Bargains, rip-offs and sales
It's a steal
Go global: These Artisan House metal wall sculptures (below) have been stopping shoppers in their tracks at the Global Village interiors shop at Blackrock Shopping Centre, Co Dublin. Designed in LA and manufactured in China, the pair pictured sell for €695; they are reduced in the shop's current sale. The full collection can be viewed at www.artisanhouse.com. The Global Village sale, also in Powerscourt, Co Wicklow, is offering 50 per cent off beds and 20-25 per cent off other items.
World Cup widows: Going to the cinema is becoming an increasingly pricey affair. For World Cup widows in the west of the country, Galway's Eye Cinema is now offering a great deal. So, while your other half is glued to the match, gather the girls and go see a recent flick for only €20 for four people. Ticket purchasers will also be in with a chance of winning some great spot prizes sponsored by the adjacent G hotel, Brown Thomas and Bellisimo. See www.eyecinema.ie.
Cut-price culture: Wondering how to keep the kids occupied during the summer holidays? The OPW Heritage Card costs just €55 for two adults and four children, with under-sixes free, and allows unlimited access to some of the finest heritage sites in the country for a year. Considering that one family visit to the visitor centre at Newgrange and Knowth would cost €25.50, it's a no-brainer. See www.heritageireland.ie.
Blow the SSIA
The latest game console is hardly going to make a dent in even the most modest SSIA return. Go really retro, however, and you might just blow the lot. For a euro shy of two grand, you can be the proud owner of a full-sized arcade machine. For those of you who want to reacqauint yourself with Pacman and Space Invaders, log on to www.bcool.ie. Opposable thumbs not included.
Thanks to: Marie-Claire Digby, Rachel Dugan, Eleanor Fitzsimons