If you want to avoid the hassle that is associated with the Christmas shop rush then why not do something different this year and take a trip to Moycullen, the perfect place for stress-free shopping.
If it’s convenience you are after this festive season then Moycullen is the place for you and by shopping, staying, and spending locally you can help support more than 75 businesses which in turn provide around 400 jobs locally. Not only is Moycullen just a short drive away from the city, it is also home to many wonderful restaurants, pubs, various shops, and a laser and skin clinic, as well as many other businesses. So why not avail of the plentiful free parking and take a trip out to this magnificent village which is also the proud home of an award-winning market. Having won the Bord Bia Food Excellence award three year running, the market here supplies mainly local produce, fruit and vegetables, cheeses, fish, meat, baking products, and an assortment of crafts. The market, which runs every Friday right up to December 23, supports and promotes locally produced food and attracts visitors from all over. So, why not do your bit to support local products and services and take a visit to the village which will be lit up tomorrow, Friday December 9, for the Christmas festivities.
Just one of the many shops at An Fuaran is Wrapsody. Owned by Mary O’Toole, it is a real treasure trove of exquisite gifts for the home and Christmas decorations that will not only catch the eye but will last for many years to come. Having recently been extended, Wrapsody now offers a wider range of goods which are real value for money and provides top-class personal service. Wrapsody also houses a quaint children’s corner with top quality products including French toy producers Moulin Roty and Kaloo as well as US company Millissa and Doug. For the adults there are plenty of delights to be discovered including gorgeous delph from Burleigh and Emma Bridgewater, sparkling jewellery, warm scarves and gloves, bags, and wall mirrors as well as candle and scent diffusers such as Collines de Provence, and Irish brand Booke and Shoals.
A relatively new addition to the An Fuaran is Siopa Troscán which, since its opening earlier this year, has been offering a mix of modern and traditional furniture at fantastic competitive prices. Owner Gerry Geoghegan says that supporting local/Irish jobs and local businesses is extremely important and that Siopa Troscán is doing its part. There are three piece suites, lockers, and other bedroom furniture of all shapes and sizes, the majority of which are sourced from Irish manufacturers in Monaghan and Meath. The gorgeous blinds that are on display and in stock are made locally in Galway and according to Mr Geoghegan “won’t be beaten on price”. Siopa Troscán also stocks a range of lamps, prints, paintings and other wall hangings as well as clocks, tables, and table bowls sculpted by a local woodworker. Apart from the excellent quality of the products on offer Siopa Troscán also prides itself on its years of experience in the furniture business as well as the top quality service and advice given to customers who can avail of free delivery, which includes the removal of old mattresses and beds. Siopa Troscán will be welcoming popular broadcaster Seán Bán Breathnach to the store on Friday, December 16, between 2pm and 3pm for the SBB Tráthnóna show on Raidió na Gaeltachta.
Walking into Elysium Laser and Skin Clinic is like walking into another world, a world where you can truely relax, rejuvenate, and revive yourself. Winner of the Irish Beauty Salon of the Year at the 2009 Irish Beauty Industry Awards, Elysium, owned by Valerie Osborne, offers everyday treatments such as waxing, tanning, and tinting, decadent spa treatments such as thermal Thai massage, maternity massage, deep tissue sports massage, and facials, and advanced medical grade treatments such as IPL laser skin rejuvenationa, thread vein removal, hair removal, microdermabrasion, glycolic skin peels, and micro needling. The dedicated and highly experience team at Elysium offer all this in opulent surroundings. Nominated as one of the top five facial therapists in Ireland five years ago and with 17 years’ experience in the industry, Ms Osborne started the business more than eight years ago, gradually developing it to what it is today, providing customers with even more top quality services and products. The products available include Yonka, Image, Dermalogica, and Lu ‘Lur. Customers can avail of many special offers which are updated regularly on www.elysium.ie or Elysium’s Facebook page. The current offers include a free introductory back massage with all Yonka facials and Image skincare peels or a big night out package - full body tan, shellac manicure, eyebrow shape, all for €62 - perfect for the Christmas party season.
Howard’s Pharmacy was first opened in 2003 by third generation pharmacist Shane Howard who used the experience he gained in the industry to provide the local community with a pharmacy that meets their needs. However, it is the support of the local community that has helped the business reach its eigth birthday. Mr Howard stressed that the continued support of and promotion of local businesses is vital. “Moycullen has really developed over the years and Howard’s Pharmacy is delighted to be part of iniatives to support local businesses and jobs. I would like to thank the community for their support. Howard’s Pharmacy will continue to offer the best pharmaceutical service we can.”
Also supporting local businesses and the community is Centra at An Fuaran. Opened in 2008, Centra has supported U14 hurling and camogie teams as well as providing local jobs and, where possible, sourcing products from local suppliers such as Walshe’s Bakery in Clifden and Bacus Bhearna and Moycullen Meats. In March of this year, Centra opened its off-licence section which went on to take part of in the final of the top 10 off-licences of the year in Ireland, according to store manager Serena Guihen, who added that Moycullen has everything to meet shoppers’ needs. There will be plenty of free parking for Santa’s sleigh and reindeers when he comes for a visit to Centra on December 17th between 2pm and 4pm. Centra is open throughout Christmas, except on Christmas Day.
Just around the corner is Evergreen, a Galway company with five branches. The branch at An Fuaran, managed by Stephanie Mahon, opened in 2005 and since then has established itself as a “one stop shop” for health products for your body and mind and for advice and information. The store stocks a full range of health foods, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, organic food, natural skin and body care products, and some specialist allergy free foods. You will also find an array of aromatheraphy oils, blends, and candles, sports nutrition products, and a huge selection of vegetarian foods, as well as natural cleaning and washing products and giftware.
For more than 20 years The White Gables Restaurant, owned by Kevin and Ann Dunne, has been known as one of the top restaurants in Galway, famous not only for its delicious food but also expert service and hospitality. To provide the many loyal customers with delicious food to go Enjoy..from White Gables was born in 2009. The cafe and shop prepares, cooks, and bakes fresh produce daily, allowing customers to experience real home cooked fresh food in their own home, from breakfast right through to dinner. The shop is filled with jams from Ginger Girl, beautiful muesli from Paddy’s O Granola, smoked salmon from the Connemara Smoke House, as well as baking, desert, and Christmas products, Irish Turkish delight, and bespoke festive hampers which can be made up to suit any budget. The quirky and homely cafe is the perfect retreat to relax and sample delicious produce. It provides a variety of home cooked foods from pizza and paninis to toasted sandwiches, salads, and tartlets, as well as plenty of desserts and of course coffee, speciality teas and a variety of juice.
“Enjoy has given a great sense of life to the centre of the village. The restaurant is still going strong, the food is consistently good and there’s great service. We started in a recession, and now with Enjoy cafe and shop we’re changing things and going with it, that’s the way to survive. Enjoy is a new change in a well established existing business,” said Ann Dunne who is welcoming all to visit Enjoy for the Deck The Halls artisan food event on Thursday, December 8, from 6pm to 9.30pm. For more information visit www.enjoy.whitegables.com/deckthehalls
The Village Bookshop, owned by mother and son team Ann and Niall Quinn, was set up more than six years ago and now boasts a wide selection of books from various genres and interests, as well as books for teenagers and children. There is also a large section dedicated to educational children’s toys and stationery. The Village Bookshop also prides itself on helping to promote local writers and poets, selling many of their works as well has holding regular recitation nights and other events. An Arts night is to be held at the bookshop tonight, Thursday, December 8, from 6pm to 8pm where local writers will present their work. Children’s Day Design workshops are also being held every Sunday throughout Christmas where participants are encouraged to make cards, presents, and crafts as well as take part in storytelling time and a science show. There is no charge for the workshops but any contributions are welcome and will go to St Vincent de Paul.
Artisan studios, located behind the Village Bookshop and owned by Anne Pears, provide a professional art studio space offering a place of calm relaxation, allowing people to get lost in their art or participate in the banter. All are welcome at Artisan Studios, from those who paint for pleasure, those who paint to sell, to absolute beginners. Artists choose their own subject to paint in their own style. There are classes to suit all and these take place mornings and evenings. The teaching methods are tailored individually and all materials are provided. All classes are tutored by professional art teachers. Artisan Studios stock professional art supplies, canvas, paints, and brushes. Enrolling is currently taking place for oil painting and children’s art courses and spaces are limited so phone Ms Pears of 0872037263 to book your easel or to avail of gift vouchers. New art work will be on display in the studio from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday December 18 and over the Christmas holidays. For more information log onto www.artisanstudios.ie, email [email protected], or follow Artisan Studios on Facebook.
