Money may be too tight to mention, but there are deals to be had if you know where to look for them. SIMON TIERNEYfinds ways to live well with less cash
HOBBIES
“What are your hobbies?” This is, I suppose, a rather strange question nowadays. It brings to mind images of Enid Blyton stories. It is also the type of awkward question you might ask on a date. A friend asked his date this very question and her answer was “taphophilia”, a passion for cemeteries and graves, and perhaps not something to mention on a first date.
My childhood hobby was making craft pieces, which I would then sell to my parents’ guests. I decided my enterprise needed a name so I came up with Simon Tierney Design and began to use the unfortunate acronym, STD. The company later went into liquidation – a branding issue, apparently.
This week we have deals on astronomy, crafts, jewellery, photography and birdwatching.
Astronomy, jewellery and pottery
Astronomy can be a fascinating hobby. Astronomy Ireland (Unit A8, Airside Enterprise Centre, Swords, Co Dublin, tel: 01-8901111), is offering six places on its eight-week astronomy for beginners course (worth €180), starting on October 11th (every Thursday night, 7.30-9.30pm). The courses run at nine locations around the country. The first six people to email classes@astronomy.ie and quote "course deal" will get the free places. See astronomy.ie/classfor details.
Beads Bling (34 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2, tel: 01-6337814), is offering four places on its introduction to jewellery-making course on May 12th, worth €60 each. The first people to email beadsbling@hotmail.com, with “free draw” in the title will get the tickets.
Artworks Cafe (The Stables, Strand Road, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, tel: 01-8284000) is offering three vouchers for a class for two people (worth €99). This is a private lesson which includes a session on the potter’s wheel. The first three people to email info@artworkscafe.ie and quote “pottery experience offer” will each receive a voucher for a class for two.
Photography
Dublin Photography School ( dublin-photography-school.com) is offering two places on its one-day SLR photography course (worth €135). Email info@dublin-photography-school.com and quote "course offer".
The Gallery of Photography (Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, tel: 01-6714654), has four passes to give away for its introduction to digital cameras and analogue printing course on May 19th, 2.30-5.30pm. The first people to email info@galleryofphotography.ie and quote “course offer” will get the tickets.
Exchange Dublin (Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, tel: 01-6779264) has a free weekly photography group called Exchange Focus every Monday night from 8-10pm. This is a forum for sharing techniques and collaborating on projects. See exchangedublin.ie.
Last but not least . . .
May 20th is National Dawn Chorus Day. Birdwatch Ireland, birdwatchireland.ie, tel: 01-2819878, is running a free guided walk at 5am on that Sunday. Meet at the Information Office by the Upper Lake, Glendalough, Co Wicklow, no booking necessary. There are also events happening across the country. See the website for details.
If you have details of free services/activities/ products, email emptywallet@irishtimes.com. Upcoming topics include films on an empty wallet
