MAGAZINE Issue 04
LIBERTY BELLE
Dublin 8 explored
CITY BITES
The capital’s top tables
IRISH DESIGN
Our pick of the best
MyDUBLIN
Five insiders reveal their hidden haunts
RESTAURANT
CONTACT
OPENING
NO 1 ST MARY’S ROAD DUBLIN 4
LUNCH 12-3pm DINNER 5pm WWW.MARCELS.IE
+353 1 6602367
contents Issue 04
features 04 Insider News From contemporary art and high culture to buzzing brunch spots and brilliant shopping, Dublin has it all. 07 Shop Irish We bring you our edit of key pieces from some of the most exciting names in Irish design. Plus where to go for food, fashion and more. 08 Sitting Pretty Interior design and style is something the Dylan hotel takes very seriously. Sharon Miney picks her favourite piece. Prepare to be wowed. 10 My Dublin We ask five familiar Dublin faces to take us on a tour of their native city and share their top-secret spots with us. 16 Top Tables Whether you fancy grabbing a casual late-morning bite by the canal or are
looking to treat the love of your life to a (Michelin) star-spangled night out, we list the top 12 Dublin restaurants to suit every mood. 22 High Steaks Brilliant beef is something that Ireland is rightfully famous for. We meet up with John Stone, one of the country’s premier producers, to chew the (perfectly marbled) fat.
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24 Life is Great in Dublin 8 Spend an afternoon in one of the oldest parts of the city, steeped in character and tradition. The go-to place for gleaming antiques, hipster cafés, vintage markets and edgy street art. 29 Wicklow Explored Escape the city pace with a daytrip to the Garden of Ireland. Only 30 minutes away and yet another world of verdant beauty. 30 Pure Pamper Revive work- and travel-weary limbs with a hot shell massage at the Seoid Spa in Dunboyne. Guaranteed to bring out the new you. 32 Last word Little Matador is the name on every music critic’s lips this year. Fronted by Snow Patrol’s Nathan Connolly, the band has been tagged Ireland’s new ‘supergroup’. We meet the five fellas to find out more.
11 M AGA Z I N E Issue 04
LIBERTY BELLE
Dublin 8 explored
CITY BITES
The capital’s top tables
IRISH DESIGN
Our pick of the best
MyDUBLIN
Five insiders reveal their hidden haunts
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On the cover The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin’s lively Grand Canal Dock area. Photograph Corbis
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Published by IMAGE Publications Editor Lizzie Gore-Grimes Art Director Tanya M Ross Contributing Editor and Sub-Editor Sharon Miney Advertising Manager Philip McGaley Group Editorial Director Laura George Publishing 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, Dún 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.
CANAL SIDE LOCATION WITH PRIVATE DINING ROOMS Locks Brasserie’s pretty canal-side setting in leafy Portobello offers a relaxing ambience only a short distance from the city centre. A haven from the noise and bustle serving fine Franco-Irish cuisine in a comfortable large dining room with picture window views of the swans on the Grand Canal. Private Dining rooms are also available for groups of various size. LONG LUNCHES THURSDAY TO SUNDAY FROM 12PM DINNER TUESDAY TO SUNDAY FROM 5PM
Tel: 01 420 0555 Locks Brasserie, No1. Windsor Terrace, Portobello, Dublin 8 www.locksbrasserie.com | info@locksbrasserie.com
welcome Welcome to another great issue of the Dylan Magazine, your on-the-pulse insider’s guide to Dublin.
O
Portrait by Anthony Woods
ne of the perks of my job is that I get to travel to cities such as New York, London and Miami – all amazing places with so much going on. But once again, working on this issue of Dylan Magazine, I am reminded of what a brilliant city this one is. For a small city, Dublin boasts huge personality. If there’s something Dubliners have always been famous for it’s an abundance of creativity, wit and humour. And this year, at Dylan, we are celebrating that in spades with the launch of our new partnership with IMMA – the Irish Museum of Modern Art. As IMMA’s exclusive hotel partner, Dylan guests become complimentary IMMA members, while existing IMMA members enjoy discounted room rates. Flick to page 4 to find out more about all the unmissable events on at IMMA. We also get the inside scoop from IMMA director Sarah Glennie on her favourite Dublin haunts as she, along with four other big names in Irish fashion, food and comedy circles, share their little black book of great places to visit in Dublin (see page 10). One area you must add to your hit list while you’re here is Dublin 8, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, steeped in character and charm. From the elegant canal-side streets of Portobello to the up-and-coming hipster hub of The Liberties – this area is buzzing with cool cafés, gleaming antiques and buzzy markets (see page 24). And when you’ve exhausted yourself with all the great shopping (page 7), excellent eating (page 16) and vibrant events (page 4) this city has to offer, treat yourself to a spa day out in our sister hotel in Dunboyne (see page 30) and return home refreshed and exhilarated. We are thrilled you have chosen the Dylan as your home in Dublin and hope you enjoy this magazine that we’ve created for you in order to make your stay as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
Gráinne Ross General Manager Dylan Hotel
IMMA-ZING! Did you know, Dylan now enjoys an exclusive hotel partnership with the Irish Museum of Modern Art, bringing together two of the city’s leading destinations to celebrate the best of hospitality, design, art and culture? For 2014/2015, guests at the Dylan become complimentary IMMA members, while existing IMMA members enjoy discounted room rates. This new partnership provides €35,000 worth of support to IMMA and adds another elite level to the concierge service that Dylan is renowned for. Membership for hotel guests includes invitations to IMMA exhibition openings, exclusive members-only talks and events, free unlimited entry into IMMA exhibitions where admission fees apply, and priority booking for IMMA’s talks and lectures. Dylan guests are also treated to a 10 per cent discount off IMMA limited editions, the IMMA café and the IMMA shop. And it’s great news too for IMMA VIP guests, who will receive 15 per cent off Dylan’s best available rate, with complimentary upgrade (subject to availability). imma.ie.
MOSS COTTAGE
insider news Whether you’re into contemporary art and culture or buzzy brunch and brilliant shops, Dublin has it all in spades.
GO FOR GOLD!
We love these edgy Art Deco earrings in rose gold, designed by Irish jeweller Yvonne Ryan and available from online jewellery store Coldlilies.com, based in Dublin’s funky South Studios. Inspired by her sculptor father, Yvonne creates beautiful, contemporary pieces, mainly working with silver, gold and rose gold. €250,coldlilies.com.
Moss Cottage in Dundrum is a treasure trove of Irish and international homeware brands, gifts and crafty supplies. Owner Jen Cleary has scoured the country to bring you an inspired edit of unique pieces (with a few pinched from France, the UK and USA too). Her own stationery range is also on its way. We can’t wait. 01 215 7696; moss.ie.
CULTURE VULTURES
Don’t miss Dublin’s Culture Night, an evening of entertainment, discovery and adventure across the city. Arts and cultural organisations will play host to bustling crowds till late, with hundreds of events, tours, talks and performances taking place for free. Friday19 September from 5–11pm; culturenight.ie.
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DON’T MISS IN DUBLIN Beautiful blooms!
You too can learn to create magnificent floral displays like this. Simply pop around the corner to Dylan florist Bronagh’s beautiful Ginkgo store and sign up for a class. 01 663 2801; ginkgoflorists.ie.
WOOLLEN MILLS
For one of the best roof terrace views in the city, combined with killer food, head to the new Woollen Mills Eating House. Located in a landmark building overlooking the Ha’penny Bridge, this is the place to come for top artisan Irish fare any time of day. 01 872 8035; thewoollenmills.com.
Nathalie Marquez Courtnery
1. Contemporary art at IMMA
Wash and glow! Beauty expert Laura Bermingham has a hot pampering tip for Dylan readers: “Max Benjamin is a brand everyone should check out. Their washes and lotions are made in Wicklow, using only the best natural ingredients, and are a real beauty treat. Shower time will never be the same again!” Dodici, White Pomegranate, Lemon & Ginger and Grapefruit & Pomelo hand and body washes, €15 each, maxbenjamin.ie.
Check out The Weakened Eye of Day, a new body of work by Irish artist Isabel Nolan (running until 21 September) and a retrospective exhibition of the work of the renowned Brazilian artist Hélio Oiticica, pictured above (until 5 October). Photography fans should be sure to catch Second Sight (until 9 November), drawn from the David Kronn Collection featuring work by modern photography icons such as Edward Weston and August Sander and award-winning contemporary photographers including Trine Sondergaard and Simon Norfolk. These will be shown alongside a display of work by contemporary international photographers from the IMMA Collection. Visit imma.ie.
2. Heartbreak House
Róisín McBrinn makes her directorial debut for the Abbey’s first ever production of GB Shaw’s Heartbreak House – a biting satire that takes an unflinching look at British high society as it slides obliviously towards disaster under the looming spectre of World War I. 14 August–13 December; tickets €13–€45; abbeytheatre.ie.
3. Finals Sundays at Croke Park For the ultimate sporting spectacle in Ireland, you need to get your county colours on (doesn’t matter if they’re not playing) and head to Croke Park to experience one of the All Ireland finals. This year’s hurling finale takes place on Sunday 7 September, while the Gaelic football extravaganza will kick off on Sunday 21 September. Be there! Visit crokepark.ie; gaa.ie.
Access all areas
Calling all building buffs (and nosy parkers!). Each year Dublin throws open the doors of some of its most exciting architectural spaces (such as the Iveagh Markets, pictured left). This year’s 100 Open House Dublin buildings have been chosen to surprise and delight, with 60 per cent of the venues new to the programme. Admission is free. 17-19 October; for more info visit openhousedublin.com.
4. Hard Working Class Heroes
Taking place in various venues around town, including The Button Factory, this rock-indie music festival has been a showcase for hot new acts such as Hozier and old hands like The Frames. Bands have been battling it out to apply for a shot at being part of this year’s event, and you can catch the final Hero line-up from 2–4 October; hwch.net.
5. La Traviata
Make a beeline for Verdi’s vivacious La Traviata when the Glyndebourne Tour finally comes to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from 3–6 December (we’ve only been waiting 23 years for them to visit our shores!). Tickets €35–€125, bordgaisenergytheatre.ie. issue 04 dylan | 5
Gallery Zozimus 56 Francis St. Dublin 8. 01 453 9057 info@galleryzozimus.ie
Irelands LARGEST Ceramic Gallery
Over 75 of Ireland’s finest Ceramic Artist www.galleryzozimus.ie
Chupi ‘bird’ bracelet, €119, Loft Market at Powerscourt Townhouse Centre Clover Rua Irish linen ‘Dublin Bridges’ cushion, €65, Article
Ursula Celano notebooks, made in Dublin, €8.95, Article Limited edition Pat Scott ‘Pub Wall’ silk scarf, €100, stable.ie
Lucy Nagle coral cashmere sweater, €219; navy sweater, €249, both Brown Thomas
Irish-designed Ansley watch, €170, Indigo & Cloth
Saturday Workshop Irish Pony, €8.50, Irish Design Shop
SHOP IRISH
Beatriz Palacios ring, €145, Loft Market at Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
Some key pieces of Irish design to take home with you. Plus where to go when you hit the shops.
CoraLlei tan leather shopper, €230, corallei.com
Cushendale wool throw, €58, Irish Design Shop Shevlin Trilby, €120, Arnotts
Where to go Brilliant Boutiques
For luxe brands, head to Brown Thomas or Arnotts (also home to Irish Craft Collective). Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is a must-visit for inspired independents. While Costume (costumedublin.ie) and Carousel (ilovecarousel.ie) also rock.
Fabulous Food
Make a bee line for Fallon & Byrne on Exchequer Street (fallonandbyrne.com) and Avoca (avoca.ie) on Suffolk Street to fill your basket with scrumptious Irish artisan goodies. Plus Sheridans (sheridanscheesemongers.com) on South Anne Street for cheese.
Design Finds
Top spots include Article (articledublin.com), Industry (industrydesign.ie) and The Irish Design Shop (irishdesignshop. com) – all Drury Street. Scout (scoutdublin.com) and Gild & Cage (gildandcage.com) in Temple Bar are also must-visits.
One for the Boys
Make Indigo & Cloth (indigoandcloth.com) in Temple Bar your first stop for the best selection of Irish and international menswear and accessories, followed by a post-shop hot shave at Knights on the Green (knightsbarbers.com).
issue 04 dylan | 7
Sitting Pretty From the moment you step through the doors of the Dylan, you’re given a striking visual reminder that this is no ordinary hotel. Sharon Miney introduces you to the Vertebrae chair…
T
he secret to nailing the ‘wow’ factor when it comes to interior design is not to try to make a statement in every corner of the room. Rather, set the tone with alluring textures and vivid colours – and punctuate your palette sparingly with key pieces to make people sit up and take notice. Or, in the case of the Dylan hotel’s arresting Vertebrae chair, sit down and take notice. Strategically placed in the foyer, amidst the hubbub of guests coming and going, this intriguing and unusual piece always commands a second glance, and sets the tone for the rest of the Dylan’s décor – sumptuous, striking and often surprising. Combining the decadence of a chaise longue with the regal bearing of a throne, the Vertebrae chair is more sculpture than furniture, and an instant talking point for arriving guests. It sends a signal that style and relaxation are the Dylan’s watchwords.
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The Vertebrae has been a big hit with the staff, too, who hold a special fondness for its charms. “It’s a really interesting piece,” says General Manager Gráinne Ross, who was intimately involved every step of the way in the Dylan’s interior design process. “We wanted a piece of art that would really stand out and be a deliberate statement of intent. It was never conceived to fit seamlessly in with the other items that surround it. We love that it gets so much attention from our guests.”
COMBINING THE DECADENCE OF A CHAISE LONGUE WITH THE BEARING OF A THRONE, IT’S MORE SCULPTURE THAN FURNITURE... Skilfully crafted from beautiful brushed nubuck hide with stitched-out panelling and eyeletting detail, it is all curves, flowing lines and craftsmanship – and was awarded a silver medal for leather work at the RDS National Crafts Competition. The piece was created by Dublin designer Jools Hannon, whose aesthetic marries opulence and elegance with a naturalistic flair evocative of exotic wildlife (other creations are the Cobra and the Walrus). It forms a key part of a vibrant vision for the public spaces in the Dylan devised by interior designer Nigel Howard. “We selected the Vertebrae as the statement furniture piece for the Dylan reception area because its unique design pushed boundaries, as did the hotel design generally,” says Nigel, Creative Director of HKDi – experts in interior identity and setting a mood. His latest handiwork for the Dylan is showcased in the hotel’s Oriental-inspired back terrace. The funky Vertebrae piece also provides an interesting contrast to the work of internationally renowned furniture designer Christopher Guy, who is revered for his trademark fusion of modernism and classicism, and whose designs can be seen extensively throughout the hotel. The vivacious Vertebrae chair complements Guy’s bold, innovative concept for the Dylan. A design-led boutique hotel cannot afford to take the shortcuts of larger, more impersonal establishments – the international hotel chains who must often make do with mass-produced items. Everything must be thought out; everything unique. The Dylan’s aspiration is to make an impression on the guest they will never forget. It is unexpected, ageless touches like the Vertebrae chair that make all the difference – impactful without being gimmicky or faddish. To quote Nigel Howard, “Good design can be of the moment, but great design is timeless.”
Make Travel More Rewarding with iPrefer Earn points and receive VIP benefits such as free Internet and priority early check-in/late check-out with every eligible stay at Dylan and over 450 Preferred Hotel Group locations worldwide. Points are redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates valid for room charges or hotel amenities. Join at iPrefer.com. Current members should include their member number in future reservations in order to earn points and other member rewards.
PÓL Ó CONGHAILE TRAVEL WRITER Pól Ó Conghaile may be a Dubliner by birth but the intrepid travel journalist and author of Secret Dublin: An Unusual Guide grew up in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. “When it comes to citizenship, I guess that means you can file me under ‘blow-in’,” he laughs. “From set-pieces like the Liffey and its bridges to the burgeoning ‘Creative’ Quarter around South William Street, or grittier strips like Capel Street, this is my absolute favourite city on earth.” So where are Pól’s must-visit places? “Siopaella on Crow Street is one of my shopping tips. It’s a brilliant little find offering new ‘and gently used’ clothes from top designers... without the eye-watering prices. I also love Project 51, the design collective on South William Street, followed by a browse around the nearby Powerscourt Townhouse Centre (it’s got everything from funky homeware in Article to a designer market in the loft).” Most of Pól’s time in Dublin is spent checking out places to write about, so what are his current insider tips? “Dublin is going through a real brunch phase right now,” he says, “and the hottest table in town is definitely Forest Avenue on Sussex Terrace. You’ll also find a great Middle Eastern plate at Brother Hubbard on Capel Street. My favourite takeaway is the cappuccino from Café Napoli on Westland Row – it’s like dipping into Italy for a quick fix.” For a drink, he favours “a quiet pint in Kehoe’s or a loud one at Twisted Pepper”. Right now, Pól’s favourite part of Dublin is the grungy network of streets around Capel and Chancery Streets. “Many centuries ago, this was the centre of the universe in Ireland – a Cistercian monastery known as St Mary’s was founded in 1139. Today, all that’s left of it is the Chapter House, semiburied beneath Meetinghouse Lane (open to visitors during the summer). Around it, you have fruit and veg wholesalers, ramshackle Georgian townhouses, clanging Luas trams, cool cafés like Oxmantown and striking graffiti – including Dermot McConaghy’s ‘Saudade’. It’s very raw, but I love it.” poloconghaile.com .
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MY DUBLIN
Sharon Miney joins five well-known names in the world of food, fine art and fashion as they take us on a tour of their favourite haunts. Portraits by Anthony Woods
issue 04 dylan | 11
JENNIFER MAGUIRE COMEDIAN AND BROADCASTER An irresistible mix of intelligence and sassiness, Jennifer Maguire and her fearless brand of wit have proved a hit with the public, on TV shows such as RTÉ’s The Republic Of Telly and 2fm’s new morning slot Breakfast Republic. Her cheeky, irreverent persona is now so embedded in our minds that it’s strange to recall she first found fame on the BBC version of The Apprentice – verbally jousting with other candidates in Alan Sugar’s boardroom and relishing the cut and thrust of the business world. The Dublin native grew up in Baldoyle in north Co. Dublin, but left at 18 to live in New York, Belgium and Bristol. She moved back in 2008 to pursue a career in TV on her home turf and has just bought a house in the bijou bliss of Ranelagh. “Ranelagh has everything,” she enthuses. “Some of the best restaurants in Dublin are there, with a great choice of coffee shops, and you’re never far from a good pint of Guinness!” If Jennifer is ever asked to pick one favourite place in Dublin, though, she answers unequivocally: “Howth. I always tell people to make the effort get on the Dart and head north. Howth’s cliff (or pier) walks boast some of the most beautiful views. And there are loads of lovely places to eat.” Back in the city, Jennifer loves the whirl of the area around Grafton and South Great Georges Streets. “I love going to Odessa, just off Exchequer Street, for the best brunch. South William Street has an abundance of choice for eating – some of my faves are Coppinger Row or Baggots Hutton. Powerscourt Townhouse, off Grafton Street, is fab for shopping. My ideal way to spend a day off would be to cycle down the Grand Canal to the Docklands and have lunch at Ely Bar & Brasserie on Georges Dock.” Her top insider tip? “The best time to see a side of Temple Bar that most miss is to get there first thing on a Saturday morning, when the Temple Bar Food Market opens, and you can enjoy freshly shucked Irish oysters and just-baked sourdough bread.” @JenniferMaguire 12 | dylan issue 04
RONAN ROGERSON MASTER MIXOLOGIST Ronan Rogerson, king of Dublin’s cocktail scene, is a hard man to get hold of. When he’s not dispensing expertise on the fine art of mixology at the Dublin Bar Academy on Francis Street, he’s running his latest venue, Drury Buildings on Drury Street – a Northern Italianinfluenced brasserie and New York-style cocktail bar (“our philosophy was to have nothing in the bar we wouldn’t happily drink ourselves”). Ronan grew up between Dundrum and the Wicklow Mountains, and has been in the bar industry from a tender age. “My first job was in Uncle Tom’s Cabin in Dundrum, where I worked as a lounge boy at 15,” he
recalls. “In 2002 I became bar manager at the Morgan in Temple Bar, one of the first real cocktail bars to open in Dublin.” He now lives in The Liberties. “I love it. It’s Dublin’s city centre neighbourhood.” And of course it’s just minutes away from his regular haunts. Where does he spend his downtime? “Tamp & Stitch in Temple Bar is fantastic – combining the best of both worlds: savage coffee and cool T-shirts. For breakfast my favourite place is The Fumbally off Clanbrassil Street for eggs; in the afternoon, I treat myself to a slice of gluten-free chocolate cake: the tastiest cake in Dublin. My favourite brunch spot is Herbstreet on Hanover Quay. They do a full Irish breakfast that doesn’t leave you feeling pole-axed! For lunch, if the weather’s good, I love the
new terrace outside l’Gueuleton on Fade Street. I’m also partial to a ‘Moletsane’ wrap from Jo’Burger in Rathmines. The food at Coppinger Row has consistently wowed me over the last four years. The more I travel, the more I realise what an amazing food and beverage scene we have in Dublin. We’re a green, fertile island and that lends itself to producing raw ingredients with real flavour. “I would have always said our pubs were the best in the world. But now our bars are on a par with any city in Europe. House on Leeson Street, Vintage Cocktail Club on Crown Alley, The Liquor Rooms on Wellington Quay and Peruke & Periwig on Dawson Street are all making drinks that you used to only see in London or New York.” drurybuildings.com issue 04 dylan | 13
SARAH GLENNIE DIRECTOR, IMMA For Sarah Glennie, director of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, ‘busy’ is an absurd understatement. On top of overseeing the day-to-day at Ireland’s flagship contemporary art venue, she’s also gearing up for their autumn/winter events. What is she most looking forward to? “Opening in November we have a solo show by 2014 Turner Prize nominee Duncan Campbell,” she begins. “Duncan is from Dublin but has spent most of his career in Glasgow. This exhibition will be his first major show in Dublin and includes a new film made in Ireland. We also have Primal Architecture, which includes work by a really exciting group of artists, many of whom have not shown in Ireland before: Jeremy Deller, Mike Kelley, Linder Sterling and Bedwyr Williams.” Sarah, who was previously director of the Irish Film Institute in Temple Bar, grew up in Cambridge but moved here in 1995 to work at IMMA. Sarah loves Dublin for its beautiful seaside setting; her favourite place in the city is Irishtown Nature Reserve. “It’s a stunning walk that reminds you of the beauty of Dublin Bay and how lucky we are to live in a city on the sea. “I have two small children so not a lot of shopping or eating out happens,” she laughs, “but when it does I like to go clothes shopping in Bow in Powerscourt Townhouse, have coffee/brunch in Michelle Darmody’s fabulous cafés – The Cake Café off Camden Street and her new venture, Slice, in Stoneybatter. My ideal day off would consist of a lie-in with breakfast in bed (rare!), followed by horseriding in Wicklow, or in the summer swimming at Seapoint.” IMMA, set in the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, is naturally Sarah’s home from home. “It’s a space for people to see some of the best international and Irish art,” she says. “It allows them to enjoy art in a relaxed atmosphere, it is a beautiful place to spend a day – and it’s free!” Dylan is delighted to be IMMA’s exclusive hotel partner. Meaning Dylan guests enjoy complimentary IMMA membership and existing IMMA members enjoy discounted room rates. imma.ie 14 | dylan issue 04
UMIT KUTLUK FASHION DESIGNER Born and raised in Istanbul, Umit Kutluk is now one of Ireland’s foremost fashion designers, crafting sophisticated ready-to-wear styles, beautiful bespoke bridalwear and exquisite haute couture. He believes fashion was always his calling. “My family were in the textile business and my mother was a wonderful seamstress,” he reflects. “I grew up surrounded by fabrics, textures and colours. It was in my blood.” He trained as a textile engineer in Turkey – “This gave me a wonderful appreciation of the properties of fabrics and their potential” – before coming to Ireland and studying fashion design in Dublin’s Grafton Academy. How does Dublin compare to the bustle of Istanbul? “Dublin has a lot going on,” Umit says. “Great culture, food and craic. It’s a lively city but not too busy – there’s a tranquil feeling about it. When we think about a capital city, we imagine a metropolis but actually it’s quite small. There’s less traffic and noise here. There are also many canals which cross Dublin like veins; they still confuse me!”
His favourite place in Dublin is Merrion Square, where he has his fashion studio. “Even though it is in the city centre, it is so calm and peaceful. The large Georgian buildings have a relaxed grandeur reminiscent of a bygone era. For me it was a dream come true to open my showroom and atelier here: the historic unchanging buildings of the square, with the beautiful park in the centre, full of flowers and greenery, inspires me every day.” Away from work, how would he spend his perfect day in the city? “It’s great to start with an Irish breakfast somewhere – perhaps Hatch & Sons on the Green –and follow it with a stroll in St Stephen’s Green or the Iveagh Gardens. For dinner, it’s got to be Hugo’s on Baggot Street or homely Italian in Toscana on Dame Street, followed by a pint of Guinness in one of the many fine old establishments nearby. If time permits, maybe catch a play at the Abbey or Gate theatres.” Alas it can’t all be perfection. “I think the fashion industry in Dublin would be easier if we had more reliable weather and proper seasons,” Umit concedes, “but I think it’s a charming and romantic city – despite the rain!” umitkutluk.ie issue 04 dylan | 15
TOP TABLES Dublin’s restaurant scene is hotter than ever. So whether you’re in the mood for a lively night out or want to linger over a long lunch, Lizzie Gore-Grimes takes you to your table…
Forest Avenue
latest hotspots Forest Avenue Having just walked away with the Best Newcomer award at this year’s Irish food Oscars (the Irish Restaurant Association awards), Forest Avenue is sizzling. Chefowner couple John and Sandy Wyer, both with Michelin-star backgrounds, are busy taking fine dining in a new direction. They describe their cooking style as “modern, vibrant and light” and there is certainly an ethereal touch to the five-course tasting menu they present, peppered with spectacular little mid-course morsels. The pared-back Nordic-meets-New York décor also plays a role in adding to FA’s contemporary cachet, along with the perfectly presented roasted salsify, smoked ox tongue, pickles and beetroot on the plate. 01 667 8337; forestavenuerestaurant.ie. 16 | dylan issue 04
Psst... Sunday brunch at Forest
Avenue brings late-morning munching to a whole new level. Mourne Seafood For an island capital we have embarrassingly few really good fish restaurants in the city, but thankfully that’s all changing, with the arrival of Super Miss Sue (reviewed overleaf) and now this Dublin outpost of renowned Belfast seafood spot – Mournes. The place is aptly perched overlooking the water of the Charlotte Quay basin and offers fantastic people- and bird-watching opportunities. While the chef, Andy Rea (a Paul Rankin protégé), serves up stunningly simple and delicious fish, plus plenty more. Psst... Don’t miss the Tuscan fries. Served crisp-fried, sprinkled with Parmesan, parsley and diced black olives. Divine.
Etto Blink and you’ll miss it. Etto is small, but oh so perfectly formed. Having joined Forest Avenue on the recent food awards podium, they’re officially the Best Casual Dining spot in Ireland, but to be honest, that’s a fairly loose definition of ‘casual’. The dining room is low-key but eating in Etto is special-occasion stuff, as the food is simply spectacular. If the featherblade of beef, with roast onions and soft, creamy polenta is on the menu, jump at it. Its achingly slow-cooked, melt-in-the-mouth texture will linger long in your memory after the evening is over. We love it. 01 678 8872; etto.ie. Psst... Booking is essential as space (and tables) are at a premium but you can sometimes grab a ‘walk-in’ seat at the bar in the back if you arrive unannounced.
Etto
Locks
ELEGANT DINING The Greenhouse The Greenhouse is Dublin’s answer to NOMA – the lovechild of chefs Mickael Viljanen and Eamonn O’Reilly. It’s more formal than the Danish icon but it’s also all about foraging, meticulously sourced ingredients and pushing boundaries. If you can snare a table on a Saturday night, do, because the obligatory five-course tasting menu showcases the range of Viljanen’s vision and technique. It’s not like you could run this stuff up at home. A typical dégustation might include broccoli, lobster, smoked yoghurt and rye, followed by rabbit, wild garlic, anchovy and morel. 01 676 7015; thegreenhouserestaurant.ie. Psst... Go mid-week for a more reasonable €60 set three-course menu which is every bit as impressive. l’Ecrivain Chef Derry Clarke and his wife, Sallyanne, are renowned hosts and two of the most popular and highly respected names on the Irish restaurant scene. For more than 20 years they have been wowing diners with their Michelin-starred menu, but what really marks l’Ecrivain out is the convivial and inclusive mood they manage to set alongside such
fine dining fare. The seven-course tasting menu is a thing of beauty and even hardened carnivores will bow to the brilliance of the sixcourse vegetarian version. 01 661 1919; lecrivain.com. Psst... Let award-winning sommelier Martina Delaney guide your wine choice. She always picks something inspired. Locks It’s refined, polished and pictureperfect. And it’s perched right beside the canal with knock-out views. We love Locks – this little neighbourhood eatery has always had a name for good food. Today, it’s owned by the famed Pearl Brasserie founder Sebastien Masi, with head chef Keelan Higgs leading the charge in the kitchen. Dishes are French in style, but are prepared with forensic attention to detail: delicately blowtorched scallops with flakes of lemon snow; pan-fried duck and confit that renders a knife superfluous; delicately cooked John Dory with squid ink, and anchovy pappardelle and wild garlic foam. 01 420 0555; locksbrasserie.com. Psst... Ask your cab driver to drop you off at Portobello Bridge and enjoy a romantic 10-minute stroll, along the canal, down to Locks.
THE GREENHOUSE IS DUBLIN’S ANSWER TO NOMA; IT’S MORE FORMAL THAN THE DANISH ICON BUT IT’S ALSO ALL ABOUT FORAGING, METICULOUSLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS AND PUSHING BOUNDARIES.
The Greenhouse
issue 04 dylan | 17
GREAT FOR A GANG Super Miss Sue If you’re looking for a fun night out with the added bonus of brilliant food and knock-out cocktails, any of John Farrell’s spots will do – Dillingers or The Butcher Grill in Ranelagh for gastro-grill, or 777 in town for modern Mexican. But our fave has to be his latest venture, Super Miss Sue. This sensational seafood spot offers elegant oyster bar and seafood café up front, and posh fish ’n’ chipper down back. The menu invites you to mix and match with small plates and large. Sides here are a real star (think: bacalao tempura and fried artichokes) served up with super-fresh, perfectly cooked fish. Not a fish lover? Ask about the Ibérico Secreto. 01 679 9009; supermisssue.com. Psst... Free fizzy water and Prosecco on tap – what’s not to love?
Brasserie Le Pont Head chef James Doyle worked with Gordon Ramsay and you can see this classic culinary training shining through on his menu here. Dishes such as grilled monkfish, braised baby gem, saffron broth and crispy broccoli arrive perfectly presented and cooked to perfection. The venue is also a draw, housed in an elegant Georgian building with buzzy bar to the front and sunlit terrace to the rear. There are few better places to be when the sun shines. 01 669 4600; brasserielepont.ie. Psst... Something to celebrate? Their ‘petit pont’ private dining room offers the perfect space. Koh As with many establishments that are famed for their buoyant buzz and smart service, much of it is due to
Brasserie Le Pont
the presence of dedicated owneroperators. And that is precisely the case with Koh, where owners Conor Sexton and Conor Kilkenny take a hands-on approach. For over eight years, this vibrant Thai eatery has been drawing a crowd that appreciates fragrant Asian food, paired with sophisticated cocktails. 01 814 6777; koh.ie. Psst... Release your inner mixologist at a Koh cocktail masterclass, with dinner and libations included.
the popular eggs Benedict with mint hollandaise to the deliciously retro crab and avocado salad); the open-fire comfort; the jolly service or the first-class people-watching (the place is a mosh pit every weekend). Settle in under the quirky chandeliers, treat yourself to a glass of Prosecco and just, well, relax and hang out. 01 478 9966; lennoxcafe.ie. Psst... If The Lennox is full, opt for brunch overlooking the canal at their sister restaurant, The Table, just a few minutes away.
Juniors
BRILLIANT BRUNCH The Lennox This Portobello haven, hidden on a leafy street away from the main city centre hubbub, has long been popular as the place for lazy weekend munching. We can’t decide what we love more – the gorgeous food (from 18 | dylan issue 04
Coppinger Row What is it about Coppinger Row that keeps it eternally ‘in’? The killer cocktails? The hip, yet super-friendly wait staff? The perfect peoplewatching? Whatever it is, once again, restaurateur brothers Marc and Conor Bereen have created an eatery where the food is as buzzy as the atmosphere. We love it any time of day, but brunch is brilliant with the dressed crab and crayfish with basil and lemon or open meatball sandwich, rocket and parmesan
providing the perfect post- or pre-shopping hit. 01 672 9884; coppingerrow.com. Psst... Don’t leave without sampling their signature Flo & Bassy cocktail (Beefeater gin, elderflower liqueuer, fresh basil, agave and lime). Yum. Juniors They tag themselves a New Yorkstyle deli, and when you walk into the teeny eatery crammed with funky folk, chowing down on their signature pint o’ prawns and clam linguine, that is exactly what it feels like. And as with all things Big Apple, brunch is a star here. On a sunny Sunday, you’ll find them packed in, elbow-to-elbow, ordering up the Juniors version of the Irish fry; generous brioche French toast with proper bacon or the brilliant brunch bap.The buzz is always electric and the soundtrack and Bloody Marys pitch perfect. 01 664 3648; juniors.ie. Psst... If Juniors is jammed, pop across the road to the Chop House – another top spot and winner of best gastro-pub in Ireland.
Contemporary Irish Fine Dining
Contemporary Irish Fine Dining Weekly Seasonal Menu Served Thursday to Saturday from 6pm 3 courses €42
Mulberry Lane, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 For bookings 00353 1 269 3300 www.mulberrygarden.ie
DUBLIN
Irish Food & Hospitality at it’s Best A Perfect Place to Dine 109a Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
| T: 00353 1 6611919
www.lecrivain.com
We use home-grown, seasonal, organic produce from our Wicklow farm.
Toscana City Centre Opposite Dublin castle Dame Street, Dublin 2. Tel :+ 353 1 670 9785 www.toscanarestaurant.ie
Open 7 days, from 12 noon till late. PROUD WINNERS OF THE Good Food Ireland Grow it Yourself Award 2013 /14
Toscana Dun Laoghaire SEAFRONT, Windsor Terrace, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel :+ 353 1 230 0890 www.toscana.ie find us on:
BARRELMAN’S
FEAST
This summer the Old Jameson Distillery will host a unique gastro event aimed at lovers of fine Irish whiskey, great food and fun. The Barrelman’s Feast evenings promise to turn the traditional ‘hooley’ night on its head…
J
oin The Old Jameson Distillery’s barrelman, your master of ceremonies for the evening, as he welcomes guests to ‘his’ distillery and invites you to join him on a journey to discover the underbelly of the world’s most popular whiskey. On arrival guests can avail of delicious Jameson Cocktails in JJ’s Bar and once you step into the dining room upstairs you will be greeted with a complimentary signature Jameson Ginger & Lime cocktail. As your host unfolds the Jameson whiskey story, you will enjoy a delicious four-course menu, infused with Jameson nectar, from the gravlax starter to the cloudy Jameson Apple sauce that accompanies the pork cutlet main course. The Jameson crème brûlée dessert also comes served in a
Jameson bottle mounted in a genuine whiskey stave. On the night The Old Jameson Distillery will do away with any dated ‘diddly-eye’ notion of traditional Irish entertainment to create an evening that reflects a modern Irish experience and explores the colourful and charismatic world of Irish whiskey. While acclaimed musicians Sine Metu will play the best of Irish music, covering everything from Thin Lizzy to U2 and Paul Brady. Their music is contemporary, filled with rhythm beats through mandolin, cahon, double bass and guitar along with four vocals – promising you a sensational evening’s entertainment. The Distillery building itself provides an amazing backdrop for such a lively evening. The building was established in
1780 when John Jameson founded the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin. Jameson is now distilled in Cork, although bottling still takes place in Dublin. Today, the building is no longer a working distillery, but it has been magnificently restored to take visitors on a magical journey through the seven stages of whiskey making. The Barrelman’s Feast event in the Old Jameson Distillery will run every Thursday and Saturday evening from May to October at the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield’s Bow Street, from 7.30pm to 11.00pm. Tickets cost €60 but can be bought online for a discounted rate of €49.50 at bookings. jamesonwhiskey.com. Availability and booking enquiries can be made by email to ojd@jamesonwhiskey.com.
at the Old Jameson Distillery
A unique Irish experience of great music, food and craic at the Home of Jameson
Thurs & Sat May – October 7.30-11.30pm
*subject to availability
The Old Jameson Distillery • OPEN 7 DAYS • GUIDED TOURS • WHISKEY TASTING • GIFT SHOP
Book online for discounts. www.jamesonwhiskey.com The Old Jameson Distillery, Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7 Tel : 01 8072355 | Email: ojd@jamesonwhiskey.com
High Steaks
Images: Stock Food and Bord Bia
Ireland produces some of the best beef in the world thanks our gentle climate, fertile land and the grass-fed diet of our cattle. Lizzie Gore-Grimes meets up with John Stone, one of the biggest names in Irish beef.
22 | dylan issue 04
I
s there anything better than a really good steak, chargrilled, with a little puddle of garlic butter melting down the middle? Perhaps with a pile of crisp green leaves and some crunchy, salty fries on the side. Last-meal-on-earth stuff. And, in Ireland, we’re lucky enough to enjoy some of the best beef in the world. What makes Irish beef so special is the fact that it is predominantly grass-fed, which not only guarantees great quality, flavour and texture but also boasts brilliant health benefits. Grass-fed beef has higher levels of Vitamin E and beta-carotene than its grain-fed brethren, and also boasts higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids and CLAs, which have been linked to lower cholesterol and reduced cancer risk. For this reason Irish beef has always been in extremely high demand on the export market and is currently enjoying stronger demand than ever on the Irish market. John Stone, one of the most well-known and highly respected names in UK and Irish butchery circles tells us why. “In Ireland, we are very
fortunate to have a temperate climate which allows grass to grow practically all year round. This natural feed is rich in vitamins, minerals and oxidants which make beef cattle thrive and develop wonderful complex flavours and taste. This is unique to Ireland and makes Ireland the largest beef exporter in Europe – in fact Ireland exports 90% of the beef produced on the island. “We then take this wonderful natural beef and put it through our process of dry ageing,” the seasoned butcher continues. “During this process the beef flavours concentrate and the fat takes on a deep, complex, almost nutty flavour. If you remember walking into a butcher shop as a child, you may recall seeing beef and lamb hanging on display. The shop often had sawdust on the floor to catch any fat or meat juices from the hanging meat. That was the beef ageing process happening right in front of you. If this means something to you, you’ll remember how good the meat used to taste. And that is the compliment we receive most often from our
customers, that our steaks “taste like beef used to”. John Stone Beef (formerly trading as Donald Russell), based in Ballymahon, Co Longford, has been in operation for over 36 years now and supplies beef to customers all over the globe, including some of world’s top hotels including Raffles Hotel Dubai and Singapore; The Westin and St Regis, New York; Four Seasons, Hong Kong and, of course, The Dylan Hotel, Dublin. “Chefs love to use our beef,” John enthuses, “because of the consistency of its quality. When you are cheffing in a top hotel or
restaurant, you need to know that each plate you send out is the best it can be. If the beef served to just one diner is not up to scratch, the reputation of the chef is on the line. The combination of our stringent selection process (choosing only the best animals), our meticulous dry ageing method, our butchery skills and our trim levels ensure that we get consistent quality every time. We feel that the diner, as much as the chef, is our customer and we need them to enjoy our beef!” John Stone Beef, Rathmore, Ballymahon, Co Longford, Ireland. 090 643 2403; johnstonebeef.com.
John Stone’s top tips for cooking with beef RIPPING ROAST John’s favourite cut of beef to roast is a rib of beef on the bone, served rare. To prepare it he suggests:
Images: Stock Food and Bord Bia
1 Bring the joint to room temperature, weigh it, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. 2 Preheat the oven to 240°C/gas mark 9. 3 Place the joint in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until the outside of the meat is lovely and brown and crispy. 4 Reduce the temperature of the oven to 185°C/gas mark 4 and roast
for a further 20-25 minutes per kilo. 5 Remove the joint from the oven and rest in a warm place for 20 minutes before serving. This will allow the meat to relax and release all its delicious juices and it will be easier to carve. SENSATIONAL STEAK John’s favourite steak is a striploin steak, served rare. To prepare it: 1 Bring the steak to room temperature and brush with olive oil. No seasoning is required. 2 Heat a frying pan over a medium heat until it is very hot.
3 Place the steak in the frying pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side for a steak that is 20mm thick. If the steak is thicker, leave it a minute longer and if thinner cook it for a little less time. 4 Do not prod or press the meat with a fork while cooking. 5 Remove the steak from the pan and rest for 10 minutes before serving on a hot plate or board. Season to taste. 6 Don’t be afraid to cook the meat a little rarer than you are used to – the return in flavour and texture is definitely worth it.
Find John Stone beef on the menu at the Dylan
issue 04 dylan | 23
LIFE IS GREAT IN
dublin 8
With a friendly neighbourhood vibe and an obsession with all things independent and artisan, Dublin 8 is the perfect place for a day trip. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY NATHALIE MARQUEZ COURTNEY
F
or one postcode, Dublin 8, spanning from the Grand Canal right across the Liffey all the way to the Phoenix Park, contains multitudes. Part edgy hipster haven, part slice of gritty old Dublin life, with a reputation for brilliant budget eats, the streets of this borough are where in-the-know Dubs spend their weekends (all the while fantasising that they live here). Ever-evolving, the area houses everything from tech start-ups to art colleges, and is the place to take in sunny canal walks, quirky urban markets, fine antiques and some of the best brunches in town. Start your journey with a long, lazy walk up the picturesque, tree-lined canal – 30 minutes should get you from the hotel door to the edge of Dublin 8 (alternatively, a Dublin Bike will get you there in ten, dublinbikes.ie). At the heart of the area is Portobello, which stretches westwards from South Richmond Street as far as Upper Clanbrassil Street and features pretty clusters of Victorian redbricks, as well as canal-side terraced houses – built in the 18th century for “the working classes”, they are now some of Dublin’s juiciest real estate. Once there, your lunch options are near endless. If you want to stay close to the water, head to The Table. The sister restaurant to Lennox, D8’s cult brunch spot, it offers the same delicious menu with far fewer hungry queues, in a roomier, more relaxed setting – not to mention lovely views if you’re lucky enough to nab a window seat (01 473 6727; thetablerestaurant.ie). A few minutes up the road, you can sample French fine dining with a leisurely lunch at Locks, which is a cosy, romantic eatery in the evening (01 420 0555; locksbrasserie.com). Other popular brunch haunts include Noshington, home to a great pastry selection and clean, contemporary decor (01 410 0414; noshington.ie) and Bibi’s, which really draws the crowds at the weekends, thanks to its laid-back vibe and inventive menu; the pan-toasted Gubbeen chorizo, manchego and sundried tomato sambo, served with a chilli crème fraîche , was a recent favourite (01 454 7421; bibis.ie). If you fancy eating on the go or buying nibbles for an
24 | dylan issue 04
Clockwise from top left The Kirk Modern stall at The Brocante Market (third Sunday of every month); a local door is given an edgy finish; The Fumbally café on Clanbrassil Street offers up flavourful food with a Middle Eastern flavour in a seriously funky setting; Luncheonette café in the basement of NCAD on Thomas Street is well worth seeking out; a fresh salad bowl at Luncheonette; grab a canal-side seat by the Portobello Bridge.
impromptu picnic, The Bretzel Bakery, which has been in the area since the 1870s, boasts some of the very best bagels in town (01 475 2724; bretzel.ie). For a peek into how the hipster half lives, visit the The Fumbally. Expect communal tables, an eclectic collection of Middle Eastern dishes made using fresh Irish ingredients and tons of locals and creatives (01 529 8732; thefumbally.ie). Find even more young creatives at Luncheonette, the newest dining addition to the area, located in the basement of art college NCAD. Make like a student and wander through the arches into the building on your right, past the pool tables, and straight down the stairs. Once there, enjoy the soothing, dark surrounds, mellow tunes, cosy nooks, and some very reasonably priced lunches. Unsurprisingly, the food is as creative as the clientele, with a fun, quirky menu that changes daily but ranges from the deliciously simple (Cashel blue cheese, honey roast pear and walnut ciabatta) to the nicely odd and adventurous (cumin roasted “orange things” whipped feta, germolata and bulgur wheat). This is a particularly good place to hit if you happen to be visiting any of the college’s graduate exhibitions, which run issue 04 dylan | 25
throughout the early summer and are a great way to spot emerging Irish talent and see the next generation of artists in full bloom (facebook.com/luncheonettedublin; ncad.ie). You could fill a day eating your way around the ’hood, but there’s plenty more to occupy your time. Coming from NCAD, soak up some local colour around Meath Street and listen in on the friendly, competitive banter of street-side vendors, touting cut-price sundries (from loo roll to washing detergent), all the while keeping an eye on the ever-changing, Instagram-friendly street art and edgy urban atmosphere. Watch out for the work of Maser, Dublin’s pre-eminent grafitti artist (maserart.com). Next up, make for Francis Street. The heart of Dublin’s art and antiques quarter, it’s the perfect place for a potter, whether you’re looking for a beautiful investment piece or a sweet thrift shop find. Some of the most respected antique stores in the country call Francis Street their home, so all tastes are catered for – from fine Georgian period pieces at O’Sullivan Antiques (01 454 1143; osullivanantiques.com) and Michael Connell Antiques (01 473 3898; michaelconnellantiques.ie) to classic Art Deco, right through to mid century modern at Anonymous (track new additions on the owner’s blog, mid20c.tumblr.com). Don’t miss the contemporary art exhibitions at Cross Gallery, which will also be housing well-curated furniture pop ups over the coming months. The cosy café at the front of the building is the perfect place for people-watching over a cup of delicious coffee – look out for barista Sungsu, who creates mini masterpieces at the top of your latte (01 473 8978; crossgallery.ie). Clockwise from top right You’ll find some of the best street art in the city around Francis Street and Thomas Street – if you’re a fan check out the Tivoli Theatre car park; O’Sullivan Antiques is just one of the many fabulous antiques shops on Francis Street; local barista legend Sungsu at The Cross Café.
If you visit on a Sunday, a five-minute walk will get you to Newmarket Square, home to some great weekly markets. The Brocante Market, running on the third Sunday of every month from 11am-5pm, is the best for cool, retro finds for the home. For mid-century wares, be sure to visit the Kirk Modern stall (owner Geoff scours some of Europe’s best fairs, kirkmodern.com) and the brilliant industrial light fixtures of Trentanove. Created using found materials, they are in hot demand (facebook.com/ trentanove). For a more rough-and-ready mix, The Dublin Flea Market runs on the last Sunday of the month and features more than 60 stalls selling clothing, bric-à-brac and local craft creations. The posters for each week’s market are created by a different artist and make for a perfect souvenir (dublinflea.ie). 26 | dylan issue 04
Voice Engineer Ireland Voice Engineer Ireland (VEI) are providing the Dylan Hotel with a new feature-rich, IP capable phone system. The new state of the art platform will help increase efficiency and productivity, improve collaboration among the hotel staff & reduce call traffic costs. The new IP Telephone system also seamlessly integrates with front of desk hotel software. The system is unified communications (UC) ready, which can enable hotel staff to manage their calls/client enquiries from any device. Gráinne Ross, General Manager is pleased with the upgrade. “The new phone system will greatly assist our team in dealing with client enquiries quickly and in addition help lower our phone bills”. Conor Killeen, VEI Business Development Director, is confident that the new system will future-proof the hotel’s communications requirement for years to come. “The system has software upgrades built in for the next 3 years. It will significantly reduce management time and overhead costs, where the phones will now be managed on the unified voice and data network”.
VEI are the Service Provider for the Dylan Hotel’s voice services. VEI specialises in unified communications, IP telephony and wireless technology. We provide solutions that simplify communication services and support customers in migrating from legacy networks and future-proofing their ICT infrastructure investment. VEI specialise in voice and data support services for hotels. Their clients include
Powerscourt Hotel (formely Ritz Carlton), The Schoolhouse Hotel, Killashee Hotel, Lawlors Hotel and more.
Specialists in Voice and Data Communications • Unified Communications • Hotel Software/PBX integration • High Density WiFi/Wireless LAN • Data Networks and Security • Voice and Video Conferencing • Contact Centre • Call Recording and Quality Monitoring
Voice Engineer Ireland “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”
• 24/7 Support Desk
Voice Engineer Ireland, Unit 2B, Elm House Millennium Park, Naas, Co Kildare, t: +353 1 244 9590
www.vei.ie
Vinos Restaurant & Cafe, ideally located beside the dart in Greystones, has been serving great food with great passion for over 7 years! The Café is open for breakfast from 7am daily, where you can savour the divine freshly baked cakes with a cup of Illy Coffee. This family-run, family-friendly restaurant & cafe is a great place to enjoy a quiet dinner or celebrate any occasion. Experience first-hand the dedication put into the dishes served, with an early bird set menu and mouth-watering fish specials prepared each day (including dishes suitable for Coeliac and Vegetarian diets)! Choose between casual or formal dining, sit in, sit out or take away, with a full licence and wine list to compliment every dish. Why not take a journey along our beautiful coastline by taking the Southbound Dart to the idyllic seaside town of Greystones, or get off in Bray and walk the beautiful Bray Head to Greystones trail. Check out facebook/vinosrest to see new special offers every month, like July’s After Work Wind Down – a Carafe of house wine with a Mezze Board for just e16.50.
Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. | 01 287 4807 pastamed@gmail.com
www.vinosrestaurant.ie
Byrne & Woods Restaurant & Bar
A t re as ure in t h e G arde n o f Irela nd
Relaxing Surroundings Excellent food & drink Live music Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays Transport can be arranged
Byrne & Woods, Roundwood Co. Wicklow T: 01 281 7078
www.byrneandwoods.com
T
here are few sights sweeter than the looming vista of the Great Sugar Loaf mountain announcing your arrival in the Garden of Ireland. From Dublin take the M11 motorway south for 30 minutes from Dylan, and before long the iconic cone pops up. This scenic county could be considered Dublin’s playground, offering a mix of seaside charm, fabulous foliage, outdoor activities, and characterful towns and villages. Before you delve into deepest Wicklow you might enjoy a little pitstop in Bray, a seafront stalwart for daytrippers from the city. Grab a casual bite at Platform Pizza Bar, a hip newcomer to Bray that is generating quite a buzz for its authentic stone-baked pizzas, flatbreads and plethora of craft beers. The area also boasts Killruddery House & Gardens, famous for its magnificent falconry and festive December Christmas Markets. Catch their perpetually popular themed farm markets on the first Saturday of every month. Hop back on the M11 to access the real heartland of
WICKLOW explored
Graceful, green and oh so gorgeous, the Garden of Ireland is right on your doorstep. Sharon Miney takes you on a tour. Wicklow. From the motorway you can take detours to any number of horticultural havens: Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford (bask in the exuberant blooms of these informal Robinsonian gardens along the River Vartry), the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh and of course the world-famous Powerscourt House & Gardens near Enniskerry, pictured inset above, (recently honoured in National Geographic’s list of the top 10 gardens in the world). Golf lovers should book a tee time and head straight
for the verdant grounds of Druids Glen Resort in Newtownmountkennedy or the stunning setting of Woodenbridge Golf Club near Arklow in the Vale of Avoca. For a less manicured version of nature, the gorgeous glacial valley of Glendalough near Laragh provides breathtaking hiking trails, lake views and the chance to walk among the magnificent Sixth Century ruins of St Kevin’s monastery. As you head back towards the bright lights of the city, why not take the backroads and head for Roundwood, pictured above.
Here, depending on his filming schedule, you stand a chance of spotting local resident Daniel Day-Lewis keeping a low profile at his regular watering hole, The Roundwood Inn. But if you’d rather stick to the M11, you can simply pull over at the quaint Victorian-style, sashwindowed Avoca Fern House Café in Kilmacanogue, just outside Dublin, open late for dinner Thursday to Saturday. From here it’s just a few minutes back into the city to fall into bed for a sound sleep fuelled by all that fresh air and vibrant verdure…
Made in Wicklow Our pick of the best produce from the Garden County Brooke & Shoals Candles As a child, Alison Banton, founder of Brooke & Shoals, used to pick petals in her greataunt’s rose garden and the heady aroma later inspired her to open her Greystones shop stocking Irish-made candles and cosmetics. €19.95, brookeandshoals.ie
Wicklow Blue Cheese This delicate creamy blue from Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese, produced by the Hempenstall family in Arklow, is made using pasteurised cow’s milk and has been named Best Irish Cheese in the World. wicklowfarmhousecheese.ie
Dargle Lambswool Throw This beautiful Avoca throw is woven from 100 per cent lambswool at their mill near Arklow, and is named after the lively River Dargle, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains before tumbling down Powerscourt Waterfall. €59.95, avoca.ie issue 04 dylan | 29
PURE PAMPER
Sharon Miney leaves her laptop behind and checks into the Seoid spa to try out their brand new Lava Shell treatment…
I
dragged my work-weary body on the short hop to the sumptuous Seoid spa at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, a mere 30 minutes’ drive from Dublin, to check out the new full-body Lava Shell Massage billed as the ultimate soothing and calming treatment. Maeve, my friendly and deft therapist, told me she expects this to be the spa’s most in-demand offering in the months ahead. For anyone who has ever enjoyed a hot-stone massage, the idea is similar. While I had envisioned static Lava Shells being positioned along major stress points, this treatment is much more kinetic, with the shells themselves used as massage implements. So how did it live up to the hype? Well, it wouldn’t be overstating things to say this was the best massage I’ve ever had. Three butter-smooth Lava Shells (real tiger-striped clam shells hand-selected in the Philippines, combined with porcelain and filled with patented self-heating Lava Gel) are used during the blissful hour. Along with traditional gentle massage methods, the hot Lava Shells are smoothed up and down aching legs, used to knead knotty areas on uptight backs, and generally put to work to de-stress muscles until your body is suffused in a tingly, warming glow. Mine certainly thanked me for the experience. After that it’s a snoozy wind-down in the salubrious, softly lit Relaxation Room – feet up, a lazy browse through glossy magazines, and a liberal imbibing of lemon water and juices to rehydrate your newly nubile body (extra nap upstairs before dinner optional).
Seoid Spa at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Dunboyne, Co. Meath. 01 681 6534; dunboynecastlehotel.com
3 of the Best Reviving Seoid spa Treatments Aromatherapy Associates Body Quench Cocoon This uplifting treatment harnesses the power of pink grapefruit, juniper berry and pine. Voya Environmental Defence Facial This gorgeous seaweed facial devised by Sligo-based Voya Organics, will leave your skin feeling like new. The Ultimate Aromatherapy Associates Experience This hero massage releases tension held in every part of the body, leaving you fully recharged. 30 | dylan issue 04
Enjoy the Waterford Crystal Factory Experience. Book your tour online today.
To book your factory tour visit waterfordvisitorcentre.com the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world or phone +353 (0)51 317000
www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com
LAST WORD
To form Little Matador, you’ve pulled together some seriously talented musicians from The Frames, Bell X1, Turn and Concerto for Constantine. What inspired you to start the group? It just felt like the right time for me to put the band together. I called everyone up in summer 2012. We got together in between our various schedules and started writing. Then in January 2013 we went into the studio and started making the record. It felt like it all happened very quickly, although it was over the space of a year. Where did the name come from? A children’s book of the same name by Julian Hector about a little boy who comes from a proud bullfighting family but he would rather draw a bull than fight one. How would you describe your music? We make dirty, sexy, melodic rock. What’s your favourite venue in Ireland to play and why? The Ulster Hall, Belfast. It’s my home town for a start – I grew up watching my favourite bands 32 | dylan issue 04
LITTLE MATADOR We meet up with Nathan Connolly, Snow Patrol’s lead guitarist and front man of new Irish supergroup Little Matador. play there. It has so much great musical history as well. Led Zeppelin played there and The Clash famously cancelled a gig there, which caused a stir in 1977. It’s a beautiful building and just has something special. Tell us about the tour you are planning later in the year? Where can fans go to hear you play next? We are playing festivals throughout summer – T in the Park, Reading and Leeds, Sonisphere, Belsonic with Biffy Clyro – and supporting We Are Scientists. As a group you are all established musicians in your
own right – how does that affect you working together now as Little Matador? Has the transition been a smooth one? It all relies on chemistry. We had it from the start. After that, everything else, such as writing, recording and touring, is made easier thanks to our collective experience. What is your opinion of the Irish music scene? How do you think it compares to the scene internationally? The Irish music scene is incredible, artists like SOAK, Wonder Villains, Ports, Hozier, Go Swim, Adebisi Shank, Walking On Cars, to name just a few, are all doing
their own thing. The Irish music scene is exciting, diverse and stronger than it’s ever been. Where do you like to hang out in Dublin? Where would you direct music lovers to go in the city? My favourite place in Dublin is The Gravediggers pub in Glasnevin. Great Guinness, great people and brilliant tapas. In Dublin, there’s so much great choice in terms of top music venues but Whelan’s is always a safe bet. What do you like to do in your down time? I enjoy gigs, the theatre and good food but getting settled into a hidden snug in some pub with good company is hard to beat. What are your plans for the band in the future? Where would you like to take things, musically speaking? To get the record made and play to as many people as possible. I’d like to see what we could do with another record and let things evolve from there.
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