Message: The above batch of Donnybrook Fair Banana Bread was mispacked with Carrot Cake The product contains walnuts which are not mentioned on the label. This may make the batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of walnuts The affected batch has been recalled.  Advice Line 0818 33 66 77 Tel +353 1 817 1300Email info@fsai.ie News and Information From The Heart of Tipperary Allergy Alert Notification: 2025.A18.Allergen: Nuts.Product Identification: Donnybrook Fair Banana Bread pack size: 250g Batch Code 118; use by date: 07/05/2025.Country Of Origin: Ireland Message: Donnybrook Fair are recalling the above batch of Banana Bread as the product contained in the pack is Carrot Cake Walnuts are an ingredient of the Carrot Cake but are not declared on the Banana Bread label This may make the product unsafe for consumers who are allergic to Walnuts these consumers should not eat the product You can use these HTML tags   Email (will not be published) (required) and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed To view the daily Masses live streamed from Thurles, visit; https://churchcamlive.ie/thurles/ or https://www.thurlesparish.ie Or tune in to 106.4 FM on your radio to listen Cathedral Mass will take place at 11:00 am & 7.00 pm every day Bothar na Naomh: Sunday’s at 9:00 am Essential Contact Phone Numbers Frank Roche & Sons. Call now (0504) 22313 OR visit online at frankrocheandsons.ie for great gift ideas 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-1sgza6o:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-1sgza6o:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-1sgza6o.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-w5p45x::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{pointer-events:none;cursor:default;}@media print{.css-w5p45x{-webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;color-adjust:exact;}}.css-w5p45x:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-w5p45x:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 0.26);}PrintShareSaveThe death has occurred of Beloved husband of Vicky and much-loved father of Giovanni Predeceased by his father Giovanni and daughter Gia Dundrum on Tuesday evening (29th April) from 6pm to 8pm Removal on Wednesday morning (30th April) to the Church of the Sacred Heart Donnybrook arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by cremation in the Victorian Chapel Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Irish Heart Foundation https://irishheart.ie/ways-to-give/ The Funeral Mass and crematorium committal service can be viewed on the links below. Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}Cremation / BurialDate Published: CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday, memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one. Rip.ie, The Irish Times Building, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2, Ireland When they bought the house 10 years ago, he and his wife refurbished and extended the property, adding an attractive, light-infused kitchen extension with floor-to-ceiling glazing, and fully insulating the ground floor and internal walls. In recent years, the couple added a new bathroom and put in triple-glazed windows. They replaced bulky radiators with an air-to-air heating system which sits discreetly above the internal doors and provides air-conditioning during the summer months. Number 12 measures 94sq m (1,012sq ft), but you’d think you were in a much bigger house, such is the efficient use of space. The couple have certainly noticed the financial benefit of having an A3-rated house: their energy bills have always been low, they say, and even when prices spiked, they still found their monthly bills were manageable. Now, the couple are moving to Wicklow, and this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is for sale through Sherry FitzGerald, seeking €835,000. The entrance porch to the home features original decorative terracotta tiling, and the entrance hall has solid-wood flooring. To the right is a good-sized sittingroom with solid-wood flooring, a high ceiling, picture rails and a lovely bay window. Fitted bookshelves sit neatly in two alcoves. Under the stairs is a small guest WC, with a wash-hand basin and tiled splashback neatly tucked into a corner. The extended kitchen/dining/livingroom was created under the guidance of Alan O’Connell of OC Architects, and when you step down into it (the floor was lowered to allow for more height), you emerge into a wonderful, welcoming light-filled space. The red bricks from the original galley kitchen have been recycled as flooring for the new extension, and the brickwork runs into the rear patio, creating a nice flow between the indoor and outdoor areas. The floor-to-ceiling glazing runs along the entire south-facing side of the kitchen/diningroom, maximising the morning sun. The kitchen is fitted with a range of wall and base units, with wooden worktops, subway-tiled splashbacks and a stainless-steel sink. Wide wooden steps lead up to a cosy livingroom area – formerly the diningroom – with floor-to-ceiling glazing. The owners have enjoyed hosting dinner parties and other events over the years, and this open-plan space has provided the ideal setting. More stairs lead up to a small study, formerly a bedroom, which has worked nicely as a home office for the owners. Kevin Courtney is an Irish Times journalist Facebook pageTwitter feed© 2025 The Irish Times DAC This section of the Dodder Greenway will provide 0.8km of rapid build walking and cycling facilities along the Dodder Greenway corridor from Donnybrook Road to Clonskeagh Road This section is currently at the Detailed Design and Procurement phase Donnybrook Road to Clonskeagh Road has been identified as a suitable location for 0.8km of rapid build walking and cycling facilities along the Dodder Greenway corridor Here is a breakdown of the proposals for this section of the scheme: One-way protected cycle lanes will be provided on both sides of Beaver Row between Stillorgan Road and Beech Hill Avenue Two-way traffic will be maintained on this section and access to the Dublin Bus garage will be retained The junction of Beech Hill Avenue and Beaver Row will be signalised A shared walking and cycling route will be provided on the western side of the road between Beech Hill Avenue junction and the entrance to Smurfit Kappa a one-way traffic system will be introduced from the entrance to Smurfit Kappa up to Beech Hill Avenue junction allowing vehicles to travel northbound only Southbound vehicles will be required to use alternative routes Traffic that currently uses Beech Hill Road/Beaver Row to travel southbound towards Clonskeagh Road may use Eglington Road Marlborough Road and Appian Way to access Clonskeagh Road/Ranelagh Road instead Existing parking spaces on the eastern side of the road along the Beaver Row cottages will be maintained The existing footpath on the eastern side of the road will also be maintained The shared walking and cycling route will continue on the western side of Beech Hill Road Traffic flows along this section will remain two-way The existing pedestrian crossings will be upgraded to pedestrian and cyclist crossings This section of the Dodder Greenway scheme aims to: A non-statutory public consultation process was carried out from 2 November 2023 to 8 December 2023 An information event on the project was held on 9 November 2023 in Donnybrook Parish Community Centre Feedback received during the consultation may influence the final design It is anticipated that this scheme will be implemented under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act EIA and AA screening Reports have being completed for each section and a final decision on the proposed planning route will be made by Dublin City Council's planners The project is being funded by the National Transport Authority Traffic impacts along the route and the wider area have been considered as part of environmental screening exercises Extensive traffic modelling of how traffic will divert once the scheme is in place has been carried out as part of the Traffic Analysis In order to maintain the current two-way traffic and facilitate the new shared area between the David Lloyd Gym and Smurfit Kappa entrance the existing eastern kerb line would require realigning and the extension of the existing retaining wall along this section approximately ten established trees would be impacted Heavy civil works on the eastern kerb line will not be required if the one-way system starts at the entrance to Smurfit Kappa This also aligns with the rapid build scheme objective which aims to use cost-effective measures to deliver walking and cycling infrastructure The following  screening assessments have been completed: Both screening reports concluded that an Environmental Impact Assessment report and Appropriate Assessment Report are not required. They can be found on the 'Publications and reports' page All proposed works will remain outside of the river and its banks and utilise existing footpaths and road space for the new infrastructure The existing accessible parking bay outside number 10 Beaver Row Cottages will be maintained As space available along Beaver Row and Beech Hill Road is constrained a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists is required During the detailed design process, careful consideration will be given to the material palette used in order to ensure pedestrians and cyclists use shared areas appropriately. Tactile paving and signage will be provided in accordance with the National Transport Authority's Cycle Design Manual to communicate the entry and exit of shared spaces the Active Travel Programme Office will be running a Behaviour Change Campaign to inform people on the appropriate use of shared space Existing trees on the east of Beech Hill Road between Smurfit Kappa and Beech Hill Campus will be maintained three trees will be removed on the west side of Beech Hill Road approaching Clonskeagh Road Two of the trees to be removed were classed in the tree survey as in fair condition and of moderate value the third tree was classed as in poor condition and of low value As a mitigation measure, it is proposed to plant 6 trees in the nearby area. The Tree Survey Report can be found on the 'Publications and reports' page Donnybrook Fair was bought by Musgraves four years ago John Mulligan and John BurnsThu 14 Nov 2024 at 18:05British luxury chocolatier Hotel Chocolat is closing its two Irish outlets at the end of the year saying the operating environment here has “changed significantly” In another indication of the difficult environment for retail in central Dublin Donnybrook Fair has closed its outlet on Baggot Street In a statement the company said: “Donnybrook Fair can confirm that the difficult decision has been made to close its store on Baggot Street All staff were offered a role in one of our other Donnybrook Fair stores with no impact on their terms and conditions.” which was established by the Doyles in 1991 and bought by Musgraves four years ago has another branch at nearby Morehampton Road in Donnybrook Retail in central Dublin has not bounced back from the pandemic due to the rise in hybrid working and also the increased migration to online shopping which was acquired by Mars last year in a £534m (€642m) deal has cited the changed retail environment for its decision It opened a store in Dundrum in 2017 and one on Henry Street in central Dublin in 2018 the operating environment within the Republic of Ireland has changed significantly which has led us to make the difficult decision to close our two stores in the Republic of Ireland – Dundrum and Henry Street – on 31 December the Hotel Chocolat chief executive for the UK and Ireland “I would like to thank you for your support as a customer and reassure you that we are continuing to explore ways in which we can ship internationally.” the company behind the two stores generated revenue of £1.37m (€1.56m) and a pre-tax profit of £42,000 The previous year it posted revenue of £1.2m and a £635,000 pre-tax profit Hotel Chocolat was founded in 2004 by Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris they bought a cacao farm in St Lucia in the Caribbean and opened a luxury boutique hotel on the estate By the time the company floated in London’s Alternative Investment Market in 2016 The stock market flotation earned the founders £20m each and valued the business at £167m Efforts to expand the company’s geographic footprint proved difficult as it struggled with the manufacturing logistics to support overseas growth The deal to sell the company to Mars netted the founders about £140m each Family-owned Mars produces the eponymous chocolate bar as well as brands such as M&Ms New Zealand-based Cooks Coffee is planning to open four more of its Esquires coffee shops in Ireland in coming months It’s understood the company is aiming to open cafes in Midleton Cooks Coffee already operates 15 Esquires locations in Ireland and is also planning to open an additional outlet in Bagenalstown in Co Carlow in the first quarter of 2025 Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel RTE co-star Arthur Gourounlian and Westlife's Nicky Byrne have arrived at the church ahead of Dancing With The Stars' Julian Benson's funeral mass A funeral procession was held in Dublin this morning as thousands of fans gathered to say their goodbyes to the TV judge Members of the public hit the streets of Dublin earlier today to remember the dancer as the funeral procession passed through the city Julian's remains arrived at Church of the Sacred Heart Donnybrook ahead of a star-studded funeral mass at 11am The talented dancer and choreographer, who was diagnosed with the Cystic Fibrosis at the age of two died surrounded by family and friends at the age of 54 Several well-known faces made appearances at the funeral to say their final goodbyes to Julian They were joined by heartbroken friends Dermot Bannon and Sarah McGovern. President Michael D Higgins Aide-De-Camp Captain McMahon also attended, as the President attended the Pope's funeral in Rome. His heartbroken loved ones said his "strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end". "Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis and sparkle remained with him until the very end Julian became a household name in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars "Affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly "He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants." Speaking following his death, Dancing With The Stars boss Larry Bass and ShinAwiL said Julian will be "forever missed" They said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson "Our very own Captain Sparkle who brought so much joy "His attitude and outlook on life was ever inspiring and will continue to be thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him especially with the creation of the Julian Benson CF Foundation - his legacy will live on forever "The world lost a bit of sparkle today." Dancing With The Stars judge Loraine Barry said: “Julian Benson was a beacon of joy and passion “Despite facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis from a young age he lived with a heart full of love and an unyielding zest for life inspiring everyone around him to embrace life with love and gratitude “Julian’s spirit reminds us all to find joy in every moment and to live life to the fullest “His legacy of warmth and kindness will forever remain in our hearts I was so lucky to meet and spend time with him There was never a dull moment only laughter Dancing With The Stars judge Karen Byrne said Julian was a "true gentleman" she said: "So sad to hear the news of Julian's passing "He was a true gentleman and always there to give his advice in this crazy industry that we work in "Captain Sparkle will be truly missed." Model Rosanna Davison also spoke of her devastation She said: "Heartbroken to learn today of Julian Benson’s passing fun and colourful person and had a huge impact on those of us lucky enough to work with him and call him a friend when he cast me in the UCD 2003 Fashion Show "He was a talented choreographer and producer an inspiring teacher and gave me and all involved such confidence on stage "It’s hard to even express the positive impact he had the encouragement he gave us and the enthusiasm he showed "He was so passionate about his @jbcffoundation and creating Tranquility House Ireland’s first home away from home for those affected by Cystic Fibrosis "Julian will be sadly missed by so many of us Sending all my love to his family and friends It took more than two years and many iterations of the plans to get planning permission for the property as it received 20 objections during the planning process, say the owners of the two-bedroom house. The owners were limited by constraints of the site. “Planners insisted that the house was to be smaller than every house around it and also that it should be stepped back at every junction – so it looks like a core granite construction with extensions off it,” the owner says. The result is a lovely contemporary home set over three floors that still retains a garden space and off-street parking. As a result of planning restraints, the complicated design went down to basement level, where a bathroom, a study, a den and a good-sized utility room lie. Clever use of light wells in the basement mean the owners “don’t have to switch on lights in the basement for at least six months of the year”. Inside the front door it’s all about light and space from lots of glazing, off-white interiors and pale, wood-effect tiled flooring, which is warmed throughout by underfloor heating. A Noel Dempsey kitchen with Neff appliances has polished marble countertops – as does the main pantry – while a second pantry, an understairs unit and deep cupboards offer more in terms of storage. Separated by a set of pocket doors, the livingroom is bright thanks to a corner window allowing dual aspect while a brise soleil (literally translated, a sun breaker) deflects sunlight so the A3-rated house does not overheat. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, the principal of which has a great ceiling height of 12ft, allowing an abundance of natural light. Its location, along with its walk-in condition and Ber rating is really what will attract buyers, as A-rated contemporary homes are rare enough in Dublin 4. Nestled close to the villages of Donnybrook and Ranelagh, it has a highly convenient but quiet location. A five-minute stroll will have you at the Luas stop in Beechwood, and the area is noted for its private schools, Herbert Park and a host of sporting amenities. Owners love the community spirt of the area, the quietness of their road – despite its location so close to so many amenities – and all the light that shines throughout their home. Feenagh Mews takes its name from Co Clare, where one of the owners is from, and is now on the market through Mullery O’Gara seeking €1.35 million. Elizabeth Birdthistle, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes about property, fine arts, antiques and collectables Gerry (John Gerald) – 9th March 2025 (Donnybrook and formerly Fairymount Vincent’s Hospital in the loving care of his family Predeceased by his parents James and Winifred Beloved husband of Brid and loving father to Ruth Gerry will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife and children Gerry will be reposing in Rom Massey Funeral Home, 6, Cranford Centre, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 X446 on Tuesday March 11th from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass in Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook on Wednesday March 12th at 1.30pm. Gerry’s Funeral Service may be viewed on line at https://donnybrookparish.ie/webcam/ The Funeral will arrive to Fairymount Church Roscommon (F45 F702) on Thursday 13th March at 2pm for prayers prior to burial in Fairymount cemetery Those who wish to leave a public message of condolence may do so in the condolence section below, or those who wish to leave a private message of condolence please click here Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}Date Published: Located at the junction of Donnybrook Road and Brookvale Road in Donnybrook village and extending to a total area of 0.32 acres (0.13 hectares), the Dublin 4 site is now being offered to the market by agent JLL at a guide price of €5.5 million. The property, which is occupied by Circle K under a short-term licence agreement, is zoned Z4 under the Dublin City Development Plan 2022–2028. The site is designated for “Key Urban Villages and Urban Villages”, which permits a range of uses, including residential, hotel, and student accommodation. The site’s planning history includes previous approval for a 10-storey residential scheme of 67 units. This planning permission is the subject of an ongoing judicial review. Separately, an eight-storey purpose-built student-accommodation (PBSA) project that received planning permission from Dublin City Council was subsequently overturned by An Bord Pleanála. While efforts by the site’s current owner to develop it have been met with opposition locally, Ollie Lyons of JLL says the property’s planning history provides “a clear roadmap” for accessing its development potential. He adds: “An additional advantage for buyers is the short-term income stream of €165,000 per annum from Circle K, which can help offset holding costs during the planning phase.” The current licence agreement is extendable to March 2026. Additionally, Circle K has signed a deed of renunciation, waiving any rights to a new tenancy. Lyons says: “We expect a high level of engagement from prospective buyers given the site’s potential to deliver best-in-class apartments, student accommodation or a hotel, subject to planning. The existing short-term income from Circle K will be particularly attractive to investors and developers alike.” Ronald Quinlan is Property Editor of The Irish Times This article is 7 months oldAddress: 21 Greenfield Park, Donnybrook, Dublin 4Price: €5,250,000 Agent: Colliers InternationalIt is testament to a property when two generations of the same family choose to make it their home. One of the current residents at 21 Greenfield Park, an impressive detached home in Donnybrook It is also where the owner’s wedding was hosted 200 guests dined in a marquee in the garden Rachel Lamb designed the grounds in question The ease with which this property is a movable feast is down to London-based architect Georgina Hutton who was tasked with creating a Hamptons-style home in Donnybrook akin to those that populate the New York state seaside resort popular with the rich and famous The brief was to create “a lateral space where all the rear rooms open out to the garden and to create an easy flow within” London-based designer Serena Williams-Ellis curated the interior a bespoke Chalon kitchen and solid flooring No expense has been spared in this meticulously kept home which seamlessly integrates the gardens that surround it Works took a considerable two years to complete resulting in a balance between formal and comfortable spaces and every inch of its 467sq m (5,024sq ft) has been well thought out Most impressive is the temperature-controlled wine room; you can peek at the collection of vintages while en route to the kitchen/diningroom via an internal window Off the main entrance hall lies a study and two bedrooms to the left while the bulk of rooms lie to the right to take advantage of its aspect Two spacious rooms in the form of a kitchen/diningroom and livingroom make the most of the gardens Last year the owners were approached by film production company Lionsgate which requested to use the property for director Jan Komasa’s film Anniversary a provocative thriller starring Diane Lane “They were looking for a Hamptons-style American house and as we were away for three months at that time they even repainted the entire house and redid all the floors,” says the owner [ What will €165,000 buy in France, the US, Croatia, Norway and Co Clare?Opens in new window ] Quite a number of sales have taken place on this road in recent years, and judging by Dublin City Council planning documents, many of those are in the process of complete renovations. For example, number 1 Greenfield Park, which achieved €3 million in 2021, is being renovated, as is number 24, a 337sq m house on 0.3 of an acre that sold for €1.875 million in 2023. As one of the larger homes on the road – lying opposite Nutley Lane if you dissect the N11 dual carriageway – it also occupies a significant site as houses past the Greenfield Crescent tend to be double sites. The C1-rated property in the heart of Donnybrook, close to University College Dublin and a several sought-after schools, is in walk-in condition. Its current owners, who have enjoyed the light, flow and location, have decided to rightsize due to an empty nest and have placed this pristine property on the market through Colliers, seeking €5.25 million. A group of Dublin 4 residents have won their battle to prevent a 10-storey 225 bed-space student accommodation for Donnybrook getting the green light An Bord Pleanála has overturned Dublin City Council’s grant of planning permission to Keith Craddock’s Red Rock Donnybrook Ltd for a Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) at the Circle K Petrol Station at the junction of Donnybrook Road and Brookvale Road, Donnybrook. The council had granted planning permission after omitting two storeys from the 10-storey block scheme. When the case was before the council, the Donnybrook Lawn Tennis Club was one of the parties to object, claiming that the plan “exceed the densities of Manhattan by someway”. In its objection, the tennis club said it “is a private club and has a reasonable expectation not to be excessively overlooked. It is not a public park.” Two third-party appeals were lodged against the council decision with An Bord Pleanála by Eglinton Residents Association and by David and Valerie Clarke of Ramleh Villas, Milltown Road, Dublin 6. In support of the appeals, the Donnybrook Lawn Tennis Club lodged a submission with the appeals board stating that the height and density are excessive. Now, in its decision to refuse planning permission, An Bord Pleanála concluded that the removal of the two storeys by the council “failed to resolve the problems with the functionality associated with the ground floor layout”. In the decision signed off by board member, Paul Caprani, it found that the original 10-storey proposal “is excessive in terms of height, form, site coverage and scale and would constitute a dominant and overbearing structure in the context of the existing environment”. The board also concluded that the scheme does not provide an appropriate transition in height and scale and would have an excessive overbearing effect on adjoining property. The appeals board also refused planning permission as the proposal would provide for a poor frontage along the Donnybrook Road, through its design, the overhang of the building over the public footpath and the narrowness of the footpath. The planning refusal continued to state that “due to the layout and functionality of the building at ground floor level, the proposal would fail to enliven the streetscape and therefore would provide for a poor quality of urban design on entering the village on R138. The board stated that the proposal would militate against an attractive pedestrian environment and be contrary to the City Development Plan which seeks to protect, improve and expand the pedestrian network in the city. Gordon Deegan is a contributor to The Irish Times Cairn Homes is due to commence works on the first phase of its €345 million, 608-unit apartment scheme on former RTÉ lands at Montrose this week. The move by the Irish home builder to commence construction works comes almost eight years after Cairn agreed a €107.5m deal with RTÉ in June 2017 to purchase just under nine acres of lands at the broadcaster’s Donnybrook campus. The start of the construction works follows Cairn Homes issuing a formal site commencement notice on its development. The initial phase of work will consist of residential construction in the northwest corner of the site. This will include enabling works for the future development of the wider site, as well as the start of residential development within one of the blocks, Block 10, which is to comprise 15 residential units. The move also follows 18 months after An Bord Pleanála granted a ten-year planning permission to Cairn Homes Montrose Ltd for 608 apartments in nine blocks ranging in height from two to 10 storeys and comprising 272 build-to-sell units and 336 build-to-rent. However, in a split decision the board refused permission for a “landmark” 16-storey tower component of the scheme that was to include a 192-bedroom hotel and 80 apartments. In a submission to the board last year, Cairn Homes confirmed that it is to lodge a new Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) application in the first quarter of this year to address the omission of Block 5, the tower containing the hotel. In its submission, Cairn told the board that a new LRD application would be lodged in the first quarter for reinstatement of Block 5, “albeit with reduced height, amended design and potentially amended uses”. Cairn’s plans for the former RTÉ site have met with strong local opposition. Cairn Homes Montrose told An Bord Pleanála “there is a high risk of litigation against a future grant of permission, having regard to the history of litigation against a previous permission”. Cairn has stated that it is its experience that decisions subject to judicial review can take up to 18 months. The company revealed its intentions to lodge new plans for the site in an unsuccessful appeal to An Bord Pleanála against Dublin City Council’s decision to subject its former RTÉ landbank to the Residential Land Zoned Tax (RZLT) which is aimed at reducing land-hoarding by landowners. Donnybrook Fair      Address: 87-91 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin, D04 K6F2Telephone: 01-6683556Cuisine: Modern InternationalWebsite: https://www.donnybrookfair.ie/Opens in new windowCost: €€What’s on offer?Donnybrook Fair on Morehampton Road reopened last November with plenty of influencer buzz it’s the original store in the group – there are now five After 17 years it was sold to the Musgrave Group in 2018 Rotisserie chicken is part of the new offering currently available only in Morehampton Road which are cooked sous vide in their south Dublin kitchen - ensuring “extra-juicy meat” they say - then finish them in the in-store rotisserie It is available as a whole roasted chicken or in a build-your-own pulled chicken sandwich – served on Tartine sourdough or a wrap with your choice of three fillings and a sauce Monthly specials have included a Korean roast chicken wrap with Chimac Korean barbecue sauce which adds sweetness and a mild chilli heat The handmade meals range is extensive; some of the dishes are par-cooked and can then be finished at home in the oven or microwave Quiches with an all-butter pastry base are made in their off-site kitchen honey-roast carrots and a slice of leek and cheese quiche other items are in preheated or chilled units The filling of leek and cheese was delicious and the outer meat was dry – like it had waited too long in the hot cabinet The baby potatoes and honey-roast carrots (30 minutes in the oven) were good and the other items were in foil trays covered in cling film which is typical of how these dishes are generally packaged [ Wholegrain foods: Are they really healthier than white rice, bread and pasta?Opens in new window ] €26.90 for dinner for three people: rotisserie chicken, €14.95; baby potatoes, €3.95; honey-roast carrots, €3.95; and quiche, €4.95; less €0.90 as part of a “two for €7″ special on the vegetables. Takeaway only, at branch in Morehampton Road, Donnybrook. Open Mon-Sat, 7am-10pm; and Sun, 8am-9pm. Yes, I’d get the quiche again. The rotisserie chicken is fine if you live nearby, but I’ve had better. I don’t think the sous vide step improves things. Corinna Hardgrave, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes a weekly restaurant column Though this was an effort to eliminate the city slums and awful living conditions of the impoverished it wasn’t really until the 1950s that private apartments began to be constructed and by the 1990s we were building about 5,000 apartment units a year Units constructed in the 1960s and 1970s can offer greater space and light compared with newer builds but one of the most compelling features of apartments constructed back then was their location which offered an affordable way to purchase in a home in upmarket residential areas This is the case for Brendan House on Brendan Road in Donnybrook at the junction of Brendan and Argyle Roads its location is one of the most sought-after areas in the city Close to Ballsbridge and within minutes of an abundance of amenities its location allows residents to walk to supermarkets artisan eateries and the city centre itself The block was designed by Ian Roberts of McDonnell & Dixon Architects and was constructed by G&T Crampton over the period 1966-1967 The first-floor unit has been fully renovated and modernised since 2020 under the guidance of an architect It now has buckets of bespoke built-in storage areas and enjoys an abundance of natural light This is due to the fact that the apartment has a dual aspect One of the issues with older apartments can be outdated and non-energy efficient windows Here they have all been replaced with triple glazing – which improved the units’ energy rating to C1 while also providing sound insulation Though the fact that it lies in a quiet location means sound should not be an issue The property has also had a full upgrade of electrics and plumbing The apartment consists of two double bedrooms along with a light-filled living/diningroom off which lies a kitchen with herringbone timber flooring Many more recently built apartment blocks in the city and its environs do not provide parking for all units number 3 Brendan House has its own secure garage with an electronically operated door providing further storage and/or private parking away from the elements The apartment, which has an annual service charge of €2,000, has now been launched to the market seeking €565,000 though DVW Smyth. JLL expects strong interest in the Dublin 4 site If there’s one thing we know you lot are into it’s setting off on the weekend for an adventure to get your hands a little dirty and pick your own produce what’s a better way to offset all that screen time (we’re setting records over here) than with some good old fashioned time in the great outdoors While the Donnybrook Apple Festival may have been and gone, our apple mania is just getting started – and Donnybrook locals Sheehan’s Farm are keeping the doctor well and truly away with the return of their pick-your-own Pink Lady apples. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheehan’s Farm (@sheehansfarm) Re-opening the orchard to the public back in February for their Fuji apple season and plum picking during March, Pink Lady apples will be available to pick-your-own visitors from Mother’s Day weekend (May 10-11), 9am-3pm. Setting you back $4/kilogram, bring your own bag or basket to collect your Pink Ladies – you’re also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy amongst the picturesque orchard! Plus, if you’re in luck – you and the kids will be able to sneak a few pats of the resident cows, plus play on the orchard’s old tractors. (Not to mention, grab some cute photos while you’re there…) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheehan’s Farm (@sheehansfarm) Image credits: Boy and Bear Photography (via Sheehan’s Farm) Peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after an illness bravely borne Conor will be forever loved by his heartbroken wife Noreen extended family and many wonderful friends and colleagues Conor will repose at home on Wednesday 12th February from 5pm – 7pm His Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday 13th February in Church of the Sacred Heart followed by burial in Kilternan Cemetery Park (Family only) For those who cannot attend Conor’s Funeral Mass, you may view it live by clicking here Family flowers only, donations if desired to Blackrock Hospice (donate here) or The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) (donate here) To leave a private message of condolence, please click here or alternatively on the condolence section below. All enquiries to Massey Bros., Goatstown on (01) 268 8828. Please Note: The link provided to live-stream the Funeral Mass is managed by an independent streaming company. The Funeral Home accepts NO responsibility for its functionality or interruption to a live transmission. Address: 88 Pembroke Cottages, Donnybrook, Dublin 4Price: €695,000 Agent: Young's Estate Agents View this property on MyHome.ie Pembroke Estate which was the largest family-owned estate in Co Dublin was renowned for its dainty yet robust workmen’s cottages Constructed around the 1890s, Pembroke Cottages, located in a quiet enclave to the rear of the site of the former Kiely’s Pub in Donnybrook, is now a popular spot for both downsizers and first-time buyers alike. Its location offers a great sense of privacy and peace, yet is so close to amenities, such as the 32 acres at Herbert Park, Donnybrook village and a host of restaurants in nearby Ranelagh and Ballsbridge. Prices can vary greatly depending on condition and size, and many of these properties have had clever renovations that has seen some of them double in size. This is true of number 88 Pembroke Cottages. It is listed on the Property Price Register as having sold in 2014 for €335.000. But at that time it measured just 39.7sq m (428sq ft). By digging down into the earth beneath, essentially lowering the ground floor, it allowed a full bedroom and bathroom upstairs, so the property now has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has also almost doubled in size to its current measurement of 73sq m (785sq ft). An air-to-water heating system, underfloor heating and buckets of insulation have helped to give a much improved Ber rating of B3. “Our engineer, Pat Ginty (who designed the full renovation and extension), was really forward thinking at the time. As he was very environmentally aware he suggested air-to-water heating and underfloor heating systems, which I wasn’t fully aware of a decade ago,” says the owner. Inside the split-level house, a set of stairs leads up to the new bedroom and bathroom, where lots of storage lies in the eaves. Five steps down from the front door leads to the livingroom, which has a wall of built-in units alongside an original open fire. From here another set of steps leads up to a kitchen that is flooded with light due to the addition of a roof light over the countertops. It’s all very streamlined here thanks to the Quooker tap, which has hot, cold and sparkling water functions, so negates the need for a kettle. To the rear lies a small courtyard, accessed from the dining area. As much of the original garden was sacrificed to the extension, it’s a small enough space, but with 32 acres of Herbert Park on the doorstep, that was the trade-off for a bigger home. The owner is moving to another project in Ranelagh, and has placed her home, in walk-in condition, on the market through Young’s Estate Agents seeking €695,000. By Ray MacAodhagain A ‘Columbarium Walls Feasibility Study’ for DCC Parks and Landscape Services was commissioned in 2019, looking into how cemeteries no longer in use might be a suitable candidate for a columbarium wall. Four suitable sites for this were noted and investigated, including Clontarf, Bluebell, Merrion (Bellevue) and Donnybrook. Donnybrook has burial records that range from 1712 till it closed in 1916. It holds the remains of notable figures, among them architect Sir Edward Lovett Pearce (1699-1733) the most important Palladian architect of his day; whose works include Parliament House (now the Bank of Ireland, built between 1729 and 1739), and Dr Bartholomew Mosse (1712–1759), who was responsible for founding the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin. Through such people the history of the city can be told. This is certainly a viable project overall and good news for Donnybrook and is something that may be duplicated throughout the country.  In a reply to a question from Councillor Dermot Lacey (Lab) Mr Bernard Brady, Acting Senior Parks & Landscape Officer stated:  “The contract for Columbarium Walls in Donnybrook Graveyard was terminated on the 9th October due to failure by the contractor to fulfil contractual obligations including rectification of defective works. The works are currently in the process of being re-tendered and it is expected that they will recommence onsite within the first quarter of 2025.  Parks Services will provide a detailed programme once the contractor is appointed.”  Hopefully the issue will be resolved and work recommence shortly. The Fitzwilliam family, who gave their name to many places in Dublin including the street in Ringsend where NewsFour is located. Richard Graves (1763-1829), theologian and classicist, and ancestor of the poet of the same name.   Robert Clayton (1695-1758), author of An Essay On Spirit.   Dr Richard Robert Madden (1798-1886), fought all his life to abolish slavery, particularly Britain’s involvement in the West Indies. William Ashford (1746-1824) a landscape painter.   William King, Archbishop of Dublin from 1703 to 1729. Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and Bartholomew Mosse, mentioned in main article. About 7000 people in total are said to be interred in Donnybrook Cemetery; including Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Huguenots. The earliest headstone dates from 1625. Elizabeth Ryder and her sister Amy were the last people to be buried in the cemetery.  Several homes have changed hands on the cul-de-sac in the last few years including the homes on either side of number 2. Number 3 sold in August 2023 for €925,000, according to the Property Price Register. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom, C3 Ber-rated redbrick, 111 sq m (1,194 sq ft) in size, had come to market asking €895,000 the previous March. Number 1 sold for €825,000 in June 2022. From the outside, number 2 is a classic Victorian redbrick terraced home. Inside it has been very discreetly contemporised while retaining all of its period charm. The owner bought it almost a decade ago and lived in it for several years before commissioning Neil Crimmins of Cathal Crimmins Architect to gently upgrade it and aggrandise it with a statement extension that is clad in aluminium. They added a sizeable extension and a second floor and it now extends to approximately 134 sq m (1,400 sq ft) of home in turnkey condition thanks to the attention-to-detail approach of high-end conservation construction company Mach Build, from Inniskeen in Co Monaghan, poet Patrick Kavanagh country. The paint used throughout is by Little Greene in tonal shades of the softest sage greens creating a restful ambience throughout. There are creature comforts aplenty, starting with underfloor heating throughout the ground floor. Underfoot are solid wood floors by The Hardwood Floor Company in a limed white-oak finish. The timber sash windows have shutters to the front to close out the street and there are very similar fire surrounds and insets in the interconnecting reception rooms, where the livingroom is to the front and the diningroom, to the rear. The Newcastle Design kitchen has green, hand-painted units set in a C-shape with a vertical drinks cabinet hidden behind similar panelling in the entrance to this space. Crittall-style steel glazing by Lambstongue above a bench with storage underneath opens out to a small patio. Hidden behind a painted shed is a place to house unsightly bins and a wall hook for bikes as well as pedestrian access to a vehicular lane that takes you to Marlborough Road in minutes. On the hall return is a luxuriously appointed bathroom with separate shower and bath while on the first floor there are two good-size double bedrooms with the principal spanning the width of the house. At this level there is a laundry cupboard, concealed behind a panelled door. The hot press is similarly screened so no dragging clothes up and down from the kitchen. On the second floor there is a third double bedroom, which is dual aspect and has an adjoining shower room. It adds almost 14 sq m to the footprint of the house and is a really restful and light-filled space. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom, Ber-exempt property is on the market through Knight Frank, seeking €1.3 million. Alanna Gallagher is a property journalist with The Irish Times Former greengrocer-turned-restaurant seeks new owner Number 43 Donnybrook Gardens was bought new in March 2023 by a busy, professional couple who are now looking to buy a larger home in the area. The Property Price Register records the selling price as €990,110, however, the total cost for the owners would have been in the region of €1.24 million once the 13.5 per cent VAT rate charged on new properties was factored in. It is now on the market in turnkey condition, seeking €1.2 million through DNG. Previously marketed as a “two-bed plus study” unit, the size of the study means it qualifies as a third bedroom, but its narrow layout is far more suited to a study and seating area. Located off the open-plan kitchen and living space, it offers a lovely space from which to work, with light and direct access to the wraparound balcony through a sliding glazed door. The sleek, streamlined kitchen features handleless units and a central island delineating it from the dining and living areas, with twin pendant lights overhead. The open-plan space is laid out with the dining area in its centre and a living area on the opposite side from the kitchen. It is bathed in light thanks to French doors to the balcony off the kitchen and a large sliding door from the living area. There are two double bedrooms in the apartment, an en suite off the principal, and the main bathroom. There’s also a handy utility space off the kitchen. With work schedules that saw the owners leaving early in the morning and returning late in the evening, the property shows no sign of wear and tear. It is likely to appeal to downsizers, moving from the capital’s affluent suburbs. The development offers a number of perks to its residents, including an on-site 24-hour gym and a residents’ lounge where people can meet. There are many social events held there, such as cocktail nights, the owner says. The building also has a 24-hour concierge service. Outdoors, there are lawned communal gardens as well as a herb and vegetable garden which residents can pick from rather than going to the shop for fresh produce. Each apartment has a designated parking space as well as a storage locker and access to a communal bike store. For getting around, a number of bus routes into the city centre stop nearby and Sydney Parade Dart station is about a 20-minute walk from Donnybrook Gardens. Jessica Doyle writes about property for The Irish Times the panel discusses the strategy behind Mayor Spencer's transition into office and a proposed law in Illinois prohibiting Native American names and logos from being used as school mascots Stream on the PBS app or online below Support for Donnybrook is provided by the Betsy & Thomas O Patterson Foundation and Design Aire Heating and Cooling.  Related: Donnybrook | Facebook | X/Twitter  © Nine PBS | All Rights Reserved | View FCC Public Inspection File Donnybrook Fair is delighted to announce the launch of its revamped flagship store on Morehampton Road The new and improved store combines Donnybrook Fair’s famed gourmet food and exceptional offering with an upgraded layout to create a complete foodie destination for their valued customers The Morehampton Road building itself has been renovated from top to bottom providing customers with a superior shopping experience This new store layout brings the Donnybrook Fair mission to source and provide the finest quality ingredients for its customers to life with premium quality and excellence built into every stage of the customer journey consisting of skilled craft butchers and knowledgeable fishmongers as well as friendly staff at the coffee and bakery counters are always available to assist and guide shoppers while they shop and highlight the key offerings If you’re looking for convenience try the chef-prepared meals made in their local kitchen - renowned for great taste and exceptional quality While the delicatessen offers an irresistible range of handmade sandwiches mouth-watering 100% Irish free-range rotisserie chicken all prepared fresh daily for a fantastic lunch on the go solution By Ray MacAodhagain has in recent years succumbed to the invasion of the dreaded high-rise With the new monstrosity at the bottom of Eglinton Road 85-unit co-living complex where Kiely’s once stood already a fait accompli (adding to that the disappearance of post office many residents now consider what was once their beloved village has been reduced to a drive-through on the Stillorgan dual carriageway Now with another proposed high-rise student accommodation on the junction of Donnybrook Road and Brookvale the current site of the Circle K petrol filling station In 2002 a four-storey apartment block was proposed for this site but rejected by An Bord Pleanála on the grounds of size and height which was deemed to be out of character with the location In 2008 a separate plan to develop what would have been an 11-storey mixed use development was refused by Dublin City Council In 2010 a proposed mixed-use development of up to seven storeys in height was rejected by An Bord Pleanála The site was again up for sale in 2018 with permissible uses including residential By this time changes to planning regulations by then Minister Eoghan Murphy permitted developers to bypass local planning authorities and make applications directly to An Bord Pleanála for large-scale schemes of 100 housing units or more This resulted in the planning body receiving multiple applications for (build-to-rent) high-rise The site at Donnybrook is presently in the possession of Red Rock Developments Ltd sometime in 2020 and have since endeavoured to build on it This company specialises in multi-disciplined property developments It has completed a number of outstanding projects including the 77 apartments and penthouse at Elmpark Green and the salubrious Paddock at Bushy Park Road In February of 2021 plans were lodged for a 12-storey 84-apartment complex on the site (build-to-rent) residential use at 1st to 11th floor levels with opposition to planning resulting in some 30 individual objections being lodged In 2022 a Bord Pleanála Inspector’s Report ABP-310204-21 noted that the proposed building design was acceptable However given the scale of the project they had concerns over visual dominance The report also notes that no public open space was proposed after an appeal to An Bord Pleanála this time a 10-storey (reduction of two floors) mixed-use development Cllr Dermot Lacey noted that the height of the 2021 proposal was significantly higher than the council’s own guidelines of 16 metres (typically four storeys) and wholly unsuitable for a village Nor was the reduction of two floors by the City Council planners deemed to be an adequate solution Spokesperson for the Eglinton Residents Association Robin Mandal informed An Bord Pleanála that while it reduces the impact marginally it does not substantially address the negative visual impact The scaled down proposal was condemned on various grounds Including its impact on the historical integrity of Donnybrook the development received two third-party appeals with High Court proceedings being launched in January 2023 David and Valerie Clarke of Dublin 6 called the planned development monolithic The Eglinton Residents Association submitted an objection and Mr Mandal maintained that the scheme appeared out of character with the pattern of development in Donnybrook.  bike storage and other amenities received the go-ahead in May of 2024 reducing the height of the building to eight floors it did little to curb the frustrations of local objectors who had previously expressed their concerns argued that gross over-development of the site would dominate the Donnybrook skyline as the project overlooked the club In what the Irish Times described as a strongly worded objection against the Donnybrook site they informed Dublin City Council that the Red Rock scheme would constitute an “enormous” impact on the club It not only encroaches on the privacy of its 800-member private club but it also breaches their child protection policy.  The area is perhaps more suited to mid-rise development.  Many residents expressed concerns about the way Donnybrook was developing particularly with plans for around 100 co-living units on the site of the former Kiely’s pub and another 12-storey apartment block a short distance away on Eglinton Road which would  bring an additional 400 transient homes to the village the Herbert Park Area Residents Association opposed the scheme on the grounds that it would not advance sustainable long-term residency in Donnybrook Speaking to The Journal in 2021 Fianna Fáil’s Deirdre Conroy noted that the development would provide a block of “non-affordable non-purchasable homes” which was more suited to a dockland site than an historic village This takes account of build-to-rent or shared/co-living accommodation as types of developments not designed for long-term living and sometimes not suitable for families.  The latest proposed student accommodation can be viewed as an extension of the transient argument The term studentification can be applied here The term commonly refers to the impact brought about by a preponderance of universities creating a high demand for accommodation in the vicinity It includes a perception that students are transient people by nature and will not become a part of the community There appears to be some consideration of this element of the development in April of 2024 Concentration and Justification Report prepared by John Spain Associates a leading Planning and Development Consultancy advocating that there is unlikely to be any significant increase in the number of students living in the area Rather there will be a redistribution from more informal student living arrangements in rented accommodation (i.e flats/studios) to the managed student accommodation development The total student population would represent 0.7% of the total population which is not considered to be an overconcentration of student population the price of accommodation might determine who actually has access to it According to one estimation dated  2022 the cost to a student is above €950 per month to live in a cluster room in an apartment in one of these privately owned accommodations.  More broadly the chronic shortage of accommodation for both students and the wider population has resulted in high-rise as a way of combating the crisis in housing and urban sprawl high-rise has not proved particularly popular in Ireland where lower density is preferred Even in Britain where multi-storey living is more common high-rise student accommodation ‘rising over cities’ has become contentious A multi-storey student accommodation development in Manchester was met with fierce opposition with locals adopting the slogan “Stop The Monster” in their campaign.  While there is a huge supply/demand imbalance the answer to the student accommodation problem may not be solely a question of high-rise This may be adequate in some urban areas in which high-rise already exists And this form of accommodation is not without its merits of course Yet the proposed student accommodation at Donnybrook has added another layer to the debate For communities like Donnybrook it does a great disservice to both students and established residents alike by dividing them on demographic lines It has been shown that students often feel more a part of the community while living in mid or low-rise accommodation What is often key to this is the sense of disconnect; high-rise accommodation is separate and isolating The area is more suited to mid-rise development.  it is clear that the current model of fast tracking high-rise accommodation brings with it many problems Donnybrook is a good example of obtrusive buildings in low-density villages objections and extra complications that new apartment occupiers What is needed is a common sense approach to planning.  A decision on the Donnybrook site is expected in October An Garda Síochána (Donnybrook and formerly Ballymoe surrounded by his family after a long illness bravely borne Beloved husband of Joan and adored father of Ken Predeceased by his parents Mattie and Nora and grandson Mark Martin will be deeply missed by his devoted wife and children neighbours and former colleagues in An Garda Síochána Reposing at Rom Massey & Sons Funeral Home followed by burial at Kilmashogue Cemetery the Mass may be viewed live at the webstream link below House private please. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Little Blue Heroes at https://www.littleblueheroes.org/donate CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one Donnybrook Fair’s hand-picked and handmade selection of Christmas treats are the perfect little luxuries for this festive season Using their continued commitment to quality ingredients and tastes Donnybrook Fair happily presents their handmade Mince Pies A selection of of their festive treats available now All of Donnybrook Fair’s festive treats are available at a Donnybrook Fair near you including their newly renovated flagship store on Morehampton Road Elevate your Season’s Eating with Donnybrook’s fantastic festive range Donnybrook Fair Christmas Range available at their stores in Morehampton Road McCOY - Kathleen (Kay), (Donnybrook), passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in the wonderful care of the staff at St. Vincent's University Hospital on January 6th, 2025. Sadly missed by nephew Joe, sisters Bonnie and Marie, grand-nieces Audrey and Sharon, brother-in-law Jimmy, sisters-in-law Lily and Valerie, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours and her beloved pet companions. Reposing in Nichols Funeral Chapel, Lombard Street East this Saturday (January 11) from 3pm to 4.30pm, prior to the Removal to Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook arriving at 5pm. Funeral Mass on Monday (January 13) at 11am followed by burial in Deans Grange Cemetery. Donate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday Pre-deceased by his daughter Laura and much loved father of Jean former colleagues in the Department of Education and those from the Theatre world Reposing at his home on Monday from 4.00pm – 6.00pm. Removal on Tuesday morning to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook arriving at 10.50am for Funeral Mass at 11.00am, followed by burial at Kilmashogue Cemetery. No flowers please, donations, if desired, to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Foxy Lounge      Address: Ever Ready Unit, Brookvale Road, Donnybrook, Dublin D04 E7Y7Telephone: 01 2600271Cuisine: Italian-inspiredWebsite: https://www.foxylounge.ie/Opens in new windowCost: €€€€In the late 1980s I spent some years in the Middle East editing hotel and club magazines I discovered a secret hack that improved my work-life balance – I’d tap the phrase “timeless elegance” into my Amstrad and the final copy would be signed off in a heartbeat As I scan the “Fine Dining” menu in the newly minted Foxy Lounge restaurant, I’m slapped by the thud of a Joan Collins-grade shoulder pad: “Elegance in Shell” and a sprinkling of “Tuscan Essence” and “Verdant Elixirs” is this creative genius who would have put me out of a job back in the day Or did I miss that episode of The Apprentice where the brief was for The Real Housewives of Dubai to launch their own Michelin-star culinary dream Foxy Lounge, wedged between a Circle K garage and The Defenders 4x4 dealership on a side road in Donnybrook opened quietly with a glitzy Instagram account on August 22nd It is businesswoman Eva Liang Tang’s first foray into the hospitality industry and owned an Italian restaurant in South Korea before that The Venus desire pearls – snail caviar with white truffle black fungus and violet sauce – beckon like a sea siren I wonder if the snails jetted in first class on Emirates I’m certain no amount of “timeless elegance” will get them past The Irish Times’ financial gatekeepers So “elegance in shell” (€16) it will have to be swollen like they have spent too long in a sauna Not even a hit of crimson essence (fiery red pepper dip) or a splash of verdant elixir (chimichurri) could save them The antipasti di Lusso (€40) promises a “luxury selection” of meats a lazy assembly of cliches on a wooden board artichokes and a sad little dish of petrified prawns [ House at Cliff House Hotel review: A classy Michelin experience with a light sprinkling of luxuryOpens in new window ] The crab royale pasta (€43) arrives, with fettuccine spilling out of the crab’s shell like a grotesque seafood piñata. Cimek drowns it in hot garlic butter tableside, creating an oil slick that would make Circle K blush. The house-made fettuccine is thick enough to give your jaw a workout, scattered with barely-there pieces of crab. I ask for a shell cracker to get at the meat in the lone claw, they kindly crack it in the kitchen, tripling the amount of crab on my plate instantly. Our other main course is the “quattro formaggi elegance” (€28). The 72-hour fermented base is as rigid as a plate and an uncooked mozzarella ball has been plonked in the centre after it was released from the electric oven. It is ceremoniously sliced open at the table, but doesn’t distract from the fact that the rest of the pizza has almost no cheese on it. After all this, I brace myself for dessert. But the “velvet tiramisu” (€12) is enjoyable. It has layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone and a healthy dusting of cocoa powder sieved over a fork-shaped stencil, leaving an imprint on either side of the plate. Turning to the decor. Gold isn’t just on the menu. There are gold lamps, gold ice buckets with stags’ heads, gold cutlery and a teaspoon crowned with a fake plastic diamond (pilfered perhaps from Barbie’s Dreamhouse). The purple walls are flecked with gold like a unicorn sneezed glitter everywhere. Tang is in the restaurant the evening we visit (there are two other occupied tables), and is as charming as a host could be. I try desperately to resolve the fact that she is one of the people behind this experiment in how much gold you can throw at a plate before people start to question what’s underneath. Tuscan grandmothers would be sobbing into their floury aprons. I get that times are tough for restaurants, but punters aren’t swimming in spare cash either. €110 for snail caviar? No amount of “verdant elixir” is going to make that pill easier to swallow. Of course every new restaurant can have an off day, but when presenting pasta and pizza at these punchy prices there’s little excuse to get it wrong. I left Foxy Lounge baffled that a restaurant can so utterly miss the mark on simple Italian staples – though the tiramisu, at least, was a sweet relief. Dinner for two with a bottle of wine was €173. The verdict A royale catastrophe wrapped in gold leaf. Food provenance Crab from Loughshinny Harbour, chicken from Musgrave, Irish free-range or from Poland, depending on the supply, Italicatessen. Vegetarian options Foxy pasta, Margherita supreme, quattro formaggi elegance, garden harvest, sea moss salad, and vibrant greens. Wheelchair access Accessible room with no accessible toilet. Music Louder than the decor, Volare and Que Sara at full blast. The ground floor drawing room, opening onto the dining room Low-maintenance back garden, overlooking Donnybrook Stadium Second floor shower room with feature window Niall TonerFri 22 Nov 2024 at 03:30129 Anglesea Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Agent: Hunters Estate Agents (01 668 0008) What it is: A 19th century brown-brick terraced townhouse at the Donnybrook end of Anglesea Road. Tell me more: With almost 2,900sq ft of living accommodation, this mid-terrace, two-storey over basement house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. There’s a hallway, drawing room, dining room and bedroom (or study) at ground floor level; with a kitchen, family room, living room and ‘utility’ at the garden level. On the first floor, there are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom, with a landing and shower room on the second floor. The house overlooks Donnybrook Stadium, the former home of Leinster Rugby. The bad news: The rooms described above are, of course, aspirational. There is not a de facto kitchen for example, but rather an auctioneers’ shorthand for where a kitchen was at one point or might be in the future. Ditto for bathroom. The house is currently stripped down to the floorboards. On match nights, you may have to put up with glare of floodlights from the stadium next door, and potential buyers may have to contend with a small ruck of builder-speculators who can see a profitable flip here. The good news: If you are fortunate enough to be in the hunt for a D4 trophy home now your crypto wallet has gone stellar, this might even look like a bargain. Down the road, a slightly smaller (circa 2,500sq ft) “mover-inner” mid-terrace with four bedrooms is currently on the market for a million euro more than this one. There is loads of classic period detail still in situ, including plasterwork and fireplaces, as well as sash windows. It looks relatively dry and most of the floors appear to be in salvageable condition, subject to a proper survey. The frontage is unspoilt, with a small garden and original Victorian railings. How much to buy it: Offers in the region of €1.175m are being sought. And to fix it up? If you happen to be down to your last million or so, you could probably drop €100,000 and put in whatever was necessary for the basic functions of daily life. Let’s face it though, this scenario is purely for us Lotto-hopefuls. Those readers actually in the market for a property in this bracket will not be unused to flagrant luxury, and most likely will want to go the whole hog, renovations-wise. Expect to see someone go “the whole shebang”, to use the cliched rugger parlance, and drop €400,000 or €500,000 on fixing this place up and possibly extending, subject to all the necessary approvals. What will I end up with? A trophy home in one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in the capital, close to trendy shops, eateries, pubs and the RDS – the current home of Leinster Rugby. Who should I talk to? If you have the wherewithal to tackle this one, Hunters Estate Agents (01 668 0008) can help you convert those dreams like a Johnny Sexton missile. and everyone agreed it was unsuitable for broadcasting It wants to reduce its footprint in Donnybrook by selling more of its land while reducing its workforce by 25 per cent to 1,200 That’s the size it was 60 years ago when it expanded from the GPO although Ireland has grown hugely in population RTÉ management argues that because of technological change, public service media now need less land and lighter infrastructure. But professional media production still requires large, specialised buildings and equipment. The advent of digital streaming has dramatically increased the construction of studio buildings worldwide studio sets and control rooms more flexible and powerful Digital content requires physical storage in large and costly data centres RTÉ management insists its original buildings in Donnybrook they were specifically designed for modular expansion on a spacious campus but have been inadequately maintained due to underfunding RTÉ’s strategy underestimates sustainability which calls for denser cities with adaptation and reuse of buildings Many similar studios have been successfully modernised and expanded – for example The broadcaster intends to decentralise more production from Dublin to Cork Limerick and Galway – regional centres with proud traditions in making media many efforts to save money by relocating public services have been controversial and we need centres of excellence in media A large and thriving headquarters is needed to underwrite and co-ordinate regional production hubs and to distribute their product nationally or abroad A more empowering alternative to current proposals would be to redevelop RTÉ’s studios as a diversified Donnybrook Media District (DMD) This would double down on the potential of the site with RTÉ anchoring the space and sharing it with indigenous media companies The current facility could be updated and expanded by up to eight new structures on underused portions of the land: additional offices and studios for TV International norms in studio construction would put the cost at about €1 billion over 10 years for up to 100,000sq m of facilities employing 2,500 people By clustering media industries in one place – a strategy proven to bring operational benefits cost efficiencies and innovation to creative industries like television and radio – this proposal would be in line with international best practice It would offer potential for increased revenues in streaming vfx and gaming while boosting our media industries’ reputation It would be physically close to the Government and it would sit on a kind of “N11 media corridor” running from Google TikTok and Amazon near Dublin city centre to Microsoft and Ardmore Studios in the Dublin and Wicklow suburbs to the south This cluster within a cluster would fulfil existing policy such as the one for a “digital creative industries roadmap” (Creative Ireland Environmentally, DMD would aid densification, adaptive reuse, walking, cycling and public transport, supporting Dublin City Council strategy while reducing urban sprawl and long-distance travel It would preserve and update RTÉ’s original buildings which are internationally acclaimed examples of modern architecture And the environmental impact of the new construction would be no greater than piecemeal residential development (ideally the State would repair the RTÉ campus by buying back the land it was forced to sell in 2017) DMD could be an appropriate public investment in those industries, and a cultural-industrial landmark enriching the lives of people all over Ireland. Mark Shiel is professor of media and urban studies at King’s College London and director of the Dublin-based consulting firm MediaUrbanism Ltd It has been owned by the same family for several years and has been adapted over time for different life stages While it is not set out in self-contained units per se separate living spaces have been created inside the two-storey over-basement redbrick With a floor area of 285sq m (3,067sq ft) and a total of six bedrooms, the Dublin 4 property is in good condition with many original features intact and well-maintained It is on the market through Mullery O’Gara with an asking price of €1.95 million tree-lined street in Dublin 4 with Morehampton Road at one end and Sandford Road at the other effectively connecting Donnybrook and Ranelagh villages Most homes along the road that were converted into flats in years gone by have now been returned to family homes Taking number 102 back to a family home in its entirety would not require too much work The house has not been carved out into individual flats so new owners could move in following a little reconfiguring The granite steps lead up to the main entrance with the Victorian architecture evident from the minute you walk into the hallway detailed architraves and original stained-glass window have all been restored and showcased [ Double-fronted Victorian home close to the sea in Clontarf for €2.495mOpens in new window ] which has not lost any of its grandeur during the property’s many guises sash windows and the original granite fireplace remaining the standout features Straight ahead is a study with a long sash window looking out over the rear garden Beside this is a less formal reception room with a beautiful marble fireplace The independent living spaces are downstairs at garden level There is a separate entrance to this floor that has two bedrooms with their own bathrooms and living areas with kitchenette If new owners wished to turn this house back to a cohesive home this level would probably be where they would house the kitchen with access to the garden There are many homes on the road that have done exactly this so a quick knock into the neighbours may provide some design inspiration there is parking for several cars in the gravel driveway particularly with school runs in the morning the house is set back enough for the passing cars to go more or less unnoticed Upstairs on the first floor there are four bedrooms There is also a shower room and separate WC that would benefit from an upgrade [ Modernised, light-filled home minutes from Blackrock village for €1.395mOpens in new window ] There is so much potential at number 102 to create a home that will grow with a family, from toddlers needing room to play to young adults looking for a bit of independence within the home. The property is Ber-exempt, but as it currently uses electric storage heaters, new owners will probably want to investigate retrofitting. Recent sales on the road include number 59, which sold last summer for more than €1.515 million, according to the Property Price Register. This was a midterrace two-storey-over-basement property that was set out in flats and in need of renovation. Number 75 sold for €1.925 million last September. It was also midterrace and smaller than number 102, but restored to a high level. Interest in Marlborough Road is not just for the fine houses. The location in Dublin 4 is a huge pull when it comes to potential buyers. The street may feel exclusive and private, yet it is only 3km from St Stephen’s Green. For families with children of school-going age, Muckross Park College is on the road, while Sandford Park and Gonzaga are just across the way. Herbert Park is a short walk away, as are Donnybrook and Ranelagh villages. At weekends and on long summer evenings, the kids can turn left and be at Scoop in Ranelagh for a gelato in five minutes, while the adults can turn right and enjoy the short walk to Donnybrook Fair for a more sophisticated treat. Alison Gill, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes about property have not been slow to spend on their home – and it shows “It’s one of the finest three-bed semis that I’ve stepped into,” says selling agent Garry O’Donnell of ERA Downey McCarthy “and that’s reflected in the enthusiasm of those viewing it.” It’s a good example of how to wring the most from a 94 sq m home without extending  A new kitchen with quartz countertops was recently fitted; the solid oak staircase is handmade; joinery is of quality and the rear garden has been nicely landscaped to include a bespoke concrete-decking patio area reachable via French doors from the kitchen/dining room.  A separate living room has a bay window and a stylish raised electric fire.  Mr O’Donnell says No 13's B3 energy rating creates the dual benefit of a cosy home and the chance to qualify for lower green mortgage rates It's in a cul-de-sac setting close to Douglas village From as little as €1 a week with our digital introductory offer Already a subscriber? Sign in Graham Norton's home in Wapping in London up for sale at €5.8m Predeceased by his son Joseph and beloved wife Judy his brother and sisters and a wide circle of friends Funeral on Thursday 12th of December in the Church of the Most Precious Blood Cabra West arriving for 10.15am Requiem Mass To view the Funeral Mass live, please click here To leave a private message of condolence, please click here or alternatively on the condolence section below. All enquiries to Massey Bros., Cabra on (01) 838 9774. ENGINE TROUBLE: RTÉ was told the former worker was planning to park trucks outside the studios RTÉ was told the former worker was planning to park trucks outside the studios Ken Foy and Eugene MastersonSun 16 Mar 2025 at 16:54RTÉ management were forced to warn staff after receiving information about a security threat at their headquarters which aimed to derail the Late Late Show It’s understood a disgruntled ex worker had planned to mount a blockade involving trucks at the state broadcaster just hours before the flagship show was due to air on March 7 Gardaí have not received a criminal complaint from the State broadcaster but are aware of the threats being made to carry out a blockade at its campus in Donnybrook Local gardai were informed about the threats because the threatened truck blockade had the potential to cause serious traffic disturbances in the locality on the night On the night of the threat some staff were advised to move where their cars were parked at the campus The Sunday World understands that this was the second time in the space of just over a week that the male individual had threatened to mount a blockade involving trucks at RTÉ Sources say that some staff at RTÉ were informed of a security threat on Friday of last weekend and given detailed security advice about a potential protest It is believed that RTÉ put in place a pre-planned security operation for the expected blockade which then did not take place A financial dispute may be at the centre of the truck blockade threat according to sources It is understood that a person known to the disgruntled man is involved with a haulage firm The Sunday World understands that a separate St Patrick’s Day protest is planned by a group at the Dublin 4 campus tomorrow Gardai are aware of this matter and some RTÉ staff have been given additional security advice in relation to tomorrow’s potential protest An RTÉ spokesman told us: “RTÉ takes the issues of safety and security very seriously RTÉ is committed to ensuring the safety of its staff in and visitors to its offices and sites in Dublin and throughout the country RTÉ does not comment on security matters.” When contacted by the Sunday World about the blockade threat a garda spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána does not comment on named entities “Gardaí in Dublin have received no complaint on such a matter.” It is understood that the potential blockade threat has caused concern among some RTÉ staff members In a completely separate case a south Dublin man was jailed for a year in May after he drove a car into the front doors of RTÉ’s television studios the previous December Inventor Paul Stokes gained entry to the RTÉ grounds by crashing a car through security barriers at the front entrance Damage totalling €14,340 had been done to the doors Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that security men had restrained the man until gardaí arrived and he was taken to Donnybrook Garda Station He told gardai he was angry about a Sunday Independent article based on his high profile interruption of the Late Late Show the previous week The self-proclaimed road safety campaigner had earlier stormed onto the stage of the Late Late Show as then host Pat Kenny interviewed Road Safety Authority chairman the late Gay Byrne Please check your inbox to verify your details Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices Leinster Schools Rugby: Blackrock College 34 St Mary’s College 13Scorelines can be so deceiving as Blackrock College were given a severe test by St Mary’s in the Leinster Schools Senior Cup first round at Energia Park on Tuesday. The holders were rocked back on their heels from the start as St Mary’s flowed forward to establish a lineout. Joseph Christle burst through the first tackle to go close and Eoghan Brady was on hand to complete the mission. Paul Neary converted in the fourth minute to make it 7-0 to the Rathmines school. Blackrock spurned all chances to kick at goal, preferring to use the maul to cause chaos, not before Brady bundled James Browne into touch at the corner flag. Listen | 26:34It came as no surprise to see hooker Harry O’Neill rise to claim a try from a powerful drive in the 15th minute. A simple, clever throw to the front of another Blackrock lineout put Conal Power through one-on-one, but O’Neill couldn’t take the pass. It was a thing of beauty to see frontrowers Patrick Tuite and Christle handling like backs in the lead-up to a penalty for offside. Neary knocked it over to put St Mary’s 10-5 ahead in the 25th minute. Another penalty led to a lineout and after Power plucked the throw from the air, O’Neill was in the van to deliver the try for to level the scores at 10-10 in the 28th minute. But Blackrock would take a 15-10 advantage into half-time after Bernard White bolted into the clear to score. There was an extended stalemate brokered before a case of obstruction allowed Mary’s outhalf Neary to split the posts from distance to make it 15-13 in the 50th minute. It would be their last score as soon after Paddy Clancy grubbered and gathered to find Johnny O’Sullivan on his inside shoulder for a stunning try, converted by Clancy to put Rock 22-13 up in the 59th minute. It was appropriate Michael O’Sullivan should have the decisive say with the fifth try, converted by Clancy, before Browne cut loose from inside his half to give the scoreboard a very flattering complexion. SCORERS − Blackrock College: H O’Neill 2 tries; B White, J O’Sullivan, M O’Sullivan, J Browne try each; P Clancy 2 cons. St Mary’s College: E Brady try; P Neary 2 pens, con. BLACKROCK COLLEGE: J Reddan; J Browne, J O’Sullivan, B White, R Keogh; P Clancy, L Coffey; B Guerin, H O’Neill, S Bishti (capt); C Power, A Smykovskiy; G Wall, M O’Sullivan, B Walsh. Replacements: L Golden for Power (50 mins); C Power for Walsh (55); R Savage for Guerin (67); G Eggers for O’Neill, M Cullen for Bishti, T Keaveney for M O’Sullivan, B Crowley for Coffey, D Cadden for Clancy, A Doorly for Reddan (all 69). ST MARY’S COLLEGE: J Kelly; C Maguire, C Cantwell, D Tourish, M Morrissey; P Neary, A Crawley; G Ewing, J Christle, P Tuite (capt); M Egan, D Kenny; E Farrell, A McGauran, E Brady. Replacements: T Quigley for Tuite (42 mins); A Stronge for Crawley, S Thornton for Brady (both 48); D O’Shea for McGauran (54); A Crawley for Tourish (60); B Harmon for Christle (67); J Whitty for Kenny (68); L Keogan for Ewing, N Sheehan for Maguire (both 68). THREE beloved Irish stores have announced they are closing their doors in the capital Donnybrook Fair closed its store on Baggot Street, Dublin the speciality grocer has five other shops In a statement the company said: “Donnybrook Fair can confirm that the difficult decision has been made to close its store on Baggot Street "All staff were offered a role in one of our other Donnybrook Fair stores with no impact on their terms and conditions "Customers can now enjoy the full Donnybrook Fair offering at the nearby Morehampton Road store." Its store’s management and staff thanked customers for their support over the years The gourmet grocery shop was first launched as a family business in 1991 by Joe and Mary Doyle Owners claim it's famous for using the “freshest of ingredients and never using any preservatives” The Dundrum and Henry Street shops will shut by the end of the year A spokesperson for Hotel Chocolat said: “We regularly review our strategic options for the long-term development of the business “We are concentrating our growth in the UK where we have recently announced our biggest-ever UK store opening roll out and our entry in the US the world’s largest consumer market with the opening of outlets in Chicago.” acquired by Mars in 2023 for £534m (€642m) said the closures are due to the changed retail environment Hotel Chocolat was established by Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris in 2004 the pair purchased a cacao farm in St Lucia and opened a luxury boutique hotel Separately, a major fast-food chain is set to open up 10 new restaurants in Ireland next year Wendy’s said it plans to create around 300 new jobs across the country over the 2025 to 2027 period Corrib Oil Service Station reached an agreement with the iconic fast-food chain to become its franchise partner in Ireland And the initial site locations across the country are set to be announced in the new year A recruitment campaign for the new roles will also be launched in early 2025 The mezzanine gallery overlooking the entrance Mark KeenanFri 19 Jul 2024 at 03:30Harmony Cottage Film producer went off script when renovating her €2.75m Donnybrook home Julie Le Brocquy bought her first home on the proceeds of a single trade Le Brocquy would make her very own ‘Big Short’ on the night before a major bond market collapse In Thatcher’s Britain at the height of the ‘yuppie’ era fortunes were made and lost daily on Lombard Street (London’s Wall Street) particularly in the immediate aftermath of the deregulation of the London Stock Exchange On a January afternoon in 1986 and sat at her desk at Salomon Brothers investment bank the newly appointed junior trader in government bonds (gilts) spotted some odd patterns suggesting that sterling was starting to weaken despite a widely held view that gilts could only go up and up So Le Brocquy made a unilateral decision to ‘short’ a big tranche of gilts — placing a trade which relied on future values falling “I felt the market would trade towards increased interest rates but I didn’t expect things to happen so fast.” the British government unexpectedly hiked interest rates and bonds began to tank “As the other traders were running around in a panic trying to sell I was afraid I’d capitalise too early otherwise.” Then earning just Stg£14,000 a year as a junior it would emerge that Le Brocquy had conducted the highest-earning trade of the year on her department’s book saved her job amidst a slew of redundancies that followed and netted herself a reward bonus of £90,000 with which she promptly bought her first home Not only was I a woman working in a wholly chauvinist world [there was only one other female trader in London then] but it often didn’t go down well that I felt compelled to tell things as they were and refused to knowingly pitch a bad deal to customers But it was a wonderful time in my life and I enjoyed it immensely.” Le Brocquy shared an office with Michael Lewis who would later write the bestseller Liar’s Poker about the crazed energy and greed of trading in that era His more recent book The Big Short became a hit movie in 2015 Rathmines-born Le Brocquy (a niece of the famous Irish artist Louis) decided to take a different path and returned to Ireland with her children to become a film producer she found herself in a fraught combination of a bad divorce with two young children while soon also mired in a tricky home renovation project she was also taking the biggest step in her new film career get your head down and push on through it.” which was released to international acclaim in 2003 The story tells of an Afghan girl (played by Marina Golbahari) who is forced to cut her hair and pretend to be a boy in order to support her family in the men-only working regime the Taliban created Her following movies included Bibi (2008)I Come With the Rain (2009) and the highly rated Burma Soldier (2010) Le Brocquy rented in Ballsbridge before acquiring Harmony Cottage on Eglinton Road in Donnybrook it had originally been two very old rural cottages one of which had served as a pub frequented by ‘mad hatters.’ A print from 1813 depicts one of the houses in a scene which also includes the nearby Donnybrook Hat factory This gave the name to Beaver Row (men’s top hats were made from the pelts) Most were driven ‘mad’ (as a hatter) as a result of poisoning from the mercury used in their craft Harmony Cottage had been the home of Kevin McCourt a long-serving director general of RTÉ and later MD of Irish Distillers It was sold to Le Brocquy after he passed in 2000 so I had the builders come in to lower the floor by 2ft and rebuilt the middle joining portion.” It took years to alter the property and by the time she had finished the home at 20-24 Eglinton Road stood at 3,541 sq ft four bathrooms and a double-height impact entrance hall with an overhead mezzanine gallery looking down from the upper floor Despite its walls being among the oldest structures in Donnybrook Harmony is today one of the few contemporary-style lower-slung larger homes in an area filled with taller red-brick Victorians Perhaps its most imposing feature is that double-height reception hall in the new central wing There’s a dining room off the hall with double doors to the rear terrace and garden and a media/games room There’s a large reception room with a leather floor a drop down concealed projector and screen and two modern fireplaces with doors to the rear garden It has a library/office with a separate external entrance and a kitchen with Bulthaup-fitted island and range of units This opens into a sun room and dining area seating 20 “We have had so many extended family Christmases here and the house is perfect for a party.” a guest WC and large cloakroom complete the downstairs accommodation where the master bedroom has a walk-in dressing room and a full bathroom en suite Two more double bedrooms come with built-in wardrobes and there’s a family bathroom with a shower and two sinks plus a utility room with a stacked washer and dryer Outside is a sunken patio of chateau flag limestone patio and the garden “What first attracted me to this house is that it’s central but completely secluded and quiet behind the walls I’m happiest just sitting in the kitchen looking at the birds But the boys are grown up now and it’s time to move on.”