Jennifer McShane
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Irish Writer. Always at the movies. Words: @YahooUK/ @HearstUk / @BAFTA / @BritishVogue / @glamourmagUK / @IrishTimes / @image_magazine / @IrishExaminer etc.
Articles by Jennifer McShane
Stories That Live And Breathe: Inside Celtic Tales Galway
“I do it every week”, Fulton says, just as he kicks off again for the spring season. Celtic Tales isn't just a one off event, it’s a regular gathering and an ode to the stories for which our Island has become so beloved. Fulton first came to Galway in 1999, without any long term plan to stay. “I've never had a plan in my life”, he laughs.
Permission to pause: A psychologist on the small changes that can help you recover from coughs and colds
Image / Self / Health & Wellness by 12th Jun 2026 For many women and mums, being sick with a cold or cough doesn’t mean stopping. Here, psychologist Dr Clodagh Campbell shares practical ways to slow down and support your recovery. With spring around the corner, there’s still a chill in the air, and many families are still battling the tail end of coughs and colds. But when illness sweeps through a household, it’s often women who keep everything running.
‘If I hadn’t meandered the way I did, I wouldn’t have been suitable for country head’: Melíosa O’Caoimh
But the story of how she got there is, by her own description, a meander. Melíosa trained as a chartered accountant and began her career with Arthur Andersen before spending eight years with Pioneer Global Investment, where a pivot away from the finance function and towards operations set the course for everything that followed. “I fell in love with the operations side of the business,” she says.
The 8 biggest renovation regrets experts see time and time again Original
Transforming your home is an exciting prospect, whether you're dreaming of a bigger kitchen, a brighter living space, or a layout that finally works for modern life. But not every renovation delivers the results homeowners hope for. From dark, impractical rooms and poor storage solutions to stripping out period features you'll later miss, some mistakes are so common that design experts are called in to fix them time and time again.
These Are The Sea Swim Spots Locals Love in The West
Sea swimming in the West of Ireland is never just about getting in and getting out. It is about tide, light, weather, local knowledge, and the places that stay with you long after you’ve dried off. We asked three swimmers to share their favourite, lesser-known or much-loved spots across Galway and the West. From White Strand in Co. Clare to Trá Sol, Glassilaun and Inishbofin, their answers are full of practical advice, personal memories and a shared respect for the water.
‘Your bloods are fine.’ Why that’s not good enough and the 5 numbers every woman should know
Image / Self / Health & Wellness by 21st May 2026 When it comes to heart health, most women are far better at minding everyone else than themselves. In a recent episode of IMAGE The Check-in focused on women’s heart health, consultant cardiologist Dr Róisín Colleran explains the five key numbers every woman should know and why we should stop accepting ‘fine’ as an answer when it comes to our hearts. If a doctor texts to say your results are normal, that should be reassuring.
Refreshing your home for spring? This Irish interiors studio offers a different kind of inspiration
After months of winter hibernation, there’s something about spring that makes us look at our homes with fresh eyes. Windows are thrown open, surfaces cleared, and suddenly the spaces we live in feel ready for a reset. But in a world of endless inspiration, knowing where to begin and what to bring in isn’t always so simple. That's where Dublin-based interior studio Jaqi can help. We’ve never had more access to interiors ideas.
Meet star of stage and screen, Galwegian actress Clare Barrett
Clare has one of those careers that makes you wonder how one person fits it all in. From Druid Shakespeare to horror film Fréwaka, from one-woman shows that toured the world to a forthcoming role in Element Pictures’ The Lost Children of Tuam, the Galwegian actress has done it all and brilliantly too. Now she’s back on the Abbey stage, playing the doting, scene-stealing matriarch Mrs.
9 Gorgeous Airbnb Stays in the West Worth Booking Now
From beachside cottages and Connemara hideaways to a converted bus, rally truck and alpaca farmstay, these character-filled escapes are made for a proper West of Ireland break. Sometimes, the place you stay is the whole point of the trip. Across Galway and the wider West, there are cottages tucked beside the Atlantic, design-led farmhouses in the Burren, big houses made for gatherings and the kind of memory-making stays you’ll still be talking about long after check-out.
‘Farmers deserved choice’: Ursula Kelly on growing Cormac Tagging into a leader in Irish agribusiness
Ursula Kelly, IMAGE PwC Family Businesswoman of the Year 2025, is managing director of Cormac Tagging, a family business serving the wider agribusiness community in the west of Ireland. After returning to the business following a career in accountancy, Ursula Kelly successfully petitioned the Department of Agriculture to allow Cormac Tagging to enter the cattle tagging market.
12 GIAF Events Worth Booking This Summer
Galway International Arts Festival returns this July with two weeks of theatre, opera, dance, circus, music, visual art and talks across the city. This year’s programme is big in every sense, with world premieres, major outdoor and indoor performances, a packed Heineken® Big Top line-up, and a visual arts programme that stretches from Galway city to Connemara.
Blas na Bealtaine: 9 Food and Drink Events to Try in Galway This May
Galway’s food scene is getting a full May moment with the return of Blas na Bealtaine. Taking place across the city throughout May, the festival brings together restaurants, bars, producers and food lovers for a packed calendar of one-off experiences. Expect natural wine tastings, seafood, pop-up evenings, chef-led menus, food trails, whiskey and cheese pairings, global flavours and plenty of West of Ireland ingredients.
Blas na Bealtaine: 10 Food and Drink Events to Try in Galway This May
Galway’s food scene is getting a full May moment with the return of Blas na Bealtaine. Taking place across the city throughout May, the festival brings together restaurants, bars, producers and food lovers for a packed calendar of one-off experiences. Expect natural wine tastings, seafood, pop-up evenings, chef-led menus, food trails, whiskey and cheese pairings, global flavours and plenty of West of Ireland ingredients.
5 Podcasts with a Galway Connection to Add to Your Queue
Galway’s podcast scene stretches well beyond the city, taking in voices and stories from across the region. From Meghann Scully’s conversations with familiar Galway faces to the archive-driven storytelling of the Clare Oral History Podcast and the global perspective of Tech Powered Luxury – created by entrepreneur and former Galway Now cover star Ashley McDonnell – there’s a wide range of listening to enjoy.
‘Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful’: Rosie O’Neill on making sustainability work in the real world
Rosie O’Neill, IMAGE PwC ESG Champion of the Year 2025, is director of sustainability at Ifac, where she is helping future-proof Ireland’s agri-sector by making sustainability practical, measurable and accessible. Coming from a highly successful tenure at An Post and an eight-year career in sustainability roles across multiple sectors, Rosie O’Neill joined Ifac (Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative) in September 2024 as director of sustainability.
インテリアの落とし穴!?「落ち着かない空間」の5つの整え方をプロが伝授
David Cleveland 何だかくつろげない――部屋に入った瞬間、そう感じたことはないだろうか？ その原因は、あなたが忙しすぎて疲れているからではないかもしれない。照明やレイアウト、壁のペイントの色、あるいは部屋自体が、そう感じさせている可能性があるのだ。 インテリアについて、私たちはその「見た目」に気を取られることが多い。だが実際のところ、私たちの気分にはるかに大きな影響を及ぼしているのは、その部屋から私たちが「どのようなことを感じ取るか」だという。 設計図のビジュアル化（3Dモデリング）を専門とするブラジルのサヨ・デザインズの創業者、サヨナラ・レル氏によると、室内のデザインに関する「ちょっとしたこと」が、知らず知らずのうちに私たちのストレスレベルに影響を与えている場合があるという。 「私たちを癒やしてくれる家と、心に負担をかける家の違いを生み出す要因の多くは、従来の間取り図から見て取ることができないものです」 「エネルギーを取り戻すのではなく、流出させてしまう空間デザインを取り入れている家も多いのです」...
‘I was told it could be psychological’: Cliodhna Buckley on years of living with undiagnosed MCAS
Chronic fatigue, insomnia, bloating and long, painful periods are often dismissed as stress, hormones or something to simply push through. For Cliodhna Buckley, it would take years of appointments, tests, referrals and being told her symptoms might be psychological before she was diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, or MCAS. “I was always a really tired child, I always had very dark circles under my eyes,” Cliodhna Buckley says. She explains that puberty started early when she was nine.
A New Bealtaine Festival Is Taking Over Galway This Weekend
Galway is no stranger to a festival, but this May Bank Holiday weekend brings something brand new to the city. Fleadh na Bealtaine, Galway’s Traditional Irish Music and Cultural Festival, will take over streets, pubs and venues from Thursday 30th April to Monday 4th May, marking the arrival of summer with music, dance, theatre, folklore and food.
Secateurs at the ready! Five garden plants to prune before May ticks round
Hattie Garlick, Jennifer McShane Cut them back now and roses, lavender and more will grow back stronger Buddleja's become leggy orovergrown? Now's the time to cut it back! 'Buddleja can be pruned quite hard in early spring to keep plants compact and encourage vigorous new growth,' says Mark Hewett a garden tools and accessories expert atWilkinson Sword. How to prune?Cut stems back to around 30–60cm from the base, removing any weak or overcrowded branches.
Secateurs at the ready! Five garden plants to prune before May ticks round
Adam Smigielski//Getty Images This month may be known for its 'little April showers' but change is in the air. Temperatures are set to soar as we head towards May and as the weather shifts, so will our gardening to-do lists. Don't panic, though! There is still a little window left to make the most of the milder weather and the opportunity it presents to give your garden a gentle reset.
Heading to Cúirt this weekend? Here are 10 events you won’t want to miss
The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is underway across Galway this week, bringing writers, readers and performers into venues across the city, from the Town Hall Theatre to Nuns Island and the University of Galway. This year’s programme covers a range of genres and formats, with everything from hands-on writing workshops with authors Jan Carson and Sarah Moss to an evening with Neil Jordan, and a rare in-person appearance from Palestinian poet Fatena Abu Mostafa.
Design Experts Are Obsessed With These Cozy Outdoor Lighting Trends for Summer Original
Longer evenings are finally back, which means it’s time to rethink how your garden looks and feels after dark. It’s little surprise that searches for “garden lights” are on the rise, as homeowners look for ways to keep alfresco gatherings going long after sunset. But garden lighting is about more than just function. When done well, it can completely transform the mood of an outdoor space, making it feel warmer, softer and far more inviting.
These Are the BIGGEST Garden Red Flags Buyers Immediately Notice When They Look at Your Home Original
3 min read Spring is prime time for house sales—and if you’re thinking of listing, your garden could be more important than you realize. According to new research from Ronseal, 61 percent of homeowners say a badly kept garden would affect their decision to buy a property, while 31 percent think their own outdoor space could reduce their home’s value.
From leafy classics to low-maintenance heroes: 6 houseplants you can grow from cuttings right now Original
If your houseplants are suddenly looking livelier, you’re not imagining it. Spring is their moment to shine – and April and May are the ideal time to take cuttings and grow your collection. Propagation – growing new plants from cuttings or offshoots – is an easy way to multiply your favourites, from trailing vines to sculptural succulents. We asked Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies, to share her top picks for what to propagate now, plus her tips for giving your cuttings the best start.
Thinking about a Claddagh ring? This modern Irish take might sway you
Jewellery is becoming more intentional. Instead of buying for the moment, more women are choosing pieces that hold meaning, reflect identity and feel like something they’ll wear for years. The Claddagh ring has always offered that connection, but this new Irish collection rethinks it for how women actually want to wear and buy jewellery now. For over 300 years, the Claddagh ring has symbolised friendship, love and loyalty.
Why am I always tired and bloated? A nutrition expert explains what’s going on
Image / Self / Health & Wellness by 15th Apr 2026 Feeling tired, bloated and not quite like yourself? For many women, these symptoms are persistent, frustrating and often dismissed. Here, functional medicine nutritional therapist Claire O’Brien breaks down what might be driving them and how to start feeling better. In her clinic, Claire O’Brien sees the same story play out again and again: women doing their best to stay healthy, yet still feeling persistently tired, bloated and out of balance.
The cosy garden lighting trends making outdoor spaces feel more magical this summer
Longer evenings are finally back, which means it’s time to rethink how your garden looks and feels after dark. It’s little surprise that searches for ‘garden lights' are on the up, as homeowners look for ways to keep alfresco gatherings going long after sunset. But garden lighting is about more than function. Done well, it can completely transform the mood of an outdoor space, making it feel warmer, softer and far more inviting.
How to get rid of houseplant flies – 4 simple fixes, including a £2 natural remedy
If you’ve noticed tiny flies hanging around your favourite fiddle leaf fig or trailing off your spider plant, you’re likely dealing with fungus gnats. These common houseplant pests are more annoying than harmful but, in large numbers, they can damage your plants and test your patience. Luckily, there are plenty of safe, effective ways to keep them under control. We asked the experts how to deal with houseplant flies without harming your greenery (or sanity).
Hay fever: Symptoms, different types and management tips – plus gadgets for a pollen-free home
Hay fever: Key symptoms and simple relief tips Peter Cade - Getty Images While the arrival of spring and the prospect of summer is a time of joy for many, it can also strike fear into the hearts of allergy sufferers as the dreaded hay fever season begins. In fact, the Met Office has issued a hay fever "red alert" this week with "very high" levels of pollen forecast around the country.
‘I taught myself everything’: How Jo Browne built a luxury Irish skincare brand from scratch
From solid perfume to global airport shelves, Jo Browne’s journey is one of instinct, resilience and doing things differently. Here, she shares how she built a sustainable, handmade brand and why quality will always come first. When she launched Jo Browne Ireland in 2016, it wasn’t with a sprawling product line or a big investor behind Joanne Browne, but with a single idea: a solid perfume that felt natural, travel-friendly and entirely different to what was already on the market.
WIN a wellness reset with Ethos and Align Wellness worth €550
This April, for World Stress Month, two Irish wellness brands are bringing that idea to life in a meaningful way. Ethos, a stress-care brand founded in Ireland, has partnered with Align Wellness, a Dublin-based sauna and recovery space, to create an experience designed to support both physical relaxation and mental reset. Hosted at Align Wellness in Harold’s Cross, the collaboration invites attendees to step out of fast-paced routines and into guided sauna sessions paired with CBD-infused rituals.
Real Weddings: Leo and Deb’s cross-cultural Dublin wedding full of joy
From a proposal on a remote Brazilian beach to a celebration in the heart of Dublin, Deborah Sweeney and Leonardo Silva Crispim de Oliveira's wedding was a true coming together of cultures. Held at The Dylan Hotel, their day blended heartfelt tradition with a relaxed, joy-filled atmosphere full of family, music and connection. THE COUPLE Deborah Sweeney, public relations, Leonardo Silva Crispim de Oliveira, security. THEY LIVE In Dublin 7. THE VENUE The Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
This £1 hack will keep your wardrobe free from damp and mould
Yahoo Canada is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. A simple trick can help ensure your clothes and other wardrobe items don't grow mould on them. (Kupicoo via Getty Images) As the weather begins to warm up, it’s easy to assume damp is no longer a problem. However, even in spring, moisture can linger in places we rarely think to check, including wardrobes.
How to create a wild garden in a small space — even on a balcony
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How to create a wild garden in a small space — even on a balcony
Wild gardens are no longer the preserve of sprawling country plots. As homeowners and renters alike look to carve out outdoor ‘micro escapes’, demand for relaxed, nature-led planting is rapidly growing. The data backs it up. Pinterest reports searches for ‘garden inspiration ideas’ have surged by 940 per cent, while ‘balcony makeover ideas’ are up 165 per cent — a clear sign that even the smallest outdoor spaces are being reimagined. And it’s not purely about aesthetics.
6 need-to-know spring garden trends for 2026, from pergolas to lighting
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6 need-to-know spring garden trends for 2026, from pergolas to lighting
Spring is the moment our attention shifts outdoors — and in 2026, the garden is becoming much more than a space to tidy up for summer. This season’s biggest trends are all about personality, practicality and creating an outdoor space that feels just as considered as the rooms inside your home. From layered planting to low-level lighting, these are the six spring garden trends set to shape 2026. 1.
The decluttering mistake that can make your home feel cold Original
Spring cleaning season often brings the urge to clear out and start fresh, but decluttering does not have to mean creating a home that feels bare or impersonal. This year, the emphasis is on a softer, more intentional reset — one that balances organisation with warmth, personality and thoughtful styling. According to Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse, the most inviting homes are no longer showroom-like, but layered, lived-in and full of character.
The 6 best hedges to plant in April to help bees, from yew to hawthorn Original
As gardens begin to stir back into life, bees are emerging too — and early nectar sources matter more than many gardeners realise. While hedges are often chosen for privacy or structure, the right varieties can also provide a vital source of food for pollinators in early spring and beyond. Unlike short-lived bedding displays, flowering hedges offer a longer-lasting supply of nectar, as well as shelter and habitat, all while giving shape and structure to your garden.
3 garden red flags buyers notice when viewing a home
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3 garden red flags buyers notice when viewing a home Original
Spring is prime time for house sales — and if you’re thinking of listing, your garden could be more important than you realise. According to new research from Ronseal, 61 per cent of UK homeowners say a badly kept garden would affect their decision to buy a property, while 31 per cent think their own outdoor space could reduce their home’s value.
Raised beds vs in-ground: The best way to grow vegetables in your garden
If you're planning a vegetable garden this spring, there's one key decision to make first: should you grow in raised beds or plant directly in the ground? Both methods deliver healthy crops, but each comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. "The biggest difference comes down to control,” says Eve Kerrigan, Content Creator at British Garden Centres.
Shade, kids or dogs? How to pick the best lawn for your garden Original
A beautiful lawn is about far more than crisp stripes and a weekend mow. The grass you choose will shape how well your garden handles foot traffic, shade, drought and even local wildlife. Experts say the key is to start with your garden’s conditions, rather than simply reaching for the first seed mix you spot on the shelf. ‘There are many different conditions a garden and the grasses therein might have to endure,’ explains Johnny Byrne, ecologist at Arbtech Consulting.
6 hardy annuals to sow in April before it's too late, including beautiful cornflowers
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6 hardy annuals to sow in April before it's too late, including beautiful cornflowers Original
Craig Fordham//Getty Images April is one of the most generous months in the gardening calendar, offering ideal conditions for sowing seeds that will carry your garden through summer. "It's the perfect time to start sowing hardy annuals that bring quick colour and busy borders with very little fuss," says Eve Kerrigan, Content Creator at British Garden Centres. Whether you're sowing directly outdoors or starting seeds under cover, this is the moment to get going.
‘I wondered would I ever get my strength back’: Loretta Kennedy on recovery after a brain tumour
Image / Self / Health & Wellness by 03rd Apr 2026 A sudden diagnosis can fracture even the most grounded life. For coach, yoga teacher and mother-of-three Loretta Kennedy, what began as headaches quickly became something far more serious. After multiple surgeries and a long hospital stay, her recovery has been as much about rebuilding trust in her body as it has been about physical strength. Before her diagnosis, Loretta’s life was full and rooted in wellbeing.
Inside a rare Dorset coastal home in Lyme Regis with layered gardens and period charm
This characterful coastal home for sale within Lyme Regis' West Hill conservation area delivers period charm, a beautifully layered wall garden, and a calming colour palette. Described by agents as a 'rare architectural find' on Dorset's coast, the house forms one half of a pair of early 19th-century homes.
5 Spring Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead) Original
Not every spring cleaning task deserves a place in your spring reset. According to Emma Mannion, cleaning specialist at Astonish, many of the most popular hacks found online look impressive online but offer little real payoff. "Some viral hacks are far more performative than practical," Emma explains.
Neighbour’s tree blocking your light? Here’s what you can do now — plus your rights explained
A mature tree next door can feel like a blessing, until it starts casting your kitchen into shadow or turning your lawn into a moss patch. If you’re wondering what your rights are (and whether you can just trim it back yourself), the answer is: it depends. But experts say most situations can be resolved without escalating into a full-blown dispute. Here's what to do – before you reach for the shears.
7 key garden jobs to tackle in April
Clearing dead foliage in early spring helps new growth come through more easily. (Olga Yastremska via Getty Images) As the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise, gardens across the UK start to come back to life after winter. But before the growing season fully kicks in, there’s a short window to get key jobs done that can make a big difference in the months ahead.
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