Ireland’s First Vintage Bridal Fair Ireland’s first Vintage Bridal Fair makes its debut at Malone House this Sunday, providing brides-to-be with unique ideas and inspiration for the big day. Hosted by Decadence, the organiser of Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fairs, the event will feature 40 exhibitors showcasing elegant vintage bridalwear, prom dresses, evening gowns, accessories and jewellery, making this event the perfect destination for brides, wedding guests and ladies seeking a stunning vintage frock for a fabulous event. (more…)

I have 10 FREE pairs of Bloom Tickets to win in the Gardening.ie competition

Bloom is Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family event and returns to the Phoenix Park Dublin this June bank holiday weekend for 5 days (Thursday 3rd – Monday 7th June).

To be in with a chance of winning one of 10 pairs of tickets for this fabulous event simply answer a simple question:

Go to the gardening.ie website for more details and to send in your entry

The closing date is Friday May 21st 2010

I am delighted to see that the magic of a good Christmas market is casting its spell over more and more Irish towns each year. Traditional Christmas Markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout the country, are becoming increasingly popular. Not only do they evoke an enchanting festive atmosphere but in the ever present economic doldrums, they present the perfect and powerful answer to supporting your local economy!

For my book, I can simply not think of a better way of getting hold of that unusual or rare Christmas pressie that doesn′t smack of commercialism.  These markets are full of craft work, artisan foods and gift ideas that are not mass-produced but guaranteed real quality. Add to that a good splash of mulled wine and your favourite Christmas carols and I think you′re in for a real treat!!  Below I have listed the Chrismas markets I myself know about, and also those that our readers have kindly flagged to me!!  No doubt I have missed lots, so if you know of one that isn′t listed here, please drop me a quick email and I will be happy to add it! (more…)

Here in GreenMe, we love to treat ourselves.   But not if it’s at the cost of the environment.
In this age of fast consumerism we are constantly fighting the urge not to indulge in the latest must have for the home or ourselves.

For that reason we are bringing you exciting news of how you can relieve your eco-concience and still partake in some shopping therapy!!  Next week the well known Mullingar Auction House are hosting another of their famous events; (more…)

Fancy meeting some like-minded souls, or networking with other green thinkers and green businesses?

If you’re in Dublin next Tuesday evening (November 3rd) then why not come along to the Science Gallery for this month’s Green Drink (6-8pm).

Green Drinks is an international movement, providing an informal space where people interested in the environment can meet to exchange ideas and information.

The Dublin event has been meeting for a year or so, on the 1st Tuesday of each month. It’s a very friendly gathering, organised by Jarrod from LeafLiving.com, and all are welcome.  Don’t worry about not knowing anyone — just take a seat and you’ll soon strike up a conversation with people around you.

But here I should declare an interest, as I’m the guest speaker at the November event. Given the location in TCD’s science faculty, I’ll be looking at how knowing a little science can help us to live a little more sustainably. In the 20 minutes or so that are allowed, I hope to give people some practical techniques for saving time and money, based on the 101 tips in my book, Drive like a Woman, Shop like a Man: greener is cheaper.

Admission is free, and there’s a special 10% discount on the price of the book.  And if you do come along, don’t forget to come up and say Hello!

(c) MaryMulvihill.net 2009

Fancy a cookery demo with Neven Mcguire? Or learning how to save 30% on your food bills, while not scrimping on quality? Or an incredible 40 stall local food market?
These are amongst the 30+ events at this year’s Harvest Feast in Leitrim, which runs from 11th-13th September, in and around Drumshanbo in County Leitrim. Supported by Failte Ireland and Bord Bia, the programme includes talks, walks, tastings, competitions, children’s  events, demonstrations and more.
Speaking at the launch of the Harvest Feast, Minister for Food Trevor Sargent, said that it will “emphasise all that is great about great food: regional specialities, heritage and traditional food”.
This year’s Harvest Feast will tickle and treat the foodie and the ecotourist alike:  How about the full Leitrim breakfast to complement an organic farm biodiversity walk? The walk on Tommy Early’s farm will feature moiled cattle, moths, wetlands, on a 100 acre farm fringed by 2 miles of incredible lakeshore. All the easier with boxty in the belly after breakfast, eh?
Now in its third year, this is one of Ireland’s most impressive and affordable food festivals in Ireland.
 Not only are many events free, there are also two free talks and demonstrations on reducing your food bills by 30% without compromising on quality. Sian Breslin of the Donegal Manor Cookery School will reveal how to better plan your meals, how to develop recipe lists while keeping your focus on good healthy and nutritious food.
The talks and demos are great value at just 10 Euros, and include members of Ireland’s Blue Book and Good Food Ireland, such as Coopershill Venison and  Gleenson’s of Roscommon.
You could try: an eco walk and windmill tour; or enter a blackberry jam competition. The Galway Hooker micro brew beer and fruit wine tasting is sure to be popular, situated as it is when afternoon turns to evening on Saturday, after so many wonderful talks, demos, and delectables.
The local food market is simply unmissable; breads by Jinnys and Morning Star; cheeses by Corleggy; confectionary, wines, and the incredible vegetable and fruit selections of Lisadell and the Tatty Hoaker are just a scattering of the stalls.
There’s also a chance to find out more about allotments and community gardening; or hear about Surf Seeds, Tim Rooney’s Dragon’s Den product.
The festival is organised by the Greenbox, Leitrim Organic Farmers ‘ Co-op, the Food Hub and the National Organic Training Skillnets – all key organisations in food and tourism in the north west.
 So get ready for the dastardly delicious Harvest Feast, which starts Friday 11th  September.
For more, see www.harvestfeast.ie  ring 071 9640868 or find the Harvest Feast on Facebook, Twitter and Flikr.

Have you got what it takes to launch yourself into comic book immortality?

GreenMe is inviting people everywhere to become the ultimate Ethical Paddy.  ‘To do this we want you to create a short video of how you are doing your bit to lessen your impact on the environment.’

With everybody fed up with the doom and gloom of the recession, Ethical Paddy couldn’t come at a better time.

Win A Volvo DRIVe

The outright winner of Ethical Paddy voted by the public will drive away with the latest brand new Volvo DrivE!

Details:  The competition requires each podcast to be at least 30 seconds long but not exceeding 3 minutes. Click on the link or more details, ideas and inspiration on Ethical Paddy.

Get filming now and you could be Ireland’s 1st superhero since Saint Patrick!

The GreenMe Awards sponsored by Volvo DrivE, GreenStar & NITB.

The GreenMe Awards recognise and reward work that communicates the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility, sustainable development and ethical best practice in business or the community.

Below are the nominees for the GreenMe Awards

GreenMe Award Nominees Swords

Date: July 20th:

Venue: HB Dennis Volvo Dealership, Airside Motor Park, Swords

Time: 5 – 7.00 pm

Dimpco
Irish Energy Ratings
Java Republic
Natural Energy Systems
Enerstar
KSA
Cornucopia
The Farm Restaurant
Malahide Tidy Towns Committee
Skerries Mills
Clarion Hotel Airport
Westin Hotel

Congratulations to Java Republic, the overall winner of the GreenMe Awards, Swords, 2009.

GreenMe Award Nominees Galway

Date: July 21st:

Venue: Kenny Galway LTD, City North Business Park. Tuam Road, Galway

Time: 5 – 7.00 pm

Nutherm Galway
Wow Energy
CEL Energy Ireland
Gilmartin Group
Green Earth Organics
Pro Air
Eco Wise
Energy Matters
Promtech Engineering
Ardilaun House
Galway Bay Hotel
An Gairdin
Thermo King
Boston Scientific
White Witch

Congratulations to Nutherm Galway, the overall winner of the GreenMe Awards, Galway, 2009

GreenMe Award Nominees Limerick

Date: July 22nd

Venue: Lyons of Limerick, Ballysimon Road, Limerick

Time: 5 – 7.00 pm

Adare Manor
Carey Glass
Pure Energy
Wind Energy Direct
Radisson SAS
An T-Ionad Glas
Brothers of Charity
Adare Tidy Towns Commitee
Limerick Youth Service
Mustard Seed Restaurant
Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel
Castletroy Park Hotel
Greenseal

Award ceremony yet to be held.

GreenMe Award Nominees Cork

Date: July 23rd

Venue: Kenny, Johnson & Perrot Motor Group, Mahonpoint Retail Park, Cork

Time: 5 – 7.00 pm

Kedco
Ashgrove
Howard Holdings
Genertech
AHAC
Ballymaloe House
Radission SAS
Clonakilty Fair Trade town committee
Kinsale Tidy Town committee
La Paradiso Restaurant
Fairtrade Cork
Hairy Baby
Alternative Heating
Aquatech
Arbutus Breads
Baby Nation
Organico Cafe

Award ceremony yet to be held.

GreenMe Award Nominees Sandyford

Date: July 24th

Venue: Spirit Motor Group,  Arena Road, Sandyford Business Park

Time: 5 – 7.00 pm

Modec
Jagtech
Sheep Wool Insulation
E Construction Products
MTD Solution
Dimpco
Henco (Green House)
Unipipe
Construct Ireland
Allianz
Citi Group
Mosart
Organic Supermarket
Eco Cem
Emission Zero
Eden Bee

Congratulations to MosArt, the overall winner of the GreenMe Awards, Swords, 2009.

 

 

Ireland’s first national Bike Week June 14th – 21st, is challenging families to get more out of life by swapping their four wheels for two and exploring new places in their local community. Towns, villages and cities across Ireland will host free cycling events with the theme of ‘Get more out of life: live local, get cycling’.

Thousands of events will inspire people to hop on their bikes and discover the benefits and pleasures of cycling locally. Over half of all car journeys are less than five miles long, so by switching them to an easy thirty minute bike ride, you’ll save money, find new places you didn’t know existed, shrink your carbon footprint and get fit too!

There’s something for everyone during Bike Week, with events ranging from free bike check ups to family fun days, bike workshops to mountain bike races and all for free! Many are open to the entire family meaning it’s a great way to spend time together and meet other locals while rediscovering the fun of riding a bike in a safe and friendly environment.

Noel Dempsey, Minister for Transport  who is closely involed with Bike Week said “I want to see a new culture of cycling in Ireland by 2020. I want to see 10% of all trips to work being made by bike within the next twelve years”.

To find out what is taking place in your local area, visit www.bikeweek.ie. If you’d like to take part but don’t have a bike, this shouldn’t stop you – you can find your nearest bike rental outlet on the website.  So go on get on your bike….

The County Donegal Heritage Forum invite you to:

Event:              Launch of ‘Biodiversity Species List for County Donegal’ & presentation entitled ‘Diversity Counts’ by Ralph Sheppard, Gaia Associates

Venue:             Glenveagh Castle, Glenveagh National Park, Church Hill, County Donegal

Date:                Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Time:               5:00 p.m.  A free bus will be provided from the Visitors’ Centre, Glenveagh National Park to Glenveagh Castle from 4:30 p.m.

Cost:                Free (Free copies of the biodiversity species list will be available at the launch)

Purpose:          The purpose of the ‘Biodiversity Species List for County Donegal’ is to document and raise awareness of the biological diversity that exists in the county.  Dr. Liam Lysaght, Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, will launch the species list.  The preparation of a ‘Biodiversity Species List for County Donegal’ is an action of the County Donegal Heritage Plan (2007-2011).

Sponsors:         County Donegal Heritage Office, Donegal County Council, The Heritage Council & National Parks & Wildlife Service

RSVP:               Please contact: Glenveagh National Park at (074) 913 7090