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Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Re-enactment of Daniel O'Connell's famous speech to take place in Cork town this Friday
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Irish political leader who was one of Ireland's foremost politicians in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Kerry native has often been hailed in his time as The Liberator. O'Connell a qualified barrister was the acknowledged political leader of Ireland's Roman Catholic majority in the first half of the 19th century. Born near Cahersiveen on August 6, 1775, O'Connell was instrumental in the Catholic Emancipation Act that granted political and civil rights to Catholics in Ireland. He was also a leading abolitionist who sought to ban the international slave trade in the early 1800s. Two of Ireland's major cities – Limerick and Dublin – have their main streets named in honour of O'Connell. He staged one of his famous Monster Meetings in Mallow on June 11, 1843 which attracted a reported crowd of 250,000 people from all over north Cork and further afield at the Repeal of the Act of Union meeting. 40 bands also marched in the parade. The heights and fields were crowded with spectators. As a person, O'Connell was extraordinary. Deeply popular with the public, rather than being a 'populist', he could explain the essence of complex arguments to audiences of thousands. O'Connell's constitutional approach was carried on by Thomas Davis and by Charles Stewart Parnell. ADVERTISEMENT Friday's re-enactment in Mallow town will attempt to recreate the events of that famous day in Mallow history. A number of monster repeal meetings were held at various locations throughout Ireland and preparations for the great Mallow Repeal Meeting commenced in October 1842. During a powerful oration Mr O'Connell told the captivated audience that there was one thing which gave him pleasure, and that was the length of time he enjoyed the confidence of the people. He was counsel for Ireland – the people were his clients - he had none other. He also told the spectators that he had given up the profession in which he was successful; and now for the remainder of his life he was resolved to devote himself to the advocacy of the Irish people and old Ireland. The speech by Daniel O'Connell in Mallow became known as the Mallow Defiance. The famous sculptor John Hogan carved an 18 feet marble statue of O'Connell which is located in the City Hall in Dublin. Famous orator Daniel O'Connell made his first ever speech in 1800 in City Hall, then called the Royal Exchange, and his statue shows him as an orator, raising his right hand to make a point. In November 1841, O'Connell became Lord Mayor of Dublin, another reason for having his statue in City Hall, where council meetings are still held.


Fashion Network
02-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Astrid & Miyu to open Cosmic Airstream pop-ups
British jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu, which is known for its customisable and stackable designs, is prepping for the launch of its first-ever Cosmic Airstream trailer pop-up, what it says is 'a unique pop-up experience celebrating the arrival of the new Birthstone Collection and expanding charms category'. It's happening in London and Manchester with the mobile store appearing at the Battersea Power Station mall later this week and at the weekend (from 5-8 June) and at Spinningfields Manchester seven days later (12-15 June). The pop-ups will offer 'an immersive, personal experience designed to help customers connect with their jewellery in meaningful and memorable ways'. What that means in practice includes birth chart readings, astral stacking sessions, and charm mixing and matching, with the Cosmic Airstream described as 'the ultimate personalisation suite'. Astrid & Miyu is also partnering with Gooey to provide bespoke cream treats throughout the two events. The direct-to-consumer jewellery brand was set up in 2012 by CEO Connie Nam from her flat in London's Notting Hill after she 'struggled to find contemporary jewellery at affordable prices'. Earlier this year it opened its first store in Manchester with a standalone in the Royal Exchange. This was prompted by 'significant customer demand', it said. Last autumn it opened a significantly upsized flagship in London's Soho at 5-7 Foubert's Place.


Fashion Network
02-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Astrid & Miyu to open Cosmic Airstream pop-ups
British jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu, which is known for its customisable and stackable designs, is prepping for the launch of its first-ever Cosmic Airstream trailer pop-up, what it says is 'a unique pop-up experience celebrating the arrival of the new Birthstone Collection and expanding charms category'. It's happening in London and Manchester with the mobile store appearing at the Battersea Power Station mall later this week and at the weekend (from 5-8 June) and at Spinningfields Manchester seven days later (12-15 June). The pop-ups will offer 'an immersive, personal experience designed to help customers connect with their jewellery in meaningful and memorable ways'. What that means in practice includes birth chart readings, astral stacking sessions, and charm mixing and matching, with the Cosmic Airstream described as 'the ultimate personalisation suite'. Astrid & Miyu is also partnering with Gooey to provide bespoke cream treats throughout the two events. The direct-to-consumer jewellery brand was set up in 2012 by CEO Connie Nam from her flat in London's Notting Hill after she 'struggled to find contemporary jewellery at affordable prices'. Earlier this year it opened its first store in Manchester with a standalone in the Royal Exchange. This was prompted by 'significant customer demand', it said. Last autumn it opened a significantly upsized flagship in London's Soho at 5-7 Foubert's Place.

Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Scotsman
Why Edinburgh never gets boring
Edinburgh isn't just a city—it's an experience. With its dramatic skyline, winding alleyways, and lively cultural scene, it effortlessly blends the charm of the past with the pulse of the present. Whether you're visiting for the first time or you call it home, Edinburgh always finds a way to surprise you. In this guide, we've gathered top picks for what to see and do—from iconic sites to hidden spots loved by locals. Ready to discover the best of Scotland's capital? Let's dive in. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Study Historic and Cultural Attractions You can start your journey by visiting Edinburgh's historical and cultural landmarks. Whilst there are many options available, we believe the most important ones are the following: Edinburgh Castle: We can easily say that this is the most iconic attraction in the city. It is located on top of Castle Rock and has a history of almost 900 years. It was the personal residence of Malcolm III in the 11th century and was in active use until 1633. You can join a guided tour and remember that when you get to the top, you will see a breathtaking view of Edinburgh. Why Edinburgh Never Gets Boring The Royal Mile: This is actually a general name given to a series of streets and covers a large part of the Old Town of Edinburgh. You can continue here right after your visit to the Castle because they are very close. You can find many historical buildings, shops and pubs here. The Real Mary King's Close: Most of the Royal Mile was demolished and buried during the Royal Exchange in the 17th century, but there are still parts of it underground that you can visit. This place was named after Mary King, one of the famous merchants of that period, and since this Close has hardly changed, it allows you to see what Edinburgh looked like at that time. However, we should also point out that it can be a bit of a 'haunted' vibe. Palace of Holyroodhouse: This is the official residence of the British king in Scotland and has been in use since 1128. However, its history of over 800 years also makes it one of the most important historical structures in Scottish history. You should visit the gardens of this palace, and if you join a guided tour, you can learn about its connections to historical figures such as Queen Mary of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Edinburgh Dungeon: Did you know that there is a dungeon right under the city centre of Edinburgh? This place offers a live theatre show with visual effects and allows you to see important characters from the city's past up close. After having a look at the city's history, how about visiting the museums? You can also find plenty of them in Edinburgh. Unwind in Edinburgh with Online Games Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you've spent all day sightseeing in Edinburgh, you might feel like taking a break. Instead of heading out again, you can relax in your hotel and try your luck with a few online casino games. Taking into account that many UK online casinos offer no deposit bonuses of different values, your gaming pastime will not cost anything to you. The most popular type of such is a £10 no deposit bonus that guarantees extra money from the kickstart for your fun pastime. In turn, you can pick games of your interest and have fun! Where to find the top offers of this kind? Enjoy the games without spending a cent, and be ready for your getaway in the city! Enjoy Museums and Galleries The following are some of the museums and galleries that are worth visiting in Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland: If you're interested in Scottish history, start here: it's free to enter and there's plenty to discover about local culture. With around 2 million visitors a year, it's Scotland's most popular visitor attraction. National Galleries of Scotland: This is probably the best place to visit for art lovers. You can browse both Scottish and international artworks. You'll also find exhibitions by local artists here. The National Galleries of Scotland are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: Do you enjoy optical illusions, puzzles, and the history of photography? You'll find all of these and more here. It also has one of the best rooftop views in Edinburgh. If you're looking for a peaceful walk after the museums, galleries and historic buildings, there are several places to stroll around. Stroll Through Picturesque Neighbourhoods and Gardens Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To take photos and enjoy a pleasant walk with your family or friends, we propose you go to the following places: Dean Village: It's safe to say that this is a hidden gem. If you want to take stunning photos, Dean Village is a must-visit: most of the Edinburgh photos you see on social media are from here. It wouldn't be wrong to use the word 'picturesque' to describe this village. Some places you should consider visiting here include Well Court, Dean Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Stockbridge: This is known as the 'hipster district' and is home to some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture. If you want to check out local shops and cafés during your walk, this is probably the best option. We also highly recommend going to the Stockbridge Market and the Royal Botanic Garden. Looking for more outdoor adventures and a scenic view? Think about stopping by the following: Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park: This is a place where you should go to witness a stunning 360-degree view of Edinburgh. However, it can be a bit physically difficult. It takes about one hour to climb, but if you take regular stops, it may take even longer. Yet, be sure it is worth it! When you finally reach the top, a breathtaking scenic view will greet you. This is actually an extinct volcano and is a great option for tourists looking for nature in the city. Calton Hill: It has panoramic views and many historical monuments. If you want to watch the sunset, you may go to Calton Hill. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the birthplace of astronomy. At the top, you can see the ruins of the Observatory House from the 1770s. The route will take no more than 15 minutes and is not complicated. Don't forget to take a photo of the Dugald Stewart Monument. Princes Street Gardens: These are located in the centre of Edinburgh and date back to 1820. They were created after the Nor Loch was emptied and are very close to the Old Town. They cover around 35 acres and are located north of the Royal Scottish Academy. This is a place known for its Christmas events, so if you go in December, you will have more to learn about. Royal Yacht Britannia: How about visiting Queen Elizabeth II's personal yacht? Active between 1954 and 1997, it is currently moored in Leith and has become a tourist stop. According to TripAdvisor, it was the number one attraction between 2023 and 2024. What's more, you can do more than just visit: part of the Royal Yacht Britannia has been converted into a hotel, where you can stay during your trip to Edinburgh. These are just the suggestions, but don't stop there: there's so much more to do and places to visit in Edinburgh. Just wandering around the streets of the Old Town can be a rewarding activity in itself. Come see everything this city has to offer!


Metro
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Coronation Street fans convinced major star is returning
Coronation Street fans are convinced a major star is returning to the ITV soap after a cryptic social media post. Fans have taken to Twitter/X to share their theories that Michelle Connor may be set to return to the cobbles, after actress Kym Marsh teased her next project on Instagram. Michelle was last seen taking a taxi out of Weatherfield in 2019, after a dramatic 13 year tenure. After her arrival on the street in 2006, Michelle was part of some big storylines, including the discovery that her son had been swapped at birth, the deaths of both of her brothers, a stalking ordeal, and a shooting. Perhaps her most moving storyline saw her tragically lose son Ruairi after going into early labour. Ahead of her exit, Michelle was involved in a dramatic love triangle that saw her discover that fiancé Robert Preston was leading a double life, having got Vicky Jefferies pregnant. Following the discovery, Michelle and Vicky teamed up to get revenge on Robert by framing him for Vicky's murder. However, they scrapped their plan when Vicky went into labour while in hiding, with Michelle forced to deliver the baby. Following Robert's death a few days later, Michelle moved back to Ireland, where she has been ever since. Now though, fans are wondering if she may be set to come home to Coronation Street. Taking to Instagram, Kym recently revealed that she needed to take a holiday after seven weeks of performing in Abigail's Party at the Royal Exchange in Manchester. She went on to tease that her next adventure was set to begin, alongside eight smiley face emojis. Fans instantly jumped on the post, taking to Twitter/X to share their hopes for a Michelle Connor return. 'Michelle Connor return looms,' one fan wrote, while another said, 'michelle connor is coming home'. '8 emojis in kym's story – 8 letters in 'michelle' so basically michelle connor is coming back to corrie iktr,' a third theorised. 'Timeline being filled with 'Kym Marsh return?' I need it like i need air,' another wrote, alongside a picture of Michelle with best friend Carla Connor (Alison King) at her ill-fated wedding to Nick Tilsley (Ben Price). Corrie fans previously picked up on a potential hint that Kym was returning to the cobbles, when make-up artist Gillian Walsh revealed that she'd had a special guest in her chair. The picture was posted just after it was announced that Kym had left Waterloo Road, which led fans to speculate that she may have been the special guest. Kym has previously said that she wouldn't rule out a return to the cobbles. More Trending 'I'd never say never to going back as I absolutely adore Coronation Street and I had some of my best years there,' she told The Sun. 'I learned so much on that show and I made so many friends. View More » 'But I left to kind of pursue other projects and I'm still in the middle of doing that, but, maybe one day!' MORE: Colson Smith lands 'exciting' new job after Coronation Street exit MORE: EastEnders newcomer Joel's real-life mum is famous too – do you recognise her? MORE: Emmerdale star 'welcomed back with warmth' as he reprises role after 19 years