Dylan Magazine Issue 1

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Issue 01

movers shakers

&

FIve FaMous Faces on how To keep FIT In The cITy

URBAN SECRETS

Dublin’s hidden gems revealed

FASHION FORWARD

Meet Ireland’s hottest new design talent

RETAIL HEAVEN

The definitive guide to Dublin’s top shops

- Guided Factory Tour - Opulent Retail Store - The World’s largest collection of Waterford Crystal

Book your tour online today www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Join us on

House of Waterford Crystal The Mall, Waterford City, Ireland Call:+353 (0)51 317 000 E: houseofwaterfordcrystal@wwrd.com W: www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

contents issue 01

on the cover

12 Man of the Hour JW Anderson is tipped to become fashion’s next big thing.

15 Shop Smart Dublin’s latest shopping and beauty news.

31 On the Go Local familiar faces share their keep-fit stories.

36 Urban Secrets We bring you the hidden gems that locals love.

45 features

31

53

12

07 Insider News A look at what’s going on in Dublin this spring.

20 Man on a Mission Glenn Murphy, head chef at the Dylan, shares his approach to modern Irish cooking.

22 Taste of Success A look at the increasing popularity of craft beer in Ireland.

26 Master Mixologist Shake things up with a delicious cocktail.

28 Blessed are the Cheesemakers The love of Irish cheese continues.

41 Perfect Day Escape the city and explore the stunning countryside.

45 Go Go Gadget The latest travel gadgets simplify life on the road.

46 Travel Smart Top tips from an expert in the field.

48 Kings’ County Dunboyne Castle offers the perfect relaxing retreat.

51 Take it Outside We chat to designer Nigel Howard about his latest work – the Dylan’s back terrace.

53 The Smoking Room We pay tribute to the elegant cigar.

55 Georgian Splendour The beautiful plasterwork of the Lafranchini brothers.

56 Modern Classic We catch up with furniture designer Christopher Guy.

15

07

Published by IMAGE Publications: Editor Amanda Cochrane Deputy Editor Lizzie Gore-Grimes Art Director Sandra Horan Fashion Editor Sive O’Brien Beauty Editor Ellie Balfe Sub-editor Meg Walker Editorial Assistant Síne Sykes Advertising Manager Noëlle O’Reilly 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, 22 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.

issue 01 dylan | 1

welcome W

e are delighted to be able to share our tips, insights and knowledge with you. Page by page, we would like to offer you a flavour of Dublin packaged with all the panache, attention to detail and style that the Dylan is renowned for. This magazine is an extension of our special concierge service and, as always, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

At the Dylan, we don’t merely observe the social scene in Dublin, we are fully immersed in it. From chic boutiques, hip new restaurant openings, avant-garde art exhibitions and the top food markets across the city, we bring you our edit of the best Dublin has to offer.

This year is an exciting one for the city, with the arrival of The Gathering, an initiative to draw the Irish diaspora home to visit friends and family. Ireland also hosts the Presidency of the EU for the first six months of the year. And, of course, we will hold the two most exciting matches of the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium – Ireland v England (February 10) and Ireland v France (March 9). We are looking forward to welcoming you during these exciting times.

We are thrilled you have chosen the Dylan as your Dublin base, and know you won’t be disappointed. As one of Dublin’s leading five-star boutique hotels, we offer opulent contemporary comfort in a unique landmark property. The hotel’s Victorian premises was formerly the nurses’ home for the Royal City of Dublin Hospital, and we take pride in the history and character of the unique building and hope you make the Dylan your home while you are in Dublin.

We hope our glossy magazine enhances your Dublin experience and that you enjoy every minute of your stay at the Dylan Hotel.

Portrait by Anthony Woods

Welcome to the very first edition of the Dylan Magazine, your on-the-pulse insider’s guide to Dublin.

Gráinne Ross General Manager Dylan Hotel

issue 01 dylan | 3

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

Irish pride

We love new brand Lennon Courtney, created by two of Ireland’s top fashion stylists, Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney. “It was 18 months in the making. We put a huge amount of energy into it and learnt a lot – we’re really proud of it,” Sonya Lennon says.

And they should be. The chic designs focus on making wearable clothes to meet the needs of real women.

“Our idea is to have quiet, core pieces which can be glammed up with accessories,” Lennon continues. Each season will see them collaborate with a leading Irish designer ... watch this space! Available exclusively in Dublin at Arnotts and in a selection of regional retailers, lennoncourtney.com.

insider news Dublin offers plenty to its visitors each year. From cultural events to new shop openings and hip eateries and cinemas, we round up what’s going on in the city over the next few months.

out of hours

It’s hard to pack it all in when visiting a new city, so you’ll be delighted to hear that on the first Thursday of every month the opening hours of a number of Dublin galleries extend into the evenings. An assortment of venues offer us the opportunity to take in some evening culture, and there’s even the option of a tour, which differs each month and takes in at least three galleries. For more on the galleries taking part in First Thursdays Dublin, 01 677 2255; templebar.ie.

Recently hatched Recently opened on St Stephen’s Green, Hatch & Sons Irish Kitchen is the perfect spot to pop in for delicious Irish grub.

The simple, informal interior makes you feel instantly relaxed and the all-day menu offers something for everyone, whether you fancy a proper all-day brunch, a hearty Guinness stew, or a slab of delicious cake. 15 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, 01 661 0075; hatchandsons.co.

ReTRo rules

Vintage fans will love the Revolver Project, a new online vintage outfitters offering a selection of funky, one-off fashion pieces.

A team of stylists handpicks each item, which ensures their quality and saves us rummaging through dusty shelves. They also have an online journal that reports on music, film, art and fashion to keep us up to hipster speed, revolverproject.com. issue 01 dylan | 5

VISIT US TODAY! JAMESON DISTILLERY TOURS IRELAND

1

DISCOVER Learn the true meaning of the Angels Share & Triple Distillation while on your Tasting and Tour.

2

EAT Enjoy lunch or simply a snack in our Malt House Restaurant.

3

SHOP Browse the Jameson Gift Shop for that exclusive gift idea.

• OPEN 7 DAYS • GUIDED TOURS • WHISKEY TASTING

Book online today to receive a 10% discount! www.tours.jamesonwhiskey.com The Old Jameson Distillery Dublin, Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7.

E: reservations@ojd.ie T: +353 (0) 1 807 2355 F: +353 (0) 1 807 2369 The Jameson Experience, The Old Distillery, Midleton, Co.Cork.

E: bookings@omd.ie T: +353 (0)21 461 3594 F: +353 (0)21 461 3704

Keep it covered Avoid the fluffy sheep and beer-toting leprechaun souvenirs and take home a cool, Irish-made iPhone 4/4S cover instead. Made in Co Sligo and designed by Irish illustrators, these highquality covers stylishly protect your phone. 2013 hopes to see iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3 and iPad covers, so keep an eye out.

Kovet, €29.99; full range online and limited range of 14 designs in a number of retailers, including Designist on South Great George’s Street; kovet.ie.

As a UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin has plenty to offer travelling literati. The Dublin Writers Festival runs May 20-26 and sees a selection of top Irish and international writers gather for an exciting week of readings, discussions, performances and screenings, which take place in various venues throughout the city, 01 222 5455; dublinwritersfestival.com.

Heart this Romantics, take note: If you’re in Dublin for Valentine’s Day, why not treat your loved one to a box of salted caramel hearts from chic chocolate shop Cocoa Atelier? You never know, they might even share. From €8.95, 30 Drury Street, Dublin 2, 01 675 3616; cocoaatelier.ie.

the sound of music

International Irish artists are coming home for Temple Bar TradFest 2013, with over 200 free events happening across this six-day music celebration of Irish culture. Enjoy the extraordinary talents of some of the biggest names in Irish music with Sharon Shannon, above, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill headlining concerts in venues such as Christ Church Cathedral. TradFest also offers a chance to witness exciting new performers and musicians with a line-up including open sessions, gigs for kids, and street performers. January 22-27, 01 703 0709; templebartrad.com.

don’t miss m, a number of On March 14 at 8.59p s will light up green g in ild u b ic n o ic st o m Dublin’s k’s Day festivities. as part of the St Patric

cooking up a storm

Culinary enthusiasts visiting Dublin in March will be delighted to hear that Dine in Dublin is back for 2013. This biannual event sees a selection of the city’s finest restaurants, cafés and bars offer promotional menus and events, giving us a fantastic opportunity to treat our taste buds and our wallets. We don’t need to tell you how busy it can get, so make sure you’re organised in advance, March 25-31, dineindublin.ie. issue 01 dylan | 7

PRIVATE TOUR

Make sure you’re not missing out with My Irish Guide, a new mobile audio tour app. Founder Stephen Place was a professional tour guide for over eight years and the app offers interesting and entertaining insights into what Dublin and its surroundings have to offer, as well as route maps and points of interest. Download the app for free and each audio guide, including city walking tours and scenic drives, €2.99, myirishguide.com.

RECIPE FOR LOVE

As part of an exciting new series of culinary masterclasses, the Dylan hotel will host a Cooking for your Valentine demo in the hotel on February 2. Star chef Robert Jacob, below, will show you how to prepare three swoon-inducing courses – and, best bit, you then get to sit down and try them all! See dylan.ie/masterclass.

homecoming

UP TO SPEED

Browse on the go, without incurring high data roaming charges, by renting an iPad while you’re in town. From just €25 a day, you will receive a WiFi- and 3G-enabled iPad, preloaded with useful local apps, delivered to your hotel and ready to go. Use the maps to check your location, see what attractions are nearby, and even check the odd email ... if you have to, ipadhire.ie.

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2013 is all about The Gathering – a yearlong party that sees family and friends returning to Ireland for hundreds of organised celebrations and festivals taking place across the country. From the Redhead Convention in Crosshaven to the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Festival in Co Kerry, there’s w something for everyone.

Maoliosa Murray’s ne Kicking off on New Year’s Eve luxury store, stocking with a huge bash on Dublin’s The Rug streets, this inspiring initiative is brands such as n designed to celebrate all Company and Betha things Irish. For details, nd, Gray exclusively in Irela thegatheringireland.com.

Fancy a bite?

Joining the club of Dublin’s on-trend eateries, Damson Diner serves up a fantastic menu of Asian and American cuisine in the hip surroundings of South William Street.

The interior oozes cool, a sort of glamorous, vintage diner that will definitely entice you.

Cocktails are a big part of the experience here. They individually infuse whiskey, rum, gin and vodka with seasonal fruits and ingredients to create unique, deeply flavoured cocktails, so go on, force yourself to try one.

52 South William Street, Dublin 2, 01 677 7007; damsondiner.com.

opens in February; maoliosa.com

roaming cinema

Our new favourite way to watch a movie is from the comfort of a bean bag! Established towards the end of last year, The Bean Bag Cinema pops up in various locations around the city and screens a mix of recent and classic films, such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, When Harry Met Sally and Donnie Darko. An entry ticket and a single bean bag is €10, or cosy up on a double for €15, thebeanbagcinema.com.

Dublin’s Most PoPular & best Value restaurant

W i n e B i ST R O

16 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 t: +353 1 676 3144

www.peploes.com

Gone are the days of wandering the city hoping to flag down a taxi. Must-have app HAILO was launched late last year in Dublin and is changing the way we book a cab. Once you download the app, you can see where the nearest taxi is and how long it will take to arrive. Select your car, which the driver will confirm, and then relax until you’re notified that your lift has arrived, hailocab.com/dublin.

note this Spoilt for choice Chef Dylan McGrath’s most recent venture opened last October in the heart of the city centre and celebrates Irish food in an exciting new way. Two restaurants under one roof, each with separate kitchens, make up the unique Fade Street Social. The Gastro-bar, above, serves up intriguing tapas-sized dishes of European influence with a twist. The relaxed interior resembles a New York loft with exposed ducts and brick walls, while an open kitchen with a rotisserie forms the centre of the space. The restaurant’s focal point is a huge wood-burning stove. After dinner, take one of their delicious cocktails to The Wintergarden, an open terrace at the top of the building, to finish off the evening. Fade Street, Dublin 2, 01 604 0066; fadestsocial.com.

lights, camera, action

The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival has grown over the last few years to become Ireland’s top film festival and is a major diary date for film buffs. Taking place February 14-24, the festival presents over 120 fantastic films from all over the world in some of the city’s finest cinemas, such as Dublin’s Light House Cinema. Many of the films will be Irish premieres and will not publically show, apart from at the festival. International celebrities can often be spotted at the festival and this year, actor and comedian Danny DeVito will attend and receive the festival career achievement award, the VOLTA; 01 662 4260; jdiff.com.

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A lovely way to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon is to stop by the Sundays @ Noon concerts in The Hugh Lane Gallery. Running from September to June, this series of free performances offers an interesting selection of Irish and international music. They take place in the stunning sculpture gallery and most Sundays see a full house, so get there early to bag a seat, 01 222 5550; hughlane.ie.

for Visit hip eatery Paulie’s , real Neapolitan pizza t, 58 Grand Canal Stree Dublin 4, 01 664 3658, juniors.ie.

LET’S DANCe

The Dublin Dance Festival, May 14-16, is a brilliant addition to the Irish arts calendar and brings exciting contemporary dance to Irish audiences. Amongst this year’s line-up, two fantastic dance companies will take to the Abbey stage: Finland’s Tero Saarinen Company with a stunning Stravinsky Evening and Ultima Vez from Belgium with What the Body Does Not Remember. Other highlights include Jean Butler’s latest work; 01 679 0524; dublindancefestival.ie.

A Lovely Gift A Lovely Gift atatany Time any Time

Portrait by Verity Welstead

Man of the hour

Widely tipped as the man to watch on the British fashion scene, Derry-born JW Anderson is racking up sartorial accolades, discovers Amanda Cochrane.

12 | dylan issue 01

as the designer who pushes boundaries while creating beautifully wearable clothes. Meanwhile, his menswear collection, which includes a bright fuchsia asymmetric coat and a pale blue lace cut-out shirt, had a more mixed reaction. “We got a lot of good reviews from key people I really respect in the industry, but some weren’t ready for it and they had a really violent reaction,” he says with a grin. “But I actually think that means we are going in the right direction.”

Jonathan William Anderson grew up in a sporting family in Magherafelt in Derry – his father was the Leinster team’s rugby coach and his brother plays for Munster – but he was introduced to the finer points of fabric by his grandfather, who was the head of a textile company, and his grandmother, whose skewed sense of humour and dress sense Jonathan inherited.

Jonathan’s fashion inspiration comes from his love of androgyny but also East London’s street culture. “I love living in London. There is such a high speed of change,” he says. “And there are so many different cultures – it’s like a soup bowl, and you feel like you are part of a growing city.”

He left Northern Ireland and headed to drama school in Washington for a couple of years, but quickly lost interest. “It wasn’t ticking enough boxes for me,” he admits. In 2004, he moved to London and applied to the London College of Fashion and at the same time worked as a visual merchandiser for Prada. “For an industry like fashion, ultimately you have to live in the city,” Jonathan says, “but to evolve and get bigger, you need to travel. Once JW’s diffusion you go to different places, you range for see different cultural Topshop has references.” been a huge JW Anderson clothing is available in Please Don’t Tell in Belfast, Opening Ceremony (London and New York), Liberty, Browns, Matches and Harrods; j-w-anderson.co.uk.

Photography by Rory van Milligan

J

W Anderson, who started his career as a dresser in Brown Thomas, Dublin, has enjoyed a meteoric rise, even by fashion’s capricious standards. He’s the confident designer who put paisley back on the fashion map, and firmly believes in making his designs in the UK and Ireland. His signature androgynous look plays with stripes, swirls and the aforementioned paisley, creating desirable, everyday clothes with an avant-garde twist.

And his talent hasn’t gone unnoticed amongst his peers. In November, Anderson, 28, proudly picked up the gong for Emerging Talent Award for his ready-to-wear collection at the British Fashion Awards.

Meanwhile, Donatella Versace has been keeping close tabs on the talented youngster and recently announced that Anderson is replacing Christopher Kane as the new designer for Versus.

Anderson’s new collection will be unveiled in New York next spring and is set to include menswear, ladieswear and a range of accessories.

The designer became a household name in September when he successfully launched his first highstreet designer collaboration with retail giant Topshop. His collection of must-have pieces included quilted paisley skirts, varsity jackets and motif jumpers. At London Fashion Week, it was hard not to bump into a fashionista wearing his distinctive designs – Alexa Chung herself was papped twice wearing his bat jumper. “It gave me the opportunity to reach a much wider audience with my designs,” he says.

“It has always been very important to me that my collections are made accessible to anyone interested in fashion and design.”

Anderson’s concise and precise womenswear collection for spring/ summer 2013, which combines minimalism with modern frills, super-sweet pastels and matching prints, confirms his well-earned status

JW Anderson’s spring/summer 2013 collection.

success.

“I love lIvIng In london. There Is such a hIgh speed of change, and There are so many different cultures – IT’s lIke a soup bowl, and you feel lIke you are parT of a growIng cITy.” issue 01 dylan | 13

Celtic Whiskey Shop Ireland’s Whiskey Experts! sh i r I e Fre iskey Wh tings Tas yday! r Eve

TRINITY COLLEGE

27-28 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 +353 (0) 1 675 9744 www.celticwhiskeyshop.com

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING Like us on Facebook at Celtic-Whiskey-Shop-WinesOn-The-Green

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Follow us on Twitter @Celticwhiskey or @Winesonthegreen

BOW TO BOW Fancy a little stroll outside the bustling city

centre? Ranelagh (just a 15-minute sashay from the hotel) is the next shopping enclave you need to know. Make a beeline for Bow & Pearl if you fancy something fashionforward without the fancy-pants price tags – the perfect clutch for €25? Tick. A pretty little Saturday-night blouse for €55? No problem. We’re rather taken with this cool digital print scarf, €40, at Bow & Pearl, 13 Ranelagh Village, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, 01 496 7408; bowandpearl.com.

No visit to the Emerald Isle is complete without a little lesson on the traditional friendship and love ring, the Claddagh. If the old-school metal design isn’t for you, add this wooden style to your super wish-list, €6 each, at Designist, 68 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, 01 475 8534; designist.ie.

Shop smart

In Dublin, cool stuff is never hard to find, so whether you have plans to traverse the city or have a little hankering to get out beyond the pale, check out Sive O’Brien’s go-to shopping guide …

t We love these laser-cu nelle, lovelies by Loulou Gre Street, €175, Smock, 31 Drury ; smock.ie Dublin 2, 01 613 9000

some neck

WE lovE ImaGINatIvE prINt. WE lovE SIlk. WE lovE IrISh DESIGNEr SuSaNNaGh GroGaN. DItSIE floral prINt SIlk SCarf, €195, at BroWN thomaS, GraftoN StrEEt, 01 605 6666; brownthomas.com

Let’s be honest, nothing says polished Americana like Tommy Hilfiger. The Dublin store is one of our all-time favourites for slick separates. This is the look for spring. Stripe top, €84.90; cotton trousers, €109; boat shoes, €139.90; leather holdall, €249.90.

Tommy Hilfiger, 11-13 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. 01 633 7010; tommyhilfiger.ie issue 01 dylan | 15

FOCUS ON … Powerscourt

Townhouse Centre

Sure, the winding streets of Dublin city are bursting with cool shopping haunts, but Powerscourt Townhouse is a super-special hub set in an 18th century historic house and smack in the centre of Dublin’s best shops. Shop, eat, drink or just browse the little independent boutiques and antique troves.

The ethos around here is all about unique pieces, your experience, and damn good finds in little gems such as A. Rubanesque and our favourite interiors store, Article. While you’re there, take time to check out our top three must-visits:

1

The Garden Drumroll please for this cookiecutter-cute flower shop with garden-tastic gifts and treats for the green-fingered. orla kiely printed enamel pots, right, from €19.

The Garden, 01 612 5260; thegardenpowerscourt.ie.

2

Bow This place has a rep for being the Dublin fash-pack’s favourite hang-out, with something for even the most fickle hipster. Choc-full of cult and under-the-radar international and Irish designers like Eilis Boyle, Tim Ryan, Electronic Sheep and some seriously snappy costume jewellery. Logo bags, above, €45 each, by Me & Emee. Bow, 01 707 1763; bowpowerscourt.com.

3

Design Centre It goes without saying, we just love fashion around here, and our homegrown designer John Rocha is our greatest style export. Take your cue from some of Ireland’s smartest dressers – find his designs (like this super-cute cheery yellow silk organza dress, €2,429) alongside the e cream of Irish and international design talent at Design Centre, 01 675 5863; designcentre.ie.

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In our book, Irish textile company Foxford produces the most beautiful, silky-soft blankies around. So it makes sense to swathe your little dote in this spotty kiddies’ version, €34, at Clerys, 18 O’Connell Street, Dublin 1, 01 878 6000; clerys.ie.

– a boutique and Check out Project 51 asing jewellery c w o sh e tiv c lle o c n desig cream of native and fashion from the th William Street, u So 51 t. isi -v st u m A t. talen ; project51.ie Dublin 2, 01 679 5551 Hackett – it’s quite simply the go-to men’s store in town.

They’ve got simple-chic covered, top-to-toe, and they’re channelling this season’s hot new Gatsbyinspired look perfectly: double-breasted pinstripe jacket, €750; cotton shirt, €150; stripe knitted tie, €95; blue pants, €180; silk handkerchief, €30, all at Hackett, 21-26 South Anne Street, Dublin 2, 01 677 0429; hackett.com.

ACCESSORISE ME

WE JuST LovE ouR JEWELLERy, ESpECIALLy WHEn IT’S MADE By IRISH TALEnT CoRonA SILvER; TuRquoISE CRySTAL AnD RIBBon nECkLACE, €96; CORONASILVER.IE.

TASTY TUNES

The Ursula Celano brand is all about designs that say “Ireland”, but in a cute, tongue-in-cheek way. Like this kooky Irish dance print apron … genius, €19.95; and cute notebooks, €8.50 each, both at The National Gallery gift shop, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, 01 661 5133; nationalgallery.ie nationalgallery.ie.

music lovErs and bEat chasErs, put thEsE on your radar, right now – monstEr EarphonEs, €299, at arnotts, 12 hEnry strEEt, dublin 1, 01 805 8400; 8400 arnotts.ie.

we dare you not to fall in love with these kat maconie platforms, €295, at cocobelle, royal hibernian way, dublin 2, 01 707 1818.

Watch Out

EvEryonE knows a watch addict (maybE it’s you?). it might bE timE to trEat yoursElf. vintagE omEga spEEdmastEr watch, €1,995, at John brErEton JEwEllErs, 33 grafton strEEt, dublin 2, 01 6775350; johnbrereton jewellers.ie

nters: Kildare u h in a rg a b d n a s ie p Calling all mag y trip with a pursea d a is tre n e C t tle u Village O ress coaches xp e g in p p o Sh . e c n friendly differe and airport, run from the city centre kildarevillage.com.

GLOVE LOVE

impeccable italian leather gloves and bags? hot-foot it to paula rowan, 31 westbury mall, dublin 2, 01 674 6662; paularowan.com

Put it on your list, now: Costume boutique – it’s undeniably cool and smack in the centre of the most hip and happening area in Dublin city. If designers like Roland Mouret, Thakoon and Isabel Marant float your boat, this is the spot for you. Silk jersey shirtdress, Isabel Marant, €560, at Costume, Castle Market, Dublin 2, 01 679 4188; costumedublin.ie.

issue 01 dylan | 17

beauty

buzz

Calling all parched post-winter skins!

Estée Lauder knows how dehydrated skin can appear more lined and look less radiant than well-nourished skin, and how it can take quite some time to bring up the levels of moisture to its zenith. So, the brand has created and recently launched the Advanced Time Zone skincare category, €66. With Tri-HA Cell Signalling Complex that helps skin boost its natural production of line-plumping hyaluronic acid by 182 per cent in three days, your skin will thank you.

If you’re looking for a quality mani/pedi in Dublin, there are two superb options at hand. Essentials, just a short stroll from the hotel, is Dublin 4’s manicure Mecca, where an extensive menu of services is expertly carried out in stylish surroundings. Essentials, 7 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4, 01 668 3036; essentials. ie. Or funk it up at Tropical Popical, a fun and very fabulous nail bar. All things kitsch and crazy are embraced here and the talon decorating talents are becoming legendary amongst girls about town. Tropical Popical, 28 South William Street, Dublin 2, 01 675 3569; tropicalpopical.ie.

Good hair days

Dublin’s hair scene is as vibrant as ever with more than enough choice for quality coiffs.

Here are two of the latest and greatest ...

1

The Hive on South Great George’s Street is a fabulously chic salon set up by renowned hairdresser Karen Fraher.

The Hive is an all-round beauty destination with a full complement of services, including tanning, nails and make-up. Karen is a huge hit with brides for her beautiful softly structured up-dos, too. 01 475 8649; thehivesalon.ie.

2

Aviary Lane on South Anne Street is a hip hair hang-out that all the fashionable ladies are happily frequenting of late. Hair rituals using the excellent Davines products, and make-up sessions featuring the much-loved Australian brand Becca, make for a very solid beauty offering, all housed in a super-cool interior. 01 611 1101; aviarylane.com.

18 | dylan issue 01

COOL BLUE

Kiehl’s offers an extensive (and excellent) skincare line for men. Razor Bump Relief, €30.50, is a soothing, calming post-shave treatment that sorts out any nicks or irritation after shaving. The Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, €30.50 (500ml), created in 1964 is very much part of the Kiehl’s heritage. All can be found in the lovely Kiehl’s boutique within Arnotts, 12 Henry Street, Dublin 1, 01 805 8400; arnotts.ie arnotts.ie.

masked beauty PARcHED POST-TRAvEL SKInS ARE In DIRE nEED Of A qUIcK PIcK-ME UP. THE RADIAnT GLOW ExPRESS MASK fROM SISLEy PROvIDES THE PERfEcT AMOUnT Of PREMIUM nUTRIEnTS TO EnLIvEn AnD InvIGORATE, €81.

event?

Need make-up for an Ken boylan in his Visit make-up maestro ctly pretty looks. rfe e p r fo n lo sa t e re St Drury n.com.

01 679 6060; kenboyla

With the trend in interesting facial hair and retro haircuts becoming more and more mainstream this creates the need for boys to be a bit more high maintenance in the grooming stakes. Enter The Grooming Rooms – a beautifully styled salon for men with a classic feel, reminiscent of a luxurious old-school barber shop. With a menu offering haircuts and hot towel shaves (€60) as well as facials and manicures, this place is a manly must-visit. The Grooming Rooms, 16 South William Street, Dublin 2, 01 679 0777; thegroomingrooms.com.

top travel essentials 1

The Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, €20 (50ml); €26 (100ml), is a light and beautifully fragrant natural rose water that refreshes the complexion – ideal on a flight.

The Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask, €79, is a great instant beautifier that many make-up artists swear by to pep up dehydrated skin post-travel.

The Prep + Prime Skin Brightening Serum from MAC, €39, imparts an immediate dose of vitality and plumps skin prior to make-up application.

Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage, €29, is a cooling and light formulation that decreases any swelling in the eye area.

A great concealer is a musthave for travelling. The iconic Touche Éclat from Yves Saint Laurent, €45.50, is still a product to take note of.

When stepping on and off a plane, the air conditioning can leave complexions lacking.

A BB cream comes into its own in these conditions with multiple skincare benefits combined with good coverage.

A cream blusher peps up cheeks and adds an undeniable glow. Stila’s Convertible Colors, €21.50, are a great example and Peony, the shade to suit all.

Waterproof mascara is a must and Rimmel does a fantastic selection, from €7.33. Don’t use these all the time, as they can dry out lashes, just on long journeys or in hot temperatures, when you can’t afford smudges.

A good hand cream is a treasure to find and one of the best and most soothing is Hand Relief from Aveda, €25.

Spend time on flights massaging Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil, €6.25, into those oft-neglected fingertips.

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nail nirvana

ChAnel reignS SuPreme WiTh iTS nAil PoliSh ColleCTionS eACh SeASon, AnD The uPComing SPring ColleCTion iS no exCePTion. emPriSe iS A nATurAl, roSy beige, ACCeSSoire iS A luxuriouS DeeP reD-broWn, AnD FrACAS, A gorgeouS AnD vibrAnT Pink, €22.

6

7

9

10

illustration by graham Corcoran grahamcorcoran.com

8

issue 01 dylan | 19

ON A

mIssION Glenn Murphy, head chef of the intimate and relaxed Dylan Restaurant, has a passion for ensuring Ireland’s fantastic produce is the star of the show.

G

lenn Murphy – a sociology student with a vague notion of joining the police – was at Glastonbury watching his favourite musicians when he realised he had to change career. No, he was not overwhelmed with the desire to grab an electric guitar and churn out power chords. He fancied a gourmet food van – the perfect way to tour from festival to festival.

His parents – who are both great cooks – were encouraging, said he ought to go to catering college, and so he signed up for a two-year course in Yeovil, a quaint town in Somerset, UK, where he grew up. “Once I started to understand gastronomy, there was only one way I wanted to take my career,” Glenn recalls. “And that was on the fine dining side.”

ON TO IRELAND

In 1997, out of the blue, his career took another twist – across the Irish Sea. His father – a Murphy with an Irish grandfather – was on holiday in Dublin and got chatting to a man at Jurys Hotel, 20 | dylan issue 01

Ballsbridge. The result: a stint of summer holiday work experience. He clearly had talent, as a year later, he was offered a job and made the move permanent.

Glenn worked his way up through the culinary ranks until he was hired as sous chef at the Dylan. In February, he was promoted to head chef – his passion for local and seasonal Irish ingredients cooked with a light touch fitted the bill perfectly.

“I focus on cooking techniques that bring out the natural flavour of each ingredient,” he says. “I like my plates to go out to the customer looking clean and well presented.”

sTAYING LOCAL

The Dylan has forged close links with an array of suppliers, from Wexford lamb farmers and cheesemakers like Ardsallagh to organic vegetable growers and fishermen. They all understand exactly what Glenn is looking for. “I love using king scallops, but vegetables right at the peak of their season are hard to beat,” he says. “There is an excitement in the kitchen when we get local produce in beautiful condition.”

Is there a dish that sums up the Dylan? He thinks for a

GlENN’s DESERT ISLAND DISh

moment. “Baked, pickled and marinated local heritage beetroot, Ardsallagh goat’s cheese mousse, smoked beetroot purée, and savoury crumb,” he suggests. “All Irish ingredients with different textures and flavours; it’s a very pretty looking dish.”

Fine dining in post-Celtic Tiger Ireland has become more hearty – in a good way – and realistic. Glenn likes to ensure the menu is always evolving, but is keen to offer great value.

So new cuts of meat now star on the menu, especially those traditional but long-forgotten goodies that are meltingly tender after a long braise in the pot, over a low heat.

DEEP ROOTS

Glenn was destined to love food. His first food experience was watching his Italian nana “making her delicious gnocchi.

My dad is a really good cook,”

» Daube of beef, celeria c and vanilla purée, caramelised shallot, pickled celeriac, herb potato, and chestnut mushroom jus. he adds, “and he was always trying out different cuisines when I was growing up.

During the week, we might get lasagne, beef in a black bean sauce, and lamb rogan josh, but on a Sunday, it was always a roast. He does the best roast potatoes around.”

Today, Glenn plays golf rather than the electric guitar, but his dream of a gourmet food truck has almost come true. The Dylan Restaurant stand is a regular at Taste of Dublin, and there’s no doubt it would do a roaring trade at Ireland’s Electric Picnic Music Festival. “Mmm … that’s a very interesting idea.”

Seared King Scallops, Pea and Mint purée, pickled Cauliflower , with Pancetta Crisp Ingredients Serves 6

For the pea & mint purÉe * 200g frozen peas * 1 finely diced shallot * 500ml vegetable stock * juice of ½ lemon * dash of crème de menthe For the pickled cauliFlower * 3 cauliflower florets * 300g water * 200g white wine vinegar * 100g caster sugar * 50g olive oil (not extra virgin) * 1 star anise * 5g mustard seeds * salt, to taste

top tip

onCe you have CookeD The peaS, iT iS iMporTanT To GeT TheM BlenDeD anD CooleD aS quiCkly aS poSSiBle To keep a BriGhT Green Colour

For the seared scallops * 18 king scallops * salt and black pepper * 20 pea shoots, to garnish * sliced pancetta cut into lardons

method

1

For the pea & mint purée Bring stock to the boil. add

peas and shallots. once liquid comes back to the boil, remove peas and shallots from the stock and blend in a food processor until smooth, adding a little of the stock at a time to loosen the purée. you will only need to use a small amount of stock. Season with salt and pepper and add lemon juice. add a dash of crème de menthe. pass through a fine sieve and cool on a shallow tray in the fridge.

For the pickled cauliflower Break off tiny pieces of cauliflower from the florets. Combine water, vinegar, sugar, oil and spices. warm the pickling liquid to dissolve the sugar and salt and to bring out the flavour of the spices. Take off the heat and add the cauliflower. Cool and store in an airtight jar in the fridge.

For the scallops Bake pancetta on a baking tray at 160°C for five minutes. preheat grill pan over high heat. Sear scallops for one to two minutes per side, depending on size.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

2

3

chocolate fondant Ingredients

Makes 10 portions

* 250g unsalted butter * 250g 70% dark chocolate * 134g caster sugar * 63g plain flour * 250g eggs * 100g egg yolk

method

1 2 3

Melt butter and chocolate together in a bain-marie.

Cream sugar, eggs and egg yolk together in a mixer or by hand.

Combine butter and chocolate with the sugar and eggs. Then add flour and mix well.

top tip

Do noT leT The ChoColaTe Mix Cool Before you pour inTo MoulDS. iT MuST Be poureD while STill GloSSy.

4

Grease moulds and fill two-thirds. Store in fridge until ready to serve.

Bake in a pre-heated oven for 8 minutes at 180˚C. Serve with seasonal berries and ice cream or sorbet of your choice.

5 6

issue 01 dylan | 21

taste of

success

Stout and imported lager taps once paraded the top of every pub in the land, but the rise of craft beers is adding some muchneeded variety, writes BenWebb.

Scott Baigent and Cameron Wallace are the beer-loving brains behind Eight Degrees Brewing, Ireland’s newest brewery.

I

n Ireland, the home of Guinness, Murphy’s and Beamish, why bother brewing something new and different? That’s the day-today question facing the Irish craft brewers bravely challenging the powerful All Blacks and bland lagers backed by multinationals. The answer is that they just love creating magical flavours out of malt and hops. They are evangelical about it, too, and believe beer fans will be converted as soon as they’ve had a chance to taste it.

The story starts in 1996, when pioneers Liam LaHart and Oliver Hughes – intrepid, determined and a little bit mad – opened The Porterhouse, Ireland’s first brewery pub.

It was a gamble. “There we were, in a land rich in the culture of drinking, but totally dominated by large global drinks companies,” Oliver recalls. “Nobody thought we had a chance – least of all our accountants.”

But the bottom line told a different story. It proved they had tapped into a potentially lucrative demand for beer that actually tastes of something. Today, there are six Porterhouse bars – three in Dublin and one each in Bray, Co Wicklow, London and New York – and craft beer is established in the Irish bar scene. “Our Plain Porter has won a gold medal at the world’s most prestigious brewing Oscars, twice,” Oliver adds.

“Not only are we very proud of our beers, but also we happen to brew the best stout in the world, and we brew it here in Dublin!”

The market is bubbling along nicely, but there is still a huge room for growth, and new breweries are opening all the time. And it’s not just earnest home-brew aficionados with big beards. Ireland’s newest brewery, Eight Degrees, was set up by two cocky (self-confessed!) Antipodeans. Cameron Wallace, the Aussie, and Scott Baigent, the Kiwi, followed their girlfriends to

“There we were, in a land rich in The culTure of drinking, buT ToTally dominaTed by large global drinks companies.

Nobody thought we had a chaNce – leasT of all our accounTanTs.”

Ireland and loved everything about the country. Apart from the beer.

“The epiphany came over a pint in Dublin,” Scott says. “We were lamenting the selection of beers and the absence of full-flavoured, tasty craft beers. We were calling Ireland home, but that night we decided we couldn’t drink bland mass-market beers for the foreseeable future!”

They wrote a business plan, raised money from family, friends, banks and enterprise boards, picked a location in the foothills of the Galtee Mountains, bought kit from Carlow Brewing, churned through the endless paperwork (licences and more licences) and finally planned to start brewing on

issue 01 dylan | 23

Clockwise from left: L Mulligan Grocer in Stoneybatter; The Porterhouse Central in Dublin; a selection of Eight Degrees beer.

“Our very first batch Of hOwling gale ale was unpalatable it was sO bitter. We quietly drained it aWay, plucked up courage, and breWed again. fOrtunately, the next One was absOlutely fantastic!”

24 | dylan issue 01

April Fools’ Day. “Our very first batch of Howling Gale Ale was unpalatable it was so bitter,” Scott recalls. “We quietly drained it away, plucked up courage, and brewed again.

Fortunately, the next one was absolutely fantastic!”

Eight Degrees, which supplies the Dylan Hotel, now makes three beers – Howling Gale Ale, Sunburnt Irish Red, and Knockmealdown Porter – and various seasonal beers. “We’ve been getting a great reaction from people,” Scott says.

“Restaurants are finding that craft beer matches incredibly well with food, and people are looking for something different in pubs and off licences. It’s been really exciting to see people embracing Irish craft beer.”

For craft beer fans, finding a great place to drink or buy their favourite tipple has never been easier. All they have to do is download a handy app called Beoirfinder, which reveals all the pubs, bars and restaurants that sell craft beer in the area. Beoir – the Gaelic word for beer – is the name of an independent group of consumers dedicated to raising craft beer awareness. It’s a voluntary non-profit organisation and costs a tenner to join. Their directory is growing fast.

At the last count, they already had 21 breweries and an impressive 383 pubs and bars.

Dublin Craft Beer Bars

Green hops and ears of barley, pictured here, are two of the key ingredients along with yeast and water, used to make premier Irish craft beer.

Against the Grain

A solid, enjoyable and lively drinking hole for anyone in search of real beer.

The food is hearty and a perfect accompaniment to a pint. Why not try a pint of Galway Bay Stormy Port and then do the popular table quiz.

But don’t drink too much if you want to win. 11 Wexford Street, Dublin 2.

L Mulligan Grocer

Everything about this wonderful hideaway is proudly Irish. The seasonal menu is packed with the best Irish produce, from the beef and mussels to their famous Scotch egg.

And the same goes for the long list of Irish craft beers. 18 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7; lmulligangrocer.com.

The Exchequer

An unashamed gastropub, the award-winning Exchequer, which opened in 2009, serves fantastic food.

It also serves cocktails and has a great wine list, but many beer fans head there simply to try the range of craft beers from all over the world. 3-5 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2; theexchequer.ie.

The Porterhouse

“It’s very hard to keep track of every new outlet for Irish craft beer,” says John Duffy, Beoir’s treasurer.

“We’re just coming up on our 500th entry and no doubt there are plenty more we’ve missed. For the last couple of years, the restaurants have been the main drivers for beer diversity, but recently the pubs have reasserted themselves. Each week, more pubs are realising that providing something other than the mainstream brands, gives them a competitive edge.”

A great place for publicans to meet craft brewers and taste test new beers is at the RDS’s annual Craft Beer Festival in September. It’s a real highlight on the craft brewing calendar. But when all

the fun and games of the festival are over, the brewers return to the day-today responsibility of producing consistently excellent and exciting beers. It is clearly a serious business, but most certainly a labour of love.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but we get a lot of enriching experiences – getting positive feedback on our beers, scheming new brews and hanging out with fellow craft brewers – that more than makes up for it,” says Scott Baigent of Eight Degrees Brewing. “There is a strong community of craft breweries that all want to introduce people to tasty, locally produced craft beer. It is a classic David and Goliath story, and we are the underdogs.”

Dublin’s original brewery pub has been flying the flag for craft beer since 1996. With its own beers on offer – as well as a wide selection of other craft world beers – it has something for all beer fans. Traditional live music, too, and great pub grub.

16-18 Parliament Street, Dublin 2; porterhousebrewco.com.

issue 01 dylan | 25

Frenchman Raphael Blondelle, Dylan’s Food & Beverage Manager, chats to BenWebb about the hidden secrets of the spirit world.

I

n the Hollywood blockbuster Cocktail, Tom Cruise serves his garish drinks in a whirl of spinning bottles, glittering white teeth and bouncing chrome mixers to the sound of the “Hippy Hippy Shake”. In the Dylan bar, the ambience is rather different. With its cool jewel-toned furniture and pewter bar, it’s suave and enjoyably cool. Just how Raphael, the debonair head mixologist, likes it. “The atmosphere is young, vibrant, relaxed and happy,” he says with Gallic tones that enhance the overall effect. “With five-star service, of course.” Mais bien sûr.

Raphael’s path to the Dylan started in France, where he trained to be a chef – which is a good place to start, as the world of cocktails is all about good taste. In 2000, he moved to Ireland to improve his English, fell for “a beautiful Irish girl”, and never looked back.

“I apply my cooking skills to the way I mix drinks,” he says. “There are products that complement each other, like strawberry and balsamic vinegar or chocolate and raspberry. Having a good palate is vital.”

Photograph by Anthony Woods

master of

mixology

26 | dylan issue 01

Enjoy a selection of slick cocktails at the stylish Dylan hotel bar.

RAPHAEL’S CHOCOLATE TREAT

There is often a trademark cocktail that sums up the establishment. At the Dylan, Raphael suggests it is a chocolate treat he calls the Dylan Chocolate Martini, a sweet and punchy blend of Havana Club Añejo Especial, Coole Swan, his special chocolate mixture (a sumptuous mix of Hennessy VS, Nutella and sugar syrup), and a dash of milk. Shake with ice and double strain into a chilled martini glass. But don’t forget to garnish with flake shavings.

It will come as no surprise to hear that Raphael, 35, likes to give the classics a bit of a twist. “Cocktailmaking is partly a science and partly an art,” Raphael explains with a serious stare. “But more importantly,” he adds, a smile suddenly breaking across his face, “it is about passion and fun. I spend time researching how products evolve.

You do not treat a Scotch and an Irish whiskey the same way because they are crafted differently. I am always following world trends and new techniques. I put an emphasis on finding the right balance of flavours and on presentation. It is vital to make every drink appealing.”

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS

Ready for some really good news?

Raphael gives mixology masterclasses, €35, so you too can learn to create the

TRY THIS AT HOME At the Dylan, we like to make our own infusions with syrup, vodka, cachaça, and a host of other drinks. It is a fun and easy way to create something delicious and unique at home.

Lavender syrup

You need sugar (100g), water (100ml) and fresh lavender (20g). Mix sugar with boiling water and lavender. Let syrup cool down and then pour into a bottle. After 48 hours, strain syrup to remove lavender. This will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge.

Lemon, lavender and basil mojito You need three lemons, limoncello (25ml), Havana rum (25ml), lavender syrup (10ml), and five basil leaves.

Muddle lemon, bruise the basil and build the ingredients in a tall Collins glass with crushed ice.

perfect cocktail. This is not a lecture in the theory of cocktails – although, you will get the lowdown on the history of each drink and the required technique – but a hands-on shake-it-all-about opportunity to create your very own masterpiece. After two hours, you will get a certificate and the chance to sit back and sample your handiwork in the Dylan bar.

Homemade lemon and honey cachaça infusion

Pour a bottle of Fuba cachaça (Brazilian rum) into a jug. Add slices of a full lemon and three dessert spoons of honey. Leave for one or two weeks. Transfer cachaça into a bottle. Now prepare to amaze your friends by making your very own Caipirinhas.

So, then, what is the secret to making the perfect cocktail?

“Technique, flair and passion,” Raphael explains. “A mixologist must promote the spirit in a very honest way by enhancing it with the right flavours.

But every day there are new products to try – at the moment, it’s flavoured spirits such as vodka and whiskey.

I am still learning!” issue 01 dylan | 27

Blessed are the

cheesemakers I Cheese lovers around the world can’t get enough of Ireland’s fantastic artisan products. Ben Webb reports on an amazing culinary revolution. n a way, it started with a one-horned cow called Brisket. Veronica Steele, who lived on a farm in Cork, needed to find a way to use the gallons of creamy milk the cow produced each day, and in 1976 began to make cheese – first cheddar and then a soft cheese. And very nice it was, too.

Then, one day, as in all good stories, she had a stroke of luck. She sent some of her cheese off to the Blue Bull restaurant in Sneem, where, lo and behold, Declan Ryan, the owner of the Arbutus Lodge Hotel, was staying. He tried the cheese, loved it, and frowned in amazement when he discovered it was not from deepest France. The next day, Myrtle Allen booked in and polished it off. Milleens Cheese was born, and its name spread wide and fast.

In a way, it was also the start of the Irish cheese revolution. It was the late 1970s and flares were going out of fashion. Punk rockers – determined to do their own thing – were snatching power away from big music companies. And

similarly, albeit with a more tasteful end product, a coterie of Irish cheesemakers were starting to take on the large-scale factories that churned out cheddar, cheddar and yet more cheddar.

Veronica wasn’t the only farmer with big ideas. Across the country, new artisans let their imaginations run riot and experimented. They read up on the subject, tried new styles and flavours, and began to make superb products. In 1983, the Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers Association was founded and the new market began to mature nicely.

Irish cheesemaking today

Today, a trip to the RDS for the hugely popular Irish Cheese Awards reveals just what an incredible variety of different cheeses we make. Cream or hard. Tangy or mild. The array of flavours and styles is inspiring. The panel of judges have a wonderfully tough time choosing the best cheese in 15 different classes. Winners range from Tipperary’s Cooleeney (Bloomy Rind) to Cork’s Ardrahan (Smoked) and from Kilkenny’s Knockdrinna Meadow (Sheep’s Cheese) to, yes, Cork’s Milleens Dote (Semi-Soft).

Ireland, with its fantastic cattle and amazing countryside – from herby mountainsides blown by salty winds to the lush grasses of the inland valleys – is perfect for cheese. Kevin Sheridan, cheese lover and owner of Sheridans Cheesemongers, the organisers of the event, is unsurprisingly in a buoyant mood about the story. “There is a phenomenal amount of interest in Irish farmhouse cheese, and this is reflected in the growth of the sector, both at home and abroad,” he says.

Choosing the winner is obviously difficult and, in many ways, down to personal taste. Today, an Irish cheeseboard selection sits happily with the very best in the world. Hotels also have to go through the challenging – but enjoyable – process whenever they select cheese for the menu. The suppliers are all fantastic. The Dylan, for example, which takes its cheese board very seriously indeed, is delighted to offer Ardsallagh, Cooleeney, Cashel Blue, Glebe Brethan and Milleens.

Brisket – the one-horned cow – would ruminate on this great Irish success story and low contentedly.

ON OUR CHEESEBOARD...

Ardsallagh A soft and tangy goat’s cheese made near Carrigtwohill village in Cork.

Cooleeney A creamy, raw milk, Camembert-style cheese made in Tipperary.

Cashel Blue A tangy blue cheese, made by the Grubb family, which packs just the right amount of punch.

28 | dylan issue 01

Glebe Brethan One of Ireland’s finest raw milk cheeses made in the Gruyere-style by the Tiernan family in Louth.

Milleens A soft, washedrind, cow’s milk cheese made by the legendary Veronica Steele – the woman who started the Irish Farmhouse cheese revolution.

Where to buy ...

Sheridans Cheesemongers 1 1South Anne Street, Dublin 2.

01 679 3143; sheridanscheesemongers.com Fallon & Byrne 1 1-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2.

01 472 1010; fallonandbyrne.com

A recent Irish Cheese awards reveals what a variety of cheeses we make. Cream or hard.

Tangy or mild. The array of flavours and styles is inspiring.

Clockwise from top left: Cashel Blue; Jane from Ardsallagh; Milleens; Jim and the cows from Cooleeney; Cashel Blue with pears; Glebe Brethan cheese; Ardsallagh; Glebe Brethan cheese maker; members of the team at Cashel Blue; Glebe Brethan; Glebe Brethan sliced.

issue 01 dylan | 29

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Clodagh McKenna, TV chef and resTauraTeur, runner Clodagh McKenna trained as a Chef at CorK’s faMous BallyMaloe CooKery sChool. she has puBlished three CooKery BooKs, presented various irish CooKery prograMMes, and runs her eponyMous Café, restaurant and food MarKet in arnotts departMent store in duBlin.

On the go

From jogging the pier to sailing off Roaring Water Bay, Lizzie Gore-Grimes discovers how some of Ireland’s most familiar faces like to keep fit. Photography Hugh McElveen.

“I love to run. The great thing about running is that it doesn’t matter where you are – if you’re in any city in the world or out in the middle of the countryside, there is always somewhere to run. I travel quite a bit for work and it’s my favourite way to explore a new city.

In Dublin, I love to jog Dun Laoghaire Pier, as it’s just five minutes from my home and the fresh salty air is so cooling as you run, not to mention that fabulous view. Early morning is the best time to hit the pier – you can see the city waking up in the distance.

I also love Killiney Hill – the views from the top stretch right down to Wicklow and running through the forested area is lovely. On a sleepy Sunday, you can’t beat a jog along the canal, when the city is quiet and you can enjoy the water.

“Healthy eating is also really important to me. I recently invested in a Green Star juicer – it was expensive, but well worth it, as I think juicing is one of the best ways to stay healthy. First thing in the morning, I make myself a juice with cucumber, celery, carrot, apple, spinach and wheatgrass.

I also eat at least three portions of beetroot a week, and I try to eat more fish than meat.

“I’ve created a new salad for my menu at Clodagh’s Kitchen Restaurant, which is full of chickpeas, grated beetroot, fennel, carrot, rocket, pumpkin seeds and quinoa, and it’s so good, I can’t get enough of it.”

issue 01 dylan | 31

Karen Koster, TV presenTer, weighT Training Karen Koster is a presenter on tV3’s Xposé, ireland’s entertainment and fashion show. during her time on the programme, Karen has interViewed big-name stars such as morgan freeman, sandra bullocK, leonardo dicaprio and Kate winslet. one of the parts she loVes most about her job is reporting from the red carpet at the oscars and the cannes film festiVal.

“I’m like a house cat. I love the indoors! At the first hint of rain, I close the curtains and retreat to the couch. So exercise-wise, it’s always been the gym for me. I have a great trainer, Alan Byrne, who I’ve been with for years. He keeps me on the ball and pushes me much harder than I would push myself. Although, when I told him I was getting married, he got a little too motivated, and now I can’t keep up with him!

“My physical health is getting more and more important to me as I get older. I would definitely prefer to look fit and strong, rather than skinny. I love to see muscle definition, but unfortunately I’ve got a little blubber covering those hard-earned muscles, as I love my food. But I try and eat healthily for the most part. I do consciously think about what I eat every day and I feel better when I eat healthy food – but I don’t do diets. I just try and keep an eye on my portion sizes. When a nutritionist on Xposé told me the actual size of protein, carbs, etc I should have on my plate, I was appalled. I realised I had been completely overeating and my body just didn’t need all the food I was putting into it.

“I read recently ‘abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym’. So there’s no point working hard in the gym and then eating rubbish – as Alan says, you can’t out-train a bad diet!”

32 | dylan issue 01

PJ GallaGher, comedian and TV presenTer, BmX and moTorBike racer PJ GallaGher is one of ireland’s best-loved comedians. he made his name in the hilarious and sometimes outraGeous hit tv show Naked Camera, and hasn’t slowed down since. in his latest tv show, meet Your Neighbours, PJ travelled to the us for filminG and came to the attention of conan o’brien, who says he loves his “classic comedy with a twist”.

“I wasn’t overly sporty as a kid, but I was big into BMX and lived for anything on two wheels. I would have loved to play Gaelic football, but my ability to catch a ball is slightly worse than my ability to speak Japanese. I’ve been into motorcycles for as long as I can remember now, but never thought I’d be good enough to race them. Then I met a guy called Mark ‘Bigman’ Kelly and he showed me the ropes. He was a mechanic for Joey Dunlop back in the day. Ten days before my first race, I broke my collarbone, but I just strapped it up and gave it a go anyway and I came tenth. I’ll never forget the pain getting into the leather suit that day, but the adrenaline and fear kept me going during the race. Then in 2010, I won my first motorbike race and was ecstatic. I went on to win four races back to back on my return and I think that was actually the best week of my life. normally races comedian PJ Gallagher ted racing star has but motorbikes . bmX bikes again for fun

“When not on a motorbike, I do lots of cycling with Clontarf Cycling Club. I love cycling around North Dublin. You have to finish a good cycle with a climb over Howth Hill and a coffee. I’ve also started racing BMX again for pure fun – Ratoath BMX track is amazing and you can’t beat the buzz of a day at the track there. And when the cold weather comes in, mountain biking in the hills is hard to beat.

Ultimately, if it’s on two wheels, I’m on for it.” issue 01 dylan | 33

BoBBy Kerr, businessman, sailor BoBBy Kerr is an irish entrepreneur, Businessman and Broadcaster. he is chairman of the hugely successful irish coffee chain insomnia, presents a popular sunday morning Business radio show on newstalK, and is a former dragon on rte’s Dragons’ Den.

“I’d have to say, I have a constant ongoing battle with fitness. I go to the gym at 7am three mornings a week and I cycle around 30-40km a week in an effort to keep the wolf from the door. I played lots of rugby as a young man, and fitness came easy then. These days, I have to work hard at it, but I do it because I know it helps me relax and unwind and de-stress my mind.

“But sailing is my real passion.

I’ve been at it for 25 years now. I race a Sigma 33 competitively every Thursday night and Saturday afternoon during the season, and I love it. There is a tight team of seven competitive people on the boat and it’s just great to be out in the open air. I have owned the Sigma for the last 12 years.

“In Dublin, I sail out of Dun Laoghaire, and you can’t beat Dublin Bay on a clear day, but I really look forward to Calves Week, which I take part in every year in Schull. West Cork boasts some stunning spots – Kinsale and Glandore are two that are hard to beat.

“I’ve raced in Newport, Rhode Island and have sailed around Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Majorca and Scotland, where I fell in love with a little place called the Kyles of Bute.

But give me a day sailing off the coast of Cork – Roaring Water Bay and the islands of Cape Clear and Sherkin – and I am in heaven!”

34 | dylan issue 01

Kathleen MacMahon, author, walker Kathleen MacMahon’s first novel, This is how iT Ends, was published to critical acclaiM last year, spent five weeKs at the top of the bestseller list in ireland, and is currently being translated into More than 20 languages. it tells the Moving tale of an irish-aMerican love affair set by the sea in sandyMount. Kathleen is currently worKing on her next novel.

“In the summer, I love to swim in the sea. Seapoint is my swimming place of choice and I am never happier than when I’m sitting on a rock in my wet togs with the sun on my face and my eyes closed while I eavesdrop on the conversations all around me. In the winter, I swim in the pool, but it’s not the same.

“I spent my childhood and adolescence doggedly resisting any form of physical exertion, but I’ve actually become quite a fit person in my adulthood. I have to say, team sports still give me the fear, so I choose solitary forms of exercise that work for my head as well as my body. I love walking and swimming and I’ve recently become a yoga addict. My 16-year-old self would be appalled.

“Like the character in my book, Addie, I do love to walk my dog on Sandymount Strand. There’s no happier sight than watching her chase after the ball through the shallows.

Although, my husband is taking on more and more of the dog-walking duties, as I’m trying to get another book written! I also love to walk along the canal – especially in autumn (walk along one bank in any direction and then cross over a lock and come back on the other side). The Phoenix Park is also magical at any time of year, with its vast herd of increasingly tame deer.

But the best walk I’ve had recently was a stroll home along the quays on a clear evening, with the Samuel Beckett Bridge lit up in all its splendour. That’s a sight that would give you hope for this city of ours.”

issue 01 dylan | 35

The Little Museum of Dublin is full of interesting artefacts.

urban secrets

There’s no doubt when you arrive in a new city, you want to get stuck in straightaway.

And while guidebooks are great, what you really want to know is where are all those great hidden gems the locals love? Síne Sykes gives you the insider’s guide to Dublin.

36 | dylan issue 01

Visit the beautiful collections at The Chester Beatty Library.

Image courtesy of Temple Bar Cultural Trust: Photography by Patrick Redmond

M

ost visitors to Dublin are familiar with Temple Bar, but it’s knowing where to go when you get there that’s key. One place to put on your radar is Meeting House Square, a cool, all-weather space and a great spot to catch something a bit different. The urban square features a movie screen with projection facilities, a built-in stage, and a retractable canopy roof, so at the first sign of the – some might say inevitable – rain, the umbrellas bloom overhead, allowing events to go ahead as planned. Food lovers rave about the weekly farmers’ market, which takes place every Saturday from 10am4.30pm. But there’s also a variety of fun events that take place on the square throughout the year, including outdoor movie nights and music performances.

For more, 01 677 2255; meetinghousesquare.ie.

The Chester Beatty Library is often overlooked when people talk about Dublin museums. Perhaps locals have orchestrated it this way to keep this treasure to themselves. Assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, the rich collection showcases a fascinating mix of cultures and religions through prints, drawings and rare books, including the Biblical Papyri and a beautiful

The weekly farmers’ market at Meeting House Square is a popular spot.

Food lovers rave about the weekly farmers’ market in Meeting house square, which takes place every saturday. collection of Qur’an manuscripts.

Pieces from across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe make up the diverse collection. Be sure to make a pit stop at the museum’s popular Silk Road Café for a bite of lunch after your visit. Admission is free. Open May 1 to September 30, cbl.ie.

Tucked away close to St Stephen’s Green, The Iveagh Gardens provide an oasis of calm in the city centre.

Unknown even to many Dubliners, these beautiful walled gardens are a great spot to escape to for a quiet stroll or picnic on a warm day. Access the gardens from Hatch Street and rather than finding one big open space, you’ll be led along many winding leafy paths that may take you to the mini maze or perhaps the beautiful cascade.

Throughout the year, the gardens play host to key events such as Africa Day and Taste of Dublin, so keep an eye out at heritageireland.ie for more details.

Opening hours vary depending on the time of year, so do check the website before your visit.

The Iveagh Gardens are an oasis of calm in the city.

A visit to the Old Dublin enclave of Smithfield is a must with St Michan’s Church (reviewed overleaf) and the Jameson Distillery both there. But the real reason we’re sending you there is to visit foodie find Brother Hubbard on Capel Street. This recently opened, independent café has reviewers raving about their delicious food and friendly staff. Quality is everything to owners Garrett and James. The café has no display fridges, legally, “for the simple reason that the food tastes better served at room temperature” they say. Instead, they ensure every item is freshly made to order, and you can really taste the difference. A small but stellar menu offers soups, salads and sandwiches, and be sure to leave room for a pastry – we love the cinnamon scrolls. At the time of going to print, we heard rumblings of evening opening hours, so be sure to check out the website for more details. Open Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm and Saturday from 10am-5pm, 01 441 1112; brotherhubbard.ie. issue 01 dylan | 37

Clockwise from top left The Little Museum of Dublin; The Chester Beatty Library; the beer garden at The Bernard Shaw; delicious pastries on display at Brother Hubbard.

If a blast of sea air is what you need, take the DART, Dublin’s overground train system, out to Howth. A small fishing village on the northside of Dublin Bay, Howth is the perfect spot for a refreshing walk on the pier, taking in the stunning views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. At the weekends, the area around the old fishing harbour buzzes with a lively farmers’ market offering fresh seafood chowder, home-baked breads, divine sweet treats and, of course, oceans of fresh fish. Once you’ve worked up an appetite walking the pier, you can enjoy a casual bite in the form of an excellent box of fish n’ chips from Beshoff’s or take things up a notch and enjoy an elegant but accessibly priced seafood lunch at East Café at the King Sitric, 01 832 5235; kingsitric.ie.

Situated on St Stephen’s Green, The Little Museum of Dublin is fascinating for Dubliners and tourists alike. Located in one of Dublin’s beautiful Georgian houses, the museum chronicles social, 38 | dylan issue 01

DID YOU KNOW SHAKING HANDS WITH A MUMMIFIED CRUSADER CAN BRING YOU gooD FoRtUnE? political and cultural life in our capital city during the 20th century through its display of donated artefacts. Opt for a tour so you can really appreciate the exhibits, plus your guide will fill you in on great stories behind some of the pieces, including those related to famous visitors such as US President John F Kennedy and Muhammad Ali. Admission free on Wednesdays. Open

Monday to Sunday from 10.30am-6pm; Thursday from 10.30am-8pm, 01 661 1000; littlemuseum.ie.

The Vintage Cocktail Club opened its doors late last year and is already one of Temple Bar’s hottest new secrets, offering a large collection of seriously good cocktails and a small plates menu.

An unassuming exterior leads the way to three beautifully fitted-out floors, inspired by the glamorous 1920s.

Cocktail aficionados will love the menu, which includes a choice of old-school, classic cocktails such as The Millionaire (Gosling’s dark rum and sloe gin infused with hints of apricot and lime), along with some of VCC’s bespoke creations – try a Dark and Stormy (dark rum and fresh ginger beer) or a Blood Orange Cosmopolitan. To nibble while you sip, the menu offers elegant bites, such as watermelon with roasted figs, goat’s cheese and candied pecans or wild mushroom toast. While more substantial offerings include hanger steak served with charred winter vegetables and shoestring fries. It can get pretty crowded, so it’s best to book a table. Open seven nights a week from 6pm-3am, 01 675 3547; vintagecocktailclub.com.

We have all heard of the luck of the Irish, but did you know shaking hands with a mummified crusader can bring you good fortune? At least, that’s the story they tell us in one of the city’s more unusual attractions – St Michan’s Church. Located on the north side of the city, the church itself has an interesting history. The present building dates back to 1685 and houses one of the oldest organs in Ireland, on which, legend says, Handel practised for the first performance of “Messiah”.

However, lying below the church is the main, albeit eerie, attraction – the crypts. Five long burial vaults contain wooden caskets, some of which have cracked open revealing mummified remains that are centuries old. Among the remains are the legendary Sheares brothers, leaders of the 1798 rebellion, who were executed that year. Amongst another group of coffins lies the crusader. If you’re brave enough, you can touch him for good luck. Open Monday to Saturday all year, but times vary, so check the website before you visit, 01 872 4154; stmichans.com.

WITH A BAR, LOWER BAR AND GRAFFITI-COVERED BEER GARDEN, THE PLACE FEELS LIKE A FUNKIFIED OLD MAN’S PUb, WITHOUT THE OLD MEN. If you want to hang out with Dublin’s hipster crowd, make a beeline for The Bernard Shaw pub, off Camden Street. Equipped with a bar, lower bar and graffiti-covered beer garden, the place feels like a funkified old man’s pub, without the old men. Come for a drink and you’ll always get more.

Whether it’s a backyard car boot sale, an art exhibition, a live show or a hot tub party, there’s usually something going on. Their weekly nights, from Thursday to Sunday, get pretty packed and play a great mix of music, from house to jazz and roots reggae to hip hop. In the beer garden, a retired double decker bus from London has been transformed into

on the pulse While you’re in toWn, check out these sites for up-to-theminute details on pop-up club nights, exhibitions and groovy goings-on in the city … nialler9.com ireland’s most read music blog will satisfy those in search of some tunes with the weekly gig guide and dublin music guide. you might chance upon some new music while you’re there, @Nialler9. dublintown.ie a good compilation of what this town has to offer. listing everything from places to shop and eat to cultural spots and events, @DublinTown. dublineventguide.com the dublin event guide was set up to inform about an array of free events on around the city. around 10,000 readers get the weekly ezine, but you can also check out the website. it contains a fantastic mix, from street performances to concerts and exhibitions to lectures.

Be transported back to the 1920s at the Vintage Cocktail Club.

the Big Blue Bus, a pizza kitchen and restaurant, which is open all week from 6pm until closing ... my particular favourite is the Great Green (tomato, mozzarella, wild mushrooms, feta, spinach, and fresh rocket). Open seven days a week, 085 712 8342; thebernardshaw.com.

If you want to escape the city for a few hours, pick up a Dublin Bike (the hotel has Dublin Bike cards for guests; Dublinbikes.ie) and cycle into the magnificent Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in a European capital city. Peddle through the park, past the tame deer, and make your way to The Boat House Café on the Farmleigh House Estate, a foodie find amid the trees, and enjoy tea and homemade cake overlooking the lake.

Afterwards, take a stroll around the historic house and gardens. The park is also home to Dublin Zoo, the Victorian flower gardens and Áras an Uachtaráin, our President’s private residence. The Boat House Café is open seven days a week, 01 815 7255; farmleigh.ie.

There’s always something interesting going on at Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar, offering visitors the chance to experience the work of established and emerging Irish and international contemporary artists.

With two performance spaces and a gallery with a series of free exhibitions,

a year-round programme covers everything from music and dance to theatre and visual arts. The centre is also used for a number of the city’s festivals, such as the Dublin Writers’ Festival, Dublin Fringe Festival, Dublin Dance Festival, and Europe’s New Jazz Festival.

Visit the website or pop in for programme information – you never know what you might find, 01 881 9613; projectartscentre.ie.

See what’s on at Project Arts Centre.

issue 01 dylan | 39

Blarney Castle & Gardens Renowned for bestowing the gift of eloquence

See and feel Irelands heritage, built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains.

Spend the day exploring the extensive grounds and gardens.

Open all year round 5 miles from Cork Open Monday- Sunday 9-6 www.blarneycastle.ie info@blarneycastle.ie n

n

n

1 day

Wild Wicklow Tours will take you to the beautiful Lough Tay in the Wicklow Mountains.

Wild Wicklow Tours

WHAT They call Wicklow the “Garden of Ireland” for very good reason – next to the Ring of Kerry, it offers up some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. And with Wild Wicklow Tours, you can escape the city for a day and visit some of Wicklow’s best bits. First, you’ll go on a brief Dublin city tour, then it’s off to Wicklow, stopping off at the famous Avoca Handweavers for coffee and some of Ireland’s best homemade cake (plus great shopping). Then, on to Glendalough to visit the 6th century monastic settlement and a walk around the magnificent Upper Lake. Lunch in a local pub is followed by a trip to the Sally Gap with its mountain lakes, heather and barren boglands. Finally it’s back to Dublin inspired and invigorated. WHEN The tour departs Dublin city centre (from a choice of locations) every day at 9am, returning to Dublin at 5.30pm. HOW MUCH Adults, €28. Students/child/OAPs, €25. CONTACT +353 1 280 1899; wildwicklow.ie.

perfect day Whether you’re in the mood to escape the city for the day and explore some of Ireland’s stunning lakes, mountains and rolling countryside, or prefer to mooch around the capital, here’s our pick of some of the most fun tours.

Historical Walking Tours of Dublin

WHO History buff, broadcaster and

2 hrs

author Tommy Graham is the man behind this tour – one of Dublin’s longest-running.

There’s nothing stuffy about it either, as it’s run by history students from Trinity and UCD. WHAT In just two hours, you’ll stroll around the city, boning up on the Famine, the 1916 Rising, War of Independence and Partition, the Northern Ireland Peace Process and anything else you might want to know about Ireland today. WHERE You’ll visit Trinity College, the Old Parliament House, Temple Bar, City Hall, Dublin Castle, Wood Quay, Christ Church Cathedral and The Four Courts. HOW MUCH Adults, €12.

Students/OAPs, €10. Under 14s free.

CONTACT +353 87 688 9412 or +353 87 830 3523; historicalinsights.ie.

railtours ireland

WHAT What nicer way to explore Ireland than by train? Where you can stretch your legs out, snap out the paper and do nothing more demanding than blow the steam off your coffee while the countryside gently glides by. WHERE There’s a long list of day trips to choose from, but Railtours’ Wexford/Waterford/ Kilkenny trip gives you a great flavour of the itineraries on offer. Take a train to Wexford town, where you’ll be met by coach to tour this historic town by the water, replete with gorgeous shops, before heading on to Waterford for lunch and a visit to the Waterford Crystal factory. Then it’s on to Kilkenny to spend a few hours exploring this medieval city, home to some of Ireland’s best restaurants and Irish craft and design

1 day

stores, before hopping back on the train (with stomachs full and bags bulging) for a snooze all the way back to Dublin. HOW MUCH Day tours start from around €89 per person. CONTACT +353 1 856 0045; railtoursireland.com.

issue 01 dylan | 41

Extreme Ireland WHO Keith McDonnell, an

1 day

accomplished mountaineer and adventurer, is the man behind Extreme Ireland Tours. He and his team pride themselves on being total nerds when it comes to Irish topography and random Celtic trivia. So be prepared to learn a thing or two. WHAT They offer guided hiking holidays all over Ireland, with eco-conscious “no-trace” hiking their speciality. For a one-day adventure, they’ll create an itinerary based on an area you’d like to explore and your fitness level (from €35 per person). For the more adventurous, they’ll take you north to scramble around Co Antrim’s stunning Giant’s Causeway or head south for a low-key stroll around the cobbled streets of Wexford town and a tasty seafood pub lunch in Kilmore Quay, before boating out to explore the Saltee Islands bird sanctuary. HOW MUCH Day trips from Dublin are priced from €55 per person and include all transport and entrance fees. CONTACT +353 1 316 9788; extremeireland.ie.

Extreme Ireland offer one day trips from Dublin to Cork, taking in Blarney Castle, pictured here, and Cashel.

Dublin is great GREAT FOR KIDS The Viking Splash Tour of the city. fun and offers a highly original way of taking in ous truck, you’ll Sitting in their signature bright yellow amphibi r land and water experience a tour of Dublin like no other – ove gsplash.com. with lots of laughs along the way. From €12; vikin

Collins Day Tours

WHAT Visit three of Ireland’s top spots

1hr 45 mins

pat liddy’s walking tours

WHO Pat Liddy is a well-known Dublin historian, author and artist, who has developed a unique series of walking tours.

He has written countless books on Dublin and what he doesn’t know about the city isn’t worth talking about. WHAT There are regular scheduled walks every day, such as the Hidden Dublin tour (1 hour 45 mins) that takes in the18th century St Mary’s Church, the Italian Quarter, the River Liffey, the Ha’penny Bridge and more. Pat also hosts bespoke walking tours, so if you’re a fan of James Joyce and would like to follow in Mr Bloom’s footsteps, or a lover of Georgian architecture, this is a terrific way to explore Dublin’s cultural landscape. WHEN Scheduled walks take place every day.

HOW MUCH Adults, €10. OAPs/student, €8. CONTACT +353 1 832 9406; walkingtours.ie.

42 | dylan issue 01

in one day – the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and Kilkenny city.

WHO Collins Day Tours will 1 day take you first into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough to visit the 6th century monastic settlement, followed by a stroll to the famous lakes. Next, it’s a journey across the beautiful wild Wicklow Gap and then you will wend way to Kilkenny city for lunch. After lunch, you can take an optional guided walking tour through Kilkenny’s medieval side streets, Castle Gardens, and the famous Black Abbey, or you can enjoy the city at your leisure. In the late afternoon, you’ll hop back on the coach and be back in Dublin in time for a pre-dinner cocktail. WHEN The trip leaves Dublin city centre every day. See the full list of pick-up locations on the website. HOW MUCH €25 for children/students and OAPs and €30 for adults. CONTACT +353 1 677 0837; collinsdaytours.com.

dublin literary pub crawl

2hrs 15 mins

WHO Actor Colm Quilligan, above right, is the inspired spirit behind this unique Dublin tour, which celebrates poetry and pints in equal measure. WHAT Expect to be thoroughly entertained by Colm and one of his thespian crew as they take you on a tour of some of Dublin’s oldest and best pubs, quoting Beckett, Shaw, Yeats and more as they go. They’ll fill you in on who drank where, with whom, and all the other good bits that you won’t find in any guide book.

HOW MUCH Adults, €12. Students, €10.

CONTACT + 353 1 670 5602; dublinpubcrawl.com.

A watercolour painting by Róisín O’ Shea © 2012

J

ohnnie Fox’s Pub situated in the heart of the Dublin Mountains has it all, a living museum of Irish History andTradition where unique pieces from old farm implements to Historical antiquities adorn every wall, nook & cranny. Serving an award winning a la carte menu from 12.30 until late, with live musicians playing traditional Irish music 7 nights a week, our special kind of Irish welcome is not to be missed.

S

ituated only 40 minutes from Dublin City Centre and 10 minutes from Dundrum or Enniskerry Villages why not take our private shuttle bus which will collect you from an array of Dublin City or County Hotels operated by ExpressBus.ie (01 8221122) for just €10 per person “ return”.

Hooley Nights For a real treat one should experience the world famous show known as the Johnnie Fox’s HOOLEY night which includes the esteemed Johnnie Fox’s troop of Irish dancers, live traditional Irish music, a full 4 course evening meal and plenty of great craic….. at only €48 per person.

• • • •

AWARDWINNING KITCHEN TRADITIONAL IRISH ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATE EVENTS PRIVATE PARTIES

Johnnie Fox’s Pub l Glencullen l Co. Dublin

l Ireland l Tel: (01) 295 5647 Email: info@jfp.ie

www.jfp.ie

SEAFOOD IS OUR SPECIALITY AWARDWINNING A LA CARTE MENU

PETERS

Audio Guides With an Edge

BARS & RESTAURANTS

THE MUCKY DUCK Celbridge, Co. Kildare

01 6288340 / muckyduck.ie Situated in the heart of Celbridge, Co. Kildare Guinness Time began here in the Guinness family home with the birth of Arthur Guinness in 1725. So began a wonderful piece of Irish history. With that heritage it's no surprise that the Mucky Duck has earned a reputation for great food and drink. A must visit for fans of the "Black Stuff "!

THE COUNTY CLUB Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath

01 8259220 / countyclub.ie Located less than 30 minutes from Dublin city centre The County Club has long been a favourite with customers looking for great f ood in comfortable surroundings. The County Club's daily carvery is a particular favourite while we are also renowned for our wonderful Irish steaks.

So, Are You Ready?

www.myirishguide.com

AN SIBIN

Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath 01 8250556 / sibin.ie With it's traditional thatched roof An Sibin is a landmark in the heart of the village of Dunshaughlin. A blend comfort and age old of new world com tradition serving breakfast, lunch and dinner while also the perfect venue for parties and great nights out.

STEAK ON THE STONE

Our signature Steak on the Stone special is a must have, a unique dining experience which is available on all our a la carte menus.

CARBERRYS

Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath 01 8240133 / carberrys.ie Summer 2012 promises to be a bumper period for sports fans so Carberry's is the place to be all the atmosphere to sample a while also enjoying the summer days in our outdoor pavilion.

O’FLAHERTYS / BRADY’S BAR Navan, Co. Meath 046 9022810 / oflahertys.ie Whether you visit O'Flaherty's for our delicious carvery, a night out with friends or to catch live sport screens you are sure to on our big sc have a memorable time and why not have a nightcap around the roaring fire in Brady's Bar! Sláinte.

THE WILTON

Cork City 021 4344454 / www.wiltonpub.ie Long established on Leeside with fine food served all day in the lounge bar and upstairs in our Loft Restaurant.

The Wilton is a must on your next visit W to Cork. Don't forget to leave room for our famous homemade, brown bread ice cream!

Visit us Online

Mobile library Have a selection of books,

songs and movies at your fingertips with Amazon’s latest Kindle Fire. This extremely portable device offers faster performance than previous models, while a bright, colour touchscreen is great, not only for watching and reading, but also for keeping up to date online, thanks to built-in WiFi. From €160; amazon.co.uk.

Go, Go gadget

Reload

A portable battery is handy when making a long journey or stuck in a meeting without access to power. The sleek Powermonkey Discovery V2, €60, can boost smartphones, SatNavs, iPods and other devices (it will recharge an iPhone twice and standard mobile phones three to four times), while the handy LED lights let you know what level of charge remains. Powertraveller, 0044 142 054 2980; powertraveller.com.

It’s the little things in life that matter, and that’s certainly true when it comes to travel, as the latest can’t-live-without gadgets get slimmer, smarter and slicker by the minute.

MeMoRy lane Record the best memories with this

retro-style Polaroid Z340 camera. It has all the funkiness of the classic model, but before you print your photos you can check them onscreen and even add a border, while the memory card allows you to save the images for later, €263, Polaroid; available from pixmania.ie.

take note The Galaxy Note 2 takes mobile

multitasking to a new level. With a clear 5.5in screen, the S-Pen allows you to make a memo, take screen grabs and jot details on the back of photos. A bonus is the battery, which can survive a whole day without recharging. Available from Irish operators and Carphone Warehouse; Samsung; samsung.com/ie.

say cheese

This funky tripod allows you to stop and snap wherever you want. Its ability to bend, grip and even wrap around a branch means the whole gang can be in shot. It’s also compact enough to throw into your bag. GorillaPod Original, €21, Joby; available from pixmania.ie.

al fresco

Being in the wild doesn’t mean you sacrifice all your home comforts. The Pocket Shower allows you to enjoy a warm shower, wherever you are. The black dry sack material holds 10 litres (approx 7 minutes of shower time) and absorbs heat from the sun to warm the water during the day. Simply twist the shower nozzle and enjoy. Around €26, Sea to Summit; available from amazon.co.uk. issue 01 dylan | 45

travel smart

Jonathan Epstein of Celebrated Experiences travels the globe marketing his collection of hotels. He recommends some of his favourite travel apps and gadgets.

I

have enjoyed incredible workrelated hotel inspections across the UK and Ireland, and have visited almost every major American city marketing our collection of Celebrated Hotels. As I travel the globe, there are many tools that make my life simpler. I hope you enjoy my top recommendations …

1

Ever needed to make a critical phone call or send that important email, only to find your iPhone died? I take lots of pictures with my iPhone, which can really kill the battery.

That’s where the Mophie comes in.

Think of it as an iPhone case that charges your iPhone. While the Mophie case does make your phone a bit heavier, it essentially doubles your battery life — a huge lifesaver on the road!

2

I love photography, but these days I shoot practically everything with an iPhone.

For the best results, you really need to download a few choice apps from the wide selection available. Favourite camera apps of mine are Camera +, Pro HDR and, of course, Instagram.

I use Instagram more as a platform for sharing my photos than I do for the filters. Play around with different apps and discover your inner photographer.

3

Because of the amount that I travel, I eat out quite a bit!

OpenTable has been a dynamic force in the restaurant business in America for a while, and it is now 46 | dylan issue 01

making inroads in the UK and Ireland.

You can sort restaurants by location, budget and other factors, and then immediately book a reservation. You can even send the restaurant important information, such as dietary requirements, or that it’s a really hot date so you need the best table!

4

FlightTrack is the most accurate app I’ve found for keeping tabs on what’s going on in the air. If you’re picking up friends at the airport and need to check the status, or if you need to see exactly how many miles your connecting flight is from your airport, this is the app for you. FlightTrack is also great to see what

delays look like at airports around the world. This is a very fun app that puts the world of aviation at your fingertips.

5

A SatNav (or GPS) device is without a question the most important efficiency-saving tool. In my work, I’m always driving hoteliers to different appointments across America or sprinting to my next hotel inspection. Therefore, I never leave home without my Garmin. It works worldwide for when I’m trying to find the most efficient route to my destination, and with the estimate time of arrival function, I always know in advance if I’m running early or late for an appointment.

@DylanHotel’s top travel people to follow on Twitter @FriFotos #FriFotos is a weekly photo discussion set up by @EpsteinTravels, @TravelDesigned and @ CharlesYap. It is a fun way to interact with the travel community on Twitter. @SmithHotels Mr & Mrs Smith provide an amazing insight into their fantastic collection of international luxury boutique hotels (if we do say so ourselves!). @PolOConghaile Pol is a freelance Irish travel and food writer, and can be read in National Geographic

Traveler, Irish Independent, Cara, and many more. @JulieWolfson Julie writes travel pieces for Cool Hunting. We loved her Dublin article last year. @GatheringIRL As The Gathering gathers pace this year, this Twitter account will update you on the happenings from around the country. @CliffHouseHotel A lively, witty account of the day-to-day trials and tribulations of running a fantastic hotel in Waterford.

@LuxuryPRGal Christine Kirk, founder of #luxchat, a Twitter discussion on luxury travel brands and social media. She is also a food and travel writer. @LauraBly A travel journalist for USA Today, Laura’s Tweets are usually accompanied with great photography. @ConorKenny A sales and marketing specialist in the hospitality sector, Conor is worth following on Twitter, if only for the links to his blogs.

Dublin’s iconic New York style gastro pub on Baggot St. Dublin 4

Our exciting new menu offers locally sourced, quality food which can be accompanied by our detailed wine list, an extensive range of worldly beers and unique and exciting cocktails served in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.

36 Upper Baggot Street, Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Phone: 01 660 0650 Email: info@waterloobarandgrill.ie

www.thewaterloobarandgrill.ie

kings’ county Lizzie Gore-Grimes escapes the city to spend the weekend in the contemporary comfort of Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa. Located in the heart of Co Meath, the ancient royal seat of Ireland, the hotel proves to be the perfect family retreat with a host of heritage and adventure activities on its doorstep.

I

s there any better feeling after a long week than packing up the car and escaping the city? Particularly when there’s no airport security to face or long car journey to frazzle your nerves. The thought that we had less than an hour’s journey ahead of us made everyone cheery as we shoved wellies, scooters, colouring books and Eeyore costume(!) into the boot.

We hit the road and before our two boys – Andrew, 5, and Patrick, 4 – had time to start complaining about the journey, we were crunching up the sweeping gravel driveway of Dunboyne

48 | dylan issue 01

Castle Hotel & Spa. Rounding the bend, we were greeted by the impressive sight of the main house, once the home of the Lord of Dunboyne, which dates back to the 1700s and stands proudly restored today with its imposing rows of (seven) bay windows. Indeed, this old part of the hotel still retains many of the original features, including the stucco plaster on the ceilings crafted by the masterful Lafranchini brothers. The main entrance to the hotel today, however, is through the modern extension to the left of the main house, which was built in 2005. Once in, we

were warmly welcomed and shown to our family suite. The two lads could barely contain their excitement when they saw the size of the two adjoining rooms we were to call home for the night; the master bedroom was a particularly spacious corner room with two walls of windows looking out over the lawn beyond. Within seconds, they had their bags emptied out on the floor and had stripped the bed of its luxurious red throw and fluffy pillows to make a fort. Leaving Eeyore and his able assistant busy building their mini-megalithic tomb, with dad stretched out on the bed reading the paper, I snuck out to experience my own little bit of Dunboyne magic in the Seoid Spa. The spa offers everything from a beautifully designed curving sunken hydrotherapy pool to a hammam, dry flotation tank and outdoor hot tub. In the luxuriously

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

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NEWGRANGE The ancient passage tomb of Newgrange dates back to around 3200 BC and is something every visitor to Ireland should make an effort to experience. This megalithic site in Meath predates the ancient pyramids by 400 years and Stonehenge by 1,000.

One of Newgrange’s famous attractions occurs each year at dawn on the winter solstice (December 21), when a shaft of sunlight enters the chamber through a specially designed opening and illuminates the place completely. To visit the tomb itself, you need to join a tour, which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. For younger children, this might be a bit long, but the visitors’ centre is full of interactive fun and worth a visit. Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Co Meath, +353 41 988 0300; brunaboinne@opw.ie.

The Main house, once The hoMe of The lord of dunboyne, dates back to the 1700s and sTands proudly resTored Today.

appointed treatment rooms, they use 100 per cent Irish Voya seaweed products, which felt heavenly during my Harmony facial. Feeling totally refreshed, I was ready to return to the fray. By now, we were all looking forward to dinner. I was worried about subjecting the smart-looking Ivy Brasserie to my two lively lads, but the staff couldn’t have been nicer, seating the boys on the comfortable banquette with their own children’s menus. A basket of homemade breads was quickly devoured, with the brown treacle bread winning the taste test. The children’s sausages and chips followed without delay and kept them distracted while we enjoyed our Ardsallagh goat’s cheese with beetroot and light crab and prawn cocktail. The star of the meal, though, was pan-seared fillets of sea bass served with pesto mash and a cockle, leek and cream sauce. Bellies full, we retired to our roomy sleeping quarters and bedded down for the night. Before long, the winning combination of big fluffy duvets and a post-meal movie had us all dozing off and we slept like kings – or rather, high kings.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Dunboyne, Co Meath, +353 1 801 3500; dunboynecastlehotel.com.

HILL OF TARA There is a wealth of history and legend associated with Royal Tara – Ireland’s ancient spiritual and political capital. For here on this lonely hill once stood the seat of the royal family. It was an ideal spot to build a palace, looking out over some of the richest pastureland in Ireland. And in time, the Five Ancient Roads of Ireland converged here, linking Crúachan in Co Roscommon, Emain Macha in Co Armagh, and Dún Ailinne in Kildare. The view from the hill is stunning and is well worth the little hike it takes to get up there. Access all year with tours in the summer season, +353 46 902 5903.

TAYTO PARK Tayto Park, brought to you, as the name suggests, by Ireland’s favourite crisp family, is not at all as cheesy (or oniony) as it sounds. In fact, it’s an impressive family activity park that stretches over 55 acres of lush Meath farmland. Little ones will love the playground, farmyard animals, crazy critters and tipi village, with tents for face-painting and balloon art, while for older kids (and the young at heart) there is a high-ropes course and an exhilarating zip-line. When you’re feeling peckish, there’s a teahouse in the treehouse and the Montana-lodge-style restaurant. Oh, and you get a free pack of crisps on departure! Admission, €12, children under three go free.

Family of four, €40. Tayto Park, Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co Meath, +353 1 835 1999; taytopark.ie.

RATHBEGGAN LAKES Set in the gently sloping valley of the River Tolka, this beautiful spring-fed stillwater complex is less than ten minutes from Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa. Fun for under-12s comes in the form of bouncy castles, trampolines and paddleboats, while teens will get a kick out of the High Kings zip-line and water rollers. There’s also a mini-heritage park onsite, with a replica Stone Age camp, passage grave, ringfort, holy well, crannog and more. Open daily from April to October.

Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, +353 87 416 5851; rathbegganlakes.com.

The ancient tomb of Newgrange dates back to around 3200 BC.

issue 01 dylan | 49

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ADRIAN MARGEY

Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan Rd, Dublin 4 (St. Patrick’s Weekend: Fri 15th – Mon 18th March 2013) Ramada Hotel, Main Street Portrush, County Antrim (Bank Holiday Weekend: Fri 3rd – Mon 6th May 2013)

Date for your diary: As one of Northern Ireland’s most collectable young artists, County Derry’s Adrian Margey is set to stage his debut Dublin exhibition at the Radisson Blu St Helen’s over St. Patrick’s Weekend. Forty stunning originals representing Irish landscape, iconic landmarks and musical traditions will be available for purchase.

Commissions | House Portraits | Gift Vouchers | Kilrea Studio Visits

www.adrianmargey.com T: +44 (0)7841593762

This show will be followed with his annual May Bank Holiday Weekend Exhibition at the Ramada, in Portrush. Prices range from €315 - €2700, so something to suit most budgets. Admission to the exhibitions is free – everyone welcome. Adrian continues to accept commissioned work in 2013, so if there is somewhere special you would like captured on canvas, get in touch. More info at www.adrianmargey.com

D

esigner Nigel Howard, founder and creative director of HKD and sister company HKDi, was brought in to design the public areas of the Dylan Hotel, including the library, restaurant, public bathrooms, bar and reception area.

“I’ve always been interested in design, even as a child – I was forever drawing houses,” says Howard, who has worked in design for 25 years and now specialises in luxury hotel and restaurant design. “My first love was architecture.

However, as I grew older, I found my forte to be interior design. I’d worked in retail design, but found commercial and domestic interior design to be the most interesting. Our company, HKDi, allows me to specialise in this type of design.”

Howard has developed his own creative brainstorming processes, which he considers to be the very DNA of his design.

“Working with clients to ensure their initial ideas are brought to the fore is extremely important.

However, ensuring the end users’ needs are considered is equally crucial. I want every room to have a design integrity that reflects the needs and wants of those who will be using it most.”

This is certainly evident in his most recent work at the Dylan – the design of the chic back terrace.

What was your design brief for the back terrace at the Dylan?

The design brief was to create an outdoor space that guests would be drawn to.

We wanted guests at the Dylan to enjoy spending time

take it outside Nigel Howard, the creative brains behind the slick back terrace at the Dylan, talks to Síne Sykes about his design inspirations.

ordinary into something extraordinary is an inspiration for me. I think the trick to truly being inspired is finding the space to allow the creative process to work, and living in rural Wicklow does this for me.

My travels are also a great source of inspiration.

Marrying ideas from near and far is great fun and has wonderful rewards.

Who is your design icon?

I love the work of Norman Foster, a wonderful architect.

His work fascinates me and is a great source of inspiration.

His ideas are truly interesting, especially his eco projects.

Which is your favourite city for sourcing products?

I am inspired by London, where I work. It’s a city that has so many evolving trends and patterns. It’s a constantly changing canvas with new design ideas and cultures appearing all the time. It’s also a great place to source products. I am continually surprised and delighted by Asia – I love sourcing products and ideas in Bangkok, which is the hub for HKDi in Asia.

The outdoor terrace is inspired by the Orient.

on the terrace and be encouraged to unwind and lounge. I felt the terrace could take the form of a relaxing Oriental space, which embodies the spirit of a traditional Japanese tea room. At the same time, I wanted to complement the unique elements of the existing structure. We used

cedar, brick, stone, light, and fire, and mirrors were used to add depth and mystique to the space. These were the foundations we set to create a soothing, earthy feeling in the space.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I find that turning the

Should good design be timeless or up to date?

If you want design to have a wow factor, sometimes you need to borrow from current ideas. However, to achieve a timeless effect, at times a more classical approach is required. Interior design parallels the world of fashion in this regard; you need to encourage both a modern take, but a timelessness in good design. Good design can be of the moment, but great design is timeless. issue 01 dylan | 51

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Cigar Shops Decent Cigar Emporium

The Decent Cigar Emporium is the go-to place for high-end cigars and cigar paraphernalia. And they’ve a sneaky little leather-clad snug called Café de Cuba, where you can recaffeinate on the QT. 46 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, +353 1 671 6451; decent-cigar.com.

Petersons of Dublin

The

smoking room

A good cigar is undoubtedly something to be savoured, and as the Dylan’s new back terrace opens, smokers will be thrilled to be able to enjoy one in such elegant surrounds.

T

hink of the word “cigar” and a grainy image of Fidel Castro automatically pops into your head, a man who famously had his own private brand of cigar made for him, which he christened Cohiba. For almost 20 years, he doled out diplomatic gifts of these beautifully crafted cigars and, needless to say, such contraband exclusivity swiftly garnered the Cohiba cult status. But Cuban or not, cigars have always carried a certain cachet – they’re just that little bit more special than your average smoke. When you go to light a cigar, it’s as much about the ritual and the anticipation of the

experience as anything else.

You have to take your time with a cigar, light it carefully and smoke it slowly, then sit back and enjoy one of life’s great pleasures.

Cigar eTiqueTTe and know-how

Resist the urge to tap the ash off your cigar, just let it fall when it’s ready. It is a general rule of thumb that the ash of a finer quality cigar will last longer, as it is made with long filler leaves and so will retain its strength even after burning, while cigars made with shorter filler leaves tend to produce more flakey ash.

Did you know you can

tell where a cigar’s tobacco has come from by the colour of the ash? Tobacco from Cameroon will burn with a bright white ash, while Cuban tobacco will produce a grey ash, and leaves from the Dominican Republic will produce an off-white ash.

It’s frowned upon to stub your cigar out in an ashtray because it causes a strong smell. As a cigar burns, the filler tobacco accumulates oils and tars, and if you stub it out, the wrapper splits, and releases the pungent trapped odours. So proper etiquette dictates you simply rest your cigar in an ashtray and let it extinguish itself when you are through with the smoke.

Famous pipe-makers Petersons’ new store on Nassau Street boasts Ireland’s only walk-in humidor, tobacco bar and, of course, the famous Peterson Gran Reserva long leaf cigars. 48-49 Nassau Street, Dublin 2, +353 1 671 4652; peterson.ie.

James Fox

The name James Fox is synonymous with the finer things in life, as purveyors of top cigars and whiskey. The shop itself is also a work of art, an homage to the art of cigar smoking if ever there was one. Fox House, 119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, +353 1 677 0533; jamesfox.ie.

The elegantly fittedout James Fox cigar shop on Grafton Street.

Famous Cigar Smokers Che Guevara How many teenagers have postered their walls with images of a dusty-looking Che, cigar in mouth? alfred hitChCoCk The Psycho director was famously fond of a stogie on set and off. Winston ChurChill Almost as iconic as his two-fingered “V for victory” salute is the image of Winston with his cigar. JaCk niCholson Makes both cigar-smoking and scowling look great. dita von teese, demi moore & anGelina Jolie Show female cigar smokers how it’s done.

issue 01 dylan | 53

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georgian splendour Dunboyne Castle, a magnificent Palladian house in the rolling Meath countryside, is filled with surprises. Approaching the house, you are struck by its elegant exterior, a prime example of Georgian understatement, but open the heavy front door and you enter a dazzling world of ornate beauty and craftsmanship.

T

he sheer quality of the woodwork by renowned carpenter Oliver Beahan is obvious, but it is the lavish decorative plasterwork by the masterful Lafranchini brothers – Paolo and Filippo – that stands out. The two Swiss stuccodores, who arrived in Ireland in 1739 and transformed the use of plaster across the country, were simply the best. Uninspired by the traditional use of simple geometric patterns, they introduced human figures, musical instruments and other symbolic shapes. They wanted to tell stories and, wherever they went, they left behind a legacy.

The house we see today was completed in 1764 for the Butler family by the Drogheda architect George Darley, who added two bay windows at the front. As you stroll around Dunboyne Castle, over the original floorboards that have been worn smooth by many of Ireland’s most influential people, you pass through the Ormond Room, the Keating Room, the Darley Room, the Yeats Suite and the Butler Suite – each named after a family intimately connected to this striking historic building.

Like many of Ireland’s grand Palladian houses, Dunboyne Castle has its own colourful history that involves family feuds, religious controversy and

a final happy ending. The Butlers had married into the barony in the 14th century when Thomas met Synolda, daughter and heiress to William le Petit, and became Lord Dunboyne in 1324.

Oliver Cromwell, unimpressed with the unco-operative Butler family, destroyed the original castle – along with their other castle, Kiltinan, in Tipperary – and banished them to Connaught.

The last member of the Butlers to live in the castle was John, the 22nd Baron. A Catholic bishop in Cork, he unexpectedly inherited the title, converted to Protestantism, but his only son died at an early age. The next chapter of the story is worthy of a film.

In his will, he left everything to Maynooth College, the new seminary for Catholic priests, but the 80-year-old monk who heard his death-bed confession refused to confirm his religion. Under the Penal Laws, a Protestant could not leave any assets to a Catholic. The monk was imprisoned for contempt of court and Lord Dunboyne’s sister, Mrs O’Brien, got the estate.

More recently, in 1955, Dunboyne Castle became home to the Good Shepherd Sisters, who remained there until 1991, when it was bought by the Keating family. The house had been falling into disrepair for some time when the present owners bought it in 1999 with one vision – to refurbish the grand old house and return it to its past glories. Today, it is one of Ireland’s most popular and luxurious hotels and spas.

Visitors arrive, take in its Georgian charm, and once they enter the front door, even after all these years, Dunboyne Castle is still a wonderful surprise. The Lafranchini brothers would certainly approve.

The Lafranchini brothers’ work adorns some of Ireland’s greatest houses including Dunboyne Castle, above left, and Castletown House, above.

issue 01 dylan | 55

Last Word

MODERN CLASSIC Christopher Guy, the furniture designer with a truly global reputation, shares his design tips and favourite haunts with Amanda Cochrane.

F

rom leading luxury hotels including The Dylan to feature films such as The Devil Wears Prada and Casino Royale, Christopher Guy’s timeless and elegant designs can be seen across the world. British-born, the designer’s creations were first brought to life in the mid-1990s when he created the world’s largest mirror frame collection under the name of Harrison & Gil. They were all original and seriously luxurious.

He bought a parcel of land in Java, Indonesia, and built his own workshops. In 2006, his company was renamed Christopher Guy and today he offers a complete lifestyle and luxury furniture collection, which can be found in his new concession in Harrods. Well-known for fusing classicism with modernism, Christopher Guy’s style can be described as “contemporary with classical values”. Above all else, though, Christopher Guy’s designs are sublimely elegant.

Combining classic style with contemporary detailing, the mirror, above, and the side table, left, are both from Christopher Guy’s autumn/winter 2012 collection.

56 | dylan issue 01

What are the key ingredients for a well designed hotel? A new hotel first needs to define its design theme and then follow it down to the last detail. Too many hotels mix styles, which inevitably does not translate well. Western hotel designers operating in Asia have created some of the finest designs in the resort industry. Edward Tuttle, an American architect who has lived in Paris for 40 years, was instrumental in designing

My work in Hollywood mainly centres on residential room sets, which tend to set the trend for the wider residential market. some of the world’s finest resorts. He launched Aman Resorts, a collection of fabulous resorts in the world’s most beautiful destinations. Simplicity with elegance is the key to such design success.

How important is travel to your work? Travelling constantly and capturing design elements from all sorts of unusual places inspires my work. One of my most recognised designs, a mirror frame that was used extensively by Philip Treacy when he designed The g Hotel in Galway, takes the form of a hurricane.

I got the idea when I spotted a tiny image on the shirt of one of my carvers in Java!

I adapted the image to create a mirror frame that was named the Camilla after

the design was developed by Philip Treacy when he made Camilla Parker Bowles’ headwear on the day of her marriage to Prince Charles. Travelling to any destination that has beautiful stores will always inspire my thinking.

What is the most inspirational hotel you have ever stayed in? The Dharmawangsa in Jakarta, Indonesia. The interior designer, Jaya Ibrahim, has amazing attention to detail and it inspires me every time I stay there. This one hotel was pivotal in showcasing Asian design sophistication when it opened in 1997.

I am still in awe of the simple yet utterly sophisticated detail. Jaya, an Indonesian national, lived and worked in London for 20 years before returning home. His work today can be found in some of the finest resort hotels around the world.

I probably admire his work most.

Which designer do you most admire?

When it comes to period furnishings, I have a great admiration for ÉmileJacques Ruhlmann, a French designer of furniture and interiors who is famous for his glamorous Art Deco designs of the 1920s. During this period, there were a number of great French interior designers that have inspired my work. And there are other influential designers such as Barbara Barry and Thomas Pheasant.

How does travelling help to inspire your designs? Inspirations for my designs come directly from my travels – it is with an understanding and integration of cultures that form the basis of them. I believe that internationalisation transcends tradition and culture, which has allowed me to recognise that elegance is international and instantly recognisable.

What are your suitcase essentials when you travel? My laptop and iPhone!

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