Bring some positivity to your day with this list of wonderful initiatives and heartwarming news from around the country
Longford Town Night-Time Economy grant initiative opens second round of funding
In exciting news for the county, the Longford County Council has announced details of a second round of funding under the Longford Town Night-Time Economy grant scheme. The council is seeking proposals from local businesses, community groups, collaborators, and individuals to develop projects that will support the growth and diversity of the night-time economy in Longford Town. Funding will support applicants who wish to try new and exciting concepts after 6pm between Sunday and Thursday. Funding under this grant initiative is now open with a closing date of Friday, 15 August. Click here for more information.
Woodie’s launches annual fundraiser for Irish children’s charities
Having raised more than €4.1 million since 2015, the Woodie’s Heroes campaign is back once again from 13 July to 9 August. Now in its eleventh year, the campaign is the annual fundraiser in support of Irish children’s charities and this year Childline by ISPCC, Down Syndrome Ireland, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, and Cancer Fund for Children are set to benefit. The charities are chosen each year by Woodie’s colleagues and 100% of the money raised goes directly to the charities and is divided evenly among them. See woodies.ie for more.
200-year-old Cork pub undergoes dramatic transformation
One of Cork’s oldest pubs and most iconic pubs, Clancy’s, is entering an exciting new chapter in its remarkable 200-year history. Following a recent refurbishment, Clancy’s now has four new experiences under one roof – Arthur’s Bar @ Clancy’s, offering an immersive Guinness experience; 1824 @ Clancy’s, a new first floor restaurant serving contemporary Irish food; a premium cocktail lab; and a rooftop party bar in their Sky Bar. Bookings are now open at clancyscork.ie, with walk-ins welcome.
‘Swim the Bay Your Way’ with this 13km global swim challenge
This year marks 20 years of the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim. Since the first crossing in 2004 with just three swimmers, the event has grown into one of Ireland’s largest and most loved open water challenges. To mark this anniversary, organisers are inviting people everywhere to take on the challenge their own way, by swimming the same distance of 13km throughout the month of August in any body of water that suits them. Whether it’s in a sea, lake, river or pool, swimmers of all levels are encouraged to get involved. Click here to take part.
Therapeutic children’s cancer facility to begin construction in Co Mayo
Children’s cancer charity, Cancer Fund for Children, has announced that construction of Daisy Lodge, a €20 million therapeutic short break centre for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, will begin in August 2025. Built on the shores of Lough Corrib, Co Mayo, it will offer families impacted by childhood cancer the chance to enjoy complementary therapies and nutritious meals, take part in family activities, and connect with others going through similar experiences. Click here for more information.
Cooking and storytelling combine in this immersive dining experience
Fans of great food and how it’s made should check out Chef’s Stories by Roe & Co Distillery, a new, immersive culinary and whiskey experience. Over four weekends in August and September, a selection of Ireland’s top culinary talents will take over the Distillery with a specially created menu inspired by their individual food journeys, all paired with delicious Roe & Co cocktails. Click here for tickets.
Boots partners with Spotlight Oral Care to tackle hygiene poverty
Back-to-school month is a financial strain for many families and what often gets overlooked are the essential hygiene products that are critical for a child’s health, dignity, and ability to thrive in the classroom. Boots is partnering with Irish brand, Spotlight Oral Care, in support of its charitable partner, Hygiene Hub, for its vital Back-to-School campaign. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial pressure on families struggling with rising costs by addressing hygiene poverty. From 14 July to 8 August, for every Spotlight Oral Care product purchased in any of Boots 94 stores across Ireland, Spotlight Oral Care will donate a bamboo toothbrush to Hygiene Hub.
Cork artisan pizzeria celebrates 10 years in business
Oak Fire Pizza, the artisan wood-fired pizzeria born in West Cork, is celebrating its 10th year in business in Clonakilty this month. To mark the mile-stone, they have created a limited edition dish called the ‘Clonakilty Breakfast’, which features the famous Clonakilty black pudding, sausage, bacon, fior di latte, and a drizzle of hollandaise. Founded by Andrew Loane (a former electrician turned food entrepreneur) and Tayfur Turkan, the company has grown from one oven to nine thriving outlets across Cork, with 90+ staff and a reputation for high-quality, handmade pizza using Cork ingredients.
Dublin restaurant introduces the ‘Late Bird Menu’
Glas, the acclaimed plant-based and gluten-free restaurant in Dublin 2, is shaking up the weekend dining scene with the launch of its new “Late Bird Menu.” Inspired by a growing dining trend in London, the Late Bird Menu offers night owls a chance to enjoy Glas’ full menu at a discounted price – 2 courses for €32 or 3 courses for €36 – exclusively for Friday and Saturday bookings between 9pm and 9.30pm. See glasrestaurant.ie for more.
Kerry shop assistant releases inspiring book of poetry
Kilgarvan man DJ Kelleher works as a shop assistant but is now an accomplished artist and poet as well. DJ honed his poetic skills while studying at the National Learning Network (NLN) Tralee which provides a range of free courses to people who have had an accident, illness, injury or have a disability and extra support needs. During this time, DJ completed a work placement with Mr Price in Killarney as the company actively supports those with disabilities in finding employment. DJ’s book and journey is a testament to what can be achieved when every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. His debut work DREAM, REACH, DO was published recently and is available to buy in Mr Price, Killarney.
TikTok is going wild as #IrishHistory creators share Ireland’s hidden gems
Never underestimate the power of TikTok marketing. Ireland’s natural beauty has long had a loyal fanbase on TikTok but there’s another side of Irish travel trending on TikTok as #IrishHistory creators have now become the country’s unofficial digital archaeologists. In response to growing interest in this type of content, TikTok launched the Irish History Hub earlier this year to spotlight the creators uncovering the nation’s past in engaging new ways. As global interest grows, the hub aims to make Ireland’s rich heritage even more accessible and discoverable.
Meath hotel adds dog-friendly lodges to its guest accommodation
The Johnstown Estate hotel and spa has just launched a number of dog-friendly lodges, making it easier than ever for guests to travel with their canine companions. A great option for families or couples travelling with pets, the stylish self-catering lodges can accommodate groups of 4 or 5 and booking is simple – just reserve your lodge and select the number of dogs you’d like to bring during checkout (€40 per dog). See thejohnstownestate.com for more details.
