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November 2020

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'I drank two bottles of cider and half bottle of vodka every day': Grandmother hails charity after beating lifelong scourge of alcoholism

A Co Down grandmother and mum of six has told how a unique addiction service helped her beat the booze after almost five decades of alcoholism.

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Jamie Dornan left mortified after phone call with teenage crush Liv Tyler

Jamie Dornan was left mortified when he was put on the phone to his teenage crush, Liv Tyler.

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Lurgan nurse Lisa on pride at amazing progress of 'miracle' son Padraig born at 26 weeks

Neonatal nurse Lisa Thompson thought she was well used to seeing tiny babies - but even she was taken aback when she peered into the incubator for the first time to meet her newborn son Padraig.

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Plan your Eske-ape: Take time to relax in one of Ireland’s most sought-after and captivating luxury resorts

IN these Covid-19 restricted times, plans are impossible to make. The R number currently denies society's movement under the second serious lockdown of this pandemic, but there will come a time again when relaxation, recreation and a romantic retreat are the relevant R words of choice.

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Hip, hip hooray for hardy sea swimmers: Menopausal Mermaids founder Nicole on the health and social benefits of an invigorating dip

Taking the plunge into the sea at this time of year may not be everyone's idea of fun, but for one Portstewart mum trying to get back to fitness, this was just the tonic.

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Eamonn Holmes presents red alert for Ruth Langsford

RUTH LANGSFORD finds it "dangerous" working with her husband Eamonn Holmes as she never knows what he's going to do.

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An Eden in Belfast's Holyland... Wildflower Alley was the first, now regenerated entries are springing up all over city

BELFAST'S alleyways have had a bad press down the years - but all that is changing with a growing number of residents turning them into gorgeous outdoor spaces.

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The Mayson: Trendy boutique Dublin hotel on river Liffey offers high-end luxury with amazing views

Lounging in a copper bath overlooking Dublin's docklands in a glass-walled penthouse suite is about as rockstar as I've ever been lucky enough to get.

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Co Down couple's joy as anonymous egg donor helps them complete their family

Nicola Shaw has two beautiful sons who she loves beyond anything.

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Have your Elf a very merry Christmas: Singing telegrams spread festive cheer in absence of live panto

A team of singing elves is set to deliver festive cheer to doorsteps across Northern Ireland in the run-up to Christmas.

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'Run in the Dark': Blind adventurer Mark Pollock defies life-changing injuries to raise vital funds in quest for paralysis cure

Blind adventurer Mark Pollock, who was left paralysed after a fall from a second storey window 10 years ago, is on a mission to bring people together to cure paralysis in our lifetime.

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Attaboy Atticus: Slieve Donard manager and hotel mascot conquer Mournes

This two-year-old golden labrador is now top dog in the Mournes after hitting the heights by climbing seven of the most famous peaks in the mountains.

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Costume drama: Gia and Chloe lift lid on Northern Ireland's Cosplay community

In her bedroom in Donaghadee, teenager Gia McCormick puts the finishing touches to one of her latest creations - an electric blue wig with curls all the way down her back - then makes a start on her make-up.

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October 2020

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'I want Tom to have the same opportunities as any child': Antrim parents on a mission to demolish stigma around Down's syndrome

After finding out that her son had Down's syndrome shortly after he was born, Sara McNeill was filled with fear at what it would mean for her family.

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Ballycastle's Salthouse Hotel: Where luxury, scenery, pampering and quality dining are guaranteed

For many months now I have been hearing great things about Ballycastle's Salthouse Hotel, praised as a top staycation venue by travel expert Simon Calder on ITV's This Morning.

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Suzanne Breen Opinion Pope should take Pride in blessing same-sex civil unions

The Catholic Church destroyed the lives of so many young men I knew.

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Courteney Cox embarrassed she still loves Michael Jackson's music

Courteney Cox feels embarrassed that she still "loves" Michael Jackson's music.

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From 'Ruby' the converted double decker to a WW2 tank-turned-smoker, Armagh family find ways to serve artisan food in pandemic

Quirky is something which Fiona Chapman and her family do well.

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Next Line Of Duty series could be last one, hints Adrian Dunbar

Jed Mercurio has admitted he knows how Line of Duty will pan out.

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Footy girls are all the rave: Belfast footballers inspire NI writer's debut book

Meet the real-life Ravens - the Belfast footballers who inspired a local broadcaster and author to pen a novel about a teenage girl who excels at the sport.

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'Brendan has always wanted to have a large family, but whenever we heard it was triplets, I thought he was going to pass out': Kirsty McMenamin

Like most first-time mums, Kirsty McMenamin was engulfed in a sea of dirty nappies and night feeds when her daughter Zara arrived.

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Scotland's got the lot: Why pine for Europe when one of the continent's most beautiful countries is on our doorstep?

With lockdown lifted it has been such a pleasure to get out to enjoy bars and restaurants again.

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September 2020

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How Omagh is answering Northern Ireland's call for great staycations

Sitting in an armoured car with a heavy machine-gun attached in rural Co Tyrone is not a situation this Londoner ever imagined finding himself in but there I was - fatigues, helmet and all.

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Rós Óir: The Dungiven boutique keeping local fashionistas on point

This week I have an absolute must-visit store for all the readers searching for fashionable, good quality, stylish pieces.

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How Daisy Lodge helped young Austin: 'It's a very odd feeling being told your child is likely to die... Narnia put a spring in his step and made him smile again'

The magic of 'Narnia' restored the spirits of a 12-year-old Co Down boy after a traumatic life and death battle with cancer over the past two years.

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Mary Peters: I wanted to win more than anything because Northern Ireland was going through terrible trauma and I wanted to bring good news back to Belfast

Lady Mary Peters has told how she overcame family tragedy and terrorist death threats to become the most successful athlete in Northern Irish history.

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Limerick Strand Hotel: With food so good you'll never forget this trip to Treaty County 

I once stayed at the Limerick Strand Hotel a few years ago on a one-night visit to the city to watch the mighty Munster at Thomond Park.

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'After my eight-week plan I saw a huge change in my clients' physique and confidence': Women reaping the benefits on Belfast personal trainer's tailored course

Six women who signed up to an online fitness and fat loss programme hosted by a Belfast personal trainer have revealed their 'empowering' transformations in a stunning new photoshoot.

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Jimmy Nesbitt doing his bit for charity in Soccer Aid

James Nesbitt will be thinking of his late dad today as he takes part in Soccer Aid to raise money for Unicef.

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August 2020

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Super Serephina: Cookstown boutique is renowned for occasion wear but offers so much more

Every now and then you hit upon a hidden gem and this week that is Cookstown boutique Serephina.