call of the SEA
m aga z i n e
Escape to Dalkey for the day
MAIN Man
Domhnall Gleeson
TOP TABLES 12 of the best places to eat In the cIty
INSIDERDUBLIN mEEt thE trEnDsEttErs
Issue 03
VISIT THE WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY
A magical journey through 200 years of crystal making history. Book your tour online today www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Guided Factory Tour | Opulent Retail Store | The World’s largest collection of Waterford Crystal House of Waterford Crystal, The Mall, Waterford City, Ireland P +353 (0)51 317 000 | E houseofwaterfordcrystal@wwrd.com | W www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Join us on
contents Issue 03
features 05 Insider news Places to go, things to do, foodie finds and the best Irish buys to bring home. It’s all here. 09 Shop smart A gorgeous selection of stuff for him, her and the home. Elegant eveningwear, a keepsake for the kids, smashing new season sunnies: there’s something for everyone.
10 Follow our lead Meet the Dylan concierge team and let them show you where to go to discover Ireland’s most unmissable spots. 12 Insider Dublin Lizzie Gore-Grimes meets five of the city’s leading lights in the world of fashion, design, food, festivals and music – and finds out where they like to hang out in the capital. 18 City bites Our edit of the top tables in town for whatever mood you’re in – whether it’s a hot date, a seafood feast or a bit of glamour with the girls you’re looking for. There’s never been a better time to eat out in Dublin.
24
23 Wild at heart Glenn Murphy, head chef at the Dylan, talks suppliers and fills us in on his latest culinary find – The Nádúr Collective – a visionary collective of chefs who are sourcing their own foraged ingredients. 24 Dalkey dream Explore one of Dublin’s prettiest little seaside enclaves – famous for its cliff walks, charming fishing harbour, brilliant places to eat and drink and ample celeb-spotting! 29 Spring forward Get ready to glow with pro-active glycolic peels and gentle rose-infused beauty balms for her and the best shave in town for him. Liz Dwyer reports.
12 CALL OF THE SEA
09
30 Spirit of Ireland A Canadian in Ireland, Katie Varvos, trades in the city chaos to explore Meath, the ‘Royal County’ and is powerfully moved by her visit to Ireland’s spiritual and ancient heartland. MAGAZINE
Escape to Dalkey for the day
MAIN MAN
Domhnall Gleeson
TOP TABLES 12 OF THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THE CITY
Issue 03
On the cover Hip Hub: Fade Street in Dublin 2. Photograph Matthew Thompson
INSIDERDUBLIN MEET THE TRENDSETTERS
18
32 Last word Dublin actor and rising star, Domhnall Gleeson, talks to us about his dad, that sex scene he shot in the Dylan, and his up-coming film directed by Angelina Jolie.
05
Published by IMAGE Publications: Editor Lizzie Gore-Grimes Art Director Clare Meredith Editorial Assistant Katie Varvos Sub-editor Sheila Wayman Advertising Manager Philip McGaley Group Editorial Director Laura George Publisher & Managing Director Richard Power Dylan magazine is published by the Dylan in association with IMAGE Publications Ltd. Custom Publishing, Unit 3, Block 3 Harbour Square, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Ireland; tel: +353 1 271 9600 Registered number: 56663. Directors: Richard Power, Ann Reihill, Patrick Dillon-Malone, Robert Power, Laura George and Gina Traynor. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means) is prohibited without prior permission of IMAGE Publications Ltd. The reproduction of colours is as accurate as the printing process will allow. Whilst Dylan magazine accepts third party advertising, it does not endorse or take any responsibility for products or services outside those of the Dylan. Please contact the advertiser directly. All items are subject to availability. The Dylan has made every effort to ensure that product information and prices are correct at the time of going to press. Some of these, including price, may change after publication. For further information, please contact the Dylan Hotel, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; tel: +353 1 660 3000; www.dylan.ie.
Enjoy PERRIER-JOUËT Sensibly. Visit
welcome Welcome to another great issue of the Dylan Magazine, your on-the-pulse insider’s guide to Dublin.
I
Portrait by Anthony Woods
love working on this magazine. Each issue, as we compile this insider guide to Dublin, it reminds me what a great city we live in. Dublin is changing so rapidly these days, with new independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bars springing up so often that it can be hard to keep track. To get the contemporary scoop, we tracked down five of the city’s leading lights in fashion, food, festivals and music to pick their brains on where they love to hang out in the city – even as a native Dubliner, I’ve learned about lots of new places I can’t wait to check out (page 12). We also take you on a trip to Meath to explore the magical area around Newgrange and the Hill of Tara (page 30). Add to that our great guide to Dublin’s top tables on page 18 and our list of must-visit destinations from the concierge team (looking smashing, I might add!), and you’ll never be stuck for something to do while you’re here. There’s no doubt 2014 is a great year for Dublin. We have no less than four new airlines flying directly into the city from Canada, and we send a warm and hearty welcome to all our new Canadian friends. There is also the small, quiet matter of the RBS 6 Nations Rugby with Dublin hosting the Italian, Scottish and Welsh fans this year. And, as we introduce you to the superwoman behind the St Patrick’s Day festival on page 17, we are reminded how painstakingly this special event is planned, from one end of the year to the next, to make it spectacular for all. I am thrilled you have chosen Dylan as your home in Dublin – thank you. Please allow us to be your guide, as well as your host, and we hope to guarantee you a wonderful time in our hometown.
Gráinne Ross General Manager Dylan Hotel
VISIT THE ORIGINAL
JAMESON DISTILLERY
DUBLIN www.jamesonwhiskey.com
Book online today to receive a 10% discount...
1
DISCOVER
2
Learn the true meaning of the Angels Share & Triple Distillation while on your Tasting and Tour.
EAT
Enjoy lunch or simply a snack in our 3rd Still Restaurant.
3
SHOP
Browse the Jameson Gift Shop for that exclusive gift idea.
• OPEN 7 DAYS • GUIDED TOURS • WHISKEY TASTING The Old Jameson Distillery Dublin, Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7. E: ojd@jamesonwhiskey.com T: +353 (0) 1 807 2355 f: +353 (0) 1 807 2369
New SeaSoN NailS Keep 2014 digits up to date with nude nuances and a shot of grown-up glitter… Left to right: NARS Versailles nail polish, €18, Brown Thomas, brownthomas.com; Nails Inc Foil Effect polish, €16, BT2, bt2.ie; Essie as Gold As it Gets nail polish, €9.99, Boots, boots.ie; Bobbi Brown Glitter nail polish, €14, Brown Thomas, brownthomas.com.
insider news From fabulous festivals to uber-modern museums and top-notch new restaurants, there’s stacks to do and see in Dublin right now. Buildings, Cool Cocktails Drur y hole and the hip new watering behind le op eater y from the pe uleton ue l’G d an No Name Bar food fab for go to is the place od drinks. and dangerously go e take We love their signatur 2095. 0 on the sidecar, 01 96
Festival fun Leprechaun hats. Street parades. The world’s landmarks turning 50 shades of green… it can only mean one thing: St. Patrick’s Day. Commemorated every March 17, this year’s event happens over a bank holiday weekend in Ireland, which means three days of family fun. Dublin city’s shenanigans kick off on March 14 with a raft of fun fairs, music and street performances, stand-up comedy, film screenings, boat races, markets, even an Irish craft beer village. Last year nearly 500,000 international visitors attended the parade, the humble stick-on ginger beard uniting all nations, stpatricksfestival.ie.
Top Tipple
Dublin Design Jewellers Clare Grennan and Laura Caffrey were inspired to open Irish Design Shop in 2008 to celebrate their love of Irish design and craft and launch a retail space that was as much about the makers as the products. New instore this season is a clever wooden wall hook designed by Clare herself, which encapsulates the shop’s “practical design” ethos. Made from Irish sycamore and finished in Danish oil, this gorgeous jewellery/ bag/coat-hanging hook is the perfect space-saving piece for bijou city living, €32, Irish Design Shop, 41 Drury Street, Dublin 2. 01 679 8871; irishdesignshop.com.
the teeling family have been making whiskey in ireland for over 200 years but this year marks the beginning of a new phase for the craft distillers as they open a production plant in Dublin, marking a special occasion for the city, as this will be the first time whiskey has been produced in the capital for 125 years. the distillery will be open to visitors soon but in the meantime, pop along to against the Grain pub on Wexford street to sample their stellar 21-year-old single malt or pick up a bottle to bring home from Baggot street Wines, just around the corner, (01) 667 3033; baggotstreetwines.com. issue 03 dylan | 5
RESTAURANT
CONTACT
OPENING
NO 1 ST MARY’S ROAD DUBLIN 4
LUNCH 12-3pm DINNER 5pm WWW.MARCELS.IE
+353 1 6602367
3 of the best ... Dublin MuseuMs
Calling all culture vultures. Whether you fancy a fix of contemporary art, native esoterica or inventive interactivity – these are the museum must-visits for you.
Little Museum of Dublin
IMMA
This mini museum on St. Stephen’s Green, open since 2011, has already built up something of a cult following (nominated for the European Museum of the Year). The hourly guided tour has been voted best tour in Dublin. 15 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. 01 661 1000; littlemuseum.ie.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art, housed in the city’s former 17th century Royal Hospital, is home to Ireland’s leading collection of contemporary art. Don’t miss the Patrick Scott collection. The grounds are also a major highlight. 01 612 9900; imma.ie.
Science Gallery It’s clever, it’s cool and it boasts some of the best coffee in town (roasted inhouse in the gallery’s café). Proper science buffs, curious kids and anyone with eyes and ears will love the Science Gallery’s interactive exhibitions. 01 896 4091; dublin.sciencegallery.com.
Sweet scent
helen roden and Joseph ensko’s Irish country house collection candles capture the mood and scent of a bygone era of Georgian splendour. 01 676 5040; irishcountry housecollection.com.
Seafood sensation screen saviours
Calling all cinophiles – the 11th Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (JDIFF) rolls into town this February 13-23. Along with a selection of the best in global and Irish film, JDIFF 2014 will play host to world premieres, gala screenings and talks as well as welcome special guest actors (such as Danny DeVito, right), directors and screenwriters to its red carpet. 01 662 4260; jdiff.com.
John Farrell, Dublin’s answer to Oliver Peyton, is the force behind some of the city’s buzziest bistros – namely 777, Dillinger’s and The Butcher Grill. His newest eatery, Super Miss Sue, occupies a full corner site off Drury Street and currently houses a slick oyster bar, old-school fish and chip shop and café (expect eight varieties of oyster and seafood platters with lobster, king crab and more). The second phase of the restaurant opens late March, promising a gin and campari bar and upmarket seafood restaurant. We can’t wait! Drury Street, Dublin 2. 01 679 9009; supermisssue.com. issue 03 dylan | 7
Tel: 01 661 6669 22 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin2 www.lamerezou.ie info@lamerezou.ie
la mère Zou Restaurant Français
Solidly French for 20 years La mère Zou is located in the heart of Dublin city on the sunny side of St. Stephen’s Green. We specialise in traditional French bistro style cuisine often served in cast-iron cocottes. The menus are seasonal and use locally sourced Irish and continental ingredients including fresh, locally caught fish. We offer great value for lunch, pre-theatre / early bird, set dinner and a la carte dining. There is always a good selection of market fresh daily specials on our blackboards.
Lunch Monday to Friday from 12pm and Saturday from 1pm Dinner Monday to Saturday from 5:30pm
Shop Smart Jo Linehan rustles up a selection of beautiful things, sure to make the perfect gift or covetable keepsake from your Irish stay… gingham guyS Spruce up in this preppy Ranelagh Blue shirt, €60, Kartel, 01 844 3917; kartel.ie.
up Happy home Plating od, go has never looked so ic ch with Paul Costelloe’s ing Liv e llo china. Paul Coste t, silver rim Lady plate se ; res Sto es €20, Dunn dunnesstores.ie.
Pretty PenDant Capulet & Montague’s mint green perspex dream is the perfect finishing piece, €80, Om Diva, 01 679 1211.
neck canDy Try a statement jewellery piece, good enough to eat. Disco Chic pink glass neckpiece, Melissa Curry, €285, melissacurry.com.
Sea change A modern tunic from a chic boutique, Tibi top, €305, at Seagreen, 01 202 0130; seagreen.ie.
Deco flow We love this maxi dress in brilliant bolds dr by Danielle Romeril. Weave We Print Pinafore dress, dres €920, at Samui Cork, Cor 021 427 8080; samuifashions.com. samu Sunny cool Retro specs, Ray Bans, €152, at Arnotts, Arnot 01 805 0400; arnotts.ie. ar
Decent DigitS Get your grubby little mitts stuck into these fun BBQ gloves, €3, Tiger; tiger-stores.ie.
Got Soul: Floor flair . and the perfect chair , 80 €7 , air ch e ng Kent ora 3 29 01 le, sty Life L S.O.U. 5980; soullifestyle.ie.
Blue Beauty This little elephant is a handmade friend for little ones. Blue elephant by Magic Forest, €30, at swoop.ie.
issue 03 dylan | 9
Martin Marhefka ConCierge Whatever ‘culture’ means to you, you’ll find it in Kilkenny. From its legendary comedy festival to its thriving music, arts and craft scene. Plus the city now also boasts one of Ireland’s newest Michelin-starred restaurants – Campagne.Top Class! campagne.ie
Graham Reilly ConCierge Don’t miss a visit to Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest walled city park. It’s home to Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Zoo, The Boathouse Café and hundreds of wild deer. Bicycles are available to hire at the gate. phoenixpark.ie
Madison Fox Head reCeptionist
Stephen O’Toole WelCome agent Howth is a fishing harbour and yachting port on the north side of Dublin. It’s a quick train ride away from the city centre and boasts some of the finest views over Dublin Bay. Howth’s pubs and fish restaurants are some of the best in Ireland. If the idea of a bracing seaside walk followed by a warming bowl of chowder appeals – Howth is the place to do it. howthismagic.com
10 | dylan issue 03
A visit to the Avoca Handweavers mill in the village of Avoca in Wicklow is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. The area is picturepostcard pretty and the mill offers some of the best Irish craft shopping and delicious cooking around - plus the magnificent Mount Usher gardens are just a stroll away. Avoca.ie
Marcin Worek
Zoltan Toth
ConCierge and WelCome SuperviSor I love outdoor activities. For those, like myself, who love to get out and about and would like to experience the best that Ireland has to offer – then the Ring of Kerry awaits! With its breathtaking sights and the highest peak in Ireland – Carrantuohill, unforgettable memories are guaranteed. theringofkerry.com
ConCierge and WelCome SuperviSor
Colin Brown roomS diviSion manager A trip to Ireland is not complete without a visit to the vibrant city of Galway. It’s famous, and quite rightly, for its nightlife, traditional music, brilliant oyster festival and stunning Gaeltacht region around the Aran Islands. galwaycity.ie
Belfast may be a small city but it’s big on excitement. The Titanic Experience is a must-see with its impressive interactive exhibition and stunning building. Add to this great shopping and top-notch dining and you have the perfect city break destination! titanicbelfast.com
at your service
The concierge team at the Dylan hotel choose their favourite spots around Ireland and tell us what makes each one so special. Photograph by anthony Woods
issue 03 dylan | 11
12 | dylan issue 03
InsIder Dublin
Lizzie Gore-Grimes meets up with five of the city’s leading lights in the world of fashion, design, food, festivals and music – and finds out where they like to hang out in the capital. Portraits by Anthony Woods
leigh Tucker fashIon desIgner Leigh Tucker has recently combined the two most compelling forces in her life – her career as a fashion designer and her life as a mother of three young children – with the launch of her new range of childrenswear for Dunnes Stores. The range is named Willow after her youngest child and is utterly adorable – featuring classic designs with subtle nods to trend. Think dinky wellies, vintage print dresses and cute cardies for the girls and coloured jeans and peacoats for the boys. “I love working and living in Dublin,” the designer enthuses. “I’ve always worked in the city centre. (Leigh’s family own the much-loved boutique, Costume, on Castle Market Street, pictured above).
What I love most about Dublin is the fact that you can be in the throb of the city one minute and just 30 minutes later you’re on the beach or in the countryside. I grew up in Howth, on the coast just 20 minutes from the city, and spent my summers exploring the sea cliffs. So now we bring our three daughters there as often as we can. There is nothing that they love more than the adventure of clambering down the cliff paths to the rocky beach below. Howth is a very popular spot with visitors these days but it still feels like a secret place to me. “In the city I mostly shop between George’s Street and Grafton Street. There are so many great independent stores in that area such as Industry (for design
finds), Appassionata flowers, Cocoa Atelier (chocolate heaven), The Garden Powerscourt (stunning florals). But Costume, of course, is my home from home. It’s run by my family so I’m a bit biased but I love the clothes there. My sisters are the buyers and we share the same taste so it’s like having your dream wardrobe in one shop. “When I go out in town at night, Coppinger Row is always my first choice. The food is great and there’s always a real buzz about the place. I also love French bistro l’Gueuleton on Fade Street. For something special and a lighter touch, the Dylan Restaurant is where I tend to go with friends when we’ve something to celebrate.” issue 03 dylan | 13
Niall ByrNe music blogger If you’re Irish and you’re into music you’ll know who Nialler9 is. For those who don’t – he has been running one of the country’s most popular music sites, Nialler9.com, for over eight years. He also curates events, DJs and writes for The Irish Independent’s entertainment supplement Day & Night. And when he’s not busy with that, he dabbles in web design consultancy and other bits and bobs –but most of the time you’ll find him, head down, listening to music. “I think what makes the Irish music scene special,” he begins, “is the fact that it is very actively entangled with the rest of the creative community in art, film, food and more. I guess this is true of so many things in Dublin – the city is so small that everything pretty much overlaps. I love that. I know some people find it claustrophobic but I like the 14 | dylan issue 03
interconnectedness – it makes you feel part of something.” Niall lives in Dublin 8, one of the oldest parts of the city known as The Liberties. “Life is great in Dublin 8!” he declares with a grin. “I love this area – you have The Fumbally café (pictured here), Newmarket Square, Noshington, Bibi’s, South Studios, The Cross Gallery and Café and a lovely residential area that’s close to the city but still quiet. “On tired and emotional Saturdays, I’ll head to the Temple Bar Market in Meeting House Square for a single shooter Irish oyster for €2. Guaranteed to put some pep back in your step. I also love my local – The Fumbally – the falafels and porchetta sandwiches here are brilliant. “The last great meal I had was in the recently opened Forest Avenue restaurant on Sussex Road. They offer a tasting menu
that changes regularly and the meal I had included trout tartare, beetroot cheese biscuits, chicken liver in baklava pastry and homemade marshmallows and doughnuts – seriously impressive.” For coffee, Niall rates Vice in Twisted Pepper on Middle Abbey Street as Dublin’s top dog, “Not only is the coffee special but Tom and the staff are great, always eager to share their passion for coffee. Dublin is spoilt with top coffee spots – Brother Hubbard, Kaph, Cup, Coffee Angel, The Fumbally and Bibi’s are all excellent. “If you’re into your vinyl, go for a browse in record shop Elastic Witch also in the Twisted Pepper space on Middle Abbey Street, along with Boxcutter Barbershop, Revolver Project vintage shop and Super Hoshi (a Japanese game import stall) – it’s easily one of my favourite spots in the city.”
Maria MacVeigh InterIor ArchItect Maria MacVeigh studied design in her native Dublin, before moving to Barcelona for a number of years and then returning home to set up her own practice. Today she is one of the city’s most sought after interior architects, working on high-end commercial projects as well as private homes. One of Maria’s stand-out projects is her recent work on Chapter One restaurant (pictured here). “I live in Killiney, looking out over the sea,” begins Maria. “And I don’t think there could be a better place to arrive home to every day. I love the manageable size of Dublin and the wonderful mixture of old and new. My studio is on the Grand Canal at Leeson Street – and the evening light that shoots down the canal and lights
Georgian facades is a very special part of Dublin. This city would not be the same without the trees and parks, I don’t think we appreciate how much effort our forefathers made in planting Dublin, from The Phoenix Park to the many landscaped squares we have (St. Stephen’s Green being the largest in Europe) and hidden gems such as the Iveagh Gardens and The War Memorial in Islandbridge. When it comes to eating out, Maria favours Michelin-starred Chapter One for chef Ross Lewis’s ethereal culinary touch and for the fact that it’s situated beside one of the best galleries in town (The Hugh Lane). “I also love Fallon and Byrne for a lighter lunch in a lovely part of town,” she continues. “On a Sunday, you’ll
find me out in The People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire stocking up at the fabulous artisan food market there.” In the evenings Maria recommends a drink in Hogans on George’s Street for its inviting atmosphere, beautiful old wooden floors and moody lighting. “O’Brien’s pub on Sussex Road, was my local for years though and I think it’s still my favourite,” the designer declares. “When I am looking for quiet and want to escape the crowds,” she continues, “Arbour Hill Memorial and The Douglas Hyde Gallery are two very special places in the city – both beautifully designed, calm and thought-provoking spaces... and they’re almost always empty so you can enjoy having them to yourself.”
issue 03 dylan | 15
John Farrell restaurateur “I’m from Ballymun originally – The seven-storey block, not the notorious 15-storey block!” John explains in his soft South African accent. “But I moved to Africa when I was 11 years old, where I lived in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Cape Town for 14 years.” John started working in restaurants when he was 18, peeling potatoes and washing dishes, but he’s now one of the most successful young restaurateurs in the city – with three of Dublin’s buzziest eateries to his name – Dillingers, The Butcher Grill and hip Mexican joint 777. “My latest venture, Super Miss Sue, an upscale seafood restaurant on Drury Street is just opening so I’m really excited about that. “For me the area around South Great George’s Street, Drury Street and South William Street is where it’s at right now in Dublin. They say these three parallel streets form some kind of triangle – I’m not sure how that’s possible but either way it’s a great place to hang out. “Busy lunchtimes, you’ll find me grabbing a bento box at Ukiyo (pictured left) on Exchequer Street, where the food is great and in the evening the place really kicks off with excellent DJs. Later on I’ll head to Fade Street Social to catch up with friends over drinks on the rooftop terrace. The Drury Buildings is a new spot that is definitely one to watch. “This area is also great for independent shopping finds – Article in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre has everything from cookbooks to baby shoes while The George’s Street Arcade has an authentic Victorian old-world feel and is home to Retro, one of my favourite vintage clothes shops. I love that Dublin is big enough to support its diversity but small enough to feel like a community.” 16 | dylan issue 03
SuSan Kirby CEO St. PatriCk’S FEStival Every month is a busy one for Susan Kirby. Although, let’s face it, March is positively frenetic. As CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival, she’s responsible for a team of over 40 in the delivery of the national celebration. “The festival is the opening moment for Irish tourism every year so it’s my job to keep up to speed with what other major cities are doing around the world, and I can honestly say that I believe Dublin is one of the most diverse and culturally rich cities in Europe. The city and all that surrounds it, from the sea to the mountains, is so alive you could never
be bored living here. “I live in Sandymount and try to take a walk on the strand every day (above) – nothing else will clear the cobwebs or set me up for the day as powerfully as a walk on the windy beach does. “When I am on the go between meetings, I try and swing by Camden Street to grab lunch from Listons Deli or Hatch & Co on St. Stephen’s Green is a new favourite, their Waterford Blaa sandwiches are the best. In the evenings, my husband John and I love Ciao Bella Roma on Parliament Street for its simple,
authentic Italian food, good value and friendliness. An absolute treat would be Pearl Brasserie on Merrion Street. “When it comes to shopping, I’m a market girl and it’s great to see so many funky markets making a comeback in Dublin – The Grand Social hosts a Flea Market by the Ha’penny Bridge every Saturday and I love to browse in the Brocante Market in Dublin 8 (on the first Saturday of every month). I’m also big into bookshops – The Winding Stair is a treasure and I love to browse in The Gutter Bookshop on Cow’s Lane.” issue 03 dylan | 17
Dublin is currently bursting at the seams with brilliant places to eat and few would argue that there’s ever been a better time to eat out in the city. We show you where to go. Photography by Ailbhe O’Donnell.
Marcel’s
City Bites GREAT FOR A DATE Dax Anyone who loves classic French cooking will want to set up camp in Dax, a large, stylish basement restaurant between Leeson Street and Fitzwilliam Square. Chef/ owner Olivier Meisonnave’s menu varies seasonally, but decadent dishes like duck foie gras with caramelised pear and toasted brioche, or marinated Irish scallops with avocado purée and rhubarb jelly are permanent palate pleasers. 01 676 1494; dax.ie.
Dax
18 | dylan issue 03
Psst... If you’re on a date, request a
secluded table behind the cloisterlike screen at the back of the restaurant.
isabel’s Walking down into Isabel’s cosy basement space on Lower Baggot Street, you get the feeling that you’ve been let into the wine cellar of a wealthy Baron. The first thing that strikes you here is chef Niall O’Sullivan’s passion for detail – everything from the bread to the butter is homemade, in-house. Flavour combinations are confident and interesting – panfried scallops with nettle risotto and Isabel's duck ham (magret duck breast, cured for 40 hours, no less) are not to be missed. 01 661 9000; isabels.ie. Psst... Isabel’s heated, al fresco terrace is the perfect spot for a long lazy lunch à deux. Marcel’s It’s only a skip across the road but once ensconced in one of Marcel’s super-comfy leather banquettes, you’ll feel transported to a buzzy little corner of the Marais. The menu is French-influenced but full of imaginative flair. We enjoyed a sensational salmon gravlax, served with oyster aioli and shallot jam – followed by rump of lamb paired with fennel and courgette purée and wonderful spiced sweetbreads. This place is a neighbourhood great. 01 660 2367; marcels.ie. Psst... Kickstart your evening with a cheeky Southside Spritz at the Dylan bar before you go.
Asador
isabel’s
COCKTAIL O’CLOCK 777 You won’t find any quesadillas or stodgy burritos on the menu at this modern Mexican joint on South Great Georges St . Instead, expect mouthwatering crispy tostados topped with super fresh yellowfin tuna sashimi, zingy ceviche and finger-licking mains served straight from the woodfired grill. The mood in 777 is sexy and supercharged, enhanced by the low lighting and gleaming 12ft-long tequila bar, stocked with over 100 premium label Tequilas and 30 Mezcals. Be warned, the 777 cocktail list is a thing of beauty. 01 425 4052; 777.ie. Psst... Don’t say Seven, Seven, Seven ... say Triple Seven. Asador Just a stone’s throw from the Dylan, Asador’s swanky interior and sparkly atmosphere has made it one of Dublin’s most popular and buzzy bistros. As the name suggests (asador means spit in Spanish) flavourful, flame-licked food is the name of the game at this swish Haddington Road grillhouse. The cool cocktail bar is also a big hit, with the Asador Fling being one of its top tipples
AsAdor’s swAnky interior And spArkly Atmosphere mAke it one of dublin’s buzziest bistros.
777
(Hendrick’s gin, elderflower liqueur with muddled cucumber, fresh mint, topped with lemonade and served in a chilled martini glass) . 01 254 5353; asador.ie. Psst... The succulent, umami-rich 10oz ribeye is not to be missed. Kinara Kitchen, Ranelagh This is the slinky little sister restaurant to Sean Collender and Shoaib Yunus’s upmarket Pakistani eatery in Clontarf. Inside, the restaurant oozes contemporary comfort and on the menu, chargrilled meats and fish cooked in the Tandoor shine. But upstairs is where the secret gem lies – Paul Lambert’s cocktail bar. Paul is one of Ireland’s finest mixologists, with multiple awards under his belt – he is nothing short of a magician when it comes to mixing a martini. 01 406 0066; kinarakitchen.ie. Psst... You have to ask to be shown up to the bar upstairs. issue 03 dylan | 19
fields, while the Chef’s Counter upstairs offers something very special for just eight lucky diners. 01 670 3865; thepigsear.ie. Psst...The beef and marrow tartare with tangy tarragon mayo and crisp sourdough toast on the side is to die for.
The Pig’s Ear
IRISH STARS The Pig’s Ear To feast on the very best of Irish artisan food, you can’t do any better than The Pig’s Ear on Nassau Street. Stephen McAllister’s menu reads like a paean to Irish food – showcasing Cuinneóg farmhouse butter, Maurice Kettyle’s beef, Lough Erne milk fed lamb, Castletownbere crab, Gubeen chorizo and more. The place is convivial and cosy with great views over Trinity College playing
DUBLIN’S FINEST DINING Restaurant Forty One For a spot of sumptuous member’s club luxury, make your way to Residence on St. Stephen’s Green and settle in for an evening of fivestar forager-inspired cuisine. Under the culinary command of chef Graham Neville, the club’s restaurant is winning award after award. And once you’ve tasted his stuffed tortellini with infused truffle foam or foie gras cured with sea salt, rhubarb and ginger – you’ll know why. If you want exceptional food in an exquisite location, this is the place to come. 01 662 0000; restaurantfortyone.ie. Psst... If you’re a group of four or five ask for the table in the front overlooking the Green. Chapter One Descending the stairs, from once grand but now slightly gritty Parnell Square, into the opulent cocoon that is Chapter One, is like entering a whole new world of 20 | dylan issue 03
The Winding Stair Located above a beautiful old bookshop by the Ha’penny Bridge, The Winding Stair restaurant, run by Elaine Murphy, promises something very special – namely pitch-perfect atmosphere, innovative home-cooking and a killer view. You’ll find nothing but the best in terms of locally sourced, farm-to-fork Irish ingredients on the menu and, while it’s informal, a visit here is always a real treat. It’s also an especially good stop pre-theatre for both Abbey and Gate. 01 872 7320; winding-stair.com. Psst... Book ahead to nab a window seat – the Liffey never looked so pretty.
calm elegance. Inside, the natural warmth of exposed stone, Irish elm and crisp linen set the scene for chef Ross Lewis’s Michelinstarred food. On the menu – dishes such as smoked and cured loin of free-range pork with a pata negra crust, roasted king oyster mushrooms, seaweed and buttermilk potato and pickled mustard seeds highlight the skill of the culinary mastercraftsman in the kitchen. 01 873 2266; chapteronerestaurant.com. Psst... Pick up a copy of the Chapter One cookbook, photographed by Barry McCall, on your way out. It’s a stunner. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud Some like it haute. And if that’s you, an evening spent in the gilded confines of Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud on Merrion Street, Ireland’s only two-star Michelin restaurant, is an unmissable experience. On the menu, dishes bear the unmistakable stamp of executive chef Guillaume Lebrun’s
The Sussex
The Sussex For a laid-back evening of great food, warm firelight and a great pint to boot – head to The Sussex. This restaurant located above O’Brien’s pub on Leeson Street embodies so much of what is best about Ireland. From the warm and friendly staff to the homely atmosphere and sensational seasonally-led menu. Fresh fish is a particular strong point with the house smokies (smoked haddock, crème fraîche and cheddar), citrus-cured organic salmon and Kerry crab salad all top dishes. 01 676 2851; thesussex.ie.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
clarity of vision. His philosophy is simple: to deliver a seasonal menu created from the best local produce from both sea and land. And the results on the plate are jawdropping. A dinner out here is an investment, true, but one that will pay serious dividends. 01 676 4192; restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie. Psst... Check out the private dining room, filled with a rare collection of artist Roderic O’Conor’s work.
DUBLIN INSPIRES: C R E AT I V E T H I N K I N G Dublin has a well-deserved reputation as the birthplace of creative thinkers.
The CCD’s status as a world-class venue for conferences and events of all sizes.
In Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift wrote about tiny peoples warring over which end of an egg to open first. Another native Dubliner, George Bernard Shaw, became the only person ever to win both a Nobel Prize and an Oscar.
This success is rooted in our relentless passion for exceptional service. By managing every last detail, we ensure delegates are free to interact, to innovate and to create.
Originality, imagination and fresh thinking are still very obvious in Ireland’s capital - and especially in The Convention Centre Dublin. In just three years, 24 industry awards have confirmed
With 18,500 hotel rooms nearby, Dublin Airport only 15 minutes away and one of Europe’s most stimulating cities on its doorstep, The CCD guarantees a positive, productive and inspiring experience. See what you could create at The CCD by visiting www.theccd.ie today.
Contact our Sales Team on: T: +353 1 856 0000 E: sales@theccd.ie W: www.theccd.ie
For the Perfect Weekend Away...
Choose the Perfect Setting
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, Dunboyne, Co. Meath. Tel: +353 1 801 3500 Fax: +353 1 436 6801 Email: sales@dunboynecastlehotel.com Follow us: /DunboyneCastle or /dunboyne www.dunboynecastlehotel.com
Experience Pure Indulgence
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, Dunboyne, Co. Meath. t: 01 681 6534 e: seoid@dunboynecastlehotel.com w: www.dunboynecastlehotel.com
Wild at heart Glenn Murphy talks to Lizzie Gore-Grimes about his latest foraging finds ...
G
lenn Murphy, head chef at the Dylan, has a surprisingly down-to-earth approach to cooking for a man who has worked in some of the country’s leading five-star hotel kitchens. “I like simple flavours, cooked well,” he begins. “Clean, unfussy presentation appeals to me and, above all, well-sourced, flavourful ingredients; the success of any dish relies on the quality of its components.” Glenn uses locally produced, Irish ingredients where possible – with the likes of Ardsallagh goat’s cheese, made by Jane and Gerard Murphy in Cork, appearing in many guises on the menu. “Ardsallagh is a firm favourite of mine,” declares
Glenn. “It’s a younger goat’s cheese, so it’s softer and not as harsh or ‘goaty’ as some of the more traditional French goat’s cheeses can be.” In the restaurant, you’ll find this pillowy, white cheese paired with heritage beetroot and killer smoked beetroot purée that Glenn and his team make themselves by salt baking the baby beets before smoking and puréeing them. Jane and Gerard Murphy are only two of the 20-plus conscientiously sourced suppliers that Glenn is proud to have introduced to the Dylan kitchen, and his latest find is one he is particularly excited by. “A chef friend of mine, Niall O’Sullivan (from Isabel’s), introduced me to the Nádúr Collective last year: a foraging project run by Niall
Ingredients
Cannon of Lamb with Wild garlic
For the Buttermilk mash • 1.5kg red rooster potatoes, peeled • 150ml cream • 150g butter, melted • salt and pepper • 150ml buttermilk For the lamB • 4 x140g cannons of lamb • salt and pepper For the garlic purée • 200g wild garlic • 100g baby spinach • 50ml cream • salt and pepper
and two other passionate foodies, and I’m loving the increased seasonal spontaneity their foraged finds are adding to the Dylan menu.” Depending on the time of year, Glenn is experimenting with wood sorrel, sheep’s sorrel, rock samphire, scurvy grass, elderberries and more. “Rock samphire has a stronger, more complex flavour than the more familiar marsh samphire,” Glenn explains. “There’s something almost citrusy about it, and it works brilliantly with cod. While scurvy grass was a new one to me. What a name, I know! It sounds terrifying, but tastes really interesting, like Japanese
1 To make the buttermilk mash, bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the potatoes and boil for about 15 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a colander and drain well, then return to the pan and set over a very low heat for 2 minutes to dry completely. Add in the cream and melted butter and mash until smooth and creamy. Season to taste. Take the mash off the heat and then add the buttermilk. Do not add it too early or it will split. 2 To make the lamb, season the meat and place it in a pan over a medium heat and sear it on one
wasabi, with a good kick.” Glenn has also introduced Alexander seeds to the menu (imagine black pepper minus the sharp heat); he’s adding them to a dish of fresh strawberries, whipped cream and flaky shortbread, and the result is divine. “Wild ingredients can add a new layer of complexity to a dish, which is brilliant,” concludes Glenn. “But I do think it’s important that they’re used for the right reasons and do not simply appear namechecked on a menu for the contemporary cachet. They must add something substantial and meaningful to the dish.”
side for approximately 4 minutes. Turn over and place a knob of butter in the pan and baste the lamb in the melted butter. Cook for a further 4 minutes. Then remove lamb from the heat, but keep warm. 3 While the lamb is resting, make the wild garlic purée. Blanch the wild garlic and baby spinach in boiling water for 4 minutes. Remove and leave to drain on a tea towel. Blend while still warm with the cream, until smooth. Season to taste and then pass through a sieve. 4 Serve on warm plates garnished with sprigs of wild garlic. Serves 4.
issue 03 dylan | 23
Let’s Go to the
Seaside
Sleepy, quiet, picturesque harbour town or Dublin’s answer to Beverly Hills? Dalkey somehow manages to be both. Words and Pictures Nathalie Marquez CourtNey
A
sk anyone about Dalkey and they’ll no doubt launch into a list of the Dublin village’s famous inhabitants. The suburb’s A-list residents read like a who’s who of the Irish celeb elite; but don’t let that put you off, as Dalkey is the perfect place for a laid-back day trip. There has been a huge surge in US tourism since Michelle Obama and her daughters passed through the village in June, lunching with Bono in the local institution that is Finnegan’s pub. The coastal town has a whole lot more to offer besides celeb-spotting and pints of the black stuff though – it boasts dozens of great eateries, stunning scenic walks, fascinating history, beautiful Victorian-era architecture and some of the best seaside views you’ll get this side of the Amalfi.
SEE & DO Once off the DART, which is a pretty trip in itself (make sure to grab a seat on the left for the best views), head south, up Coliemore Road and soak up the fresh sea air at the picturesque Coliemore Harbour . Quiet and peaceful, it can be hard to believe that it was once the most important harbour in Dublin. All along the coast you’ll see evidence of the many water-based activities you can partake in, 24 | dylan issue 03
weather permitting – you can sign up for sailing, angling and even diving or kayaking. If you choose to go north off the DART, at Harbour Road you’ll find Coliemore’s big sister, Bulloch Harbour . It has been declared a seal sanctuary, and is still a working harbour, so among the colourful weathered boats you might spot fishermen arriving with their catch of lobster or crab. During the summer months, you may even be able to hire a boat and do a bit of fishing yourself. If that seems like too much trouble, make sure to visit during the annual Lobster and Jazz Festival in August (dalkeyfestivals.com). Back at Coliemore Harbour, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Dalkey Island , which the village is named after. Hop onto the viewing platform and take a peek through the telescope for a better view. The island is uninhabited, but the remains of houses, a church
Clockwise from above Beautiful spring blooms at unique Flowers; put a coin in the telescope and look over to dalkey island – you might even spot one of the island’s wild goats; a super-healthy juice from select stores in dalkey village.
and the 19th-century Martello Tower – clearly visible from the coast – still exist. Through the telescope, you may spot one of the wild goats who roam the island, or, if you’re very lucky, a seal. Artefacts from Dalkey Island are now housed in Dublin’s National Museum, as they provided evidence of occupants that date all the way back to the Middle Stone Age. To get a closer look, continue up Coliemore Road until you hit Dillon’s Park. Walk through it and then scramble over the seaside rocks for some pretty snaps. From here, you’ll not only get a closer look at the island, but at the dozens of tiny private harbours dotted along the coast that belong to Dalkey’s well-heeled residents. Continue up Coliemore Road until it meets Sorrento Road, which will bring you back in a handy loop to the village, where you can reward yourself with a spot of lunch. Don’t leave without first taking a look at the pretty pastel-coloured houses of
Sorrento Terrace though, which fetch some of the highest prices in the area. Once you’ve had a bite to eat, take your time getting to know the village a little better. History buffs shouldn’t miss a trip to Dalkey Castle , an homage to Dalkey’s roots as a Viking settlement. The Living History tour is a popular attraction that uses live performers from a local theatre company (dressed in incredibly detailed and impressive costumes) to immerse you in life as it was in the 16th century, making you feel like an extra on the set of The Tudors. The castle also houses Dalkey’s Heritage Centre, which often hosts temporary exhibitions and gives you a look at some of the literary figures that have lived in, or written about, the area, including Maeve Binchy, who was born in Dalkey and continued to live there until her death in 2012. During the summer months, you can book your place on a literary-themed walking tour, which will bring
Clockwise from top left One of the many designer houses you’ll find dotted along the Dalkey coast; Dalkey Rowing Club; a well used and weather-worn fishing vessel at Bulloch Harbour.
issue 03 dylan | 25
you to the haunts written about by James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, Flann O’Brien and Hugh Leonard (01 285 8366; dalkeycastle.com). The summer also sees the arrival of the incredibly popular Dalkey Book Festival, which draws in talented authors from around the world for talks and events (dalkey bookfestival.org). In additional to the cultural attractions, you can wander in and out of local galleries and boutiques, admiring the fresh blooms and sweet home finds at Unique (01 275 1737; uniqueflowers.ie), the impressive impressionistic landscapes and seascapes at Gerard Byrne’s studio (keep an eye out for his vintage Jaguar parked outside), picking up a piece of handcrafted jewellery or locallymade candles at Banyan Tree at The Tramyard or even taking part in an afternoon of upcycling at Upside Design (087 237 0949, upside.ie). When you’re ready for some more activity and bracing fresh air, walk up Ardeevin Road and make your way to Dalkey quarry and Killiney Hill . It’s a leisurely stroll and there are routes for all fitness levels that bring you to the hill’s summit, which boasts gorgeous panoramic views across the bay. The view is different every time, which is one of the reasons it’s such a favourite spot with locals. On weekends, you’ll find foraging families, ambling OAPs, flush-faced dog walkers, rock climbers and a fair share of fellow tourists. EAT & DRINK Be sure to work up an appetite because Dalkey has no shortage of places to eat. If you arrive early, wander through the heart of the village and grab a cup of coffee at Mugs ; it’s the best spot for local gossip and a good place to sit and plan your route (01 284 0419). If you’re eager to hit the harbour 26 | dylan issue 03
Clockwise from above Why not take part in an afternoon of upcycling at Upside Design Studios; Eastern gems at Banyan Tree jewellery and gift shop in The Tramyard Gallery; deliciously moreish caramel slices at Thyme Out ; more fabulous florals from Unique Flowers in the village.
and the scenic walks, grab an organic fruit and veg-packed juice at Select Stores , a much-loved health food shop known for its three-day detox package and knowledgable in-house nutritionist (01 285 9611; selectstores.ie). For a naughtier morning treat, pick up a deliciously moreish caramel slice at Thyme Out , Dalkey’s go-to deli for artisan food stuffs and sweet treats (01 285 1999; thymeout.ie). Once you’ve gotten low among the seaside rocks and walked to the heights of Dalkey quarry and Killiney Hill, make your way back down to the village and
reward yourself with a hearty meal. For great pub grub and a warm, buzzy atmosphere, head to The Magpie Inn , where you can also take your pick from a great collection of craft beers (01 202 3909; magpieinn.ie). If there’s a gang of you, you may want to book in to the Guinea Pig for traditional fish dishes, (01 285
9055) or Jaipur for spicy Indian curries with a side of celeb: Bono, Neil Jordan, Sinead O’Connor, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers have all been seen here (01 285 0552; jaipur.ie). A great lunch can be had among the cosy and elegant booths at DeVille’s (01 284 9071; devilles.ie) while Italian fare at Benito’s is the perfect spot for a laidback family meal (01 285 1010; benitos.ie). After which you may fancy heading across to The Queens for a nightcap (01 285 1010; thequeens.ie). If there’s a rugby game on, soak up the old school atmosphere and banter at The Club, which is also the only place in town serving up a carvery dinner, (01 285 8511; theclubdalkey. com). Of course, no trip to Dalkey is complete without a trip to Finnegan’s , famously known as the pub where Michelle Obama downed a pint of the black stuff with Bono. During the summer months, stay eagle-eyed and grab a table outside, where you can soak up the sun, people watch and admire the parade of gleaming designer cars speeding by (01 285 8505; finnegans.ie).
33 EXCHEQUER STREET, DUBLIN 2 +3531 6707238 WWW.THEGREENHEN.COM
OPEN 7 DAYS 2 COURSE LUNCH €17.00 3 COURSE LUNCH €19.00
EARLY BIRD MENU 2 COURSES €19.50 3 COURSES €22.00
A LA CARTE MENU EXTENSIVE WINE LIST GREAT COCKTAILS
La Belle...Style defined
La Belle Collection exclusive to Villeroy & Boch.
IDEAL BATHROOMS & TILES Ardmore House, Lower Ballymount Rd., Walkinstown, Dublin 12. Phone: (01) 4609911 Web: www.idealbathrooms.ie
SPRING forward
Get ready to glow with pro-active glycolic peels and gentle rose-infused beauty balms for her and the best shave in town for him. Liz Dwyer reports.
ComiNG uP RoSeS
ren’s moroccan rose Otto ultra-moisture body Oil, €40, is laced with one of the most expensive essential oils in the world. skin feels like silk upon application and remains spongy soft and lightly fragrant all day. Trilogy’s certified organic, rose hip Oil, €29.95, is an antioxidant powerhouse, boasting vitamins a,
d and e, which are key to protecting skin cells from ageing. burt’s bees rosewater and glycerin toner, €12.49, is a really gentle, antibacterial toner, that works wonders on calming irritated and acne-prone skin.
Glorious Glycolic What is glycolic acid? Glycolic acid may sound like the most terrifying ingredient to be slathering on your face, but in fact it’s simply a derivative of sugar cane and some fruits. Originally used in industrial circumstances, dermatologists discovered, when used in much lower concentrations, such as 10%, it worked a treat at breaking down the mesh of fibres that clutch on to the millions of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. They also found that with controlled and repeated use, skin became brighter, fine lines were diminished, pigmentation lessened and that any products applied to skin afterwards, penetrated much better as they no longer had to bore through a dense film of dead cells first.
Take 3 ...
Glycolic Fixes Nip Fab Glycolic Fix, €12.95, simply sweep these pre-soaked pads over cleansed skin for speedy exfoliation. No7 Youthful Glycolic Peel Kit, €33, with eight at-home peels, a neutralising solution and moisturiser, this fool-proof kit is brilliant value. NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash, €33, lather up a storm with this acid-based cleanser. Quick and easy.
How best to use them? cosmetic companies have found safe means of integrating lower percentages, such as 5% glycolic acid, into mild everyday cleansing products and at home peel kits. This low-dose frequent use of glycolic products, means the mesh of dead cells never gets a chance to build up, and it also encourages daily cell renewal. Are there risks? a little glycolic can yield great results so users can assume that if they use it more frequently, they’ll get even better results. however, less is more when it comes to usage. it’s best to start with the lowest glycolic percentage available to test your tolerance and tweak to avoid aggravating your skin.
neal’s yard Wild rose beauty balm, €48.50, scores a beauty hat trick by acting as a cleanser when used with a muslin cloth, a nourishing mask when left on for half an hour or as a healing treatment, applied sparingly to dry, flaky skin. One sweep of calming nuxe micellar cleansing Water with rose petals, €15.20, will cleanse make-up and clear pores in a flash, without aggravating sensitivities.
clarins
GenTle, reGeneraTive and hydraTinG, The rOse planT is a hOTbed Of skin benefiTs. We’ve picked The besT in blOOm fOr yOu.
For him
Looking for the best wet shave in Dublin? Head to Knights of the Green – one of Ireland’s oldest and most highly respected barbershops. They also stock a fantastic range of luxury shaving kit for the discerning shaver: badger hair brushes, alum block, razor strops, moustache wax and more. Knights of the Green, 01 478 0283; knights-barbers.com.
issue 03 dylan | 29
Spirit of
Ireland A Canadian in Ireland, Katie Varvos escapes the city lights to explore the country’s spiritual and ancient heartland.
I
have long harboured a nerdy love affair with Irish history – so much so that I was compelled to leave my hometown of Calgary to move to Ireland in 2006 to study. And I am still here. So you can imagine how excited I was by the prospect of a few days away from the din of the city to visit Meath – historical seat of Ireland’s High Kings and home to Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara and Newgrange. The first stop on my journey was Trim Castle – an impressive Norman castle located on the south bank of the River Boyne. This former home of the Norman Knights stretches out over 30,000 m². Known as the “Lordship of Meath”, this ancient fortress was appointed the admission headquarters of Ireland by King Henry II – and it’s not hard to see why. After a brisk and refreshing walk around the castle, a hot
cuppa was called for so we made our way to the end of Market Street, where the An Troman (Little elder tree) coffee shop (10 Market Street, Trim, 046 948 3703) had come highly recommended. While there we sampled a stellar range of homemade chutneys and preserves, made by local woman Nicola Smyth. Don’t leave Meath without some. Next up, and only a short 20-minute drive away came the royal Hill of Tara. As we pulled up, I spotted what looked like an interesting old shed but turned out to be a charming bookshop. And to say the owner was a Hill of Tara enthusiast would be an understatement. One history lesson later, I learned 142 kings once reigned on this royal mound and, in ancient Irish religion and mythology, the Hill of Tara was the sacred dwelling place of the Celtic gods and marked the entrance to the otherworld.
WHERE TO STAY
in ancient irish mythology, the hill of tara was the sacred dwelling place of the celtic gods. Head up the hill here, through the church cemetery, and you’ll find the field where Ireland’s ancient coronation stone sits. The Lia Fáil or Stone of Destiny is said to roar when touched by the rightful King of Tara. I did touch it… and waited with bated breath, but alas no roar for me. Oh well, maybe next time. But what really caught my eye was a nearby tree tangled with ribbons, soothers, bras and spoons. The waitress in the lovely family-run
If, like myself, you enjoy a bit of luxury when it comes to hotels but like ones that have a story to go along with the sumptuous snooze then the Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is where you want to be. The 22nd Baron of Dunboyne, John Butler, was the last member of the Bu peerage to reside in the estate. Butler pe was the Catholic Bishop of Cork who controversially cont gave up Catholicism, became be a Protestant and married his cousin. The property then went on to co
30 | dylan issue 03
Maguire’s Café (Hill of Tara, Navan, 046 902 5534) at the bottom of the hill later explained this is a fairy tree and people from all over the world come to leave gifts and make a wish by it. The next morning we arrived at Newgrange early, and were glad we did. The World Heritage Site only takes a limited number of visitors a day and in the high season fills up fast. Newgrange is one of the largest and most important prehistoric megalithic areas in Europe. Archaeologists believe that the monument had powerful religious significance. Each year during winter solstice, the sun shines directly along the long passage into the chamber for 17 minutes – illuminating the chamber floor. It’s a sight not to miss.
pass through the hands of many prestigious families until, in 1955, it became home to the Good Shepherd Sisters. In 1999 it was bought by its current owners and restored to its former glory, opening as Dunboyne Castle Hotel in 2006. And while our room was certainly grand enough for any bishop it was the relaxed and friendly service and the cheeky outdoor jacuzzi that really made our stay unforgettable! Heavenly. Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, Dunboyne, Co. Meath. T: +353 (0)1 801 3500. Book online to avail of special offers, dunboynecastlehotel.com.
WE SERVE SEAFOOD, STEAKS AND MUCH MORE... Find us in the picturesque village of Howth just 20mins from Dublin City Centre. Our restaurant overlooks the water with stunning views of Irelands Eye.
Hair | Beauty | Makeup | Bridal
Wilde Salon 93 Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook, D4 Ph: 01 668 9342 www.wildesalon.ie facebook.com/wildesalon www.facebook.com/wildedonnybrook twitter.com/wildesalon www.twitter.com/wildehairsalon
Open 7 days
1 WEST PIER, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13 AQUA.IE 01 8320690
Last Word
As a Dubliner, what do you love about the city? Where do you like to hang out when you’re in Dublin? I love Dublin to bits. The Ha’penny Bridge in the rain, come on! And Temple Bar gets an awful kicking but the craic there can be great. I love the Dame Tavern for a quiet pint. And The Port House for some food when you’re flush. A film in the Lighthouse and a pint afterwards in The Cobblestone is lovely, as is film and food in the IFI. And I love going out to Howth or Malahide, where I used to live. Dublin is brilliant. So many places to hang out and have ha fun.
How did you get into acting? Two things really: I accepted an award for my Dad when I was 16 because he was out of the country and I ended up making an impromptu speech (I was young and foolish and didn’t know any better) – and that led to me getting an agent. At the age of 19 he sent me a copy of Martin McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore as he thought I’d like it. The script was so funny, it made me want to act. I worked on it with my Dad, auditioned, got the part, and played it on the West End that summer while on holiday from college. Best summer ever. And it’s been downhill ever since.
What are you working on at the moment? I’m in Australia working on the film in which I play Phillips. It’s called Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie. She’s great. Your next film release, the sci-fi movie Ex Machina, directed by Alex Garland (author of The Beach), sounds interesting. Can you tell us a little bit about it? It’s an incredible, incredible script and I think it’s gonna be a seriously good film. A man wins a competition to spend a week with the boss of his company, which runs the biggest search engine in the world. The boss asks him to do the Turing Test on an artificially intelligent female robot he has created. 32 | dylan issue 03
DOMHNALL GLEESON
We meet up with the young Dublin actor making waves in Hollywood. Move over Colin Farrell.
Unexpected, dramatic consequences ensue… Last year, you produced and starred in a series of comedy skits called Immaturity for Charity which raised a whopping €70,000+ for the St. Francis hospice in Raheny. Can you tell us a little bit more about what that project was all about and what it meant to you? I saw the work they do first-hand. I saw my grandparents pass away there, and realised a comfortable death can help define a beautiful life. They struggle endlessly to raise enough money to do what they do in Raheny, and then they told me about an empty, purpose-
built hospice in Blanchardstown which was fully completed and ready to look after the dying but couldn’t afford to open its doors for the in-patient unit. Rather than just give what I could, I put that money into the sketches, we got a great team, and over many months, with the help of many favours (including the lend of a gorgeous room in the Dylan hotel, which now features in our most popular sketch), ended up raising far more than I could have donated myself, and helped bring some much-needed attention to a very worthwhile cause. You can donate and watch the sketches on the website, immaturityforcharity.com … Please check it out.
H ROS KAvAnAG
JESSIE CRAIG
What has been your favourite acting role to date? Each is totally different. In terms of which character I’d like to have a real-life chat with, I’d have to say the one I’m playing presently: Russell Allen Phillips, a pilot during World War Two. He and Louis Zamperini survived 47 days at sea, and drifted 2,000 miles on the Pacific with no food or water, on a life raft, surrounded by sharks. And then survived a POW camp afterwards. A hero, who is now gone. It would have been an honour to meet him.
the Lighthouse
Now that you have entered the Hollywood realm - how are you finding that level of fame and all that comes with it? I get more recognised for the comedy sketches I did than I ever have for Harry Potter or About Time, so it’s always been fine, and I’ve nothing to complain about. I’m pretty low on the recognisable list. Where do you go to escape? My parents’ house. What would your last meal on earth be? Cashew nuts and a Coke. Then Christmas dinner care of my Mam and brother, with my family around, and some wine maybe. Then a Haagen-Dazs ice cream sundae, by myself, so I don’t have to share. I have it all figured out. Check out Sex Scene, a comedy sketch Domhnall Gleeson shot in the Dylan hotel with Amy Huberman, which has over 600,000 hits on YouTube to date!
where food meets fire
Dublin’s most talked about restaurant of 2013 ‘Its got a corporate grown up look, ASADOR is impressive’ Catherine Cleary, Irish Times ‘If a job is worth doing, its worth doing well & you’ll get that in spades at ASADOR’ Ross Golden Bannon, Sunday Business Post
Flames, Flavour, Warmth & Cocktails. Visit ASADOR on Haddington Road for a different level of Barbecue. ASADOR, Haddington Road, Dublin 4. e: reception@asador.ie t: +353 1 254 5353
The Weir Collection
The Ultimate Bridal and Wedding Ring Collection Bespoke Rings Available 96-99 Grafton Street, Dublin | Phone: 01 6779678 Unit 38 Dundrum Towncentre | Phone: 01 2157845 Email: jewellery@weirandsons.ie | Web: www.weirandsons.ie