Vitality is Ireland’s largest natural health and wellbeing show. It is owned by Eventhaus Ltd and run in association with Health Stores Ireland, a professional trade association which represents the majority of health food stores in Ireland. With a number of successful outings behind them, Vitality is always a much-anticipated event. They have adapted to current circumstances by moving the show online this year – read on to find out more!
Vitality Expo
Regroup and Reinvigorate: a Sneak Peek at Vitality
Ireland’s much-loved health show is back this autumn, and we can’t wait! Vitality is returning to the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, on September 26th and 27th. Ahead of the event, we spoke to Vitality organisers and exhibitors to get a sense of what this year’s show will be all about. The feature below appeared in our Summer 2020 issue. Read and enjoy!
Vitality Expo 2019: Our Top Picks
We visited the amazing Vitality Expo last weekend, and we loved it – did you catch our live video of the event over on Facebook? If not, go and check it out! We also have a number of top picks that we loved from the show. Read on to learn all about them…
The Vitality Vibes: Highlights From the Fantastic Vitality Expo
We’re still on a high after attending the wonderful Vitality Expo in the RDS last weekend. For an in-depth tour of the atmosphere on the day, and a behind-the-scenes insight into the people who made the event so great, make sure you watch the live video we recorded over the weekend, showcasing the presenting skills of our very own Paul Congdon! Catch it here.
We wanted to put together this list of our best picks from the show. If you didn’t get the chance to go, consider this a recap of the best and brightest offerings!
Tried and Tested
Eskimo 3 Fish Oil
Eskimo-3 aims to differentiate themselves from many other fish oil brands through an unwavering commitment to high quality. They are proud to be one of the purest, safest and most environmentally friendly fish oils on the market.
Rossmore Health
Rossmore Health, located in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, is a family owned business founded in 1997. They stock a huge range of natural products, covering areas such as weight loss, energy boosters, immune enhancers, detox, skin care, joint care, sugar free candies and snacks (diabetic friendly), and food supplements.
Macánta Nutrition
Macánta Nutrition Ltd. is an Irish company based in Galway producing high quality nutritional supplements that are available exclusively within Irish Health Stores. The word Macánta itself means honest/sincere, and to the company, it represents the standard for everything they do. In the design and development of their products, product integrity and quality are number one priorities.
Wild Nutrition
Wild Nutrition was formulated by the best-selling nutritional author, practitioner and speaker, Henrietta Norton BSc DipNT. The company’s Food-Grown® supplements provide superior nutritional support throughout the key stages and events in life. In 2018, Wild Nutrition won the Best Natural Supplements honour at the Beauty & Wellbeing Awards.
Pravera
Pravera is dedicated to helping people lead a healthier life. The company specialises in offering its customers the best possible product options in the fields of cosmetics, skin care, natural household cleaning and more. Some of its brands include Lavera, Primavera, SoulTree, Khadi, Organyc, Organii, and EcoCosmetics.
Nature’s Plus
Nature’s Plus has worked hard to earn the loyalty of millions of satisfied consumers and health food retailers worldwide with their emphasis on high quality at every stage, from manufacturing to on-time delivery to their work with retailers. Nature’s Plus is committed to supplying superior quality natural vitamins and nutritional supplements.
April Danann’s Shroom Coffee
Holistic coach April Danann takes great care when producing her amazing Shroom Coffee. The coffee is blended with medicinal mushrooms: reishi, shiitake, cordceps and lions mane. It also contains organic cocoa powder, cinnamon, roasted dandelion root and chicory root. Delicious! Click here to read all about it.
New Technology
Abundance and Health
We were very impressed by Altrient C, Abundance and Health’s innovative vitamin C sachets which promise up to 98% absorption, thanks to liposomal technology. Liposomal Encapsulation Technology consists of microscopic healthy fat particles which are made up of phospholipids, along with water soluble vitamins and minerals. This technology has been used for many years as a way of delivering small amounts of therapeutic substances to the specific tissues of the body, without affecting any other part of the body.
TurmeriX
Turmerix is a new company that specialises in producing high-quality, fast-acting turmeric powder. This powder also contains an “X-blend” of supporting spices and herbs: cinnamon, coconut powder, green tea, liquorice, kelp, fennel, vanilla, aniseed, caraway, ginger, clove, cardamon and more.
Ooom Snacks
Many of us are on the lookout for something that can reduce stress and help us achieve a sense of balance. Stefan and Lorenzo – the dynamic duo behind a brand-new food company called Ooom Snacks – have come up with a nutritious solution. Ooom products have a measurable anti-stress effect, due to the presence of adaptogen plants. These plants can increase our body’s ability to resist the detrimental effects of stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol.
Hifas Da Terra
Hifas Da Terra is a Spanish biotechnology company founded in 1999. The company is committed to improving people’s quality of life using the previously untapped medicinal properties of mushrooms. This emerging science is called mycology. Hifas Da Terra’s range includes medicinal products, food, skincare goods and supplements.
Other Blissful Picks
Creacon Wellness Retreat
Creacon Wellness Retreat in New Ross, Co. Wexford, is dedicated to giving guests the most relaxing retreat experience possible when they visit, offering comforting and nutritious food, spacious rooms, and a range of interesting activities through a daily opt in/out schedule that includes Five Tibetan yoga, Gentle Hatha Yoga, Japa Meditation Class, Mandala Class and more. Tara Congdon wrote about her experience with them in our most recent Autumn 2018 issue. You can read Tara’s full article here.
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s is a family business committed to honouring the vision of their founder Dr. E.H. Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating their profits to help make a better world. These fantastic products are available in Ireland through their wholesaler, Life’s Great.
Genovese Foods
Genovese Foods is an award-winning producer of pestos, tapenades and mayonnaise, with a passionate clean food ethos. Their ranges include: Genovese, Oh Mayo and the brand-new Veggie Earth, which was launched at the Vitality Expo. It contains delicious pestos, tapenade and veganaise (a type of mayonnaise produced without eggs).
Mag365
Mag 365 produces high-quality dietary supplements to assist individuals in achieving optimum health, while simultaneously providing education on how a healthy lifestyle and supplementation can increase quality of life. Their powdered magnesium supplements contain a highly bioavailable active ingredient called magnesium citrate. All natural ingredients and no fillers.
Alison Canavan
The acclaimed wellness coach Alison Canavan gave a great talk at the Expo – and Paul caught up with her for a quick chat which you can watch here. Alison runs a highly successful series of health and wellness shows around the country called the Full 360 Tour. Check her website for full details! You can also read her most recent article for us here.
Monmore Organic Male Grooming
We were intrigued by the products of men’s skin care brand, Monmore Organic Male Grooming. The company describes themselves as “an Irish brand with Italian quality”. They create unique combinations of ingredients which are carefully blended to ensure the collective works as one, smell subtle, feel good and leave skin and hair in prime condition.
Grown Clothing
Grown Clothing is an Irish ethical clothing company inspired by the sea, coast and wildlife of Ireland. They use only organic, post-consumer and earth friendly materials to make their garments … and the clothes themselves are of an amazing quality!
Kama Hemp Juice
This juice packs a powerful punch! Kama Hemp Juice is high in calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, provitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and iron. The company grows their hemp organically, under the sun, wind and rain, on our family farm in Co. Monaghan, Ireland. They harvest and juice the crop at the very peak of its growing season to ensure that its nutrition is preserved at its best.
September Vibes: Autumnal Delights Ahead
September Salutations: Good news, Positive Lifers – we have just released our Autumn 2018 issue, and it’s a cracker: filled to the brim with inspiring and thought-provoking content from our regular contributors, invigorating health tips and an exclusive interview with Marianne Williamson. You can pick up your copy in one of our stockists throughout the country, or subscribe here to get a copy delivered right to your door. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most enticing holistic happenings, products and events we’ve picked out for you this month! We are giving away FIVE TICKETS to the Vitality Expo on our Facebook page today, with the winner announced in the afternoon – click here to read all about it.
Dive into Ireland’s Ancient Energies
Next week, we are thrilled to welcome the acclaimed seer, mystic and author Tantra Maat to Positive Nights. On Wednesday September 12th, from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m., Tantra will join us in the Central Hotel, 1-5 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2. She will discuss the powerful energies present within Ireland, and how they can be utilised to advance the awakening of the Earth. Click here for tickets and further information.
Look Out For These Amazing Beeswax Cloths, Coming Soon
Looking for a convenient way to reduce your plastic consumption? Seidi Salomonson and Marit Nyhuis, who are planning to set up a new beeswax wraps business called PLOT, explain that they liked the idea of beeswax wraps so much, “we started making them ourselves about a year ago.” Marit says, “The main idea was to start using less plastic and clingfilm, and use these instead as much as possible. We buy our pure beeswax from a lady in the next town who has her own bees, so we know where it’s coming from.” Curious? Email Marit at firehorse.66@hotmail.com to learn more.
Marianne Williamson to Hold Seminar in Dublin
Marianne Williamson’s phenomenal work in the field of spirituality and self-development speaks for itself: seven out of her twelve published books have been New York Times bestsellers. Marianne will be speaking in Ireland on Wednesday October 10th 2018, from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. in the Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Co. Dublin. For tickets and further information, follow this Seminars.ie link. To read a sneak peek of our interview with Marianne, just click here.
New Company Offers Super-Charged Turmeric Powder
Recently, the health-enhancing benefits of turmeric have become more widely known. It can reduce inflammation, fight against free radicals, and even boost brain health. Turmerix is a new company that specialises in producing high-quality, fast-acting turmeric powder. This powder also contains an “X-blend” of supporting spices and herbs: cinnamon, coconut powder, green tea, liquorice, kelp, fennel, vanilla, aniseed, caraway, ginger, clove, cardamon and more.
Kangen Water®: Health-Boosting Hydration
Water is an essential component of our daily lives. However, with concerns growing about the range of pollutants and chemical residue that can be found in tap water supplies and bottled water, many people are searching for an alternative to put their minds at ease. Kangen Water® (a.k.a. electrolysed reduced water [ERW], or hydrogen water) begins as tap water. An Enagic® machine filters out chlorine and other impurities from the tap water, then separates the hydrogen and oxygen through a process known as electrolysis. Email adeline@kangenwaterforlife.ie to learn more!
Vitality Expo Hits Dublin This Weekend
This weekend – Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th of September – Dublin’s RDS will play host to the amazing Vitality Expo 2018, brought to you by Health Stores Ireland. The Expo will be dedicated to all things health-related, with a diverse array of wellness, lifestyle, fitness and nutrition talks being delivered by Irish and international speakers and natural health brands. All talks will be hosted by nutritional therapist Jemma Kehoe. The Expo will also boast a Food & Cookery Stage, an outdoor entertainment area, and of course, a vast array of stands, featuring some of Ireland’s established and upcoming brands. Click here to enter our competition for FIVE FREE TICKETS.
August Vibes: This Month’s Pick of the Best Holistic Events, Getaways and Products
The Tidings of August: Summer is starting to give way to autumn, but not to worry: there are sure to be plenty more bursts of sunshine to enjoy this month! As always, we’ve been enthusiastically tracking down the best events, products, getaways and general news that Ireland’s holistic scene has to offer. Read on to learn more about the highlights we’ve picked out for you for this month. If you haven’t picked up our Summer 2018 issue yet, make sure you call into one of our stockists throughout the country soon. You can also subscribe here to get a copy delivered right to your door.
Discover the Benefits of Chi Fit Tea
Chi Fit Tea is an Irish company with a passion for high-quality, energising tea. They named the company after the Chinese word ‘Chi’, or ‘energy’, to emphasise the origin and heritage of their ingredients. When the founders felt that green tea, oolong tea and pu’erh tea were a little too bitter for them, they set out to create their own unique blend. They did this by blending a specific variety of powerful teas and spending months perfecting this blend until they were happy with the taste. They then set about finding an amazing organic tea producer in China. Now, Chi Fit Tea is composed of ten naturally powerful ingredients, full of naturally occurring properties that give drinkers an energy boost. This tea is great for pre-gym sessions, as the ingredients promote health and fitness benefits.
Vitality Expo to Bring Top Names in Health and Wellbeing to Dublin
On September the 8th and 9th, 2018, Dublin’s RDS will play host to the amazing Vitality Expo 2018, brought to you by Health Stores Ireland. The Expo will be dedicated to all things health-related, with a diverse array of wellness, lifestyle, fitness and nutrition talks being delivered by Irish and international speakers and natural health brands. The Expo’s Vitality Stage will play host to Alison Canavan, Vivienne Campbell, Rachel and Hannah Dare, Dr. Robert Verkerk Ph.D, Phil Beard, Dr. Sarah Murphy, Jessica Hatchett and Fiann Ó Nualláin (a bestselling author, horticultural therapist and community gardening advocate). All of the talks will be hosted by nutritional therapist Jemma Kehoe. For a full list of confirmed exhibitors and speakers, make sure you check out their website below.
Healing is Voltage: Check Out the New Book Making Waves
Dr. Jerry Tenant – a board-certified ophthalmologist in the U.S., who is now the director of the Tennant Institute for Integrative Medicine – has a revolutionary approach to healing that he outlines in his new book, Healing is Voltage. He explains that every cell in the body is designed to run at -20 to -25 millivolts. To heal, we must make new cells. To make a new cell requires -50 millivolts. Chronic disease occurs when voltage drops below -20 and/or you cannot achieve -50 millivolts to make new cells. Thus chronic disease is always defined by having low voltage. His book aims to tell you how to measure your voltage in each organ, how to correct it, and how to determine why your voltage may have dropped enough to allow you to get sick.
O’Brien’s Café Launches Healthy New Veggie Bowl
Well-known Irish café and sandwich bar company O’Brien’s has launched a new vegetarian Mediterranean Bowl – created with chef Rachel Allen and nutritionist Erika Doolan – and it looks delicious! The Mediterranean Bowl features grilled halloumi, falafel, spelt, kale slaw, houmous, Ballymaloe Foods beetroot, chunky salsa, rocket and mixed leaves. Pop into your local O’Brien’s and try it out today!
Positive Nights Presents: Kundalini Awakening Process with Venant Wong – Thursday August 2nd
Venant Wong, an expert in Kundalini, movement and energy, will be joining us at Positive Nights from 7.00 to 9.30 p.m.on Thursday August 2nd in the Central Hotel, 1 – 5 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2. Venant will discuss his Kundalini Activation Process: a direct Kundalini Transmission that activates our own personal Kundalini Awakening process. Venant has trained with three Kundalini Transmission masters: Adi Da Samraj (Fiji), Ratu Bagus (Bali), and Pi Villaraza (Phillipines) – after which the capacity to activate the kundalini in others arose. He has been leading Facilitator Trainings & Immersions in this modality, as well as open sessions for groups & individuals in Asia, Australia, and now in Europe. Click here to learn more and book your tickets.
WIN Two Tickets to Adyashanti Teaching Event in Dublin!
Adyashanti, the world-renowned spiritual teacher, writer and international speaker, who graces the front cover of our current summer issue, and who you may also recognise from his fascinating SuperSoul interview with Oprah (video link here), is coming to Dublin this August for a Special Intensive teaching event. This will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday August 19th, in the Gibson Hotel, Point Square, North Dock, Dublin 1. The exciting news is that we have two tickets to give away to this incredible event! This competiton is being run on our Facebook page. All you have to do to enter is click on this linked post, comment who you would bring with you and why, then be sure to like the post and our page for a chance to win! The winner will be announced on August 17th. Good luck, Positive Pals!
Special Yoga Event Invokes the Energy of Ireland’s Ancient Pirate Queen
Kitty Maguire, a yoga teacher who – alongside a variety of musicians – specialises in offering ‘Yocella’ classes (yoga accompanied by the music of the cello) has another exciting event coming up this month at the Fleadh Cheoil in Drogheda, Co. Louth. She is teaming up with fellow yoga teacher Gráinne O’Kane to tell the story of the historic Pirate Queen, Gráinne Mhaol, through the media of yoga, voice, fiddle and bodhrán. Gráinne will lead a Warrior of the Heart practice – inspired by hatha yoga – to fully embody the strength and resilience of the Warrior Queen. Kitty will then lead a Peaceful Warrior session, based on yin yoga. This will be a soothing practice of stillness throughout the body, to the sound of the bodhrán’s heartbeat, that will bring the Pirate Queen home. Kieran Gallagher will play the bodhrán and Ben McKenzie the fiddle. This event will take place on Monday August 13th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in St. Peter’s Church of Ireland Parish Hall, Drogheda. To learn more, check out the event page here.
July Vibes: The Best Products, Events and Holistic Happenings for the Month Ahead
Summer is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by getting out and about to enjoy some exciting events or sample some of the best holistic products on the market? Read on to learn more about the highlights we’ve picked out for you for this month. If you haven’t picked up our Summer 2018 issue yet, make sure you call into one of our stockists throughout the country soon. You can also subscribe here to get a copy delivered right to your door.
Veginity Opens New Plant-Based Restaurant
Veginity has long been a go-to spot for vegan foodies … and if you are a fan of this innovative food truck business, you’ll be glad to hear that they have found a new, permanent venue at 101 Upper Dorset Street, Dublin 1. Whilst adjusting to the joy of being in their new home, Veginity is continuing to supply the scrumptious plant-based fare that has won them legions of fans over the past few years, ever since Australian chef Mark Senn originally founded the business as a food truck. We love their imaginative approach to food preparation … not to mention their mouth watering desserts. Make sure you check them out!
Positive Nights Presents: Peaceful Parenting with Genevieve Simperingham – 12th July
We have two exciting events on the Positive Nights calendar this month! Tonight – Thursday July 12th – we will be playing host to parenting expert and educator, Genevieve Simperingham. Genevieve will be discussing the peaceful parenting philosophy she teaches, which equips parents with the tools to transition to a non-punitive, connection-based parenting approach. This will take place from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. in the Bewley’s Café Theatre, 78/79 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. For further information and booking, just click here.
Positive Nights Presents: Creating a Positive Reality with Judith McAdam – 19th July
Judith McAdam is a theologian, holistic life coach and the bestselling author of The Source. Throughout her career, she has been inspiring women and men to tap into their unique creative intelligence and step into their true potential, realising their personal and higher purpose in this life. Judith weaves together the ancient and the new drawing on mystical theological traditions and connecting this information to contemporary psychology and science in an accessible and impactful way. We are thrilled to welcome her to Positive Nights on Thursday July 19th, from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. at the Bewley’s Café Theatre, 78/79 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. Click here for further information and booking details.
Marianne Williamson to Visit Dublin in October
Marianne Williamson is one of the world’s most respected spiritual teachers. She is an internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer. Seven of her twelve published books have been New York Times Best Sellers. A paragraph from her mega best seller A Return to Love, beginning “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…” is considered an anthem for a contemporary generation of seekers. Marianne is visiting Dublin on Wednesday October 10th 2018, from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. in the Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Dublin. Drawing on her insights from A Course in Miracles, Marianne will speak about how we may transform our own lives and what we can do to change the world. Click here to view the event page, buy tickets, and learn more.
The Holistic Therapist With a Passion for Mental Health
Linda Culleton is a holistic therapist with a great passion for assisting people who suffer from adverse mental health conditions. “While working as an accountant, I pushed my body and mind to the limit, and due to this, I began to suffer with severe anxiety,” she explains. “I later developed a condition called Obsessive Compulsive disorder, of which the OCD symptoms were intrusive thoughts of harming myself and others.These OCD symptoms were devastating to live with.” She explored many different avenues that could assist with her healing process, including Kundalini yoga and meditation classes. During this time, she discovered a specific breath exercise called the OCD Breath in Kundalini Yoga Meditation. She credits this technique with transforming her life. She now offers one-to-one consultations, group programs, yoga and meditation classes, and Skype consultations. She is passionate about helping people to cope with mental health challenges.
Amazing Health Show Comes to the RDS This September
On September the 8th and 9th, 2018, Dublin’s RDS will play host to the amazing Vitality Expo 2018, brought to you by Health Stores Ireland. The Expo will be dedicated to all things health-related, with a diverse array of wellness, lifestyle, fitness and nutrition talks being delivered by Irish and international speakers and natural health brands. Confirmed exhibitors include Abundance and Health, Altrient C, Hifas Da Terra, Dr. Mahers skincare, Genovese Pestos, Macánta, NaturaLife, Optimal Brain and Sun Chlorella. The Expo will will also feature a Food and Cookery Stage, and Outdoor Entertainment Area (offering live music, yoga and pilates sessions, as well as a kids’ area) and The Village, where you can sample tasty delights from over 100 artisan and local health food producers in the Irish marketplace. We recently interviewed Patrick Holford – who will be present at the show – for our Summer 2018 magazine. You can read the interview here.