087-6109128

Delgany, Greystones, Co. Wicklow

We are Specialists in designing Water Features.All our features are hand crafted, no moulds used. Therefore every piece we create is unique and a one off. If you have an idea for a feature we can help produce your own personal piece.

We also manufacture:• Birdbaths• Planters• Bird feeders• Ornate solar or candle Lanterns• Name plaques• Neolithic rocks• Enchanting Fairy Castles

WICklOW gARdEN Specialists in designing Water FeaturesEmail [email protected]: 085 – 747 9363

CraftS

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gardencrafts&services

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Live Music & Entertainment

For further information visit http://www.mickeyfinnspub.ie/live-music. You can also keep up-to-date with what’s happening when on Facebook, just search for ‘ Mickey Finn’s Pub’.

THE ORIgINAl RudE BOyS AT THE VENuE, WICklOW TOWNOn the 20th of August 2011 The Venue brings you – The Original Rude Boys…

Fresh from their live performance at Oxygen, where the unstoppable Dublin trio gave an unforgettable performance to over 5,000 fans, The Original Rude Boys are confirmed to play The Venue on Saturday, 20th August.  Tickets are set to sell out fast so book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available from the Grand Hotel (0404) 67063 or via Ticketmaster.

HARBOuR BAR, BRAy Harbour Bar in Bray offers traditional live Irish music every Thursday and Saturday evening from 10pm in the bar. Addition-ally, every Thursday evening from 10pm there is an open mic night in the lounge where are free to try their hand at impress-ing the crowds. Uniquely, Harbour Bar also offers exclusive screenings of independent and non-mainstream films on a regular basis. To keep up-to-date with what’s hap-pening in August look for Harbour Bar on Facebook, just search for ‘Harbour Bar Bray’. They are always looking to secure the most innovative and exciting acts so be sure to stay in the loop.

BRAy SuMMERfEST The Bray Summerfest continues for the first week of August – until the 7th – with a mixture of family-friendly fun, live gigs on the bandstand, comedy, kids’ enter-tainment and much more. This is a free summer event that is open to everyone and with a line-up including over 100 differ-ent types of entertainment there is sure to be something for you. On Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th there are numerous acts playing at the main bandstand from 3.30pm. To find more about what’s happen-ing when visit www.braysummerfest.com.

SPIRITuAl MEdIuMSHIP, NIgHT-TIME TOuRS ANd REIkI WORkSHOPS, WICklOW’S HISTORIC gAOl

This August sees the launch of a new series of Spiritual Mediumship and Reiki workshops at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol.  Renowned medium Mary Edwards will be hosting a journey into the spirit world on Wednesday 3rd August with a talk by Reiki Master Deborah Roche – Reiki master – in this field for the past 12 years – runs her own healing centre in Dublin and helps people to connect with the energy of Reiki which helps bring healing.

In addition, there will be an adult night tour of the Gaol on Friday, 26th August. Tours start at 7pm, tours leave approxi-mately every 15 minutes (last tour leaves 8.30pm sharp). The cost is €15 (includes complimentary glass of wine) (strictly adults only). Experience the compelling story of life in Wicklow Gaol since the early 1700s and do it in the dark! Mingle with the ghosts, enter the solitude at your desire and board the transportation ship.

On Friday, 19th August there will be an overnight paranormal investigation. The cost is €50 per person (includes light refreshments). Start time is 9pm and the tour runs until 3am approx.

Interactive Dining with the Inmates takes place on Saturday, 20th August  (ad-vance booking essential). Time: 7.30pm – 11/11.30pm.  Cost: €40 per person (for large groups the Gaol will organise your transport from Dublin to & from the Gaol @ an extra €10pp at specified pick-up locations).

To find out more about any of the above events visit www.wicklowshisoric-gaol.com or call 0404 61599.

kIlRuddERy HOuSE, BRAyIl Divo play live at Kilruddery House in Bray on the 19th of August. Brian Ferry also plays Kilruddery a week later on the 26th of August at 8pm. For booking information for both events contact [email protected] or visit www.killruddery.com.

WyNNE’S BAR, gRANd HOTEl, WICklOW TOWNWynne’s Bar and the newly refurbished Venue nightclub at the Grand Hotel are hot spots for live music, comedy gigs and themed party nights this August. Wynne’s Bar and the Venue nightclub have late licences until 2.30am on Friday and Satur-day night and a host of super entertainment on the cards for August:

Every Friday: Wynne’s Bar – Live trad music session 8pm til late.  Complimen-tary finger food for all. Impressive cocktail menu and full bar.  

Every Saturday: Wynne’s Bar & Restaurant "The Music Man", plays your requests from 9.30pm until late.

Every Sunday: 4-course lunch menu all day just €19.95; live music from 6pm with Thomas and Shay and special guests followed by late-night band.

The Venue - Every Friday: 11pm until late: Glen be Trippin all chart, Pop, R’n'B and Hip Hop Music.

Every Saturday 11pm until late: The Venue Nightclub East Coast/FM104 DJs with all the latest music.

For further information check out the ‘Venue’ facebook page or call 0404 67073 to see what live music, comedy acts and themed nights are coming up each week.

MICkEy fINN’S, REdCROSSMickey Finn’s in Redcross prides itself on being a live music venue pub with free admission to all customers. They regularly bring together a collection of Irish musi-cians, who are passionate about their music. The schedule for August is as follows:

Every Wednesday in August there will be a live trad music session performed by experienced local musicians. Patrons are even welcome to join in if they fancy it!

Saturday, 6th August: Ireland’s No. 1 Elvis tribute band.

Saturday, 27th August: ‘The Beermats’. A 4-piece Dublin-based band. On stage at 9.30pm.

Every Sunday in August there will be live trad music as well as a full Irish danc-ing set from 8.30pm.

6 inWICKLOW August 2011

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August Mizzoni Mania

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Page 10: In Wicklow

HOMEImprovements

THIS MONTH here at In Wicklow we have decided that we would again explore another important

aspect of home improvement – this time it’s the bedroom! We spend approximately one third of our lives in bed so why not make sure that the room in which we do all of this sleeping looks as good as it can is as comfortable as possible? There are obviously two routes to go down when addressing a bedroom makeover; the DIY route or call in the professionals. Obviously, the former route is the low-cost option, but when it comes to bedrooms it may well prove the correct one. There is much of the job that can be completed with a minimum of fuss such as the decoration and furniture aspect. Though, if you wanted to build a perfectly fitted wardrobe into that spare alcove then it might be wise to source some professional assistance. Whatever route you decide to take we have compiled a comprehensive guide of DOs and DON’Ts to help you out along the way and hopefully save you some money in the process.

BEDROOMS

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DESIGN: Designing a bedroom in your home can be a very time-con-suming and expensive process, so we’ve compiled a helpful list of tips guide you on your way.

COLOuR SCHEME – the bed-room walls are generally the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night, so take great care in choosing the right colour scheme for your bedroom. You many consider following the rest of the decor through-out your home, or use your bedroom as a way of expressing your character. You may know exactly how to do this, but failing that Wicklow has many top interior designers who would be able to assist you in finding the perfect colour scheme for your bedroom.

STORAGE – if you are designing a small bedroom then it is possible to create the illusion of a larger space with mirror-fronted wardrobes. Frosted glass, gauze or fabric-fronted wardrobes are lighter and less obtrusive than plain

wardrobes. One top tip is to separate your drawers with dividers, giving you compartments for smaller items. Shelves should be prioritised for the items you want to show off in your home and not stacked high which will create a clut-tered feel to your bedroom, which can really obscure any harmony that you are attempting to create.

BED DESiGN – the bed will be the main focal point of the bedroom, so why not give it a fresh and clean look with some new bed linen. Even scatter-ing a few pillows along the top of the bed will make a real difference and give the appearance of grandeur. It is truly amazing what kind of transformation a few various fabrics can make to the look of the bed itself and it fitting in with the overall design of the room.

FRESHENiNG uP THE BED-ROOM – never underestimate what a vase of flowers could do for your bed-room. Fresh flowers will look and smell beautiful and if chosen carefully can look stunning next to your bedroom

decor. If constantly replacing flowers doesn’t appeal to you then consider buy-ing a long-lasting orchid or even fake flowers.

THE FEATuRE WALL – a feature wall allows you to bring some individuality into your bedroom décor without completely overpowering your

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current colour scheme. In most bed-rooms a feature wall normally works best on the bed head wall as it accentu-ates the room’s main function. One way to decorate your feature wall in your Leicester bedroom is through wallpa-per. Use wallpaper to set the theme of the room; even though you want to make the wall stand out, it is important that it connects to the decor already present in the bedroom.

The cost of bedroom design – the above tips are extremely cheap and easy to put into action. Painting and wall-papering your bedroom is a relatively cheap home improvement and bed linen can be picked up for a massively discounted price at many department stores and discount retailers around Wicklow, with a standard double duvet costing you around €20.

If you follow these very simple but effective tips and advice then you can have a bedroom to be proud of for many years to come.

BEDS: As mentioned in the intro-duction we spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it would seem to make sense to invest some time and money to make it as comfortable as possible. The two most important factors to consider when it comes to your bed is the fabric used in the linen and of course the mat-tress itself. One you decide on a suitable frame then you can worry about the right fabric and mattress type for your bed.

FABRiC – When it comes to fabric our experts tell us that if you’re look-ing for comfort then you should not

look beyond silk. Being a natural fibre, it is cool in summer, warm in winter, naturally hypo-allergenic and incred-ibly smooth and comfortable to sleep in. Unlike cotton, which is used to help wick away moisture from the body, silk helps to retain moisture in your skin and hair. Nourished skin minimises wrinkles and the smooth non-drying surface helps prevent bed head frizz and static. So there you have it, why have cotton when you can have silk?!

MATTRESS – Now to the most important part of any bed, the mattress.

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are encased in separate fabric pockets. It means they work independently to respond to pressure and are also ideal for couples with large differences in body weight. But the ‘top dog’ is the memory foam mattress as it moulds and re-moulds to the body’s contours as it softens to the body’s heat. Body weight

is absorbed rather than resisted and pressure on joints on the spine is

reduced. To determine what’s best for you try it out by lying down in your normal sleeping position

Kerwood Design is a family owned

and run business, based in

Rathnew Co. Wicklow, which

was established in 2007. It is one of

Wicklow’s fastest growing specialist

producers and fitters of bespoke

furniture, to include kitchens, bedrooms,

offices and bathrooms.

Since 2007 Kerwood Design has

firmly established themselves as

a serious contender in this very

competitive market, by providing high

quality tailor made furniture to their

clients at extremely competitive prices.

Their ethos is to provide high quality

bespoke furniture, especially designed

to meet their client’s needs. They pride

themselves on having a keen eye

for detail and flow in the design and

production of all their furniture.

All styles and tastes are catered for

at Kerwood Design, from traditional

to contemporary and everything in

between to suit your individual needs

“The big advantage of getting custom-built

bedroom furniture is that it is tailored to your

room measurements and fitted exactly to the

space allowed hence no gaps or dusty corner.

The benefits of having fitted bedroom

furniture tailored to your bedroom over free

standing can be invaluable. There are many

clever design options for fitted storage that

utilise space fully. The cost is not that great and

most can be fitted within a day.

Ben, Kerwood Design

’’

Kerwood designtailor made

and budget. Their design team will

provide a full design service, which will

include a free site visit and consultation.

You will also be provided with a detailed

drawing of your furniture, so you can

really see what the finished product will

look like.

If you choose Kerwood Design to

create your dream Bedroom, they will

supply and fit all furniture and can also

provide electrical and plumbing services

to bring it to completion.

You can visit Kerwood Design by appointment at Unit 6, The village Mill Enterprise Park, Rathnew, by calling 0404 69639, or visit their website: www.kerwooddesign.ie.

and turning. If you’re sharing the bed, it’s vital that both of you try it out this way together.

With regard to size, a standard 4ft 6in wide double mattress is not room enough for two adults to sleep comfort-ably together without disturbing each other. The next size up is a king which is 5ft wide. A mattress should measure at least six inches longer than the tallest person sleeping on it.

BEDROOM FuRNITuRE: New bedroom furniture such as ward-robes, lockers and bedside tables can create a completely new-look bedroom with minimum fuss. Furthermore, with the advent of a multitude of discount retailers such as Lidl and IKEA the cost need not be what it once was. Though, some may decide to design their own

Depending on what type you go for the quality of your night’s sleep can be al-tered dramatically. There are three main mattress types: ‘open sprung’ is gener-ally the cheapest option and features coil springs that are linked together into one sheet of mesh. Pocket spring mat-tress comprise individual springs that

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piece of bedroom furniture and this is popularly a wardrobe as it can be the most personal piece of furniture in your bedroom so it is important to get it right. Moreover, fitting your own ward-robe will allow you to make the best use of the space available and to create the image you want. When designing and fitting your wardrobe there are, how-ever, a few things you need to consider:

uSE – most wardrobes are used to store clothes in, but some can be de-signed with extra compartments to store other household items. This an be most useful in a home with limited storage space.

SizE – if this is a wardrobe that will cater for more than one person, you need to consider the size of it when de-signing your own wardrobe. You could separate the wardrobe into different sections making it easier to distinguish

between different people’s clothes and belongings.

DOORS – there are a selection of doors available to you when designing your wardrobe. The main choice for most people are standard hinged doors; however, you may consider opting for sliding doors. Although they are more pricey than standard doors, sliding doors can help maximise the space in your wardrobe and add a certain sense of style.

DESiGN TWEAkS – you may feel that once you have decided on the com-partments and doors that your newly designed wardrobe will have, there is nothing else you can design. However, you might want to decide on the type of wood that you would like your ward-robe to be made out of. You also have a great deal of choice with regard to what type of handles will be on the doors.

It is also possible for you to choose the colour that your wardrobe is stained once it has been built.

DiMENSiONS – getting your dimensions correct is absolutely vital. Before fitting your wardrobe, you need to make sure that you have accounted for every inch of space. It can be annoy-ing when you have fully designed and built you wardrobe, only to find that it now will not fit in the space you have marked out.

You could of course always have a bespoke wardrobe made for you by a professional. If you were to go down this route you should expect to pay somewhere in the region of €300-€400, depending on size. Although this may seem like a steep cost for what is essen-tially a piece of furniture, a well crafted and attractive-looking wardrobe can really add something to your bedroom.

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inWICKLOW August 2011 13

The current range features mattresses made with bonnell or pocket springs, with a variety of fillings to give varying degrees of firmness and comfort.

All are visually attractive, and we offer a choice of tickings including specialist finishes such as bamboo, Aloe vera, Cashmere or Kapok which will meet the needs of even the most discerning customer. Our divan bases are available in all sizes, with a choice of side or end drawers if required, and with a range of matching headboards.

Unit A2, Old Court Road Ind. Estate, Boghall Road, Bray Co. WicklowTel: 01 - 272 3073 Fax: 01 - 272 3078

• Bathrooms • Wooden Floors • Carpets • Blinds • Beds • PVC Windows & Doors

Page 16: In Wicklow

In March this year, the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Enniskerry was chosen as the location for the launch of the all new Ford Focus.

“The Ford Focus is a key model for the Irish Market”, said Des Fitzpatrick of Fitzpat-rick Motors, main Ford Dealer in Bray. “Its all round great driving ability has ensured its crown as Ireland’s favourite car since its first arrival in 1998 and I am sure that the 2011 model with its up to the minute technology and highly efficient engines will again find fa-vour with Ireland’s value-conscious motorists”.

With the new Focus, Ford has intro-

duced a range of new and really useful smart technologies, most of which are being made available for the first time to motorists who drive cars in this segment. These include: Active City Stop that will automatically bring the car to a halt in the event of a possible low-speed collision; Auto-Start-Stop which effectively turns off the car’s engine once the

car has remained immobile and in neutral for a period of 0.5 seconds, thus saving fuel and reducing emissions; and Torque Vectoring Control which greatly improves cornering as the car reacts to the road 100 times per sec-ond resulting in more grip and ultra-precise handling.

The range of engines for new Focus is as follows: 1.6 TDCi 95PS and 115PS Band

A diesel (with fuel efficient Auto-Start-Stop technology); 1.6 VCT 105PS and 125PS Band B petrol; and 2.0 TDCi 115PS 6-speed Powershift automatic Band B.

The new Focus is available NOW at Fitzpatrick Motors Bray from €20,825. For more details check out www.fitzpatrick-motors.ie or tel: 01 – 2041030.

New Ford Focus, Now at Fitzpatrick Motors iN Bray

VolkswageN Jetta FiNally Hits tHe irisH Motor MarketThe new Volk-swagen Jetta has

finally hit the Irish motor market with

the stunning new design available locally at authorised VW dealer, Sinnott Autos in Wicklow town.

The new Jetta comes with a series of state-of-the-art features as standard on the all models. They include high-tech specifications such as a manually-dimming interior rear view mirror, a radio "RCD 310" with MP3 player including CD‐player, 8 speakers & front seats with a height-adjustment mobile device interface. In addition, the Comfortline model offers superior extras that include 16" Navarra alloy wheels, cruise control and a two-tone horn. While the Highline version boasts 17" Porto alloy wheels, a headlight washer system and Sport Suspension.

The Jetta Trendline and Comfortline models are available as a 1.2TSI (petrol)

or a 1.6TDI (diesel) engine. While the Highline Jetta comes in a 1.4TSI (petrol) as well as 1.6TDI and 2.0TDI (both diesel).

Volkswagen has a long-standing tradi-tion of producing technologically su-perior and reliable motor vehicles, however, it also prides itself on doing so in as stylish and elegant a manner as possible and the new Jetta is no exception. The new model is available in a variety of stunning modern colours to cater to all tastes. These include the always fashionable Black non‐metallic and Reflex Silver metallic, as well as more modern tones such as Tornado Red non‐metallic and Tempest Blue metallic.

Furthermore, Volkswagen Jetta is a perfect choice as it offers some unique

customisation options that allow custom-ers to tailor their new Jetta to perfectly suit their specific requirements. Anything from the engine type, upholstery and wheels to the lights and interior specifications can be specifically chosen to cater to all creed of motorist, resulting in a truly personal finished product for each driver.

Prices for the new Volkswagen Jetta range from €21,985 to €30,055. Delivery & related charges extra. Contact Sinnott Autos Ltd. on 0404 – 25200 or visit www.sinnottautos.ie.

Motor ReviewMotor Review

14 inWICKLOW August 201114 inWICKLOW August 2011

motorreview

Page 17: In Wicklow

To kick off proceedings there will be a fireworks display on the Thursday night. On Friday evening a wine and cheese recep-tion will take place in Avondale House for the festival roses, their escorts and sponsors. This invitation-only event will be the official launch of the festival and will be carried out by Mick O’Dwyer. A hill crawl will be staged at 7.30pm with a cabaret then taking place in Jacob’s Well from 9pm, Rathdrum.

Festivities continue on the Saturday when there will be family events throughout Rathdrum town, accompanied by music all day from Albert. Competitions will include Bonny Baby, Glamorous Granny, Grumpy Grandad, Children’s Karaoke and Mini Rose and Escort of Avondale. While events will feature face painting, wet sponge throwing, a penalty shoot-out as well as others. The festival roses and their escorts will be visiting St. Coleman’s and following this will dine in Avondale Community College with thanks to Rathdrum ICA. Following this, the evening’s activities will then move to the Complex from 8pm. Judges for the main event will include well-known Fair City actors Ciara O’Callaghan and Aisling O’Neill, James Staf-ford, Leightan Glynn, Katina Koumarinaos (Social Editor of Image magazine) and Tony Creegan, who is a member of the Wicklow Area Partnership. There will be a live band to round off proceedings after the main event on Saturday evening.

 On Sunday there will be a series of events taking place in Rathdrum town to round off proceedings. There will be a 5km road race starting from Avon Motors. There will also be events staged on the Fairgreen from 1.30pm until 2.45pm. The ‘tug of war’ will take place from 1.30pm. Face painting and children’s races will also take place. On the Market Square from 3pm - 5pm events being held in-clude a bale race, wheelbarrow race, tyre race, space hopper race and a children’s tyre race. There will be music in the square from 3pm by Albert. 5.30pm will see the presentation of trophies in the Corner House. The final of the pub singing competition will take place at 9pm in the Market Square followed by live music until midnight.

Compare on the Saturday night will be Oisin Molloy. The official photographer for the festival is Joe Haughton, Katherine Mar-tin is the official beautician, while The Man’s Shop in Arklow will be the official menswear supplier for the event. In addition, Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese are kindly sponsoring the cheese for the wine and cheese reception and Centra Rathdrum will be supplying the wine. As part of the proceedings ‘Goody bags’ will be given to each Rose of Avondale rose as well as their escort. They will include goods from Armani, Avon, Joe Haughton Photography, Punchestown Racecourse, The Beauty Salon Rathdrum and the Jelly Bean Factory.

Thankfully, there has been some fantastic

local support for the 2011 Rose of Avondale Festival with a variety of individuals and com-panies coming on board to sponsor the event. A great big thank you goes out to all of the following, without whom the festival would not be the spectacle it is set to become: Terry RogersThe Red Rose CafeThe Railway BarThe Cartoon InnTommy McGrathIrish Country Women’s Association RathdrumDr. Sinead Sheehan, RathdrumThe Beauty Salon RathdrumThe Burlesque BakerJacobs Well The Corner House Pineto’s Rathdrum Avondale Sports Bellview Creche and Playschool Kelly’s Car Sales Jason O’Toole- Irish Candy Store The Glendalough Hotel Vincent Pierce Brennan Memorials Rathdrum Fire Brigade Sean Murphy Developments Avon Motors Gala Rathdrum

Rose of Avondale Festival 2011T

HE 2011 ROSE OF AVONDALE FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE FROM THuRSDAY THE 11TH uNTIL SuNDAY THE 14TH OF AuGuST AT AVONDALE HOuSE. THIS ExCITING FESTIVAL WILL HOST A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO SuIT ALL TASTES OVER FOuR ACTION-PACKED DAYS.

inWICKLOW August 2011 15

eventfeature

Page 18: In Wicklow

Your Special Day

F

or most people the day that they get married is arguably the most memorable of their

entire lives. With that in mind it should be no major surprise that so much time, effort and money goes into the organisation of the wedding ceremony and related activi-ties. This month at In Wicklow we are glad to say that we have done much of the research required in planning a wedding in order to take a little bit of hassle out of the whole ordeal for any potential brides and grooms. We have explored everything from the venue and correct attire to rings and accessories and, hopefully, this will help to point you in the right direction if you are planning on taking this most important of life steps.

Your Special Day

16 inWICKLOW August 2011

Page 19: In Wicklow

Your Special Day

Your Special Day

inWICKLOW August 2011 17

The Grand Hotel Wedding Fair

The Abbey Suite Sunday the 14th August 2011

Time 1pm-5pm

Complimentary Refreshments

Meet Wendy our Wedding coordinator on the day to discuss your perfect day.

Introducing our New Wedding Packages – Bronze, Silver and Gold

For all bookings on the 14th August you will receive complimentary extras for your

wedding.

You can afford your perfect Wedding Day at the

Grand Hotel Wicklow

The Grand Hotel Wicklow, Abbey Street, Wicklow TownTel: 0404 – 67337 Fax: 0404 – 69607, [email protected]

Page 20: In Wicklow

V e n u esFor most, if not all, married couples their wedding day is said to be the most important day in their lives.

Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to choose the appropriate venue at which one can meet and greet friends and

family as well as celebrate the occasion in style. When it comes to wedding venues there is a variety of options

available – and some particularly picturesque ones here in the Garden County. However, before booking there

are some vital considerations to take into account such as availability, size and cost.

4 star accommodation with restaurant and barTel: +353(0)45 900 670 / +353 • (0)86 600 7702 • Email: [email protected] • www.avonri.com

We are delighted to offer you the following with our compliments:

• Red Carpet on arrival• Champagne on arrival for Bride & Groom• Tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival for your guests• Complimentary overnight accommodation for the Bride and Groom• Champagne breakfast for Bride and Groom• Special accommodation rates for your guests• Landscaped gardens for photographs• Complimentary hire of the Ballroom• Fresh flowers & candles on your tables• Personalised menus• Cake stand and Knife• Ample car parking• And a professional team to help you every step of the way• Complimentary 1st wedding anniversary dinner in our Il Lago Restaurant for the Bride and Groom (All the above and all enclosed prices are based on a minimum of 60 people)

Midweek Weddings (Sunday – Thursday) Please contact us for details on price reductions if you choose to have your wedding midweek

* Marquee Weddings Available *

Avon Ri Resort is located in the spectacular Wicklow Mountains and is perched on the shores of the Blessington

Lakes. Our resort commands beautiful views and picturesque scenery, which would provide a fantastic backdrop for your wedding day.At Avon Ri we will take care of every detail so you can sit back, relax and enjoy what will be a truly memorable day.

Avon Ri_Full Page.indd 1 18/08/2010 11:07

Avon Rí Blessington Lakeshore, Burgage, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, IrelandTelephone: +353 (0) 45 900 670 | Fax: +353 (0) 45 857 756

18 inWICKLOW August 2011

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inWICKLOW August 2011 19

At The Royal Hotel we understand that your

Wedding is truly unique and we will ensure

that every detail of your Special Day is

catered for. With personal attention in the planning

and organisation of your event from our dedicated

Wedding Co-Ordinator to the warm welcome

and professional service given by our Team your

Wedding will indeed be the Best Day of Your Life.

Something Borrowed something New...Our newly refurbished Powerscourt Suite has been

redecorated and designed with Wedding Venue in

mind, with creams and natural daylight, the suite is

the perfect place to entertain your guests. The Hotel

has a policy of hosting only one wedding per day

thus ensuring the very best of our attention is yours!

Civil Ceremonies With Civil Ceremonies being so popular, we are

pleased to announce that all our Function Suites

have been approved for Civil Marriages. Nessa, our

Wedding Co-Ordinator will happily offer advice and

assistance in the organization of a Civil Ceremony in

the Hotel.

Your Perfect Wedding We have a number of Wedding Packages available

which have been composed to include every essential

aspect for your perfect Wedding Reception. We also

offer a selection of Menus and Wines which can be

tailored to all budgets and tastes.

The Royal Hotel & Merrill Leisure Club,

Main Street, Bray. Co. Wicklow

Tel: 01 – 286 2935, email: [email protected]

Everyone Deserves a Royal Wedding

Silver Wedding Package €37.50ppGold, Platinum & Diamond packages also available

Page 22: In Wicklow

If you would like any further information please contact:

Vale Of Avoca, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, IrelandTel: 0402 35146 Fax: 0402 35573

Email: [email protected] www.woodenbridgehotel.com

THE

GLENVIEWHOTEL

www.glenviewhotel.com

Ph: (01) 287 3399 Fax: (01) 287 7511

Web: www.glenviewhotel.com

Weddings have always beenspectacular at the Glenview Hotel,

now our prices are spectacular too!!

Theexclusive Glenview

Diamond Package includespractically everything except the Diamond

Let your wedding sparkle at theGlenview Hotel and Leisure Club

From the moment you walk through our door you willexperience a warm welcome, gracious hospitality &

personal service. With stunning gardens The GlenviewHotel is the perfect backdrop to capture the precious

memories of your wedding day.Elegant Surroundings, sumptuous food, luxurious

accommodation, the unrivalled penthouse suite for the Bride & Groom –

The Glenview Hotel is the perfect choice.Contact Gina Passi, wedding Co Ordinator at

The Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club

Glen Of The Downs,Delgany Co. Wicklow

Book yourWedding in Aug 2011for midweek 2012 and

get €10 pp off our package price

A 5 Star Hotel set on 440 acres of lush woodland in a private country retreat where our Wedding Team are absolutely dedi-cated to your Big Day

whether you want an extravagant Wedding for up to 220 guests or a more initimate gathering or civil ceremony. With a new Bar in the newly refurbished chandelier-lit Ballroom, a mouth watering menu and 5 Star service, we will ensure you and your guests celebrate in true style.The stunning grounds of the famous Druids Glen will pro-vide memorable photos while the new lavish Bridal Suite and deluxe elegant bedrooms for your guests will allow everyone to relax and truly enjoy the Big Day.Druids Glen Resort has just partnered with Catherine Ful-vio to launch a fabulous new Italian style Wedding Menu so contact us for more details! With fully inclusive Wed-ding Packages from €85, why not arrange your personal tour with our Wedding Co-ordinator Nessa Kearney who can be contacted on 01 – 287 0811.

Fall Under the Spell and book now by calling Nessa on 01 2870811 or [email protected]

www.druidsglenresort.com

haVe yOur magical Wedding aT druidS glen reSOrT

PACKAGE INCLUDES: Pre Dinner Reception, Wedding Meal & Wine, Sparkling Wine for the Toast & Evening Reception

The exTra magic TOucheS include: Floral Centre Pieces, Choice of Chair Covers & Top Table Backdrop!

Very Special Offer:

10% OffBOOkingS fOr

January &

feBruary 2012

WeddingAdvertMay2011_Layout 1 07/06/2011 15:12 Page 1

We have a very special offer for Wonderful Winter Wed-dings... During January & February 2012, you can now take 10% off all package prices!

Package Off-Season & Midweek

Weekend

DIAMOND €29 €34

GOLD €36 €41

PLATINUM €44 €49

Wedding Packages

20 inWICKLOW August 2011

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inWICKLOW August 2011 21

Page 24: In Wicklow

22 inWICKLOW August 2011

Stoops House All Inclusive 11k Wedding

House & Gardens Accomodation Marquee

Food Wine Beer & Spirits Champagne

Email: [email protected] Web: www.stoopsguesthouse.ie Call: Vicki 087 697 3124/ 053 94 29698

Telephone: 353 1 2305400 Email – [email protected] Website – www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

FITZPATRICK HOTEL GROUP – DUBLIN * NEW YORK

‘All- inclusive Dream Wedding Packages from €79.00 per peson’

weddingfeature

Page 25: In Wicklow

inWICKLOW August 2011 23

At the Stillorgan Park Hotel our legendary attention to detail and sheer professionalism ensures that every wedding reception is well remarked and fondly remembered. From the red carpet arrival to the fresh floral centrepieces on each table, every detail of our wedding packages is guaranteed to impress.

We offer a selection of dedicated wedding suites all deco-rated to a superior 4* standard and a dedicated wedding team to walk you both through all the details of your big day. Whether you are planning an informal family reception or more formal reception, the Stillorgan Park Hotel can provide you with the ideal setting.

We offer excellent packages from €40.00 per person, tailored to suit your individual requirements in a choice of our three elegant wedding suites, all self contained with their own bar and dance floor.

Whether for 30 or 300 people, at the Stillorgan Park Hotel our aim is always to surpass your expectations.

Stillorgan Park Hotel

With wedding packages starting from as little as €49.50 per person no matter what theme, concept or budget you have

in mind we can cater for it at the Summerhill House Hotel.Thinking of a Winter Wedding we have an amazing Winter Wonderland package that includes a host of suppliers such as DJ, Cake, Car, Favours and more.You can host your civil ceremony at the hotel and enjoy your entire Wedding in 1 location.A fabulous Country House Hotel & Day Spa sitting on 5 acres in beautiful Enniskerry Co. Wicklow. One wedding a day policy. ‘Wedding Gardens’ and a dedicated wedding team with over 17 years of experience all available within 30 minutes drive of Dublin.

Visit our website for full details of all our menus and packages at www.summerhillhousehotel.com.Summerhill House Hotel, Enniskerry, Co WicklowTel: 01 – 2867 928, [email protected]

Beautiful Country House Hotel, Fantastic Wedding Venue

TA N , N A I L SThis one is mainly for the ladies (hopefully!). Looking your best on your wedding day is the overriding priority and beauty is therefore high up on the agenda. Again, as with many other wedding considerations, good planning is essential when it comes to beautifying yourself with regard to tanning and nails. There are numerous DIY (a.k.a. low-cost) options, though maybe this is the one day where you should leave it to the professionals should there be any hic-cups. This is where the beauticians of Wicklow come into their own as they are numerous, highly skilled and motivated to have you looking your best on your wedding day.

weddingfeature

Page 26: In Wicklow

B r i d a l d e s i g n e r

abbey House / abbey lane / arklow / Co WicklowTel: 0402 32818 / 086 1963417 / www.mariemcelheron.com

W E A RWedding wear: When it comes to wedding wear there is in most cases a great deal of tradition that

will largely dictate patrons’ appearances on the big day. However, within these guidelines there is a

great deal of manoeuvrability, from the page boys and flower girls to the bride herself. And Wick-

low is certainly well equipped to outfit any wedding party with numerous stores dotted around the

county boasting the latest fashions and accessories to add a touch of class to the occasion.

Tel: 045 857775

24 inWICKLOW August 2011

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R I N G SThat most meaningful part of the wedding cer-

emony involving the wedding rings is an integral

part of the sacrament of marriage. The symbol-

ism represented by the exchanging of the rings is

a powerful moment in the ceremony. The wed-

ding ring is a true reflection of a commitment

representing the love between husband and wife.

Thus, the selection of the wedding rings is not a

decision that should be made alone. Both the bride

and groom should discuss this important selection

and agree to the characteristics, features, and the

symbolic meaning that both wish to convey. Tradi-

tionally jewellers have been the favoured choice for

such a purchase, however, in modern times other

outlets such as department stores have become

increasingly more popular. In either case Wicklow

has sufficient options to satisfy this requirement.

I n v I tat I o n SChoosing wedding invitations for your big day

will set the tone for the entire occasion and it is

therefore essential to decide what sort of mes-

sage you are attempting to send out – literally!

While unique invitations are desirable, there are

some important considerations to bear in mind.

For example, do you want classy, traditional or

elegant invitations or something a little more

modern, maybe trendy and fun? Whatever path

you choose, unlike with other wedding essentials,

much of the shopping for invitations can be done

online. The internet allows you to get a flavour for

the variety available without having to endure

travelling to different providers and buying pres-

sure. Though, if you choose to ‘shop local’ Wicklow

is stocked with a substantial range of print and

design companies.

Bandido Originals handmade wedding stationery is based in Kilcoole where Art graduate, Julie Quinn runs the busi-ness from a purpose built studio at her home. All invita-tions are based on a personal bespoke service where the individual styles and requirements of the couple are taken in consideration to design the perfect stationery. Julie believes that your stationery sets the tone for your big day and places great attention to detail and finish. There are many promotions on throughout the year and she will of-fer packages to suit your budget.Tel: 01 – 201 6733. Mob: 087 – 668 6845. Email: [email protected] www.bandidoorignals.com

inWICKLOW August 2011 25

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P h oto g r a P h y & V i d e oCapturing your special day in the most comprehensive way possible ensures that your have some qual-

ity memories to look back on for years to come. Thankfully, technology has reached such a stage that

recording every aspect of one’s wedding from all angles can be done with little or no hassle. While it

can be tempting to go down the DIY route, which can save a great deal of money, it pays to hire a pro-

fessional to capture your day for you. There is so much that can go so wrong and you only get one shot

at it and there are enough professionals in the business who can carry out an exceptional job at com-

petitive rates. Throughout Wicklow there are numerous freelance and company professionals who can

do this. It is essential though, to thoroughly discuss exactly what you expect from a prospective photog-

rapher or videographer well in advance so that both parties are comfortable with any arrangement.

E n t E r ta i n m E n tWedding entertainment can be notoriously awkward to success-

fully organise. Apart from the likely high cost for music entertain-

ment one must generally deal with the artist’s management or

even with the artist directly, which can be frustrating. Unless you

have an unlimited budget you are likely to be working off recom-

mendations from friends or family with regard to music choice.

Obviously, logic would suggest trying to see/hear your prospective

choice in advance of the wedding, however, that is not always pos-

sible. This is where online reviews can come in extremely handy.

As an addition (or even a low-cost replacement) to a musical act

or band booking a DJ can prove to be a wise option to allow guests

to celebrate well into the early hours. A quick online search should

reveal the options here in Wicklow or even a trip to a local venue

can help make your mind up.

26 inWICKLOW August 2011

F lo w e r sWedding floral arrangements,

when elegantly arranged, can

make all the difference to a

truly memorable event. There-

fore, it is especially important

to carefully consider the flow-

ers that will serve to enhance

your wedding. Things to bear in

mind when making the choice

are factors such as the season in

which the celebration is taking

place – are your desired flowers

even available then? Thank-

fully, here in Wicklow we are

blessed with a plethora of natu-

rally grown fresh flowers that

will add significantly to any

wedding and, thus, you will not

need to travel far to find exactly

what you want!

Page 29: In Wicklow

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland is an artisan chocolate and

ice cream factory.Visitors can enjoy a treat in the chocolate cafe and ice cream

parlour.

Tel: 059 648 1999 www.chocolategarden.ie

Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow (3 miles from Tullow beside Rathwood)

C A K ESLike with invitations, there is a great deal of

choice when it comes to ordering a wedding

cake. The internet can of course prove par-

ticularly useful and there are plenty of Irish

suppliers with an online presence that provide

an excellent service. But ‘bricks and mortar’

providers are also a popular choice and for

many are the preferable option. In both cases

though planning is key, with the standard

lead-in time for a wedding cake being around

three months. Whether you choose the on-

line or real-world option though it is vital to

ensure that you go with a professional as there

are numerous complex considerations that

must be thought about. For example factors

such as tiers, shape, flavour, design and deco-

ration all contribute to the standard of the

finished product so choosing an expert to make

your cake looks to be a no brainer and there

are enough in and around County Wicklow to

meet your requirements.

As part of the business here at Sweet Cre-ations we both design and create bespoke wedding and celebration cakes. We can

also make personalised candles for all occasions, as well as wedding favours and floral arrangements. To compliment our offering we have also recently expanded the business online with a brand new ‘shop site’ where clients can log on and purchase a range of wedding and celebration supplies quickly and conveniently. Furthermore, Sweet Creations can also prepare and deliver a variety of cakes nationwide through our reliable delivery service. Cur-rently we are running a competitive range of package deals and special offers for our customers. Feel free to get in touch to find out more.

Sweet CreationsStratford-on-Slaney,

Baltinglass, Co. WicklowTel: 059 – 648 1124

Mob: 086 – 405 [email protected]

www.sweetcreationsireland.com

inWICKLOW August 2011 27

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H O N E YM O O N D ES T I N AT I O NWhen the hustle and bustle of the wedding celebrations comes to an end it is an age-old tradition that the

newly weds celebrate their sacred bond by embarking on their honeymoon. As wedding budgets have been

reduced considerably in recent years ever more creative and innovative honeymoon options have been ex-

plored to provide a unique experience for the fledgling bride and groom that does not break the bank. Hence,

honeymooning at home in Ireland is an ever-increasingly popular option. And what better place to do so

than here in the Garden of Ireland?! There are a great deal of options in this regard from luxury spa getaways

to adventure holidays right here on your doorstep. However, if you decide that you have the requisite budget

to honeymoon abroad then the local experienced travel advisors can help you in this regard also.

T R A N S P O R TArriving in style is high on the list for every bride and

groom (but especially the bride, because let’s face it – it

is essentially all about her!), whether it be the initial

trip to the church or to and from the celebration venue.

Traditional modes of transport include antique cars

and lavish limousines and in the current climate such

options can be secured at a fraction of the cost that one

might have had to pay pre-2008. Probably the most

important factor to consider when it comes to wed-

ding transport is reliability! So, if choosing the antique

option it would naturally be advisable to carry out

at least one dry run to ensure everything is in work-

ing order! Not only is there a great number of expe-

rienced companies here in Wicklow to advise you in

this regard, but there are also many professionals who

can check out your planned mode of transport well in

advance of the big day to give total piece of mind.

Luxury Minibus & Coach HireFor All Occasions

• Weddings & Functions• Corporate Tours &

Entertainment• Schools

• Sport Club Match Transfers• Day tours Guides available• All Inclusive Group Tours

Organised

Boghall Road, Bray, Co Wicklowe: [email protected]: www.finnegan-bray.iet: + 353 1 286 0061

28 inWICKLOW August 2011

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S h o eS & L i n g e r i eA couple of often understated aspects, but nonetheless essential parts of

any wedding, are footwear and lingerie. Regarding shoes for a wedding

one must be weary that they are of sufficient quality, offer a satisfactory

level of style and comfort and are, importantly, value for money. To that

end, a little bit of research and exploring in the Wicklow boutiques can

provide excellent results in this department. And on the lingerie side of

things (which incidentally affects both the bride and groom!) there are

again a few key considerations. Obviously, the bride is the most likely

candidate to be choosing her own nightwear and she should be sure to

ensure that her choice is both classy and elegant. Again, there is a sur-

prisingly wide variety available in this area in Wicklow.

Quinnsboro Road, Bray & Stillorgan S.C. Tel: 01 – 286 0910

C o n t o u r

Jolie Parisienne Red Red Bra €45 & Thong €34

G i f t s & to u c h es

Personal touches and gifts

can make an already

special day even more

special and memorable

for friends and family

attending. Wedding fa-

vours, caricatures or even

small take-home gifts

can display one’s thanks

and affection for guests

who attended the special

day. Fancy favours can

most definitely add to the

overall guest experience.

Such personal touches or

thoughtful gestures need

not account for any great

expense either as there

is an extensive range of

considerate and unique

gifts and other parapher-

nalia at stores throughout

County Wicklow.

Libertine BlackStriped Bra €43 & Knickers €47

Essensia Invisibles Ivory:Cream Bra €48 & Knickers €16

inWICKLOW August 2011 29

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G lfin wicklow

IRELAND IS ONE OF THE FINEST COuNTRIES IN EuROPE TO PLAY GOLF IN. NOT ONLY IS THERE ExCELLENT VALuE AND quALITY OF SERVICE AVAILABLE AT A MuLTITuDE OF COuRSES, BuT THERE IS ALSO A TREMENDOuS VARIETY WHEN IT COMES TO

COuRSE TYPES. AND WICKLOW IS NO ExCEPTION IN THIS REGARD;

The Garden County boasts some of the finest links, parkland and heathland golf courses in the country.

There is some great variety on offer with par-3 golf courses also with treks such as the well manicured Glen Mill catering to this market. One must only travel a few short miles in either direction around the county to find hidden gems such as Woodbrook Golf Club and Wicklow Golf Club. The prevailing weather conditions along the coast in Wicklow also ensure an optimal environment in which to play links golf.

County Wicklow also has an excellent tradition of producing parkland and heathland golf courses

of an exceptional standard. Indeed, Druid’s Glen in Newtown Mount Kennedy was home to our national championship, The Irish Open, for a period in the 1990s. Its sister course, Druid’s Heath also offers a unique, yet slightly different, challenge for golfers of all standards. Slightly further to the south, located in the valleys around the scenic village of Avoca, is another fantastic exponent of Wicklow golf; Woodenbridge Golf Club. While not particularly long, the perfectly manicured layout offers visitors and members alike stunning views on the seasoned fairways. Whatever your golfing taste, there is sure to be a course to suit in the Garden of Ireland!

A Four Ball on Druids Glen from €160A Four Ball on Druids Heath from €100

Burger and a Beer €16

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Greystones Golf ClubGreystones Golf Club, Greystones, Co.Wicklow, IrelandTel: 01 – 287 4136 Fax: 01 – 287 3749, Email: [email protected]

Glen Mill Golf ClubTimore, Newcastle, Co Wicklow. Tel: 01 – 281 0977, www.glenmillgolfclub.ie

Early Bird Rate: (Before 9:30 am Monday & Friday): €25 per person or €75 per fourball, Subject to availability. Book in advance through the Pro Shop.

Adults: Monday, Tuesday & Friday - €55.00

Weekday Early Bird: (Before 9.30am) - €40.00 / Sunday: €60.00

Corporate Outings and Societies

Please contact us for “All-in packages” – including Golf and Dinner from €75.00 per person. Full Memberships Available!

Special Offer

Bring two paying guests and you go free. Contact Golf Club for more details.

Green Fees and Playing Times

Special Green Fee Rate: (Mondays & Fridays): €30 per person or €90 per fourball, subject to availability. Book in advance through the Pro Shop.

Pay and Play Rates 2011

18 Holes 9 Holes

Weekday

Adult €12.00 €10.50

Junior(Under 16) €9.50 €8.50

Society/Large Group (10 or more)

€10.50

Weekend/Bank Holiday

Adult €14.50 €12.00

Junior(Under 16) €12.00 €9.50

Society/Large Group (10 or more)

€12.00

Baltinglass Golf Club Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, IrelandTel 059 – 648 1350 Fax 059 – 648 2842 E-mail [email protected] www.baltinglassgolfclub.ie

Baltinglass Golf Club in Co Wicklow, overlooking the river Slaney is a hidden gem and with contrasting nines, represents a real challenge to the discerning golfer. With a premium on accuracy required for the front nine and an ability to manipulate their slick putting surfaces, you won’t come away disappointed.

Unbelievable Membership Offer to join a fantastic Golf Club

2011 & 2012 – €7502011, 2012, 2013 – €999Home of the New South of Ireland

Champion Stephen Walsh

Download an application form from our website: www.baltinglassgolfclub.ie

Superb Green Fee Offers

Monday – Friday €20. With the members €15

Saturday– Sunday €30. With the members €20.

50% Discount on Sunday afternoon for only €15.

Golf and Sunday Joint of the day for only €25.

Additional discounts can be received by logging on to www.teetimes.ie

Two golf buggies are available for hire at €20 each (The driver must be over 30 years). Golf trollies are also available for hire at €2.50 each

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32 inWICKLOW August 2011

Woodenbridge Golf Club Vale of Avoca, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland Tel: 0402 – 35202 www.woodenbridge.ie

Over the years, many thousands of men, women and youngsters have enjoyed what Woodbrook Golf Club had to offer, and today a membership which is more than double the original figure continues to enjoy those facilities.

Men’s Opens

Monday 5th September

Men’s Senior Open (Over 50’s)

Monday 19th September

Ladies Opens

Thurs 4th August

Thursday 1st September

Woodbrook is not just a golf course. It is a place of beauty, an oasis bounded by unrivalled views of the Irish Sea on one side and the blue haze of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains on the other. If it wasn’t for the DART rattling along between the fairways, tired golfers might succumb to the wafting sea breezes or the heavy pollen scented air that rolls in waves over the greens on summer evenings.

Work and the building of eighteen new greens and tees and extensive redesign of bunkers and landscaping was made possible in the 90s largely through the generosity of Mrs. Patricia Martin.

Woodbrook Golf ClubWoodbrook Golf Club, Dublin Road, Bray, Co Wicklow. Tel: 01 – 282 4799 Caddy Master: 01 – 2821 208 Web: www.woodbrook.ie Email: [email protected]

Ladies Seniors Opens (Over 50’s)

Tuesday 23rd August

Tuesday 20th September

Tuesday 18th October

Book now online at www.woodenbridge.ie or tel: 0402 – 35202.

Ballinastoe Golf ClubBallinastoe Golf Club, Ballinastoe, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow Tel: 01 – 281 8480, 086 – 859 1545 www.ballinastoegolfclub.com

The redesign has allowed Woodbrook to resume its place among the top championship courses in the country, challenging low handicap golfers and attracting substantial green frees from visitors and societies. But most important, the course is again one that the membership can be proud of, one where good scores are hard to come by, and many a good card spoiled by one slip of the wrist - or the foot since spikes were outlawed!

Special offer

3 for 2 offer up to 31 October 2011

Groups of three Men get one annual fee for free

Annual membership €690 Men €350 for Ladies

Includes GUI/Insurance

Green Fees €10 Mon-Fri and €15 weekends

Irish Kidney Association Charity Classic 6/7 August

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Kilcoole Golf Club Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, IrelandTel: 01 – 287 2066 E-Mail: [email protected] www.kilcoolegolfclub.com

50% off voucher

Valid for 1-4 players 7 days a week.

The price with the voucher mid week is €25pp and €32.50 weekends.

The voucher is valid till 31st December 2011

Set in the shadow of the famous Wicklow Mountains, Charlesland Golf Club, designed by Ireland’s most celebrated and prolific course designer, Eddie Hack-ett, has always been known as a challenging, but fair, test of golf, in a beautiful setting with splendid views ncluding the spectacular Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Golf Courses

Charlesland Golf Club has a front nine which hugs the Irish Sea and is links-like, while the back nine is a beautiful parkland layout with several outstanding holes including the signature hole, par-3 13th from a lofty elevated tee and is 229 metres long.

A warm welcome awaits all in Kilcoole Golf Club

Kilcoole is a beautiful, 9 Hole Parkland course in Co. Wicklow. It is blessed with excellent drainage allowing for year round golf, as a result of which the need for temporary surfaces over the winter period are rarely encountered.

This course is a good test of all standards of golf. It is largely flat but nonetheless challenging due to the course design.

Green Fees:

Monday to Friday: 18 holes – €25, 9 holes – €15 Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays: 18 holes – €40, 9 holes – €25

Glen of Downs Golf ClubCoolnaskeagh, Delgany, Co WicklowTel: 01 – 287 6240 Ext [email protected]

50% offyour nextgreen fee

Book now on 01 2876240 Ext 2.

A Golfer’sDream

Green fee voucher v3:Glen voucher 01/06/2011 14:29 Page

Charlesland Golf ClubTel: 01 – 287 8200 Fax: 01 – 287 0078Email: [email protected] www.charlesland.com

Want to Join a Golf Club?Why not join Charlesland Golf Club in Greystones – No Entrance Fee. And pay only Pro Rata Subscription for period July – December 2011

For further information contact Gerry O’Brien, Director of Operation at 01 2878200 or [email protected]

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34 inWICKLOW August 2011

Delgany – A Unique Blend of the Old and New

Delgany Golf Club’s superb location is every golfer’s dream. It is conveniently situated just off the N11 within 30 mins from Dublin City Centre and nestles between the rolling Wicklow hills and the Irish Sea. The woodland golf course is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities and has been remodelled with sand based greens and tees to USGA specifications.

Coollattin Golf Club is situated in the heart of Cool-lattin Park which was the summer playground of the Fitzwilliams, one of Britain’s wealthiest families. The course has one of the finest collections of specimen trees in Ireland.

At Coollattin we pride ourselves on the hospitality af-forded to visitors. There are currently some excellent offer on offer (particularly at off peak times). For information just call David at 053 – 942 9125.

Membership – follow in the footsteps of four Irish Ryder Cup players!

We welcome membership applications for all cat-egories. Special offers for Full and 5 Day Member-ship. Temporary 6 Day, Clubhouse (with Limited Playing Rights) and Junior Membership also avail-able. Why not come and visit us to experience our excellent course and first class Clubhouse facilities.

Golfing Societies and Outings

If you are planning a society, golf classic or outing

we offer tailor made, attractively priced packages including green fees, catering plus golf tuition and buggy if required. Our PGA Professional Gavin Kavanagh would be pleased to assist you with prizes and any other requirements you may need for your day.

Early Bird and Twilight Packages

Combine a round of golf with an Irish Breakfast or a Mixed Grill, available on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Visit our website for more details.

Delgany Golf Clubwww.delganygolfclub.com Email: [email protected] Tel: 01 – 287 4536

Coollattin Golf ClubCoollattin, Shillelagh, Arklow, County Wicklow Tel: 053 – 942 9125Email: [email protected]

Dun Laoghaire Golf Club Ballyman Road, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow Tel: 01 – 272 1866 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.dunlaoghairegolfclub.ie

Come and discover Wicklow’s hidden gem at Ballyman Glen

• 27 hole championship golf course, with extensive practice facilities• Magnificent 5-Star clubhouse, with superb dining • Stunning panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains• Visitors and groups are welcome, for an exceptional golfing experience• Special Early Bird and Twilight rates • Visit our website, or contact us for details on our reduced membership packages, and

discover the benefits of joining one of Ireland’s finest Member clubs

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august

GOLF – uS PGA CHAMPIONSHIP:

Golf ’s fourth and final major cham-pionship – the US PGA Champion-ship – will take place at the picturesque Atlanta Athletic Club in Georgia, USA from the 11th until the 14th of August. Fresh from his first major victory at the British Open Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke will be looking to make it three in a row for his home country in majors as his fellow countryman Rory McIlroy captured the US Open in June. The Atlanta course will be hosting its third US PGA Championship with American David Toms triumphing on the most recent occasion in 2001. Germany’s Martin Kaymer is the defending cham-

pion having come through an eventful playoff at Whistling Straits against Bubba Watson twelve months ago. The climax to the event was eventful to say the least with the American Dustin Johnson missing out on the playoff fol-lowing a penalty shot on his final hole.

The participation of former world number one golfer Tiger Woods is still very much in doubt following his with-drawal from the British Open and there is much speculation about the future of arguably one of the greatest players of his generation. The Irish challenge for the US PGA looks to be especially strong with four major winners looking to add to their respective hauls in Geor-gia. Padraig Harrington has been show-ing signs of a return to form in recent months, Graeme McDowell has taken

his game to the next level since win-ning the 2010 US Open and the recent exploits of both Clarke and McIlroy are there for everyone to see. The bookies see the PGA as being a wide-open con-test with Rory McIlroy heading market at a general 9/1. Englishman and world number two golfer Lee Westwood is available at around 16/1 and his recent major record (with the exception of the British Open) has been nothing less of exceptional and it would be no surprise to see him go close this time around. The home challenge may well be led by either Dustin Johnson (25/1) or Phil Mickelson (10/1). Both men performed especially well at the Open Champion-ship and have good recent records in the event. All four days of the US PGA are being shown live on Sky Sports.

AuGuST is an interesting month in the

Sporting world with major

events taking place in both golf (uS PGA Championship)

and tennis (uS Open). Elsewhere, the new Premier League

season draws ever closer with much activity being done

by most of the top clubs in the summer transfer window.

English football this coming season is set to be graced by

some new and exciting faces from all around Europe

and the world. Meanwhile, the Irish international rugby union team continues its preparation for the World Cup in New Zealand in September with a busy schedule of tests organised for August and the Irish team will also be donning its brand-spanking new kit that will be on display for the World Cup. So, although it is supposed to be a quite time in the world of sport, there will be plenty to keep your interest.

DARREN CLARKE

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FOOTBALL – PREMIER LEAGuE PREVIEW:Although not one ball has been kicked there is already much excitement and antici-pation about the upcoming Premier League season. This is mainly due to the massive amount of activity from many of the big clubs in the transfer market over the summer so far. It was clear near the back end of last season that defend-ing Champions Manchester United would need to spend if they were to be as competitive this coming season and they have duly obliged. Sir Alex Ferguson has opened his chequebook and splashed out nearly €60 million on three big signings; defensive midfielder Phil Jones from Blackburn, attacking midfielder Ashley Young from Aston Villa and goalkeeper David De Gea from Spanish side Atletico Madrid. Fer-guson has also been linked with

high-profile players Wesley Sneijder and Samir Nasri so the Red Devils’ spend-ing might not be quite finished yet.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have been the other notable big spenders of the

big sides and have splashed out over €50 million on the British trio of Stew-art Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson. This follows the acquisitions of both And Carroll and Luis Suarez in the January transfer window for over €50 million. So new permanent boss ‘King’ Kenny Dal-glish is obviously intent on guiding Liverpool back into the coveted top four places in the Premier League. Chelsea’s most

significant transfer so far this summer has been the hiring of new

manager Andre Villas-Boas from FC Porto. It was the highest transfer fee ever paid for a manager of another club - €15 million. Villas-Boas brings with him to Stamford Bridge an extremely lofty reputation and with high expectations following the sup-posed ‘failure’ of his recent predeces-sors.

The newly promoted sides QPR, Swansea and Norwich will all be eager to survive in the Premier League with promoted sides having a poor record in recent years due to difficul-ties to compete with the bigger clubs financially. Norwich’s most significant signing thus far has been Phil Jevons from Everton, while Swansea paid Championship side Watford a whop-ping €3,500,000 for forward Danny Graham. QPR have opted for more experience and have picked up seasoned Premier League player Kieron Dyer on a free transfer from West Ham United. Manchester United and Manchester City will get the ball rolling for the news season when they meet in the Community Shield at Wembley on the 7th of August. This match is tradition-ally the curtain raiser to the new season. The first set of Premier League fixtures begin on Saturday, 13th of August.

ANDRE VILLAS BOAS

STEWART DOWNING

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Opening Premier League fixtures:

SATuRDAY, 13 AuGuST 2011

BLACKBuRN WOLVERHAMPTON 3PM

FuLHAM ASTON VILLA 3PM

LIVERPOOL SuNDERLAND 3PM

qPR BOLTON 3PM

TOTTENHAM EVERTON 3PM

WIGAN NORWICH 3PM

NEWCASTLE ARSENAL 5.30PM

SuNDAY, 14 AuGuST 2011

STOKE CHELSEA 1.30PM

WEST BROM MAN uTD 4PM

MONDAY, 15 AuGuST 2011

MAN CITY SWANSEA 8PM

SATuRDAY 20TH AuGuST 2011

SuNDERLAND NEWCASTLE 12PM

ARSENAL LIVERPOOL 12.45

ASTON VILLA BLACKBuRN 3PM

EVERTON qPR 3PM

NORWICH STOKE CITY 3PM

SWANSEA WIGAN 3PM

WOLVES FuLHAM 3PM

CHELSEA WEST BROM 5.30PM

SuNDAY 21ST AuGuST 2011

BOLTON MAN CITY 4PM

MONDAY 22ND AuGuST 2011

MAN uNITED TOTTENHAM 8PM

SATuRDAY 27TH AuGuST 2011

ASTON VILLA WOLVES 12.05

BLACKBuRN EVERTON 3PM

CHELSEA NORWIC 3PM

NEWCASTLE FuLHAM 3PM

SWANSEA SuNDERLAND 3PM

WEST BROM STOKE CITY 3PM

LIVERPOOL BOLTON 5.30PM

SuNDAY 28TH AuGuST 2011

TOTTENHAM MAN CITY 1.30PM

MAN uNITED ARSENAL 4PM

RuGBY uNION – IRELAND: August is a busy month for the Irish team as their preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup intensifies. Ireland will play some familiar opponents from their recent Six Nations campaign with matches against Scotland, England and two matches against France all in consecutive weeks. Ireland will host both France and England at the Aviva Stadium and will also travel to Scotland and France for the other test matches. Given that all of these teams regularly compete against each other they are likely to be gruelling matches played at a high tempo with much pride at stake. This should leave the Irish in good stead ahead of the World Cup just a few weeks later.

Furthermore, the IRFU has just launched a new kit for the Irish team that is sponsored by Puma. The new Puma Ireland kit was officially unveiled to the media at a launch that was held at Carton House, the squad’s training base. They will be carrying the new strip for the upcoming European tests as well as the World Cup in September. Ireland will begin their World Cup campaign against the USA on the 11th of September.

upcoming irish international Rugby union fixtures:

SAT 6TH AuG 11, MuRRAYFIELD

SCOTLAND 2.15PM IRELAND

SAT 13TH AuG 11, CHABAN-DELMAS

FRANCE 8.45PM IRELAND

SAT 20TH AuG 11, AVIVA STADIuM

IRELAND 5PM FRANCE

SAT 27TH AuG 11, AVIVA STADIuM

IRELAND 2.30M ENGLAND

TENNIS – uS OPEN: The final tennis ‘major’ of the season – the US Open – will be staged at the iconic Flushing Meadows in New York, USA from the 29th of August until the 11th of September. Interestingly, for the 2011 US Open the purse has increased by more than one million dollars and will reach a record $23.7 million. Both the men’s and women’s US Open singles champions will earn a record $1.8 mil-lion with the ability to earn an addi-tional $1 million in bonus prize based on their performances in the Olympus US Open Series. In last year’s men’s tournament Spaniard Rafa Nadal beat

NEW PuMA KIT

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Novak Djokovic in the final. Though this year it is Djokovic who looks to be the one to beat following his might-ily impressive year on court so far. He solidified his place at the top of the tree with a polished performance in beat-ing Nadal in the Wimbledon final and therewith replacing him in the world rankings at no. 1. 5-time US Open champion Roger Federer will be looking

to recapture his form at the scene of some of his greatest triumphs. The Swiss superstar has not looked to be at his best thus far this season but does have an enviable record on the hard courts at Flushing Meadows. Though, Federer is only the 9/2 third favourite according to the layers behind both Djokovic (7/4) and Nadal (5/2).

In the women’s draw Belgian

NOVAK DjOKOVIC

Kim Clijsters will be looking to make it three titles in a row, having captured the US Open in both 2009 and 2010. She beat Vera Zvonereva in straight sets in last year’s final and is on an incred-ible run at the venue. Elsewhere, the Williams sisters continue their reviv-als from various setbacks at Flushing Meadows and would both be popular champions. The bookies seem to doubt

Clijsters’ ability to make it a hat trick and have chalked her up as joint fourth favourite with current world no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki behind Maria Sharapova (4/1), Serena Williams (4/1) and the reigning Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova (5/1).

ATHLETICS – DuBLIN MARATHON RACE SERIES: The 2011 National Lottery Dublin Marathon race series kicked of in July with the first of four events taking place in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. The race series started with a 5-mile event that attracted over 6,300 runners. The next event will be a 10-mile race in August, with a half marathon following in September. Both of these races will also be held in the Phoenix Park. The series then culminates in the Dublin City Marathon in October, which will be covered live on RTE television. Running has experienced somewhat of a boom in recent years with many new runners emerging at events around the country. For further information or to enter any of the upcoming events log on to www.dublinmarathon.ie.

FLuSHING MEADOWS

DuBLIN MARATHON

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THE HYPNOTIST Lars KeplerTumba, Sweden, a triple murder, all the same family. The killer is at large, and it looks as if the elder sister escaped the carnage. But she is missing and it seems only a matter of time until she too is murdered. Detective Inspector Joona Linna demands to investigate the grisly after-math -- against the wishes of the national police. Where can Linna begin? The only surviving witness is the boy, Josef, whose mother, father and little sister were killed before his eyes, and he’s in shutdown, comatose with shock.Obsessed and desperate, Linna turns to dis-graced hypnotist Erik Maria Bark.And so starts the unputdownable, roller-coaster thriller. Written by a Swedish husband & wife team, do not be fooled into thinking that this is ‘just another’ Scandinavian thriller – this is Jo Nesbo meets Michael Connelly, and while flawed in parts, it is certainly one of the most thrilling thrillers I have ever read!

WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT Sarah WinmanWhen God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman, is a terrific Summer read, which is set on two continents and focuses on two different relation-ships in the life of Elly. The book begins in 1968, in England, where Elly grows up with her older brother Joe and best friend Jenny Penny. When their family moves away, Joe leaves behind his first love, while Elly leaves behind her only true friend. The second half of the novel is set three decades later in New York City following the at-tacks of 9/11. What ties these two parts together is their perceptive examination of love and the quirky yet moving narration from Elly. It is well written with a very funny first half, a really enjoyable book and one to bring away on holidays this year!

CHILDREN’S 8-12 BILLIONAIRE BOY David WalliamsThe latest from the ‘Little Britain’ comedian, this is a great book for Roald Dahl lovers. Joe Spud is rich, he is the richest boy in the world- so rich indeed, that he is on the Sunday Times Rich List, and all the money is made from his dad’s revolutionary toilet roll! He has everything he could want – a formula 1 car, a racing boat, a diamond incrusted watch and all the chocolate he can eat– everything except a friend. So, in a desperate attempt to find one, he enrols in the local comprehensive.This is quirky, funny – hilarious – book, with a moral to the story that will appeal to all ages, and reluctant readers alike

f I l M R E V I E W S

HORRID HENRY THE MOVIE

Release Date: July 29th Starring: Anjelica Huston, Richard E. Grant, Theo Stevenson, Kimberly Walsh, Parminder K. Nagra,  Jo BrandThe first ever British kid’s movie to be filmed in 3D, Horrid Henry: The Movie stars Anjelica Huston as Henry’s terrifying teacher Miss Battle-Axe, alongside, Rebecca Front as Henry’s headmistress Ms Oddbod and Richard E Grant as a rival headmaster, with Parminder Nagra as Miss Lovely,  Noel Fielding makes an appearance as Killer Boy Rats’ frontman Ed Banger, joining Jo Brand as the Demon Dinner Lady, Matthew Horne as Henry’s Dad and Prunella Scales as Great Aunt Greta. 

ZOOKEEPER (PG)

Release Date: July 29th Starring: Kevin James, Nick Nolte, Leslie Bibb, Ro-sario Dawson, Cher, Adam Sandler,Sylvester StalloneIn Zookeeper, the animals at the Franklin Park Zoo love their kindhearted caretaker, Griffin Keyes (Kevin James). Finding himself more comfortable with a lion than a lady, Griffin decides the only way to get a girl in his life is to leave the zoo and find a more glamorous job. The animals, in a panic, decide to break their time-honored code of silence and reveal their biggest secret: they can talk!  To keep Griffin from leaving, they decide to teach him the rules of courtship – animal style.  The film also stars Rosario Dawson and Leslie Bibb and features the voices of Cher, Nick Nolte, Adam Sandler, and Sylvester Stallone.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST

AVENGER (TBC)

Release Date: July 29th Starring: Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, Hayley Atwell, Domi-nic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Toby Jones, Derek Luke, Jeremy Renner‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America. As Captain America, Rogers joins forces with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to wage war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving.)

W I T HARklOW, CO. WICklOW

TEl: 1520 92 70 11

WEB: gAIETyARklOW.IE

B OOkreviews

WithBridge Street Books Bridge Street, WicklowTel: 0404 – 62240www.bridgestreetbooks.ie

inWICKLOW August 2011 39

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MR POPPER’S PENGuINS (TBC)

Release Date: August 5th Starring: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela LansburyJim Carrey is Mr. Popper, in a family comedy about a driven businessman who is clueless when it comes to the important things in life – until he inherits six penguins. While Popper’s penguins turn his swank New York apartment into a snowy winter wonderland – and the rest of his life upside-down -- they teach him valuable lessons about families… human or otherwise. MR. POP-PER’S PENGUINS is a contemporary update of the award-winning book.

SuPER 8 (12A)

Release Date: August 5th Starring:  Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler, Noah EmmerichIn the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth – something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.

THE SMuRFS IN 3D (G)

Release Date: August 10th Audiences everywhere are in for a Smurfy good time as the Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen in Columbia Pictures’/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magi-cal world and into ours - in fact, smack dab in the middle of New York’s Central Park. The Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down.

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (TBC)

Release Date: August 12th Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Brian Cox, John LithgowRISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is a reality-based cautionary tale that blends science fiction and science fact, which depicts how mankind’s hubris leads to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.   Oscar®-winning visual effects house WETA Digital – employing certain of the groundbreaking technologies developed for ‘Avatar’ – will render, for the first time ever in the film series, photo-realistic apes rather than costumed actors.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE

DARK (16)

Release Date: August 12th Starring: Guy Pearce, Katie Holmes, Bailee MadisonAfter moving into her new home with her father Alex (Guy Pearce) and his girlfriend, Kim (Katie Holmes), Sally (Bailee Madison) is pursued by ruthless creatures who want to claim her as one of their own. Directed by comic creator Troy Nixey and written by Matthew Robbins and Guillermo del Toro.

COWBOYS & ALIENS (TBC)

Release Date: August 19th Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano1873.  Arizona Territory.  A stranger (Craig) with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution.  The only hint to his history is a mysteri-ous shackle that encircles one wrist.  What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don’t welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde (Ford).  It’s a town that lives in fear. But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the deso-late city is attacked by marauders from the sky.  Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters chal-lenge everything the residents have ever known. Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation.  As this gunslinger slowly starts to remember who he is and where he’s been, he realizes he holds a secret that could give the town a fighting chance against the alien force.  With the help of the elusive traveler Ella (Olivia Wilde), he pulls together a posse comprised of former opponents – townsfolk, Dolarhyde and his boys, outlaws and Apache warriors – all in danger of annihilation.  United against a common enemy, they will prepare for an epic showdown for survival.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN (TBC)

Release Date: August 26th Starring: Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Rose Mc-Gowan, Rachel Nichols, Stephen LangThe most legendary Barbarian of all time is back this Summer. Having thrived and evolved for eight consecu-tive decades in the public imagination- in prose and graphics, on the big screen and small, in games and properties of all kinds- Conan’s exploits in the Hyborian Age now come alive like never before in a colossal 3D action-adventure film. A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil. Deftly adapted from the original works of Robert E. Howard and faithful to the mythology and psychology of his iconic character, CONAN THE BARBARIAN stars Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols, Stephen Lang, Rose McGowan, Saïd Taghmaoui and Ron Perlman. The film is directed by Marcus Nispel, and written by Thomas Dean Donnelly & Joshua Oppenheimer and Sean Hood.

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