GETTING INTO GLAMPING

Connaught

WESTPORT HOUSE

Location: Church Lane, Westport, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)98 27766 Website: www.westporthouse.ie

Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park appeals to everyone in the family with a mixture of history and heritage in its 18th-century house; four permanent exhibitions, over 30 rooms open to the public, guided and self-guide tours, tea rooms and a gift shop. It’s also home to Pirate Adventure Park – a primarily outdoor amusement park best suited to the under-12’s, which features water and swinging ship rides, a train, swan pedalo boats, slides, playgrounds, pitch & putt and an in-door soft play area, while there’s exhilaration for adults with adventure activities such as zorbing, archery and water sports.

KYLEMORE ABBEY & VICTORIAN WALLED GARDEN

Location: Kylemore Castle, Connemara, Co Galway Tel: +353 (0)95 52001 Website: www.kylemoreabbey.com

Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 and located on the grounds of Kylemore Castle in Connemara, one of Ireland’s iconic heritage sites. Alongside restored rooms inside the Abbey and extensive woodland and lakeshore walks, visitors can enjoy the stunning walled garden – six acres of oasis divided by a beautiful mountain stream. The eastern half features the formal flower garden, glasshouses, the head gardener’s house and the garden bothy, while the western section is home to the vegetable garden, herbaceous border, fruit trees, a rockery, and herb garden. When you’re leaving, exit by the West Gate to view a cluster of young oak trees awaiting plantation around the estate, and watch out for the shaded fernery – an important feature of any Victorian Garden.

ARIGNA MINING EXPERIENCE

Location: Derreenavoggy, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co Roscommon Tel: +353 71 964 6466 Website: www.arignaminingexperience.ie

Arigna Mining Experience was developed to preserve the energy heritage of the Arigna Valley and to ensure that Arigna maintains its link with energy themes: past, present and future. The centre provides visitors with a unique insight into what coal mining life was like in the Arigna Valley, since its beginning in the 1700s until closure in 1990. It offers light and sound-enhanced tours of an underground coal mine, plus a geology and history exhibition. The completed complex gives visitors an authentic insight into an industry which played a fundamental role in Arigna for generations and is now a tourist attraction of both national and international significance.

Photo: Derek Speirs

THE ENCHANTED FOREST, SLIEVE AUGHTY

Location: Kylebrack West, Loughrea, Co Galway Tel: +353 (0)90 974 5246 Website: www.slieveaughtycentre.com/the-enchanted-forest

Deep in the woods near Loughrea, Co Galway, there is a hidden grove of native trees by a flowing stream where the fairies, gnomes and trolls live together with the animals of the wood. Bring your family along to discover this magical place, the Enchanted Forest (a short 10-minute walk from the Slieve Aughty Centre). Want to make a day of it? Get the full Slieve Aughty family experience and each child will receive an Enchanted Forest Pack including a forest map, wishing tree hanger and fairy dust.

ADVENTURE WEST

Location: Old Head, Louisburgh, Co Mayo Tel: +353 (0)87 3627828 Website: www.adventurewest.ie Founded in 2011, Adventure West is a fun and friendly adventure activities provider in the West of Ireland specialising in the following activities: coasteering, rock-climbing and abseiling, kayaking, snorkelling, archery and hillwalking. Their mission is to offer you and your family or friends a fun day out, guaranteeing excitement and laughter while ensuring your safety at all times. To this end, they have recruited a top-notch team of instructors who are noted for their friendliness as much as their competence. No matter which adventure activity you choose, you’ll be in safe hands.

Leinster

WOODSTOCK GARDEN

Location: Inistioge, Co Kilkenny Tel: +353 (0)56 779 4373 Website: http://www.woodstock.ie

Overlooking the River Nore in the beautiful Kilkenny village of Inistioge, Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum features a collection of rare and exotic trees, a walled garden with an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and a beautiful spot for tea in a conservatory overlooking the flower gardens. Open all year round, it’s the perfect location for a family trip, with tea rooms, car parking, and a children’s playground. Admission fee is €4 per car with guided tours available by appointment.

IRISH NATIONAL STUD

Location: Tully, Co Kildare (Exit 13 on the M7 motorway, 40 minutes from Dublin) Tel: +353 (0)45 521 617 Website: irishnationalstud.ie

Nowhere better symbolises all that is great about County Kildare, the beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred industry, than the Irish National Stud & Gardens, a unique attraction of outstanding natural beauty that is home to some of the most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens to be found anywhere in the world. Open seven days a week between February and November, there’s something for everyone here. Experience the 100-year-old Japanese Gardens and travel the path of life, stroll through the wild Irish St Fiachra’s Garden (a tribute to an Irish saint and a fitting tribute to Ireland herself), or take in the Irish National Stud and its living legends including Hurricane Fly and Beef or Salmon. There’s also a horse museum containing the skeleton of the greatest steeplechaser of all time, Arkle. The playground and magical fairy trail are sure to keep the little ones entertained and, afterwards, enjoy the on-site restaurant with locally-sourced food and home baking. Free car parking is available on-site.

RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE

Location: Blessington, Co Wicklow Tel: +353 (0)45 865239 Website: www.russborough.ie

Situated in scenic parkland with stunning views, Russborough House welcomes visitors for guided tours at this magnificent stately home. Inside you can discover fascinating stories about the beautiful architecture and fantastic art collections, as well as the former owners who once called this place home. Close by, the 18th century walled garden is well worth a visit, currently being restored by volunteers from the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI). The garden is open for pre-booked groups since 2017 and is open to the general public on certain days between April and October. Other highlights include walking trails, a children’s playground, the Bird of Prey centre, sheepdog demonstrations and a maze.

GLASNEVIN CEMETERY

Location: Finglas Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Tel: +353 (0)1 882 6500 Website: www.glasnevintrust.ie

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is one of Dublin’s top tourist attractions. Located just 2.5km from Dublin’s city centre, it covers 124 acres of glorious parkland with plenty to appreciate – inside you can explore the history and legacies of some of Ireland’s most interesting personalities. The cemetery is both the guardian and storyteller for over 1.5 million people; from the ordinary to the truly extraordinary these people helped shape the Ireland of today. There’s plenty for both young and old to enjoy behind its imposing walls – take one of the not-to-be missed regular tours and stroll through the museum where you can opt for a genealogy search for your family history. Glasnevin Cemetery Museum also offers exciting and engaging education programmes for all ages, perfect for school tours.

TAYTO PARK

Location: Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co Meath Tel: +353 (0)1 835 1999 Website: www.taytopark.ie

Tayto Park in Ashbourne, Co Meath, is Ireland’s only theme park. Situated 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, Tayto Park hosts a variety of activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can visit the zoo and see animals such as the Amur tigers, meerkats and buffalo, while adrenaline seekers can take a ride on one of their famous rides, such as the Zipline Extreme, Rotator, or Cú Chulainn Coaster, (Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster with an inversion). Between the zoo, numerous play areas, water features and rides, Tayto Park is fun for all ages. There’s also The Lodge Restaurant and shops, comprising 19,500 square feet of retail space and restaurant.

Thanks to Ulster American Folk Park, Cavan County Museum, Armagh Planetarium, Titanic Belfast, Blarney Castle, Ardmore Open Farm, Killaloe River Cruises, Muckross House, Westport House, Slieve Aughty Centre, Adventure West, Russborough House, Woodstock Garden, Glasnevin Trust, Tayto Park and Birr Castle for supplying photography.

BELVEDERE HOUSE GARDENS & PARK

Location: Mullingar, Co Westmeath Tel: +353 (0)44 934 9060 Website: www.belvedere-house.ie

Located within Ireland’s Ancient East with many layers of life and history in the big house, Belvedere House Gardens & Park demonstrates a level of beauty, intrigue and passion that makes for an great visitor experience and an excellent day out. The magnificent 160-acre lakeside estate boasts a fullyrestored Georgian villa built in 1740 by the famous architect Richard Castles for Robert Rochfort, later Lord Belvedere (The Wicked Earl).

The estate has a fascinating Victorian Walled Garden with one of Ireland’s finest collections of rare and special plants. The naturalistic-designed 18th-century parkland is punctuated with romantic follies including the largest in Ireland – The Jealous Wall. Within the welcoming visitor services centre you’ll find a restaurant and gift shop, while you can keep the kids entertained and fed in one of four outdoor children’s play areas and many picnic areas on the estate. Whether you are part of a gardening group, historical society, active retirement association, family gathering or group of friends, a visit to Belvedere is a must.

The National Museum of Ireland is Ireland’s leading museum institution, with a strong emphasis on national (and some international) archaeology, Irish history, Irish art and culture. It first opened its doors in 1890 and since then it has been filling in the blanks for us through its extensive archaeological collections. Take time at The Treasury which features outstanding examples of Celtic and medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard. Ramble through prehistoric Ireland and experience life during the time of the Vikings. The Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition centres on a number of bog bodies dating back to the Iron Age – displayed along with other bog finds from the museum’s collections, it offers you an opportunity to come face-to-face with your ancient ancestors.

BIRR CASTLE DEMENSE

Location: Birr Castle Demense, Birr, Co. Offaly Tel: +353 (0)57 912 0336 Website: birrcastle.com

The award-winning gardens of Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre in Co Offaly are both rich in amazing feats of science and engineering, as well as rare trees, flowers and wildlife, while offering walks along peaceful rivers and its lake. Created over generations, it is an environmental and scientific time capsule. Visitors should visit the magnificent formal gardens and terraces and discover Birr’s worldfamous engineering and astronomical wonder, the ‘Great Telescope’, also known as the Leviathan. Pop into the science centre to discover more about the wonders and intricacies of early photography, engineering and astronomy.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND

Location: Kildare Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 677 7444 Website: www.museum.ie

A BREAK AWAY TO KILKENNY AND IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST

Ear to the Ground and Visit Kilkenny have teamed up to offer one very lucky family the chance to win a break away to the hero county of Ireland’s Ancient East!

Nestled among 170 acres of mature parkland and located on the edge of Kilkenny city, the five star Lyrath Estate is the ideal destination for a luxury family getaway. Two adults and two children will enjoy two full nights of luxury, sophistication and style in Lyrath Estate – renowned as the ultimate destination resort in historic Kilkenny city and county. Set on beautiful mature parkland, complete with picturesque lakes and Lady Charlotte’s historic gardens, it is the definitive country resort hotel. The historic 17th-century house has been lovingly restored and sits elegantly alongside the dramatic design of the contemporary hotel. This multi awardwinning hotel and spa is just five minutes from Kilkenny city – its medieval setting, exceptional facilities and exquisite food mean it is the ideal destination for a break away and to explore all that County Kilkenny and Ireland’s Ancient East has to offer.

The lucky winner will enjoy two nights’ accommodation for two adults and two children in the beautiful surrounds of the estate. To discover more about Kilkenny city and county and Lyrath Estate, visit www.visitkilkenny.ie and www.lyrath.com. WITH PLENTY TO SEE AND DO FROM ITS BUZZING NIGHTLIFE AND MEDIEVAL HERITAGE TO FESTIVALS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS, IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT KILKENNY CITY AND COUNTY IS ONE OF IRELAND’S FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS.

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THIS FANTASTIC PRIZE, SIMPLY EMAIL ETTGCOMPETITIONS@ASHVILLEMEDIAGROUP.COM WITH YOUR NAME, CONTACT DETAILS AND ANSWER TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

NAME THE AUTHOR OF THE COW BOOK, FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE.

A) PAUL O’CONNELL B) JOHN CONNELL C) DANIEL O’CONNELL

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Closing Date: November 30th 2018. Competition not open to employees of Ashville Media Group or Visit Kilkenny/Lyrath Estate. No cash or gift card will be awarded in lieu of prize. Winner will be selected at random and will receive two nights’ accommodation for two adults and two children at Lyrath Estate. Applicants must be over 18 and this offer is subject to availability.

WE PROFILE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY NEWS AND INNOVATION WITHIN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, RANGING FROM NEW MACHINERY TO POULTRY FARMS OF THE FUTURE.

NUIG OPENS INNOVATION MASTERS PROGRAMME

A new NUI Galway Masters programme in Agricultural Innovation has opened for applications. Twenty places on the one-year distance education course were made available, aimed at filling a gap in entrepreneurial skills for those working in agricultural technology and the agricultural ecosystem in Ireland. A particular focus will be placed on helping participants surmount challenges in commercialising their innovations, business constraints and guidelines, and other difficulties relating to taking new agricultural products to ‘sizeable’ markets. The distance learning model was chosen to provide learners with flexibility in choosing when and where they want to study, and to allow them to continue with their day-to-day work in the sector. Ten per cent of the fees will be paid by employers of industry employees. “The aim of this course is to teach people how to identify areas for innovation specifically within the agricultural domain, and to create innovation-driven enterprises or new business units within an existing company,” said Dr Paul Flynn, TechInnovate Programme Manager at NUI Galway. “This Masters in AgInnovation aims to support the emerging agricultural start-up innovation pipeline in the years ahead.” For more information see springboardcourses.ie.

FARM TO FORK

Vertical farming company Eden Green Technology has unveiled Crisply – a locally-grown, freshlypicked produce line that could be sold on shelves the same day it’s picked. The company expects to grow between 10 and 15 harvests per year, compared to two on a conventional, soilbased farm. Plants are enclosed in a microclimate bubble and are fed on a continuous stream of nutrient-filled water and natural sunlight, and absorb carbon gas captured by the greenhouse. The first product line includes lettuce and herb varieties, alongside fresh Stevia leaves. Produce is planted, picked and packed at the same facility, with an unbroken cold chain between the greenhouse and retailer. “We pick our produce, package the same day, and stamp the date when they are harvested on the package so consumers know exactly how fresh their salads are,” said Jaco Booyens, co-chair of Eden Green Technology. “We also make it possible for our retail partners to put our produce on their shelves immediately after they’ve been harvested, in some cases that same day. No other company does that.”