Andrea Smith
Independent.ie
Ireland
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Past articles by Andrea:
Love against the odds: Four couples on how they keep the flame of romance aglow against life’s challenges
When Sinéad Crowe matched with Ana Silva on Tinder five years ago, she had been through the wringer emotionally. Her beloved 25-year-old sister Sharon died from cancer in 2010, and the marriage she embarked on at 23 had ended. → Read More
10 best Valentine’s week love nests in Ireland
As Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, it’s the perfect opportunity to sneak off and avail of a cheeky midweek romantic break with your other half. If leaving behind the kids or taking time off work during the week isn’t doable, we have you covered in our guide to romantic places to stay on February 14 or on the days surrounding it. → Read More
Get away - 50 holiday hotspots for 2023
This is set to be the year we finally make up for the holidays we didn’t get to take over the past three years. We’re starting 2023 with optimism, knowing that the world has properly opened up to travel again. → Read More
Chilling out in style in Swedish Lapland
Forgetting to pack a coat when you’re off on holidays might be considered unfortunate. Rocking up without any class of outer garments to Swedish Lapland, which lies mostly above the Arctic Circle, could definitely be considered careless, to paraphrase Lady Bracknell. → Read More
25 outings and activities to do with the kids this summer… and they’re FREE
The summer holidays have arrived but with families facing many extra expenses, free events and activities are always welcome. → Read More
Bank holiday weekend guide: The 12 best things to do as the summer heats up
With airport queues and pandemic rules to navigate, there’s a lot to be said for staying in Ireland for the June bank holiday weekend. → Read More
‘It’s my happy place’ – why Star Wars fans still think the franchise is out of this world
Right now, in homes across the galaxy, excitement is building up for this Friday’s launch of Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+. As a huge fan of the franchise, James Treacy (39) can’t wait to watch the series, which stars actor Ewan McGregor as the Jedi Master. → Read More
15 family activities to make this mid-term break one to remember
With the school mid-term break upon us this week, entertaining children will be a full-time job for most parents. The good news is many activities and buildings have reopened again, so there is plenty to do, both indoors and outdoors. → Read More
10 romantic breaks to make even St Valentine’s heart sing
The world is focused on love and romance this week, and getting away for a little quiet time with your significant other may be on your wishlist. → Read More
Fourteen sweet ways to celebrate February 14 just like St Valentine would have wanted
FOOD AND DRINK 1. “For a romantic beverage on Valentine’s Day, try a cocktail based on sparkling wine. Make a simple syrup using equal portions of water and sugar and infuse with edible dried flowers, such as hibiscus or lavender – you get them in health food shops. → Read More
10 festive season strolls to help shake off the Christmas cobwebs
A bracing walk in the fresh air is the perfect way to spend some time between Christmas and New Year’s, particularly as the traditional festive visits to friends and family have to be curtailed to limit social contacts. → Read More
‘I put off going to the doctor about my headaches — turns out I had a brain tumour’
Having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015, 42-year-old Katie McGrath from Cork has learned first-hand the importance of not ignoring symptoms you might experience and the importance of preventative screenings. → Read More
Fun and laughter return as pantomime favourites take to the stage again
After 18 months of his industry being shut down, Joe Conlan is still on a high the morning following Wednesday’s opening night of the Gaiety panto. → Read More
The doctor told me not to worry, but I knew there was something wrong with my beautiful new baby
Alex Connolly loves food, going on drives and being out in the fresh air in her wheelchair. She also enjoys swimming and swinging and is a big fan of sensory lights and music, and when she smiles or allows herself to be kissed, it makes her mother Paula’s day. → Read More
Christmas shopping 2021: Top items you need to get your hands on early this year amid short supplies
We all know that the most important thing about Christmas is spending time with people we love, but good food and drink, thoughtful gifts and atmospheric decor all play an important role in creating a special festive ambiance. → Read More
Meet the social media tweet-hearts who found love without dating apps
We’ve all become increasingly familiar with couples meeting on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, but traditional social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn have also played a less-reported role in facilitating the path to true love. → Read More
50 free things to do with your children during the summer
PRE-SCHOOL 1. National Gallery of Ireland Encourage your budding Picassos by embarking on the Through a Lens: Babies & Toddlers self-guided tour at the National Gallery of Ireland. It suggests artworks to you that can be enjoyed with smallies. NationalGallery.ie 2. Kildare Farms Foods Fancy hanging out with wallabies, zebras, camels, ostriches, alpacas and peacocks? Head to the buggy and… → Read More
Last-minute Christmas crackers: 10 festive hotel breaks with all the trimmings
With the uncertainty around lockdowns, many of us have been afraid to book a festive break, while some popular places booked out earlier in the year anyway. If you're pondering escaping to a hotel for Christmas, we've found some gorgeous places to go. What's more, they had availability as we went to press, and would love to wait on you hand and foot this Christmas. Please note some hotels have… → Read More
Tasmania is reopening to Australian travelers from 'low-risk' jurisdictions
Travelers arriving from approved areas of mainland Australia won't have to go through a 14-day quarantine. → Read More
Be inspired: How three women transformed their lives in 2020
One of our biggest challenges over the past six months has been remaining positive and motivated, as we deal with a swathe of fears, losses, uncertainties and challenges. Our collective mental health has taken a battering, and many of us have gained that Covid stone or slipped into bad habits. → Read More