See one thing
There, the American-born British artist who has lived in Annagassan for around 25 years, showcases a visual diary of contemporary USA that’s presented in a single line, “kind of like sitting in a car and seeing America go by”, as she explained on RTÉ’s Arena recently.
A selection of images from Jackie Nickerson’s ‘Stateside’ exhibition
The snapshot-style work spans a decade-long period of Nickerson working in the US, using whatever camera she had to hand on the day – medium format, 35mm, point and shoot, iPhone.
The result is a series of fragmented, recurring images that explore patterns of sameness across vastly different landscapes, including streets in Chicago, military installations in Hawaii, Utah deserts and New York City skyscrapers. The show runs until May 9. highlanes.ie
Shop one thing
Many people know Maggie Molloy from Cheap Irish Houses, the popular RTÉ TV series in which the Wexford crafter, illustrator and property prospector helps cash-strapped buyers consider rescuing old homes from their hovel fate.
She not only has a nose for a bargain but a great eye, which will stand her in good stead for her latest endeavour: opening her very own bricks and mortar vintage shop over the May bank holiday weekend in her native Carnew.
Maggie Molloy has dusted off some retro treasures for her second-hand shop
Simply titled Molloy’s (eircode Y14 HP40, for GPS fans), the shop is a lovingly curated treasure trove of pre-loved homewares, from rainbow-bright ceramics and cushions to retro kitchen gadgets – and even sorbet-hued bathroom sinks that are very much back in vogue. For a peek of what to expect, visit her charming Instagram account @maggie.molloy.
Book one thing
There’s always a pulse of excitement with a new production by Teac Damsa, the contemporary dance theatre company founded by choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan, not least their upcoming show 1975/Naoi Déag Seachtó Cúig which debuts on April 30 at Féile na Bealtaine in Dingle (it plays for five nights), before moving to Cork Opera House on June 18-20 as part of Cork Midsummer Festival.
‘1975/Naoi Déag Seachtó Cúig’ is the new work by Michael Keegan-Dolan and troupe
Devised by Keegan-Dolan, the piece will be performed to The Bothy Band 1975, the pioneering trad group’s album from the same year – of which member Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill is tickled pink:
“Seeing Naoi Déag Seachtó Cúig transported me right back to moments from the time of making the album, in a way I had not expected.
“Teac Damsa’s interpretation of our work brings to life all the joy, fun, sadness and divilment of what was an extraordinary adventure for us as a band.” teacdamsa.com
Visit one thing
Dandelion in Howth combines greengrocer, deli, bakery, cafe and bougie pantry items
For day-trippers, Howth is all about the harbour, the beach, Deer Park and cliff walks – and snaffling fresh fish and chips on the pier (before a local herring gull does it for you).
Residents know that Mamó is the best spot for elevated dining, and The Harbour Bar – the peninsula’s only true boozer; no food, just drinks – is No.1 for a creamy pint or (my fave) a Wicklow Wolf Tundra Tropical Pale Ale.
The Country Market, on Main Street, was until recently a mainstay, combining bougie groceries with a deli and an upstairs cafe. Hearts sank, then, when closure was abruptly announced… but soared on learning it was rebranding as Dandelion by local woman Aoife Barker, former head chef of L’Gueuleton and more recently of 147 Deli sandwiches at Chubby’s.
Barker has thankfully retained the pantry goods and deli counter, while adding a very fancy rotisserie oven and a ground floor seating section. No herring gulls here.
Hear one thing
Myles O’Reilly and Rónán Ó Snodaigh’s new release ‘Mise Tusa’
If Rónán Ó Snodaigh’s chant-like vocals on new single Ní Liom Dom are anything to go by, Mise Tusa, his third album with Myles O’Reilly, is a keeper. Ní Liom Dom was the last track recorded for the LP – and ad-libbed by Ó Snodaigh, marking a new songwriting technique for the pair.
Says O’Reilly: “It even tips into something a little ravey at the end – the pulse lifts, the heartbeat rises more than in any of our other work. There’s something expansive in it.”
It’ll be interesting on Friday, when Mise Tusa is released, to find out what melodious paths lead to this unexpected song, tucked between a textural rendition of The Fields of Athenry and their gently undulating The Crackling Radio.