What popular festival in Northern Ireland takes place every June and features music, comedy, and arts performances?

FASHION: Embracing Burgundy Bliss in County Down! 🍂

This rich, timeless colour is autumn’s go-to shade, and it’s everywhere across County Down this season. Style-savvy folks are pairing burgundy with buttery yellows for a warm contrast or bright reds for a bold statement that turns heads. For an office-ready look, cool blues and deep navy shades add a polished touch, while winter whites keep it fresh and crisp. Looking for a cozier vibe? Try it with brown suede or olive green—perfect for layering up with a bit of texture this autumn in County Down.

HEALTH: The Nighttime Wake-Up Call—Here’s How to Avoid It! 💤 Did you know that around a third of people over 30 are getting up at least twice a night to go to the bathroom? (And yes, that percentage only climbs with age!)

But there are ways to reduce those nightly wake-ups so you can enjoy a full night’s rest. Start by urinating regularly throughout the day and once more just before bed.

Then, front-load your hydration earlier in the day and avoid drinks a couple of hours before bedtime. Reducing salty foods can also help, and if you take diuretics, try to do so in the morning. Finally, good sleep hygiene is key—keep your room cool, quiet, and dark. And if none of these tips work, it may be worth a quick chat with your doctor!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
• 2 lbs stewing beef (cut into chunks)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1-2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add to the pot, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the beef and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the pot. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Carrots and Potatoes: Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and parsnips (if using), cooking for another 3 minutes.

4. Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste and flour, mixing well for 1-2 minutes to combine. This helps thicken the stew.

5. Add Guinness and Stock: Pour in the Guinness and beef stock, stirring to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot.

6. Return Beef to Pot: Add the browned beef back to the pot, along with thyme and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Simmer the Stew: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the stew is thick and flavorful. Add a bit more stock or water if it gets too thick.

8. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve with crusty Irish soda bread or mashed potatoes for an extra touch of comfort. Enjoy this winter-warming meal with friends or family, ideally by a cozy fire!

Belsonic Festival.