Latest news with #CountyMeath
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Slane Castle: Aristocrat who brought world famous music acts to Ireland dies
Lord Henry Mount Charles, whose ancestral home has played host to world famous music acts such as Queen and Bruce Springsteen, has died aged Mount Charles, who was custodian of Slane Castle in County Meath, died on Wednesday, after a "battle with cancer," his family a statement they said he left behind an "extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland's heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music, and community"."His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives." The 8th Marquess Conyngham got an Industry Award at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in 2010. World-renowned acts Lord Mount Charles became a household name in Ireland in the 1980s as some of the world's biggest music stars took to the stage at Slane Lizzy headlined the inaugural concert in the summer of Rolling Stones, Madonna, Queen, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Kings Of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, REM and Metallica are just some of the world-renowned acts that have also headlined the venue. After a four-year hiatus, music returned to the castle when Harry Styles headlined there in 80,000 fans turned up to see the former One Direction singer and Lord Mount Charles was there to oversee the return of gigs to his castle.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Watch determined tourists wear sprint shoes & even STRETCH before dawn dash for Magaluf pool spot…having queued for 1hr
THIS is the frantic moment Brit "towel warriors" sprint for the best sunbeds around the pool at a Magaluf hotel - the second it opens. Desperate holidaymakers queued by the pool at Hotel Sol Barbados for up to an hour before staff opened it and seemingly let all hell break loose. 5 5 5 It is the latest chapter of the blazing sun lounger wars which continue to rage on across Brit holiday hotspots. Aaron Turner, 34, was holidaying in Spain with fiancé Shauna Wall, 32, and their four-year-old daughter Halle when he spotted the bizarre scenes. The family, from County Meath, Ireland, said sunseekers would wait at one of the three busy pool entrances each day, determined to get the best spots. Aaron claimed he saw tourists starting to queue from 9am - despite the pool opening at 10am. Unbelievable footage showed the racing Brits sprint for their lives as they swarmed the pool area to secure the sunniest seats. Dozens are seen waiting by the entrances, one of which is blocked by just one lone lifeguard. As he lets them in when the clock strikes 10am - scores of swimmers descend on the sunbeds in a mad panic. Content creator Aaron said: "The queues would get pretty long. "Once the barriers opened, all the rules went - people were jumping the queue, and some were properly running." Aaron quipped that he had to don running shoes in order to beat the crowds and secure his seat. Shock moment two Brit women brawl on Tenerife street as leering yobs spur them on sparking local fury on holiday island Despite the chaos, he was seen appearing to have found a well-placed sunbed. He added that there were "definitely enough beds" - but that this didn't stop Brit tourists forming lines to win the best spots. "I thought it was hilarious, I've seen videos of it online before but it was the first time I experienced it myself," he said. "We got a good laugh out of it." 5 5 The footage went viral after another similar scramble involving hasty Brits in Magaluf was caught on camera. A Manchester holidaymaker was left absolutely fuming after vigilantes swiped towels from her sun lounger that she had reserved due to her disability. Wheelchair user Elaine Simpson, 77, had been given permission from staff to book out the spot, before Brit sunbathers intervened. She was staying at the Aquasol Aparthotel near Magaluf with her family to mark her 51st wedding anniversary. Joined by her husband and teenage grandkids for the trip, they were set for a much-needed week's break in the sun. But when they arrived, she was put into a hotel room that was five floors up and as far from the pool as they could have been. Because she suffers from chronic arthritis and is in a wheelchair, this made it a challenge to claim a hotel sunbed at opening time. She told the Sun: "We could never have made it down for 9am to get a sunbed. "So we went out to the beach and paid for sunbeds for the whole week." Another Brit tourist defended the controversial practice of putting towels on sunbeds amid the blazing row. Rachel McGuigan and her husband David enjoyed a plush vacation in Turkey, but divided opinion after they put their towels on their poolside beds for half an hour while they went for their morning meal. She got angry reactions from some holidaymakers.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Meath County Council awarded over €100,000 for biodiversity projects
The announcement was made by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne, TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan, TD. The funding comes under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), a scheme established in 2018 to help local authorities implement biodiversity actions at local and regional levels. Since its creation, almost €11m has been distributed through the fund. Minister James Browne said: 'Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. He added: 'I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress.' Minister Christopher O'Sullivan highlighted the range of work being undertaken: 'I'm really impressed with the diversity of projects funded this year. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, Woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands.' Meanwhile Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer with Meath County Council, also welcomed the support. He said: 'We're delighted with the support received this year through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Our projects in Meath build on the success of previous years, supporting people to create habitats for wildlife, managing our own lands better for biodiversity, addressing urgent conservation needs and adding to our state of knowledge on biodiversity in the county.' Among the projects funded in Meath this year are: County Meath Wetland Survey – Phase 1 County Meath Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Survey – Phase 1 Invasive Alien Species Project – Quagga Mussel in Lough Sheelin Invasive Alien Species Project – Common Cordgrass in the Nanny Estuary Recording Irish Mayfly – establishing conservation status The Hare's Corner – assisting landowners to create new habitats for biodiversity Commons of Lloyd Biodiversity and Conservation Agriculture Project Continuation of Barn Owl Conservation Project Development of the Woodland Bat Monitoring Scheme Community biodiversity initiatives and outreach support This funding is said to support the objectives of Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, Actions For Nature, launched in January 2024. For the first time, the plan has been published on a statutory basis under the Wildlife Amendment Act 2023, requiring public bodies to integrate biodiversity into their policies and report on progress. By 2050, the plan envisions that 'Biodiversity in Ireland is valued, conserved, restored and sustainably used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Telegraph
31-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The 10 best day trips in and near Dublin
While Dublin has plenty to keep you occupied, there is also loads to see and do just outside the city. Within 30 minutes, you can be out exploring the coastline, from tiny fishing villages with seafood restaurants around the harbour to hiking trails that lead to epic views. A little farther afield, there are historic towns, mountain ranges and Neolithic sites to explore, and if you have a car you can check out the gorgeous countryside that starts right on the city's doorstep. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Dublin. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Dublin. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, see our expert guides to Dublin's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do. Find a day trip by type: History Coast Culture Nature History Brú na Bóinne Older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge, this collection of Neolithic passage tombs is the shining star of Ireland's heritage sites. Entry is by guided tour only, and includes the grassy domed Knowth, with remarkably preserved megalithic art around its edge, and the star attraction Newgrange, the tomb of which you can enter. On the winter solstice, this chamber aligns perfectly with the sunrise and is illuminated with a stream of light, which is re-enacted on the tour. Contact: Area: County Meath How to get there: 1 hour drive from Dublin Powerscourt Estate With 47 acres of elaborate gardens, a Palladian mansion to explore and Ireland's highest waterfall, there's plenty at Powerscourt to keep you entertained for the day. Start off with a stroll around the grounds, checking out the view of the house from the Italian garden and visiting the pet cemetery, before lunch in the Avoca café and a drive round to the waterfall (bear in mind this costs extra). There's a great playground there, too. Kilkenny History buffs will be kept happy in the medieval city of Kilkenny, where fossils are embedded into the marble pavements and tiny tunnels and arches are dotted throughout the city centre. Start at Kilkenny Castle, an imposing 13th-century structure with beautiful state rooms – take a guided tour and you get to walk behind the velvet ropes. Afterwards, head out on the Medieval Mile Trail to learn about the city's historical links to witchcraft. Coast Howth It's scenic, charming and easy to reach by train – the fishing village of Howth ticks all the boxes for a quick and easy day trip from Dublin. From the Dart (train) station, walk along the harbourfront until you reach the Howth Cliff Path, a hiking trail that takes you up and over the heather-covered cliffs, high above the waves crashing below. Afterwards, head to one of the restaurants by the harbour for local lobster and crab, drenched in garlic butter. Killiney and Dalkey This chi-chi borough is where you'll find some of the wealthiest Dubliners, who live in the grand mansions overlooking the sea. You could spend a day pottering around the pretty village of Dalkey, but if you're up for a hike, the walk down the coast to Killiney is stunning, passing a popular sea (and nude) swimming spot, then up to Killiney Hill, where you can stand on top of the pyramid for exceptional views over the bay. Culture Athlone This pretty city on the water makes for a nice and easy day trip – kick things off at the 12th-century Athlone Castle, walking through the interactive exhibits (and picking up a cannonball), and then head up to the turrets for a great view of the town. Afterwards, pop into the nearby Luan Gallery before grabbing a bite at one of the riverside restaurants, or go for a drink in Sean's Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland, which dates back to AD 900. Belfast At just over two hours from Dublin by train, Belfast is a great shout for a quick hop over the border. Most sights are within easy reach of Grand Central Station, so stroll around the buzzy Cathedral Quarter, splashed with street art, or browse St George's Market at the weekend. The excellent Titanic Belfast is a little farther out, but you can catch the bus if you don't fancy the stroll along the riverside. Nature Wicklow Mountains National Park You often catch a glimpse of them as you fly into Dublin, but the Wicklow Mountains look even better up close. Drive to the national park and use that as your base for a hike – Djouce is challenging but beautiful, and the trail overlooks the inky black Lough Tay, otherwise known as Guinness Lake. Afterwards, head into Roundwood for a bite to eat. Mourne Mountains You will need a car to get there, but once you arrive, the Mournes are well worth the trek. Supposedly the inspiration for CS Lewis when he was writing The Chronicles of Narnia, these sweeping mountains are dappled with heather and gorse, and dotted with still, calm lakes. Walk one of the trails in Castlewellan Forest Park, or drive the six-mile Slieve Gullion loop, one of the most scenic in Northern Ireland. Contact: Area: Newry How to get there: 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Dublin Cavan Lakes This corner of Ireland is often bypassed for the more popular spots, but to miss it would be a shame – there are dense forests, peaceful lakes and tiny islands scattered throughout the water. Aim for Killykeen Forest Park and walk around the woodland trails, or book into one of the activities with Cavan Adventure Centre, where you can kayak to the crumbling remains of Clough Oughter Castle on a tiny island, or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider's perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Originally from Sussex, Nicola Brady went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. She's now based in Dublin, where she spends her time either eating or planning her next meal.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Inside the aftermath of one of Liverpool's darkest days
Treading slowly out of their Airbnb on to the heavily-policed street, the O'Brien family turned to inspect the aftermath of the appalling events the evening before. Behind the tangled cordon, empty beer bottles and takeaway boxes were strewn across the deserted road. In the distance, a forensic officer checked the road surface for evidence. For the sombre-looking family-of-four, it was like waking up from a violent nightmare, hoping it was just a dream. But it wasn't. Less than 24 hours earlier, the group were among thousands of joyous Liverpool fans packed into the street for their team's Premier League -winning parade. Unbeknown to them was they were in the path of a Ford Galaxy vehicle that would turn the city's party of the year into a horror show. Only for young Liverpool fans pushing them out of the way, the family from County Meath in Ireland were saved from joining the 65 confirmed casualties. The youngest - Danny, aged 11 - still appeared visibly shaken as he stood next to his father, Paul, and grandparents, Marie and Peter. 'For the little fella to see it going on - it's very hard to understand,' said his 39-year-old father. As dawn broke on Tuesday, many in the city had questions over how the vehicle entered Water Street, with an investigation only in its early stages. But for the O'Briens, they were just thankful to be able to walk away. "It [the car] passed us by inches, and then it continued and we could actually hear the thuds of people being hit,' said Paul. 'It was just a terrible scene. There were kids, men and women on the ground. "The men who pushed us out of the way were amazing, it was heroic stuff, young Liverpool supporters. They didn't think for a second, only for those people they don't know." As the rain came down on Tuesday, the closed-off section of road turned into a central point for grief for dozens of Liverpool supporters. CCTV obtained by The Independent showed the moment the vehicle moved down Dale Street, through the crowds, before entering Water Street. Fans had confronted the vehicle before it finally came to a stop, with four people trapped underneath. On Tuesday, many observers walked to the police cordon where they took pictures, hugged each other. One person laid flowers. Donna Skeldon, aged 51, from the Isle of Wight, was tearful as she retold how she fled in terror down a side street when the violence broke out. "I was just running in a panic," she said. "We weren't sure what was happening, but when you see so many people running, you just run for your life because you don't know what's happening.' She heard thuds as she ran, fearing at first they could be gun shots before looking around to see people hitting the car after it had come to a stop. 'It's horrible to think you're in that sort of situation. You never want to be there again, seeing the horror in front of you.' While the day had initially started out as a celebration, the city centre soon emptied as emergency services battled to bring the scene under control. Lisa Meiklajohn, 38, said: 'We were in the Reds Bar last night and it was meant to be a big ticketed event, but it was completely quiet. It was a somber mood. People just didn't want to go out. They were upset.' Others voiced frustration at how the vehicle had been able to hit the crowds. Ruben Derby, aged 26, said: 'You have so many people at an event - how can a car be able to get inside the roadblock and do this? Later in the evening, at Merseyside Police's headquarters in the city centre, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims explained the car was believed to have followed an ambulance as it responded to a man suffering a suspected heart attack. While 11 people remain in hospital, officers are still questioning a 53-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said the public had showed an 'incredible response' in helping the police in its investigation. It emerged that off-duty staff came into work at the city's hospitals. Clearly, the city was shook by the incident - but many at the police cordon also showed a steely resilience. Caio Cesar, 31, from Brazil, said: 'These are things that this city has unfortunately a bit of experience with. The people and the city know how to recover - and we will.'
