Galway

Galway is a medieval city on the Wild Atlantic Way. Find all you need to Xplore Galway right here. Food, Bars, Shopping, Hikes and Trails.

Galway, City of the Tribes, Xplore Galway, Ireland. 

The St. Patrick's bank holiday has just wrapped up, and wasn't it a great time? Between the parades, wearing our finest green attire, and enjoying a few pints, we all had a wonderful time celebrating our Irish heritage. And let's not forget the Six Nations Rugby Championship finale, where our boys in green claimed the Grand Slam with a triumphant victory over England! It's no wonder that the atmosphere in town was electric, with so many reasons to raise a glass in celebration.

Now, it's only natural that after all the fun, some of us might be feeling a wee bit overwhelmed as we start a new week. Overindulging in food, drink, and spending can leave us feeling out of sorts, but don't let it weigh you down. You're not alone in feeling this way, and there are plenty of ways to get back on track after a big celebration.

First and foremost, don't beat yourself up about enjoying the festivities. It's all part of the craic, and what's life without a bit of fun now and then? Instead of feeling guilty, let's focus on taking positive steps forward to help us feel our best again.

Rehydrate and eat well: After a weekend of indulgence, it's essential to rehydrate by drinking plenty of water. Focus on eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to nourish your body and help it recover.

Get adequate sleep: Ensure you get enough rest to help your body recover and reset your sleep patterns. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Set a budget and review your finances: If you overspent during the celebrations, take some time to review your finances, make adjustments, and create a budget for the upcoming weeks. This will help you regain control of your spending and alleviate any financial stress.

Practice mindfulness or meditation: Engaging in mindfulness practices or meditation can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. Set aside some time each day to practice mindfulness, even if it's just for a few minutes.

Connect with friends and family: Sharing your experiences and feelings with loved ones can help you process the events of the weekend and provide you with the support needed to bounce back. Get out for a walk with a pal, you always feel that bit better after a good walk. 

Set realistic goals: Establish achievable short-term goals that will help you get back on track. Breaking your goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make them feel less daunting and more attainable.

Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling with feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression after the holiday, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and support to help you navigate through this challenging time.

Feeling a little off-balance after a weekend of merrymaking is quite normal, and with some dedication and self-love, you'll be back to your usual self soon enough. Be patient with yourself and take positive steps to look after your overall well-being.

About the Author: Lígia Hamada | B.A. (Hons), M.A. (Psych.), M.Ps.S.I.

Lígia has been working in Ireland as a psychologist on our team since 2021. Her therapeutic approach is based on the belief that each individual has within themselves the potential for healthy development and growth. She works with the Xplore Content Team to create 

The St. Patrick's bank holiday has just wrapped up, and wasn't it a great time? Between the parades, wearing our finest green attire, and enjoying a few pints, we all had a wonderful time celebrating our Irish heritage. And let's not forget the Six Nations Rugby Championship finale, where our boys in green claimed the Grand Slam with a triumphant victory over England! It's no wonder that the atmosphere in town was electric, with so many reasons to raise a glass in celebration.
Now, it's only natural that after all the fun, some of us might be feeling a wee bit overwhelmed as we start a new week. Overindulging in food, drink, and spending can leave us feeling out of sorts, but don't let it weigh you down. You're not alone in feeling this way, and there are plenty of ways to get back on track after a big celebration.
First and foremost, don't beat yourself up about enjoying the festivities. It's all part of the craic, and what's life without a bit of fun now and then? Instead of feeling guilty, let's focus on taking positive steps forward to help us feel our best again.
Rehydrate and eat well: After a weekend of indulgence, it's essential to rehydrate by drinking plenty of water. Focus on eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to nourish your body and help it recover.
Get adequate sleep: Ensure you get enough rest to help your body recover and reset your sleep patterns. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Set a budget and review your finances: If you overspent during the celebrations, take some time to review your finances, make adjustments, and create a budget for the upcoming weeks. This will help you regain control of your spending and alleviate any financial stress.
Practice mindfulness or meditation: Engaging in mindfulness practices or meditation can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. Set aside some time each day to practice mindfulness, even if it's just for a few minutes.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/9ecb61b5-3066-4e1c-9f0d-f9f5f4c76bc5.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Connect with friends and family: Sharing your experiences and feelings with loved ones can help you process the events of the weekend and provide you with the support needed to bounce back. Get out for a walk with a pal, you always feel that bit better after a good walk.&nbsp;
Set realistic goals: Establish achievable short-term goals that will help you get back on track. Breaking your goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make them feel less daunting and more attainable.
Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling with feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression after the holiday, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and support to help you navigate through this challenging time.
Feeling a little off-balance after a weekend of merrymaking is quite normal, and with some dedication and self-love, you'll be back to your usual self soon enough. Be patient with yourself and take positive steps to look after your overall well-being.
About the Author: Lígia Hamada | B.A. (Hons), M.A. (Psych.), M.Ps.S.I.
Lígia has been working in Ireland as a psychologist on our team since 2021. Her therapeutic approach is based on the belief that each individual has within themselves the potential for healthy development and growth. She works with the Xplore Content Team to create&nbsp;

How to Get Back on Track After St. Patrick's Bank Holiday

Equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among different groups of people. It is the concept of giving everyone what they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Equity recognises that not everyone starts from the same place, and that some groups may need more support to achieve their full potential.

Equity is often contrasted with equality, which means treating everyone the same regardless of their differences. While equality is an important value, it does not always lead to fairness or justice. For example, if the Department of Education provides the same resources to all schools, regardless of their needs, then the schools that serve disadvantaged communities may not receive enough support to provide a high-quality education to their students. In this case, equity would require providing additional resources to the schools that need them most, even if it means giving them more than other schools.

Equity is important in many areas of society, including education, healthcare, and employment. For example, in education, equity means ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their race, gender,  income, or background. This may require providing additional resources to schools that serve disadvantaged communities, such as funding for teacher training, instructional materials, and support services.

In employment, equity means ensuring that everyone has access to equal opportunities for employment and advancement, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics. This may require creating policies and practices that address discrimination and bias in hiring, promotion, and pay.

Achieving equity requires recognising and addressing systemic barriers that prevent certain groups of people from accessing the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. These barriers may include discrimination, bias, and unequal access to resources such as education, healthcare, and employment. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that involves policy changes, cultural shifts, and individual actions.

International Women’s Day is a day that celebrates women’s achievements, and it’s a day that has been celebrated for over a century. International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year, and it is a day to recognise the accomplishments of women in the country, as well as to highlight the challenges that still exist for women in Ireland and around the world.

The International Women’s Day 2023 theme is ‘Embracing Equity’, it seeks to get the world talking about why "equal opportunities are no longer enough" - and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive. For more information in #EmbracingEquity visit HERE.

Equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among different groups of people. It is the concept of giving everyone what they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Equity recognises that not everyone starts from the same place, and that some groups may need more support to achieve their full potential.

Equity is often contrasted with equality, which means treating everyone the same regardless of their differences. While equality is an important value, it does not always lead to fairness or justice. For example, if the Department of Education provides the same resources to all schools, regardless of their needs, then the schools that serve disadvantaged communities may not receive enough support to provide a high-quality education to their students. In this case, equity would require providing additional resources to the schools that need them most, even if it means giving them more than other schools.

Equity is important in many areas of society, including education, healthcare, and employment. For example, in education, equity means ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their race, gender, income, or background. This may require providing additional resources to schools that serve disadvantaged communities, such as funding for teacher training, instructional materials, and support services.

In employment, equity means ensuring that everyone has access to equal opportunities for employment and advancement, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics. This may require creating policies and practices that address discrimination and bias in hiring, promotion, and pay.

Achieving equity requires recognising and addressing systemic barriers that prevent certain groups of people from accessing the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. These barriers may include discrimination, bias, and unequal access to resources such as education, healthcare, and employment. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that involves policy changes, cultural shifts, and individual actions.

International Women’s Day is a day that celebrates women’s achievements, and it’s a day that has been celebrated for over a century. International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year, and it is a day to recognise the accomplishments of women in the country, as well as to highlight the challenges that still exist for women in Ireland and around the world.

The International Women’s Day 2023 theme is ‘Embracing Equity’, it seeks to get the world talking about why "equal opportunities are no longer enough" - and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive. For more information in #EmbracingEquity visit HERE.

Embracing Equity. International Women’s Day 2023.

Ah, the debate about when Spring begins. For centuries, this has been a debate in Ireland, with both sides passionately making their case. On the one hand, there is the Celtic tradition that Spring starts in February, and on the other there is the popular belief that Spring begins in March. So, which is it? Let’s take a look at both sides of the argument and try to come up with an answer.

The most traditional view is that Spring begins in February. According to Celtic lore and mythology, the start of Spring was celebrated on Imbolc. Imbolc, the festival marking the beginning of spring has been celebrated since ancient times. It is a midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, a Cross Quarter Day, and can fall between the 2nd & 7th of February, this year it’s Febrauay 5th. The Celts believed that this was the time of year when the earth began to wake up from its winter sleep and the days started to get longer and warmer.

The Celts celebrated this time of year with rituals such as lighting bonfires and feasting. In Ireland, this festival is still celebrated today and is known as Imbolc. It is a time for reflection and renewal, focusing on the coming of Spring and the promise of new life.

The other popular belief is that Spring begins in March. This argument is mainly based on the astronomical definition of the start of Spring, which is closely linked to the vernal equinox. The vernal equinox is the moment when the sun is directly above the equator, and this usually happens around the 20th of March each year.

This date is also significant for meteorologists, who use the vernal equinox as the point at which Spring is said to begin. It is based on the fact that, on this day, the amount of daylight and darkness is equal, and the days start to become longer than the nights. This is why many people believe that the start of Spring should be in March.

So, where does that leave us? It’s clear that there is a strong argument for both sides, and it seems that the debate will continue for some time. Of course, the reality is that Spring doesn’t begin on a single day, but is a gradual process that takes place over a period of weeks and months.

It also varies from year to year, and even from region to region. The weather patterns in Ireland can be unpredictable and, in some years, Spring may feel like it arrives earlier than usual, while in other years it may seem like it’s taking its time.

In conclusion, the debate about when Spring begins in Ireland is an interesting one that is likely to be around for some time. While there is a strong argument for both sides, the reality is that Spring is a gradual process that takes place over a period of weeks and months, and is different from year to year. So, for us it really comes down to going with your Head - March, or your Heart, February. 

Ah, the debate about when Spring begins. For centuries, this has been a debate in Ireland, with both sides passionately making their case. On the one hand, there is the Celtic tradition that Spring starts in February, and on the other there is the popular belief that Spring begins in March. So, which is it? Let’s take a look at both sides of the argument and try to come up with an answer.
The Celtic Tradition
The most traditional view is that Spring begins in February. According to Celtic lore and mythology, the start of Spring was celebrated on Imbolc. Imbolc, the festival marking the beginning of spring has been celebrated since ancient times. It is a midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, a Cross Quarter Day, and can fall between the 2nd &amp; 7th of February, this year it’s Febrauay 5th. The Celts believed that this was the time of year when the earth began to wake up from its winter sleep and the days started to get longer and warmer.

The Celts celebrated this time of year with rituals such as lighting bonfires and feasting. In Ireland, this festival is still celebrated today and is known as Imbolc. It is a time for reflection and renewal, focusing on the coming of Spring and the promise of new life.
The March Argument
The other popular belief is that Spring begins in March. This argument is mainly based on the astronomical definition of the start of Spring, which is closely linked to the vernal equinox. The vernal equinox is the moment when the sun is directly above the equator, and this usually happens around the 20th of March each year.
This date is also significant for meteorologists, who use the vernal equinox as the point at which Spring is said to begin. It is based on the fact that, on this day, the amount of daylight and darkness is equal, and the days start to become longer than the nights. This is why many people believe that the start of Spring should be in March.
The Debate
So, where does that leave us? It’s clear that there is a strong argument for both sides, and it seems that the debate will continue for some time. Of course, the reality is that Spring doesn’t begin on a single day, but is a gradual process that takes place over a period of weeks and months.
It also varies from year to year, and even from region to region. The weather patterns in Ireland can be unpredictable and, in some years, Spring may feel like it arrives earlier than usual, while in other years it may seem like it’s taking its time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate about when Spring begins in Ireland is an interesting one that is likely to be around for some time. While there is a strong argument for both sides, the reality is that Spring is a gradual process that takes place over a period of weeks and months, and is different from year to year. So, for us it really comes down to going with your Head - March, or your Heart, February.&nbsp;
Spring has Sprung!

Is it Spring?

This February, we will be celebrating its first-ever Irish public holiday named for a woman: St. Brigid's Day, or Imbolc. This day marks the beginning of the Celtic new year and is an opportunity to honour the legacy of the beloved Irish saint and goddess Brigid of Kildare.

From the ancient pagan goddess to the much-loved saint, the figure of St. Brigid has been an integral part of Irish life for over 1600 years. Often known as the ‘Mary of the Gael’, her prominence in Irish culture is akin to that of the Virgin Mary in Christianity. The daughter of a pagan chieftain, she was born in Faughart, County Louth, in the fifth century, and her subsequent life and works have been remembered and celebrated in Irish folklore ever since.

Brigid was said to be a beautiful and intelligent child and was known for her deep compassion and generosity. She was known to have a deep affinity with animals, and there are numerous tales of her miraculous works, such as turning water into beer, milk into butter and even iron into gold. She was also credited with founding one of the first monasteries in Ireland and was a great advocate for women’s rights.

The most famous of her miracles is the ‘Fire of Brigid’, which is said to have been kept continually alight in the monastery she founded. It was believed to have been a source of protection, healing and luck for those who sought its blessing. The Fire of Brigid has been kept alight annually since ancient times and is still celebrated each year on the 1st of February, which is also known as St. Brigid’s Day.

Brigid is also the ‘mother saint’ of Ireland and is one of our three patron saints alongside St. Patrick and St. Columba. She is venerated as the goddess of poets, healers and smiths. She is also said to have been a significant influence on the development of the Irish language and is credited with writing some of the earliest Irish literature. She is often depicted with a cross made of reeds, the one we all made in school, which is said to represent her faith and compassion.

As well as the Perpetual Flame of Brigid, there are numerous monuments, shrines and churches devoted to St. Brigid throughout Ireland. The most famous of these is the Hill of Kildare, which is said to have been the site of her monastery. The ruins of the monastery are still visible today and are a popular tourist attraction.

For centuries, St. Brigid has been seen as a symbol of hope and faith in Ireland. She has been venerated by people of all faiths and backgrounds, and her spirit of compassion and generosity has touched the hearts of many. Her story is an important reminder of the power of kindness and of the importance of looking after one another.

St. Brigid is an integral part of Irish history and culture, and her legacy continues to be celebrated in Ireland. Whether you are Christian, pagan or none of the above, St. Brigid will always be remembered as a powerful symbol of womanhood, hope and kindness.

This February, we will be celebrating its first-ever Irish public holiday named for a woman: St. Brigid's Day, or Imbolc. This day marks the beginning of the Celtic new year and is an opportunity to honour the legacy of the beloved Irish saint and goddess Brigid of Kildare.
From the ancient pagan goddess to the much-loved saint, the figure of St. Brigid has been an integral part of Irish life for over 1600 years. Often known as the ‘Mary of the Gael’, her prominence in Irish culture is akin to that of the Virgin Mary in Christianity. The daughter of a pagan chieftain, she was born in Faughart, County Louth, in the fifth century, and her subsequent life and works have been remembered and celebrated in Irish folklore ever since.
Brigid was said to be a beautiful and intelligent child and was known for her deep compassion and generosity. She was known to have a deep affinity with animals, and there are numerous tales of her miraculous works, such as turning water into beer, milk into butter and even iron into gold. She was also credited with founding one of the first monasteries in Ireland and was a great advocate for women’s rights.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/b567f130-d353-4341-9374-c68d1d72fd16.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The most famous of her miracles is the ‘Fire of Brigid’, which is said to have been kept continually alight in the monastery she founded. It was believed to have been a source of protection, healing and luck for those who sought its blessing. The Fire of Brigid has been kept alight annually since ancient times and is still celebrated each year on the 1st of February, which is also known as St. Brigid’s Day.
Brigid is also the ‘mother saint’ of Ireland and is one of our three patron saints alongside St. Patrick and St. Columba. She is venerated as the goddess of poets, healers and smiths. She is also said to have been a significant influence on the development of the Irish language and is credited with writing some of the earliest Irish literature. She is often depicted with a cross made of reeds, the one we all made in school, which is said to represent her faith and compassion.
As well as the Perpetual Flame of Brigid, there are numerous monuments, shrines and churches devoted to St. Brigid throughout Ireland. The most famous of these is the Hill of Kildare, which is said to have been the site of her monastery. The ruins of the monastery are still visible today and are a popular tourist attraction.
For centuries, St. Brigid has been seen as a symbol of hope and faith in Ireland. She has been venerated by people of all faiths and backgrounds, and her spirit of compassion and generosity has touched the hearts of many. Her story is an important reminder of the power of kindness and of the importance of looking after one another.
St. Brigid is an integral part of Irish history and culture, and her legacy continues to be celebrated in Ireland. Whether you are Christian, pagan or none of the above, St. Brigid will always be remembered as a powerful symbol of womanhood, hope and kindness.

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Galway is a medieval city on the Wild Atlantic Way. Find all you need to Xplore Galway right here. Food, Bars, Shopping, Hikes and Trails.

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