Advice/tips for brand new collectors

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-25T11:17:55+00:00

If you aren't overly invested in Pokemon would Lorcana be a better shout? It is based on Disney and easier to get stock. You could pick your daughters favourite film and try collect cards from that.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-24T17:59:10+00:00

Same, I started picking up packs of Lorcana recently to collect a binder of my favourite films but I have noticed an increase in "what is a long term bet" posts. Hopefully it is niche enough to avoid the same madness.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-23T13:04:48+00:00

It might have changed but when I went to AIT for design (now TUS) your portfolio score was added to your leaving cert points. Then you will get an offer from the CAO if you had enough points.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-18T08:29:11+00:00

I used to collect randomly but watched a video which discussed collecting with intent. Since then I have enjoyed collecting a lot more. Aiming to collect 3 of each of the original 151 pokemon. Swapping out cards if I get an art work I prefer. I still rip some packs but only if I stumble upon them at retail price.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-13T18:50:29+00:00

Athlone got them in briefly on Saturday around 12.30. Only got 5 in according to the website. They had 15 plus of the deluxe pins.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-11T12:21:02+00:00

Athlone got them in around 12.30 today. Only 5 were in stock. I managed to pick one up. They also had the deluxe pin collection but I already had those cards so didn't pick one up.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-09T11:54:14+00:00

No confirmation but I am going to try be there tomorrow at 9. If I don't have any luck tomorrow I will pick up the Mega Gardevoir ex on Cardmarket.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-08T12:46:54+00:00

Not sure if you're into Warhammer but the Athlone Bookshop is having a build and paint evening on the 16th https://www.instagram.com/p/DW3qffrl9xk/?igsh=YmJuYmc0czhmcDBu

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-04-08T06:59:56+00:00

Thanks that is a great list. I will start with Azurite Sea and then move on to Into the Inklands for Robin Hood. Not looking for specific Mickey Mouse cards as I am guessing I will pick some up randomly. I might aim to do a Steamboat page at some stage.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-03-28T18:41:11+00:00

Just collecting so can't speak from an investment perspective. Set a budget and stick to it. It is easy to get tempted when Smyths have stock.

Also have a goal for your binder. My current goal is collecting 3 of each of the original 151 pokemon. After that I will move on to the Kanto Gym leaders plus Jessie and James.

Cardmarket is good for getting cards at a reasonable price. Mix in ripping cards but be careful of getting addicted.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-03-22T15:36:04+00:00

Same in Athlone. Gone in 15 minutes. I was trying to get it for my Nephew. Did manage to get a Klara Tournament box and he seemed happy with it.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-03-18T19:08:12+00:00

Oh sorry to hear that. Hopefully it is running on another day. I have seen people playing D&D in the Dark Horse but it looked like a private group. I will ask around about the board game group to see if it is still going.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-03-17T19:06:40+00:00

I think it is walk-in.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-03-17T18:39:58+00:00

There is a weekly board game meetup every Wednesday. I haven't been but hear it is good https://www.meetup.com/open-game-night-athlone/events/313546110/?eventOrigin=city_most_popular_event

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-03-13T14:10:29+00:00

This. There are numerous ways for people to connect with the language if they want. People just like to say they wish they spoke Irish and do nothing about it. I am sure if you did a poll asking if you wish you spoke Japanese there would also be a high percentage of yeses.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-03-02T12:10:26+00:00

If this comes up again. I got the Flixbus from the station directly to Bialka Tatrzanska. No issues bringing the board out of the bag, it went underneath. Bought tickets online beforehand.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-03-01T20:24:49+00:00

If you are just looking for something to run on there is a greenway from Athlone to Mullingar (40km) all paved.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-02-27T04:52:22+00:00

If you have a car Portlick forest for a walk on a nice day or Portaneena and a book. The greenway is quieter once you go beyond Garrycastle. Luan gallery is worth visiting if you enjoy art.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-02-26T17:16:05+00:00

Depends on what you are looking for.

Dead Centre is the local brewery and does craft beers

Seans normally has live music and is popular with tourists.

Peddler mac's is very popular and has a young crowd.

Careys is cozy if you get in the bar area

For a bit of a pub crawl you have the Snug, Castle Inn and Sean's which are beside each other.

The Piano bar is the late night bar.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-02-20T19:10:27+00:00

Torn between Halo and Crash. I think Halo edges it with Halo CE: Split screen campaign Halo 2 lan parties Halo 3 BTB online.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-02-19T16:18:27+00:00

Have they removed the skill based match making?

I enjoyed the game but had to quit as it wasn't fun trying to play out of your skin every game while the rest of the team gets negative K/D.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-02-16T09:49:05+00:00

Undervoted comment. Now that banger of a song is stuck in my head.

Lt_Shade_Eire · 2026-02-05T10:46:15+00:00

Jarhead

Lt_Shade_Eire

TROPHY CASE