Into The West – Review of The Connacht Hotel & What to do With One Day in Galway

Arrival at the Connacht

Eight years ago, I went along to the Saturday Night Show in RTÉ, and came away with a one-for-everybody-in-the-audience night in a hotel. So we duly booked our night, and headed off to Clane with our then seven-month-old. We weren't quite sure how staying in hotels with babies worked, but everyone else seemed to do ...

8 Photos of Happiness

dad

Summing up your life in eight photos of happiness - it's kind of irresistible. I'm an obsessive photo-taker and have been since I got my first camera from Santa about thirty years ago, so when Lady Nicci gave me the opportunity to try this post, I was immediately in. Well, immediately plus four months. After years of watching ...

Another 6 Day-Trips Near Dublin

Wells House Office Mum

I made a list. I had to. Otherwise the summer would slip by in a blur of rain and groceries and the occasional overcast barbecue, and suddenly it would be September 1st. If we were going to do some day trips, I'd need a list. So I wrote down some of last year's most successful ...

Check It Fits: Get Your Car Seat Checked for Free

RSA carseat weight guide office mum

Two years ago, the world’s media watched as Prince William strapped his newborn son into a car seat for the first time. He appeared to be nervous, and understandably so – every parent knows the daunting task that is the first fumbling foray into the world of car seats. And even those of us who do ...

Family Holiday in Italy: Review of campsite Norcenni Girasole

Pool - Office Mum

Two things we didn't consider when we booked our holiday this year: 1. Italy can be very hot in July (subsequent raised eyebrows and "Italy in July? With small kids? Really?" comments did hammer this home) 2. Our campsite, Norcenni Girasole, is inland - way inland - sitting prettily in the hills of Tuscany but nowhere near even a ...

YUU Backpack – Review and Giveaway

Office Mum - YUU bag

A package arrived. Excitement was high. One child almost fainted, such was her need to see what was in the big cardboard box. "Relax," I said, "It's probably something boring for dad, or for me." Secretly hoping it was for me. I opened the box. Four heads peered in. "It's a bag!" one child shouted. "It's pink!" said ...

Bubble Bum Booster Seat – Review and Giveaway

Bubble Bum booster seat Office Mum

We are being very brave this summer; we're getting on an actual airplane with all three kids. We've never tried it with three before, and we may never try again either, depending on how it goes. But in a bid to see something further away than a ferry journey allows, we're getting on a plane. Among other ...

5 Day-Trips Near Dublin – a Whistle-Stop Tour

Office Mum: Glendalough

We're getting braver. This summer we took five day-trips. Not too adventurous and not too far from home, but a step-up from last year. Baby-steps - or toddler-steps as the case may be. So here's a quick review of five destinations - all within an hour of Dublin: 1. Clara Lara This was possibly our favourite day ...

Ten family friendly hotels in Ireland

Office Mum Eumom article: photo of word holiday

My first holiday as a parent was a bit of a shock. I remember looking forward to it, thinking that it would a relaxing, sun-filled, restful ten days - a few glasses of wine, some nice dinners, and lots of sleep. Oh and reading - a great chance to catch up on all those books ...