Our trip to Dingle Ocean World

 

We were waiting eagerly for a few weeks for Ocean World to open for the New Season as we (the boys really) knew there was a new exhibition and the guessing game started every time we passed in the car ! They were watching the door like Hawks from the back seat so off we headed on their recent open day.  

From the outset they loved it -granted they have been there before but that doesn’t change the wonder and awe of all the different sea life species. From the Sharks to the Penguins, the Otters and the Sharks they learn something new every time.

This time round they loved the Tortoise or is he a turtle ? As they get older there’s always something else that interests them. I suppose learning about Antartic Explorer Tom Crean in Scoil gave them a huge interest in the Penguins room and seeing the video of the Antartic made it near to impossible to drag the older fella away 😀 The creepy crawlies just freaked me.

The staff there are so knowledgable and interact with the kids – they got to hold the Star Fish and learned all about it and were on hand to answer any questions the kids had.  

This years new otter exhibit takes it outdoors with seating areas and lads a room for buggies. As you continue on through the experience one walks through a glass tunnel fish tank which is amazing and from there on passed the resident pirate and out into the shop. Beyond that you can have a coffee in the cafe or the kids can gave their face painted.

 

Family rates are available and you can also get an all day pass and call back at the different feeding times.  Car park is just across the road.  Kids or no kids Oceanworld is someplace you must visit if you are touring the Dingle Peninsula.

Enjoy

E 

 

 

Do you do the January Sales ?

Do you do the January Sales ?  Are you one of those people who waits with baited breadth to head out the door after spending the month of December in the shops ?  Will you stand in a queue for hours just so you can pick up that bargain ?  Quite simple I’m not ! In fact the thought of it makes be shudder (probably because I’d have three males trooping on behind me). Shortly after Santa arrived I spotted the Snapchats of queues of cars & people heading to the Sales (in the rain). More shuddering 😜

While we all like our shopping and browsing we’ve probably satisfied with the few things we got for Christmas. Hands up I only had two or three things on my wish list and I was able to hint and direct the three boys in the right direction here in Dingle .  I got the Grey Cape but I’ve spotted the red since. It’s really lovely. Check out La Boheme on FB or here

 For the past two years I haven’t gone near the shops in January and February ! There’s nothing happening, there’s nothing going on and feckit if there is – there’s plenty in the wardrobe that will suffice. One of my “down” points when it comes to shopping is I don’t try anything on … Like the look of it, need it, think I need it or want it: its in the bag ! Considering I live in such a remote “shopping area”, even though we do have two great boutiques in Dingle, and Internet shopping from the comfort of your own bedroom is so easy where you can try on in your own time is becoming ever increasingly popular.

All that said why have I the itch this year to have a peek ! Here’s just a few I’ve spotted while browsing on line

Therapy for Girls is a shop in Midelton in Cork. They’re nothing only a tease on Snapchat these days. I want it all. They have a super sale. Well three or four bits 😉 Anyone who knows me well knows I’m partial to B&W.  They will do postage to anywhere as well – trust me I know ! Ha !  They are at Market  Green Shopping Centre in Midleton and have a great FB page.

 

 

 

Who doesn’t need, want or have a good white shirt or blouse ? Stiff neck, V neck, round neck, collar less ! You just can’t beat them. Inside a blazer, fitted on its own with a high waisted tailored trousers.   In the office with an A line skirt. I’m teaming it here with a nude or beige piece because Spring is coming. Thinking beyond black. I’ve taken all four of these images from Pinterest.

 

 

 

I love the Ralph Lauren one because if you look closely you will see that the front is buttoned at a diagonal from left shoulder to right hip.  A very flattering fit for those carrying weight around the tummy.

 

 

 

Do I start with the Cape or start with the designer ? Marion Murphy Cooney is The Design Atelier based in my hometown of Nenagh. I follow her social media like a teenager with a crush. A fantastic Irish Designer who will do custom made pieces for all the lovely ladies and who also has up to date on trend affordable pieces. You will regularly see her pieces featured on TV programmes such as Expose, Ireland AM & the likes. She had also featured at Kerry Fashion Week.  Marion is on all social media or check the website out here

 

Leopard Print is either for you or not! For me it’s a hint of the wild creature that appeals. A leopard print belt with all black. Your leopard print shoes or boots with all black, a Federo with a nice warm coat – red at Christmas maybe. Back to the Cape. I didn’t realise until I listened to Elaine when I was planning my own Christmas Day outfit (corny but you know what I mean) that there are different styles shapes and sizes. Some have a savage amount of material. This one here from Marion at The Design Atelier is so classy, neat, tidy, and on trend. The structured shoulders add a touch of feminine and shape definition. I love it.

These runners are from Penny’s. While I might not wear them pounding the roads for an hour I would certainly cope with strolling to the beach with the lads wearing these.
That’s my little take on the January Sales or my picks . Bit of an unusual one for me but I hope you enjoyed it.

Lots to whet the appetite for the Spring ladies, don’t you think !

Happy Browsing,

Elaine

 

 

June BH Weekend in Kerry

Between listening to the a radio & reading the Kerryman over the past 24 hours I reckon there is something on to cater for everyone in every corner of this wonderful county of ours over the BH Weekend ! I’m still actually getting used to the fact that it’s upon us !

Here’s a synopsis

Try Killorglin for the K Fest Music & Arts Festival– huge line up. Hope to get a trip in myself ! See the poster. As the Kerryman said “A unique blend, so expect the unexpected” – promoting culture through art gallery exhibitions, live music (on & off the street), film, spoken word & Childrens Workshops. www.kfest.ie

Try Listowel where you can let your imagination run riot at Listowel Writers Week. The Children’s programme is bigger than ever, but it’s not just for the little ones as there’s something in it for all ages ! The Town Park & Community Centre is the central hub of the Children’s Literacy Festival. 📖📚📖📚

Listowel Races is on Sunday & Monday with prizes galore for Ladies Day on Sunday. 🏇🏻🏇🏻 Let it be your chance to say to hell with the skinny jeans I’m putting on my glad rags. 👒💄

If your out & about in Killarney there’s the Tatoo Convention coinciding with this years BikeFest (Vroom Vroom 💨💨💨). It is Ireland’s largest free biker festival – all makes, models and manner of bikes are welcome! Indoor & Outdoor Entertainment guaranteed. www.irelandbikefest.com

Siamsa Tire has a new stage production on called Turas – featuring music & dance from all corners of Ireland. I’ve just watched a video clip promoting this on their website www.siamsatire.ie. Looks seriously full of energy.

If your into the Outdoors the list becomes endless. For Walkers or Hikers, there’s oodles to choose from: the 180km Kerry away begins in the little village of Dromid, Slí Chorca Dhuibhne has various routes or why not try a section of the Wild Atlantic Way. Mountain Climbing galore. Weather permitting of course.

If the weather doesn’t hold up there’s lots to keep the children occupied, Dingle Ocean World, The Climbing Wall (also in Dingle), Crag Cave, bowling Buddies, Muckross Farm I could go on !

Let’s hope the weather does hold up & we can all get out & about. I plan to do a more detailed post on some of these visitor attractions over the next few weeks so watch this space.

Have a good weekend ! Relax & enjoy !

E