TheCity

Author: Nicola Kirwan

  • Coeliac diagnosis inspires business venture

    Coeliac diagnosis inspires business venture

    Food businesses are finding that they have to respond more and more to a wide variety of food intolerance among customers.

    Coeliac disease is now the most commonly catered for dietary requirement. Coeliac disease is a condition that prevents food from being absorbed through the follicles in the intestines of people who are gluten intolerant.

    Sinead Vaughan suffers from coeliac disease and this inspired her to set up her own gluten-free bakery ‘Antoinette’s Bakery’.

    “In 2009 I was diagnosed as coeliac while I was studying baking pasty arts in DIT and was learning about all these amazing products I couldn’t have,” she said.

    Soon after being diagnosed, Sinead noticed a gap in the market for gluten free products.

    “I was getting annoyed… paying such a premium for a substandard product,” she said.

    “I didn’t just decide to open up a business. Having my own bakery was something I always wanted.

    “I started off in farmers markets… but I was never going to be able to keep up the farmers markets. The tiniest bit of moisture will affect the product. I started planning the premises here [on Kevin’s street] in January 2013 and in November we opened up.”

    Vaughan outlined the different types of coeliacs.

    “There are some people who don’t test positive to coeliac but for some reason it doesn’t suit them. Then there’s some people who are like ‘oh I can’t have gluten’ but then you meet them on a night out and they’re drinking beer and going to the chipper,” she said.

    As far as her cakes and treats go, Vaughan makes the most of her products as well as having a vast variety to offer, she makes sure there is as little waste as possible in her shop by getting creative with her recipes.

    “Everything has to be unique. We have a low waste policy, so we had leftover chocolate chip cookies over the weekend, they were perfectly fine just not shelf worthy so I made them into chocolate biscuit cake,” she said.

  • Christmas tips to be mindful of this year

    Christmas tips to be mindful of this year

    Christmas can be a stressful time for some people, as it is one of the busiest seasons of the year.

    Walk In My Shoes have released a list of tips to help you look after your mental health this Christmas. The campaign, set up by St. Patricks Mental Health Foundation, is targeted at 18 to 25 year olds. According to the campaign, 75 percent of mental health issues emerge before the age of 24.

    As Ireland has one of the highest suicide rates in Europe for young people, being mindful of your mental health this Christmas is vital.

    Walk In My Shoes’ first tip is to make a mindful list. This is like a ‘to do’ list, but instead of making a list of things that you feel obliged to do, Walk In my shoes suggests making a list of activities that you want to do and makes you happy.

    In all the craze that is Christmas, they also recommend that taking time for yourself is important. Activities such as going for a walk can be not only good for our physical health, but also our mental health.

    “Physical activity lifts your mood and can reduce stress. Go for a walk and pay attention to the sights, sounds and smells at this time of year. Walk with as much awareness as you can,” Walk In My Shoes states.

    Their final most important message is to be kind this Christmas, to yourself and others. With 25 percent of people suffering with mental health at one point or another throughout our lives, reaching out to one another this Christmas time is the best gift you can give.

    If you are suffering from any issues this Christmas or want to find out more information, contact Walk In My Shoes on 012493555 or visit their website.

  • Through the Lens: Dublin’s Grand Canal

    Through the Lens: Dublin’s Grand Canal

    Dublin’s Grand Canal has always been the ideal place for a walk on that sunny Sunday afternoon or crisp autumn evening.

    Families feeding the ducks and people in their workout clothes going for their daily jogs, are images we are all used to seeing along the banks of the waterway.

    However, as you begin to walk further west, we see less of what we like to think of as our Grand Canal.

    Starting at Baggot Street, we took a look at the contrast in the canal and its amenities as you make your way further down towards Dolphin’s Barn.

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  • Top Three For Free

    If you’re penny pinching around this time of year in preparation for Christmas, like us, then keep reading to find things to do in Dublin that won’t cost you a thing.

    Temple Bar Gallery

    Nestled in the heart of Temple Bar, this art gallery is home to some of Ireland’s most intriguing exhibitions. The current exhibition is called, ‘Huddle Tests’ by Rhona Byrne. It’ll be on until the 7th of November. It’s a great way to experience some Irish culture and not spend money. The Dublin Art Book Fair will take place from the 19th to the 22nd of November. This too will be free of charge and again will allow you to indulge in culture.

    Trinity College

    An obvious one, but often one that’s overlooked, are the grounds of Trinity College which are over 400 years old. To wander around the cobble stones and admire the architecture costs nothing, so hop to it. Don’t feel that you have to pay for a trip back in time, the buildings in Trinity have many stories hidden in the brick-work. You might even stumble across a history student who could give you a quick tour.

    Sandeman’s New Dublin Tours

    This is one for those of you who enjoy a good walk. Sandeman are offering a free 3 hour walking tour of the city. It involves a visit to Dublin Castle, Christchurch and Trinity College, plus many more. So put your runners on and discover parts of this beautiful city that you’ve probably never seen before. The best part is; it’s free. There’s no excuse now to immerse yourself in Dublin’s history.