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Visited Citywest

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 23:59:55 +0100

Citywest is a business park and golf resort in the Saggart area, just north and northwest of Saggart village in South Dublin. The nearest major town is Tallaght. The business park has developed a modest residential population in recent years. The River Camac passes north of the business park, and two of its tributaries pass through it.

Originally a greenfield site north of Saggart village, west of Tallaght, and largely south of the Naas dual carriageway (now the M7 / N7), the combined Citywest concepts were launched by Irish construction firm Davy Holdings, who began building of the business park in the early 1990s, and Jim Mansfield, who drove the hotel and leisure aspects.

A substantial golf course, for a time Citywest and Hibernian Golf Club, now just Citywest Golf Resort, was laid-out. The large Citywest Hotel, with over 1,700 rooms, was built adjacent to this. The hotel, golf resort and related developments were placed in receivership in mid-2010.

Following the opening of the original business park the N82 National road joining the N81 to the Naas dual carriageway was re-routed through the campus. It previously passed through the village of Saggart itself.

Several major businesses moved to the business park, notably eircom, mobile operator Meteor, and Independent News and Media, and branch offices of Xilinx, Unilever, Pfizer, SAP and Roche.

PHOTO GALLERY

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Peats Have Ceased Trading (Really Sad)

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:48:34 +0100

Peats 'World of Electronics' - Statement

02.04.2012

It is with deep sadness and regret that the family owned business of Peats ‘World of Electronics’, the long established and well-known Dublin electronics retail company is to seek the appointment of a Liquidator in an upcoming voluntary creditor’s liquidation.

The Chairman of the business, Ben Peat, briefed the company’s 75-staff today at the company’s head-office store in Parnell St and told staff that the company could not continue to trade in light of its current financial constraints confirming that the company’s eleven stores around Dublin have closed with immediate effect.

Mr Peat told staff that a combination of recession impacts, unsustainably high rental costs and a changing marketplace in which online shopping was eating into high street retailing, meant that the business cannot continue to trade going into the upcoming lean summer. Mr Peat said that “the business generated 60% of its annual sales in the period November to January, and that a summer’s spend could not carry the business, to allow it to continue. It is evident in our experience that consumers have little discretionary spend at this time and sales volumes are up to 50% down on peak 2007 spend, while in parallel it has not been possible to achieve appropriate rental adjustment to enable a profit margin to be achieved to sustain business viability. The sector in which we operate has been disproportionately affected by the downturn, if we don’t close now our capacity to settle our affairs to best effect will only further deteriorate”, Mr Peat said.

Mr Peat told staff that “Trade hit its peak in 2007, with turnover that year of €24m, it has since re-trenched to less than half for the current year” and thanking staff, customers and suppliers, he continued, “the Company had a fine heritage for quality, decency and value, it became a popular name on the Dublin retail landscape and it’s departure from the high-street will be a loss to the tradition of family retailing in Dublin. Thanking customers he said, it is with deep regret that we have to close the doors of our ‘world of electronics business’, - we have tried very hard to establish solutions with suppliers and landlords that could have brought balance and sustainability back into our business. We have implemented extensive cost-reduction at all levels including payroll and terms of employment, but unfortunately it is beyond our power to continue in operation and we have to protect our staff, creditors, debtors and legal interests to best possible effect and do right by all concerned as far as is both humanly and financially possible. We cannot allow our situation to deteriorate further – as we do not want to compromise our capacity to secure the best possible outcome for all out of what is a difficult situation”

Thanking staff for their support and loyalty in a number of cases for over thirty years, Mr Peat said that staff will be paid their entitlements and redundancy due in full, and asked for their support for both colleagues and the business in the coming days, while the business settled its affairs to the very best of its ability to do so. He commented that over the years Peat’s staff have always been exceptional, there was one big extended family within which three generations of the Peat family still currently work.

Peats began life in Parnell Street in 1934 when Brigit and William Peat set up shop to sell wet cell batteries, bicycles, furniture and prams. All six of their children joined the business and their youngest son, Ben Peat is the current chairman. In its early years the company began to develop the electronics side of the business selling radiograms, followed by three-in-one hi-fi systems and contemporary products including repair services, to the present day sales of an assembly of electronic home entertainment products including flat screen TV’s, cameras, computer laptops and accessories.

Peats’ eleven stores are located throughout Dublin, with its head office in Parnell St; the Company also has stores in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, College Green, Rathmines, Swords and in the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge. It also operated a number of Sony Centre shops under the Sony Centre identity. These outlets are located in the Jervis Shopping Centre, on O’Connell St, in Dun Laoghaire, in the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre and also on Stephen’s Green, close to the Shelbourne Hotel.

All stores have now been closed and telephone calls will automatically be directed to a call centre to accommodate any enquiries arising, so that they can be logged and dealt with as efficiently and as soon as possible.

In making enquiries customers are invited to call 01-9023718 or to Email: admin@peats.com

Another Restaurant Has Closed

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:36:00 +0100

Cruzzo Restaurant is now Closed.

The Management & Staff would like to take this opportuntity to extend a huge thank you to all our patrons over the years. Since we started trading in January 2000, you have allowed us the privilage to host your special occasions including birthdays, Christmas parties, weddings, christenings, anniversaries, family gatherings and corporate outings to name but a few. We have enjoyed each and every visit by all our guests.

Thank you for your custom.

I Was Planning To Have Lunch At Cruzzo But It Has Gone Out Of Business (Malahide)

BICYCLE AND SUV INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:49:47 +0000

This was an expensive set of photographs as my iPhone was stolen while I was photographing this fire engine.

LUAS services on the red line have been disrupted after a traffic incident in the city centre. From what I could see a cyclist and SUV were involved.

The Alamo Restaurant In Temple Bar

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:02:03 +0000

Every time I visit the city centre another restaurant has closed for business.

I am not sure if the Alamo has closed but I phoned a few times and there was no answer.

Photographed: September 2004

Here is a comment that I made at the time:

"It is unusual to see a restaurant in Templebar so empty. Many people stopped to look at the menu and then walked on."

A number of people have contacted me indicating that they liked this restaurant and expressing surprise at the fact that it was often empty.

If Building Materials Are Not Available Use Lego

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:50:07 +0000

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION ?

I don't know if this is an example of artistic expression or a "cowboy" builder in action.

Unlock Nama

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:46:12 +0000

The Unlock NAMA campaign wants to make empty NAMA buildings available for social and community use, to reveal details of all NAMA properties and assets and to challenge the culture of debt.

Hen & Stag Party Survival Guides

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:21:38 +0000

Drinkaware.ie Launches Hen & Stag Party Survival Guides

As wedding season kicks off and plans for stag & hen parties get underway drinkaware.ie has the ideal guides to help stressed bridesmaids and unorganised groomsmen plan the perfect party for the bride or groom to be.

The guides have valuable tips on planning the ideal hen or stag do including 10 original party ideas, reviews of various hen and stag party locations both home and abroad, advice on transport for the weekend, tips on how to pace yourself to ensure you remember the party for all the right reasons plus a handy checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly in the run up to the Big Day.

Compiled by editor of Irish Brides Magazine, award-winning journalist Jillian Bolger the guides are available to download free on the drinkaware.ie website.

Fionnuala Sheehan, Chief Executive of drinkaware.ie said, "There are so many options for stag and hen parties from surfing, luxury camping, go-karting, farm adventures, dance classes and paint-balling, there's no reason to make drinking the only activity. I'd encourage those charged with organising the party to download our guide and plan a party worth remembering!"

Just some of the advice available in the drinkaware.ie

Stag & Hen Survival Guides:

1. Down on the farm - City girls will love a day on the farm. www.causeyexperience.com.

2. Wet and wild - Take an adventure on the high seas with a sailing or surf adventure.

3. And they're off - Get glammed up for a day at the races or a night at the dog track.

4. Horse play - Hop in the saddle and embrace the open air on an equestrian themed weekend. You can combine cooking classes or spa treatments too. www.castleleslie.com

5. Picture perfect - Get creative with a group art or craft activity that's fun and relaxing. Check out www.artjam.ie and www.thepotteryshed.ie.

6. Domestic goddesses - Enjoy a private cookery lesson where you eat your results - you can even stay over to sleep it off! www.ballyknocken.com and www.tannery.ie

7. Teatime treats - Dress to impress and book afternoon tea at a beautiful hotel. Perfect for pregnant hens, or when mums, aunties and younger cousins are coming along.

8. Glamp it up - Stay in gorgeous yurts (bell tents - furnished with king sized beds and a wood burning stove) and toast marshmallows on a campfire at night. www.teapotlaneluxurycamp.com.

9. Pamper party - Check in to a hotel for the night and block book the spa. Swan around in robes and ensure everyone enjoys a relaxing treatment. Dancing queens - Have fun mastering a new set of dance moves before hitting the clubs later.

Great places to host a hen party at home

Carlingford - Spend the day at the local adventure centre before a fun night out in this lively medieval town.

Kilkenny - A great town for a varied weekend, dress up for the races at Gowran Park or hit the track for some karting before checking out the lively nightlife. www.gowranpark.ie.

Dingle - Book self-catering houses in this stunning town, explore the beaches on horseback and take a boat trip to meet Fungi the Dolphin. www.dingledolphin.com.

Donegal - Energetic hens will love the activities on Donegal's doorstep. Enjoy the rugged scenery on foot, horse, or surfboard before a spa session and great night out.

10 original stag party ideas

Real life Rambo - Get ready for battle with a trigger-happy session of paintballing. Blast your buddies, test your teamwork and fire plenty of ammo in the quest for military dominance.

Grand Prix on water - Part plane, part jet ski, and no brakes, solo hovercrafting is fun, fast and furious. The track covers land and lake and you'll be kitted out in all the safety gear as you hit full throttle. See www.odd.ie to book.

The name's Bond - Get spruced up for a night at the casino. Card sharks can hit the blackjack and poker tables with beginners trying their hand at roulette.

Fore! - Hit the fairways for a round of golf with the boys. It's a great way to include dads and uncles and allows for plenty of showing off. Take aim - Show your competitive streak with a spot of clay pigeon shooting outdoors. There's nothing like a rifle and kickback to get the adrenaline flowing.

Ole, ole, ole - Arrange the party to coincide with a fixture starring the stag's favourite team. Think rugby, GAA or Premier League and hit the stadium en masse. Now all you have to do is hope your team wins...

Have a laugh - There's nothing better for breaking the ice than a good old belly laugh. Check which comedians are on tour then bag prime tickets for a sellout show. If you've left it too late see who's performing at your local comedy club.

Take a punt - Head to the races or dog track for a flutter. Get everyone to back a different beast so at least one of you will clean up in every race!

Wet and wild -Head west for a surfing holiday on the high seas. Book in for lessons, stay in self-catering accommodation and check out the local hot spots.

Starter's orders - Petrol heads will dig a day behind the wheel of anything speedy. Think go karting, quad racing, 4X4 off-roading or even blindfold driving. Check out www.xtreme.ie for loads more options.

Great places to host a stag party at home

Belfast - Burn some energy with a session of zorbing and paintballing in the woods of Magherafelt. Head back to the Northern capital for a slap-up dinner and late night clubbing. www.thejungleni.com

Cork - Hit the Rebel County's lakes for a spot of angling or round of golf. After a chilled out day return to the 'Real Capital' with its top restaurants and lively night life.

Achill Island - Get the boys island-bound for an adventure on rugged Achill. Book in for kite surfing lessons and stay at Pure Magic's purpose-built lodge and kite centre. www.puremagic.ie

Athlone - Take advantage of Athlone's River Shannon location and indulge in some high octane water sports or chilled out cruising.

Year Of The Dragon

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:41:19 +0000

Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year of the Dragon," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

16 February 1904 – 3 February 1905: Wood Dragon

3 February 1916 – 22 January 1917: Fire Dragon

23 January 1928 – 9 February 1929: Earth Dragon

8 February 1940 – 26 January 1941: Metal Dragon

27 January 1952 – 13 February 1953: Water Dragon

13 February 1964 – 1 February 1965: Wood Dragon

31 January 1976 – 17 February 1977: Fire Dragon

17 February 1988 – 5 February 1989: Earth Dragon

5 February 2000 – 23 January 2001: Metal Dragon

23 January 2012 – 9 February 2013: Water Dragon

10 February 2024 – 28 January 2025: Wood Dragon

Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Luo Linquan Launches The Chinese New Year Festival In Dublin

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:30:57 +0000

Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Luo Linquan Launches The Chinese New Year Festival In Dublin

THIS IS WHAT I WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS

The Sony SEL24F18Z E-Mount lens is a fast wide-angle Carl Zeiss lesns ideal for landscapes, city-scapes and group photos. The wide maximum aperture and superior optics make this lens ideal for shooting in dimly lit settings. A minimum focus distance of 16cm provides close-up capability.

Sony SEL24F18Z.AE E24mm F1.8 E-Mount Camera Lens

Amazon UK Stock Clearance Sale

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:06:48 +0000

Kensington Si600 Wireless Presenter with Laser Pointer - Presentation remote control - radio

MORE INFORMATION

The Kensington Wireless Presenter with Laser Pointer lets you remain in control of your presentation. Conveniently portable and easy-to-use, it frees you from distraction and allows you to focus on what matters most - your presentation. 2.4GHz of wireless technology let's you concentrate on your presentation and forget about wires and cords. Bright laser beam is easy to use and track.

Haunted Castle

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:11:30 +0000

Many Castle Ghosts:

As befits the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, Malahide Castle has many ghostly traditions. Many historic castles and houses have one ghost, some have two or three, but Malahide Castle has five. Discover Malahide Castle's Ghostly Traditions!

As an experiment I have created a mobile device friendly slideshow at Malahide Castle please visit and see if it works on your mobile or on your iPad

Norman Castle In Malahide

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:09:56 +0000

A Visit To Laughanstown

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:01:55 +0000

Feeling Blue In Malahide

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:04:48 +0000

Experimental presentation

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:52:26 +0000

Here is my first experiment:

Old Norman Castle In Malahide

Select the link below to bring you to an experimental presentation.

There are many options:

You can click on multiple photographs and compare them side by side.

Click on the little globe at the top left of the photograph to see the castle located on a map.

Big Changes On The Way

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:45:02 +0000

Many changes are on the way.

Two Mobile Friendly photo collections have been added:

A Visit To Greystones

A visit to Citywest