You may remember earlier in the year we posted a blog about a wicklow lady who has put forward the whole County of Wicklow (Under the category of communities under 150,000 People) for the World LivCom awards.

Local wicklow glass craftsman makes unique mirrors and glass furniture

A good friend of ours runs wicklow glass and glazing down at the harbour in wicklow town and most local businesses would use him (Wicklow Glass and Glazing) to replace their glass windows or fit ornate handmade mirrors etc, however there is another side to thsi glass making business.

David Swail is a very talented craftsman and is creative with his glass making abilities.

So I just had to let you all know about some of his unique glass furniture and pieces that he has made which can bring a truly original and spacious look to your home and garden design.

These days, when people are looking for unique items to enhance their current homes rather than buying a new home, Davids glass peices could be just what your looking for.

He can create bespoke Mirrors with detailed design to fit your wall / corner/ wardrobe / ceiling space.(mirror pictured below €90)

He can create unique glass round tables with glass base that can contain ornaments or items of personal interest eg dried flowers, figurines, coloured glass pebbles or whatever your imagination can fire up.

He also creates gorgeous windows and porches with coloured glass in intricate patterns which make a lovely colourful light-reflecting area to sit and read a book or just invite warm rays of coloured light into your home.

So if your thinking of redesigning your house, renovating your home, doing up your bedroom or adding on an interesting reading corner in the garden then why not contact David today and see what he can do.

The best part is that Davids designs are  very affordable with unique mirrors starting from only 90 euro!

Your very own unique and original made to measure mirror design by local craftsman – sounds like a gift to me!

Click the images below to view larger image

Chocolate and Ice Cream factory Tullow Co Carlow

Whilst visiting Margaret at Ashford Self Catering in Wicklow, she was showing us some of the local tourist attractions that she recommends to her visitors and one which caught my eye was the Chocolate and ice cream factory based in Rath, Tullow Co Carlow.

Having a sister who is a chocolate loving chef I immediately knew what we are gonna do this Christmas when she comes home for a visit from abroad! That’s right folks- off to chocolate heaven in the chocolate garden of Ireland!

Margaret mentioned that you can even make your very own choclates and bring them home  ( if you haven’t eaten them immediately of course) .

There is a chocolate cafe and chocolate tours are available (with booking only) on +353 (0) 59 6481999

Products include Handmade chocolates and wedding favours, caramel waffles and butter biscuits, chocolate cakes for weddings and special occasions,traditional boiled sweets and fudge, sumptuous hot chocolate too of course! You can also buy online – see website below.

An ideal day out for all the family you can enjoy a visit to the Chocolate Factory and then pop next door to Rathwood Home and Garden World or enjoy a family forest walk in Rath ( also adjacent) whilst Rathgall Ring Fort, Altamount Gardens and Ducketts grove, all popular atractions are under 12 mins away

www.chocolategarden.ie
Tel: 059 648 1999

Tell them we sent ya!

Roz and Skippythedog
Living Life The Wicklow Way

Ashford Self Catering Co Wicklow

Ashford Self Catering at Rossana Farm just outside Ashford village offer two 3 bedroom, and one 4 bedroomed and wheelchair friendly self catering holiday homes.

We paid them a visit over the weekend and we’re amazed at the peacefulness of the courtyard houses.

We met Margaret and Eugene who have been working extremely hard on these gorgeous holiday homes whilst also running a working farm, doing a part time job and engaging in (Eugenes) love of tractors.!

With lovely little touches like a variety of wellies, hi-vis jackets for late night walkers, bikes to use, herbs growing in the middle of the courtyard for everyone to use etc these 3 holiday homes are the perfect get away for those who like to cater for themselves when holidaying in Wicklow Ireland.

Both Margaret and Eugene were well versed and knowledgeable of local attractions and things to do in the area and we look forward to working with them in the future with our ‘networking wicklow initiative’ which is bringing Wicklow based businesses together to help one another.

Rossana Farm offers Pet friendly accommodation which is music to my ears, and they have a variety of games, books, childrens toys etc in the communal area which guests can take to their houses as they wish.

With an Eco friendly ethos, Ashford Self Catering Holiday Homes have their finger on the pulse of what people want from a modern holiday in Ireland.

Located under an hours drive from Dublin along the M50 just outside the beautiful country village of Ashford, local amenities include Horseriding, Ballyknocken cookery school, Mount Usher gardens, Chester Beattys Countrystyle
Lounge, the breathtaking Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the infamous Wicklow Way Walking Trail of course.

Why not visit them on their website at www.ashfordselfcatering.com or read more about  here >>

Photos below- If you cannot view them login to facebook and view our album there ( click here  >>

Reiki Workshop in Wicklow Aug 28 and 29

A few words about the Reiki Workshop:

I am currently running Reiki Level 1 Workshops in Wicklow Town.

Anyone can learn and become attuned to Reiki. It is a gentle yet powerful energy which can be used to help heal ourselves and others.

Reiki is a fantastic gift to give to yourself. Feel the benefits from deep relaxation physically, emotionally and spiritually.

This 2 day course is packed full of information you will use for the rest of your life.

Workshops are kept small and usually run over Saturday and Sundays, however if the group is only 2 people one day is sufficient.

You will receive a certificate and manual and on going advice and support. A light lunch is provided.

Late drinks at the Grand Hotel Wicklow

Fancy a late drink in Wicklow but not into the disco side of things? Check out Room 404 at the Grand hotel. Now that’s my kinda place!

Wicklow Town’s newest event, Room 404, is now going to stay open til 2 in the Grand Main Bar!

So if you feel like a late drink and taking advantage of Silvers drinks promos then why not pop in here and check out the alternative vibes!

Music on the night is provided by a range of Wicklow’s most skilled DJs and is usually of the more chilled funk and disco style!

A real aural treat

www.grandhotel.ie

“Using Homeopathy at Home” workshop

Understanding the key principles in Homeopathy for confident use at home, case taking for day to day complaints that visit your family, when to prescribe, when to wait, when to get other help, how to recognise improvement.

This is the only workshop we are doing in 2010 due to time constraints!

Fri 13th Aug eve and Sun 22nd afternoon; €100 in total.

Feel free to send in your topics for inclusion during the workshop.

Wicklow Town Hostel aka Captain Halpins’ Bunkhouse Official Opening

Fun for al the family – Come on down to Wicklow Town and have a laugh courtesy of Captain Halpins’ Bunkhouse launch today at 3pm till late!

Come along from 3 o’clock to see our local historical hero, Captain Halpin in the flesh return to his one time home- Leitrim Lodge (beside the Garda Station). His old home now houses Captain Halpin’s Bunkhouse, Wicklow Town’s great new tourist hostel.

He will present live music f…or your delectation.

So come and party with:
Tommy Benn
Daithí Ó’Drónaí
Mister Spectator
MC will be Captain Halpin (aka Ciaran Olahan)

During all of this our very own Mayor Seán Smullen will officially launch Captain Halpin’s Bunkhouse. Refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you and your friends this Sunday 18th July 2010 at 3p.m.

Book your party at the grand hotel and get free finger food and room hire.

Yes folks, you can avail of this fantastic offer if you book before 20 july 2010 so get to it!!

Or perhaps you fancy partying the night away in your own nightclub? Why not contact us to find out about hiring Silvers nightclub for your Party?

‘Tis the silly season and we have some great summer sizzlers going on including the following entertainment:

• Friday 30th July: “Room 404″ 6 different DJs 6 Different styles of alternative music.
• Lots of Drink Promos every week in Hotel bar @ 10pm.
• “New Blood Band Night” with “Mister Spectator” and “Grim Vandango” in Silvers Nightclub @ 10pm with DJ Sparky later.
  €5 entry before 11.30pm
• Saturday 31st July “Feedback” @ 10pm in Silvers Nightclub with DJ Glen Boyce later.
  €5 entry before 11.30pm
• Sunday 1st August “Rio Carnival Night” with Mario Gnoma on Bongos and Live Percussion with Live DJs Stitch, Mr. Noodles & Sparky playing Samba Sounds in Silvers Nightclub @ 10pm.
  Full Carnival show on Night with Rio Performers. Fancy Dress.
• “Tom & Shea” Craic agus Ceoil in the Hotel bar @ 6pm till 8pm

The events happening at The Grand Hotel for the Wicklow Regatta:

• July 25th The Regatta Queen Ball in The Grand Hotel
• July 26th The Singing Pubs in Wynnes Bar Entertainment from all the locals and Bar Staff
• July 27th Young at Heart in Abbey Room afternoon Tea with Cakes from Super Value
• July 28th Junior Stars in there eyes from 7pm
  Contestants welcome please contact Jenny on 0870640337
• July 29th Beauty Night with Catwalk and Beauty Show from 11am
• July 30th PJ Gallagher Playing in Silvers Nightclub 9.00pm
• July 31st Hoedown in the Abbey Room starting at 8.30pm

For more details or to book tickets etc contact us on +353 (0)404 67337
or Email: reservations@grandhotel.ie

Why not join Silvers Nightclub on Facebook and avail of special offers etc?

www.facebook.com/silversnightclubwicklow

New Local Avoca Website for Tourists

A group of FAS workers at the Avoca IT Centre have developed a website for those planning to visit Avoca as part of a CE scheme. This community website features information on plcces to stay, eat, things to do and kids entertainment.

It’s an old fashioned html site but certainly covers the neccessary information and a great introduction to basic web skills.

The new website can be found at www.visitavoca.ie