Life & Arts | Business Post

How cocaine became Ireland’s drug of choice

Once seen as the recreational drug of the wealthy, cocaine has become a ubiquitous presence among every social and economic group in Ireland – including teenagers – and is ordered via text or social media. What is behind the popularity of the Class A drug?

‘True self-care in this frenzied world comes from that precious commodity, time’

It’s become a buzzword in recent times, but there are signs that self-care has now evolved into an very expensive excuse tool, writes Edel Coffey

Jennifer Egan: ‘Data is useless if it tells us very little about each other'

The acclaimed author’s new novel, The Candy House, looks at contemporary America through the addictive but often destructive prism of social media

Cathal McBride: Taking the stress out of cocktails this summer

When it comes to concocting a cocktail, focus on quality ingredients and just have fun

Appetite for Distraction

What to watch, listen to and play this week: True crime series probes mystery killings in the Alps

Speculation is still rife over the shooting of a British family holidaying near Annecy ten years ago

Edith: Tender portrait of a half-forgotten Irish literary figure

Martina Devlin’s new novel looks at the life of Edith Somerville, the co-author of The Irish RM with her second cousin Violet Martin

Travel: Gdansk to the music of time in an historic Polish city

Renowned as the centre of Solidarity’s resistance against Poland’s communist authorities in the early 1980s, Gdansk is today a scenic and beguiling place suffused with youthful energy

Grow as you go: how to get the most from your outdoor space, all year round

Summer is a time when our thoughts naturally turn to the garden. In this extract from their new book, Gardening Together: A Month-By-Month Guide to Getting the Most from Your Outdoor Space, Diarmuid Gavin and Paul Smyth offer some principles of planting and suggest the best herbs to cultivate

Jennifer Egan: ‘Data is useless if it tells us very little about each other'

The acclaimed author’s new novel, The Candy House, looks at contemporary America through the addictive but often destructive prism of social media

‘I’m not a naturally talented cook, I taught myself everything’ – JP McMahon, restaurateur and author

The owner and founder of Aniar in Galway on the moment he realised he wanted to be a chef, his favourite comfort food, and his idea of ultimate happiness

How cocaine became Ireland’s drug of choice

Once seen as the recreational drug of the wealthy, cocaine has become a ubiquitous presence among every social and economic group in Ireland – including teenagers – and is ordered via text or social media. What is behind the popularity of the Class A drug?

Nadine O’Regan: When is the right time to get a dog?

Seven days of looking after Bailey the cockapoo and we’re putty in his paws

‘True self-care in this frenzied world comes from that precious commodity, time’

It’s become a buzzword in recent times, but there are signs that self-care has now evolved into an very expensive excuse tool, writes Edel Coffey

Robocobra Quartet reveal their musical inspirations

Ryan Burrowes and Chris W Ryan of the Belfast post-punk collective have a new album out and sat down to discuss the music that shaped their creative path

Classical Notes

New stars shine for Veronica Dunne at Killruddery opera

A year after her passing, the spirit of one of Irish music’s greatest forces of nature is being kept alive by the Veronica Dunne Festival of Opera in Killruddery House in Bray

Eel and onion make a winning combo at Three Storey on St Stephen’s Green

Just three months after opening, this restaurant is already a winner with huge levels of care evident in almost every dish

Design For Life

I’m in my 50s and stressed about finding a new job, what should I do?

This week, communications expert Sarah Geraghty advises a reader who is feeling anxious about trying to find a new job in the wake of the pandemic

School’s in for summer at the Bord Gáis Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of the 2003 Jack Black musical comedy School of Rock is rough, ready and riotous

Lapvona – Dark medieval fairytale confounds at every turn

Ottessa Moshfegh’s latest novel is just as opaque and bewildering as its three predecessors

The Last Days of Roger Federer – A fine rhapsody against the dying of the light

A contemplation of the ageing process and its effects on creativity lies at the heart of Geoff Dyer’s new collection of essays

Elvis needs a little more conversation, a little less action

Baz Luhrmann’s heavily-hyped biopic of Presley isn’t quite saved by Austin Butler’s splendid performance as the King

Cathal McBride: Taking the stress out of cocktails this summer

When it comes to concocting a cocktail, focus on quality ingredients and just have fun

Ibiza returns to its roots with low-key beach bars, farm to fork restaurants, and sophisticated clubs

It may have become better known in recent decades for its hedonistic nightlife, but the Balaeric island also offers incredible food and gorgeous, laid-back hotels

Paul Williams on his ‘dead simple’ menu, working with Heston Blumenthal, and why every kitchen needs a Sharpie

The Tipperary native is marking ten years in business this year, having moved to a larger premises when his Limerick restaurant Canteen took off