The Spirit of Ireland by email667

Vol 2 Issue 3 • Spring/Summer 2018 • $4.95

Castle Retreats WEARING IRISH

Vacation Hotspots

Living HISTORY

In Association with

The North American Celtic Trade Association

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Contents 9 JUMP INTO IRELAND Explore the warm, welcoming island of Ireland and become part of it 25 CASTLE RETREATS Legends, lore and lavish surroundings ensure that Ireland’s castles never fail to capture the imagination 43 DISCOVER DUBLIN The bricks and mortar of Dublin’s streets provide the stage to what is a truly great city built on hundreds of years of history and culture 83 LIVING HISTORY From the Great Hunger to the Little Museum of Dublin, Ireland’s museums are a trove of culture and living heritage 99 SUNNY SOUTH A beautiful coastline and one colorful town after another, delicious cuisine can be found at every turn in Ireland 125 SHOOTING STARS Out of this world is how many have described glorious county Kerry including the cast of Star Wars who fell in love when they stayed here 147 BAY COAST Go West to sample the wilds of the Atlantic Way where you can discover the story of Westport House and Kylemore Abbey as well as visit the home of The Quiet Man 181 NORTHERN LIGHTS Offering the best of both worlds, tour the Causeway Coastal Route, visit the Land of Thrones and discover the Irish speaking Gaeltacht areas of County Donegal 213 TASTE OF IRELAND Ireland’s luscious landscapes and seascapes provide the perfect ingredients for fine food 241 IRISH DESIGN The Irish craft scene is vibrant and dynamic offering a range of skills passed down the generations peppered with a modern twist 4

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Where your gifts of today become the heirlooms of tomorrow

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Welcome Tourism Ireland’s global greening campaign is now in its ninth year and it has been a resounding success, turning the world green for Saint Patrick’s Day as well as focusing the minds of the masses on the beautiful Island of Ireland.

EDITOR Trish Phelan trish@devlinmedia.org MANAGING DIRECTOR John Hogan PRODUCTION MANAGER Joanne Punch AD COPY ADMIN Lauren Gillan SALES Helen Fairbrother, Paul Halley, Linda Hickey, Eamonn McGabhann DISTRIBUTION North American Celtic Trade Association Celtic Marketplace Tourism Ireland Barnes & Noble PHOTOGRAPHY Tourism Ireland 345 Park Ave, 17th Floor New York, NY 10154 www.ireland.com Stefan Schnebelt www.stefanschnebelt.com www.irelandinpictures.com

Who doesn’t feel a sense of pride as worldwide landmarks tip a nod to our tiny island each year? And for 2018, it’s light sabers at the ready as Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker leads the parade in Dublin. Mark Hamill and his fellow cast members fell under Ireland’s spell while on location here for the Star Wars blockbusters, stating that the force is indeed strong in Ireland. Ireland is a kaleidoscope of raw landscapes where land and water collide. Castles, coastline, verdant countryside, it lives up to its reputation as a lush and scenic land, dotted with castles and filled with small towns with pubs on every corner. It is also a land steeped in history, where you can peel back the layers of time at sites that pre-date the pyramids, or view artifacts at one of our many museums, a treasure trove of history, culture and heritage. The Irish are said to wear their hearts on their sleeve and for a savvy Irish lady based in New York, this is just what she decided to do. WearingIrish taps into our national pride in Irish fashion, marrying it with the quality and ingenuity of Irish designers. Building on our strong craft tradition, the WearingIrish campaign takes Irish design to new heights and spreads the word about Irish designers to a whole new generation. So, let us tempt you to come on over and see it all for yourself. With even more airlines flying direct to the Emerald Isle and at attractive price points, now is the time to discover Ireland. To give you a little flavor of what to expect, read on! Enjoy!

Trish Editor

Cover: Rosguill Peninsula, Donegal by Stefan Schnebelt

GRAPHIC DESIGN www.minxdesign.ie JP DEVLIN USA 76 Ellsworth Rd, Hyannis 02601 MA, USA 6

Whilst every effort has been made to make the information contained herein as comprehensive and accurate as possible the publishers accept no responsibility for additions, omissions or errors. No part of this publication can be copied or produced without the editor’s consent in writing.

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JUMP INTO IRELAND

Jump INTO IRELAND

THEY SAY IRELAND HAS IT ALL. THEY’RE NOT WRONG. WE MAY BE A SMALL ISLAND BUT WE HAVE A BIG REPUTATION, BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES AND FRIENDLY PEOPLE. SO, FOR 2018 SET YOUR SIGHTS ON THE EMERALD ISLE YOU WON’T FORGET IT.

rimming with character and characters, Ireland invites you to explore just a little more all the time. To encounter those famous 100,000 welcomes for yourself. To wander around our cities, towns and villages. To hear the sounds of revelry echoing from cobblestoned street corners, from inside laughter-filled pub doorways, and in time to the beat of traditional Irish music played wherever and whenever the mood takes us. And you’ll find secrets too, buried in silent monastic villages, winding along coastal roads

or written in gilded libraries’ most ancient manuscripts. But here’s the thing: you’ll find the people here have little interest in keeping secrets. They are storytellers at heart, after all and stories are there for the telling. See what you unearth when you follow the path of your favorite writer, chase a much-loved legend or trace your family history. And as you sup a pint to the backdrop of lilting music and laughing locals, you just might feel like you’ve belonged here, all this time.

At the Giant’s Causeway, 40,000 interlocking stone columns tumble into the sea or the undulating Glens of Antrim, with sweeping green fields, waterfalls and sheer gorges.

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Castles, coastline, verdant countryside. Ireland lives up to its reputation as a lush and scenic land, dotted with castles and filled with small towns with pubs on every corner, so take to the road and start your adventure 10

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DUBLIN With its cobbled street, cozy pubs and 9th century Viking origins, Dublin city is the very definition of good things in small packages. Energizing and surprising in equal measure, the city invites you to walk through 1,000 years of history along the River Liffey and through the historic city streets. Visit incredible museums for free; read the works of local wordsmiths in this UNESCO City of Literature; find out why Guinness always tastes better when it’s served at home and tap your feet to the sweet sounds of homegrown heroes U2, Sinéad O’Connor and Thin Lizzy all hail from here and they all love to return. Dublin’s a cosmopolitan city that’s as friendly and as easy to traverse as a village; maybe it’s time to get introduced? NORTHERN IRELAND With an astonishing coastline, picturesque mountain landscapes, craggy castles and a lively food scene, Northern Ireland is a joy to explore. From the cosmopolitan capital of Belfast to the quiet peaks of the Mourne Mountains, this is a land filled with dramatic history and enduring legend. Walk on a 60-million-year-old volcanic landscape at the Giant’s Causeway; live out your Westeros fantasy in Game of Thrones Territory; or explore the tranquil lakelands of Fermanagh. There are swinging rope bridges and gleaming art galleries, centuries-old harbors and stunning white-sand beaches. But ssssh, don’t tell a soul, then everyone will want to come! BELFAST The beating heart and capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast hums with the hustle and bustle of a city that dares you to keep up the pace. Birthplace of the Titanic, home of The Chronicles of Narnia creator CS Lewis and music legend Van 11

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At the Heart of the Wild Atlantic Way

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Morrison, Belfast’s legacy and lore can be traced all the way back to the Bronze Age. Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, tuck into local delicacies at the 19th century St George’s Market, and toast the city at The John Hewitt pub. Or how about trying a unique urban adventure with a Black Taxi Tour – run by the people who know this city best, you’ll get the inside story from your very own chauffeur. WILD ATLANTIC WAY The Wild Atlantic Way – the longest defined coastal route in the world at 2,500km (1,550 miles) – is Mother Nature’s masterpiece along Ireland’s west coast. Here you’ll find the windblown peaks of the Cliffs of Moher and the 6th century island monastery of Skellig Michael. You can enjoy the friendly villages and tobacco-colored landscapes of Connemara and the edge-of-the-world beauty of the Loop Head Peninsula. The sea imprints everything here, with days along

the Wild Atlantic Way beginning and ending with the sounds of waves lapping along the shore. But in between, they’re filled with chatter, song and dance, and a welcome so warm you could wrap yourself up in it. IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST Visiting Ireland’s Ancient East is like opening a storybook of spellbinding tales. These landscapes expose histories of epic proportions, delving deep into past lives and sweeping through more than 5,000 years of history. There’s the prehistoric passage grave at Newgrange; there’s the dramatically beautiful Rock of Cashel, surrounded by the green rolling hills of County Tipperary; and there’s the aristocratic grace of mansions such as Russborough, Castletown and Curraghmore. Come face to face with the pain felt by generations of emigrants, feel the rush of ancient warriors and stand on sites converted from paganism to Christianity.

CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE Stretching for 314km (195 miles) between Belfast and Derry~Londonderry is the magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. Just look at the Giant’s Causeway, where 40,000 interlocking stone columns tumble into the sea, or the undulating Glens of Antrim, with sweeping green fields, waterfalls and sheer gorges. Described by those who visit as one of the best driving routes in the world, here you can cross the swinging Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and walk the winding Gobbins Cliff Path; you can enjoy traditional music sessions and explore crumbling cliff-top castles. This is a place where nature has shaped the landscape into something very powerful. THE SPERRIN MOUNTAINS Northern Ireland’s largest mountain range is one of the least explored on the island. A car tour through this roller-coaster landscape is a must. Four spectacular routes in County 13

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Tyrone and County Londonderry offer breathtaking scenery and ancient monuments galore. National Geographic praised these roads for their “wild beauty, ideal trails and dreamy villages” in its list of the Top 101 Scenic Drives in the World. THE RING OF KERRY Long before the Wild Atlantic Way was discovered the Ring of Kerry was charming visitors for centuries. This 179km circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula winds past pristine beaches, medieval ruins, mountains and loughs, with ever-changing views of the islanddotted Atlantic, particularly between Waterville and Caherdaniel in the peninsula’s spectacular southwest. Mysterious islands off a craggy coastline; mist-wreathed mountains, the famous lakes; castles, abbeys and ruins – plus music filled colorful towns along the way. No wonder the Ring of Kerry and the entire county of Kerry appeals to the imagination of travelers of all description. DESTINATION IRELAND, 2018 Do you still need a reason to come on over to Ireland in 2018? Here are a few more! ST PATRICK’S DAY The annual celebration of Irishness is world-renowned, but there’s nothing to beat celebrating St Patrick’s Day on home soil. The festival has long since been just one day, it’s now known as the St Patrick’s Festival and in Dublin it typically runs over 5 days with smaller parades taking place all over the country. The Dublin festival attracts worldwide visitors and for 2018, the force is out in full with Star Wars actor Mark Hamill being the event’s first ever International Guest of Honour. Mark has a special affinity with Ireland since his filming of Star Wars here when he fell hook, line and sinker for the Emerald Isle.

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The Wild Atlantic Way – the longest defined coastal route in the world – is Mother Nature’s masterpiece along Ireland's west coast. The cast, crew and various Jedi Knights made the western edge of Ireland their home during the filming of two Star Wars blockbusters and Mark has been singing the praises of this glorious location to everyone who will listen: “To come back to Ireland was a great treat for all of us because the beauty of the country is unmatched. You get up in the morning and see vistas where I was sure it was a special effect.” And its not just the scenery that Mark is so enthusiastic about, nope, he loved the Irish people, who he was soon to discover were his people too. “The people are so nice. They make you feel like family, they were so welcoming, so accommodating and so friendly. We felt like we were home.” And in a way he was; Mark discovered that his great-grandmother Elizabeth Keating hailed from Ireland. She was born in Kilkenny in 1873, emigrating to America in her teens.

The great Jedi Knight isn’t the only highprofile actor marching along the streets of Dublin in 2018 – Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, best known for playing Ser Davos Seaworth proudly leads the 2018 St Patrick’s Day parade. SUPER-FRIENDLY PEOPLE As Mark Hamill and so many visitors say, Irish people are generally super-friendly, laid back and always up for some fun. Ask for directions and you’ll likely get taken there. Walk into a pub and make new friends. The engaging locals will make your trip memorable. GAME OF THRONES And if Star Wars were not enough, the biggest TV show on the planet is filmed around Northern Ireland’s mountains, castles and shorelines. There are Game of Thrones adventures and experiences aplenty to be had in what they now

call the ‘Real Westeros’. In celebration, those landing in Belfast over the Christmas period witnessed the renaming of Belfast Airport to Westeros Airport. While the show doesn’t solely film in Belfast (it also has locations in Causeway Coast and Glens, north of the capital city, as well as south into Quoile and the Mourne Mountains in County Down) it seemed fitting that travelers to the city should be reminded that they were setting foot on hallowed ground! WORLD HERITAGE SITES Ireland boasts three World Heritage Sites: the hexagonal stones of the Giant’s Causeway, the towering sea crag of Skellig Michael and the stunning Neolithic burial site, Newgrange. With three more UNESCO geoparks dotting the landscape alongside countless other protected sites, natural beauty is all around.

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FUN FACTS ABOUT IRELAND From ancient beasts to Antarctic adventures, the Caribbean and even the White House, Irish people have made their mark worldwide in a variety of ways. ST PATRICK’S SECOND HOME Where in the world is most associated with St Patrick? Most people would say the island of Ireland, but did you know that the snake-banishing shepherd-turnedsaint is also Nigeria’s patron saint? It happened when missionaries from Ireland brought Catholicism to West Africa in the 1920s. Now, every year on March 17, along with the Irish, Nigerians wear their brightest greens to celebrate St Patrick with the rest of the world!

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS Titanic Belfast was voted the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ for 2017 and it’ll be even better in 2018. At the other end of the island, Spike Island in Cork was named Europe’s leading tourist attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards, 2017. The former prison site beat off competition from Buckingham Palace, The Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum and the Acropolis! If you haven’t make it to these signature experiences, now is the time. Or try the Guinness Storehouse, the Ulster Museum, or one of a dizzying array of whiskey, gin or craft beer breweries. The list of big Irish attractions goes on and on. FANTASTIC FESTIVALS Ireland is a land of festivals, especially during the summer months. There’s everything you could think of – food, arts, horseracing, fashion, film, matchmaking, literature, music, theatre, and much, much more. With a little planning, you can easily join 2018’s fun. ISLAND ESCAPES There is an array of islands scattered off Ireland’s ragged coastline. They are fantastic places to experience traditional island life and get away from it all. Set yourself apart next year and escape to the Aran Islands, Rathlin Island, Achill Island and many more.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ANCIENT BEASTS About 350 million years ago, the earth was empty and all life was bound to the ocean. But all that changed in Ireland with the Tetrapods, the first creatures to crawl on land. The proof? Down at Valentia Island off the County Kerry coast are the tiny preserved footprints where the Tetrapods squirmed ashore, frozen in time and captured in stone. Watch your step, now! IRELAND’S OLYMPICS Long before the Olympics came into being in Ancient Greece, Ireland hosted its own version – the Tailteann Games. What bizarrely started as a funeral contest at the Hill of Tara evolved into an athletic competition that lasted millennia. Archery, horseracing and hurling (the still-popular Irish sport) were all categories, and the games saw a brief revival in the 1920s when they were held at Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium. THE EMERALD ISLE OF THE CARIBBEAN The Irish have travelled the world to settle down for centuries. But did

you know that we also have strong Irish roots in the Caribbean? On the tiny island of Montserrat, some citizens can trace their ancestry back to 17th century Ireland, with many still having Irish surnames. You’ll even find towns named Cork and Kinsale, and it’s not unusual to hear traditional Irish melodies sung on Montserrat’s paradisiacal beaches. Bliss. ANTARCTIC ADVENTURERS The extraordinary tale of Tom Crean and Ernest Shackleton is one of endurance. In 1914, Kerryman Crean and Kildare native Shackleton embarked on the Endurance Expedition, which aimed to cross the Antarctic by way of the South Pole. Both were stranded with the crew in pack ice and made a heroic escape through frigid seas and dangerous terrain. Toast a pint to the explorers at the South Pole Inn established by Crean himself in County Kerry. WHY IS THE SKY BLUE? The question every child asks more than once was finally answered by one John Tyndall, an Irish scientist born in County Carlow. We know that light is made up of the seven colors of the rainbow, but Tyndall discovered that when the light from the sun hits the Earth’s atmosphere, the blue-colored particles are scattered faster than the others. And where looks better under blue skies than Ireland? I DO/I DON’T Up until the 1920s, couples could legally get married just by walking towards each other in Teltown, county Meath on Saint Bridget’s Day. If the marriage failed, they could also divorce at the same spot they got married - all they had to do was walk away - literally. The custom was based on old Irish Brehon laws which allowed for temporary marriages to happen.

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SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC OBJECTS WERE CREATED BY THE IRISH:

The White House – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20500 - perhaps the most photographed house in the history of humanity - was designed by Irish architect James Hoban who was born in Kilkenny in 1758. Hoban is widely believed to have based his design on Leinster House in Dublin, one of the grandest homes in Georgian Dublin and built for the Duke of Leinster. Leinster House is today the seat of the Irish Parliament, Dáil Éireann.

The Titanic – The world’s most famous ship was built in Belfast at the Harland and Wolff shipyard. The ill-fated vessel sank on her maiden voyage with the loss of over 1500 lives.

The Hypodermic Needle – In 1844 Doctor Francis Rynd, a Dublin-based doctor, invented the hypodermic syringe which has been used as an instrument of curing and terror millions of times since. The world’s very first subcutaneous injection was administered in Dublin’s Meath hospital.

The Submarine – In 1900 the US Navy purchased a submarine called the ‘Holland VI’ renaming it the ‘USS Holland’ and the modern submarine age began. It was invented by John Philip Holland from County Clare who was the first to use battery power for submerged conditions in a submarine.

The Oscar – That most coveted of pieces of metal was designed by Austin Cedric Gibbons (1893 – 1960), the Irish art director and film production designer in 1928. The design represents a Knight standing on top of a Film Reel gripping a sword.

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GAELIC GAMES Alongside music and dancing, Gaelic games lie at the heart what it is to be Irish. A must-do is a trip to Croke Park, the fourth largest sports stadium in Europe. Feel the passion in a game, see the museum or take a stadium skyline tour, ranked as one of the best things to do in Dublin. THE CLIFFS OF MOHER A stunning natural destination located within yet another natural wonder in the Burren region in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are a big reason to visit Ireland on their own. The views from these 200-meter-high cliffs is breathtaking. GOLFING GREATS With some of the finest links courses in the world, a stable of major-winning champions, a plethora of outstanding tournaments and an abundance of top resorts, the island of Ireland

is one of the world’s best golf destinations. Be at one with nature’s immense power on any one of Ireland’s amazing links courses. Golf is a great reason to visit Ireland any year. DUBLIN FESTIVAL SEASON In the autumn, Dublin reaps a harvest of contemporary arts, drama, music, comedy and heritage like no other. The city’s world-class festival season is one of the best times of the year to immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of culture. FOOD CULTURE The entire island of Ireland is one of the most talked-about food destinations in Europe. So, if you want 2018 to be about indulging your foodie passion, everything from fine dining, food tours, festivals and craft beers and spirits are on the table countrywide. 21

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HALLOWEEN It started in Ireland, and so nowhere does Halloween better. Spooky events across the island offer good reasons to be there at the most haunting time of year. The best is to be found on the banks of the River Foyle, where the city of Derry-Londonderry puts on the biggest Halloween parade in Europe.

CASTLES A-PLENTY People don’t believe how many castles there are in Ireland, but their quantity and quality are so symptomatic of the country’s rich history and heritage. Among the unmissable are Glenarm Castle, Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle on the Causeway Coastal Route, or Lismore Castle and Kinnitty Castle in Ireland’s Ancient East. www.ireland.com

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Much to See WITH CIE TOURS

onsidering a vacation in Ireland this summer? If you’re looking for a family vacation that will delight grandparents, parents and children of all ages, CIE Tours may have just the itinerary for you. CIE Tours is Ireland’s leading provider of guided vacations – and has been for 86 years. The company has over 50 tours to choose from, from 5 to 24 days in length. They have introduced a number of summer tours designed especially for families. Summer is the perfect time to go to Ireland: enjoy comfortable temperatures and late sunsets that will allow you to maximize sightseeing through all that beautiful scenery. The Irish Myths and Legends tour begins with a welcome dinner at the luxurious K Club in Kildare, Ireland’s prime horse-breeding county. You’ll travel to the lively city of Dublin: don your horned hats for the Viking Splash tour, exploring Dublin by land and water in an amphibious vehicle from World War II, before rolling up your sleeves for a handson cooking demonstration. Then enjoy a guided bike ride through the Phoenix Park, home to not only the President and the US ambassador, but also a famous herd of deer. Board a train to Cork for a first-class ride through the Irish countryside, arriving in Blarney for fun exploring around the castle or taking a walk through the stunning grounds. Browse

around the village of Blarney and then head over to the splendid Castelmartyr Resort for a barbecue dinner – it’s an 18th century manor house built next to the ruins of an 800-year-old castle. Then take a ferry ride to Spike Island, which in Victorian times was the largest jail in the world but has also been home to a sixthcentury monastery and a military fortress. Explore the island, which in 2017 was named “Europe’s leading tourist attraction” at the World Travel Awards and enjoy a picnic lunch with your family. The afternoon allows for time sightseeing around the historic fishing town of Kinsale, once an important port and now a paradise for foodies and art-lovers, before returning to the hotel for dinner. Next up is a visit to the stunning Cliffs of Moher in Clare, 700 feet above the Atlantic, complete with a privately guided tour. Look for rare flowers in the crevices of the unusual limestone hills of the Burren, a barren but surprisingly beautiful landscape. Go on to the festive city of Galway, where a walking tour will explore the city’s medieval streets and city walls – you’ll see the Spanish Arch, named for its role in protecting merchant ships during the 16th century, when trade with Spain flourished. Have dinner in a restaurant set in two Pullman Railway carriages – the luxurious cars were the original carriages from the Agatha Christie film, “Murder on the Orient Express”. Built in 1927, their routes included the Monaco/Istanbul/St

Petersburg runs, and the carriages retain their luxurious details. While in Galway, you’ll take a ferry from Connemara to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands, the home of the intricately patterned fisherman’s sweaters. Visit Dun Aengus, a huge, prehistoric fortress perched on the island’s cliffs – construction at the site dates back to the year 1100 BC. Have lunch and free time in Kilronan, the island’s main town, and then head back to Galway to relax before dinner. On the last day of touring, you’ll visit a traditional farmhouse in Limerick, where you’ll meet some resident animals and learn about traditional farming practices. Watch a sheepdog at work herding its flock, and then round out your visit with homemade scones and tea. Head to Limerick, the fourth-largest city on the island, where you’ll take a walking tour along the Shannon River, passing by King John’s Castle, and then enjoy a farewell dinner. The tour ends the next day after breakfast. CIE Tours has other family collection tours including “Scottish Lochs and Castles” and “English Knights and Wizards”. For more information on all of these tours, visit the CIE Tours Family Collection at http://www. cietours.com/family. All the family tours last 8 days/7 nights and start at $2090 per person land only. 23

t he cast le | t h e lodg e | t h e old s ta b le m e w s

A rural retreat in the heart of Ireland…

estled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. Steeped in history, full of character and charm, it is the ultimate Irish rural escape.

Only 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast, Castle Leslie Estate boasts a variety of accommodation and activities to suit all tastes. The Castle, at the heart of the Estate, offers authentic original interiors and old-style hospitality and is a complete respite from the world. The Lodge is the social hub of the Estate, a country house boutique hotel that brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. The Old Stable Mews and Village Cottages are the perfect spot for groups that want the convenience of hotel living combined with private luxury home rental.

Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Monaghan

Castle Leslie Estate offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activity and adventure. Explore the Estate on horseback, enjoy some of Ireland’s finest coarse fishing, take in a movie at our private cinema, luxuriate in a relaxing massage in the Victorian treatment rooms, exhilarate in a abundance of outdoor adventures, or just borrow a pair of wellies from our boot room and go for a stroll on our 1,000 acres – just some of the choices that await you in this hidden corner of Ireland.

t: + 353 47 88 100

www.castleleslie.com

CASTLE RETREATS

Land of Lore LEGEND, LORE AND LAVISH SURROUNDINGS HAVE ENSURED THAT IRELAND’S CASTLES NEVER FAIL TO CAPTURE THE IMAGINATION.

ith over 3,000 castles dotted across the island of Ireland, it would be impossible to visit them all. There are few counties that don’t have at least one castle or stately home, here are a few to try: At the tip of the Antrim coast sits the sprawling Dunluce Castle, looming over the sea atop a dark basalt outcrop. Once home to the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans, this is the quintessential medieval Irish castle. From rebellion to fire, mermaids to banshees,

Dunluce has seen its fair share of drama. No wonder, then, that this much-storied pile is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis to create Narnia’s hallowed Cair Paravel. With the white chalk cliffs of Portrush sweeping away to the west, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back in time. But don’t get too close to the edge – local legend says the castle kitchen once collapsed into the sea, dragging seven cooks with it.

CASTLE RETREATS

There are some castles with horrible, histories. Take Leap Castle for example, said to have seen more gruesome deaths than a Game of Thrones wedding. Legend has it, during a struggle for power within the O’Carroll clan, one brother plunged a sword into his brother, a priest, as he was holding mass in the castle’s chapel. The room is now called The Bloody Chapel, and the priest is said to haunt the church at night. 26

The horror doesn’t end there. The family were fond of poisoning dinner guests, and during renovations in the early 1900s, workmen found a secret dungeon in the Bloody Chapel with so many human skeletons, they filled three cartloads hauling them away. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, the dungeon was designed so that prisoners would fall through a trap door, impaling themselves on wooded spikes

CASTLE RETREATS

on the ground, dying a slow, horrific death within earshot of the clan members above. With such a grisly past, it’s no wonder that many believe Leap Castle is swarming with ghosts; it has featured on America’s Most Haunted. Today, Leap Castle is privately owned. Yet it continues to attract those interested in history and the paranormal. Its owner, Sean Ryan, arranges tours of the castle by appointment while continuing to restore the ancient structure to its original beauty. Not far outside Dublin in county Westmeath you can find Tullynally Castle, occupied by the same family since the 17th century. It is linked to one of Ireland’s bestloved legends, The Children of Lir. Indeed, visitors reported that a ‘fairy land’ had been constructed on the site in the 1830s, when Lady Georgiana remodeled the grounds. Although everything from a llama paddock to a

Tibetan Garden has since been added, the castle itself has remained largely unchanged. Centuries later, the flawless acoustics of Tullynally’s magnificent Great Hall sees it host regular music events, while visitors to the expansive gardens can often catch a plant fair or owner-led spring walk. From summer fêtes to Halloween Terror Trails, Tullynally is a castle for all seasons. Head to county Offaly to discover the brainchild of the third Earl of Rosse, an innovative gent. His Leviathan telescope, still in working order today, was once the largest in existence, and his wife Mary created one of the world’s first darkrooms in the estate stables. It’s not difficult to see why – Birr Castle Gardens are some of the most stunning in Ireland. Endless exotic flowers enliven the grounds in a rainbow of color, while waterfalls and lakes are home to otters, herons and kingfishers.

Ballinalacken Castle Hotel Luxury stylish accommodation and dining in an award winning restaurant Situated 3 miles from Doolin Village and within easy reach of the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Connemara & Galway, it would be difficult to find a more beautiful place on the west coast of Ireland. Spectacular panoramic views of the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Email: info@ballinalackencastle.com Phone: +353-(0)65 7074025 www.ballinalackencastle.com 27

CASTLE RETREATS

Within the castle, visitors are guided by descendants of the Earl and his wife, whose portraits still adorn the great Victorian dining room. The view from the spectacular, octagonal Gothic Saloon drinks in the River Camcor, from where the couple’s son once harnessed the current to provide Birr with electricity. Although Birr Castle itself is occupied, you can stay overnight in the grounds at the Bothy Garden Cottage. Cork’s coat of arms heralds the city as a “safe harbor for ships,” but this wasn’t always the case. The formidable limestone outcrop of Blackrock Castle was built in the 16th century to protect one of the deepest natural harbors in the world from pirate and naval attacks – and to protect the nobility from the rowdier factions within the Rebel County. Twice destroyed by fire, the castle was faithfully restored by the people of Cork. Today, it is home to the invaluable astronomical research center of the nearby Cork Institute of Technology. Its award-winning interactive astronomy exhibition, Cosmos at the Castle, is the first of its kind in Ireland. Of course, the best way to enjoy a castle is to stay over for a night or two. What better way to be king or queen for the night and lord it over your surroundings? There is the ancient grandeur of course which is nice; the suits of armor and centuries old tapestries on the wall; the high wood ceilings, stone columns and battlements; staff only too eager to serve you all kinds of delightful things and spectacular 28

gardens to stroll around to work up an appetite. Staying in a castle is a great way to connect and be part of history - you cannot help but feel it in these places. Who doesn’t love secret nooks and crannies, silver service dining, delicious afternoon tea, fine antique furniture. It’s the ideal way to indulge your fantasies and senses. Ireland has some of the finest castles in Europe. Some are ruins, some tourist attractions and some are luxury hotels where you can be treated like royalty. It’s worth pushing the boat out just a little to be transported back through the centuries, imagining yourself as lord and lady of the manor. It is all there for the taking with our selection of Irish Castles.

Ireland has some of the finest castles in Europe. Some are ruins, some tourist attractions and some are luxury hotels where you can be treated like royalty. It’s worth pushing the boat out just a little to be transported back through the centuries, imagining yourself as lord and lady of the manor

CASTLE RETREATS

DINE

LIKE A KING CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE IN COUNTY MONAGHAN IS NESTLED ON 1,000 ACRES OF UNDULATING IRISH COUNTRYSIDE, DOTTED WITH ANCIENT WOODLAND AND GLITTERING LAKES. IT IS ONE OF THE LAST GREAT IRISH CASTLE ESTATES STILL IN THE HANDS OF ITS FOUNDING FAMILY. 30

CASTLE RETREATS

he estate is home to some of the most unique and enchanting accommodation on one of Ireland’s most breathtaking estates. Whether your idea of a holiday is a romantic retreat, a relaxing break or an action-packed adventure, there is something for everyone at Castle Leslie Estate and when it comes to dining, it’s all about choice. Castle Leslie caters for those looking for casual dining as well as those seeking a more elegant and romantic experience. Guests can look forward to lazy breakfasts, light lunches or picnic lunches in the woodlands, Irish country cooking in Conor’s Bar or gourmet dinners in the 2AA Rosette award winning Snaffles Restaurant. At Snaffles, you can enjoy delicious meals in a relaxed setting. Set on a mezzanine floor, welcoming both residents and local guests, the open-plan restaurant is light and spacious with

its dramatic hand-carved ceiling and robust oak beams blending effortlessly with a striking wall of contemporary glass. Signature dishes are cooked with superb locally sourced food which is prepared and presented with imagination and flair. It also houses one of the largest gin menus in Ireland, with over 100 gins from around the world. With a dedicated Gin Wall, guests can peruse the huge variety of gins available. In addition, Castle Leslie Estate will be launching their very own signature Gin called ‘The Fighting Bishop’ which will be produced by Listoke Gin in Drogheda with their own recipe. Full of flavor, the courses and extensive drinks menus available make Snaffles Restaurant a top pick in Monaghan. A huge draw for locals, booking is advised and a return trip is guaranteed!

EAGLES FLYING PREM TOUR IER IST DEST INATI IN TH ON E NORT H WE ALL W ST EA

IRISH RAPTOR RESEARCH CENTRE

SUITA THER BLE

Image courtesy of Alex Zarodov

SCIENTIFICALLY MANAGED SANCTUARY FOR BIRDS OF PREY & OWLS

RAIN OR SHINE – ALWAYS A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY Get up-close with Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Vultures and Owls. Eagles Flying makes your dreams come true. During our fascinating, entertaining and interactive shows you can learn from scientists about their biology. You have never been that close to Eagles. Experience Eagles swooping only inches over your head or have a raptor landing on your bare arm. Watch the “Bird Whisperers” at work!

You will have great photo opportunities with no extra costs. Eagles Flying is Ireland’s largest raptor center and home to more than 100 raptors and another 350 birds and animals out of 85 different species. During the 2 hours programme you can avail of the guided tours through the centre, enjoy the one hours bird show and eventually get handson with various animals in our supervised Touch-Zoo section.

OPENING TIMES: 10.30 a.m - 12.30 p.m 2.30.p.m - 4.30 p.m 2 shows daily at 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. 7 Days 1st April - 7th Nov. 2 hours programme: Guided tour, Bird Show, Touch-Zoo Picnic Area / Kiosk / free parking fully wheelchair-accessible. Drive off the N17 at Ballinacarrow just follow the signs.

Ballymote, Co. Sligo Tel: 071 - 9189310 www.eaglesflying.com

CASTLE RETREATS

Be our Guest OFFERING ELEGANT ROOMS IN A GRAND, 17TH-CENTURY HOUSE NEXT TO A 15TH-CENTURY CASTLE, KILLIANE CASTLE IS A BOUTIQUE B&B LOCATED IN TRANQUIL WEXFORD.

ituated in lush green countryside, at the heart of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ancient East, this family run home offers something very special; a guest house experience in an historic and rather grand setting. The Mernagh family delight in sharing their 17th century home with guests who are met on arrival with warm smiles, a nice cup of tea and some of Kathleenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delicious home-made biscuits. An elegant drawing room with an open fire to the right and a beautifully appointed dining room to the left sets the scene nicely for a peaceful and relaxing stay. There are eight individually decorated bedrooms on the 1st and 2nd floors reached

by a typically wide 17th century staircase. All rooms have views of the gardens and green fields with cattle grazing and some have views of the Wexford coastline. Rooms have thoughtful added touches like electric blankets, magazines and their own spring water. If you are looking for a more independent stay, there are private apartments in the former stables. If the biscuits were a hint to the quality of the food, wait until you try breakfast. A huge buffet table awaits before you tuck into an extensive menu of freshly cooked breakfasts using their own free-range eggs, bacon & sausages along with home-made breads and jams. In 33

CASTLE RETREATS

the summer months dinner is offered and is an equally hearty and delicious affair. The Mernagh’s use their own meat from the farm and fresh salads from the garden. Guests can explore the castle and enjoy the great view from the top of the tower; go for a ramble on the farm, walk through the old beech groves or even see the cows being milked! There is also a golf pitch and putt course on site and a driving range, tennis court and croquet lawn. History buffs will love exploring the impressive Norman tower house, built around 1470. It is likely that the tower house was one of the “£10 castles”- a grant of £10 being given by King Henry VIII for the building of fortresses in his kingdom. The family were delighted when a guest from Australia arrived with a photo of the original deeds for Killiane Castle signed by King Henry VIII himself. There are all sorts of surprises here like the murder holes at the front of the castle over the ground floor doorways, perfect back in the day for pouring hot tar over unwelcome visitors! And beneath the ground floor underneath the stairway there is even a dungeon. It leads to a passageway said to run at one time right through to Johnstown Castle – a full 4km away! 34

Evenings can be spent relaxing by the open fire where you can pour a glass of whatever you fancy from the honesty bar (serve yourself, leave payment behind after). Easily accessible from all main routes, this hidden gem is an absolute delight. With over five hundred years of recorded history in an authentic castle setting, let time stand still as you take your fill of genuine Irish hospitality.

Killiane Castle Country House & Farm is the ideal place to stay while you discover Ireland’s Ancient East. 5* accommodation situated in the south east corner of Wexford in lush green countryside you will experience a haven of tranquility, “far from the madding crowd”

Killiane Castle Country House & Farm, Drinagh, Wexford, Ireland E: info@killianecastle.com T: +353(0)53 9158885 www.killianecastle.com

CASTLE RETREATS

Fairytale CASTLE

WATERFORD CASTLE HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT IS IRELAND’S ONLY ISLAND CASTLE. THIS 16TH CENTURY CASTLE IS SET ON AN ENCHANTED 310-ACRE PRIVATE ISLAND, LOCATED ON THE RIVER SUIR.

ast and present come together at Waterford Castle, where a rich and robust history blends seamlessly with contemporary comfort and luxury to make it a key component of Ireland’s Ancient East. Originally erected as a single stone tower during medieval times, Waterford Castle has evolved into an extraordinary internationally renowned destination, with magnificent halls and rooms, each ordained with fine art, period furniture and fixtures. Unique details 36

can be found at every angle on the castle structure from ornate original plaster ceilings to Elizabethan stone fireplaces. The awardwinning hotel offers the very best of Irish hospitality surrounded by the gracious living of an elegant past with every modern comfort and convenience. One of Ireland’s most acclaimed hotels, Waterford Castle’s 500-year-old history provides a stunning venue in the most

CASTLE RETREATS

beautiful surroundings imaginable. This luxury resort provides discretion and privacy like few other destinations, accessed by the island’s private car ferry, the island sits just downstream from its namesake city, Waterford, the oldest city on the Emerald Isle. Dining at Waterford Castle provides an opportunity to taste the best of traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine and a truly memorable fine dining experience. The award-winning Munster Room Restaurant has won numerous awards. Under the direction of Head Chef Stan Cicon, the gifted culinary team use only the finest local produce and continually create dishes with intense flavors that will tantalize and satisfy every food lover’s palate. The castle’s intimacy, with only nineteen bedrooms gives a truly exclusive feel whether for individual bookings or as a venue to take over exclusively. All 5 suites and 14 guest rooms are decorated to the highest standard and have the characterful quirks typical of a castle, with elegant décor full of authentic period detail and antiques as well as all the modern comforts of a world class hotel. The island offers 45 modern lodges, located minutes from the castle. The lodges are perfect for large families and wedding guests offering an open plan contemporary design. Activities on the resort range from the 18-hole championship golf course, the sport of Kings - falconry, tennis, clay pigeon shooting and croquet, together with over 7.5 km of walking trails. The island offers an array of choices for dining from island picnics, afternoon tea on the great lawn, gourmet barbecues or the spectacular ‘pig on the spit’ in the relaxed atmosphere of the Kings Channel Club House. Waterford Castle is renowned for its magical weddings, with the stunning setting and the famous Irish homespun hospitality. More and more couples are keen to get married on the private island resort in the 16th century castle they can call home for their special day. Waterford Castle leave your worries at the shore.

AWARDS “Best Wine Experience” in Munster by the Irish Restaurant Association awards 2018 “Best Restaurant Manager” in Munster by the Irish Restaurant Association awards 2018 Awarded “Hotel Restaurant of the Year Munster” by Yes Chef 2018. Awarded “Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year Munster” by Yes Chef 2018.

Past and present come together at Waterford Castle, where a rich and robust history blends seamlessly with contemporary comfort and luxury

Awarded #5 of the Best Hotels in Ireland 2017 by Conde Naste Traveler. The Island Resort’s Mixologist holds the ‘National Cocktail Champion 2017 Award’ by Bartenders Association of Ireland - BAI. Voted ‘Best Wedding Venue 2016’ by Irish Wedding Diary Voted ‘7th of the 50 Best Hotels in The World 2016’ by Condé Nast Traveler Voted ‘3rd in the Top Ten Hotels of Europe 2016’ by Condé Nast Traveler www.waterfordcastleresort.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKING DETAILS CONTACT WILLIAM AT

INFO@LISMORECASTLE.COM T

+ 353 58 54288

WWW.LISMORECASTLE.COM

IRISH CASTLES

A Castle EXCLUSIVE

IMAGINE THE LUXURY OF STAYING AT YOUR VERY OWN CASTLE, COMPLETE WITH FAIRYTALE TURRETS AND HISTORIC INTERIORS, BUTLERS & VALETS, MAGICAL VIEWS AND LUSH ESTATE LANDS. LISMORE CASTLE IN IRELAND IS ONE OF A KIND AND A REPOSITORY OF EXTRAORDINARY HISTORY.

he castle has a rich and varied past, owned or visited by some of the most notable names of the last few centuries — Sir Walter Raleigh, Fred Astaire, J.F. Kennedy, John Betjeman, Cecil Beaton, Dominic West, Lucian Freud. Earls, dukes and other royals; soccer stars and rock stars — the list is almost as long as Lismore’s history. The first owner was the soon-to-be King of England, Prince John, when he built Lismore back in 1185. On becoming monarch, he passed it to the Church to be used as a Bishop’s

Palace. Then Sir Walter Raleigh, the Elizabethan adventurer who introduced tobacco to the English court, bought the castle. 13 years later however, he was imprisoned for high treason in the Tower of London so Lismore, along with its 42,000 acres, was sold to Richard Boyle for a sum of £1,500. Richard later became the first Earl of Cork, and his son Robert Boyle, who was born at Lismore, became the philosopher that many consider the father of modern chemistry. As time passed, the lands passed to generations of Dukes of Devonshire. It was the ninth Duke who married Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire’s sister 39

IRISH CASTLES

while the heir to the tenth Dukedom married Kathleen Kennedy, JFK’s sister! While the castle dates back to 1170, today there is no shortage of modern luxuries sitting discretely with the antiquity and ambience of times gone by. Available for exclusive hire, Lismore Castle is a wonderful place to gather with family and friends with its offering of magnificent banquet halls, expansive green gardens and walls decked in world-class art. Despite its grandeur, the castle has an intimate personality and unique charm and is the perfect location for a family gathering, a unique wedding or an executive retreat. Up to 30 guests can stay in the elegant rooms — each individually designed and steeped in a history that includes the Boyle, Astaire, Mitford, Kennedy and Devonshire families. Larger events are also possible and all are attended by the family’s private staff, led by Denis Nevin, the castle’s Butler for the last 35 years.

staying in 16 rooms (11 doubles, two twins, three singles). The minimum stay is two nights and rates start at $34,500 for up to 16 people, which includes full butler service, breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner.

Lismore Castle is available to rent for exclusive use by families and groups of up to 30 people

For more information contact Maura O’Keeffe info@lismorecastle.com www.lismorecastle.com

Discover the splendor of...

Malahide Castle & Gardens is the perfect location to impress your international guests, we can cater for a range of different events from

private Guided Tours of the Castle - drinks receptions & entertainment - private dining Options Team Building & incentive days - Meeting & Conference room Hire - On-site Catering

Open daily all year rOund To explore your ideas further contact our Sales & Marketing department on +353 1 866 6784 or email pollardj@shannonheritage.com www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie

AT THE HEART OF IRISH HISTORY FOR 800 YEARS

PEN DAILY OR VISITORS int Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, Ireland AT THE HEART hone 01 453 9472 IRISH mail OF info@stpatrickscathedral.ie

HISTORY FOR 800 YEARS

WW.STPATRICKSCATHEDRAL.IE

df 1

OPEN DAILY FOR VISITORS

Saint Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, Ireland Phone 01 453 9472 Email info@stpatrickscathedral.ie WWW.STPATRICKSCATHEDRAL.IE

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

Discover DUBLIN

WELCOME TO DUBLIN. INVIGORATING, CULTURALLY RICH AND HAPPY TO WEAR ITS HISTORICAL HEART ON ITS SLEEVE. THIS IS A CITY FULL OF CULTURE WITH FRIENDLY PEOPLE LINING UP TO TELL YOU ABOUT ITS RICH PAST.

xplore the city’s nooks and crannies by foot, chat with the locals and let Dublin get right under your skin. Ignite your love of books in this UNESCO City of Literature, discover the invaders and rebels who made Dublin their home, and dine out on exceptional food in what’s locally known as the Fair City. Unearth thousands of years of history on a day that brings you from a truly beautiful university to the very place that gave Dublin its name.

DUBLIN’S SEAT OF LEARNING At the heart of Dublin city on O’Connell Street (said to be Europe’s widest streets) is the GPO, or General Post Office. The General Post Office was first opened in 1818. A suggestion that the building be used as a Catholic Cathedral was rejected by the authorities as the British authorities did not want a religious institution in such a prominent place in the city. The building was to gain international prominence however, when it was seized during the Easter Rising of 43

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

1916. The rebellion, which was led by Padraig Pearse, was very much centered at the GPO which was gutted during the battle that ensued. It was rebuilt during the 1920’s, but several of the original bullet-holes from the Rising were left untouched as a reminder of the turbulent history of perhaps the world’s most famous post office. See how many you can find! Proudly standing today at the center of O’Connell Street this commanding Georgian building is still a working post office. The grandeur and airy spaciousness of the office, combined with some fine craftsmanship, produced what remains an impressive and rather beautiful interior. Here you can also ‘witness history’ by walking in the footsteps of the 1916 Rising. One of the newest Dublin Museums, Witness History is an Irish Tourism Industry Award winner for the best cultural experience over 100,000 people. This highly immersive and engaging exhibition puts you right inside the GPO during Easter Week in 1916. History will come to life as you experience events from both sides of the conflict and through the eyes of bystanders caught in the crossfire through electronic touch screens, video, audio visual booths, sound and authentic artefacts – many previously unseen. You’ll be immersed in the action as you compose newspaper reports, examine the original copy of the Irish Proclamation and send Morse code to declare the Irish Republic by radio. Head then towards Grafton Street, arguably Dublin’s prettiest shopping street and home to some of Dublin’s most exclusive stores. Set yourself up for the day first with brunch at the Kilkenny Café or the Avoca Cafe, before heading across the road to the bastion of learning, Trinity College, founded in 1592. Stand in Front Square and listen as the campanile rings out around the campus, then head to the Long Room Library, 44

GPO WITNESS HISTORY VISITOR CENTRE Award winning GPO Witness History is located in the historical GPO (General Post Office) building on O’Connell Street, Dublin. The Visitor Centre recently received The Micheletti Award at the European Museum Academy Awards. This prestigious award is the European prize for innovative museums in the world of contemporary history, industry and science. The GPO building was the communications hub of Ireland and headquarters of the men and women who took part in the 1916 Easter Rising. The Easter Rising set in motion an unstoppable chain of events which would ultimately lead to the creation of the Irish Republic. This spectacular experience focuses on the Rising, the aftermath and also how Ireland has developed since. History is brought to life through electronic touch screens, video, audio visual booths, sound and authentic artefacts. The Iconic GPO building is the headquarters of the post office in Ireland as well as being an enduring symbol of freedom and a place of commemoration. The original building was built in 1818 (200 years ago this year) and it remains one of the oldest operating postal headquarters in the world.

The visitor centre also features the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation Exhibition which is the first ever permanent exhibition on the Irish Flag. This new addition to the visitor experience was unveiled recently to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish Tricolour in 1848 by Thomas F. Meagher who fought in the American Civil war and was also acting governor of Montana. Relax afterwards in the café and browse the gift shop which is also open to the public. This iconic venue is also available for private functions and events. For Further Information visit www.gpowitnesshistory.ie Tel: + 353 (0) 1 872 1916 or Email: info@gpowitnesshistory.ie Opening Times Open Daily Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:30 Sunday and Bank Holidays 12:00 – 17:30 July & August (Late Opening Thursday) 10.00 – 20.00 Last admission 1 hour before closing Closed New Year’s Day, St Patrick’s Day Easter Sunday, December 23rd – 26th inclusive (Opening times may be subject to change, check our website)

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

which houses over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest manuscripts, including the majestic Book of Kells – an illuminated gospel from the 9th century. Just opposite the exit from the Book of Kells a small gate leads to Dawson Street, (parallel with Grafton Street). Here you can find Dublin’s tiniest bar, the Dawson Lounge. Discover a friendly snug with lots of charm, and friendly locals. Then take one of the side streets back onto Grafton Street where you can watch street performers and indulge in a little retail therapy.

A MILLENNIUM OF STORIES Go traditional with a lunch of beef and Guinness Stew at any number of cafés in the small streets off buzzing Grafton Street, then head back over 1,000 years to the site of Dublin Castle. (If you fancy a novel way of getting there, at the top of Grafton Street outside the main entrance to St Stephens Green you can hop on a horse drawn carriage to take you to the castle). From Viking fortress, to the seat of British rule in Ireland, Dublin Castle is now a place of 45

Discover Dublin’s oldest building, explore the medieval crypt, see the mummified cat and rat and view Ireland’s first copy of Magna Carta. Guided tours which include a visit to the Belfry also available.

For more information visit christchurchcathedral.ie Christ Church Cathedral, Christchurch Place, Dublin 8. T:01-677 8099 E:welcome@christchurch.ie W:christchurchcathedral.ie Christchurch 1/2.indd 1

06/04/2018 15:03

HISTORY SO CLOSE IT COMES ALIVE Explore the 1916 Easter Rising & modern Irish History in a spectacular setting General Post Office, O’Connell St. Lower, Dublin 1 Tel: + 353 (0) 1 872 1916 www.gpowitnesshistory.ie

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

administrative and stately significance. Tour the State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal before relaxing in the tranquil Dubh Linn Gardens, on the site of the “black pool” that gave Dublin its name. Overlooking the gardens, you’ll find the Chester Beatty Library – described by Lonely Planet as one of the best museums in Europe, it a treasure-trove of artefacts from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Head for the City Hall exit from the Castle and visit Dublin City Hall. Built between 1769 and 1779, this is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. If you look to the ceiling you will see that there is a stained-glass dome, initially to be left open, in the same vein as the Pantheon, however given that in Ireland it rains so often, they decided to cover it in. Initially built as The Royal Exchange (where merchants would have come to exchange Irish Punt into English Sterling) City Hall was an epicenter of trade in

Dublin for the later part of the 18th century. Heading downhill directly in front of City Hall is Parliament Street where you can find some excellent and well-priced eateries. For some delicious and informal dining try Zaytoon, a Persian delight serving up the best kebabs this side of Turkey. Everything is made fresh to order and huge portions with great prices guarantee satisfaction. TWIN PEAKS & GET BRAZEN A short walk from the castle (ask anybody for directions!) and you can be climbing up to the sky - the spires of St Patrick’s and Christ Church cathedrals are mainstays on the urban horizon. For nearly 800 years, the two have presided here, with both containing intriguing oddities. The embalmed heart of St Laurence O’Toole (a 12th century Archbishop of Dublin) lies in a shrine in Christ Church Cathedral, while the hauntingly beautiful choir at St Patrick’s will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. 47

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

After all that walking visit one of Dublin’s oldest pubs, The Brazen Head. Famed for its pint of Guinness, craic, great food and company – it is also one of Dublin’s most haunted pubs! GO TO JAIL Discover the incredible reach of our diaspora and the destiny of some of our cruelest convicts and what could well be the best pint of Guinness in the world. Visit Dublin’s original ‘Gallows Hill,’ now the site of Kilmainham Gaol. Opened in 1796, Kilmainham quickly established itself as a forbidding place of punishment, especially for political prisoners and convicts destined for a journey to Australia. In more recent times up to the struggle for independence in the early 1900’s many famous Irish historical figures were imprisoned (and some executed) within these walls including Robert Emmett, Charles Stewart Parnell, Padraig Pearse, Countess Markievicz and Eamon DeValera. After a long and rather infamous history, the vast gaol was opened to visitors in the 1960’s and offers a panoramic insight into some of the most profound and disturbing times in Irish history. Nearby the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is housed in the beautiful grounds of the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham, and features pieces by Elizabeth Peyton, Alexander Calder, and Terry Winters. After your trip to the gallows, call into Union8 for a bite to eat - a contemporary neighborhood eatery reminiscent of Brooklyn, it is a fun restaurant with fabulous food at the ‘union’ of the road in Kilmainham. AN IRISH ICON From its origins in 1759 as a fermentation house with a 9,000-year lease, the Guinness Storehouse has risen to become one of the city’s most famous places to visit! Built in the style of the Chicago School of Architecture in 1904, today it hosts a gleaming exhibition on everything from retro advertising to the craft of brewing (and why Guinness’s bubbles go down instead of up). The tour is topped off with a pint 48

The iconic Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin is at the spiritual heart of the city. With over 1000 years of history it is Dublin’s oldest working structure. The history of Christ Church Cathedral reflects the history, both religious and political, of Ireland. The Cathedral Crypt is one of the largest in the UK and Ireland, dating back to the 12th century. The restored crypt now houses the important Treasures of Christ Church exhibition, together with the superb video of the cathedral history by Louis Marcus. The exhibition features manuscripts and artefacts that give the visitor some impression of nearly one thousand years of worship in the cathedral and nearby churches. Outstanding among the rare church silver is the stunning royal plate given by King William III in 1697 as a thanksgiving for his victory at the battle of the Boyne. Also on display are the conserved tabernacle and the candlesticks used in 1689 under James II when the Latin rites were restored for a three-month period. The Treasury also plays host to a rare 14th century copy of

the Magna Carta Hiberniae which is the centerpiece of an exhibition launched by the British Ambassador to Ireland in Ireland - think Robin Hood, Richard the Lionheart and King John. Music forms a very important part of cathedral life and the church choir traces its origins back to 1493 with the founding of the choir school. The cathedral choir has always been highly regarded in Dublin’s musical life and took part in the first performance of Handel’s Messiah in Dublin in 1742. With the largest repertoire of any cathedral choir in the country, covering more than five centuries and including many works commissioned especially for it; it is comprised of 22 professional singers led by a full-time Director of Music, Ian Keatley. The cathedral’s deployment of 19 bells, ranging in weight from a quarter of a ton to two and a quarter-tons, represents a world record of numbers of bells available for full-circle ringing. Located at the heart of Dublin city center this former Viking church (now an Anglican cathedral) is well worth a visit.

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

of the “black stuff” in the 360-degree Gravity Bar, where you can raise a toast to Arthur Guinness’s wonderful creation. The Open Gate Brewery at the Guinness factory lets you sample new drinks from the brewery, so reserve your spot on Thursdays and Fridays between 5.30pm and 10.30pm, with entry via a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it door on James’s Street. THE DEAD TELL TALES Hop on a bus to Glasnevin Cemetery – a seemingly unlikely place to visit but an absolute treasure trove of information about the history of Ireland. Opened in 1832, and now home to over 1.5 million burial sites, the cemetery is a goldmine for genealogists and history-buffs. Its newest attraction lets you climb to the top of Ireland’s tallest round tower – 222 steps, one incredible view! A wrought iron spiral staircase with hand carved wooden steps leads up to 6 landing platforms, exhibits, and four windows at the top affording breath-taking views to the north, south, east and west across all of Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and the Irish Sea. The tower was originally built to commemorate the life of one of Ireland’s greatest political figures, Daniel O’Connell (1775 – 1847). It took hundreds of skilled tradesmen and laborers 16 months to complete.

In 1971 a disaster struck the O’Connell Tower when a large bomb comprising of 10lbs of gelignite with a timing device exploded at the base of the tower. The blast shot up through

After a long and rather infamous history, Kilmainham gaol was opened to visitors in the 1960’s and offers a panoramic insight into some of the most profound and disturbing times in Irish history 49

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

the tower and blew out its windows. The force was such that it resulted in a large crack that spread up through its granite. This crack can still be seen today. The explosion also smashed the windows of houses opposite the cemetery. Despite this however, the only casualty was one pigeon that had been roosting within the tower. The net result was the unfortunate destruction of the towers staircase and the closure of the tower and crypt to any visitors. In 2016 work began with the reinstatement of the staircase that once graced the tower. Its completion was an achievement in its own right using the original plans and traditional methods employed by the carpenters and skilled tradesmen who first constructed it. All that climbing and you might work up a thirst, so head towards the back of the cemetery 50

(the old entrance to Glasnevin) where you can wind down for a while at the atmospheric Gravediggers Pub, a Victorian gem with oodles of charm, and guess how it got its name? Well they can tell you all about it over a pint. Officially known as John Kavanagh’s, this Dublin institution is a good place to find one of the city’s traditional dishes – coddle (usually a leftovers dish made up of pork sausages and bacon with sliced potatoes and onions). Believe it or not they also do have their own twist on tapas, with delicious oddities like corned beef and cabbage spring rolls. Perfect to nibble on as you enjoy a refreshing cocktail. If you have time call in to the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin to see its sprays of flowers and the beautiful Victorian glasshouse with tropical plants from floor to ceiling.

Built between 1769 and 1779, City Hall is a stunning example of neo-classical architecture. Look to the ceiling and you will see a stained-glass dome; initially to be left open in the same vein as the Pantheon, Ireland’s rainy climate meant that it got filled in

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

PARKS & GALLERIES See some of the greatest works of art in existence for free, peoplewatch where famous homegrown wordsmiths drew inspiration and enjoy the “real” story of Dublin city. Your adventure continues. Housing works by Picasso, Monet and renowned Irish artist Jack B Yeats, the National Gallery of Ireland is free to enter and worth taking time to savor. With a sense of utmost serenity, the soaring ceilings and streams of light are artworks in themselves. The gallery is right beside the Irish Houses of Parliament, said to be the inspiration for the architect who designed the White House. Nearby is the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin’s grand old dame and the watering hole of choice for many famous faces when they visit these shores. The Horseshoe Bar (accessed at the side of the hotel) is a renowned meeting point for politicians, journalists and local personalities alike. The bartenders at the Horseshoe Bar will guide you through one of their fabulous Irish whiskey tasting sessions. Opposite the Shelbourne, step through Fusilier’s Arch, and into the leafy city park of St Stephens Green. It may surprise you to know that until 1663, this idyllic spot was just a marshy common used for sheep and cattle – oh, and public executions and witch burnings. On sunny days, the park is best enjoyed with people-watching and a picnic. If the weather verges on the cooler side, bring some bread to feed the ducks then say hello to some local luminaries who have memorials around this area, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and WB Yeats. Also on St Stephen’s Green is the Little Museum of Dublin, located in an 18th century Georgian townhouse. The museum tells the story of this

Ireland’s Eye Ferries are based in the fishing village of Howth in North County Dublin. We offer trips to and around the scenic island, Ireland’s Eye. There are two options available. Take a beautiful 40 minute trip around the island, taking in the cliffs and Stack, where you get to see various seabirds such as Gannets, Guillemots, Cormorants, Kittiwakes, and Sea Gulls. You will also see the cave, the Martello Tower, and with a bit of luck a colony of seals. Alternatively, you can land on the island for an hour or two and enjoy the stunning views from the top of the island, its expansive sandy beaches and the ruins of the monastery.

www.irelandseyeferries.com email: info@irelandseyeferries.com Facebook/irelandseyeferries Ph. 00 353 860 773021.

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

FUN FACTS ABOUT DUBLIN One of the fascinating things about discovering a city is to make modern day connections with its ancient past. In this regard Dublin is a delight of discovery with gems from how it got its name to words used in modern day phraseology.

was eventually abandoned because of the problems with sealing the vacuum flaps and because of developments with steam-driven engines. The grease and wax that was used on the flaps was also a great attraction for rats who caused repeated damage to the line. The tunnel that was constructed along the line only offered three inches of head clearance making it a tricky proposition for passengers sticking their heads out of the windows!

Well to start, how did Dublin get its name? The Gaelic name for the capital is Baile Atha Cliath. This literally translated means town of the hurdle ford - a description of the bank of wooden hurdles built up across the river Liffey by the Vikings. Crossing the ‘hurdle ford’ was a risky business back then with raiders risking drowning crossing the Liffey at the hurdle ford. The word Dublin is actually a composition of two Gaelic words ‘dubh’ meaning black and ‘linn’ meaning ‘pool. So, the literal translation of dubh linn is actually black pool. These days the Liffey and its adjoining river have been significantly cleaned up and the only black stuff of significance now is the famous pint of Guinness! The Vikings were eventually driven out of Ireland after the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, thought while it is seen as a huge victory the fact is that by this time, Vikings had integrated into Dublin life and had made a significant mark on Gaelic society. One such Viking was Sitric Silkenbeard, the then King of Dublin. Despite the reputation of the Vikings, Silkenbeard was a devout Christian and was responsible for the founding of the famous Christchurch Cathedral at the top of Dame Street in Dublin City Centre. His reign saw the first coins ever minted in Ireland which bore his image on one side and a cross on the other. THE IRISH CROWN JEWELS The 1907 theft of the ‘Irish Crown Jewels’ still remains a mystery nearly a century later. The famous regalia of the ‘Order of Saint Patrick’ were to be placed in a safe in a strong room in Dublin Castle but, when it was found that the new safe was too large to fit into the strong room, the safe was located in the Library instead. An inspection of the safe in July revealed that the treasure had disappeared. The haul was valued at 30,000 pounds, a

huge sum at the time, and it has never been recovered. THE ATMOSPHERIC RAILWAY The famous Atmospheric Railway was opened in 1844. The line ran from Dalkey to nearby Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) on the southside of the city. This unique system relied on atmospheric pressure to force the railway carriage up the hill to Dalkey and then relied on gravity for the return to Kingstown. A 483-yard pipe ran the length of the track from which air was extracted by a steamdriven pump at the Dalkey end. The resulting vacuum caused a piston to move along the pipe, to which was connected the train. Waxcovered flaps in the pipe opened and closed allowing the piston to move along its length. As the train moved along a wheel pressed down on the pipe sealing in the vacuum as progress was made. Problems with this system meant a man had to follow the train to manually seal the flaps. Momentum from the journey would allow the train to travel the final part of its journey when the pump had been stopped. The piston was then hooked onto the train for the return journey back to Kingstown. If the train stopped short of the station, the thirdclass passengers were required to push the carriage the final part home! Occasionally the train would fly past the Dalkey station and off the tracks at the far end. The system worked well for a decade but

CHANCING YOUR ARM The sixteenth century saw a fierce rivalry develop between the Butlers and Fitzgeralds. Violent clashes between the two ruling families were commonplace with one such melee occurring in 1512. Butler, the Earl of Ormond retreated and was forced to take refuge in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. He barricaded himself behind a stout wooden door and refused to leave until he got assurances for his safety. After some negotiation a deal was struck. In order to seal the deal, a hole was hacked through the wooden door so that the two leaders could shake hands. It is thought that the modern expression ‘chancing your arm’ originated from this event. From that time on a ‘chancer’ was someone who took a risk or a gamble. The hole in the door can still be seen to this day. BLOOMING GREATS The early part of the twentieth century was the heyday of Irish literature. Yeats, O’Casey and Synge were prominent in the famous Abbey Theatre while Dublin provided no less than three Nobel prizewinners. James Joyce was born in Rathgar although there are twenty houses in Dublin city that claim him as an occupant, owing to his family constantly moving about during his early years. His most famous work is Ulysses set in various parts of Dublin. Dubliners still celebrate ‘Bloomsday’ every year, a colorful and fun day with people dressing in costume to trace the journey of the famous fictional character Leopold Bloom. George Bernard Shaw was another Dubliner who won the famous Novel prize, renowned for ‘Pygmalion’ on which the movie ‘My Fair Lady’ is based. Dubliner Samuel Beckett also won a Nobel prize and he is perhaps most remembered for writing ‘Waiting for Godot’.

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN

incredible city featuring exhibits on royal visits and rock-stars, including local lads U2. The tales that the museum guides weave will capture your imagination. Through Ireland’s boom, bust and boom, it will bring you in to the fabric of Dublin’s Story. From here, it’s a short walk to Fallon & Byrne’s Wine Cellar on Exchequer Street, where incredible produce from all over Ireland finds a home. For innovative dining that showcases the very best of Ireland’s culinary scene, the Pig’s Ear on nearby Nassau Street specializes in traditional Irish food, with a modern twist. Sophisticated Irish dishes balance traditional and modern in 2 rooms hidden behind a hot pink door. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2009 and have retained it since, including the most current 2018 edition of the Michelin Guide. 53

See the city like a local. The DoDublin Card includes: • Direct Airlink Transfer • Hop on Hop off City Tour • Dublin Bus Travel • FREE Walking Tour • FREE Little Museum Entry 3 Day Card for €33

3 Day Travel Card

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DoDublin Cards available at Dublin Airport: Bus & Travel Information Desk (T1) or Airlink Bus Stop (T1 & T2) City Centre: Dublin Bus Head Office, 59 Upper O'Connell Street Online: www.dodublin.ie

The Dubliner’s Guide to Dublin

dodublin.ie

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN BUS

Hop, Skip & A JUMP

ARRIVING IN DUBLIN FOR A CITY BREAK OR LONGER HOLIDAY IS AN EXCITING TIME – LISTS TO MAKE, MUST-DO ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT, FIGURING OUT HOW BEST TO TRAVEL AROUND, AND TRYING TO FIND THE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR STAY

or some people, there is also the desire to see the city like a local, to do what the locals do, and go to the places the locals go to.

DoDublin offer the ultimate Dubliner’s Guide to Dublin, and the perfect way to see the city like Dubliner’s would. Dubliners born and raised, the DoDublin guides possess an unrivalled knowledge of the city, one which has been nurtured through years of growing up and living

life in Dublin, and of course, driving the city buses around an ever-changing town. That’s right, all DoDublin guides are Dublin Bus drivers, so they have spent years being proud hosts of the city, and are grounded in the knowledge that no-one knows Dublin better. So, what does the local recommend? Although DoDublin guides love all the major attractions, and are especially proud that world-famous 55

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN BUS

attractions such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse, and Kilmainham Gaol are just a stone’s throw from where they played as children, they do have favorites (don’t we all?), and places just off the beaten track where they are only too happy to share with visitors to the city. Not far from some of DoDublin’s most popular bus stops, you’ll find the Dublin you didn’t know. Here is DoDublin’s guide to going off the beaten track. If you’re in the Guinness Storehouse, before you hop back on the bus, don’t forget that you’re in the Liberties, one of the beating hearts of the city. There are so many experiences in the Liberties, and it is something that should be enjoyed by all visitors! At one end of Temple Bar, and if you’re in luck, the Designer Mart on Cow’s Lane will be in full swing. After you’ve had a browse through the pretty jewellry, art and craft items on sale, you’ll learn about the history of cultural quarter Temple Bar. It’s often forgotten that Dublin has a plentiful supply of parklands and walking trails on its doorstep. Not far from the heart of the city, you can meander along the leafy trail running alongside the Royal Canal. Near Stop 2 on the DoDublin Tour, you’ll find Hardwicke Place – it’s worth paying a visit to St. George’s Church, which was modelled on St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields, near Trafalgar Square in London. The church is somewhat quirky in the Dublin landscape and perceived as being built incorrectly, as it is wider than it is longer! For a site that is really an oddity in Dublin, try St. Michan’s Church - located not too far from the Jameson Distillery Bow Street (Stop 31 on the DoDublin Tour). Underneath the church, which dates back to 1095, are five long burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families. Due to limestone in the walls, this spooky underground space is home to the well-preserved remains of a 400-yearold nun (that’s our nightmares sorted, thanks), 56

the Sheares Brothers - who took part in the 1798 rebellion, as well as various other Irish figures. The crypts are completely accessible, and though it’s frowned upon, if you dare, you can reach out and touch them! What about that for something different?! Explore the city you know, and the city you don’t with DoDublin’s 72-hour travel and sightseeing card, and get to see the city through the eyes of a local. dodublin.ie/dodublincard

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SAINT PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL Over 800 years old, Ireland’s largest church and the island’s National Cathedral for the Church of Ireland was founded beside a sacred well where Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick is said to have converted pagans to Christianity. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, was Dean of St Patrick’s from 1713-1745 and is buried near the entrance. Inside the stunning neo-Gothic building a selection of Swift artefacts are on display including his epitaph, death mask, writings and parchment awarding him the Freedom of the City of Dublin. One of the Cathedral’s most significant events was in 1742 when a combined choir with neighboring Christ Church Cathedral gave the first public performance of Handel’s Messiah. This strong singing tradition continues today, with two sung services daily (except Sat) during school term - the only Cathedral to do so in Britain and Ireland. Saint Patrick’s embodies the history and heritage of Irish people of all backgrounds from the earliest times to the present day. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions and it is a stop on the Dublin Bus ‘hop on hop off’ tours. A fascinating World War 1 Exhibition was added to the visitor experience in 2014. Come and enjoy Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and celebrate its place in the life of the city, its history and role in the future.

WEIR & SONS OF GRAFTON STREET

Founded in 1869, iconic Irish jewelers Weir & Sons occupies a stunning landmark building on Grafton Street, Ireland’s world-famous and most prestigious shopping street. They can also be found at a state-of-the art store in Dundrum Town Centre, Ireland’s premium shopping mall, while also selling online at www.weir.ie (shipping worldwide). Since this store was established almost 150 years ago, Weir & Sons has played an integral part in Irish history, creating the Aga Khan trophy in 1926 and welcoming Ireland’s most discerning men and women as well as international stars and dignitaries, including Jacqueline Onassis, Princess Grace of Monaco and Walt Disney. The Weir & Sons of the 21st century is still a familyrun business, run by fourth and fifth generation family members, and embodying the values of quality and service of days past, while combining the talents of a young and vibrant staff mixed with those with decades of experience. From show-stopping jewels and gems to exquisite watches, fabulous fashion brands and gorgeous gifts, Weir & Sons stock some of the very best international brands, while also supporting home grown brands. The team at Weir & Sons love to support Irish designers and companies, stocking brands like Paul Costelloe, Juvi, Chupi, Ansley Watches, Solvar, Children of Lir, Newbridge and more. A team of expert in-house jewelers also create exclusive Weir Collection pieces using superior diamonds and other precious stones sourced from all over the world, creating heirlooms of the future. For St Patrick’s Day, Weirs are embracing our Irish heritage without compromising on style with a choice of gorgeous gifts, from contemporary Claddagh and silverware to exquisite emeralds and gorgeous gemstones, to fashion watches for men and women. Choose from an unrivalled range of premium international brands along with own brand designs to suit every budget, each guaranteed to make your friends ‘green’ with envy! Whatever the celebration why not gift your loved one an heirloom of the future like the Weir Collection 18k white gold and emerald pendant - crafted from the finest precious metals and highest quality gemstones, at Weirs you can celebrate life’s precious moments with precious memories to pass down through the generations.

Deakin & Francis, exclusive to Weir & Sons, sterling silver with green & gold enamel Happy & Angry Leprechaun cufflinks

Children of Lir silver rings

www.weir.ie

FAIR CITY | RETAIL THERAPY

A Shoppers PARADISE

IT WAS ONCE A LANEWAY IN THE THEN UNFASHIONABLE SOUTHSIDE OF DUBLIN, BUT MORE THAN 300 YEARS LATER, GRAFTON STREET HAS BECOME THE CAPITAL’S MOST FASHIONABLE STREET.

rafton Street was named after Henry Fitzroy, the first Duke of Grafton. Henry was the illegitimate son of Charles II of England who owned land in the area. The street was initially developed by the Dawson family in 1708, after whom the parallel Dawson Street is named. Grafton Street began as a residential street which was a popular address among Dublin’s more affluent citizens during the eighteenth

century. In 1758, the famous Whytes Academy was established, an upmarket English Grammar School. Many prominent citizens attended the school for their primary education, including Thomas Moore, Robert Emmet and the Duke of Wellington. Within 20 years, the street had been transformed into one of the most desirable residences in the city and remained a popular locale for the well-to-do for the reminder of the 18th century.

FAIR CITY | RETAIL THERAPY

The construction of Carlisle Bridge (now O’Connell Bridge) in 1794, opened up the city like never before, and Dublin experienced something of a shopping boom with Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street) and Grafton Street becoming the most attractive destinations for merchants to sell their wares. By 1815, the majority of buildings had been converted from residential to retail units and by the end of the century, Grafton Street was the top commercial street in the city. By 1838, when Switzer’s department store opened, Grafton Street was booming. Eleven years later, drapers Hugh Brown and James Thomas opened the now iconic Brown Thomas, and both it and Switzer’s would develop into exclusive department stores that helped make the street famous even outside Ireland. The arrival of Weir’s in 1869 sealed Grafton Streets place at the top end shopping experience for the wellheeled. Originally opening at 5 Grafton Street, Thomas Weir’s store expanded rapidly moving to its current location at 98 Grafton street where it continues to flourish. The glazed entrance from the previous store which reads ‘5 Grafton Street’ remains part of the building to this day. 60

FAIR CITY | RETAIL THERAPY

As well as being a social and shopping hub, Grafton Street also became a place of leisure in the nineteenth century when Dubliners flocked to its various cafés and restaurants. In 1927, Bewley’s, now Dublin’s oldest and most famous café, opened at 97-98 Grafton Street. Bewley’s was a regular haunt for Irish literary greats such as James Joyce and Patrick Kavanagh. The cafe is mentioned in Joyce’s ‘Dubliners’. Sinead O’Connor and Bob Geldof are among the more recent patrons of this iconic café which is loved by Dubliners and visitors alike. The café design was inspired by oriental tearooms in Asia, and

Tutankhamen’s Tomb, which was discovered just three years before the café opened. The cozy, quirky exterior and interior of Bewleys are much loved by visitors and craftspeople alike. Six of the café’s stained-glass windows were commissioned by renowned artist Harry Clarke in 1931 and they provide a striking backdrop to the subdued tones of the interior. In 1979, cars were banned from the street and red paving was introduced which improved the experience of pedestrians. Being a car-free zone Grafton Street is perfect for street entertainers and

Being a car-free zone Grafton Street is perfect for street entertainers From fire eaters, living statues, musicians and magicians there is something for everyone to see as they stroll along Dublin’s most famous street. 61

FAIR CITY | RETAIL THERAPY

From street entertainment to pubs, shops, restaurants and a warren of side streets and alleys, this is a shopping and walker’s paradise. 62

today it enjoys a thriving busking scene. From fire eaters, living statues, musicians and magicians there is something for everyone to see as they stroll along Dublin’s most famous street. Grafton Street has even found fame as the launch pad for several successful musicians including Glen Hansard who won an Oscar for his song ‘Falling Slowly’ from the movie and now Broadway musical ‘Once.’ Even U2’s Bono has performed on this famous street. What began as an impromptu gig on December 24th 2009 has become an annual event with the international rock star making an appearance for

impromptu gigs, often accompanied by some of his famous friends. Three centuries on and Dublin’s most famous street is still the bustling heart of the city. From street entertainment to pubs, shops, restaurants and a warren of side streets and alleys, this is a shopping and walker’s paradise. Many of the city’s most important sights and museums are also a short stroll from here as is Dublin’s bestloved city park, St Stephen’s Green.

COMP OS E D BY

P RODUCED BY

DIRECT ED BY

BILL WHELAN

MOYA DOHERTY

JOHN McCOLGAN

#TheOriginalTheBest

DUBLIN Box Office 353 (0)1 456 9569 Group Booking groups@gaietytheatre.com

Box Office 353 (0)64 6671555

www.ticketmaster.ie/Riverdance www.Riverdance.com

RETAIL THERAPY

BROWN THOMAS IRELAND’S MOST BEAUTIFUL LIFESTYLE STORE, BROWN THOMAS IS HOME TO AN UNPARALLELED RANGE OF DESIGNER BRANDS.

rown Thomas is Ireland’s premier luxury department store and part of a global retail family which includes Selfridges in the UK, Holt Renfrew in Canada and deBijenkorf in Holland. This flagship store, and a landmark on Dublin’s Grafton Street since 1849, houses the world’s most prestigious designer brands from fashions and accessories to beauty and home. 64

Featuring the world’s most prestigious luxury boutiques including Tiffany & Co., Hermès, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Céline, Tom Ford and Louis Vuitton, Brown Thomas has achieved preeminent status, a store that is listed among the best in the world, yet it remains quintessentially Irish and unique.

RETAIL THERAPY

From the doorman’s greeting to the sales consultant’s smile, the bond with the customer is all important. The aim is to ensure that every visitor’s experience at Brown Thomas is a memorable one, and the team will be delighted to welcome you in store. Personal service is key and Brown Thomas will gladly deliver your shopping to your hotel so that you can enjoy the rest of your day at leisure around the city. If you wish, they can bring a selection of products to you so that you can enjoy shopping in the comfort of your hotel suite. In the case of products over a certain weight, Brown Thomas can organize complimentary shipping to your country of residence. And if you live outside Europe, you will enjoy the benefits of tax free shopping. In essence, wherever your location or whatever your needs, Brown Thomas will deliver in every way possible so that your memories of your visit to Dublin are with you for years to come.

• China Union Pay accepted throughout the store • Mandarin speaking staff throughout the store • Tax Free shopping • Personal shopping appointments for Beauty and Fashion (booking advisable) • Hotel Bag drop available • International delivery

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DISCOVER THE INTRIGUING TALE OF IRISH WHISKEY! C

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Things to do in Dublin

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN PUBS

Going

FOR A PINT? A TRIP TO DUBLIN IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING THE WARM WELCOME THAT AWAITS YOU IN A TRADITIONAL IRISH PUB.

smooth texture, a creamy head that is often etched with a four-leaf clover Guinness is the drink of Ireland. It is available at every pub worth their salt. For some it is an acquired taste but for the traveler, it is something that must be tried, even once. You can head to the Guinness Storehouse and see how the brew is made finished off with a creamy pint in the Gravity Bar. Alternatively, head for a traditional pub where the famous pint is served up with great craic and a thumping traditional

music session. Here are some to try. O’DONOGHUE’S, MERRION ROW Pull up a stool and settle in, because this is a musical institution. Trad legends like The Dubliners and Christy Moore have struck up songs in this famed establishment, so when you’re enjoying a session here, you’re surrounded by legends. As the pints flow and the music sweeps over you, you’ll find it hard not to burst into song. 67

FAIR CITY | DUBLIN PUBS

THE CELT, TALBOT STREET Trust us, you won’t be able to resist some foottapping when you walk through these doors. The Celt is known best for its dancefloor, and you’ll have the chance to test out your jigs and reels as the band plays up a storm around you. Everyone is welcome to give the boards a go – don’t worry if you have no moves, you’ll learn the steps quickly! THE AULD DUBLINER, TEMPLE BAR Ask anyone where the most iconic trad session in Dublin is, and they’ll point you towards The Auld Dubliner. This Temple Bar mainstay is renowned for its warm welcome, along with the rising crescendo of traditional music that pumps out of its doorway, as musicians and singers join in the sessions that kick off before the sun starts to set. THE BRAZEN HEAD, LOWER BRIDGE STREET The Brazen Head is famous for a lot of reasons. It’s one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, it has hosted incredible wordsmiths like James Joyce and Jonathan Swift in its time and it has one of the most swinging trad sessions in Dublin! Every night this pub lights up with song and dance, and if you’re here on a Sunday you might get the chance to exercise your vocal chords, too.

DEVITTS, LOWER CAMDEN STREET Devitts is devoted to preserving musical traditions and authenticity is important here, with regulars sharing their favorite songs, and locals singing ancient ‘sean nós’ (old songs in the Irish language). Ballads can transform into lively tunes, instruments can appear out of nowhere, and at times the whole pub erupts in song together in a rousing celebration of traditional music. THE COBBLESTONE, SMITHFIELD The Cobblestone is a labor of love when it comes to music. Tom Mulligan and his family have been playing trad for five generations, maybe even longer, and it thrives on a spirit of musicians teaching musicians. New talent and old masters alike can be found perfecting their craft in every corner of this charming pub. MOTHER REILLY’S, RATHMINES As you descend the stairs of Mother Reilly’s, you’re entering an underground world of musical tradition. People from all walks of life congregate here for the rousing trad sessions that echo around this subterranean venue every Monday. Perch yourself beside the roaring fire if the weather’s so inclined, and let your toe tap to the beat of these whirling tunes.

NED O’SHEA’S MERCHANT, LOWER BRIDGE STREET And saving the best until last, named after the inimitable Ned O’Shea, a county Kerry native who brought his brand of hearty welcomes and rousing trad sessions up to the bright lights of Dublin city, O’Shea’s Pub plays live music every night of the week. And if that gets your feet tapping, then you’ll love the set dancing sessions that everyone’s welcome to join. Surrounded by whiskey distilleries and breweries, including the world-famous Guinness distillery, O’Shea’s offers a wide range of Irish whiskey and a cracking ‘pint of plain’, as Guinness is affectionately known locally. Learn the art of pulling a perfect pint and get a certificate to prove that you’re an expert. Take a picture with the biggest pint of Guinness in Ireland or enjoy a traditional Irish whiskey tasting experience. With set dancing every Monday and live music seven nights a week, the craic is always mighty at O’Shea’s. A long list of talented and world-famous musicians have played here including Mary & Frances Black, The Begley Family and The Wanted to name just a few. Ned O’Sheas, also known as ‘The Merchant’ opens each morning at 8am, serving the finest full Irish breakfast in the city. Taste the award winning Annascaul Black Pudding which is delivered to O’Shea’s straight from their friends in Ned’s native Kerry. Food is served from 8am to 10pm daily. Music Times: Monday to Saturday 9pm and Sunday 6:30pm and 9pm. Located within the old Viking Quarter of Dublin, Ned O’Shea’s is the perfect place to feel the genuine warmth and friendliness of an Irish welcome.

Located within the old Viking Quarter of Dublin, Ned Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sheaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is the perfect place to feel the genuine warmth and friendliness of an Irish welcome

FAIR CITY | TALKING STATUES

Talking STATUES

HISTORY ABOUNDS IN DUBLIN AND AS THE EXPRESSION GOES, IF WALLS COULD TALK, THEY WOULD TELL YOU A STORY. WELL THE WALLS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GIVE UP THEIR SECRETS, BUT SOME OF DUBLIN’S BEST-KNOWN STATUES CAN.

any of Dublin’s statues have been around for longer than most of us have been alive. Others are more recent visitors, but all have a story to tell. They connect us with a different place and time. Some depict great heroes of national importance; some exist simply to make us smile. Imagine if they could talk? Well, imagine no more, because thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can receive a phone call from Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Cúchulainn and other figures both real and imaginary that have been rendered in bronze and stone. The concept couldn’t be simpler. Take your smartphone, swipe on the plaque next to the statue and you will immediately get a call back. Voiced by such well known figures as Brendan Gleeson and Gabriel Byrne, with words penned by outstanding authors like John Banville and Roddy Doyle, it’s a brilliant way to get to know even more about Dublin. Listen to Oscar-nominated actress Ruth Negga tell the story of the magnificent statue to Daniel O’Connell or the distinct voice of Brendan O’Carroll as he brings the statue of James Connolly to life. It’s a totally different side to the man behind Mrs Brown. And who wouldn’t want to brag about getting a call from Fran from Love/Hate? That’s Peter Coonan, of course, and you’ll want to hear him speak about Cúchulainn - our great mythic hero who stands proudly in the General Post Office (GPO) on Dublin’s O’Connell Street. Using drama, humor and technology, Dublin’s Talking Statues is a fun and informative experience designed to breathe new life into stories of Dublin and add another layer to the visitor experience. So, who can you talk to? Read on!

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW Usual location: National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square, Dublin 2 Many of Dublin’s great statues were created years after the person depicted in bronze or stone had died. But not only was this marvelous embodiment of Shaw cast in his lifetime, it was sculpted by his great friend, Prince Paul Troubetzkoy - an Italian artist of Russian extraction. Shaw’s famous words about the importance of art feature prominently on the wall behind - appropriate considering the venue. The country’s flagship art gallery has recently undergone refurbishment and you can catch some great exhibitions including one celebrating the work of the great Irish artist, Frederic William Burton. ‘MEETING PLACE’ Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1 Dubliners have always loved a good natter, and this evocative statue - nicknamed ‘the Hags with the Bags’ by the city’s wags - captures it beautifully. It was unveiled in 1988, the year of Dublin’s Millennium celebrations and is sited close to the Ha’Penny Bridge, the first metal bridge in the city, and one that’s stood proudly over the Liffey since 1816. ‘The Hags’ sit outside the Woolen Mills, one of the city’s most vibrant restaurants and if you cross the bridge you can find all sorts of eateries in the winding cobbled streets beneath Merchants Arch. JAMES JOYCE North Earl Street, Dublin 1 There is no writer more associated with Dublin than James Joyce and the streets of the city come alive in his major works, including Dubliners and Ulysses. Joyce’s statue could have found a home in 71

FAIR CITY | TALKING STATUES

JIM LARKIN O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 James Larkin - “Big Jim” - was one of Ireland’s greatest champions of workers’ rights and he was ever-present during the country’s toughest labor-relations battle, the 1913 Strike and Lockout. Oisin Kelly’s 1980 statue features the great trade unionist in typically combative mode and its O’Connell Street location, at the junction with Abbey Street, could hardly be more apt. In Larkin’s day this was where the greatest concentration of trams could be found in the city - and it was against the wealthy tram owners that the ordinary, blue collar workers of the city stood up to.

hundreds of Dublin locations, but this site, just off O’Connell Street, offers the perfect starting point to explore his Edwardian city. Nearby, in North Great George’s Street, you will find the James Joyce Centre - which boasts a treasure trove of Joycean memorabilia and some of the most knowledgeable guides imaginable. DANIEL O’CONNELL O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 It’s surely appropriate that the most famous statue in Dublin - one that has surveyed its environs overlooking O’Connell Bridge since 1880 - that of Daniel O’Connell. Revered as ‘Ireland’s Liberator’, it was this Kerryman who was instrumental in having the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829 passed, improving the lot of millions of Irish people overnight. JAMES CONNOLLY Beresford Place, Dublin 1 The Scottish born socialist and Republican is revered for his commitment to raising the standard of living for those in impoverished conditions. Along with James Larkin, Connolly was instrumental in agitating for workers’ rights around the time of the 1913 Lockout, the fractious industrial dispute that ravaged Dublin for almost five months. This striking memorial, beneath the imposing Loopline Bridge, depicts Connolly in front of a starry plough - the image that featured on the flag of 72

the Irish Citizen Army, which the Scot had cofounded. It was also of inspiration to the great playwright Sean O’Casey in his so-called ‘Dublin Trilogy’, The Plough and the Stars. OSCAR WILDE Merrion Square, Dublin 2 The great writer was celebrated for his devilmay-care attitude to life and that’s captured in Danny Osborne’s much-loved statue. Oscar reclines on a quartz boulder - sourced in the Wicklow Mountains - and he is flanked by a nude portrayal of his pregnant wife, Constance Lloyd, and a male torso representing Dionysus, the Greek god of drama and wine. The location on the north-western corner of Merrion Square was deliberately chosen: Wilde’s childhood home, Number 1, Merrion Square, is directly across the street. THEOBALD WOLFE TONE St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 1 The great revolutionary, immortalized in rousing song, may have been a diminutive man in height - but you would never know that from his magnificent 1964 statue. Wolfe Tone stands proud at this corner of St Stephen’s Green. Imposing flagstones stand behind the leader - and on the other side of those, there’s another memorable statue to be found. The Famine Memorial commemorates those who perished in the ‘Black Forties’.

CÚCHULAINN GPO, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 It is perhaps appropriate that the most glamorous figure of Irish myth and legend is housed in the General Post Office. Few buildings are as mythologized as much as this place that housed the rebel leaders during the 1916 Rising. It is a suitably grand public space to show Oliver Sheppard’s 1935 statue, The Death of Cúchulainn. GEORGE SALMON Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 A man with a scientific and religious mind, George Salmon was professor of mathematics for many years as well as a Church of Ireland rector. He was provost of Ireland’s oldest university during its tricentenary celebrations in 1892. A great deal of the Trinity he loved remains exactly the same today and students continue to walk over the same cobblestones and congregate around the same playing fields. With new statues due to come on board in the future, next in line for the treatment is the iconic statue of Molly Malone on Suffolk Street and the Apples & Atoms sculpture at Trinity College’s School of Physics. Fáilte Ireland are currently running a competition encouraging people to submit ideas for what Molly should ‘say’ with the winning composition to be recorded at the iconic Abbey Theatre. www.talkingstatuesdublin.ie

FAIR CITY | TASTY TREATS

Dublin is blessed with many great restaurants but for something a little different that will delight the tastebuds without breaking the bank, head for one of the two Zaytoon locations, winners of Best International Food Ireland 2016. With locations at Camden Street and Parliament street, this is a casual diner offering delicious grilled kebabs served with freshly made Naan bread and cooked in a traditional Persian clay oven. But these are no ordinary kebabs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cooked and presented in the traditional way, Zaytoon has a reputation for having the best kebabs in Ireland. There are no freezers at Zaytoon, so everything is freshly made and only the finest quality ingredients hit the plates. All meat, poultry & fish are Irish and fully traceable. Food is freshly and lovingly prepared daily with no added artificial colorings, flavorings or preservatives. For those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat meat, there are vegetarian options. Great food at greet prices can be had at 14/15 Parliament Street or 44/45 Camden Street.

Zaytoon

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10/04/2018 18:47

dalkeycastle.com

Visit Dalkey

Visit Dalkey heritage town, 30 minutes south of Dublin city. Take the DART train from the city centre and travel along the beautiful coastline. Dalkey is homeplace to many writers and creative artists from Joyce to Bono and Beckett to Maeve Binchy. Enjoy history brought to life at Dalkey Castle with a live theatre performance as part of every guided tour. Join the Bespoke Maeve Binchy Walk and step over the paths she loved. Open all year round. Closed on Tuesdays and at Christmas. T 00 353 1 285 8366

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OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Off the

BEATEN TRACK EVEN IN THE BUSTLING CAPITAL OF DUBLIN IT’S WELL WORTHWHILE GOING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TO GET A REAL FEEL FOR THIS BAY SIDE CITY.

seaside escape south of the city, Dalkey is a pretty heritage town with two Norman castles right on the pretty main street. It has a real village feel and is just half an hour by train or road south of the capital city. The trip out from the city is a glorious journey in itself if you take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport train) which affords magnificent views of Dublin Bay. From the town it’s a short walk to the harbor, where weather permitting, you can take a five-

minute boat trip to Dalkey Island, home to a Martello Tower, atmospheric church ruins plus roaming rabbits and goats. The island itself has a history that stretches back over 6,000 years with evidence of settlers here from 4,500 BC. At one time it served as a Viking slave camp, becoming a principal port for Dublin in medieval times. Picturesque Coliemore Harbor is a hub of activity year-round, and offers fantastic views across the bay. 75

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

History comes to life at Dalkey Castle as costumed actors act out live theatre performances. Meet the Archer, the Cook, the Barber Surgeon and the Coin Minter in full middle age costume on the guided visitor tours. The castle is one of the seven fortified castles of Dalkey. They were built to store the goods which were off-loaded in Dalkey during the Middle Ages, when Dalkey acted as the port for Dublin. The castles all had defensive features to protect the goods from being plundered. These are all still visible on the site: the Machicolation, the Murder Hole, the Battlements with its Warders’ Walk, and slit arrowloop windows. In Dalkey Castle, you will see a fine example of barrel-vaulted ceiling and traces of the wicker work that supported it. Many niches have been exposed on the walls where precious goods may have been stored. The Castle is an integral entrance to both the Heritage Center and Dalkey Town Hall. If literature is your thing, check out the Writer’s Gallery for everything from Beckett to Binchy to Bono. For something a little different, step back in time and enjoy traditional Irish storytelling with tea and cakes in Biddy’s Cottage. Discover Irish folklore, cooking, beliefs and superstitions. An iron pot belongs to Biddy’s great grandmother Cecily ‘Handsome’ Kearney who was born into a family of fishermen. As you sit by the fire you will see the ‘skeehogue’ or potato skib, where dinner was eaten from a basket on the knee, the bastable pot, tongs, crook and creel, cooking instruments now forgotten in a world of technology. Biddy, a renowned artist, foodie and storyteller will serve you tea and her famous oatcakes, before she beguiles you with the stories of Dalkey, the island, the tides and currents where she rows her boat from Coliemore Harbor. This is a cottage to shelter from the lashing rain or sudden, rare sunlight, a place to breath in the past that is Ireland. You won’t go hungry during your visit, as there are plenty of food and drink options available in this charming village. Follow the waft of hot scones and freshly-brewed coffee to the Tramyard Café, and take a seat in this outdoor, yet indoor café. Corner Note serves up delicious, locally-sourced produce. On cold days, warm up by the fire, while on summer evenings, we recommend you sit outside and soak up the sun. Nearby Select Stores is an award-winning wholefood shop, juice bar and café. If you fancy something a bit heartier though, head along to 76

Finnegan’s. A favorite spot of both Bono and the late, great Maeve Binchy (regulars still proudly point out her favorite table), it’s a tasty lunch spot with an extensive wine menu. You’ll find craft beers and a selection of uncomplicated food done well at The Magpie Inn.

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Stopover

AT ROGANSTOWN AN ELEGANT AA 4-STAR COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL AND A GOLF MECCA, ROGANSTOWN HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB IS LOCATED IN PICTURESQUE, MANICURED GROUNDS IN SWORDS, NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN, JUST 10 MINUTES-DRIVE FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT.

he hotel has been beautifully restored to retain many features of the original Georgian house which you’ll discover as you explore the Roganstown estate. The Georgian style Roganstown House is thought to date from the 1820s. The house had a working farm attached, which was possibly linked to the Archbishop of Dublin. It was in the possession of the Aungier family from at least 1850 until 1916, when it was bought by the McLoughlin family. Three generations of the McLoughlin family lived at Roganstown before its development in 2004 as Dublin’s premier luxury golf and country club. A stay at Roganstown is an experience in itself; a quiet retreat away from the hustle of the city.

Immerse yourself in the luxurious Sakura Spa, unwind in the heated indoor swimming pool, relax with drinks in the lounge bar and enjoy delicious award-winning food at McLoughlins Restaurant. With 52 bright, beautifully appointed guest rooms; you can soak up the stunning grounds and golf course views and retire to comfortable, inviting beds for a wonderful night’s sleep. There is plenty of free car parking with a Dublin Airport shuttle bus service. Roganstown is home to two highly acclaimed 18-hole championship golf courses; the Swords and Roganstown Courses hosted the Irish PGA Southern Championship in 2007, 2008 and 2009 while the Roganstown Course played host 79

to the Irish PGA Championship in 2013 and was the first venue in Ireland to host a EuroPro tour event in 2006. A stern test for golfers of all abilities, these stimulating courses attract regular visitors both locally and internationally. Both golf courses are set within the main hotel resort and share the same clubhouse and practise facilities; in fact, the first holes for both courses are adjacent to each other. Roganstown is a beautiful golf course that was carefully designed by Irish Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jnr. This challenging course is set on a beautiful landscape with meandering water hazards adding an aesthetic quality to the course. Roganstown plays as well as it looks with a variety of holes that have been designed to put golfers of all abilities to the test and to maximize the overall golfing experience. Swords Open Golf Course is an 18-hole parkland course where the Broadmeadow river flows through the course with naturally occurring water being well used in the design and provision of strategically placed water hazards and features. The Course Superintendent and his staff keep the course in pristine condition year-round. Much has been invested in drainage over the years and so Swords Open Golf Course is playable 12 months of the year, a fact that is constantly complimented by regulars and guests. There is also a range area with ball dispenser and 2 putting greens, a chipping green, practise bunker and practice nets for warming up before your round. Have a browse around the well-equipped proshop where you can purchase the latest in golf attire, shoes, golf supplies, snacks, drinks and more. After your game return to the 19th hole at O’Callaghan’s Bar where an extensive menu of bar food is served daily and you can relate the events of your round over a well-deserved drink! LEISURE TIME The cosy bar is the ideal spot to sit back, relax and enjoy some quiet time. Whatever your preference, O’Callaghan’s Bar has what you need. Choose from delicious bar food, mouthwatering cocktails, a fine selection of whiskeys or the perfect pint. Open all year round, in winter months the bar is the perfect spot to catch up on some reading or emails while lounging in front of the open fire. During the Summer you can enjoy food and drinks on the sunny terrace. 80

McLoughlins, the AA Rosette award winning restaurant provides fine food in a beautiful environment. Here you can enjoy excellent international and traditional Irish cuisine prepared from fresh local produce. The onsite leisure club provides the answer for all fitness and relaxation needs. The gym boasts state-of-the art equipment and there are a team of experienced trainers onsite all with varied styles and specialities. With fitness classes running regularly, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. For even deeper relaxation there is an onsite spa; feel the stress fall off your shoulders as you prepare for a treatment that will send you to a place of pure relaxation. With a spa menu designed for both men and women, there is no better place to relax. Sensuality and rejuvenation epitomize Sakura Spa and all treatments are tailored to soothe the senses and leave guests feeling brand new. If you are feeling jet-lagged, hitting the town or simply looking to deservedly pamper yourself then let the experienced therapists rejuvenate you with treatments from a carefully designed menu. Treatments include soothing therapies, facials, massages, body wraps, mink lashes, Essie hand & foot treatments, that offer instant, visible results. Sakura also boasts a hair salon with trained professional stylists offering L’Oreal hair treatments.

d π luxury country House Hotel π 4 miles from Dublin airport 10 miles from city centre π airport sHuttle service π state-of-tHe-art conference anD leisure facilities

2 cHampionsHip golf courses www. roganstown.com

Hotel & Country Club tel: +353-1-8433118

email: info@roganstown.com

Your

Irish History Moments

Westmoreland St, Temple Bar Dublin, Ireland

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IRELAND}S ONLY ROCK }N} ROLL MUSEUM

Curved St, Temple Bar Dublin, Ireland

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LIVING HISTORY

Living HISTORY FROM THE MAC BELFAST TO THE LITTLE MUSEUM OF DUBLIN, IRELAND’S MUSEUMS ARE A TROVE OF CULTURE AND LIVING HERITAGE.

idden gems lie scattered all over the country. Take the National Transport Museum in Dublin’s Howth Demesne, where volunteers have painstakingly assembled a collection of vehicles dating from 1883; or classics including a 1911 Model T Ford at Henry Ford’s ancestral site in Lisselan, County Cork.

The Great Famine of the 1840’s is one of the most tragic events in Ireland’s history, and it’s touched upon in museums and heritage attractions all over the country. You can visit a famine village in Doagh, County Donegal, and a reconstructed Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, County Wexford.

Also on Dublin’s northside is Malahide Castle, home to the Talbot family from 1185 to 1976. Check out the three-story 12th-century tower house and the amazing furniture and paintings inside; highlights are a 16th-century oak room with decorative carvings, and the medieval Great Hall, which has family portraits, a minstrel’s gallery and a painting of the Battle of the Boyne. Puck, the Talbot family ghost might even pop out to say hello!

In County Roscommon, the Irish National Famine Museum explores “the single greatest social disaster of 19th-century Europe”. Unusually located in the stable yards of Strokestown Park House (big houses like these lay at the center of the contemporary landlord/tenant system), this compelling museum tells the story of how a potato blight in the 1840’s changed the history of Ireland forever.

LIVING HISTORY

Roscommon can also lay claim to being the home of Ireland’s first and last coal mine (1600’s to 1990). At the Arigna Mining Experience in the hills above Lough Allen you can take a 50-minute underground tour, which takes you 400m down to the coal face and includes a simulated mini-explosion. Tours are led by ex-miners who really bring home the grueling working conditions of miners and the many dangers they faced. A Dublin cemetery is consistently voted top museum and was Tripadvisor’s top choice several years running. A previous winner of Best International Museum at the UK’s Museum and Heritage Awards for Excellence, Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, opened in 1832 and offers a fascinating insight into Irish history. It was one of the first burial grounds to open after the repeal of a law forbidding Irish Catholics from burying their dead in their own cemeteries. The very man who fought to repeal that law, Daniel O’Connell is now buried here, along with a multitude of other wellknown cultural and revolutionary figures including Michael Collins, Charles Parnell and Constance Markievicz. The museum’s ‘Milestone Gallery’ contains the life stories of 200 people buried here – a great place for a bit of ancestry tracing or to soak up Irish history. History also comes to life at the Irish National Heritage Park in Wexford, where a visit could find you panning for gold, or even staying overnight at a ring fort. Or why not drill down into local heritage at the Copper Mine Museum on Cork’s Beara Peninsula or the Cork Butter Museum? Cork’s Crawford Gallery is well worth a look if in these parts. This elegant gallery is home to over 2,500 works of art from the 18th century onwards. The collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts here were brought to the city in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome. Down Limerick way is the Foynes Flying Boat Museum charting the fascinating story of Ireland when it was one of the world’s central aviation ports from 1937 to 1945. Here you can see the world’s only full-size replica of a flying boat and find out about how to make an Irish Coffee – it was invented right here! 84

At the opposite end of the country in Northern Ireland the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, County Tyrone, brings to life the human stories behind three centuries of Irish emigration and thousands who crossed the Atlantic for the New World of North America. The journey starts in the thatched cottages of Ulster, continues aboard a crowded sailing ship, and finishes at the American frontier. Also north of the county is Cavan County Museum, a nineteenth-century house that was once home to a gentry family and then a convent. All sorts of fascinating objects are on display over three floors including the Famine and Folklife galleries, an imaginative representation of country life in the nineteenth-century, with a full-size replica of a thatched cottage and a variety of tools and implements on display. Particularly moving is the display of shoes dating from this period found in the Cavan workhouse.

The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities dating back from the Neolithic Period to the 20th Century

LIVING HISTORY

ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY Fancy coming face to face with a 2,300-yearold bog body? Or perhaps the bejeweled Ardagh Chalice, discovered by two boys digging a potato field, is more your cup of tea. They’re just two of the many artefacts, riches and exhibitions on display in Dublin’s National Museum of Archaeology. Dublin’s National History Museum has a charming old-world atmosphere. Creaking wooden floors, ancient glass cabinets and a collection that dates back to the 18th century form part of its unique appeal. See giant deer skeletons, iconic mammals and avian species all housed within a beautiful historic building. At Dublin’s Collins Barracks (on the Luas tram line) see weaponry, silver, ceramics, glassware and a whole lot more. Discover 400 years of Irish furnishings; learn about Pioneering designer Eileen Gray and see the gun-running yacht, the

Ashgard, all within a historic army barracks. Of course, museums don’t always deal with buildings and archaeology. In some cases, they’re as much about the way we wore as the way we were – quite literally, in the case of the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks. One of the exhibits here looks at clothing and jewelry worn in Ireland from the 1760’s onwards and concludes – as you no doubt suspected – that the Irish are not, in fact, impervious to fashion. It’s not just national museums that reflect our style, either. From the Sheelin Antique Irish Lace Museum in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, to the dashing Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge Silverware, County Kildare, pretty much every niche you can imagine is buttoned up. 85

Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, Ireland Unique exhibition experiences, in our historic building and outside in the beautiful gardens of the museum Inside Exhibitions

WW1 Trench Experience

1916 Rising Experience

Battle of the Somme Installation

After war comes peace, and when peace comes, never let it go.

Tel: 049 854 4070 • www.cavanmuseum.ie • Facebook.com/cavanmuseum • Twitter.com/cavanmuseum

Arigna Mining Experience The Arigna Mining Experience in Co. Roscommon will certainly appeal to those looking for a day out with a difference. The visitor centre is located in a beautiful scenic location overlooking Lough Allen. Now a popular tourist spot, this visitor centre preserves the mining heritage of this area, and allows visitors an insight into coal mining life as it was in the Arigna Valley for centuries. With an ex-Miner as your tour-guide, the visit to the museum includes access to an exhibit area where there is a DVD presentation and a wonderful authentic photographic exhibition. The highlight of the visit is an underground tour with an ex-miner as your tour guide where the visitor is brought to the mine’s coal face and where lighting and sound effects add to the reality of the experience. The centre is fully accessible and is an all-weather facility .It is an ideal day out for the family with a gift shop and coffee shop on site.

The Arigna Mining Experience is close to the borders of Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo. The centre is open 10-5pm daily All year. Phone: 071-96-46466. Come visit ‘Santa’ in his underground Grotto in December each year; check our Website and Facebook for details. www.arignaminingexperience.ie

LIVING HISTORY

THE NATIONAL WAX MUSEUM PLUS Many people delight in the spectacle of wax museums with their uncannily lifelike figures. And what better way to get a selfie with one of Ireland’s many historical figures? The National Wax Museum Plus offers a fully comprehensive history of Ireland through wax. Step into the Time Vaults to learn about ancient Irish history from the Bronze Age, to Saint Patrick and everything in between. The science area is dedicated to Irish creators and scientists complete with mind-bending mirror maze. Science fiction fans will enjoy the Star Wars area featuring Liam Neeson and Daisy Ridley as Rey. In the Great Hall of Fame, you can get up close and personal with international and Irish stars such as Donald Trump, Michael Jackson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Irish Sporting Greats

are celebrated in the Sports Area while the writer’s room offers a unique view of O’Connell Street and the Spire. The child friendly Waxworld is a fantastical area dedicated to childhood favorites such as Harry Potter, Spongebob Squarepants and Peppa Pig and the neon enchanted forest tells the stories of old mythical Ireland. Then you reach the fork in the roads, where those over the age of 16 can take a step into the Horror Hotel, Dublin Dungeons and the Chamber of Horrors. For the tech fan there’s a reality app called Wax Magic which uses augmented reality to animate the waxwork so they speak through your mobile. History and fame, playing games, it’s a top pick for visitors to Dublin and a fun way to get some great photos.

LIVING HISTORY

Discover More at

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND RÓISÍN DE BUITLÉAR ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND 2018

orn in Dublin, Róisín de Buitléar is an internationally recognised artist, represented in public collections in Ireland, Britain, France, China and the USA. Inspired by her Irish cultural heritage she has been working with glass throughout her career. During 2018 Róisín will be delving into the collection at the National Museum of Ireland to experiment and develop new work at her studio in the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks Dublin. View the museum’s collection for a 12-month period through her unique prism and passion for Irish culture, craft, artistry and heritage. Discover more through her outreach and in-house projects. Listen in on her exchanges with artists, museum personnel, and visitors of the museum. Have your say as she connects with wider audiences in social media, museum networks, residents, local artists and students. Situated at the heart of Dublin City, the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History will host the internationally acclaimed exhibition CAUTION! Fragile. Irish Glass: Tradition in Transition. Three former Master Craftsmen from the worldfamous Waterford Crystal factory have collaborated with Róisín de Buitléar on a unique exhibition that draws on the cultural identity of Ireland. Opened in March, CAUTION! Fragile connects with the soul of Irish culture, focusing on the themes of history, landscape and sound. Museum visitors will have a completely immersive experience including photography and oral histories. The magnificence of 88

Irish crystal and contemporary sculpture are captured in a series of figurative sculptures, retelling personal narratives from life in the most famous of all glass factories. The exhibition runs until January 2019. FOUR SITES, MORE TO DISCOVER The National Museum of Ireland has been the custodian of 10,000 years of Ireland’s portable heritage and natural history since 1877. It has the mission of collecting, caring for, managing and interpreting the collections, which are the heritage of the nation, while making them accessible as a source of learning and enjoyment for a wide range of diverse audiences. You are invited to join in a fascinating journey through the ages. You will discover collections that span Irish History, from prehistoric times to the present day. You will learn more about Ireland’s heritage, culture and traditions. Get yourself fascinated by the different locations of the museum. You can experience how our ancestors lived like by going to the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. If you have a strong interest in animals and fauna, the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History is for you. For a stronger interest in Decorative Arts, silver, furniture or Military History, the National Museum

of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History has the perfect collections. Do not forget to also visit their fourth site located in County Mayo, Turlough Park. The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life will teach you more about rural Ireland. The National Museum of Ireland offers many free-family friendly activities and events, with a wide range of family friendly spaces and resources available across our four sites. Families can interact with the collections and learn more about them. The museum café will be pleased to welcome you after such a long day of exploring and don’t forget to bring back home a souvenir from the museum gift shop. Admission to the National Museum of Ireland is free. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5pm and on Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays, Bank Holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Day). www.museum.ie

LIVING HISTORY

Hunting

FOR TREASURE ‘THE LOVELINESS OF MANY COLORED GEMS HAS CALLED ME AWAY FROM EXTERNAL CARES.’ THIS APTLY DESCRIBES THE HUNT MUSEUM IN LIMERICK.

ohn & Gertrude Hunt were antique dealers who championed historical preservation. Their work and collections result in both a treasure trove and a treasure hunt at the Hunt Museum with visitors being encouraged to sift through drawers laden with the finest collection of Bronze Age, Iron Age, medieval and modern art treasures. There is even a Syracusan coin said to be one of the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for his betrayal of Christ. The museum exhibits one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities, dating back from the Neolithic Period to the 20th Century, including works by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats. Generously donated by the Hunt family to the people of Ireland, this diverse collection is now housed in one of Limerick’s most elegant 18th Century Palladian style buildings, formerly the Custom House.

The museum features an important collection of Irish archaeological material ranging from Neolithic flints to Bronze Age shield and cauldron. One of the strengths of the collection is the medieval material, which include statues in stone and wood, painted panels, jewelry, enamels, ivories, ceramics, crystal and crucifixes. The Hunt Museum’s exhibition gallery exhibits a diverse range of important temporary exhibitions from public institutions to private collections. The 2018 schedule includes exhibitions from one of Irelands most prolific fashion designers, Sybil Connolly and a selection of works from The Great Southern Collection, from Crawford Gallery, which features notable Irish artists such as Cecil King, Donald Teskey and Norah McGuinness. A full schedule of upcoming exhibitions is available on their website. The Museum boasts a vibrant education and

public events programme aiming to provide many access points for our diverse audiences. Guided tours of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions are offered upon request by the museum’s team of expert Docents. Drop in arts and crafts workshops for all ages are offered weekly, as well as lectures and talks, highlighting the museums diverse and eclectic collection. Featured among the museums public events programme are music and dance performances, craft fairs as well as arts and culture festivals such as Culture Night, Heritage Week and Celebrating Traditions. The Hunt Museum is home to the Hunt Café which offers a wide choice of dishes, both for those who want a leisurely lunch or just a quick snack. The museum gift shop offers an interesting and delightful range of local crafts, and quality gifts for all occasions. Seek it out, ‘Hunt’ it down, this is one of the best little museums in the world. 89

A diverse heritage, Something for everyone

The Hunt Museum, The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick. info@huntmuseum.com Tel:+353 (0)61 312 833 www.huntmuseum.com

TEXT | PLACE

An EPIC

EXPERIENCE The Irish are known for traveling far and wide. Over the centuries, 10 million people left Ireland. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin’s Docklands tells that story. It is the world’s first fully digital museum – guests often describe their visit as a moving and memorable experience. Shortlisted for the European Museum of the Year 2018, EPIC looks at the reasons why people left their homeland and how the Irish shaped the world they found. Explore the impact of the Irish in countries including the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, Europe, Latin America and further afield. Designed by the same team behind Titanic Belfast, EPIC is Dublin’s newest top-rated and family-friendly visitor attraction. The interactive galleries tell the fascinating stories of over 300 Irish people, past and present, and relive some of the greatest achievements in the world of music, sport, art, culture, politics, fashion and science. Trace the origins of Irish music and discover the history of Irish dancing – even try out some steps. Stamp your very own souvenir EPIC passport in the galleries, one of which

is a living library, with Irish writers such as Jonathan Swift, Maeve Binchy and Seamus Heaney. The strong link between the people of the United States and Ireland is celebrated at EPIC. An impressive array of IrishAmerican luminaries are featured, from Presidents like JFK and Ronald Reagan, boxer John L. Sullivan, Olympic athletes the Irish Whales, dancers Gene Kelly and Michael Flatley, actors John Wayne, James Cagney and Grace Kelly among others.

in the atmospheric vaults of the newlyrestored CHQ, a beautiful 200-yearold building steeped in history. Close to parking and public transport, and a short walk from O’Connell Bridge, there are also many cafés and restaurants in CHQ. Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and meet 300 Irish people on your first day in Dublin.

Noteworthy Irish-Canadians featured include brewer John Kinder Labatt, retailer Timothy Eaton, ice hockey pioneer Geraldine Heaney, and political leaders including Sir John Thompson, Brian Mulroney and current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who discovered his County Cork roots at the on-site Irish Family History Centre – with a team of experts helping guests to uncover their Irish ancestry. With audio guides and guided tours available, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to bring the tales to life and explain the historical background. EPIC is located on Custom House Quay 91

Priceless Treasures that belong to everyone. FREE ADMISSION to the greatest collections of Irish Heritage culture and history in the world.

Guided Tours & Lectures. Museum Shops & Cafés. For Further Information – Telephone +353 (0)1 6777444 Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Sunday 2pm to 5pm Closed Mondays incl. Bank Holidays. Free Admission – For Further details please visit www.museum.ie

LIVING HISTORY

THE GREAT

HUNGER

THE IRISH POTATO FAMINE WAS THE MOST CATASTROPHIC EVENT IN IRELAND’S TURBULENT HISTORY. A PERIOD OF MASS DEATH FROM STARVATION AND DISEASE BETWEEN 1845 AND 1852, IT IS REGARDED AS BEING ONE OF THE WORST FAMINES IN HISTORY.

he primary cause of the disaster in a literal sense was potato blight which afflicted many places in Europe in the 1840s, however, the use of the word famine in this context is controversial, as Ireland at the time was part of the richest Empire in the World (the British Empire). There was plenty of food in the country throughout the famine years, yet over a million-people died from starvation and disease, and millions more were forced to flee.

After centuries of British colonial rule, a large section of the Irish population lived in extreme poverty and depended on the potato as their main food source. Centuries of land confiscations and anti-Catholic laws had reduced the country and its people to levels of poverty not seen in other parts of Europe. At the same time, Britain was booming and in the throes of the industrial revolution. While Ireland was forcibly part of the United Kingdom at this time and might have expected to benefit 93

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The Great Hunger utterly devastated Ireland. At least a million died, likely more, and millions who could scrape the fare together were forced to flee the country accordingly, the reality was that Britain had historically treated Ireland harshly and this time was no different. Massive humanitarian aid was required but never arrived. The British Government chose not to disrupt market forces, so grain continued to be exported to Britain from Ireland (by tenant farmers to pay rents) while the Irish themselves starved. The Great Hunger utterly devastated Ireland. At least a million died, likely more, and millions who could scrape the fare together were forced to flee the country. There are memorials to the departed all over Ireland. In Dublin on Custom House Quay close to the Jeannie Johnson famine ship, you can see the famine statues. These haunting figures show the skin and bones condition of those about to embark on a journey into the unknown, most leaving with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Many Irish people were left with a stark choice during the Great Famine – emigrate or die? Those attempting to escape the horror of famine were herded on to crowded, disease ridden ships and left with little access to even the most basic food and water supplies. For many, the dream of a new life turned to a horrible nightmare as hundreds died on the overcrowded and poorly provisioned ships. Whilst crossing the Atlantic it was common for around 30% of a ship’s passengers to die. It is not surprising that these vessels became known as Coffin Ships. The leaky, smelly boats that hauled a generation of emigrants to America are reimagined on board the Dunbrody famine ship on the New Ross waterfront. The emigrants’ sorrowful stories are brought to life by costumed 94

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actors during 45-minute tours. A 10-minute introductory film provides historical background about the mid-19th-century Ireland they were leaving. If you are in Dublin this summer, the popular Saint Stephen’s Green Shopping mall at the top of Dublin’s Grafton Street will showcase The Irish Famine Exhibition, looking at what happened to cause this humanitarian disaster, as well as painting a portrait of the life and times for those whose lives were affected by the food shortages. There are rare 19th century photographs, witness accounts, contemporary sketches, as well as maps and statistical information, and a 15-minute video presentation. ART & THE GREAT HUNGER Works of art so often arise from some deep personal emotion in the lives of their creators that their work is a documented expression of a moment in time.

Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, is sending its acclaimed art collection to Ireland in 2018. The works will go to Dublin Castle and Skibbereen— diametric epicenters of the Great Famine (184552)—for the exhibition Coming Home: Art and the Great Hunger. The museum’s collection, the only one of its kind in the world, constitutes an incomparable direct link to the past of almost 6.5 million Irish and 40 million Irish-American people. Coming Home: Art and the Great Hunger was launched by Irish President Michael D Higgins who referred to the famine as “the greatest social calamity, in terms of morality and suffering, that Ireland has ever experienced.” The works will be on display at The Coach House in Dublin Castle through June; between July and October it will be shown at Uilinn: West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen, before moving to Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Derry in 2019. 95

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The exhibition containing 50 artworks from some of Ireland’s most eminent artists including Jack B. Yeats, Alanna O’Kelly, Robert Ballagh and William Crozier. John L. Lahey, President of Quinnipiac University says, “It has always been our goal to bring this outstanding collection home to Ireland; now that day has arrived. To have President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins launch ‘Coming Home: Art and the Great Hunger’ this evening, is symbolic of the deep cultural connection between Ireland and its diaspora in America.” To mark the collection’s homecoming, an exciting programme of events will take place in Dublin over the coming months, including children’s workshops, panel discussions, literary and music events. Many of these events will take place at Dublin Castle, in collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and will be free to attend. 96

The impact of the famine was the first step in the global phenomena whereby a vast number of people of many nationalities worldwide can trace their heritage back to the small island of Ireland A PLACE CALLED HOME From a population of eight million, by 1851, the country’s population had fallen to six million and when emigration finally slowed down around 1900, only about four and a half million were counted in the population. Whilst the population had fallen dramatically, the impact of the famine was the first step in the global phenomena whereby a vast number of people of many nationalities worldwide can trace their heritage back to such a small island.

The Dunbrody Famine Ship Dunbrody Experience & The Restaurant The Dunbrody Fam Famine Ship Experience & Experience & Resta Restaurant

The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience is a must stop on any tour of Irelands Ancient East. The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience is a must stop on any tour of Irelands This award winning family attraction, Ancient East. moored on the quayside in New Ross, takes visitors back in time to The theDunbrody 1840’s. This award winning familyisattraction, Famine Ship Experience Explore our replica emigrantavessel both mustmoored on stop on any tour Irelands in New Ross, theofquayside East. This award winning family above and below deck. ListenAncient to real lifevisitors takes back in time to the 1840’s. attraction, mooredon the quayside in stories as costumed performers set the our replica Explore vessel both New Ross, takes visitors back inemigrant time to Thefor Dunbrody Famine Ship scene the arduous journeys byand so our above below deck. Listen to real life thetaken 1840’s. Explore replica emigrant many during the&Great Irish Famine. Experience Restaurant vesselstories both above below deck. Listen as and costumed performers set the to real life stories as costumed performers

scene for the arduous journeys taken by s As well as the ship’s tour, the set Dunbrody the scene for the arduous journeys The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience many during the Visitor Centre houses a charming rivertaken by so many during theGreat Great Irish Famine. is a must stop on any tour of Irelands East. Irish Famine.Hall As well as the ship’s tour, viewAncient restaurant and the Irish America As well as the ship’s tour, the Dunbrody This award winning family attraction, the Dunbrody Visitor Centre houses a moored on the quayside in New Ross, of Fame. Visitor Centre houses a charming rivertakes visitors back in time to the 1840’s. Explore our replica emigrant vessel both above and below deck. Listen to real life stories as costumed performers set the scene for the arduous journeys taken by so many during the Great Irish Famine.

charming riverview restaurant and the Irish America Hall of Fame.and the Irish America Ha view restaurant

of Fame.

As well as the ship’s tour, the Dunbrody Visitor Centre houses a charming riverview restaurant and the Irish America Hall of Fame.

Dunbroddy Kennedy 1/2.indd 1

Immerse yourself in Ireland’s history and culture EPIC tells the unforgettable story of the 10 million Irish people who left their homeland over the centuries – and how they inﬂuenced and shaped the world. The interactive galleries make this family-friendly experience an essential destination for everyone with an interest in Ireland’s people, culture and history. Open 7 days a week 10am–6:45 (last entry 5pm) CHQ, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 BOOK NOW: epicchq.com

08/04/2018 19:15

‘A high-tech treasure... simply too good to miss’

‘Whole new museum genre – beyond words!’

‘Unmissable’

Passing through historic towns like Leighlinbridge and St Mullins the River Barrow is bordered with the husks of old mills and warehouses, accessorized with Victorian locks and leafy towpaths.

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Come

TO CARLOW IRELAND’S SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTY IS A NATURE-LOVER’S PARADISE AND THE HOME TOWN OF ONE OF HOLLYWOOD’S BRIGHTEST STARS.

arlow’s principal river is the Barrow, slicing through the west of the county on its route towards the southern coast. Once crowded with boats ferrying goods and people, today’s Barrow is a much quieter affair. Passing through historic towns like Leighlinbridge and St Mullins, it’s bordered with the husks of old mills and warehouses and accessorized with Victorian locks and leafy towpaths. As well as its industrial heritage, the River Barrow is renowned for the quality of its angling, with

brown trout, salmon, Tench and Rudd, along with the distinctive Twaite Shad (a kind of herring) all there for the taking. Whether you cast off from the shore, or cruise down on boat or canoe, you’ll feel like a modern-day frontiersman. Carlow is renowned for its beautiful gardens with the Carlow Garden Trail being one of the best in the country. Worthy of a visit are Altamount House and gardens, a wonderland of interconnecting gardens, riverside walks and woodlands of incredible beauty. 99

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Day trips with a difference on an experience of a life time Day trips with a difference on an experience of a life time

Do you want unforgettable memories of Ireland? • Discover the hidden gems along the Wild Atlantic Way, in Irelands Ancient East and in Northern Ireland. • Experience Ireland as you won’t find it in any guide book. • Create your own tours with your memories of Ireland? Do you want unforgettable personal tour guide. Customised forgems individuals • • Discover thetours hidden along the Wild Atlantic Way, in and small groupsEast and in Northern Ireland. Irelands Ancient

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Just five minutes from Altamount is Huntington Castle. Dating back to 1625 the castle is still occupied by descendants of the original builders. Visitors can stay here on a B&B basis, take a tour of the house or walk in the glorious gardens. Featuring impressive formal plantings and layouts including the Italian style ‘Parterre’ or formal gardens, there is also the French lime Avenue (planted in 1680). The world-famous Yew walk is a significant feature which is thought to be over 500 years old and is reputedly haunted by the ghosts of monks. Of course, you don’t have to be a gardener to get the most out of Carlow’s gardens, as it is replete with other seductive landscapes. In the dips and meanders of the River Barrow and rising above it are the rugged peaks of the Blackstairs Mountains. On Mount Leinster, the highest peak of the Blackstairs, adrenaline junkies paraglide on the thermals, their colorful chutes bursting like bubblegum as they hit the valley floor. In the town it is well worth visiting Carlow Courthouse, which was originally destined for Cork, but the plans got mixed up and Carlow got one of the finest courthouses in the country. Carlow Courthouse was designed by William Vitruvius Morrison in 1830. It is based on the Temple of Llissus in Athens, giving the impression of a temple set on a high plinth, but this obscures the fact that the basement is a maze of cells and dungeons. A cannon from the Crimean War stands on the steps. Carlow has links to Hollywood too believe it or not. Saoirse Ronan grew up here and she is proud of her Irish heritage. “I was born in New York,” she says. “Then I moved to Carlow. I went to school there. I don’t know where I am from. I am just Irish.”

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No matter where she is in the world, Ronan makes sure to give a little bit back home. She showed her appreciation of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delicious food revolution with a no-fee performance on behalf of Origin Green, a leader in sustainable food and drink

production, as well as becoming a spokesperson for the Irish Child Protection Agency. Ronanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s star continues to shine bright and on a journey that will take her around the world, she knows she can always come home to Carlow. 101

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Family run Four Star Hotel in #IrelandsAncientEast. Multiple award winning hotel and restaurant. Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best wedding venue 2015 and worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best wine list 2016. Visit www.lordbagenal.com for all special offers and upcoming events. Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, Ireland Phone: 00 353 599 774000 | Email: info@lordbagenal.com 102

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Live like A LORD

he Famous Barrow Way is a National Waymarked Hiking Trail in Ireland’s Sunny South-East, beginning in Robertstown, County Kildare, spanning over 100 kilometers, and ending in St Mullin’s, County Carlow The Barrow Way follows the course of the River Barrow, so where nicer to stay, nested in the historic village of Leighlinbridge on the banks of the river than at The Lord Bagenal Inn? The Kehoe family run this 4 Star deluxe hotel offering riverside views of one of Europe’s finest navigable waterways. Using this luxurious hotel as your base, you can explore the South East of Ireland where you will be spoilt for choice, whether its enjoying a morning coffee in the bright and airy lobby, refreshing evenings on the 200-seater deck, or relaxing beside one of the open fires in

the cozy bar area. You are sure to unwind after a long day exploring the local delights. What began as a family-run restaurant in 1979 has now evolved into an award-winning restaurant, most recently winning the prestigious “World’s Best Wine List 2016” – World of Fine Wine in the #Wineawards2016. Serving food daily from 8am- 10pm, offering a variety of International dishes, along with daily specials prepared with the finest local ingredients, complimented by an incomparable relaxed and friendly service. Opulent fresh floral displays can be found each day throughout the public areas of the hotel a lovely touch that brings the pretty outdoors ‘indoors’. Contemporary Irish artists adorn the walls to bring an eclectic gallery experience for the Kehoe family’s international guests. 103

Equestrian Holidays from short stays to seven nights Tailor-made to each guests preferences and can include tuition, cross-country & hacking

+ 353 (0)86 1209210

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T R AV E L

NETWORK

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Discover

THE MARBLE CITY FUSING MEDIEVAL HISTORY WITH A COSMOPOLITAN CITY LIFE, KILKENNY BUZZES WITH PURE RAW ENERGY.

rom the walls of the city to the network of towns and villages that are dotted around it, this ancient county at the center of Ireland’s Ancient East packs maximum wow-factor into an easily navigable space.

was once a tower house built by the AngloNorman invader Strongbow. Later it became the home of the Earls of Ormonde for nearly five centuries, before the 6th Marquess of Ormonde offered it to the city of Kilkenny for £50 in 1967!

Start your visit with a trip to the magnificent castle and gardens which are worth a wander in their own right. Set in extensive parklands along the River Nore, this imposing 12th century fortress was remodelled in Victorian times but

Ireland’s Medieval Mile is where heritage meets the here and now. A unique discovery trail linking Kilkenny castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral with all manner of medieval magic in-between, this is your chance to experience 105

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all the sights, sounds and smells of a city where history really does come to life. Visit Rothe House and gardens, a unique early 17th century Irish merchant’s town house right in the centre of Kilkenny City. The house is open to the public as a museum, displaying some of the 2,500 artefacts collected by Kilkenny Archaeological Society which relate to life in the city and its environs dating back to prehistoric times. Ireland’s second-largest medieval cathedral, (after Saint Patrick’s in Dublin) is well worth a visit. On the site of Saint Canice’s Cathedral a monastery was built in the 6th century by St Canice, Kilkenny’s patron saint. The present structure dates from the 13th to 16th centuries. Inside see ancient grave slabs and the tombs of Kilkenny Castle’s Butler dynasty. Outside stands an imposing 30m-high round tower, one of only two in Ireland that you can climb. Also worth a visit is one of Ireland’s oldest churches, The Black Abbey, a restored Dominican church founded in 1225 by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke. At the time of the abbey’s foundation the town of Kilkenny was divided one half an Irish town, the other English. The abbey was built between them and outside the city walls to demonstrate independence from either side. In the rebuilding process all of the windows were meticulously restored including a stunning rosary window. Created in 1892, it is the largest stained-glass window in Ireland. Artists and craftspeople work in studios all around Kilkenny city. Renowned potter Nicholas Mosse creates his elegant pieces here, and the Kilkenny Design Centre anchors the city’s retail scene with a stunning collection of jewelry, knitwear, Celtic gifts, china, crystal and pottery. And don’t miss the National Craft Gallery at Castle Yard, previously home to the stables and coach houses of Kilkenny Castle, where you can watch clay workers in action, or even have a go yourself! A great way to learn about this enchanting medieval city is to join a walking tour where you 106

can learn about the city as you stroll around its atmospheric lanes and side streets. If you need to recharge the batteries, what about lunch at the Kilkenny Design Centre or call into Kytelers, the ancient pub and restaurant which dates to 1324. The original owner, Dame Alice le Kyteler, was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. In fact, all this woman was probably guilty

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of was too much merrymaking. It’s still a great spot for a coffee or a bite to eat. Another popular watering hole is the ‘Hole in the Wall’, housed in the oldest surviving townhouse in Ireland - the 1582 Archer Inner House at 17 High Street, Kilkenny. The Elizabethan building with its tavern, snug and Archer room has been

fully restored and is now open to visitors for the first time in hundreds of years. Summing up his hometown of Kilkenny owner of the 16thcentury tavern Michael Conway says: “The essence of the city is the living antiquity and historical lifeblood that has been preserved so magically - all mixed in with people contributing to a vibrant scene”.

Artists and craftspeople work in studios all around Kilkenny city. Renowned potter Nicholas Mosse creates his elegant pieces here, and the Kilkenny Design Centre anchors the city’s retail scene with a stunning collection of jewelry, knitwear, Celtic gifts, china, crystal and pottery.

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When you’re re-energized, you might like to take a short drive to explore nearby Bennettsbridge and Thomastown. With spectacular views of Mount Leinster and the Black Stairs Mountains, both of these picturesque towns are situated on the gurgling Nore which is renowned for its salmon, trout and fly-fishing. And both are well known for their artistic vibe and charm. Bennettsbridge is home to an enchanting Folk Museum where you can simply step back in time amongst the 10,000 artifacts on display – like old hurling programmes and an old-time pub, a forge and an oldie world petrol station, to name but a few. Thomastown, for its part, offers a neat collection of galleries, craft shops and studios, as well as cosy pubs and cafes. Or you could head out to the haunting Cistercian ruins of Jerpoint Abbey or drop into Mount Juliet, home of the famous championship golf course and hotel. Alternatively, drive north from Kilkenny to Castlecomer Estate Yard. Today the stables are home to a growing group of some of Ireland’s top crafts people and artists. Here you can view handcrafted work of the highest quality and meet the makers in person. Kilkenny is oozing with antiquity and medieval magic; where history and charm fuse to create an exciting and dynamic destination. 108

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Get

HOOKED VOTED IRELAND’S FAVORITE ‘HIDDEN GEM,’ HOOK LIGHTHOUSE IS THE OLDEST ORIGINAL OPERATING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE WORLD.

njoy a tour of Hook Lighthouse, one of the most popular visitor attractions on Ireland’s Ancient East. Loved by visitors year-round this 800-year-old lighthouse has many accolades, chief amongst them; it is the oldest original operating lighthouse in the world… yes, the world! The 800-year-old lighthouse stands proudly at the tip of the beautiful Hook Peninsula. Voted in Ireland’s Top 10 favorite attractions, this gem of the southeast was also named as Ireland’s favorite hidden gem in the 2018 Irish Travel Awards. And with a fascinating tour on offer, it’s not hard to understand why it ranks so highly. Visitors from across the globe enjoy climbing the 115 well-worn steps of the light tower, stepping back in time and exploring the thick-walled chambers. The tour experience at the lighthouse takes you on a journey through time; you first meet the life-size hologram of St Dubhán, a monk who tells of perishing nights spent with fellow monks in the 5th century warning sailors against dangers with a beacon they kept alight on the headland. Make your way to the second floor and meet another life-size figure, the Knight William Marshal, dubbed by the Archbishop of Caterbury as “the greatest knight that ever lived.” He tells the tale of his empire in the southeast of Ireland, how he built Kilkenny Castle and Tintern Abbey and how he built the Hook lighthouse tower in the 13th century in order to guide shipping to his port at nearby New Ross. On the third floor you can hear tales of times gone-by, of life as a lighthouse keeper in Ireland. And when you reach the tower balcony, enjoy the sea breeze on your face as you gaze at the miles of stunning coastline and an awesome 360degree view of Ireland’s southeast and experience the newly opened watch room offering a panoramic observatory across the estuary. Guided tours of the lighthouse tower are on offer 7 days a week. Bespoke and private tours are also on offer and don’t miss out on the regularly announced Sunset and Sunrise Tour Experiences. For all the details see www.hookheritage.ie For updates on news, events and festivals at the lighthouse follow @HookLighthouse on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. 111

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A little

PIECE OF HEAVEN THEY SAY WEST CORK’S HAVEN COAST IS WHERE NATURE SETS ITS PACE. TRAVEL ALONG THIS SERENE, SOUTHERLY STRETCH PAST INLETS, COVES, SAFE HARBORS AND BLUE FLAG BEACHES, AND YOU’LL SEE HOW IT GETS ITS NAME.

his stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way zigzags gently from Bantry Bay through Skibbereen and on to the colorful town of Kinsale. In these parts you can see gardens lush with sub-tropical plants – an unlikely sight in southern Ireland, however due to its sheltered situation and the warming oceanic influence of the Gulf Stream, the climate is favorable to the growth of exotic plants from many parts of the world.

There’s something restorative about the temperate Gulf Stream climate, the peaceful vibe and creative scene. Between hedgerows thick with flora and fauna, beachcombing, island-hopping, whale-watching, learning to sail or surf, or simply enjoying a pint on the quayside while the fishing boats land their catch, there’s plenty to do here - or you may simply do nothing at all. 113

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There’s West Cork’s wonderful artisan food. Thriving arts and crafts. Scores of festivals – music, film, stories, breweries and great food. And history echoing all along this coast: ancient sites, coastal forts, Michael Collins’ home town, the wreck of the Lusitania and out on the horizon, Ireland’s ‘Teardrop,’ Fastnet Rock. A small islet in the Atlantic Ocean and the most southerly point of Ireland, Fastnet lies 6.5 kilometers southwest of Cape Clear Island and 13 kilometers from County Cork on the mainland. Due to its location, Fastnet is known as Ireland’s Teardrop because it was the last part of Ireland that emigrants saw as they sailed to North America. CARBERY’S HUNDRED ISLES Another beacon to look out for is the Balitmore Beacon, a sculptural marker at the entrance to Baltimore harbor. Once the haunt of pirates, today Baltimore is a buzzy little town especially in the summer months when its population swells with holidaymakers from the city and beyond. The oldest part of the village with its castle and rows of fishermen’s cottages is spread along the eastern 114

shore of the harbor. At its heart is the village square around which are clustered bars and restaurants looking west over sea and islands towards Mizen Head, the lands’ end of Ireland. Baltimore Harbor is formed partly by islands of the archipelago known as Carbery’s Hundred Isles. Around the piers charter boats and pleasure craft jostle with fishing boats and ferries serving the main islands. The harbor also serves as a launch point for divers visiting the shipwrecks of a World War II submarine and the Kowloon Bridge carrier ship which sank in 1987. Across from the fishing village of Baltimore is the inspiring retreat of Sherkin Island. One of Carbery’s Hundred Isles, Sherkin is the ancestral home of the O’Driscoll clan whose castle lies just above the pier. Nearby, you can also roam the ruins of a 15th century Franciscan abbey. Out on the island you can wander along laneways past banks of red fuchsia, bright orange mombrisha and rocky fields hemmed in by dry stone walls. Sherkin has an automated lighthouse maintained by locals that is situated

Between hedgerows thick with flora and fauna, beachcombing, island-hopping, whale-watching, learning to sail or surf, or simply enjoying a pint on the quayside while the fishing boats land their catch, there’s plenty to do here - or you may simply do nothing at all.

HAVEN COAST

Let the Haven Coast be your safe harbor as you weave along the exhilarating Wild Atlantic Way

at Barrack Point and dates back to 1835. The lighthouse marks the southern entrance to Baltimore Harbor and the Baltimore Beacon. Sherkin buzzes with activity during the summer months and locals are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. Come to hear great live traditional music or enjoy the activities of the Sherkin Family Regatta, a big splash in the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social calendar. Sherkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three sandy beaches make great secluded swimming areas and walking along the shore you may see seals, otters, schools of dolphins or the porpoises which gave the island its name. A number of artists live on the island and Sherkin is unique in running a Fine Arts Degree Course. Take to the water at a more leisurely pace with Baltimore Sea Safari - a family run boat trip business operating in Baltimore. Lively coastal sightseeing tours with whale, dolphin and wildlife watching is a real treat while enjoying the outstanding beauty of the coastline. Let the Haven Coast be your safe harbor as

you weave along the exhilarating Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy the food, the fields and the easygoing West Cork vibe. And of course, the ocean - sparkling in picturesque port towns, crashing against wave-scarred cliffs, hiding hulking sea giants and glowing by night as if by magic. Embark on this short journey and you will find a little piece of heaven. 115

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Food

& FORTS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE FOOD CAPITAL OF IRELAND, KINSALE IS ONE OF IRELAND’S PRETTIEST, MOST COLORFUL TOWNS.

he picturesque yachting harbor is one of its many gems as are the narrow, winding streets lined with galleries, gift shops, bakeries and lively bars. Kinsale’s appeal alongside some great restaurants is its lovely setting in a beautiful horseshoe bay surrounded by rolling hills. Those hungry for local treats will be well catered for while those with a hunger for the great outdoors will be equally satisfied by heading out to the ‘Old Head’ - a diamond of land jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet. Simply put, the Old Head of Kinsale is one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal areas. Rising hundreds of feet above the water with towering sea cliffs, on this stretch of coastal bliss, it feels like you’ve left the world behind. The best way to explore the Old Head is by foot. The Old Head Loop is a gentle 6km (3.7 miles) walk that takes in a circular route around the head. The dramatic cliffs and lush headland

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speckled with bursts of white and yellow flowers aren’t the only gems here. The walk will bring you by the mysterious ruins of a fort, which is said to have been built by the Celts around 100BC. Further on, the black and white striped Old Head Lighthouse stands looking out to sea. It was just off the coast here that a German torpedo sank the Lusitania. The wreck still lies beneath the waves. The Old Head is also home to one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world: The Old Head Golf Links. It is a piece of golf real estate like no other that causes many a visitor to pinch themselves as they drive through the ancient gateway with crashing waves some 300 feet below. The sensory overload does not stop there, with the journey along the fragrant Hydrangea and Rosa Rugosa lining the Old Head driveway providing stunning vistas with the powerful ocean on both sides, and beyond the famous lighthouse that lies in front. Few courses enjoy a more spectacular view and outside of the regular golfing hazards, nature is often the biggest challenge here.

TEXT | PLACE

Charles Fort ONE OF IRELAND’S MOST HISTORIC NATIONAL MONUMENTS, CHARLES FORT IS LOCATED IN THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF KINSALE, FAMED FOR ITS GOURMET CUISINE, WINDING STREETS, ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOR AND OLD-WORLD CHARM.

ommanding the entrance to Kinsale harbor, Charles Fort looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Old Head of Kinsale, where the Cunard liner, the Lusitania, went down on May 7th, 1915. Stepping onto the drawbridge over the dry moat, this starshaped coastal fortification was constructed during the reign of King Charles II in 1682. Designed by Sir William Robinson, also architect of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, Charles Fort worked in tandem with James Fort, an earlier fortification located across the estuary, in protecting the town and harbor of Kinsale. As an important colonial outpost, Charles Fort was the largest engineering project undertaken by the English Crown in the 17th Century. Events such as the landing of the last Spanish Armada (1601), the arrival of Prince Rupert (1649) and the Williamite War (1690) highlighted Kinsale’s vulnerable position. At a time when pirates and privateers held the high seas, the protection and security of the Crown’s trading routes to America and the West Indies via Kinsale was of vital importance. Originally comprising of circa 20 hectares and fitted with 94 artillery pieces, this Vauban inspired fortress was designed to suit the

local topography. Its low-lying gun batteries of stone and earthen construction (12 meters wide) allowed for the absorption of cannon fire, and its five bastions and curtain walls facilitated interlocking fields of fire. Internally, earthen ramps allowed for a mobile and flexible artillery deployment. Today these ramparts and route-ways provide an ideal base for a leisurely stroll to witness the glorious views of Kinsale town and harbor. A bombproof gunpowder magazine proudly stands within this fortress, a testament to the formidable engineering and labor of a bygone era. Visitors to Charles Fort will often encounter a bridal party meandering their way towards this well protected structure. The magazine now plays host to sparks of a very different kind, as it is a designated wedding venue for Civil and Humanist wedding ceremonies. Adapted over the years, Charles Fort was utilized as a British Army Infantry Barracks until 1922. Throughout that time the walls resonated to the sounds of soldiers marching in their hobnail boots, drill sergeants booming voices and children reciting their school lessons. Charles Fort provided accommodation for 450 soldiers

and officers from English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish regiments. Additional ancillary buildings such as drill halls, canteens and hospital and recreational facilities catered to the physical and social needs of the garrison. The departure of the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment of the British army in February 1922, in accordance with the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, led to the burning of the Fort during one of the most turbulent periods in Irish history – the Irish Civil War. The ruins of these barrack structures today bear witness to the tragic events behind the formation of the new Irish Free State. The best way to view Charles Fort and to hear the story of its architectural, historical and cultural significance is to join a guided tour by one of the well-versed OPW guides. Afterwards head to the tearooms to enjoy home-made cakes and scones while soaking up the beautiful views from this rare and wondrous site and, of course, to ponder your next stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. Full details in relation to the visitor sites managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), including information on the invaluable heritage card, are available on www.heritageireland.ie 117

Island, Monastery, For tress, Prison and Home

MUSEUMS • EXHIBITIONS • CAFÉ • PICNICS

GU IDE D TOU R S • S C H O O L TO URS • A F T E R DA RK TO URS

www.spikeislandcork.ie

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HAVEN COAST

Flavors of THE SOUTH

A BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE AND ONE COLORFUL TOWN AFTER ANOTHER, DELICIOUS CUISINE CAN BE FOUND AT EVERY TURN ON IRELAND’S SOUTHWEST.

ork is Ireland’s largest county sprawling all over the south-west. The county takes in everything from the buzz of Cork city to some of the island’s most fertile farmland. Cork has Ireland’s wildest peninsulas and its most colorful islands. It even has its very own black stuff (Murphy’s stout). A foodie’s paradise, the range of produce is phenomenal – from excellent artisan cheese

to beautifully crafted smoked fish. It’s packed with great places to eat, cool pubs and the vibrant English Market – a culinary rollercoaster through some of the county’s best foods. CITY SLICKERS Slap bang in the heart of the city is the English Market. Cork’s most famous food market was opened in 1788 when Cork Corporation decided to provide covered food markets 119

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at the center of the city, influenced by the change from open to covered markets that had occurred in English cities in the previous decades. This Victorian gem has been faithfully serving food to the people of Cork for over a century and is a go-to for great cheeses, charcuteries and award-winning patés and terrines. Pay a visit to Frank Hederman for some of the most sublime smoked fish around, before heading upstairs to the Farmgate Cafe for a gourmet lunch. You’ll get a great sense of Cork’s esteemed food culture at the intriguing Cork Butter Museum, which traces the industry’s history back to its very early days. And if you’re looking for somewhere for dinner, you’ve come to the right place – match craft beers with culinary creativity at Elbow Lane, feast on some of Europe’s finest vegetarian food at Café Paradiso or try the seafood delights of the Fish Bar at Electric. An ideal way to end a foodie day? Try a craft beer or stout at the excellent Franciscan Well Brewpub. If you have more time, sample the Cork Tasting Trail from Fabulous Food Trails. It’s a great way to meet the people who are fueling Cork’s lively food scene. TASTE OF EAST CORK Traveling with the ocean by your side, discover the distinct flavors and exciting producers that have made East Cork a top destination for food. Youghal’s enviable position where the River Blackwater meets the sea on Ireland’s south coast has lent it an intriguing history. This is a place that has attracted the attention of everyone from the Vikings to the Victorians, who came here in the 19th century to enjoy the quiet of the surrounding beaches. Today, Youghal is a lively seaside town and a gateway to Ireland’s Ancient East. Take a guided walking tour to discover the historic fables and intriguing facts surrounding Youghal before discovering the town’s foodie side. Like the sound of seared scallops, grilled black sole, rock oysters or seafood chowder? Head to Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant where you’ll find a bounty of ocean delights, but make sure to leave room for something sweet – afternoon tea at the Walter 120

Raleigh Hotel is a treasure-trove of tasty delights with petite sandwiches, mini fruit scones and delicate cakes. IRELAND’S COOKING ROYALTY Craft and cookery go hand in hand in the village of Shanagarry, which is as famous for its pottery by Stephen Pearse as it is for its renowned cookery school. It’s here that you’ll find the world-famous Ballymaloe, which attracts budding chefs from all over the planet to its hallowed kitchens. You can opt for a short weekend course in everything from ‘Afternoon Tea and Cakes’ to ‘Summer Foraging.’ But if

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you prefer to consume rather than create, head over to Ballymaloe House, one of Ireland’s best country houses. Here, surrounded by stunning gardens and using the very best homegrown produce, three-course lunches and five-course dinners are served to the delight of guests, many of whom make a weekend stay of it. A WEE DRAM The small east Cork town of Midleton has a big foodie pedigree. Every Saturday, some of the island’s top food producers gather for the farmers’ market – a perfect place to get the inside scoop on Irish food’s next big thing. Meet some of the artisan producers, scoop up some cheese and enjoy the community atmosphere at this unique event. Great restaurants including the acclaimed Sage and the longstanding Farmgate have made Midleton a food destination in its own right, but the town also has a big whiskey heritage and is home to Jameson Irish Whiskey. Drop into the Jameson Experience and take the guided tour of the Old Midleton Distillery or go for the Behind the Scenes Tour with visits to the Micro Distillery, Cooperage and Distiller’s Cottage. BEST OF THE WEST West Cork is known the world-over for its wild beaches and jagged peninsulas; and for its Irishspeaking islands like Cape Clear and Sherkin. At the very tip of the Beara Peninsula, you can even take a ride in Ireland’s only cable car – to the Atlantic outpost of Dursey Island. Embark on a mouth-watering trip into the heart of West Cork, famous throughout Europe for its excellent cheese and gourmet hideouts. Start at the relaxed town of Baltimore where you can enjoy huge plates of seafood or a waterfront pizza at La Jolie Brise while watching the harbor hubbub. And while you’re in town, make sure to visit Dún na Séad castle, which tells the fascinating story of the Sack of Baltimore, when the village was attacked by pirates and more than 100 people were dragged away to the slave markets of North Africa. Speaking of markets, the Ferguson family farm near Schull in West Cork produces some of the best regarded artisan food in Ireland, from its

Cork’s most famous food market was opened in 1788. This Victorian gem has been faithfully serving food to the people of Cork for over a century and is a go-to for great cheeses, charcuteries and award-winning patés and terrines famous semi-soft cheese to wonderful hams, salamis and puddings. Sample them all at Schull’s farmers’ market (Sundays from Easter to late September) and in local shops. FROM SEAFOOD TO BLACK PUDDING Kinsale is a place of pure pleasure, where palm trees sway in the summer and sailing enthusiasts converge in great restaurants, relaxed seafood bars and traditional old pubs. The annual food festival in October draws visitors from all over the world, but Kinsale is a joy to visit at any time of the year. Enjoy a casual lunch in the Fishy Cafe, a laid-back dinner in the Black Pig Wine Bar or go upscale at Bastion with Michelin Bib Gourmand dining that uses the finest local ingredients. After that, Kinsale’s friendly pubs are waiting to serve you up a pint of Guinness, known around the island as the “black stuff”! 121

Discover Explore Rathcroghan and Medieval Tulsk,

through our year round, all weather, award winning interpretive exhibition rooms. Here you will walk into the stories, archaeology and history of Connacht’s prehistoric capital and the oldest and largest unexcavated royal site in Ireland. Tread across this ancient landscape in the footsteps of the great Warrior Queen Medb and experience the legendary Oweynagat (the Cave of the Cats), Ireland’s Gate to Hell and the traditional home of Halloween. Discover how our Iron Age and medieval ancestors lived, how they survived and what they believed in, in the heart of Connacht’s royal capital.

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre Cruachan Aí, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Ireland Phone: 00353 (0)71 9639268 Web: http://www.rathcroghan.ie Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Rathcroghan Twitter: @Rathcroghan

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MURPHY’S SHERKIN ISLAND Pub & Guest House

one of Ireland’s most accessible off-shore islands.

...only a stone’s throw from Baltimore Murphy’s, Sherkin Island is the ideal location for a short break, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. We have 21 ensuite bedrooms, most with a stunning view of Baltimore Harbour. We’re only ten minutes by ferry from the Fishing village of Baltimore in West Cork. With a regular ferry service, you can easily use Murphy’s, Sherkin Island as a base to explore the wonders of West Cork, or simply to rest on the tranquil setting of Sherkin Island. Food served all day in Murphy’s Pub Sherkin Island, Co.Cork T: 00353 +28 20116 www.murphyssherkin.ie E: info@islandersrest.ie

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Another kind of black stuff can be sampled at Clonakilty. The famous (and delicious) black pudding is on the menu at pubs and restaurants everywhere, while smoked fish and seafood speaks of the town’s location at the head of Clonakilty Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way. And if you like traditional music this place is a must, featuring great live music sessions nearly every night of the week. The perfect day? Take a walk on nearby Inchydoney Strand, feast on a seafood platter in An Sugan traditional pub, then head to Scannells for some foot-tapping tunes. A 12-mile drive away is the picture postcard village of Rosscarbery, a pretty spot to visit or stay over and if you do, it’s worth stopping off at Pilgrim’s, a fabulous little spot with a loyal following who flock here for its seasonal, local produce. But be sure to make a reservation, this place books out fast, and for good reason! DURRUS TO MACROOM Durrus, a pretty village on the wild, rugged and remote Sheep’s Head Peninsula is home to the Good Things Café & Cookery School. Sample the fish soup or let Carmel Somers teach you how to cook a lobster first-hand. Just outside Macroom, in the heart of the Cork countryside, you’ll find a dairy making Ireland’s first buffalo mozzarella cheese. Toons Bridge Dairy produces a deliciously milky mozzarella, as well as a range of other cheeses, all of which you can sample at their shop and café. On the way from Durrus to Macroom, stop off in the buzzing town of Bantry, which is famous for its great seafood restaurants and excellent Friday Food Market. INLAND GEMS Heading back inland away from the coast you will find some real gems. Nestled between two hills, and the rivers Allow and Dallow, the town of Kanturk is surrounded by the type of countryside that has made West Cork such an exceptional producer of cheese. But in Kanturk, the local delicacy is Cork’s other famous food hero – black pudding. At McCarthy’s traditional butchers in town, Jack McCarthy has created a black pudding that is so exceptional it has won the prestigious old medal from the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Black pudding.

The gracious Longueville House Hotel in Mallow is well known for its cuisine and its cider, but it also produces a wonderful apple brandy from apples grown on the estate. Established c1720 this listed stately Georgian Country House property is steeped in history. Rustic but refined, laid back but efficient, a little quirky sometimes, is how things go here at the O’Callaghan’s charming home. William O’Callaghan and his father Michael before him have been fermenting craft cider and distilling Ireland’s only Apple Brandy for over 30 years. It all started when William’s father, the late Michael O’Callaghan, planted 25 acres of sustainable cider apple orchard’s in 1985. He became the first person in Ireland, outside the big three established national distillers to get a license, and so became the first person since the 1770’s to reintroduce to Ireland the practice of distilling cider. A pioneering spirit and a very passionate man about Brandy, Calvados & Cognac, Michael was the first man ever to try to grow grapes in Ireland. He was keen to grow grapes and apples to make wine and cider and then double distill that wine and cider to make brandy and a product like Calvados (Irish Apple Brandy). While there was no real constituency in growing grapes, the Orchards continue to flourish and thrive and William now continues his father’s vision and legacy, with the guidance of Dan Duggan - Longuevilles’ Master Distiller and Chief Cideroligist. Pick up a bottle and stick around for afternoon tea in the drawing room.

The small east Cork town of Midleton has a big foodie pedigree. Every Saturday, some of the island’s top food producers gather for the farmers’ market – a perfect place to get the inside scoop on Irish food’s next big thing

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stay

spa

dine

The hotel is one of Ireland's best 5 star hotels and is perfect for a visit to this magical part of Ireland. With over 200 years of great Irish hospitality, we have welcomed poets, writers and famous guests during this time. The hotel was extended in 2007 to include a wonderful Spa, a choice of luxury traditional or modern Suites and a selection of superb dining options. Muckross Park Hotel & Spa is located in Killarney, Co. Kerry close to the Atlantic Ocean in South West Ireland.

Call: +353 64 662 3400 | Email: info@muckrosspark.com | WWW.MUCKROSSPARK.COM

SOUTHERN STARS

Kerry

YOUR NATURAL ESCAPE FOAMING SEAS, STAGGERING CLIFFS, ANCIENT SIGHTS, AND STAR FILLED NIGHTS; EXPERIENCE THE AWE-INSPIRING VIEWS OF IRELAND’S SOUTHERN STAR, KERRY; NOT JUST A COUNTY, AN EXPERIENCE.

trike out from Tralee, and discover three impeccable peninsulas – Dingle, Iveragh, and Beara, each with its own quirky identity, not to mention North Kerry with its sandy beaches, world class golf courses and historic sites. From the ancient and ethereal beauty of the Ring of Kerry, to the roaring seas of the Dingle Peninsula, experience that edgeof-the-world feeling along this untamed stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Start from Tralee, and seek out Dingle amongst the immaculate beaches and craggy cliffs of the Dingle Peninsula. Framed by its fishing port, the peninsula’s ‘capital’ Dingle Town is quaint without even trying. Some pubs double as shops, so you can enjoy Guinness and a singalong among screws and nails, wellies and horseshoes. The town is picture postcard perfect; a cosmopolitan, creative place that attracts artists and creative types aplenty as well as hosts of visitors in the summer months. 125

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In the shadow of Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest peaks, lies the picturesque villages of Cloghane and Brandon with their stone cottages and pretty harbors creating a picture postcard affair

DINGLE DOLPHIN A regular visitor to Dingle harbor is one of its most famous resident. In 1984, Paddy Ferriter, the Dingle harbor lighthouse keeper, first began watching a lone wild dolphin escort the town’s fishing boats to and from port. By August of that year, local Ministry of Marine manager Kevin Flannery was able to officially record the dolphin as a permanent resident of the entrance channel and self-appointed “pilot” of the fleet. Two years later the continuous investigations of a couple of Cetacea enthusiasts, Sheila Stokes and Brian Holmes, brought them to Dingle Pier. Nine months of intensive aquatic contact later, the dolphin developed from a timid but inquisitive observer of the human visitors into a playful, mischievous, companion. It soon became apparent that having become accustomed to humans, particularly females, all would be welcome. Now 127

Lime Tree Restaurant Kenmare The Lime Tree is recognized as Kenmare’s landmark restaurant. Housed in a beautiful building dating back to 1832 The Lime Tree is recognized as Kenmare’s landmark restaurant. Quality ingredients are sourced locally and carefully prepared with passion. Fish from the cleanest waters in Europe is delivered daily and lamb is provided by the local farmer. Simple caring preparation ensures tasty food in a friendly and informal environment with an emphasis on value for money. Shelbourne St, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Ireland V93 YD93. www.limetreerestaurant.com Tel: +353 64 6641225 Email: limetree@limetreerestaurant.com

Ladies View

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South Pole Inn Home of Antarctic hero Tom Crean 1877-1938

Hot Food – Cold Beer – Warm Welcome Lower Main Street, Annascaul, Co. Kerry 066 9157388 southpoleinn@hotmail.com gifts | food | drink

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each and every person be they swimmers, divers, canoeists, windsurfers or children paddling from the small adjacent beach are enthralled with the antics of Fungie the dolphin. Fungie is a fully grown, middle aged, male bottlenose, Tursiops Truncatus. He weighs in at around one-quarter ton (500 lbs.) and measures in the region of four meters (13 feet). Although it is by no means unique to find these usually social, open creatures living alone and befriending humans, it is still a relatively rare world event, and Fungie is Ireland’s first recorded occurrence. Working vessels and pleasure cruisers regularly cross Fungie’s chosen territory and are treated to leaps and rolls which at times have seen him clear the water up to the height of the vessel’s bridge. Boat trips to see him are legendary. Dine out on the freshest of shellfish in places like The Chart House, and perhaps raise a toast to

your fine adventure with Dingle’s own whiskey, gin or vodka from the Dingle Distillery, before asking the locals to teach you “cúpla focáil” (a few words) in Irish to take home. After all, this is Gaeltacht territory. A ‘must visit’ near Dunquin (Dún Chaoin) is the Blasket Island Centre where the lives and stories of the now lost Blasket Island people are revealed. The Blasket’s most famous resident was author Peig Sayers, whose marriage resulted in her moving to this “lonely rock in the middle of the great sea”. Uninhabited since 1953, the Blaskets are best viewed from Dunquin – although you’ll often find yourself sharing the path with a farmer’s flock of sheep. Ferries leave from here, and from nearby Ventry.

The draw of south Kerry and its magnificent peninsulas are hard to resist but north of the county there is beauty in equal share which to a great extent, lie undiscovered

If you venture onto the Great Blasket island itself guided tours are available and the house of another famous writer, Tomás Ó Criomhthain, has been painstakingly restored by the Office of Public Works and will be open to the public in 2018. 129

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TRALEE On the northern neck of the Dingle Peninsula sits Kerry’s largest town. Tralee is everything you imagine about a county capital, a thriving town with a range of indoor and outdoor attractions. Founded by the Normans in 1216, Tralee has a long history of rebellion. In the 16th century the last ruling Earl of the Desmonds was captured and executed here. His head was sent to Elizabeth I, who spiked it on London Bridge! Tralee is a friendly place known for impromptu music sessions and serious craic in any one of its fine pubs. Slip into any Tralee pub on any unassuming evening and you’ll likely be treated to a lively session of fiddlers and guitarists sipping on pints and jamming on traditional Irish tunes. The town really embraces tradition. Catch a show at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre or better still, time your trip to coincide with the utterly unique Rose of Tralee Festival in mid-August. The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of the largest and longest running festivals in Ireland, celebrating 59 years in 2018. The heart of the festival is the selection of the Rose of Tralee which brings young women of Irish descent from around the world to County Kerry, Ireland for a global celebration of Irish culture. The festival also includes street entertainment, carnival, live concerts, theatre, circus, markets, funfair, fireworks and Rose Parades. If you arrive at another time of the year visit the Rose Garden in the Town Park with its Rose of Tralee Sculpture by Jeanne Rynhart. Nearby is the majestic St. John’s Church where a new stained-glass window has been installed over the winter on the theme of reconciliation. WINDMILLS & SEASCAPES The dominant landmark in Tralee Bay is the eye-catching Blennerville Windmill. It was at this port that people bade farewell to Ireland during the Great Famine, voyaging to the New World in the mid-19th century. The Kerry County Museum tells the story of Kerry and Ireland from the earliest times, you can step back in time to the Middle Ages and view a wonderful temporary exhibition on the Irish peer cum revolutionary, Sir Roger Casement. Fenit reputed birthplace of St. Brendan the Navigator (484-477) is also worth a visit and

take a trip to Fenit Lighthouse, nestled in Tralee Bay, if you get the opportunity. Nearby is the historic village of Ardfert with its beautiful medieval cathedral and Franciscan friary. In the shadow of Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest peaks, lies the picturesque villages of Cloghane and Brandon with their stone cottages and pretty harbors creating a picture postcard affair. Stroll around here, and the heather-covered highlands rolling down to the waters are your just reward. Take the Conor Pass road to Dingle and, further west, explore the tiny 8th century Gallarus Oratory, set against the weatherbeaten hills of Ballyferriter. A MILE FOR AN INCH Returning along the Wild Atlantic Way take a moment to relax on Inch Beach, a 5km long sand spit jutting into the sea between the outer Dingle Bay and inner Castlemaine Harbor overlooking the magnificent Iveragh and Dingle Peninsulas. Breathe in the bracing air and soak up the glorious view; only then will you understand why this stretch of nature was chosen by David Lean as the beach location for the movie Ryan’s Daughter, and why the Playboy of the Western World was shot in its entirety here. Popular with surfers, anglers and swimmers this Blue Flag Beach is made more colorful by surf schools and kite surfers with lifeguards operating in the summer months. All that fresh air might make you peckish, so head over and tuck in to the bar menu at Jack’s Coastguard in Cromane, a top seafood eatery set in lovely surroundings and Georgina Campbell’s Seafood Restaurant of the Year, 2017. TOWERING BEAUTY If you travel south from Castlemaine, birthplace of the folk hero Jack Duggan, you will enter Milltown. Give yourself an hour to visit the recently discovered Kilcloghane Portal Dolmen, Kerry’s oldest monument, and then onto Killorglin, gateway to the MacGillicuddy Reeks and home to Ireland’s oldest festival Puck Fair. The picturesque villages of Cromane (off the N70), Glenbeigh and the nearby beach of Rossbeigh, offer opportunities for a break off the Wild Atlantic

Way, before you arrive in Caherciveen. The O’Connell Memorial Church is the only one in Christendom dedicated to a layman - The Liberator, Daniel O’Connell (1775-1857) who was born in Caherciveen. Continuing southwards take the ferry from Renard Point to Knightstown on Valentia Island. Valentia is an island of great beauty and contrast. It is joined to the mainland by bridge via the Portmagee Channel. The western part of the island is dominated by the barren, dramatic cliffs of Bray Head which command spectacular views of the Kerry coastline while the mild effect of the Gulf Stream results in Valentia’s balmy climate and lush, colorful vegetation. A photographer’s paradise, you’ll soon be distracted by mind-blowing views. This is, after all, part of the Ring of Kerry. Wind your way along the sheer cliffs looking out over the ocean, towards the Bray Head Tower. Built during the Napoleonic War, the tower was used again during World War II, and it is here that you’ll see the word “ÉIRE” spelled out in stones: a signal to pilots that they were on the Irish coast. Peer out towards the stalwart Skellig Islands, and you might even catch a glimpse of a whale passing in the water below. One of the largest islands off the South West coast of Kerry, a plethora of living flora and fauna make this beautiful Island their home. Equally stunning are Fogher Cliffs and Geokaun mountain. Valentia was the eastern terminus of the first commercially viable transatlantic telegraph cable. This vast endeavor resulted, after four attempts, in commercially viable transatlantic telegraph communications from Foilhommerum Bay to Heart’s Content, Newfoundland in 1866. Transatlantic telegraph cables operated from Valentia Island for one hundred years. The island’s historical lineage, however, goes back much further than that. Tetra pod footprints were found on the northern part of the island. These magnificent imprints of history are thought to date from Devonian times between some 350 to 370 million years ago.

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H O M E THOO TMHEE TNOA TT H I OE NNAAL T FI O ON L KA LT HF EOAL TKR E R EE LO A FN D T HO E FA TI R IRELAND

IRISH MUSIC, SONG AND DANCE f estival of f ol k

Siamsa Tíre, Town Park, Tralee

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Sponsor of the National Folk Theatre’s Festival of Folk

Box Office: (066) 7123055

Killarney2018 IRELAND’S MOST SCENIC RACECOURSE

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For restaurant & Group Packages call 064

6631125

For further information email sales@killarneyraces.ie Or visit www.killarneyraces.ie

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STAR STRUCK Return to the Ring of Kerry via Portmagee, the main access point to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Skellig Michael. Most recently called home by Jedi Knights, Skellig Michael was first occupied in the 6th century by monks who sought solitude and peace. The mind boggles at the challenges they must have faced living in this incredible location. If you’re lucky enough to visit, climb the steep stone steps to the summit where stark beehive huts cling to the rock and an overwhelming sense of calm prevails. It’s a climb only for the fittest, so for those less able, take it all in at The Skellig Experience in Valentia, or hitch a boat ride with Skellig Michael Boat Trips. A variety of trips are available including a ‘Force Awakens’ sunrise/sunset or dark sky cruise. DARK SKIES Discover a whole different ‘dark side’ at the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. Ireland’s first Dark-Sky region (Gold Tier), and the only Gold Tiered reserve in the

whole of the northern hemisphere, on clear moonless nights the sky in this region of Ireland is simply stunning with many more astronomical sights to be seen with the naked eye than can be seen in the Grand Canyon or the desert plains of Africa. One of the major assets of having a natural dark sky is that you can view the sky as our ancestors did. Without the aid of any instrument other than your own eyes you will see thousands of stars varying in size and color, you’ll easily see the band of our own home Milky Way Galaxy, Nebula’s, other galaxies, clusters, planets, satellites, nebulas and falling stars. TEE TIME BY THE WATER Tucked away at the very end of the Iveragh Peninsula is the beautiful seaside village of Waterville, boasting miles of sandy beaches and views out into the glittering ocean. Waterville is unique in the fact that it is the only village on the Ring of Kerry that is actually right on the coast (you can taste the salt water on the main street on a calm day) and sandwiched on a strip of ground between

lake and ocean. Famed as Charlie Chaplin’s favorite retreat, tales are told to this day of his fly-fishing skills (or rather, lack of them). Golfers simply must visit the renowned Waterville Golf Links, rated among the top links in Britain and Ireland. The brainchild of Irish-American businessman John Mulcahy and Eddie Hackett, no two holes are alike and Waterville has truly won its place among the necklace of great links of the west coast of Ireland. TO THE MANOR BORN Surrounded by swathes of forest, the ancestral home of Daniel “The Liberator” O’Connell, Derrynane House deserves a stop to absorb its grandeur. Situated on 120 hectares of parklands on the scenic Kerry coast, the house is filled with period furnishings and a collection of his personal possessions. The main street in Dublin, O’Connell Street is called after him. Travel down the coast a little further to Kenmare to visit another luxurious manor 133

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– Dromquinna Manor, which stands on 40 acres of wooded garden. Rented exclusively these days as a private wedding venue, the house is delightful and its setting simply sublime. Down at the dock you can visit the Boathouse Bistro – housed in a boathouse dating from the 1800s – delicious food in a waterside setting that will satisfy any rumbling tummies. LACE & LAKES On the banks of the bay, the haven of tranquility that is Kenmare sits perched between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara. One of the few planned towns in Ireland, Kenmare was laid out on an X-shaped street plan in the late 18th century by the marquis of Lansdowne as the showpiece of his Kerry estates. The Market House and the Lansdowne Arms Hotel still survive from this period – pick up a copy of 134

the Kenmare Heritage Trail from the tourist office to discover more. The history of the town is tied up in elegance, with the main industry of lace having lent its riches to the town – pieces of Kenmare lace are owned by Queen Elizabeth II and the Pope. Famed as a foodie destination, this bustling, colorful town is a pretty spot with streets lined with craft shops, galleries, cafes and top-quality restaurants. The Lime Tree is recognized as a Kenmare’s landmark and tables book up fast, so call ahead! Housed in a beautiful building dating back to 1832, quality ingredients are sourced locally and then carefully prepared with passion. Fish from the cleanest waters in Europe is delivered daily and lamb is provided by the local farmer. Simple caring preparation ensures tasty food with an emphasis on

value for money in an informal manner. The jewel of this area, though, lies just outside Kenmare. Ever wanted to see a majestic red deer up close? Visit Killarney National Park and you might! The native red deer are unique in Ireland with a presence in the country since the last Ice Age. Internationally renowned for its scenic beauty Killarney National Park encompasses the three Lakes of Killarney and the mountains and woods which surround them. South and west of the town of Killarney is an expanse of rugged mountainous country. This includes the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, which rises to a height of over 1000 metres. At the foot of these mountains nestle the world-famous lakes of Killarney. Here where the mountains sweep down to the lake shores, their lower

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Internationally renowned for its scenic beauty Killarney National Park encompasses the three Lakes of Killarney and the mountains and woods which surround them outdoor interpretation of rural life in Kerry in the 1930s and 1940s, on a 70-acre elevated site. Traditional buildings and field systems are recreated and domestic farming and craft practices are carried out daily during the visitor season. Visiting Killarney Town (and this is a “must”) be sure to call to Killarney House, recently restored to its former splendor and the beautiful gardens that surround it.

slopes covered in woodlands, lies the 10,236 hectares, Killarney National Park. The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies gives the area its unique scenic beauty. The focal point of the National Park for visitors is Muckross House and Gardens. This magnificent Victorian mansion features all the necessary furnishings and artefacts of the period. Elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement you can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the ‘big house’ back in the day. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craftworkers, who can be seen using skills in the crafts of weaving, pottery and bookbinding. The aptly named Mucros Weavers can be found here – an ideal spot

to pick up a genuine hand-woven scarf to take back home. The magnificent scenery and nature of Killarney National Park provide inspiration to Master Weaver John Cahill, who designs and weaves the colorful, natural products made here. John started as an apprentice Weaver at Muckross in 1976 and he now directs a team of happy craftworkers. Visit here to see scarves being made with only the finest quality yarns, on believe it or not, Hattersly looms that are almost 200 years old. The older the loom the softer the scarf! And because all scarves are individually woven, they have a selvedge on each side ensuring they will stand the test of time and perhaps be handed down through the generations. As if ancient weaving were not enough, onsite the traditional farms are an authentic

NORTH KERRY GEMS The draw of south Kerry and its magnificent peninsulas are hard to resist but north of the county from Tralee there is beauty in equal share which to a great extent, lie undiscovered. Take Ballybunion, for example, a beach town perhaps best known for its eponymous golf club and for being a firm favorite of former American President Bill Clinton. The area is blessed with glorious beaches and panoramic cliff walks. The two commonly used beaches in Ballybunion, divided by the cliff atop which stands the ruined castle are known as ‘Men’s Beach’ and ‘Ladies Beach’, given to the fact that men used to bathe on a separate beach from women and children. The Nun’s Beach, a beautiful beach that is overlooked by an old convent, is accessed only by means of a steep track with the assistance of a rope hand-rail. The sheer cliffs over the beach have a scenic walking path, 135

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featuring a blowhole, views of sea stacks and a multitude of wildlife. The blowhole is a natural formation also known as The Nine Daughters Hole. According to local legend, the nine daughters of a local chieftain fell in love with nine invading Vikings and planned to elope and get married. The chieftain threw his daughters and the Vikings into the blowhole and they drowned. LISTOWEL – KERRY’S LITERARY CAPITAL Here you can meet award-winning authors, Hollywood stars, critics, readers and writers (and sometimes all in the pub) at Ireland’s best known literary festival. Listowel Writers Week was established in 1970 and it has attracted international heavyweights such as JM Coetzee, Kazuo Ishiguro, Lionel Shriver and Germaine Greer to its relaxed atmosphere. It’s the mixture of talent and fun that creates the magic. Playwright Michael West says, “Listowel is great because everyone likes books, of course, but they like to talk even more, so these household names go from pub to pub having deep chats with readers over a pint. It’s all a bit seat-of-thepants,” says Michael West, but that’s its charm. “You’ll see big Hollywood stars get up, read something out and then wander around seeing what else is going on.” Stars of the four-legged variety are a feature of Listowel Races, the social and sporting highlight of the Irish racing calendar. So much more than horse racing, this is a week-long affair of pure unadulterated enjoyment. A gathering of people with a common aim, to have fun. Only matched in length by the Galway festival, seven days of turf, thrills and the passion of great racing and are yours for the taking. Be sure to visit the North Kerry Literary Centre and Listowel Castle in The Square, take in a play in St. John’s Theatre or a short ride on the famous Lartigue Monorail Railway. Listowel has plenty of excellent pubs and restaurants; it is a

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foodie town with a vibrant open-air farmers’ market every Friday. Here you can walk in the footsteps of Bryan MacMahon and John B. Keane and even enjoy a pint of the black stuff in John B’s pub in William Street. Kerry, Ireland’s tourism showcase.

The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies gives the area its unique scenic beauty

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Out of

THIS WORLD INTREPID ADVENTURERS FROM A RECORD-BREAKING MOVIE FRANCHISE DISCOVERED A PLACE SO WILD, SO BEAUTIFUL AND SO OTHERWORLDLY THAT THEY IMMEDIATELY GAVE IT A STARRING ROLE IN ONE OF THE BIGGEST FILMS THE WORLD HAD EVER SEEN. STAR WARS AND THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY – A GREAT CINEMATIC DOUBLE ACT WAS BORN.

ince 1977, the renowned movie franchise has travelled through many galaxies. Ireland’s Star Wars journey, which began in Portmagee, County Kerry in 2014, has spanned some 2,000kms of the Wild Atlantic Way – from the south-western Skellig islands to Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens smashed box office records and introduced the world to the savage beauty of Skellig Michael, the legendary island off the coast of Kerry, where Rey finally tracked down the long-lost Luke Skywalker. Now, audiences will be transported back to Earth’s Wild Atlantic Way in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. 137

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To come back to Ireland was a great treat for all of us because the beauty of the country is unmatched. You get up in the morning and see vistas where I was sure it was a special effect

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Depart Ballinskelligs on the

Travel To Another World on

Force Awakens Passenger vessel

Skelligs Landing Tours

Eco Cruises

We are the only operators to depart from Ballinskelligs a way point on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the land base of the Skellig Monks.

We operate Eco Cruises around both Skellig Islands, this tour is ideal for those who are unable to land on Skellig Michael due to health or other reasons, you can still experience the force of this island and get to see areas of the island that a landing cruise doesn’t allow.

We are departing daily from Ballinskelligs Pier from the 14th of May. Walk the trail the monks may have taken while on Ballinskelligs and then complete the experience by a landing tour to Skellig Michael. Advanced booking for Landing Tours is advisable, places are limited and fill up quickly.

ADVANCE BOOKING ADVISED

The tour also includes the Gannet santuary of Little Skellig home to thousands of nesting Gannets. This tour departs most day but is subject to weather conditions.

“I imagined Luke Skywalker in one of the dank beehive cells, crouching as the monks had centuries before, marooned on the island with his demons. Will he be tempted toward the Dark Side on that inhospitable crag, I wondered as Skellig Michael shrank against the horizon.” DEPARTING FROM:

Force Awakens Sunrise / Sunset / Dark Sky Cruises Join the Force Awakens skippers Brendan & David Walsh and experience the beauty of a Kerry Sunrise, Sunset or Dark Sky from the ocean. We offer a unique opportunity for everyone, but especially photographers and artists to see and capture the beauty of our scenery at these magical times. Our Skelligs and round Ballinskelligs Bay cruises operate throughout the day, seven days a week (weather permitting). Private Boat hire is available on special request.

Ballinskelligs Pier Co Kerry, Ireland For Bookings: 00353 872385610/ 087 2385610 E: info@theskelligsforceawakens.com W: www.theskelligsforceawakens.com GPS WAYPOINTS N51°48.646’ W010° 16.458’

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Intrepid adventurers from a recordbreaking movie franchise discovered a place so wild, so beautiful and so otherworldly that they immediately gave it a starring role in one of the biggest movies the world had ever seen When the cast and crew of Star Wars: The Last Jedi returned to Ireland, they headed straight to Skellig Michael in County Kerry, where Rey finally discovered Luke. But this didn’t signal the end of the Irish Star Wars journey. The location scouts were so taken with the Wild Atlantic Way, locations from Cork and Kerry to Clare and Donegal were also handpicked to appear in the movie. And so, cast and crew made the western edge of Ireland their home during filming. And the locals? Well, they were delighted the Jedi were coming to town! Now in a new Tourism Ireland film created to celebrate Ireland’s starring role in The Last Jedi, Star Wars’ Mark Hamill praises Ireland’s beauty: “To come back to Ireland was a great treat for all of us because the beauty of that country is unmatched. You get up in the morning and see vistas where I was sure it was a special effect.” “The people are so nice. They make you feel like family, they were so welcoming, so accommodating and so friendly. We felt like we were home,” says Mark. “I mean, having lived in New York for many, many years I wasn’t sure how to take it! I would urge anyone planning a vacation to go to Ireland. You’ll never find another place like it... I wish we could have shot the entire film there.”

Filmed in some of the most spectacular spots on this coastline, from the very tip of Donegal down to the rocky shorelines of Clare and Cork, the film continues the epic story of Rey, Luke and their battle against the Dark Side.

The Star Wars folks obviously enjoyed their time here. In fact, when the entire shoot wrapped, LucasFilm took out no less than eight ‘thankyou’ ads in local newspapers up and down the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as an ad in national newspaper. To paraphrase their stay here, the cast and crew were “captivated by the Wild Atlantic Way and their journey to Ireland”.

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All you need to know about

Skellig Michael,

UNESCO World Heritage Site Skellig Experience Visitor Centre, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry

includes an Exhibition, Film Show, Restaurant, Gift Shop and Sea Cruise. Tel: +353 66 9476306 Email: skelligexperience@live.com

www.skelligexperience.com

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Skellig

EXPERIENCE OVER 1400 YEARS AGO SKELLIG MICHAEL BECAME HOME TO A SMALL GROUP OF MEN SEEKING RELIGIOUS SOLITUDE AND ISOLATION ON ONE OF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY LOCATIONS ON EARTH. IN THE SKELLIG EXPERIENCE VISITOR CENTER, YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THESE OFFSHORE ISLANDS WHILE REMAINING ON DRY LAND.

he center is located on Valentia Island, just 11.5 kms (7 miles) off the famous Ring of Kerry. Situated where the road bridge meets the island, the center is directly opposite the pretty fishing village of Portmagee. It may be a little hard to spot this unique building at first as it was created to blend in with the landscape rather than allow it to detract from the natural setting. The main external walls are clad in Valentia stone while the external roof is finished is natural grass. Step inside to discover the magic and mystery of these rocks. In the 80-seater auditorium watch a 14-minute film presentation, ‘Island on the edge of the world’ which takes visitors to the Skellig Michael monastery. 4 stories are told: • The history and archaeology of Skellig Michael’s early Christian monastery • The sea birds, their habitat and their worldwide travels • The lighthouses which have given 161 years of service to mariners • The underwater Skelligs, with the color and magic of the finest dive sites in the world Through re-creations and models, you are given a fascinating insight into the works

and lives of the Skellig monks of the early Christian period, their activities, their endurance and their dedication in gaining a foothold on a tiny, inhospitable, offshore island creating a community there that survived for 600 years. See the remarkable structures and steps they built and their unique way of life completely apart from the rest of the world. The center also offers an experience of Skellig lighthouse – its history – its light keepers and its service to mariners since the 1820’s. “The erection of the lighthouses has been a means of preventing much loss of life and property. Scarcely a winter previously elapsed without frequent and fatal shipwrecks,” wrote Samuel Lewis in 1837. He was referring to Skellig Michael’s two lighthouses which were established in 1826. The existing unmanned lighthouse on Skellig Michael’s south western extremity still continues its long tradition of service. In the underwater area a gallery of the still photographs of visiting international Skellig divers is shown and a colorful video takes you into the depths of these waters. Head for the on-site café, Fionan’s Kitchen for some refreshments overlooking the

water towards the brightly painted houses of Portmagee. Before you leave check out the craft shop which is stocked with all sorts of literature and craft items as well as a special full color guide book and souvenir DVD of the island on the edge of the world. 143

Dingle Golf Links C e a n n

S i b é a l

Everything about Waterville is truly spectacular. The setting is one of the best I have seen for golf. -Tom Fazio

Experience the Dingle Peninsula’s only 18 hole links course. A stone’s throw from Dingle town, on the Wild Atlantic Way. Nestled on the edge of Ireland’s dramatic south west coastline, Dingle Golf Links is a special place to play. Book now to play one of Ireland’s top 50 golf courses. Dingle Golf Club Ceann Sibéal, Ballyferriter, Co Kerry, Ireland Tel: +353 66 915 62 55 Fax: +353 66 915 64 09 Email: dinglegc@iol.ie

Waterville House & Golf Links Where Champions Tread & Golfers Embrace Perfection

Less than 1% of all the Golf courses in the world are ‘TRUE LINKS’. Waterville Golf Links is No. 1 in Ireland. Waterville House & Golf Links, Waterville, Co. Kerry Tel: 353 (0)66-9474102 Fax: 353 (0)66-9474482 www.watervillegolflinks.ie

KATIE’S CLADDAGH COTTAGE Step back in time & experience one of Galway’s most popular heritage centres. Fascinating history, folklore & culture. AUTHENTIC SHOP & TEA ROOM WITH 100% IRISH DESIGN BOOK your unique individual or group tour. The Claddagh ring, known all over the world as a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship, originated in a small Gaelic-speaking village on the outskirts of Galway City. It is now possible to walk in the footsteps of the original Claddagh families and experience life as it was 100 years ago. This restored traditional thatched cottage (only a 400 meter stroll from the heart of medieval Galway) provides visitors with insight into what life was like in a traditional Wild Atlantic fishing village (also famous for the tradition of Hooker boat-building). Basic Tour Experience with Tea, Coffee, Scone or Homemade Irish Brack Cake: €10 per person. Bespoke tours with music & entertainment available. For online booking & info: www.claddaghdesigns.ie / claddaghcottagecrafts@gmail.com / +353 87 828 0848

TEXT | PLACE

A Cultural TRADITION

SIAMSA TÍRE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF PERFORMING ORIGINAL TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC, SONG AND DANCE TO AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE.

ocated on the Wild Atlantic Way in County Kerry, Siamsa Tíre is a guaranteed Irish cultural highlight for international visitors to Ireland. As one of Ireland’s busiest theatres and arts centers, it is the home of Ireland’s only theatre company dedicated to protecting and developing original Irish traditions of music, song and dance – the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. Developed over 50 years, it presents a professional cast of performers international champion dancers, musicians and singers, all trained in the unique Siamsa Tíre style. From May to September they perform unique productions that bring Irish traditions, culture, folklore and heritage of old to life and showcase the best of Irish music, song, dance and dramatic narrative. A plush purpose built 350 seat theatre welcomes audiences from all over the world. A landmark in Tralee, it is easily recognized

as its stone walls are styled on the ancient ring forts on the coast of Kerry. For their 50th year, Siamsa Tíre offer a choice of five productions including a brand-new show developed to celebrate this special year, all presented through a unique style of Irish music, song and dance. Shows will include: Fadó Fadó, an entertaining portrayal of rural Ireland and typical family life across the four seasons 100 years ago; Oileán, a celebration of the lives of the community that lived on the Blasket Islands; Anam, a new production that successfully toured in 2017. It is a showcase of hard shoe style dance from Ireland, Canada and USA supported by traditional Irish music and Sean - nós song; Turas, which takes you on an enchanting journey of music, song and dance from around Ireland. In addition, the new show An Ghaoth Aniar captures the spirit and inspiration of the west coast of Ireland through Irish music, song and dance.

The National Folk Theatre Training Academy teaches a longstanding tradition of south western Irish music, song and dance to local traditional artists from the ages of 6 years and upwards. This academy also offers workshops allowing visitors to take part in these living Irish traditions to learn Irish songs or dances from the stage repertoire and get a glimpse backstage. From October to April, Siamsa Tíre hosts a wide range of theatre events, and its gallery spaces display the work of artists from Ireland and abroad throughout the year. Siamsa Tíre also offers a full bar including whiskey or local beer tastings. While in these parts don’t miss a truly authentic and unforgettable traditional cultural experience! 145

EMAIL : info@joelawlor.com PHONE : 00 353 61 390080 CELL: 00 353 86 2457 537

Joe Lawlor Coach Hire was established in 1998 and continues to present itself as one of Munster and Ireland’s most professional coach hire companies. As we are a family business we are more flexible and understanding in providing the service our customers want. We want you to enjoy your travel and experience the real Ireland.

We are based in County Limerick, perfectly located between Cork and Shannon airport. We provide high quality coach and bus hire for all occasions including Private Hire, Airport Transfers, Full Day Excursions, School Tours, Golf Tours, Evening Entertainment and Large Conferences. All our drivers are experts, full vetted and compliant. Have your journey planned by professionals with years of experience in both the Tourism and Coach Industry. With us nothing is left to chance! We pride ourselves in supplying modern coaches and buses, cleaned and serviced, to the highest standards to ensure it exceeds all your needs and expectations.

“Trace the music & history of The Kilfenora Band at The Burren Centre.”

Thevisitor visitorcentre centreininthe thehistoric historic village village of of Kilfenora Kilfenora The boasts afantastic fantastic exhibition, audio visual film exhibition, visual film Theboasts visitora centre in the historicaudio village of Kilfenora theatre, localcraft craft show and and teavisual room.film theatre, local show tea room. boasts a fantastic exhibition, audio theatre, local craft show and tea room.

Explorethe theflora, flora,fauna, fauna, archaeology archaeology and and natural natural Explore history offlora, theBurren Burren in the the Burren Burrenand Centre. history of the Centre. Explore the fauna, in archaeology natural Services: Tourist Information Point, Services: Point, history of theTourist BurrenInformation in the Burren Centre. Free parking, Beside Kilfenora High Services: Tourist Information Free parking, Beside KilfenoraPoint, High Crosses, all Burren reference Maps & Guides Guides Freeall parking, Kilfenora High Crosses, BurrenBeside reference Maps & available in craft craft shop. shop. Crosses, all Burren reference Maps & Guides available in available in craft shop.

openingtimes: times:Mid MidMarch MarchtotoMay May10am 10am toto 5pm; 5pm; opening opening times:toMid MarchSeptember to May 10am to 5pm; 10am to 5pm; June, July & august 9.30am 5.30pm; to october June, toto5.30pm; September toto october June,July July&&august august9.30am 9.30am 5.30pm; September october 10am 10am to to 5pm; 5pm; Last Admission 30 min before closing Last LastAdmission Admission30 30min minbefore beforeclosing closing Burren Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare BurrenCentre, Centre,Kilfenora, Kilfenora, Co. Co. Clare Clare Burren Telephone: 065 7088030 Fax: 065 7088102 Telephone:065 0657088030 7088030Fax: Fax:065 065 7088102 7088102 Telephone: E-mail: info@theburrencentre.ie Website: www.theburrencentre.ie E-mail: info@theburrencentre.ie Website: www.theburrencentre.ie E-mail: info@theburrencentre.ie Website: www.theburrencentre.ie

BAY COAST

BAY COAST IRELAND’S BAY COAST IS A KALEIDOSCOPE OF RAW LANDSCAPES WHERE LAND AND WATER COLLIDE.

rom the steep cliffs of Mayo’s rugged and beautiful Erris Head down to the bohemian buzz of Galway city, the Bay Coast takes you on a spectacular journey. The route moves from inland to island, presenting you with awesome coastal views, fearsome histories and more than a few delicious meals along the way.

placed during World War II to help pilots identify the land below as neutral Ireland. Today we take high technology navigational aids for granted however in the 1940s GPS did not exist. In 194243, close to the locations of the coastal watch huts, signs were placed on the Irish coast so that planes (bombers!) could see the land below as Eire and not, for example, Great Britain.

With only sheep for company, take a walk to the edge of the world along the Erris Head Loop. Your reward? Views that change like the weather, the sight of Illandavuck island at the head, dramatic sea arches and history molded into the land.

There were 82 coastal watch signs in total with EIRE 59 on Ireland’s largest offshore island, Achill Island. Such is the beauty of this remote stretch of land, when the German writer Heinrich Böll came here in the 1950s he felt like he was “playing truant from Europe.” Despite the accessibility by road bridge, there’s still an otherworldly feel to Achill with soaring cliffs, rocky headlands, sheltered sandy beaches, broad expanses of blanket bog and rolling mountains.

Some interesting World War II marine and coastguard service look out post are still intact. Keep your eyes out for the large stone markings of ÉIRE – one of many coastal navigational aids

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From the steep cliffs of Mayoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugged and beautiful Erris Head down to the bohemian buzz of Galway city, the Bay Coast takes you on a spectacular journey

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As if Achill didn’t already have it all, there are five blue flag beaches here including the glorious Kneem Strand. Reward yourself after a brisk walk with cake and coffee, then browse the crafts in the adorable Beehive Café on Achill Island. HOME OF THE PIRATE QUEEN Westport is a photogenic Georgian town with tree-lined streets and a great vibe. With an excellent choice of accommodation, fine restaurants and pubs renowned for their music, it’s a hugely popular place for travelers. A lively food festival takes place here in June but touching as it does on the shores of Clew Bay, any time is good for food in a town whose eateries specialize in tasty, fresh seafood treasures. If you find it hard to choose, try Clew Bay lobster, prepared by the careful hands of Frankie Mallon at An Port Mór restaurant in Westport. Ten minutes from the town and you can go back in time at the glorious Westport House, one of Ireland’s most beautiful and historic homes. It is still home to – and run by direct descendants of the fearsome pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Tour the grounds and discover more about the life of the original Wild Atlantic Woman. Legend has it she cut off her hair and pretended to be a boy before sneaking on to her father’s ship as he set sail. He didn’t recognize her. When confronted by an enemy, she simply pulled out a sword and killed him, and so began her infamous career. A short ten-minute drive from Westport takes you to Croagh Patrick, named after the patron saint of Ireland. St Patrick couldn’t have picked a better spot for a pilgrimage than this conical mountain (also known as ‘the Reek’). On a clear day, 149

TIGH FITZ A traditional holiday with all the comforts of modern living

Overlooking the Connemara coast and Galway Bay, Tigh Fitz Bed and Breakfast is located on Inis More which is the largest of the 3 Aran Islands and features several ancient stone forts and churches. Kilronan, the island capital, is just 1.6 km away.

Perfect for your family reunion in Ireland! Overlooking the wild Killala Bay 8 large cottages with creative centre on site for family gatherings For more information go to;

www.olddeanerycottages.com

Free WiFi provided in each room at Tigh Fitz Bed and Breakfast, as well as scenic views, an en-suite bathroom and a TV. Guests can also relax in the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden. Beaches, pubs and restaurants can be reached within a 10-minute walk, as well as Inishmore Airport. Tempeall Benainn, the smallest church in Europe, is also within walking distance of the property.

+ 00353 96 32221 / + 00353 86 3451960 Email: killalacottages@gmail.com

Contact details: 00353 99 61213 Email: penny@tighfitzcom

www.tighfitz.com

Old Deanery Holiday Cottages 1/4.indd 1

09/04/2018 13:11

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the tough two-hour climb rewards with stunning views and its sandy islets. From 764m (2500 feet) above sea level, look out to Clew Bay, a bright blue vista studded with 365 islands – one for every day of the year.

open to visitors and offering sheep herding and sheering demonstrations, turf cutting, traditional music, cookery and traditional teas, this family farm has something for everyone in the most beautiful setting.

SHEEP SHEARING & FARMING Sheep shearing, turf cutting and shepherding is a tradition that goes way back in these rocky parts. You can get up close and experience it for yourself at Glen Keen Farm. Located 6.2 miles from Louisburgh on the Leenane road, the farm was voted Best Tour Feature in the prestigious CIE Tours International awards in 2016.

GATEWAY TO CONNEMARA A little over a half-hour’s drive south of Westport is the beautiful village of Leenane (“Leenaun” on some signposts). This beautiful village snugly situated at the head of Killary Harbor, is aptly described as the ‘Gateway to Connemara’.

Glen Keen is steeped in tradition and heritage. The family history stems back to the 1700’s when Catherine’s ancestors, the O’Malleys, became tenant farmers at Glen Keen. Now

Leenane sits on the shore of Killary Harbor, Ireland’s only true fjord, which extends in from the Atlantic to its head at Aasleagh, below Aasleagh falls.

A film adaptation of John B. Keane’s famous play, The Field, directed by Jim Sheridan, was made here in 1989. Well-known stars involved in the production included the late Richard Harris, John Hurt and Tom Berrenger. Visitors can view many of the locations used as sets in 151

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Shimmering lakes, miles of bogland and ancient stone walls that defy gravity are Connemara classics

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the film, including one of the pubs in the village. Hearty fare is on offer at the Blackberry Café in Leenane where you can feast on Connemara smoked salmon or creamy chowder and oysters at this smart wood-floored café. Or head for Gaynor’s where a crackling peat fire, dark-wood paneling and spontaneous trad sessions make this cozy pub an essential stop. Picnic tables overlook the harbor and wellpriced hearty pub fare such as Irish lamb stew can be enjoyed. It also doubles as the town’s petrol station!

If you fancy stopping a little longer, right on the shores of Killary Harbor lies Ireland’s oldest coaching inn, the Leenane Hotel. Dating from 1796, you’ll find traditional home cooking, antique furniture and the most spectacular views. Leenane sits on the shore of Killary Harbor, Ireland’s only true fjord, which extends in from the Atlantic to its head at Aasleagh, below Aasleagh falls. A long narrow harbor slicing 16km inland and more than 45m deep, it is framed by mountains that vary in color depending on where the sun hits. The harbor

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famous philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein to stay after World War II to write Philosophical Investigations, his famous work. If your visit is during the summer months head up to Aesleagh Falls where you can see gravitydefying salmon leap upstream! CONNEMARA’S CAPITAL With a magic all its own, Clifden continues to lure visitors keen to experience its music and craic. Follow the spectacular Sky Road, heading west from Clifden to the Atlantic. forms a spectacular natural border between counties Mayo and Galway. A feature of many organized tours (including those with CIE International), a Killary Cruise is not to be missed even in cold weather when you can keep warm with a delicious Irish coffee on board! Killary is also well known for producing some of Ireland’s most delicious mussels – taste the celebrated shellfish at the Connemara Mussel Festival in Tullycross. An incredibly calming place, it was this peacefulness that drew the

The beating heart of Connemara, Clifden was once a media hotspot when the inventor of radio, Guglielmo Marconi, built a transatlantic wireless telegraphy station just outside the town. Once you’ve soaked up its history, browsed the art galleries and taken in the sunset views from Clifden’s Sky Road, book a table at Mitchell’s Restaurant in the center of town for mouthwatering Connemara lamb or a bowl of tasty seafood chowder. This area is also well known for its ponies. The story of the native Connemara pony is told in a 153

Belderrig Valley Experience

Create Memories to treasure at Ireland’s Most Beautiful Stately Home, the award-winning rides, slides, boats & trains of the Pirate Adventure Park, 3 Star Caravan & Camping Park, Westport Train Tour and the Adventure Activity Centre. Check out our website for upcoming special events!

Experience our 2 hour tour through the Neolithic and Bronze Age Farms in Belderrig telling the story behind the world famous Céide Fields. Hear about the people who farmed these fields nearly 6000 years ago and about the local people who uncovered this story.

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Contact: Declan Caulfield, Belderrig, Ballina, Co. Mayo T: 0872515292 W: www.belderrigvalley@outlook.com

Berderrig Valley 1/4.indd 1

MAY O

T ’S ATTROP

+353 98 27766

09/04/2018 21:34

Sheep Herding - Wool Spinning - Irish Music - Traditional Turf Cutting - Tour Lunches and lots more fun! Glen Keen is a celebration of the Irish Story, an authentic and engaging experience creating lifelong memories. WINNER: CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL Awards of excellence 2015, 2016, 2017 Book your visit now Tel: Catherine at +353 87 6167396 Leisure Groups - Special Interest Educational and Corporate Group visits Glen Keen Sheep Farm & Visitor Centre

Glen Keen, Louisburgh Co.Mayo Ireland www.glenkeenfarm.com Email: glenkeenfarm@gmail.com GPS Coordinates 53.6887939, -9.7869131

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small exhibition on the ground floor of Clifden’s Station House Museum. Since 1924, the annual Connemara Pony Festival (August) has been showcasing the best of this native breed, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to get up close to over 400 ponies. BEAUTIFUL BOGLAND Shimmering lakes, miles of bogland and ancient stone walls that defy gravity are Connemara classics. You can hire a bike in Connemara’s largest town, Clifden, and set out on one of the area’s cycle routes which brings you through the townland of Derrigimlagh on quiet country roads. Your journey will take you by the blanket bog, a stunning mosaic of tiny lakes and peat, where you can stop and view two sites of international historical significance. First, you’ll pass the scattered remnants of the world’s first permanent transatlantic radio station. It was built more than a century ago by Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi and transmitted the first transatlantic radio signal in

1907. At its peak, the station employed several hundred people who helped transmit news across the ocean. It burned to the ground during the Irish War of Independence, but you can still view the vast site where many foundations of the buildings and workers’ houses remain. Nearby you’ll also come across a white memorial in the shape of an airplane wing, which pays tribute to John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown. In 1919, Alcock and Brown were the first pilots to fly non-stop across the Atlantic, before they crash-landed (safely) in Derrigimlagh Bog. Another, far less celebrated spot worth a visit are the ruins of an 18th century inn, called the Halfway House. Legend has it that those unfortunates who frequented this hostelry met a grisly end, for the inhabitants would murder them at midnight. BOGS, DRUMS AND A ROUND STONE On the west coast of Connemara lies Roundstone, an area of outstanding natural beauty. As well as 155

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being the birth place and inspiration for many artists, Roundstone has been described many times as a botanist’s delight where many wild flowers, rare to this country, are found. The rugged, glacially sculpted backdrop to Roundstone is the majestic mountain of Errisbeg, which rises to almost 1,000 feet. Roundstone is an ideal base from which to explore the wonderful ice-age scoured and lake-strewn Roundstone Bog, one of Ireland’s great wild and natural areas of international, ecological and historical importance. Designated a Special Area of Conservation, the bog retains its unspoilt and wild nature. South of the village there are two beautiful golden sand bays, the crescent-shaped beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay and their intervening tombolo draw thousands each summer. THE CITY OF TRIBES From the stark wilderness of Connemara, Galway eases you gently into its urban surrounds. Nicknamed the City of Tribes (“Cathair na dTreabh”) it takes its name from the fourteen merchant families who led the city 156

during the Hiberno-Norman period. This arty, bohemian city is a brightly painted mish-mash of lively pubs with live music, pavement restaurants and cafes, buskers and street theatre all within the remnants of a medieval city so full of personality you will easily fall under its spell. Medieval town walls sit between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments. Bridges arch over the salmonstuffed River Corrib and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill on Galway Bay, the source of the area’s famous oysters. There are many symbols associated with Galway. These include the Claddagh Ring, Galway’s own symbol of love and friendship; the Aran Sweater, an emblem not only of the Aran Islands, but of Ireland itself; and the Galway Hookers, ships that distinguish themselves as Galway’s signature upon the water. The home of the Claddagh Ring at Thomas Dillon’s is worthy of a visit while cutting-edge restaurants like Michelin-starred Anair reveal

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exciting culinary flair. Prefer a quick dish? Head to Quay Street Kitchen for the best fish and chips this side of the Atlantic.

Galway is often referred to as the cultural heart of Ireland as it is most associated with the Irish language, music, song and dance traditions. The city is on the doorstep of Galway’s Gaeltacht (an area where Irish is spoken). In fact, in these parts you will often see signs in Gaelic rather than in English.

crashing Atlantic waves; Inishmaan, the oftenoverlooked middle island with its cozy B&Bs and age-old traditions; or Inisheer, renowned for its upbeat traditional music sessions.

ARAN SWEATERS AND ISLANDS The Aran Islands, probably Ireland’s most famous islands, are located just off the coast of Galway. The three islands – Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer – are the perfect place to visit to see Ireland at its best. They are also Gaeltacht areas.

Each island has its own unique character but all can offer breath-taking scenery, ecclesiastical ruins from early Christian times, medieval castles, cliffs, prehistoric stone forts, sandy beaches, clean air, unique flora and fauna and a rich folklore that the islanders are proud to recount.

The choice is yours at Rossaveal (Ros a’ Mhíl), with the three islands beckoning you to take a ferry trip back in time. Aran Island Ferries can take you on a scenic one-hour journey out to Inishmore where Dún Aonghasa, an ancient stone fort, clings to the cliffs high above the

The crossing is made easy with all boats being wheelchair accessible (call in advance in order to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency) and all (except for the Sea Sprinter) have a snack bar serving light refreshments and alcoholic beverages. 157

Week-long riding holiday - A 'point to point' trail

For more information about dates and rates please contact us: Tel. No. 011 353 91 843968 info@dartfield.com www.connemara-trails.com

ESCAPE TO THE WEST Renowned as Galway’s premier four star destination, C

Salthill Hotel is located in the heart of the Wild Atlantic

Way, offering breathtaking views of Galway bay and the

hills of Clare.

Relax and unwind in Salthill Hotel’s premier Health Club

Ocean Fitness and in the evening, indulge in a four star

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2 night PACKAGE FROM €124 PER NIGHT Includes full Irish breakfast & 1 evening meal in Prom Restaurant. Terms & Conditions apply and Subject to availability. Call: 091 522711 Email: reservations@salthillhotel.com Visit: www.salthillhotel.com Salthill Hotel, Promenade, Galway.

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HISTORY

& GRANDEUR REBORN WESTPORT HOUSE IN COUNTY MAYO HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS ONE OF IRELAND’S MOST BEAUTIFUL HOMES, AND IT IS EASY TO SEE WHY. THIS CHARMING GEORGIAN MANSION, THE ANCESTRAL HOME OF THE MARQUESSES OF SLIGO, WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS AT THE RICHNESS OF EVERY ROOM.

he entrance hall is famous as the only surviving Richard Cassels-designed interior of a Doric Frieze and coffered barrel-vaulted ceiling. Every room is a showstopper, among them the Chinese bedroom, which features a full wall-to-ceiling hand painted depiction of the famous willow pattern, telling the tale of a tragic love story between a young oriental couple.

The original house was built in the 1650’s by Colonel John Browne on the foundation of Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley’s castle. John Browne married O’Malley’s great-greatgranddaughter, Maude Burke. The Browne family members who have lived at Westport until recently are direct descendants of the 16th century Queen, Grace O’Malley, head of the ancient Mayo O’Malley clan. 159

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GRACE O’MALLEY, PIRATE QUEEN Born in 1530 to a sea-faring family, Grainne Ni Mhaille was an exceptional woman. The ultimate tomboy, when her father refused to let her join a ship’s crew (unheard of in those days), Grace cut off her hair and dressed as a boy so she could sneak onto the ship. This gave her the nickname Grainuileor Grainne Mhaol, meaning bald Grace. After a political marriage to the leader of the nearby O’Flaherty clan ended with her husband’s death, Grace took control of the family’s lands and ships. She was a daring fighter, leading her clan into clashes with Spanish, Turkish and English pirates. She made strategic alliances and broke them just as quickly, doing whatever she had to do to maintain the independence of her family and ancestral lands. In this she faced pressures from rival clans as well as from the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth I of England. In 1558 Elizabeth inherited the kingdom of England and Wales from her Tudor father, Henry VIII. With it came the title Queen of Ireland, yet while the population of England and Wales were fully under English control, this was far from the case in Ireland. For Henry VIII, the unruly Irish had not been a priority, but Elizabeth turned to military

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was known in England as a pirate and a traitor. As was her way, Grace took nothing lying down. She wrote to Queen Elizabeth to protest against Bingham’s onslaughts and to affirm her right to her ancestral lands.

conquest to try to control the rebellious Irish. She appointed Sir Richard Bingham, an English soldier and naval commander as governor to suppress any rebellion but he was not having too much success with the Pirate Queen. Like many of the Gaelic leaders of the day, Grace O’Malley was a thorn in Elizabeth’s side. While Elizabeth wanted to establish herself as absolute ruler, Grace saw herself as an equal queen within her own lands and territories in Ireland. She was effectively at war with Richard Bingham and her name

TWO QUEENS MEET Grace took a gamble by deciding to meet with Queen Elizabeth in an attempt to secure her independence. It was a risk, she could have been thrown in the Tower of London and charged with treason, but when they did meet in London in July 1593, it seems that Elizabeth was fascinated by Grace O’Malley – perhaps because she too was a spirited, female leader. The two women spoke at length in Latin (the only common language for them both) and Grace related tales of her daring exploits as well as her grievances against the Irish Governor, Bingham. Following the meeting Elizabeth forgave all of Grace’s previous rebellious activities and granted everything she asked for. Her family was pardoned from all charges of treason, Bingham was called off, and Grace was confirmed as ruler of her ancestral lands! She returned to a life of leadership and piracy in Ireland and she is remembered to this day as one of the last great leaders of Gaelic Ireland.

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The Browne family recently handed over the reins of the house to local Mayo brothers Cathal, Owen and Harry Hughes of The Hughes Group who will breathe new life into the house and invest heavily into its development. When completed, Westport House and its 400-acre estate will be a state-of-the-art resort, complete with museum, conference and events center. It will expand its current offering to cater for large outdoor concerts, high end conferences and weddings and it will be tailored as a familyfriendly tourist destination. With an ambitious objective to attract one million tourists per annum, Tim Husbands MBE was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in November 2017. Tim has held the position of Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast since 2011,

an attraction that was crowned World’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards. He has also held the title of Managing Director of Belfast’s Waterfront Hall and the Ulster Hall as well as being Head of City Events and Venues at Belfast City Council and Managing Director of the Riviera Center in Torquay, so he comes well equipped to steer Westport House into a whole new era. In 2014, his services to Economic Development and Tourism were recognized at the highest level when he was awarded an MBE by H.M. The Queen. The €50 million investment by the Hughes family will ensure that Westport House continues to charm locals and visitors alike into the next generation. 161

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An Enduring LOVE PERHAPS ONE OF IRELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST ICONIC BUILDINGS, THE ROMANTIC HISTORY OF KYLEMORE ABBEY IS AN ENDURING LOVE STORY. 162

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oday the castle is known as Kylemore Abbey and its romantic setting and story draws visitors from around the world. On the 4th September 1867 the first stone was laid, which began the construction of Kylemore Castle. It was built by a wealthy Englishman, Mitchell Henry, who spent his honeymoon in Connemara. A decorative trowel which was used in the stone laying ceremony was presented to Margaret Henry, a tribute indicating that the castle would be built for her with every element planned for her delight and comfort. As you enter the front door of Kylemore Abbey you cannot help but notice the beautiful carved angel which guards over it. In the hands of that angel is the coat of arms of Margaret Henry’s birth family, the Vaughan’s of County Down. Margaret’s arms over the front door proudly proclaim this as her castle. Mitchell hoped that Kylemore Castle would become the ‘nesting place’ of his family, a luxurious retreat in an idyllic landscape that would feature all the innovations of the Victorian age. Mitchell Henry was by profession a talented doctor and surgeon. He inherited a vast fortune from his father who had established a successful business empire in Manchester, England. With this fortune he bought the 15,000-acre Kylemore estate and commenced work on Kylemore Castle as well as on another sumptuous abode for his family in London. At Kylemore Margaret, Mitchell and their large family reveled in the outdoor life of the Connemara highlands. Margaret took on the role of the country lady and became much loved by the local tenants. The Henry’s were compassionate landlords who put great energy into improving the lot of their tenants. Mitchell became heavily involved in Irish politics and was an advocate for Irish Home Rule and social justice in Ireland. Sadly, this period of family contentment did not last long for the Henrys. In 1874, just a few years after the castle was completed, the family left Kylemore for a holiday in Egypt. Margaret fell ill while traveling and after two weeks of suffering she died. She was just 45 years old and left behind a family of nine children, including her youngest daughter, Violet, who was just two years old at the time. 163

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Margaret’s body was beautifully embalmed in Cairo before being returned to Kylemore. According to local lore, Margaret lay in a glass coffin which was placed beneath the grand staircase in the front hall, where family and tenants alike could come to pay their respects. Although Henry remained on at Kylemore after 164

Margaret’s death, life there was never the same again. In 1878 work began on the neo-Gothic Church which was built as a beautiful and lasting testament of Henry’s love for his wife. When Henry died he was united with Margaret once more - their remains lay alongside one another in the little brick mausoleum nestled in the woods of the glorious Kylemore estate.

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KYLEMORE ABBEY

& VICTORIAN WA L L E D G A R D E N Explore our historical 1,000 acre estate. Victorian splendour in the wild Connemara countryside. Home to the Benedictine Community since 1920.

KYLEMORE ABBEY

& VICTORIAN WA L L E D G A R D E N

• 6 Acre Victorian Walled Garden • Restored Rooms in the Abbey • Gothic Church • History Talks and Guided Tours • Woodland & Lakeshore Walks

+353 (0) 95 52001

bookings@kylemoreabbey.com www.kylemoreabbey.com

/KylemoreAbbeyandGarden /Kylemoretoday

@kylemoreabbey 165

This is a journey of discovery. Situated in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. Mount Falcon Estate is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the breath-taking views, indulge in some Spa treatments or avail of one of our many estate activities. Combine this with an award winning dining experience and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll understand why a visit is a must. www.mountfalcon.com

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Mount Falcon ESTATE

FAMOUS FOR LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION AND AWARD-WINNING FOOD, MOUNT FALCON ESTATE COMBINES OLD-WORLD CHARM WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF FACILITIES IN THE MOST GLORIOUS SETTING.

luxury country hotel lying between Foxford and Ballina in County Mayo and just 30 miles from Knock Airport, the estate is perfectly located for any journey around Ireland’s west coast with plenty to do on site as well as in the surrounding areas. The estate comprises of Mount Falcon Country House Hotel, fisheries, luxury self-catering suites in lake and woodland surroundings and over 100 acres of walkways and parkland to discover. The ‘castle’ was created from the love of a young man for his new bride in 1872, Miss

Nina Knox-Gore of Belleek Manor. Ultred Knox commissioned the finest architect of that time, James Franklin Fuller, who also designed Ashford Castle, Kylemore Abbey & Farmleigh House, to construct a palatial home at Mount Falcon, on the west bank of the River Moy. In 1932 the house was bought by Major John and Constance Aldridge (founding member of the famous Blue Book). Under their ownership the estate became recognized as one of Ireland’s premier shooting and fishing country houses. The current owners, including the Maloney family, 167

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have lovingly renovated and refurbished the original house adding on a new extension and 45 Luxury Lodges. Mount Falcon now boasts 32 bedrooms, including two private suites, as well as all the comforts you would expect from a grand country house, with drawing rooms, dining in the old kitchens and the Boathole Bar. The house offers utter luxury and comfort in a style that is in keeping with its distinguished heritage and tradition of hospitality. Mount Falcon is the definitive get-away with something for everyone. Combined with the style and comfort of the palatial country house and the fine dining in the 2AA Rosette Kitchen Restaurant, an Elemis Spa offers a full range of treatments and the beautifully designed swimming pool with panoramic views is the ideal place to unwind after being pampered. 168

THE GREAT OUTDOORS The Estate boasts a two-mile stretch of the famous River Moy, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prolific wild Atlantic salmon river, as well as its own spring fed rainbow trout stocked lake. Anglers will delight at the two-mile private stretch of the Moy. Mount Falconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s double bank stretch is just above the tide, offering truly superb fishing and the beats are exclusive to guests at the hotel. For the shooting enthusiast, there is a clay shooting ground next to The Moy, with four automatic traps providing overhead, going away and crossing targets. The expanse of the estate offers many country pursuits including the time-honored tradition of Falconry. You can have a lesson in Falcon husbandry then fly these majestic creatures through the 100 acres woodland estate.

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For golfers, a purpose built driving range on the estate compliments access to the finest links courses that Ireland has to offer. With 12 golf courses within an hour’s drive, including the championship links courses of Carne/Belmullet, Enniscrone and Rosses Point/County Sligo (all of which are ranked within the top 25 golf courses in Ireland by Golf Digest) this is golf heaven. “Links courses in our region are equal if not better to anything the rest of Ireland and Scotland have but importantly, they offer better value” according to owner Alan Maloney. Alan is passionate about his Estate and believes that an offering unique to Mount Falcon Estate is the “correlation between golfing and fly fishing.” He says that the same hand eye coordination is used for both sports and that on a sunny day, conditions ideal for golf may not be great for fishing and vice versa. So, on any given morning you can look out from your luxury hotel or lodge

window and decide fishing or golfing? Then in the evening, throw in some clay pigeon shooting and round the day off with fine dining, which might include your own salmon caught that day, freshly prepared by chef. DINING DELIGHTS With all that is on offer – luxurious accommodations, spa, swimming pool, clay shooting and truly superlative fishing, what more could anyone want? Once again Mount Falcon excels with 2AA Rosette Restaurant. Mount Falcon’s philosophy is to source the finest produce (80% grown on the estate), prepare it simply and serve it appropriately, summed up the fresh Irish produce. All told, Mount Falcon had got to be the ultimate getaway so give yourself the perfect Wild Atlantic treat and head this way

“On any given morning you can look out from your luxury hotel or lodge window and decide fishing or golfing? Then in the evening, throw in some clay pigeon shooting and round the day off with fine dining, which might include your own salmon caught that day”

www.mountfalcon.com 169

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Flying High SITUATED AMID THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE OF NORTH-WEST IRELAND IS EAGLES FLYING, THE LARGEST CENTRE FOR BIRDS OF PREY AND OWLS IN THE COUNTRY.

he Irish Raptor Research Centre/Eagles Flying, is a voluntarily run institution, aiming at the preservation of wildlife and natural heritage. It operates a scientifically managed sanctuary for birds of prey.

vultures, owls and hawks swoop close over the heads or land in the hands of visitors. This is only possible, because the “bird whisperers” of Eagles Flying have a very special and friendly way of interacting with the creatures in their care.

Arriving at the gates of Eagles Flying is not much different to arriving at any other farm gate, however on walking down the farm lane visitors realise more and more that they are immersing into a different world. Suddenly they are surrounded by different birds and animals and it is hard to see which ones are pets and which ones are wild. This close contact will be intensified as soon as the shows start when eagles, falcon,

“We focus on hands on interaction between our welltrained animals and our visitors,” explains Lothar Muschketat, Biologist and Managing Director. “During our educational flying demonstrations, members of the audience can have a bird of prey land on their hand or have eagles, falcons, hawks or vultures stoop inches over their heads while scientists inform in a friendly and fun way.”

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Having enjoyed the thrills of the show, visitors are welcome to move on to the petting zoo, where they can get hands-on with foxes, a raccoon, reptiles and all of the standard petfarm animals with helpful staff on hand to provide information.

Ireland Award.” This and many other accolades confirm Eagles Flying as a truly unique visitor experience. Get closer than you have ever been to the masters of the sky at Ballymote, County Sligo.

“Visitors love our unique touch-zoo where they can play and pet Tui & Alan our foxes, get pick pocketed by Grizzly our tame raccoon, have Monty our four-meter python around their shoulders or get up close and personal with any of the other unusual animals.” Lothar’s love of his work is clear and it is little wonder that this attraction is consistently rated excellent on TripAdvisor; it is one of the major tourist attractions of the north west and a multiaward-winning tourist attraction. “For years we are top ranking on TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook. Last year we were also elected ‘Best Activity Provider’ and received the ‘Business Elite 171

on the Wild Atlantic Way on the Wild Atlantic Way

Situated in Ireland beautiful west, our 90 acre park and woodland resort is home to two hotels. Breaffy House Hotel with 106 rooms for relaxed leisure and business breaks and Breaffy Woods Hotel with 128 rooms for family fun and holiday breaks - with only a few minutes stroll between each. Situated in Ireland beautiful west, our 90 acre park and FEATURES: woodland resort is home to twoHealy hotels.Mac’s Breaff y House The multi-award winning Irish Bar Hotel with 106 rooms for relaxed business and Restaurant nowleisure open atand Breaff y Housebreaks and BreaffBreaff y Woods Hotel with 128 rooms for family fun and y House Resort is a registered civil wedding holiday breaks - with a few minutes between each. ceremony venue withonly banqueting facilities stroll catering for up to 500 guests and conferences of up to 2,500 delegates FEATURES: The multi-award winning Healy Mac’s Irish Bar and Restaurant now open at Breaffy House

Breaffy House Resort is a registered civil wedding ceremony venue with banqueting facilities catering for up to 500 guests and conferences of up to 2,500 delegates

Breaffy Buddies Kids Club with playground, astro turf pitch and indoor games room Knock Airport 40km, Shannon 2 hours drive, Dublin 2.5 hours drive Multiple 2 bedroomed Residence’s Buddies12 Kids Club with playground, BreaffBreaff y Spayfeatures treatment rooms which include astro turf pitch and indoor games room bath 2 dry floatation therapy beds, a hydro therapy andAirport our signature rasul mud2 chamber Knock 40km, Shannon hours drive, Dublin 2.5 hours drive Breaffy Leisure Centre with 20m swimming pool,

sauna room, jacuzzi and largeResidence’s fully equipped gym Multiple 2 bedroomed

sq12 ft Indoor Sports Areana Breaffy Spa30,000 features treatment rooms which include 2 dry floatation therapy beds, a hydro therapy bath and our signature rasul mud chamber Breaffy Leisure Centre with 20m swimming pool, sauna room, jacuzzi and large fully equipped gym 30,000 sq ft Indoor Sports Areana

Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland Tel: + 353 (0)94 9022033 Email: info@breaffyhouseresort.com www.breaffyhouseresort.com

TEXT | PLACE

Breaffy

HOUSE RESORT

reaffy House Resort is a grand resort on a grand scale, and at a price point not normally associated with castle style accommodation. Adding to its charm is its history, location and setting, all combining to offer an exceptional vacation experience. Impressively set amongst 90 acres of rolling countryside and forest walks, the resort retains all the charm and opulence of a country house estate combined with the comforts and facilities of a luxury spa hotel. Located on the outskirts of Castlebar, Co Mayo, it has absolutely everything a visitor might want in a hotel. THE BROWNES OF BREAFFY The Browne family were first connected with the lands at Breaffy in 1680 when John Browne was granted 200 acres of land here in the period of land confiscation of the Cromwellian Settlement at the end of the 17th century. Breaffy House is a magnificent Scottish baronial mansion and is Victorian in style. It was designed by English architect William Fawcett from Cambridge. The house has boldly recessed facades, a polygonal corner turret with battlements and pointed roof, a second turret set at an obtuse angle to the facade and stepped gables and the entrance front has a single-story battlement porch. It makes for a rather grand entrance and absolutely perfect for any potential bride. In August 2014, Breaffy House was purchased by TIRAWLEY LTD. The new owners carried out an extensive refurbishment programme. There are now two offerings here depending on the style of accommodation required. The original Breaffy House retains its country home feel while the recently built Breaffy Woods Hotel is more modern in design and is the perfect place for a family break in Mayo. The Woods Hotel offers quality family accommodation including spacious large family bedrooms and

interconnecting family suites.

mirroring the stone-arch bridge is hard to beat.

DIVINE DINING Breaffy House Resort offers delicious menus to suit any occasion - whether it is a light lunch with the family, a group event or an intimate meal, all tastes are catered for. An excellent bar menu is in place offering casual or family dining.

An experienced and professional in-house team are available to look after everything whether you are on hand to oversee arrangements in person, or looking after your plans virtually.

The Mulberry Restaurant is situated within Breaffy House Hotel. Its name originated from the 300-year-old Mulberry tree outside, which can be seen while dining within the restaurant. HAVE THE CRAIC AT HEALY MAC’S Who doesn’t come to Ireland for a bit of craic? And you will find plenty of it at Healy Mac’s bar and terrace. The Irish Times and Diageo has named Healy Mac’s as the Best Irish Bar in the World (outside Ireland) and now, the international multi-award-winning chain has arrived at Breaffy House Resort. At Healy Mac’s at Breaffy House Resort, food is served from 12noon to 9.30pm daily, while the bar is open from morning to night. Cool off outside on the terrace, take in the star-scape or maybe host a casual BBQ or Buffet. Add a little music and you have the perfect package for an unforgettable night of fun. PARTY TIME The Oak, Ash, Willow and Beach rooms are perfect for special events. Catering for 20-80 Guests, all parties can be accommodated. In addition, for something on a grander scale the Breaffy Ballroom is a spectacular venue for up to 500 Guests with private bar and dance floor. If it’s your turn to say ‘I Do’ then Breaffy is just perfect for the occasion. They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, well as first impressions go, the winding avenue leading up to ‘the big house’ under a misty canopy of woodland with ornamental pond

Breaffy House has a core philosophy of offering individual and personal service that is re-enforced by the policy of hosting just one wedding per day. The resort is proud to be known as Connaught’s premier wedding venue. Pre-and post-wedding day celebrations with family & friends are also increasingly popular. You can extend your celebrations and choose from informal options such as outdoor BBQ on the terrace followed by live music in Healy Mac’s Bar. DOWN TO THE WOODS Breaffy Woods Hotel offers 129 luxurious, contemporary rooms, each elegantly appointed, in keeping with the high standard evident throughout the resort. Dining options are also available here including Woods bar. Music ranges from traditional Irish music to Jazz. Legends Restaurant offers a bright and spacious location with an exquisite mix of Irish and continental flavors. LEISURE CLUB & SPA Getaway breaks whether business or pleasure should also be about leisure time and the Breaffy Club is known as one of the most popular leisure centres in the Castlebar region. The Breaffy Spa offers peaceful pampering and top-notch service in an environment that encourages relaxation and comfort. Featuring dry floatation therapy beds, a hydrotherapy Bath and mud chamber pampering is assured, along with the essentials such as waxing & tinting. 173

Winners of the Food Awards Ireland Café/Bistro of the Year 2017 West • Simple fresh food • Breakfast cooked to order • Home baked cakes, scones & pies PM Chauffeurs based in the West of Ireland provide top class service and attention for all of your transfer needs whilst on business or spending leisure time in Ireland. We provide luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles; experienced and friendly drivers with an in-depth knowledge in the field.

• Light Lunches & Sandwiches Open daily 10am – 5pm all year round Puddleducks Café, Mainstreet, Cong, Mayo T: 094 9545747 E: puddleduckscafe@gmail.com

We can provide airport transfers, meeting pickups, hotel pickups / drop off, touring drives, etc. If you need to simply get from place to place or wish to take in the sights along the way we can take you there in style and comfort. Location: Cross, Mayo, Ireland Phone: +353 (0) 87 122 3330 E-mail: pat@pmchauffeurs.com Website: www.pmchauffeurs.com/

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GIFTSHOP

TOURS THE

Quiet Man MU S E U M

C O N G ,

D I R E L A N

If you’re a fan of The Quiet Man movie (and who isn’t?) make a pilgrimage to the glorious countryside where the iconic movie was filmed. The village of Cong on the border of counties Mayo and Galway has been attracting moviemad tourists since the film was first released in 1952 and, drawing visitors into a magical era and atmosphere. A visit to The Quiet Man Museum is a must for any Quiet Man fan. Award winning walking tours and chauffeur tours of The Quiet Man film locations bring enthusiasts to all of the places featured in the movie such as the fight scenes, the fishing scenes, the courting scenes, the church scenes, the Pat Cohan Bar, the Dying Man’s house, the Reverend Playfair’s House, the Danaher House, Innisfree and Castletown. Hear what the film stars were like, how the stars interacted with the locals and what happened when Hollywood took over the sleepy village of Cong. Experience White O’Morn’ cottage with Mary Kate’s dowry, dress up in the film costumes for photos and read newspaper articles from the time of the filming. Enjoy the reminiscing tour

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taken by Maureen O’Hara on the 60th anniversary of the making of the movie and visit the Museum visited by the Wayne family and where John Wayne’s widow Josephine wrote in the visitor book “Duke would have loved this!” While in Cong stay at Michaeleen’s Manor, a B&B themed on the movie with character named bedrooms and an extensive collection of Quiet Man memorabilia, where Marissa Wayne stayed and complimented Michaeleen’s Manor’s warm Irish hospitality and delicious breakfasts.

For further information visit www.quietmanmuseum.com, www.michaeleensmanor.com and to reserve email: quietman@congholidaygroup.com or call: 00 353 949546089

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CONG:

HOME OF THE QUIET MAN ONE OF THE MOST HISTORIC PLACES IN IRELAND, CONG IS STEEPED IN TRADITION AND LOCATED AMONG SOME FANTASTIC WATERWAYS.

hile lakes and rivers make the village stunning on the eye, the amazing Cong Abbey is a must for any visitor as is the world-famous Ashford Castle, sitting majestically on the shores of Lough Corrib. The Ashford Estate was founded in the early 1700’s but Ashford Castle dates back to the 12th century, when it was built by the De Burgo family. The nearby Augustinian Abbey was also built in the 12th century by the prominent O’Connor family. At this time, the head of the family, Turlough O’Connor was the High King of Ireland. The Abbey in Cong was the burial ground of the last High King of Ireland, Rory O’Connor, Turlough’s son, who died in the late 12th century. This century also produced the Cross of Cong, commissioned by Turlough O’Connor and now on display at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. More recently Cong gained worldwide recognition in 1951 when film director John Ford came to these

shores to film The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The grounds of Ashford Castle, as well as the nearby village of Cong formed the backdrop for much of the action in the film. Visitors to these parts delight in exploring the Quiet Man Cottage Museum, the dying man’s house, Pat Cohan’s bar - complete with a replica of the interior featured in the film, Reverend Playfair’s house, John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara commemorative statue, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and guided tours of Inisfree. The Quiet Man Museum is a delight. An exact replica of White O’Morn, the ancestral cottage bought by Sean Thornton on his return to Ireland, the museum represents the first time the exterior and the interior of White O’Morn have been created in one place (the original interior was a Hollywood set). The museum offers an onset experience with exact replicas of all the key furnishings and artifacts from the movie including Sean Thornton’s big bed, Mary Kate’s cottage 175

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piano, china, pewter and cradle and the tandem bicycle, as well as costumes made by the same company - O’Maille’s of Galway - who made them for John Ford in 1951. Quiet Man enthusiasts can even dress up in costume for photos! The museum also houses Michaeleen Og’s horse Napoleon’s original harness and a first edition of the Maurice Walsh collection of short stories – Green Rushes - on which the screenplay for The Quiet Man movie was based. You can also see the largest collection of Irish newspaper articles from the time the movie was filmed. This firsthand account allows enthusiasts to read exactly what it was like when Hollywood took over the village of Cong in 1951. John Wayne’s widow Josephine visited and just loved it, commenting in the museum’s visitor book: “Duke would have loved this!” MICHAELEEN’S MANOR Quiet Man enthusiasts can even stay in a themed B&B, Michaeleen’s Manor B&B, probably the only movie themed B&B in Ireland. Gerry and Margaret Collins have welcomed guests from all over the world, including John Wayne’s daughter, Marissa Wayne, who complimented their “warm Irish hospitality, great Irish breakfasts, comfortable beds and wonderful hot showers!” You can expect to be entertained over breakfast with tales from Gerry about his time as the Quiet Man Tour Guide while Margaret, who was a chef in Ashford Castle during President Regan’s stay in 1984, cooks you up a delicious breakfast. Margaret had always wanted to run her own B&B so she thought why not theme her guest house on the movie and call it after the matchmaker Michaeleen. Each room at Michaeleen’s Manor B&B is called after a character in the movie Sean Thornton, Michaeleen Og Flynn, Squire Danagher, Dan Tobin, Widow Tillane. The kitchen is Mary Kate’s kitchen and the dining room is the Innisfree room after the fictional name given to Cong in the movie. Of course, everyone wants Sean Thornton’s room – there is a wait list for that one! Each room and throughout the house you can find classic lines from the movie on wood carvings; above every bed there’s a sign that says “No patty fingers if you please” – i.e. no hanky panky! 176

Guests really enjoy looking at all the memorabilia and Gerry loves to entertain with stories from the movie. Daughter Lisa runs chauffeur driven tours to the various movie locations which she says is much more fun than being a lawyer. She meets all sorts of interesting people including a plucky American lady recently. “People really love the chauffeur tours and the walking tours and we had an 80 year old lady from America on tour last s u m m e r. She was being pushed around in a wheelchair by her family – The Quiet Man was the reason she wanted to visit Ireland – so when she got to the commemorative statute of Wayne and O’Hara in Cong, she got up out of the wheelchair, put her arms around John Wayne and slapped him on the ass, saying I’ve come all the way from America to do that!”

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A Dream VENUE

f over 300 castles in Ireland, Ashford is the ultimate fairy tale castle set in a dream location.

Just beyond Cong Abbey, where the village ends, the woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle begins. First built in 1228 as the seat of the de Burgo family, owners over the years included the Guinness family. Arthur Guinness turned the castle into a regal hunting and fishing lodge, which it remains today. The 140 hectares of parkland, covered with forests, streams and a golf course, is a joy to explore and a cruise out on the Corrib is a delight. At Ashford, oldworld elegance and personalized service delivers an impeccable, unimaginable experience at the grandest of the grand in Ireland. While the castle itself is up there with the greats, The Lodge at Ashford Castle is one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden gems, and a dream location for the most magical wedding. Offering a world of tranquility and relaxation on the historic estate of Ashford Castle, this contemporary lodge dates back to 1845, and is set on 10 acres of elevated grounds overlooking Lough Corrib. This beautiful lakeside property has oodles of country house charm. It is one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest wedding destinations, pairing warm Irish hospitality with a modern appeal. 177

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The Lodge

AT ASHFORD CASTLE A CHIC AND ELEGANT SANCTUARY, THE LODGE AT ASHFORD CASTLE IS ONE OF IRELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING WEDDING VENUES AND WINNER OF BEST EXCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE IN IRELAND.

eautiful views of Lough Corrib and the rugged landscape of the Ashford Estate provide a stunning backdrop for photography, while head chef Jonathan Keane ensures each sophisticated and creative wedding menu is created using the finest ingredients from local artisan suppliers throughout the Connemara region. The Lodge at Ashford Castle is the perfect choice for an enchanting wedding. Choose to 178

host your guests in the atmospheric Lake View Junior Harbour Room with intimate dining for 30 or a larger celebration for up to 180 in the light-filled ballroom with its elegant chandeliers and panoramic views of Lough Corrib and Kinlough Woods. Each hotel owned by Red Carnation has its own individual character and unique location that reflects the local environment, culture and cuisine, and The Lodge at Ashford Castle is no

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exception. Designed originally in 1865 as the home for the Estate Manager of Ashford Castle Estate, today the original lodge building contains the hotel’s Quay Bar and Wilde’s at the Lodge Restaurant. The deluxe bedrooms and suites are divided between the main house and the new courtyard which it links through to. Also the owners of Ashford Castle, Red Carnation Hotels is meticulously working to preserve Ashford’s history and charm while enhancing its guest facilities and levels of luxury and comfort. The Lodge at Ashford Castle provides the perfect venue to host your guests of all ages. Activities in the area include fishing, cruising on the Corrib, nature walking, archery, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding as well as falconry – perfect pre or post-wedding activities. At The Lodge at Ashford Castle the whole party will be entertained indoors and out, no matter what the season. Recently married at The Lodge, Deirdre Moran said, “My husband and I got married just a few weeks ago and had our reception at The Lodge at Ashford Castle. We could never have imagined how wonderful the day turned out. Everything about The Lodge is pure perfection. From the first day we went to look at the hotel we were treated with the utmost care and professionalism.” Situated on the outskirts of the charming village of Cong, The Lodge at Ashford Castle is the ideal destination for those seeking a wedding day to remember, with old school hospitality and impressive scenery perfect for those all-important wedding shots! Only 40-minutes’ drive from Galway, Westport and Connemara, the hotel is superbly located for an adventure of exploration or an opportunity to simply sit back, relax and completely unwind. For more information and details on their wedding packages please visit www.thelodgeac.com 179

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The

CAVAN WAY WITH ITS REMARKABLE LANDSCAPES, RICH CULTURE AND GLORIOUS LAKEWATER SCENE, COUNTY CAVAN IS ONE OF IRELAND’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS.

or a county said to harbor a lake for every day of the year why has it been kept such a secret for so long? Maybe it’s because Cavan is discreetly hidden between the six counties that border it. Or maybe sitting as it does dividing the North and South of Ireland it may have remained under the radar. Whatever the reason, Cavan and its drumlinspeckled countryside, glassy lakes and acres of forest parks is the pinnacle of relaxation. Needless to say, Cavan is a boater’s paradise. 180

With the rivers Shannon and Erne, not to mention the restored Shannon-Erne waterway linking the two, holidaymakers can spend days cruising through hushed, unspoilt countryside. Fishermen too are in their element here. The county is famous for coarse and pike fishing with no license or fee required to enjoy course fishing in Cavan. If you don’t fancy getting out onto the water you can enjoy walks alongside it with the Canal Walk in Ballyconnell, or the Castle Lake loop in Bailieborough. Or bring a packed lunch

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and spend the day along The Cavan Way, a waymarked trail stretching 22km from Dowra, a small village near the source of the River Shannon, through the forested west Cavan uplands to Blacklion. You likely have heard of The Burren in County Clare – well Cavan boasts a mini Burren of its own – a relict landscape stashed away near the Cuilcagh Mountains. Ancient hut sites, rock art, karstic limestone formations, a wedge tomb and glacial boulders are just some of the surprises scattered about. It’s off the beaten track and about as far from the maddening crowd as you could ever imagine. After all that outdoor exploration, rest assured you’ll be able to wind down, dine out and lay your

head in comfort in Cavan. Hotels and guesthouses range from 19th-century castles to contemporary lakeside retreats. A top pic for US travelers and rated #1 in the area by Spirit of Ireland readers is the glorious Crover House Hotel. An 18th century gem nestled in the most beautiful Irish countryside the four-star gem is set in peaceful and idyllic surroundings and is the perfect destination for discovering this part of the country. A Georgian Manor House, resting majestically on the private shores of Lough Sheelin, the hotel emanates elegance and class with breathtaking views of the historic lake and 41 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. Bliss! So now the cat is out of the bag. Cavan is king. Escape to this lakeside land and lose yourself in its watery wilderness.

The old advertising slogan “Guinness is good for you” is actually true. According to researchers at the University of Wisconsin, a pint of Guinness a day may work as well as a low dose of aspirin to prevent heart attacks. 181

TEXT | PLACE

A Peaceful PARADISE

AN 18TH CENTURY GEM NESTLED IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IRISH COUNTRYSIDE IN COUNTY CAVAN, CROVER HOUSE IS SET IN PEACEFUL AND IDYLLIC SURROUNDINGS.

onveniently located, only a stone’s throw away from Dublin and border counties, the four-star Georgian Manor House, sits majestically on the private shores of Lough Sheelin. The house emanates elegance and class, with breathtaking views of the historic lake and 41 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. It provides an intimate and tranquil setting for golf, fishing and for exploring Ireland’s stunning hinterland and impressive coastline.

Endeavoring to make Crover House one of the finest hotels in Cavan, owner Connie O’Reilly (a native of Ballinagh, living in New York), built an inspiring twenty-eightbedroom extension, a beautiful chalet overlooking the lake as well as an executive golf course and clubhouse, creating a stately venue that delivers not only elegant accommodation and spectacular views of the Irish countryside, but also a peaceful location that offers comfort and serenity to its many visitor and guests.

First constructed in 1759 by the Maxwell Family, one of the largest landowners in Ireland, Crover House has a fascinating history. Serving as a country estate to reverends, lords, barons and colonels until 1957 when Crover House opened its doors as a hotel.

A paradise for nature lovers, take an afternoon or late evening stroll and enjoy the splendid lake-view & wooded walkways. Throw off your troubles and cast your worries into the ‘Lake of the fairy pool’ at Lough Sheelin before heading off for a ramble by the waterside. Hear the gentle rhythm and rhyming swish of small boats as they bob lazily on the deep blue shores of the lake or take to the water yourself to really appreciate the glorious setting.

The O’Reilly family purchased Crover House in 1992. The family also own a collection of restaurants and hotel bars in New York City and the Gold Coast of Long Island.

Crover House has an outstanding reputation for comfort and for its wonderful rustic farm fresh fare. Using only locally grown produce enjoy authentic cuisine that showcases the best available homegrown ingredients. The owners believe in supporting local food producers and indigenous meat, fish and poultry suppliers to compliment the fresh, organic produce from their own kitchen garden. Visitors are encouraged to walk around the kitchen garden with children being especially welcome, often getting the opportunity to take part in either planting or picking. Lovingly tended by Louise; she will be happy to chat with you and share her gardening knowledge and expertise, whenever she has some time to spare. Crover House is the perfect mix of old world charm and modern-day comforts. A family run, family friendly hotel, it is consistently rated as one of the top picks in the border counties and for many, a top pick in Ireland. 183

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Best of Breffni TODAY’S TRAVELER WANTS TO FIND SOMETHING DIFFERENT, AUTHENTIC AND SURPRISING ON THEIR TRAVELS, AND THIS APPLIES TO THOSE WHO HOLIDAY AT HOME JUST AS MUCH AS OVERSEAS VISITORS.

ne of Ireland’s hidden gems, County Cavan has much to offer, from jaw-dropping scenery to lipsmacking cuisine, not to mention a few surprises at every turn. Here’s a few of our favorite things to do in the Breffni County: CAVAN BURREN PARK Located just outside the village of Blacklion, this stunning prehistoric landscape is set against the backdrop of the Cuilcagh Mountain and West Cavan. The park is filled with fascinating Neolithic monuments, and features an interpretive center and accessible walks, with handy information posts to guide you. MARBLE ARCH CAVES UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK One of three UNESCO Geoparks in Ireland, and the world’s only cross-border Geopark, it covers most of Counties Fermanagh and Cavan, stretching from Cavan Town in the center all the way to Dowra in the west of the 184

county. Geoparks are areas with geological heritage of international significance which contain sites of archaeological and historical importance, areas with interesting flora and fauna and also sites that have folklore behind them. Notable Geopark sites include Moneygashel Cashel, Tullydermot Falls and The Shannon Pot, the source of the River Shannon. CAVAN COUNTY MUSEUM Housed inside a beautiful 19th century building (a former convent) in Ballyjamesduff, this museum’s wide-ranging collection includes a vast collection of 18th, 19th and 20th-century costumes together with relics from the Stone, Bronze, Iron and Middle Ages, including the Celtic Killycluggin stone and the three-faced Corleck Head, as well as a 1000-year-old boat excavated from Lough Errill. Outside, the World War 1 Trench Experience, the largest replica trench anywhere in the UK and Ireland, has sound

effects alongside its dug-out, sandbagged trenches. Painstakingly constructed to the specifications of a Somme trench, it’s brilliantly evocative. CLOUGH OUGHTER CASTLE One of the last Irish outposts to hold out against the forces of Oliver Cromwell, it was here that the great Ulster General Owen Roe O’Neill lost his life. Its walls still blasted by cannon-fire, Clough Oughter Castle stands like a lone sentry in the middle of the beautiful and isolated Lough Oughter. A novel way to get out there is to head for Cavan Canoe Centre where you can hire canoes and rowing boats. Located at Inishmore, just 10 minutes from Cavan Town, Cavan Canoe Centre is the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air and fun activity. Whether it’s a boat trip to Clough Oughter Castle (highly recommended), or more high-

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Running from 4th – 11th May across the county, the Cavan Walking Trail is a hugely popular festival showcases the natural beauty and rich heritage of Breffni County. Visitors can enjoy enchanting walks of all levels of difficulty in a warm, convivial group atmosphere.

octane activity, Cavan Canoe Centre has it all, from stand-up paddling, canoeing and splash and dash, to cycling and pony trekking. During the summer months, Cavan Canoe Centre also operates out of the scenic Killykeen Forest Park. MACNEAN HOUSE AND RESTAURANT Home to the nation’s best-loved chef, Neven Maguire, and set in the stunning little West Cavan village of Blacklion, this multi-awardwinning restaurant is on every foodie’s bucketlist. Demand is understandably high, but it’s always worth checking to see if there’s a lastminute cancellation. FUN FESTIVALS Taking place on 10th and 11th August in Cavan Town, The Taste of Cavan is the biggest and best food event in the north-west, attracting tens of thousands of food lovers and families each year. Top celebrity chefs, over 120 stalls providing tasty samples of local food and drink, and lots of great family friendly activities too.

ANGLING They say there are 365 lakes in Cavan, one for every day of the year. Truth is, that’s probably a conservative estimate; rivers and lakes are everywhere, and they’re teeming with course and game fish. Lough Sheelin, in particular, is one of Europe’s best trout fisheries. It’s no wonder English and German tourists have been enjoying Cavan hospitality for decades.

They say there are 365 lakes in Cavan, one for every day of the year. Truth is, that’s probably a conservative estimate; rivers and lakes are everywhere, and they’re teeming with course and game fish.

BEAR ESSENTIALS If you go down to Bawnboy today, you’re in for a nice surprise. Bear Essentials is a magical and spacious place which is home to Ireland’s largest selection of teddy bears and also hosts an array of build-your-own-bear workshops, events, crafts and parties. The Silver Bear Centre also showcases old and famous Teddy Bears, Irish artefacts, and even a Teddy Bear Hospital, where your old furry buddy can be made good as new! It may be Killarney that’s known for its lakes but Cavan top them in both size and numbers. Plus in between these watery wonders there are meandering streams, bogs, drumlins and miles of gentle landscape. Cavan is a remote paradise chuck full of things to do. Check out www.thisiscavan.ie. 185

VISIT TITANIC BELFAST

BIrThplacE of rMS TITaNIc aNd proud WINNEr of ‘World’s leading TourisT aTTracTion’ World Travel aWards, 2016

Titanic Belfast features nine interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic. Experience the shipyard, walk the decks, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic in the city where it all began, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Book now at TITANICBELFAST.COM

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Titanic, Thrones AND MORE

READY FOR WONDERFUL VIEWS, GREAT MUSIC, TOP-NOTCH FOOD AND A LAND THAT CAN SOOTHE THE SPIRIT? THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU.

espite their proximity, each of Northern Ireland’s five cities has its own distinct character. Belfast is the birthplace of Titanic, a foodie destination and musical hotspot. Derry-Londonderry has its fascinating history framed by 400-year-old stone walls, not to mention a lively culture scene; while Armagh’s two cathedrals illustrate its strong ties with St Patrick that stretch back more than 15 centuries. Two smaller cities make up our quintet – both raised in status during Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee celebrations: Lisburn, at almost

touching distance from Belfast, boasts attractive 18th century streetscapes and a distinctive legacy in linen; and Newry, a modern urban hub laden with shops, Christian heritage and ancient castles. CAUSEWAY COAST Dramatic cliff-top castles, vast white-sand beaches, charming little villages – the Causeway Coastal Route delivers an incredible amount of beauty within just 195 miles. Frequently cited as one of the best touring routes in the world, it’s 187

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Dramatic cliff-top castles, vast white-sand beaches, charming little villages – the Causeway Coastal Route delivers an incredible amount of beauty within just 195 miles no surprise that the Causeway Coastal Route is a genuine joy to drive. Starting in the vibrant city of Belfast and finishing in Derry~Londonderry (or the other way around if you prefer), the route is all about taking your time and savoring the sights, sounds and flavors of this spellbinding coastline. The breathtakingly varied scenery includes the Gobbins Cliff Path, the Glens of Antrim, the exhilarating Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the magnificent Giant’s Causeway. On the way, you’ll pass Royal Portrush Golf Club (home of The Open 2019), and Portstewart Golf Club (venue for the Irish Open 2017). Both outstanding golf courses that draw players from all over the world and are welcoming to nonmembers so you can follow the footsteps of the greats as you tread the fairways. 188

MYTHICAL MOUNTAINS Head for the hills. The Sperrin Mountains on the border of counties Tyrone and Londonderry form the largest mountain range in Ireland and have beguiled people for millennia: here you’ll find the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, more than 90 of them, aligned with the heavens. The Mourne Mountains in County Down, meanwhile, are another must-see, full of oddities, such as the Mourne Wall that stretches across the summits, paths made by 18th century smugglers, plus Slieve Donard, the highest peak at 853 meters. It’s said such was the beauty of the Mournes that Belfast-native CS Lewis drew inspiration for his description of Narnia. Conquer the peaks alone or join the party- both the Sperrins and the Mournes have walking festivals.

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FERMANAGH LAKELANDS Swaying reeds. Rippling waters. Fields blanketed in vivid green. The Fermanagh Lakelands are a place of profound tranquility, offering a continuous stream of quiet moments and hidden gems, from ancient statues to forest trails. From its rugged peaks to its gentle valleys, this landscape has been shaped by water, and there’s fantastic course and game fishing to be had. Full of lakes, rivers and inlets scattered with mysterious islands (154 of them, to be precise), take a boat or, even better, paddle yourself by kayak over the silent waters of Lough Erne, where Fermanagh’s islands offer ruined churches and ancient carved statues. Devenish is one of the most famous. A monastery was established here in the 6th century, before being raided by Vikings and later burned. But the oratory of St Molaise and the 12th century round tower have survived, painting a vivid picture of the island’s monastic past. Keep an eye out, too, for Boa Island, with its 1,500-year-old statues; White Island, also boasting ancient stone figures; and Lusty Beg, a 30-hectare resort with self-catering and B&B accommodation, along with activities that range from clay-pigeon shooting to off-road driving. Set in picturesque locations, Fermanagh’s magnificent mansions and gardens bask in beauty. There’s Crom Estate, an 810-hectare demesne on the shores of Upper Lough Erne; there’s Castle Coole, one of Ireland’s finest neo-classical mansions with sumptuous Regency interiors; and there’s Florence Court, the former home to the Earls of Enniskillen, with glorious walks through native woodland. STRANGE TALES The landscapes of Northern Ireland have stirred many imaginations, including that of Belfastborn author CS Lewis, creator of Narnia. But Narnia is only one imaginary world inspired by the views. HBO’s smash hit, Game of Thrones, has been filmed all over, earning Northern Ireland the deserved moniker: Game of Thrones Territory. Avid fans can grab their broadswords

and take a tour of the filming locations, from Cushendun Caves to Castle Ward, Dark Hedges to the gothic follies of Tollymore Forest Park. FOOD AND DRINK With a deep respect for local ingredients, boundary-pushing chefs and a convivial atmosphere in pubs and restaurants, Northern Ireland is one of Europe’s most exciting food and drink destinations. The rich land and waters provide the ingredients and you can even learn how to use them yourself at Belle Isle cookery school in Fermanagh. Another booming industry to satisfy discerning tastes is that of craft beer. Small breweries have popped up all over the place, but Hilden and Whitewater are the most established – although even Hilden, the older, is only 35 years old. For something more historic, settle down with a wee dram of Bushmills after a visit to Ireland’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim.

The Sperrin Mountains on the border of counties Tyrone and Londonderry form the largest mountain range in Ireland and have beguiled people for millennia: here you’ll find the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, more than 90 of them, aligned with the heavens 189

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Care to catch the same glimpse of Northern Ireland as the people of centuries past? Step this way: ST GEORGE’S MARKET, BELFAST Anyone for some Portavogie prawns, bog oak sculptures or handmade bracelets? Since the 1890s, this marvelous covered market has been trading local artisanal goods and seasonal produce with the masses. A shopper’s delight. THE GUILDHALL, DERRY~LONDONDERRY The Guildhall is spectacular, inside and out. Still used as a town hall, the red sandstone structure is complete with stained-glass windows and well worth a visit. Its centerpiece for over a century is an ornate pipe organ that dominates the stage. MOUNT STEWART HOUSE & GARDENS Downton Abbey devotees, take note. The seat of the Marquess of Londonderry since the late 1700s, Mount Stewart sits on 900 glorious acres of stately elegance and manicured gardens. Lush, lavish and luxurious: this is how the other half lived, way back when. BELFAST CITY HALL, BELFAST A structure of royal proportions, the Baroque grandeur of City Hall was designed to commemorate Belfast being granted city status by Queen Victoria herself back in 1888. Can you guess why locals call it the Wedding Cake?

Hostel Connect is Derry City’s Largest Hostel and can accommodate up to 64 people in both dorms and private rooms. It is situated in the heart of this Historic Walled City, which played host to the City of Culture 2013, and only 2 minutes from all the action of the pubs, clubs, restaurants and the vibrant night life of this fantastic city. Hostel Connect is funky, chilled out and will appeal to all types of travellers, young and older alike. 51 Strand Road, Londonderry, Derry, BT48 7BN T: 028 71 372101 E: rooms@hostelconnect.co.uk W: www.hostelconnect.co.uk 190

GRAND OPERA HOUSE, BELFAST Over the past 120 years, the Grand Opera House has entertained everyone from US presidents to WWI veterans. Its oriental architecture makes it one of the most unusual buildings in all Northern Ireland and stars to have graced the stage include Kenneth Branagh, Van Morrison and Pavarotti. BOTANIC GARDENS, BELFAST Back before cinnamon and bananas were corner store staples, they were the height of exotic treats – and they grew right in the heart of the Botanic Gardens. Take a peek inside the ornate, cast-iron Palm House and brush along the 150-year-old ferns for a real feel of Victorian Belfast. Ireland.com

TITANIC HOTEL BELFAST

TITANIC HOTEL BELFAST honours a legendary location, where illustrious ocean liners representing the pinnacle of ingenuity and craftsmanship were created. In the late 1880s work began on Harland & Wolff’s spectacular Headquarters and Drawing Offices; a building designed with purpose, whose splendour reflected the elegance its ships and an enticing shop window for prospective clients. Today, those same values have been brought to bear to create a truly unique hotel; built on a rich heritage of luxury and attention to detail; on rousing stories of innovation and dare. The hotel features 119 luxury bedrooms with an Art Deco maritime inspiration. Exquisite furniture, luxurious linens and interior decorations ensure a perfect night’s sleep for all our discerning guests. No other hotel enjoys such a location as this, at the heart of Harland & Wolff’s internationally famous ship building operation. Stay Overnight stay with full Titanic breakfast in Titanic Hotel Belfast and entrance ticket to Titanic Belfast, World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2016. Explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began. Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic are located adjacent to the Titanic Hotel. From £139 subject availability, terms and conditions apply. Contact us on 028 9508 2000 reservations@titanichotelbelfast.com www.titanichotelbelfast.com

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Titanic Belfast

HOME OF THE RMS TITANIC THE GLEAMING, ANGULAR EDIFICE OF TITANIC BELFAST CHARTS THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS OCEAN LINER.

tep back in time and visit Titanic Belfast, located on the exact spot where the RMS Titanic was built and launched. The world-class exhibition brings to life the 100-year-old story, described by TITANIC movie director, James Cameron, as “magnificent and dramatic”. With nine interpretive and interactive galleries enlivened by historical images, animated projections and soundtracks, Titanic Belfast has something for everyone from boomtown Belfast and the shipyard where the liners were built, to the fit out, sinking, aftermath, and Titanic’s final resting place. Continue your journey on-board SS Nomadic (included in Titanic Belfast ticket), the last remaining White Star Line vessel and the biggest Titanic artefact in the world. 192

Experience a rich, tangible and authentic piece of Belfast’s industrial and maritime heritage while following in the footsteps of Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, all of whom travelled on SS Nomadic. For those interested in delving deeper into the White Star Line story, take Titanic Belfast’s Discovery Tour and walk in the footsteps of the men that built Titanic. The award-winning walking tour showcases the recently revamped barrel-vaulted Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices, where the ships were designed, the slipways were the ships were launched and Titanic Belfast’s iconic structure. Or enjoy a pint in Hickson’s Point, an authentic 1900’s public house setting, inspired by one of the first ship builders in the city. Located on the spot where RMS Titanic was built, it

serves shipyard fare alongside traditional Irish music in an atmospheric setting not to be missed. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

FASCINATING FACTS: • The overall shape of the building represents the bow of the ship and the hulls are the same height of Titanic from keel to deck. • On the plaza surrounding the building is one of the largest maps of the Northern Hemisphere at 10,000 m2 and follows the route of the Titanic. • The wooden benches encircling the building and are spaced in Morse code sequence. Moving clockwise around the plaza they read “DE (this is) MGY MGY MGY (Titanic’s call sign) CQD CQD SOS SOS CQD” – the distress message that Titanic sent after hitting an iceberg. • On the slipways, there is life size plan of Titanic’s Promenade Deck which is inlaid in white stone where the ship would have been constructed, outlining where the liner’s lifeboats and funnels and benches on board would have been. • The Slipways have their own memorial garden, where four grass lawns alternate with timber decking to illustrate the proportion of Titanic’s victims and survivors from each of the passenger classes and crew. • Titanic Belfast can hold over 3,547 visitors at any one time, the same number as the capacity of Titanic

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undiscovered

† 17.

[adjective] un•dis•cov•ered getting off the beaten track to explore hidden gems like Portbradden Harbour, Whitepark Bay, Northern Ireland

†

Portbradden Harbour, Whitepark Bay

#VisitCauseway visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS

Discover Your COASTAL ROUTE

NORTHERN IRELAND’S CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE HAS BEEN BILLED AS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE ROAD TRIPS WORLDWIDE AND NAMED ALONGSIDE BELFAST BY LONELY PLANET AS THE #1 ‘BEST REGION TO VISIT’ IN 2018.

he breath-taking 120-mile Causeway Coast road was blasted from the cliffs of the Antrim Plateau by Victorian engineers more than 100 years ago to link up the famed nine Glens of Antrim. Explore a little deeper and you will uncover some of the great mysteries that many locals in Northern Ireland don’t even know - the enigma that is the Vanishing Lake, the echoing caves at Ballintoy Harbor and the perilous waters of Whitepark Bay, where cattle wade in the surf. 195

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS

A fresh generation of fans is discovering the most untouched corners of the region as they visit locations which have taken center stage to double up as Westeros in the blockbuster HBO© series Game of Thrones®. You can set yourself the mission of exploring one magnificent Blue Flag beach after another, from the small but perfectly formed Ballycastle beach, with its sweeping sculpture of the Children of Lir to the limestone cliffs of the Whiterocks beach leading to Curran Strand and the town of Portrush. It’s a short drive west of Whiterocks to the world top ranking Royal Portrush Golf Course – set to see the return of The 148th Open in 2019 with the world’s top golfers. From there, travel to Portstewart Strand, a vast stretch of sandy beach backed by ancient dunes that were formed around 6,000 years ago and are a haven for wildflowers and butterflies. Further west is Downhill Beach and the quirky 17th Mussenden Temple perched on the sea cliffs, and beyond that is Benone Strand, with seven miles of golden sand and stunning views across to Donegal. And no one could fail to be fascinated by the Giant’s Causeway itself, Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site with its breathtaking vistas of hexagonal rock columns and 196

the stunning National Trust Visitor Centre that explores its turbulent history and the myth of Fionn McCumhaill. Daredevils will also appreciate the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, an awe inspiring 20-metre ropewalk strung from cliff to cliff some 30 meters above the sea, which was first put in place by the fishermen who plied the seas for wild salmon. Don’t fail to stop off in the village of Bushmills and take a tour of the world-famous Bushmills Whiskey Distillery to sample the 12-yearold Single Malt Distillery Reserve which is not available anywhere else. The evocative Old Bushmills Inn is the perfect place to relax with its gas-lit bar, roaring peat fires and secret library, or you can dine in the heart of the elements at the award-winning Harry’s Shack, which offers delectable cuisine in a beach hut on the sands of Portstewart Strand. The Causeway Coast is packed with traditional bars jumping with the craic; be sure to check out the Harbor Bar, a Portrush institution. And if all that revelry is a bit too much - well, they do say the Ulster Fry is the best start to the day known to mankind, you’ll never know if you don’t try. Whatever you try, a warm welcome awaits you.

Photo Credits: Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim: Northern Ireland Tourist Board Royal Portrush Golf Club, Ballintoy, County

For information and ideas go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

Antrim & Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim: Art Ward Photography

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS

On the Causeway Coast you can feast on fine seafood, sample craft beers, scout out Game of Thrones locations and trace the footprints of giants 197

Take a

or get away completely

guided tour and climb to the top of the tower

stay in a lightkeeper’s cottage and

Guided tours 7 days per week 10:00am - 6:00pm

teil: 00 353 83 8091199

ríomhphost: info@fanadlighthouse.com

www.fanadlighthouse.com

Design+print browneprintersltd T: (074) 91 21387.

Teach Solais Fhánada, Co. Dhún na nGall

NORTHERN LIGHTS | DONEGAL

Northern HEADLANDS

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR DRAMATIC VIEWS AND UNFORGETTABLE HISTORY BETWEEN MALIN HEAD AND DONEGAL TOWN.

ollowing on from Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route, your first venture into the Wild Atlantic Way brings you to the Northern Headlands. Nature is spectacular and bracing here, from the sheer granite walls of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League, to the Northern Lights dancing in clear winter skies, to millions of seabirds gathering in great estuaries. Beginning on the border of Counties Londonderry and Donegal at Muff, this trail weaves around the

great wilderness of the Inishowen Peninsula before striking out to the epic coastline of the northwest. Turbulent seas, clouds rolling across the sky, seabirds whirling in the air – the Northern Headlands opens up with dramatic scenery and rugged flair on the Inishowen Peninsula.

There are no paths, roads nor signs to show the way, and it’s a bit of a hike over sand dunes to get there, but when you do, you’ll know you have arrived at pure perfection.

A MARITIME STORY When they say Donegal has a wild side, that includes the seas and skies. From this rugged, uncrowded peninsula, take a boat ride from 199

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Culdaff, Greencastle or Rathmullan and go shark, orca or dolphin spotting. If the weather is favorable, look up and catch the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). While they are dependent on the right climatic conditions, Inishowen is often graced with their phenomenal light show. These dancing colors hanging over Banba’s Crown and Malin Head are an astonishing sight; no wonder the Star Wars filmmakers chose it as a location for The Force Awakens: Episode VIII. With such epic surroundings, there was always going to be a deep-rooted relationship between the wonderful people of Inishowen and the sea. Intriguing tales of how local life has been nurtured by nature, and insights into what lies beneath the ocean can be found at the Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium in Greencastle, which houses information on everything from basking sharks to B17 bombers. Be sure to also visit the remarkable Church of St Aengus (1967) in Burt, which was inspired by the ancient stone fort, Grianán of Aileach. If hunger takes over while visiting Inishowen, Harry’s Bar & Restaurant is a great pit stop; It was winner of County Donegal’s Best Restaurant at the Irish Restaurant Awards. The road out of the Inishowen Peninsula cuts through some 3,000 acres of land reclaimed from the sea in Burt, and makes for an excellent spot for birdwatching and walks. Be sure to head up the hill to the renowned Grianan of Aileach, a restored prehistoric circular fort with simply spectacular views. This feat of architecture was even referenced by Greek astronomer and geographer, Ptolemy, in his 2nd-century map of the world. SAINT’S & EARLS Travel back in time to the 6th century. Europe had been overrun by pagan tribes but was in the midst of being Christianized again by a resurgent Irish church. Saint Colmcille was the pre-eminent figure in this period, not just in Ireland but in all of Christendom. His story is told through beautifully reproduced artefacts and panels at the Colmcille Heritage Centre, alongside artwork from local artists. For another intriguing exhibition, make a beeline for Glebe 200

House & Gallery: the Derek Hill Collection, which houses works from artists such as Picasso and Kokoshka. Rising to fame for one of the world’s most beautiful lighthouses and the Flight of the Earls, which took place here in 1607, you will be forgiven for forgetting these details once you check out the panorama in front of you. Get your camera ready. This wildly exposed headland is a wonderland of wildlife, including grey seals, dolphins and seabirds. But the jewel in the crown has to be Fanad Head Lighthouse which has been safeguarding seafarers since it was built in 1817 – a response to the tragic shipwreck of the frigate, Saldanha a few years earlier. Climb the 76 narrow steps to the top of the tower for superb views of the northern coastline, hear the stories of shipwrecked parrots and lost gold on the lighthouse tour. Or how about having this remote wilderness to yourself for a few days?

NORTHERN LIGHTS | DONEGAL

You can if you stay in one of the beautifully restores lightkeepers’ cottages. Consistently rated as one of the top places to stay, this is a guest experience like no other. While in the area you can pay a visit to Doe Castle where shipwrecked survivors of the Spanish Armada were said to have been given shelter. GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK Set within 16,000 hectares of National Park you’ll find Glenveagh Castle. This majestic stronghold with its turrets and round towers

was built by John George Adair, a Laois man who made his fortune as a speculator in America during the 19th century. He wanted the castle to stand out amongst the jaw-dropping scenery that surrounded it, and he succeeded. Glenveagh has hosted an impressive roll call of glamourous guests, including Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo. A castle with real star power. After strolling the grounds, it’s only fitting to relax in Glenveagh Castle’s tearooms for some home-cooking at its very best.

One of the highlights of any visit to Donegal are the wondrous Slieve League sea cliffs, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 1,972 feet 201

DONEGAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Providers of high quality horse riding experiences for all ages and abilities Ride along Tullan Strand Part of The Wild Atlantic Way Visit us to experience some of the best beach riding Donegal has to offer. Horse riding lessons, beach/trail rides & pony camps available.

Donegal Equestrian Centre Finner Rd, Finner, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Ireland Telephone: +353 (0)71 9841977 Website: https://donegalequestriancentre.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonegalEquestrianCentre

Dunfanaghy Stables

Open all year round advance booking recommended.

THE REEL INN Traditional Music 7 Nights a Week! World Championship Irish Dancers during the summer months!

Ride the Wild Atlantic Way!

The perfect way to see the rugged coastline!

Dunfanaghy Stables, Arnolds Hotel, Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, Ireland. E: dunfanaghystables@hotmail.com

W: www.dunfanaghystables.com

The Reel Inn Bridge Street, Donegal +353 87 4119994 thereelinn@eircom.net

NORTHERN LIGHTS | DONEGAL

AN ISLAND WITH ITS OWN KING Nine miles off the coast of County Donegal, you’ll find one of the most remote – and certainly the most intriguing – of the Irish islands; Tory. Lying at the most northwesterly part of the Wild Atlantic Way, picturesque Tory Island is steeped in history, mythology and folklore, and today is home to a community of artists inspired by its wild and rugged beauty. What’s more, in a nod back to ancient times, this Irish-speaking community of just over 130 people is led by a king; a fellow islander elected by the people. When Saint Colmcille landed on Tory Island in the 6th century, he was helped by a member of a local family. Grateful, the saint made him king of the island. Since then, the regal line has been unbroken. Take the boat to the Irish-speaking island today and current king, Patsy Dan Rodgers, will be there to greet you, show you the rare Tau Cross and tell you how Tory was a stronghold of the Fomorians, a supernatural race whose bestknown figure was Balor of the Evil Eye!

A charismatic character, Patsy personally welcomes visitors to Tory, heading down to the island’s pier as ferries arrive. Last year saw a huge number of visitors make the trip across the Atlantic. “As King of Tory I personally welcomed roughly 17,000 people on the pier from the beginning of April to the end of September, “he said. “I would like to invite many more to come and visit, to come out and see the high cliffs, our culture, our dancing, our music and our singing.”

Sometimes the roads to nowhere or the back of beyond are the only roads worth traveling

BLOODY FORELAND AND THE EVIL EYE Despite its sinister moniker, Bloody Foreland has no tragic history to warrant the title. Instead, it derives its name from the evening sun that illuminates the rocks to a rich red hue. But this is Ireland, and where no facts exist, there is always folklore. This tale focuses on an unlikable warlord “Balor of the Evil Eye”, (yes, him again) who was eventually slain by his grandson Lugh Lámh Fhada. Some say that the tide of blood that flowed from Balor’s Evil Eye was what stained this hillside. Fact or folklore, the views from here are simply breathtaking. 203

NORTHERN LIGHTS | DONEGAL

After some serious scenery and photo shoots, hang out in a local pub like Teac Jack or Teach Hiudai Beag, or head to Leo’s Tavern – renowned for being the family home of Enya, Clannad and Moya Brennan.

Sailing Daily,

DONEGAL BAY WATERBUS - on the Wild Atlantic Way

Donegal’s #1 visitor attraction sets sail daily depending on the tide. Easily Accessible convenient parking for cars and coaches. The Donegal Bay Waterbus trip lasts for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and includes a full commentary on the historical, natural and geographical sights view from the vessel.Included also is the renowned on-board entertainment! For full details of the various sights you’ll see on the tour check out facebook. GROUP RATES AVAILABLE (weddings, private parties etc)

www.donegalbaywaterbus.com + 00 353 (0) 74 9723666

#1 Visitor Attraction

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THE NORTHERN SEABOARD The stretch of land to the very north faces daily onslaught from the mighty Atlantic but stubborn sea stacks refuse to buckle under its might. Depending on season this is a great place for some whale watching and the photo opportunities are numerous all about this wild paradise. Rest easy, though, there’ are gentler shorelines to clear the cobwebs very nearby. There’s a whole lot going on around Dungloe. Delve into the town’s musical heart and you’ll find one of Ireland’s most famous entertainers, Daniel O’Donnell, celebrated at the visitor center on the main street. Linger here a while to enjoy a rip-roaring live traditional Irish music session in Beedy’s Bar, owned by the family of Moya Doherty, cofounder of Riverdance. And if you arrive at the start of May, you’re just in time to join the Dungloe Walking Weekend – plenty of craic guaranteed. In July/August the Mary of Dungloe Festival is Donegal’s answer to the Rose of Tralee Festival and it is one of the best times for some serious fun all over the town night and day. If that’s all too much to take in, the gravity-defying Arch Stack at nearby Maghery is sure to take your breath away. If you overdo things a great way to freshen up is to take a trip out to Arranmore Island from Burtonport. You can even charter your own vessel with Inishfree Charters and see it all at your own pace.

NORTHERN LIGHTS | DONEGAL

GORGEOUS GLENTIES The town of Glenties lies at a point where two glens and two rivers converge, the Owena and the Stracashel. It is a beautiful sight and filled to the brim with soft spoken, beautiful people who welcome visitors with open arms and open hearts. If you are a bit of an angler you can get your permit from the Owenea Angling Centre and start teasing for a bite. For those who want to leave the wellies behind, wander the rooms of St Connell’s Museum & Heritage Centre, where you’ll find a moving commemoration of the Great Famine of 1845-1847, which saw Donegal’s potato crop obliterated.

Don’t attempt to leave without checking out the quaint and quirky Nancy’s Bar, a renowned traditional pub run by the McHugh family – and the epitome of friendly Irish-ness.

Golfers also take note: the Narin and Portnoo Golf Club is a scenic 18-hole links course with sweeping views of Gweebarra Bay. Anyone for tee times?

ROADS TO NOWHERE Sometimes the roads to nowhere or the back of beyond are the only roads worth traveling. Refresh the mind, body and spirit between Glencolmcille and Donegal Town.

THE HOME OF DONEGAL TWEED You’ll be utterly charmed by the warm welcome you receive in the close-knit community of Ardara – another glorious village set in a deep, beautiful valley. While at the Donegal Tweed Centre, find out all about the tradition of hand-weaving tweed (we challenge you to leave without bringing a sample of this beautiful fabric with you).

Just outside Ardara, and past the Assaranca Waterfall, are the Maghera Caves set on Maghera beach where you can walk miles on white sand without seeing another soul. It’s a little bit of a walk to get there (where the road runs out over some sand dunes) but well worth the walk for bracing air and total solitude. It’s said that during penal times, locals would hide out here to avoid capture.

Nature is spectacular and bracing here, from the sheer granite walls of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League, to the Northern Lights dancing in clear winter skies, to millions of seabirds gathering in great estuaries

Although Glencolmcille’s remoteness has been described as “the back of beyond”, that’s an injustice to the beauty of this area, which is peppered with ancient dwellings and megalithic tombs. Glencolmcille owes its name to Saint Columba, one of Ireland’s three patron saints, who came to this glen during the 6th century. Once notorious for smuggling, a trip to the 205

North America to Donegal Discover the secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal Airport - One of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 10 Most Scenic Airport Landings. Now you can book a through fare from North America to Donegal via Dublin and avail of a stress free through check in!

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NORTHERN LIGHTS | DONEGAL

Silver Strand will reward you with stunning views of a gorgeous beach surrounded by rocky cliffs, while guided tours of the Folk Village offers a warm Donegal welcome and an intimate experience of past ways of life. If you have time, check in on Malinbeg, a secluded bay visible from the Silver Strand beach Discovery Point and dramatized by the surrounding high, horseshoe shaped cliffs. A Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area, you may hear the sound of the local tongue, or you may hear nothing at all as you take in the most exceptional views. SEA CLIFFS & SEABIRDS One of the highlights of any visit to Donegal are the wondrous Slieve League sea cliffs, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 601m (1,972 feet). Leave your car behind and enjoy the walk to the viewing platform, where spectacular views of Donegal Bay and the Sligo Mountains await you. And look out too for stones marking out the word “Éire”, a navigation aid for aircraft during World War II. Nearby, at the tiny harbor of Teelin, a browncowled figure clasps his hands solemnly in prayer alongside a boat. This memorial symbolizes the 5th century monks who left from this historic part of Donegal to sail the treacherous seas to Iceland.

Donegal is crammed with dramatic beaches, but the adventure it takes to get to ‘The Murder Hole’ makes it extra special. Near Downings on the Rosguill Peninsula, this elusive beach is a total gem but it takes a bit of finding. There are no paths, roads nor signs to show the way, and it’s a bit of a hike over sand dunes to get there, but when you do, you’ll know you have arrived at pure perfection.

Quintessentially pretty and seemingly small in size, Killybegs is Ireland’s number one fishing port

FORT OF THE FOREIGNERS Killybegs overlooks Donegal Bay, across to the lighthouse at St John’s Point and onto the distinctive Ben Bulben mountain in Sligo. Quintessentially pretty and seemingly small in size, it is Ireland’s number one fishing port. The town has a profound connection to the ocean, and this is explained beautifully in the Maritime & Heritage Centre. At the mouth of the bay is Donegal Town, or Dhún na nGall (Irish), which translates as Fort of the Foreigners, referencing a time when Vikings made the town their stronghold. From Donegal Castle to the Franciscan Friary ruins, historical significance is everywhere. To see this pretty spot from the shores, hop onto the Donegal Bay Waterbus for gorgeous views of the Bluestack Mountains, Seal Island and the Bay itself. 207

Lightkeepers COTTAGE

SITUATED IN NORTH DONEGAL, THE FANAD PENINSULA WITH ITS RUGGED ATLANTIC COASTLINE, SECLUDED BEACHES, UNSPOILED LANDSCAPE AND VIBRANT CULTURE IS ONE OF IRELAND’S GREAT SECRETS.

t the tip of the peninsula, Fanad Head or Cionn Fhánada as it is locally known, is the location for one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world which in 2016, opened to the public to visit and to stay in, for the first time in its 200-year history! Fanad lighthouse stands at the point where the deep Lough Swilly fjord meets the Atlantic Ocean. It was first lit on Saint Patrick’s Day, 1817, built as a consequence of the sinking of HMS Saldahna, a British naval vessel scuppered on adjacent rocks

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in 1811 with the loss of 254 lives. Today, it is still a working lighthouse, providing the same steadfast service to all vessels at sea. The light is now fully automated however, the light-keepers have left and their homes have been renovated to provide luxury accommodation for anyone wishing to break away for a time. The three self-catering cottages boast have no wi-fi and a very unreliable phone signal! Other than that, every modern comfort is supplied and the view is to die for. Perched on the edge of the ocean, you are

NORTHERN LIGHTS

ideally placed to watch the sunset and the sunrise. The Aurora Borealis is visible from here and on any clear night, you will be spellbound by the spectacle of stars in the night sky. Daily guided tours allow visitors to experience the life of the light-keeper, the history of the lighthouse, hear stories the tragedies in the surrounding sea, and breathe in the spectacular scenery as you learn about the new technology that watches the coastline today. Climb the 79 granite steps to the top of the tower and take in the panoramic views. There are three other lighthouses to see from here and you might very well see dolphins or other cetaceans passing by. Staying here, you might forget about the great amenities on your doorstep but there are many. You are ideally positioned between two of

Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best golf links courses, Portsalon and Rosapenna. Sea-kayaking, surfing, angling and hill walking are all available in the area. Donegal boasts beautiful golden beaches and from the lighthouse you can walk the rich and varied coastline. Get the tastes of Donegal in local restaurants and, did we mention the local pub is just a 10-minute walk away? The lighthouse is in a Gaeltacht or Irish speaking area and the Irish language is very much alive here. Fanad lighthouse is one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland, one of 12 lighthouses around the coast of Ireland now open to the public. It is run as a community not-for-profit for the sustainable development of the area. www.fanadlighthouse.com www.greatlighthouses.com 209

TEXT | PLACE

Abbey &

CENTRAL HOTELS PLAN YOUR STAY ON THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY IN THE CENTER OF DONEGAL TOWN

oted the coolest destination in the world by Lonely Planet, there are many reasons to visit Donegal, with Donegal Town at the very heart of this beautiful county. Donegal Town features a charming harbor, serene beaches and the remains of centuries past, like those of the 15th-century Donegal Abbey or Donegal Castle - recently restored to its Gaelic glory. A former market town, Donegal Town still retains a lively, friendly buzz with locals keen to share their stories with you. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for souvenirs Donegal visitors are spoiled with signature goods of the area including handwoven Donegal Tweed from Irish House or Magee of Donegal. A visit to Hanna Hats is also a must. For a good craic the local pubs of The Diamond area are a sure bet with traditional music offered nightly. A great base for experiencing it all and for touring the area are at the family run Abbey and Central Hotels. Located right on the Wild Atlantic Way, the views from either are glorious. Both hotels enjoy panoramic views overlooking Donegal Bay where you can hop

on the waterbus to discover the area and hear all about the famine past and of families who departed these shores for pastures new. As can be expected in these parts, food and drink is something of a specialty. The hotels will spoil you with cuisine options from the Market House Restaurants famous for steak on the stone and fresh fish in the Abbey Hotel, or at Chapmans Restaurant in the Central Hotel. Equally delicious is afternoon tea overlooking The Diamond, served daily. Both hotels offer lively bars with nightly entertainment and delicious bar food. Entertainment ranges from traditional Irish music to the latest country music weekends drawing crowds from far and wide and providing for a lively atmosphere and guaranteed craic. At the end of a day sightseeing, relax at the leisure center, take a stroll around the bank walk, then return for a hot Irish whiskey and a massage in Sabai Treatment Room. Consistently top rated and described as the crown jewels of the area, a stay at the Abbey or Central hotels will be a truly memorable experience. 211

A S I N G LE GRAIN M A D E BY A PRO U D MANY A resilient town with a brilliant whiskey, the spirit of Kilbeggan shines in every bottle. KilbegganÂŽ Single Grain Irish W hiskey 43% Alc./Vol. ÂŠ2017 Kilbeggan Distilling Import Company, Chicago, IL

TASTE OF IRELAND

A Taste OF IRELAND

IRELAND HAS LONG BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR THE BEAUTY OF ITS LANDSCAPES AND SEASCAPES, THE BUZZ OF ITS CITIES, AND THE WARMTH OF ITS PEOPLE. NOW VISITORS ARE COMING FOR OUR FOOD AND DRINK TOO.

nd that’s hardly surprising. For Ireland has a natural, honest approach to food and an easygoing, warm style that’s both rooted in tradition and very 21st century. Thanks to our mild climate, clean seas, fertile soil and even the rain too, we have some of

the best raw ingredients in the world. And, on this small island, local rules. You’ll eat seafood straight off the boat. Dairy from local pastures. Beef, lamb and pork raised within a few miles. Sea veg harvested on nearby strands. Wild food foraged from hedgerows. Greens picked that same day.

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Expertly prepared, then served simply and fresh as can be it’s as if you can really taste the place: Atlantic swells, mountain mists, turf fires and soft green fields. In Ireland, good food is just the start: you’ll shake the hand that feeds you too - in shops and smokehouses, on harbors and farms, at micro-breweries and markets, in traditional pubs, small-town cafés, city bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants. There’s the chance to visit producers, to follow food trails, to take part in food festivals, to learn traditional skills, to forage and fish, or simply to join in the chat at the bakery, on the quayside or at the bar. And speaking of bars, Irish Whiskey is enjoying a great comeback; it is one of Ireland’s fastest growing sectors, exporting over 94% of its output. Our mild, temperate, climate and long growing season provide ideal conditions to produce premium quality malting barley and now even Irish colleges are jumping on the bandwagon, offering college degrees in brewing and distilling. 214

Little wonder therefore that distilleries are popping up all over the place. Irish whiskey is alive and well with new found enthusiasts discovering the sweet softness of grain whiskey, the soft spice from the pot still and the fruitiness of the malt in Irish whiskeys. The ‘water of life’ is all about unique flavors and distinct tastes – so follow the trail of this national treasure around the island of Ireland for a guaranteed taste sensation.

Expertly prepared, then served simply and fresh as can be it’s as if you can really taste the place: Atlantic swells, mountain mists, turf fires and soft green fields

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IRISH FOOD SENSATIONS Food in Ireland is steeped in traditions of homecooked classics and comforting favorites. These contemporary recipes preserve that sense of home cooking and offer a whole new dimension to the taste buds – traditional food with a modern twist. BORN & BRAISED Voted Northern Ireland’s signature dish and developed by leading chefs, Born and Braised (shin of Irish beef served with beetroot and bone marrow gremolata) is a recipe packed with flavor and voted by the public as the epitome of Northern Ireland cuisine. Look out for Born and Braised in restaurants across Northern Ireland or sample the work of its creators: Niall McKenna from James Street South in Belfast; Ian Orr from Browns Restaurant and Ardtara House in Derry-Londonderry; Kelan McMichael from Bull and Ram in Ballynahinch, County Down and Chris McGowan from Wine and Brine in County Armagh. Northern Ireland is packed with food festivals and exciting food trails. Discover food gems at St George’s Market in Belfast, eat like the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms on a Game of Thrones® Medieval Banquet Night experience at Castle Ward in County Down or take a ferry to Rathlin Island for the Rathlin Food Tour and immerse yourself in the traditions and tastes of this prehistoric volcanic isle off the Antrim Coast. LAMB CHOPS WITH COMBER POTATOES County Down is rightly proud of the Comber Earlies, potatoes know for their nutty, sweet taste and EU Protected Geographical indication status. So, its hardly surprising that they are beloved of chefs who have a respect for traditions and a passion for innovation. Try this flavor-packed dish at Balloo House with chef Danny Millar. Ballyhoo is a 400-year old inn nestled in the County Down countryside delivering a wonderful mix of comfort and charm that nicely complements its award-winning food. The namesake of the famous potato, Comber town is situated on the northern end of

Strangford Lough, and area of outstanding natural beauty and a haven for nature lovers and foodies alike. GUINNESS BREAD From the home of the black stuff, we give you Guinness bread. Nothing says Ireland like brown soda bread, but combined with the rich taste of Guinness, this loaf is sure to leave you wanting more. Head to the Brewer’s Dining Hall on the fifth floor of The Guinness Storehouse and pair this tasty bread with the beef and Guinness stew. You’ll be set up for the day for sure! LOBSTER LAWYER When it comes to fresh seafood, Ireland’s coasts are laden with treasures delivered to shore daily. The Lobster Lawyer recipe by chef Aidan MacManus of the King Sitric in the Dublin fishing village of Howth is simple, luscious food at its 215

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best – caught daily by fishermen in Balscadden Bay, just outside the restaurant. The pretty village of Howth is a beautiful surprise to visitors being that it is on Dublin Bay and part of the capital city, yet it feels like a village you might discover in the wilds of Donegal or along the delightful Dingle coast. Howth village has seafood restaurants, a bustling market and the medieval Howth Castle. Venture a little further and you can enjoy breathtaking views from the Howth Cliff Path Loop walk. BACON AND CABBAGE TERRINE Any Irish person worth their salt has had more bacon and cabbage dinners than they care to remember and this tasty staple meal is elevated to new heights thanks to The Olde Post Inn’s sophisticated recipe by head chef Gearoid Lynch. Even more impressive, it is it’s coeliac-friendly.

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The Olde Post Inn can be found in County Cavan, an anglers paradise with a multitude of lakes to choose from. If you don’t make it as far as Cavan, The Gravediggers pub in Glasnevin, Dublin make a fine Bacon and Cabbage spring roll! Their tapas are to die for in a pub that used to serve Guinness to grave-diggers through a hole in the wall! RHUBARB BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING Bread and Butter Pudding was traditionally made using left over bread spread with butter and sultanas and baked in an egg custard. Although traditionally used in pies and crumbles, Irish cook, Darina Allen’s twist on the old recipe is a comforting combination and a warm and welcoming delight, merging the tart taste of rhubarb with the richness of cream and vanilla. This and may other divine dishes can be had at the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, County Cork where the house, restaurant and cookery school has its own 100-acre organic farm.

County Down is rightly proud of the Comber Earlines, potatoes known for their nutty, sweet taste and EU Protected, a Geographical indication status

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Connacht

WHISKEY DISTILLERY OVER A GAME OF GOLF ONE AFTERNOON AN IDEA BECAME A DREAM AND THE DREAM BECAME A REALITY.

he Connacht Distillery sits on the banks of the beautiful River Moy where the river widens into the Moy Estuary in Ballina, County Mayo. A small independent team committed to restoring and reimagining the greatness of Irish whiskey, here the Connacht Whiskey Company distil and barrel-age spirits in a rural, coastal environment unique to the West of Ireland.

The Connacht Whiskey Company is the result of a dream shared by four men, three Americans and one Irishman, to bring pure pot still Irish whiskey back to the West of Ireland after an absence of over 100 years. These men share bonds of family and friendship. They also share a respect of heritage and a commitment to Connacht, one of the most natural and unspoiled regions of Ireland.

The custom-built craft distillery embraces the ancient heritage and tradition of spirit production and was created for one purpose â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to make great whiskey in the west of Ireland.

The location within Ballina is quite unique, sitting a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from the famous River Moy while also nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way in an unspoilt and somewhat undiscovered part

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of Ireland. Guests are welcomed from all corners of the world who may have stumbled on the distillery accidentally or who may have sought out this unique Irish distillery out in the wilds of the west of Ireland. the world who are looking to embrace the real, rural part of Ireland that they imagine when conjuring images in their heads. “Our guests are looking for a real authentic Irish experience perhaps off the beaten path, and to take back memories and mementos that are only available here,” explains founder and visitor centre manager, Lyndsey Harkins. “Our building itself was once the site of a busy family bakery, and we are proud of our connection with the Duffy family who used Irish grains to hand craft their breads, instead of the smell of freshly baked bread lingering on this side of the river there is a smell of whiskey in the air!” The Connacht distillery offers guests a unique behind the scenes look the production of Irish spirits and in particular Irish whiskey. The tour delves into the history of the industry, how it has changed and the future prospects. Guests are taken on a tour of the distillery floor where master distillers are at work creating unique west of Ireland spirits. Guests are greeted in the state of the art lobby where they are briefed on the history of the company and the story behind what we they do. The tours are unique in providing an up close and personal glimpse of a real working distillery. Tours are designed to be small and interactive, so that guests can really enjoy the experience without feeling in any way hurried or herded through. Visitors are then ushered into the production area where the heart of the distillery beats loudly – here the smells, sights and sounds really come alive! Guests then learn the exact production process from the grains room, brew house, the fermentation farm and lastly, the distillation copper pot stills. Each stage is explained thoroughly with interlays on what the company are tweaking and doing slightly differently to other distilleries to make their spirits stand out. “On every tour we take samples of the wort, the fermented alcohol, wash distillation and 218

double and triple distillation, these visual and scent queues reaffirm to our guests that as they are standing on the production floor where Irish magic is being made!” enthuses Head Distiller, John Park. The production tour ends with a glimpse inside the bottling room where all spirits are painstakingly hand bottled and boxed as well as a look at how casks are racked for whiskey maturation. A BIT OF MALARKEY The Mullarkey tasting room features a beautiful bar made from reclaimed wood from Boland’s Mills (the largest bakery in Dublin in the late 19th century). Here visitors learn about the namesakes behind each of spirits in the tasting room after the tour. The west of Ireland tradition of Straw Boys is brought to life with custom made straw hats that guests are encouraged to try on while learning about illicit Irish poitin. Guests can discover the story of Conncullin gin including the fact that all water used in the distillery comes in from the two intertwining lakes of Lough Conn and Lough Cullin. Guests are then taught how to nose, taste and appreciate each of the spirits they sample. While the distillery waits eagerly for their own Connacht Whiskey to mature in their maturation ground in the distillery (release

will be 2019) the brands include three specially selected whiskeys - Spade and Bushel 10-year old single Malt whiskey which offers the taster a complex, warm and rich flavor profile and at cask strength provides a real depth of flavor. Ballyhoo Irish whiskey which has been finished in port casks is a subtle and slightly warmer while the Brothership whiskey melds the complexity of Irish whiskey with the cool tones of American rye, a first Irish American blend on the market! For those that prefer a different tipple, Straw Boys Poitin and Straw Boys Irish Vodka were created to honor the non-whiskey drinker while the Conncullin rich botanical gin adds floral and citrus hues to a refreshing Gin and Tonic. Staff are not only friendly and welcoming but also passionate, interested and enthusiastic about the company and of course, Irish whiskey. The cead mile failte here is palatable, reflected in top reviews on Tripadvisor and other social media outlets. This small team is truly a family and will welcome everyone who crosses the doorstep as an extension of that family. The welcome team at the Connacht Whiskey Distillery offer guided scheduled tours daily at 12:30 and 15:30, pre-booking is advised via the website www.connachtwhiskey.com

CMY

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Tours and Tastings

We enjoy sharing our love of Irish spirits with visitors. Our guided distillery tours bring you through our process of making whiskey and will help you understand why we are so passionate about pure pot still Irish whiskey. We set up our tours to be small and interactive, so that you can really enjoy the experience. If you wish to make a booking for the distillery tours and tastings, please visit www.connachtwhiskey.com, contact us directly on 096 74902 or e-mail hello@connachtwhiskey.com

Winter Opening Hours

Monday to Fri – 10am - 6pm, Sat- 12noon – 5pm

Summer Opening Hours

Monday to Fri – 10am - 6pm Sat & Sun - 12noon – 5pm Guided Tours available please book online or call the distillery directly to make a booking

Guided Tours Available

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (Summer Only)

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SPIRIT

OF THE BOYNE VALLEY

n September 2017, following two years of renovations, Slane Distillery finally opened its doors to the public.

Located on the historic grounds of Slane Castle in the Boyne Valley, just 30 miles outside of Dublin, the new distillery offers guests guided tours with an interactive visitor experience as well as a first-hand look at the unique creation process involved in producing Slane Irish Whiskey. But what is it about Slane Distillery that sets it apart from other Distilleries in Ireland? Slane Castle Estate has been home to the Conynghams since 1703, a family that have been part of the Slane community for generations. Slane Castle itself has hosted everyone from King George IV to renowned bands recording albums to more than a million music fans during the legendary Slane concert series. Of course, Slane is well known as a town steeped in rich history. The river Boyne flows beneath the castle grounds and nearby Newgrange, which is a World Heritage Site, is one of the earliest and most significant historical structures in Western Europe. UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP As the Conynghams began their journey and decided to build their own distillery on the grounds of Slane Castle, they partnered with global spirits company, Brown Forman. Bringing together the barrel-raising art and

whiskey leadership of the Brown family from Kentucky, famous throughout the whiskey and bourbon-drinking world, and the historic lands of the Conyngham family, Slane Distillery is the result of a shared passion for innovation and sustainability. Slane Distillery is the first distillery BrownForman has built outside of the US and is set in the original stables complex adjacent to Slane Castle. Now, the stables live on with another purpose – restored and converted into the framework for Slane Distillery itself and the fascinating new interactive visitor experience. AN ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Sustainability is very at the core of Slane Distillery, and a belief that is echoed by Brown Forman whose vision, Building Forever, is inherently linked to environmental sustainability. With a shared vision, every element of production at Slane Distillery designed with the surrounding environment in mind – from spent grain used to feed cattle on Slane Castle Estate to the creation of thermal energy on site which is in turn used to part-power the whiskey stills. VISITOR EXPERIENCE When visitors arrive at Slane Distillery, they are taken on a truly immersive guided tour of a state-of-the art working distillery. Unlike other visitor experiences, Slane Distillery guided tours are as unique as the smooth and flavorful triple-casked whiskey. Guests are brought on a

journey that encapsulates the rich tapestry of the Conyngham family history, interwoven with the expertise of Brown Forman. A visit to Slane Distillery takes guests from barley to barrel making, through pot still distillation, production and maturation - all housed within the original stables designed by the 18th century architect Capability Brown. There are also two unique tasting rooms in Slane Distillery. In a nod to the numerous rock concerts that have taken place on the grounds over the years, the Whiskey Lounge is dedicated to and decorated with musical memorabilia, while the Stalls Bar retains the original features of what once was the estate’s horse stables with 18th-century horse boxes transformed into seating booths with a bar at the end, perfect forserving and sharing drams of Slane Irish Whiskey. With the vision of the Conyngham family and fertile lands of the Castle Estate coupled with the 147-year- old whiskey-making mastery of Kentucky’s Brown Family, Slane Distillery combines modern whiskey-making techniques in a uniquely Irish setting and ensures that exceptional whiskey will be produced in Boyne Valley for generations to come. To book a tour and learn more about Slane Irish Whiskey and the unique creation process at Slane Distillery & Visitor Centre, visit www.slaneirishwhiskey.com 221

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Ireland’s

ROYAL COUNTY FROM WORLD-CLASS HERITAGE SITES TO HORSERACING ON THE BEACH AND THE ORIGINAL HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION, MEATH IS THE SUPERSTAR OF IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST.

ou want heritage? Meath has it in spades. It was the former seat of the High Kings of Ireland; offered up the 12th century Trim Castle as a key location in Mel Gibson’s epic movie, Braveheart. The county is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site (one of only three in Ireland) at Brú na Bóinne. In fact, the Royal County is the epitome of what makes Ireland’s Ancient East so special.

depths. Before the Pyramids emerged from the sand or Stonehenge stood tall, this place was home to farmers and families, people intent on leaving their legacy on Ireland’s landscape – and oh, what a mark they made. Sitting within the curved arm of the River Boyne, Brú na Bóinne safeguards the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe, dotted across over 90 Neolithic monuments.

BRÚ NA BÓINNE For over 5,000 years, Brú na Bóinne has cradled secrets borne of Neolithic ingenuity, hidden within sacred artwork and subterranean

Here you can find the Neolithic passage tombs at Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange, together with an interpretative center. Newgrange is the best known of the trio, famous for the spectacular

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For over 5,000 years, Brú na Bóinne has cradled secrets borne of Neolithic ingenuity, hidden within sacred artwork and subterranean depths shaft of light that spills through its roof-box every year at winter solstice. Amazingly, this alignment, which coaxes the sunlight 19 meters into the heart of the chamber, was engineered some 5,000 years ago. How can you see the alignment? Lady Luck has the answer. A lottery system gives ordinary folk a chance to be present in the corbelled chamber on the days around 21st December. But don’t worry – all visitors are treated to a simulation. HORSES FOR COURSES Perhaps it’s the heft it gets from all that heritage, but Meath does “old-school” very well indeed. Rivers such as the Boyne, the Blackwater and the Deel, together with the Royal Canal are havens for the angler, while its flat, rich pastureland is perfect fodder for the horses that are so successfully bred and raced there. Once a year that racing tradition extends to the sandy stretches of Laytown Strand for

the Laytown Races. Europe’s only officially approved beach racing has been thronged since it was first staged in 1868. Its unique, heady atmosphere means it’s a magnet for horse lovers and the curious alike. THE HILL OF THE WITCH At Loughcrew in County Meath, local folklore tells the story of a magical woman, Garavogue – some say a witch, some say a goddess. She would pass over the land, shaping the rocks and the soil. But as she flew over Loughcrew, casting stones down, she fell from the sky – and the rocks she dropped became what is known as the Goddess’ Throne. The area is filled with tales like this. Discover them on a nature walk, or time your visit for the spring or autumn equinox to catch the sunlight illuminating the passageway at the Carnbane East megalithic tomb – an ancient feat of engineering that must be seen to be believed! 223

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On the Hill of Uisneach you’ll find a huge weathered limestone boulder known as Aill na Míreann, this is the resting place of the goddess Ériu, Ireland’s namesake

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RUNNING UP THOSE HILLS Meath’s history is laced with hidden surprises, and lots of hills. You may know that monster rock acts like U2, REM, Bruce Springsteen and Queen have played Slane Castle, for instance, but did you know Ireland’s great liberator, Daniel O’Connell, once spoke before a rally of one million people at the Hill of Tara? Or that another historic hill, the Hill of Ward, was where the Celtic festival of Halloween (Samhain) was first celebrated?

In 433 AD, as the Celtic druids celebrated their feast day on the nearby Hill of Tara in County Meath, St Patrick planned to ignite the flames of Christianity on the Hill of Slane. As the flames of Patrick’s paschal fire reached higher into the sky and the smoke furled over the landscape, High King Laoire was warned of his defiant act and set out to quell the fire, lest it burn forever. Brought before the furious king, St Patrick’s belief and Christian values impressed the ruler so much that he allowed him to freely preach his creed across the island.

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On the Hill of Uisneach you’ll find a huge weathered limestone boulder known as Aill na Míreann (the Stone of Divisions). Step lightly, for you stand on the hallowed resting place of the goddess Ériu, Ireland’s namesake. This sacred site was the meeting point of the ancient provinces, where the first fires of Bealtaine (summer) were lit. The tradition has been rekindled in recent times, with the Festival of the Fires igniting celebrations through fire, music and performance. The setting for many a celebration down the centuries Meath is home to one of Ireland’s premier wedding venues at Tankardstown House, an opulent choice for accommodation, dining and special occasions in the surrounds of an 18th century manor house. Meath has much to offer and at less than an hour’s drive from the capital, you get to peel back the layers of time at the very heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.

iscover the history of Athlone, its castle and people through a series of interactive and audio visual exhibitions.

ATHLONE CASTLE www.athlonecastle.ie

LUAN GALLERY contemporary visual art

Luan Gallery is Athlone’s municipal visual

art gallery. Featuring exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art.

www.luangallery.ie

LUAN GALLERY

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Say ‘I Do’ TO IRELAND

STEEPED IN HISTORY AND ROMANCE, IRELAND’S LUSH GREEN LANDSCAPE DOTTED WITH CASTLES AND PERIOD COUNTRY ESTATES MAKES IT THE IDEAL DESTINATION FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING.

rom celebrity couples to those with Irish roots, or those simply seeking the most spectacular wedding setting – Ireland has it all. Modern couples want a unique location as well as the opportunity to vacation with family and friends. Couples are finding that they can spend several days celebrating with guests in Ireland for less than the cost of the average celebration back home. And when it comes to fairy-tale settings, they don’t get much better than Ireland. 226

Some worry that the weather might be a bit offputting but contrary to what you might think, it doesn’t rain all of the time. Ireland’s climate is temperate which makes for an enjoyable visit at any time of the year. Therefore, you don’t need to be over influenced by selecting a particular time of the year. Focus instead on what aspect of Ireland you want to enjoy and let this determine the timing. For instance, there are many people who prefer Ireland in the Fall when log fires are burning, with warm food created by award

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“Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, and Saturday no day at all.”

winning chefs tasting particularly good as nature puts on some of its most spectacular shows. Regardless of the timing of your visit, the Irish welcome is always waiting and always warm. Your guests will be blown away with the beauty of Ireland and the unique identity of the Irish people. CELTIC INFLUENCES Ever wondered where the expression ‘tying the knot’ came from? It harks back to the Celtic tradition of Handfasting which involved tying the hands of the betrothed together in advance of their actual wedding day. It is similar to an engagement, a time when both parties decide if they really wish to commit. In the Medieval period an annual fair was held at Teltown, County Meath on the Festival of Lugnasadh known as the Óenach Tailten which was presided over by the King of Tara. The fair was an annual meeting at which games, horse racing, marriages and religious ceremonies

took place. The tradition of ‘tying the knot’ or handfasting is recorded by Irish historian John O’Donovan at one such festival. “A number of young men went into the hollow to the north side of the wall and an equal number of marriageable young women to the south side of the wall which was so high as to prevent them from seeing the men; one of the women put her hand thro’ the hole in the gate and a man took hold of it from the other side, being guided in his choice only by the appearance of the hand. The two were thus joined in hands by blind chance and were obliged to live together for a year and a day, at the expiration of which time they appeared at the Rath of Telton and if they were not satisfied with each other they obtained a deed of separation and were entitled to go to Laganeeny again to try their good fortune for the ensuing year.” At the time Ireland was ruled by Brehon Law and handfasting was recognized as a proper form 227

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white dress became popular. The “something blue” would still be incorporated into the brides’ accessories – be it on a garter, tied around the bouquet or sewn into the underneath of the dress. Green - although a symbol of Ireland was always deemed to be unlucky – although this superstition has largely have died out in recent times. The tradition of wedding flowers goes back to the day when it was customary to decorate the house that the wedding celebration was held in with locally grown flowers and plants. These would vary according to the time of the year that the wedding was held. Some plants have become associated with Ireland, not least the now readily available ‘Bells of Ireland’, used in modern times for its symbolism. A Celtic tradition in Wales involves the plant Myrtle which is presented by the bride to the bridesmaids who then plant it in their gardens. If the plant grew then the bridesmaid would be married before the year is out!

Hand-fasting involves the binding of hands with ribbons, tying a knot that binds the couple together. In modern day ceremonies handfasting is still used as a symbol of binding a couple together in holy matrimony

of marriage – some would say a pretty good one too, in that you got to ‘try out’ the marriage for a year and if it didn’t work out, you found somebody else the next year. Handfasting in the Pagan tradition is often an integral part of the ceremony. Pagan weddings observe hand-fasting which involves the binding of hands with ribbons, literally tying a knot that ties the couple together. In modern day ceremonies handfasting is still used as a symbol of binding a couple together in holy matrimony. IRISH WEDDING TRADITIONS The expression ‘his goose is cooked’ is still in use in Ireland and especially in Dublin. The phrase originated from the tradition of cooking a goose for the groom in the bride’s house the night before the wedding. Once the goose was cooked there was simply no going back! Traditionally in Ireland brides wore blue dresses, as it was seen as the color of true love and purity. However, over time this tradition faded and the

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No Irish wedding would be complete without the traditional toast to the happy couple – usually after the meal and before or during the speeches. These days it is often done with champagne but back in the day that was in short supply in Ireland so for many Poteen was the drink of choice. Poteen is a very strong whiskey made from potatoes. It was not uncommon for the flavor and recipe to vary from village to village depending on the type of potato that was refined and the skill of the person doing the refining. Mead was the other (and far more palatable) alternative. Mead is an Anglo-Saxon drink originally made by monks and consists of white wine mixed with honey and herbs. It became very popular in Ireland and is often served in modern times as a traditional Irish wedding drink. The mead was said to possess magical powers of fertility and thus it became customary for the bride and groom to drink it for one full moon after their wedding, giving rise to the word ‘honeymoon’. The tradition of a horseshoe is well known throughout the world and so it is in Ireland. By placing the horseshoe upright over a door or in a room the ‘luck of the house’ was kept intact. The Greeks associated the horseshoe with the crescent moon and its symbolism of fertility. The tradition was popular throughout Ireland and

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England too with the readily available horseshoe being carried by the bride as she walked down the aisle. It was then affixed securely by the groom in the matrimonial home. Today, glass and ceramic horseshoes are symbolically used at Irish wedding ceremonies. Remember when your mom would tell you to always have a hanky in your pocket? Well so it was for brides and the tradition is alive and well today. The bride carries a hanky on her wedding day and it is kept and later converted to a christening hat or bonnet for her first child. The hanky would be passed on from generation to generation to be re-used in a similar manner. Dowry-giving was very well established in rural Ireland and was a source of pride for the family of the bride. Modernity has relegated this tradition to the history books however it is still common for bride’s parents to pay for the wedding – in effect paying to ‘give her away’. Jewelry is hugely important and today magnificent rings are available to brides but it is still common for a traditional Claddagh ring to be used at Irish weddings, most often by the groom. The ring is faced outwards prior to the wedding and reversed to face inwards on the hand after the wedding, indicating that the bearer is taken forever. The Claddagh ring is very much associated with marriage and romance. Days and months also brought superstition – some were deemed luckier than others. “Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, and Saturday no day at all.” LOCATION IS EVERYTHING Weddings are full of customs and traditions but one thing that always stands out is the venue; this sets the tone for the entire celebration and apart from the dress, is likely the most important choice that any bride will make.

few days, or do you want it all done for you by an in-house team? Whatever you choose there are an abundance of options – sometimes too many, so let’s help make it easier.

Since Ireland is a relatively small country, there are vast open spaces and endless castles and country homes with large swathes of land to fit the bill perfectly. If your dream is to be lord and lady of the manor, no problem; it’s just a question of which stately home, how big and how many guests you intend to bring. Maybe you want to hire your own castle in its entirety for a

No matter what you want from your special day, Ireland’s top wedding venues already have all of the answers – including answers to questions you may not have even thought to ask. The following pages take a look at the cream of the crop so, save yourself endless hours of stress and research by reaching out to the experts. Your dream wedding may be closer than you think!

Weddings are full of customs and traditions but one thing that always stands out is the venue; this sets the tone for the entire celebration and apart from the dress, is likely the most important choice that any bride will make. 229

TALKARDSTOWN HOUSE.

A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY ONCE IN A WHILE, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ORDINARY LIFE, LOVE GIVES US A FAIRY TALE.

ouples can celebrate the beginning of their beautiful journey where ‘two become one’ in the fairy tale setting of Tankardstown House. Located near the village of Slane, just 45 minutes from Dublin, Tankardstown comprises 80 acres of magnificent parkland, walled gardens, courtyards and woodland - all surrounding the focal point of the estate, an imposing 18th century manor house and orangery. Lavish or low key, traditional or trendsetting, simple or stylish. Whatever taste a couple has, Tankardstown exudes understated elegance and luxury, providing the perfect backdrop for a dream wedding. Woodland, rolling parkland, courtyards and walled gardens surround Tankardstown House. This relaxed and peaceful setting reflects the Georgian style of garden comprising large expanses of lawn and formal structured gardens. The walled garden in particular, with its summer house and pergola is very popular for outdoor ceremonies when the weather permits. The 1/2km lime tree avenue from the main gate provides a spectacular approach for guests

arriving at Tankardstown and is a wonderful backdrop for photographs. Especially theirs for the perfect day, guests are welcomed into the main house drawing rooms for pre-dinner drinks & canapés. The house itself has been superbly restored and continues to be lovingly cared for. Large open fires blazing and candlelight invite guests to relax and enjoy themselves, chatting and mingling with family and friends. Should the sun appear, guests can wander on to the west terrace and enjoy the late afternoon sunshine before ambling down the winding staircase to the magnificent orangery, at lower garden level, where dining worthy of its surroundings is served with great care and attention to every detail. The orangery, perfect for dining and dancing, is a wonderful airy space flooded with light. Complete with formal roof planting, the orangery offers a seamless link from the indoors, adorned with two large decadent chandeliers and antique furniture and giltedged mirrors reflecting olive trees in large planters – drawing the visitor through the double doors onto the terrace and gardens

that lay beyond. Seating for up to 230 guests can be accommodated for dining. All food is loving prepared by Tankardstown chefs, under the guidance of Executive Head Chef, Eoin Gilchrist and his culinary team. Having earned wonderful reviews and acclaim from previous guests, Eoin and his team are constantly striving to create and introduce new and seasonal dishes to the master menu from which guests can tailor their own personal menu by selecting their favorite dishes to offer guests on the day. Consistently rated in Ireland’s top 5 wedding venues, each and every special occasion at Tankardstown receives exemplary care and attention from the initial enquiry through to the day itself and beyond – as the newlywed’s departure down the lime tree avenue and out the gate to a wonderful new life together. www.tankardstown.ie 231

“Myrtle Allen is the holy-grail, the mothership. She’s where modern Irish food began” Allan Jenkin, Observer Food Magazine #OFM50

“Irish country house cooking with a classical twist, utilizing the freshest fruit and veg from the walled garden, sublime fresh seafood from Ballycotton, superb local meat and one of the finest wine cellars in the country, all served in delightful surroundings” Gillian Nelis, Sunday Business Post #GreatIrishRestaurants

Ballymaloe House, Cafe, Shop & Grainstore

Shanagarry, East Cork, P25 Y070 For restaurant and bedroom bookings call 021 465 2531

res@ballymaloe.ie www.ballymaloe.com

For wedding enquiries please contact hazel@ballymaloe.com

WEDDED BLISS

Fall in Love WITH BALLYMALOE

allymaloe House is internationally renowned as the home of modern Irish food and Myrtle Allen, the Grande Dame of this beautiful Irish Country House hotel in East Cork. Myrtle and Ivan Allen first opened the doors to their family home in 1964 with a Cork Newspaper invitation to ‘Dine in a country house’. Ivan was farming the 400 acres of fertile and productive farmland surrounding their 17th Century house built onto a Norman Castle, and Myrtle was rearing their 6 children and teaching herself to cook with the bountiful seasonal produce from the Ballymaloe farm and walled garden. Myrtle Allen wrote her menu daily based on what was fresh and available; she read recipe books, attended courses and swapped ideas and recipes with her friends and neighbors. The Yeats Room restaurant gained popularity and as Ivan began to explore the world of wine, they swiftly expanded their offering and opened some of their family bedrooms to guests. By the late 60’s and early 1970’s the Ballymaloe Country House Hotel was well established and gaining popularity and international recognition. The principles in which food is prepared and the warm hospitality at Ballymaloe

have not changed since Ivan and Myrtle Allen first opened their doors back in the 1960’s. Ballymaloe House is still run by the Allen family and food is still grown onsite and prepared in a simple way. The family continue to champion Myrtle’s philosophy that to produce the best food requires the finest and freshest of seasonal ingredients. And Ballymaloe House remains a welcoming Irish country house offering genuine Irish hospitality and character.

of the celebrations. Although there are only 29 rooms at Ballymaloe House and 4 selfcatering cottages on the farm, there is plenty of high caliber alternative accommodation (from 5* to B&B) in the immediate area.

Ballymaloe House is only 20 miles from the historic city of Cork in southwest Ireland and minutes from the breathtaking south coast and the unspoilt picturesque fishing village of Ballycotton. East Cork is conveniently located on Ireland’s Ancient East close to Cork International Airport and it is also ideally located as the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s also only 3 hours from Dublin.

Ballymaloe’s internationally acclaimed kitchen prepare seasonal wedding feasts using predominantly produce from their own farm and walled garden or local producers. Wedding packages are designed with each individual couple to include venue hire, wine, canapés and a 5-course meal including late night snacks from €130pp. For larger parties in the Grainstore, the kitchen work closely with another family business, outside catering company Wildside (www. wildsidecatering.ie), who offer alternative catering. However, no two weddings are the same and we were advised that this is a guide price only. Considering every wedding at Ballymaloe House is unique, they advise you to call or email to discuss your personal requirements directly.

There are 29 bedrooms and a couple of farm cottages available at Ballymaloe House and the bedrooms come in all shapes and sizes, from large and airy to cozy including ground floor rooms in the courtyard. Weddings at Ballymaloe House come in all different shapes and sizes too. Couples can book the house exclusively and make this iconic Irish country house their own for the duration

The Ballymaloe Grainstore is a spacious and beautifully converted stone farm building on site at Ballymaloe House ideal for all guests to be in one room, alternatively, guests can dine within the dining rooms of Ballymaloe House.

Photography Credit: David McClelland 233

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THE K CLUB A WEDDING AT THE K CLUB OFFERS THE ELEGANCE OF A WORLD-CLASS RESORT, THE EXCLUSIVITY OF A ‘ONE WEDDING A DAY’ POLICY, AND THE LUXURY OF ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING VENUES IN EUROPE.

hether you’re thinking of sumptuous rooms filled with opulent decor or an outdoor setting on a private Island, The K Club has everything you could imagine and more. The main house is full of worldly character that will have guests enthralled and entertained for cocktail hour, while the executive chef will tantalize the taste-buds with gourmet treats guaranteed to leave a memorable impression. A wedding at The K Club can be as intimate or as large as you wish. The John Jefferson Room is beautifully decorated in the traditional old grandeur that the house bestows. This stunning venue can hold civil ceremonies from 50 to 100 people. Or you might opt for The Yeats Room which is home to the largest private collection of Yeat’s paintings in the world. This room is an art-lovers dream come true. Double doors lead directly onto the enticing terraces at the back of the house providing guests with magnificent views across our stunning gardens.

Catering for lavish weddings from 120 guests to 300 guests the ballroom is draped in soft cream fabrics with twinkling fairy lights as the perfect backdrop. French doors lead out to a beautiful terrace with views onto the lake. This exclusive venue gives a 5 Star service, divine food & the most perfect atmosphere. The estate lends itself well to outdoor weddings with miles of parkland or a riverside setting to choose from. The back lawn with the beautiful French Chateau style house as a backdrop, is a stunning setting and perfect for photographs. For those looking for something a little more rustic, the private Island is a secluded, serene space with the River Liffey rustling to each side. Outdoor buffets, barbeque parties and traditional Irish pub nights can be held here with colorful lanterns in rich foliage creating a magical, enchanting setting. Pre-rehearsal dinners, next day BBQs or brunches can be organized easily to make

the most of your wedding. The banqueting team can arrange accommodation, with over 140 bedrooms and suites to choose from, babysitting, transfers to & from the airport and a vast range of activities to keep family and friends occupied for their stay. For religious weddings the pretty church in Straffan Village is just a stone’s throw (or a carriage ride) away, while just slightly further afield, a mere 10-minute journey takes you to the popular Lady Chapel. Many couples choose not to leave the estate at all and opt for the intimacy of a civil ceremony. This is an option often chosen by couple living abroad who can take comfort in the knowledge that every aspect of their dream wedding can be arranged remotely by an experienced wedding team. As a destination there are few better than The K Club and for destination couples, it is reassuring to know that the estate is a mere 30 minutes from Dublin International Airport. 235

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Powerscourt RESORT & SPA

estled in secluded woodland, set amongst the romantic backdrop of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa is the picture perfect five-star resort to set hearts racing and realise your wedding dreams. The striking Palladian-style grandeur, stunningly opulent interiors and exquisitely landscaped gardens set the scene for an effortlessly elegant wedding. In fact, it’s hard to believe that this enchanted setting is only 30 minutes from Dublin city centre. The hotel is located on the famous Powerscourt Estate with its historic house and the estate gardens that have been voted number 3 in the world by National Geographic. From intimate or lavish, traditional, multicultural or contemporary affairs, dedicated wedding planners are on hand to turn dreams into reality. The resort is popular with threeday destination weddings, with an impressive choice of luxurious suites, guests can make full use of the resort amenities. Powerscourt offers a range of spaces in which to celebrate your special occasion. The spacious and strikingly elegant Ballroom boasts spectacular crystal chandeliers and is

accessed through a private entrance, offering the utmost privacy for wedding guests. A secluded Secret Garden provides the perfect spot for intimate engagements or champagne receptions. Indulge in a luxurious spa treatment at ESPA, with 20 tranquil treatment rooms, private couples spa suite, and 20-metre heated pool illuminated with Swarowski crystals. Or soak up the charming surroundings sampling quintessential Afternoon Tea in the Sugar Loaf Lounge, experience a traditional Irish pub atmosphere in the hotel’s bar, McGill’s or dine in the hotel’s award-winning SIKA restaurant which champions local Irish produce.

Recently the hotel has unveiled its addition of an outdoor amphitheatre, with its tiered seating accommodating up to 250 people, and the capacity to host larger numbers with casual seating, it is the picture-perfect location for weddings and civil partnerships with breathtaking views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the 1,000 acre neighbouring estate. At Powerscourt service is paramount, setting it apart from other resorts. Its distinctive attractions met with unparalleled attention to detail by its dedicated staff, make for the most memorable and care-free wedding celebration. Comfort, opulence and best of all, Irish charm, make for a truly unique wedding experience. 237

RARE has an extensive selection of ready to wear pieces, from silver earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and bridal wear, to stunning diamond rings. 238

A RARE Find

ARE Jewelry Design is a dream come to fruition of owner and manager, Denise O’Connor.

Denise is the third generation of her family to own and run her own jewelry business. Her grandfather, Thomas O’Connor, started a small jewelry manufacturing business in Dublin in 1938, which went on to become one of Ireland’s biggest manufacturers. Her father Cubby O’Connor, opened his own business in 1987. This business specialized in making Celtic and Claddagh pieces, and went on to specialize in fine diamond and gold jewelry, supplying retail stores all over Ireland, Europe and the United States. RARE has an extensive selection of ready to wear pieces, from silver earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and bridal wear, to stunning diamond rings. Denise and her team at RARE particularly specialize in making beautiful bespoke ranges in 9ct and 18ct gold. They also work with individual customers who would like to contribute to the design alongside the design team allowing customers to have an input into their own lovely pieces of jewelry. As RARE goldsmiths work on site, they have great insight into what the customer really wants and what their needs are, with no job ever too big or too small. The RARE team also encourage customers to bring in their pre-loved gold which can then be melted down and put towards the creation of a beautiful new bespoke piece that the customer

has helped to design; golden memories from the past made into beautiful creations for the future – a novel and beautiful idea and for many, a dream come true.

RARE ART In September 2016, Denise expanded the creative vibe in RARE and opened RARE Art Gallery, on the 1st floor above RARE Jewellery Design. This is a beautiful calm space which exhibits stunning art work from a few well selected contemporary Irish Artists. The main contributing Artist is the well-known Christine Bowen, whose paintings grow directly from her experience of living and working in the breathtakingly scenic Kenmare, Co. Kerry. What sets her apart from so many other artists is her resistance to ‘cliché, preferring to distil a ‘sense of place’ by focusing on intimate subjects – a swarm of bees, a stray sheep, the glimmer of fish below the surface of the water, treating these with refreshing originality. Christine Bowen lives and practices from her home/studio in Kenmare Kerry with a regular yearly visit to family in Mombasa Kenya & Rwanda, the climate allowing outside work on large scale canvas. As in Ireland, South west influences from the environment resonate or directly feature in her imagery. Amidst the flora, fauna, fish, animal and figurative elements are marks and texts which are sourced from poetry by WB Yeats, Lorca or current political issues, these are drawn in graphite or simply scratched into the paint. Collections of Christine’s work can be found in many prominent homes and businesses including the Office of An Taoiseach. 239

Hand-crafted and bespoke pieces, from Irish-owned

Irish-owned RARE Jewellery Design specialises in both classic and contemporary, hand-crafted pieces that capture hearts. Call into our design studio and workshop in Dublin's Creative Quarter to view our fabulous range of stunning jewellery or to discuss your own design with one of our highly skilled Goldsmiths. FIND YOUR PERFECT PIECE IN THE RARE SHOWROOM, AT 12 CASTLE MARKET, DUBLIN 2. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 01 5557220 www.facebook.com/RareJewelleryDesign

IRISH DESIGN

olvar are delighted to showcase their new menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection. The extensive collection features a variety of textures, materials and styles, ranging from pendants and bracelets with 10K gold, sterling silver cuffs and rings to leather bracelets with a unique magnetic clasp. The dynamic collection delivers substance and style to a broad range of men while paying homage to our Irish heritage.

Substance & Style FROM SOLVAR

Solvar master designers have crafted each piece in the finest detail to the highest standard, using centuries old craftsmanship skills. Among the Claddagh and the shamrock symbols, the Celtic knot is featured prominently in the design of the new collection. It tells a tale of enduring love. It reflects the convergence of mind, body and spirit - a message which is as powerful and mystical today as it was in those ancient times. The twists and turns of the Celtic knot symbolize the timeless nature of the human spirit. With no beginning and no end, this intricate decoration is a sign of eternal life and never-ending love. All sterling silver and gold jewelry is hallmarked by the Assay Office in Dublin castle. The Dublin Assay Office is one of the oldest Assay offices in the world. It was founded in 1637 to ensure only the purist quality gold and silver was used in the crafting of jewelry throughout all of Ireland. Still located today in the grounds of Dublin Castle, every piece of Solvar jewelry continues to be hallmarked in the traditional way by the Assay Office as a symbol of quality and reliability. Solvar is an award-winning jewelry manufacturer crafting Irish jewelry since 1941. A third-generation family run Irish business, Solvar combine a passion for Ireland with their love of jewelry. Mr G A Obernik founded Solvar in 1941, he began producing Celtic and Irish jewelry with just two employees. In 1972 his son Nick joined the business at No 10 Harcourt Street. The number of Solvar employees soon grew to over 40 including master craftsman, model makers and a design team. In 2002, grandson Marcus joined the company bringing it into the third generation. Throughout its long history and tradition going back over 76 years, Solvar has evolved to become recognized as a leading designer and manufacturer of Irish and Celtic jewelry. To view Solvarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full collection & find your local stockist, visit www.solvar.ie 241

Your Long Lost Ancestors

Who Do You Think THEY Were ? Research all over Ireland North & South especially Cork City & County Special Interests: Names, Social History & Local History

Crossogue Preserves is an award winning artisan jam company based in Tipperary, Ireland.

For Free Evaluations Quote Spirit of Ireland

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Address: Crossogue, Ballycahill, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Email: info@crossoguepreserves.com Follow Crossogue Preserves on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

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An Authentic Traditional Music and Cultural Experience!

This Centre is one of the best equipped and dedicated centres of Traditional Irish Music in Ireland. The visitor can be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;transportedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; back in time through audio-visual and touch screen facilities to enjoy the best of traditional music as presented by the old masters and the younger musicians of today.

The centre has a fully stocked Music Shop carrying a comprehensive range of CDs, music books, instruments, souvenirs and local crafts. The Coleman School of Music offers one to one or group tuition to visitors, available all year round but must be booked in advance. Regular concerts are performed by top quality artists in our modern tiered seated theatre throughout the year. During July & August there are weekly traditional music shows performed by local artists. A traditional music experience of music, song and dance can be arranged for groups, day or evening, all year round.

CRAFTED IN IRELAND

Crafted IN IRELAND

THE IRISH CRAFT SCENE IS VIBRANT AND DYNAMIC, OFFERING A RANGE OF DIFFERENT SKILLS FROM WEAVING AND POTTERY TO GLASS BLOWING AND WOODWORK.

hile trans-generational skills are being maintained by a new generation of designers, they in turn are updating tradition with their own interpretations of innovative design. So, from the traditional to the modern, Ireland really is the place to experience authentic craft and unique design. Modern Irish design has its roots in ancient skills passed down the generations and some, for example the craft of Tweed making, remain a regional specialty. Others were originally developed from imported skills and subsequently taken to a higher level due to the exceptional quality of local materials. Our internationally acclaimed Irish linen is an example of this phenomenon.

Linen arrived with the Celts in the first millennium BC, but Ireland really picked up the thread of the linen story in early Christian times - St Patrick is said to be buried in a shroud of Irish linen. Two of the most important influences in this development were the adoption of the Dutch spinning wheel and the Dutch loom. As the reputation of Irish linen flourished, Northern Ireland, became known as the Linen Homelands. Irish linen is still cherished the world over and a linen hanky is often gifted to a bride on her wedding day. International designers love working in Irish Linen fabric, partly because of its natural, breathable qualities but also because modern finishing techniques can reduce its creased appearance. 243

CRAFTED IN IRELAND

The industry that started so humbly in the Irish countryside has gone on to supply the top boutiques of New York, Paris, Milan and London. CELTIC CLASSICS There are several classic pieces instantly recognizable throughout the world as being uniquely Irish. One of the most powerful of these icons is the Claddagh ring. First produced in the 17th century, the Claddagh has become a powerful symbol of Ireland’s heritage. A gift of love, crafted in Ireland, the Claddagh echoes a tale of devotion retold over the centuries. Once upon a time, so the story goes, a young Irish sailor was captured and sold into slavery. Far from his native land, he held the memory of his sweetheart deep in his heart. He never forgot her. Years later, on his safe return to Galway his gift to her was a Claddagh ring. Forged with the skills he had learnt during his imprisonment; it was a token of his enduring love. “With these hands I give you my heart, and I crown it with my love”. Worn on the right hand with its heart facing outwards the Claddagh ring tells the world that your heart is not yet taken. Worn with the heart facing inwards, it tells admirers that love is a possibility. But if the Claddagh is worn on the left hand with its heart turned inwards towards your own, it tells the world that your heart is taken. WOVEN IN TIME For centuries weaving and knitting have been an important part of Ireland’s economy and to this day, Irish tweed and knitwear have an international reputation for quality, style and tradition. Handweaving is a traditional skill that has been passed down through many generations. MEN OF ARAN The Aran Sweater takes its name from the set of islands on the most westerly point of Ireland, the Aran Islands. These islands are exposed to harsh weather conditions being at the mercy of the relentless Atlantic Ocean. Islanders were fishermen and farmers whose lives and livelihoods were deeply tangled. The Aran Sweater was born of this setting, passed down from generation to generation. Today the Aran sweater is part of Irish heritage but it has also become a fashionable item of clothing on the catwalks. 244

Island life was often stark and challenging, so back in the 1890’s knitting was encouraged by the Irish Congested Districts Board to encourage economic growth in remote areas. In beautiful but relatively barren areas such as Aran, sheep were the main stay animals on the land and fishing was the only source of employment, so converting local materials into a second income was enthusiastically embraced by the locals. Once the island women started knitting, there was no stopping them! It was a communal activity that brought together the girls and women of the village who shared their skills and, in time, the symbolic stitch designs they developed that exist to this day. Decorative Aran knitting patterns became the symbol of these islands and in 1935, the first Aran sweaters went on sale in The Country Shop in Dublin. In the 1940s the first Aran knitting patterns were published by Patons of England, and demand (and even exports) grew

CRAFTED IN IRELAND

For centuries weaving and knitting have been an important part of Ireland’s economy and to this day, Irish tweed and knitwear have an international reputation for quality, style and tradition. Hand-weaving is a traditional skill that has been passed down through many generations

significantly after Vogue published patterns for men’s and women’s sweaters in 1956. The Aran knitwear industry has developed beyond recognition in the last 40 years. Hand-knitted sweaters carry a significant price premium because they include the most complex stitch patterns. New natural fibers and design innovations are continually being introduced so that oatmeal colored Aran sweaters and jackets rub shoulders with updated versions of the classic look in premium stores around the world. Visitors to Ireland will find a vast array of Irish crafts on display in hundreds of gift shops the length and breadth of the country. Many individual craftspeople are developing and finetuning their traditional skills in small studios and workshops all over the country where you can observe their craft and creation at work and buy homemade crafts. 245

WEARING IRISH

Wearing IRISH THE TINY ISLAND OF IRELAND LIGHTS UP THE WORLD ON 17TH MARCH EACH YEAR WITH EVEN MORE GLOBAL GREENING PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 290 ICONIC LANDMARKS IN 48 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE. IT IS A WONDERFUL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HOW IRELAND AND THE IRISH HAVE SPREAD THEIR INFLUENCE ALL OVER THE WORLD AND IT PLANTED A SEED FOR SAVVY IRISH WOMAN MARGARET MOLLOY.

n March of 2016, Margaret Molloy set out on a personal endeavor to promote Irish fashion. Driven solely by her passion, the idea was simple, to get friends and family to wear something Irish during the month of March. Using finely honed influencer marketing and brand-building skills from her day job, Chief Marketing Officer of a prominent branding firm,

she employed social media as her platform to raise the visibility of Irish fashion, its designers and ultimately the country itself. It was a natural fit for the fashion-loving marketer, with a keen eye for design, to do something she greatly enjoyed while also celebrating her beloved Irish heritage. And so, the #WearingIrish movement was born. 247

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“I felt like I had discovered an untold story,” says Molloy. “Designers across the island of Ireland are producing world-class fashion yet few people outside the country could name an Irish designer. I founded WearingIrish to change that and bring forth a relevant, creative, undiscovered Ireland.”

While it’s popular to wear green on St Patrick’s Day, the initial idea of taking over the month of March and declaring it the territory of Irish designers was inspired. Today the movement is well and truly hitting the stratosphere, and not just for St Patrick’s day.

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Fast forward to March 2018, after two years of capturing global media attention, and the idea has evolved into a yearlong initiative and continues to gain momentum with support from prominent international businesses and leaders.

With the support of six partners, Molloy launched an online competition, WearingIrish NYC 2018. The goal was to discover Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best fashion and accessories designers and help catapult the winners into the US market. With over 170

Câ&#x20AC;&#x2039;ashmere Wrap from Ekotree Studios, Doolin, County Clare. Designer-makers par excellence, Ekotree use only the highest quality natural yarns including cashmere, superfine alpaca, lambs wool merino, mohair, linen & organic cotton. Visit the studios to witness a real working Irish knitwear studio, and learn about the history of Irish knitwear in the visitors center where you can browse the full range of products in their beautiful retail space. Worldwide shipping is available for all gifts purchased.

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applicants, only 10 were chosen to come to New York in May for a showcase program at Bank of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s startlab, neighboring the iconic Grand Central Terminal.

Nathalie B. Coleman, Sands and Hall, The Tweed Project and Triona, will have the exciting opportunity to bring their brands to life in front of an American audience.

From May 15-17, the ten winning designers, Aine, Alison Conneely, Blaithin Ennis, De Bruir, Inner Island, Jennifer Rothwell,

The invitation-only showcase will include a highly curated program including speakers from the New York fashion and business 253

WEARING IRISH

Margaret Molloy is the New York-based, global chief marketing officer (CMO) at the renowned branding firm Siegel+Gale. A native of Ireland and a Harvard Business School graduate, she is regarded as one of the most influential global marketing leaders and consistently appears on top CMO lists, including Forbes’ top CMOs on Twitter. A strategic marketer, she is a soughtafter speaker and has published articles in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company and beyond. Margaret created #WearingIrish in March 2016 as a passion project to showcase Irish fashion designers. The movement is going from strength to strength with WearingIrish and Margaret receiving many accolades, including: Overseas Business Woman of the Year 2017 by Image magazine 2017 Marketer of the Year by The Drum Top 50 Power Women and Top 100 Irish Americans in Business in 2016 and 2017 by Irish America and the 2018 Creativity and Arts awards by Irish Central. Margaret brings a potent blend of grace, gravitas, and grit to everything she touches. T: 212.453.0468 | E: mmolloy@wearingirish.com | @MargaretMolloy

community as well as prominent members of the Irish diaspora. “My hope is that WearingIrish inspires the marketer and storyteller in all of us,” says Molloy. “Promoting Irish fashion and accessories designers is a tangible way to demonstrate Ireland’s creativity and, when we promote Ireland as a nation of makers, every designer, every Irish business and every Irish person is a winner.” Partners supporting the May event include Bank of Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through Ireland’s Consulate in New York, Tourism Ireland, CIE Tours, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The growing panel of jurors and advisors includes current and former merchants, creative directors, executives, investors, editors, and influencers from Bloomingdale’s, Accessories Council, Victoria’s Secret, Stella & Dot, POPSUGAR, Theia, Keds, Kate Spade, Harvard University, Gilt Group and many more. ABOUT WEARINGIRISH WearingIrish is a platform that provides designers, shoppers and influencers with access and exposure to each other. WearingIrish NYC 2018 makes this connection tangible by selecting designers to display their creations and meet the New York community. While helping designers build their individual brands, WearingIrish also enhances Ireland’s brand as a nation of creatives and makers. Margaret Molloy created WearingIrish as a passion project in 2016. The highly-anticipated WearingIrish NYC program builds on the successful 2016 and 2017 #WearingIrish social media campaigns.

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Erin Knitwear Manufacturing Ltd Unit 13, Westpoint Trade Centre, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland. +353 21 487 2060 info@erinknitwear.com www.erinknitwear.com

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IRISH LINEN HOUSE create handmade tablerunners, placemats and napkins made from the finest Irish Linen. Greg Whelan, founder and designer takes his inspiration from Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional celtic art and mythology. Each piece of the collection is uniquely made fusing historical elements with a modern, contemporary edge. Perfectly crafted, this luxurious range of linen will enhance your dining space to add character and elegance. Irish Linen House Bow Street, Smithfield Village, Dublin 7 Phone no: +353 1 5329572 Mobile Greg: +353 860339979 www.irishlinenhouse.com

Cape in 100% Pure New Wool Double Face info@jimmyhourihan.com

www.jimmyhourihan.com

CELTIC CRAFT

Aran Sweater MARKET

he Aran Sweater Market has grown from humble beginnings as the cornerstone of the small island community of Inis Mór, where its flagship market still remains, to becoming a world-renowned brand and the largest global producer of Irish Aran Sweaters and Accessories with markets now in Killarney, Galway and Dublin. Its commitment to craftsmanship is evident in its products which continue to be enjoyed by people the world over. Furthermore, its passion for its heritage can be seen across the product range in a collection of original Aran Sweater styles as well as hand-knit and woven garments, just as authentic today as they were back then. Perhaps one of the brand’s most popular and commemorated collections is the ClanAran Range, a unique and historical cumulation of hand-crafted Aran sweaters, scarves and throws in traditional banín wool, which have been inspired by the beauty of the different parts of Ireland and the Irish names which originated from within. The brand has worked tirelessly over the years to collect and develop over 130 different Aran patterns inspired by each Irish Clan surname and continues to grow year on year. The ClanAran Range is particularly popular amongst visitors to Ireland who are searching for a unique and meaningful family gift. Colm McCarthy, Managing Director elaborates; “We find that when people travel to Ireland, they want to bring home a part of Ireland with them. A ClanAran gift allows them to do this, as well as providing them with a family heirloom of

sorts - something they can treasure and hand down for centuries to come.” As legend goes, the evolution of the Aran Sweater and its unique Aran stitches has always been linked to clans and their identities. They were known to impart vast amounts of information to those who knew how to interpret them. Aran sweaters were, and remain, a reflection of the lives of the knitters and their families. On the Aran islands, sweater patterns were zealously guarded, kept within the same clan throughout generations. These Aran sweaters were even said to help identify bodies of fishermen washed up on the beach following an accident at sea. As a craft, the Aran sweater continues to fascinate audiences around the world. A finished Aran sweater contains approximately 100,000 carefully constructed stitches and can take the knitter up to sixty days to complete. It can contain any combination of stitches, depending on the particular clan pattern being followed with each stitch having its own unique meaning, a historic legacy from the lives of the Island community many years ago. This commemoration of history and heritage is something visitors can look forward to when making the trip to any of the four Aran Sweater Markets, where a unique shopping experience awaits them. Displays of genuine Island artefacts and old spinning tools, coupled with friendly and knowledgeable staff and walls stacked full of every Aran Sweater style imaginable, all combine to create a truly memorable experience. www.AranSweaterMarket.com 263

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Irish Stores all over the USA and Canada open their doors and their hearts to customers every day. Here are some of their stories.

Irish Boutique Just off the local main street in Littleton Colorado you will find a quaint yellow cottage filled with genuine Irish sweaters, jewelry, foods and many other gifts. The cottage was first opened by founder, Kerreen O’Connor the name sake of this boutique. Her hope was to bring the beautiful culture of Ireland across seas to colorful Colorado, a state with seemingly similar features to parts of the Emerald Isle. A few years later, her daughter took on the business and invited her school friend, Heather to join the staff at Kerreen O’Connor Irish Boutique. After falling in love with the products and meeting great people, Heather Benedict became owner of the boutique. This May she is celebrating her 9th year at the business. Over her time at Kerreen O’Connor, she has expanded their product range, added to the kilt hire program bringing more stock and outfitting many couples across the Denver area for special events, proms and countless weddings. She has

also traveled to Ireland in order to have more wisdom to share about touring the country.

their safe!” The reveal will definitely be a grand event, one not to miss!

This year, the boutique was honored to march in the 51st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the first time. “It was such a beautiful and exhilarating day! We outfitted the Board of Directors for the parade and we were all able to show the rich heritage of Ireland,” remarked owner Benedict. The events reflect the intention the store was started on, sharing and spreading the Irish heritage.

Be sure to call into Kerreen O’Connor Irish Boutique when in Colorado to experience a touch of Ireland in the Rocky Mountains. Don’t forget to ask Heather about her Irish travels. The boutique is open seven days a week and ready to help you learn more about a heritage so dear to them!

In mid-April, Kerreen O’Connor Irish Boutique will reveal an exciting new remodel of the cottage. With the new shelves, the staff was eager to bring in fresh products, which they traveled to Ireland to research in January. Megan O’Connor said of the experience, “my favorite part was taking a visit to one of our jewelry companies to see how they made the great jewelry we carry. I almost got locked in

Kerreen O’Connor Irish Boutique 2595 W Alamo Ave Littleton, Colorado 80120 +1 303-794-6388 www.kerreen.com 261

STORE STORIES

Basic Irish Luxury Newport Rhode Island is one of America’s premier summer resorts. Think of Newport Rhode Island and most people think of mansions. Beginning in the late 19th century through the early part of the 20th century, the Newport mansions served as the summer playground for America’s wealthiest families. From the Vanderbilts to American tobacco heiress Doris Duke, the colossal Newport RI mansions were built as their summer homes overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic surrounding Newport. Here they spent just a few short weeks each summer, escaping the summer heat in the eastern cities of Boston, New York and Philadelphia. These mansions have become famous around the world for their decadence and grandeur while offering visitors a look into the lives of the richest people in America. The story not often told is that these mansions required massive amounts of labor not only to build and maintain but to operate. That is where the Irish come in. Sloping from the mansions on the hill to the downtown of Newport is the “Old Fifth Ward” as it is now known. Home to the Irish who built and staffed the mansions, worked the fishing boats and labored in Newport’s busy harbor. And still today very much the home of their descendants. The town is much like any costal town in Ireland, in fact it’s sister city is Kinsale in County Cork. The Mayor of the Bandon-Kinsale District, the Hon. Rachel McCarthy and her husband Adrian Tyner kindly stopped in to Basic Irish Luxury to say hello on its Grand Opening Weekend while in town to march in Newport’s giant Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade which marches right by the Basic Irish Luxury store draws thousands to Newport. And Newport is busy all year round with events 262

like it’s famous Newport Jazz Festival, The Volvo Ocean Race and dozens of others, drawing a mind blowing 3.5 million tourists a year to shop in Newport’s various seaside shopping districts. Basic Irish Luxury is located in the busiest of those shopping districts. The high street you might say of Newport is Thames Street. Except in Newport the ‘th’ is actually pronounced and it’s a long ‘a’ and that can take some getting used to. You can’t miss Basic Irish Luxury’s lovely green awning nestled in between Newport’s other iconic stores. Specializing in jewelry, lifestyle and fashion, Basic Irish Luxury is more boutique than old school Irish shop. And while the store is new to Newport, it is run by a family with four decades of experience in retailing of finer Irish products. The McGraths have operated Tipperary Irish Importer | Celtic Jeweler in Brunswick NY since the 1970’s. They bring their vast knowledge of all things Irish and decades of friendships in Ireland to this new format. So, what is Basic Irish Luxury? That is entirely up to you. To many it could be the daily cuppa and you’ll find you favorite teas and sweets there. To others it could be an artisan sweater or authentic cap or hat actually made in Ireland. Fashion capes and shawls, Irish linen summer wear, perfumes and cosmetics to rejuvenate your skin after a day at the sea. Original oil paintings by Irish artists for the walls of your seaside home. For many the most basic of Irish luxuries are the gorgeous world-renowned jewelry designs that come from craftsmen and designers in Ireland. That is really where this Irish store shines. Basic Irish Luxury carries a large selection of 14K gold Irish made jewelry. You can choose from traditional or splurge on emeralds, diamonds and other popular genuine gems. And with full

service goldsmiths in the Brunswick NY store, your selection can be sized and ready to fit any finger before your vacation is over. Of course, Basic Irish Luxury and BasicIrishLuxury.com ship every day as well so it can be sent directly to where ever you prefer. A wide selection of sterling silver jewelry from Ireland finest makers is also available to help create that special vacation memory. So, visit Newport. Stop in. Have a chat with the friendly staff. Try some things on. Roam around and decide what Basic Irish Luxury is to you.

Basic Irish Luxury 137 Swinburne Row Thames Street Newport RI 02840 Newport@BasicIrishLuxury.com 1-800-255-8272

STORE STORIES

Brigid’s an Irish Tradition In New England, the name Bridget has become synonymous with the finest quality imports from Ireland, whether in reference to the Irish import shop, Bridget’s - An Irish Tradition, or its dynamic and knowledgeable owner, Bridget Daly. Bridget has been an importer and retailer of exquisite Irish imports for more than forty years and she founded her current retail business in 1987 with her daughter, Lorraine. A native of the bustling town of Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, this mother of four began her business when, as a recreational knitter, she found herself constantly fielding questions about the Aran sweaters she was creating as gifts for family and friends. With a long family history of entrepreneurship and a passion for both fashion and masterful handcrafts, it was

a natural progression for Bridget to begin supplying these beautiful garments to a rapidly growing following of customers by importing directly from knitters in Ireland and selling in a retail setting. Over the decades her expertise and connections led to the expansion of the product lines and services and, in 2011, Bridget settle into a lovely shop in her new hometown of Norton, Massachusetts. 2012 saw the addition of a family bakery and the addition of Bridget’s Famous Irish Bread. This busy mother and grandmother translates her passion for all things Irish into Bridget’s - An Irish Tradition, a lively center of activity that beautifully weaves together the threads of family, community and the best of Celtic culture!

88 W. Main St., Norton 508-2859700 Bridget.daly@me.com 263

STORE STORIES

Celtic Aer Gift Shop “It would be impossible to count the amount of times Ashley heard, “With that hair, you must be Irish!” Growing up as a redhead, people were always reminding her of her heritage with such charisma. Her father, Patrick Rooney, is from County Fermanagh (and a redhead himself once too!). He grew up on a farm not far from Enniskillen where his family owned a small business, 264

Rooney’s Shop. It sold petrol, general grocery and animal feed items. When Patrick came to New York it didn’t take him too long to open up his own business — a quaint garden center and shed business called Celtic Farms & Nursery in Mohegan Lake, NY. And almost twenty years later in 2010, his daughter Ashley opened her own business, Celtic Aer Gift Shop, with many unique Irish and Celtic imports, including jewelry, food, woolens, pottery, and much more.

1451 Strawberry Rd. Mohegan Lake, NY 10547 (914) 526-3361 www.celticaer.com

STORE STORIES

Danu Gallery As the new owners of The Danu Gallery in Pearl River NY, Karen and Kasey Curran are excited to embark on a new journey in the world of Celtic trade. This mother and daughter team acquired the shop in September of 2017, after Karen had accompanied previous owners Isabel and Audrey Haley throughout their last year of ownership to multiple trade shows and in day to day tasks in the small shop on Central Avenue. Karen and Kasey share a love of establishing new relationships with new and previous vendors of NACTA alike. The pair visited the Irish Celtic Trade Showcase in Dublin in January, where they discovered new products from favorite vendors and introduce new vendors’ merchandise to The Danu Gallery and the North American Market. Karen has always had a love for jewelry and infants’/children’s wear while Kasey wanted to further develop her interests in fashion and home. Karen is a Dublin Native, moving to the US in the mid-1980’s to embark on the first of her many journey’s, while Kasey her daughter was born and raised in New York since the mid-1990’s. Together, the Curran’s have always yearned for an opportunity for a mother/daughter project, particularly in the field of entrepreneurship. So, when The Danu Gallery opportunity arose, they thought what better way to deeper explore their Celtic roots. The Danu Gallery has not only allowed them to keep in touch with their Irish heritage, it has afforded them the opportunity to help others explore the history of their ancestors through merchandise and relationships they have established with vendors and staff of NACTA. Fortunately, Kasey is a senior at Marist College in Poughkeepsie NY, studying Fashion Merchandising, so she is happily anticipating all that is to come in merchandising and buying for The Danu Gallery. She is excited to apply that knowledge as well as gain more hands-on experience in the unique, niche industry that is

Celtic trade in North America. More specifically, Karen is delighted to be at the helm of her own business. She is motivated, passionate and intuitive to her business, culture and customer, making her a natural fit for the next generation of The Danu Gallery. Karen and Kasey are excited to embark on this journey together, but also with everyone associated with the North America Celtic Trade Association. Together they look forward to sharing their journey and are excited at what lies ahead.

The Danu Gallery 39 East Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965 Phone: 845-735-4477 www.thedanugallery.com 265

STORE DIRECTORY

ALASKA Celtic Treasures 4240 Old Seward Hwy #2 Anchorage, AK 99503

Tel: 907.333.2358 Website: www.celtictreasuresak.com Contact: Lisa Caress-Beu

Sunshine Health Foods 410 Trainor Gate Road Fairbanks, AK 99701

Tel: 907.456.5433 Website: www.sunshinehealthfoodstore.com Contact: Mary Kopf

ARIZONA

The Irish Gift Shop

South Side Irish Imports

26 Cuna Street St. Augustine, FL 32084

3446 W 111th Street Chicago, IL 60655

2595 West Alamo Avenue Littleton, CO 80120

Tel: 904.824.5040 Email: gracereed209@gmail.com Contact: Grace Reed

Tel: 773.881.8585 Email: irish3446@gmail.com Contact: Linda Gorman

Tel: 303.794.6388 Website: www.kerreen.com Contact: Heather Benedict

GEORGIA

Kerreen O’Connor’s Irish Shop

CONNECTICUT Irish Eyes 8A Olde Mistick Village 27 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT 06355

Mully’s Touch of Ireland

Tel: 860.536.9960 Email: irisheyesmystic@aol.com Contact: Donna Gorman

7054 E 5th Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Lucky Ewe Irish Goods

Tel: 480.941.4198 Website: www.mullystouchofireland.com Contact: Nancy Morrall

CALIFORNIA

2371 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06518

Tel: 203.507.2160 Website: www.luckyeweirishgoods.com Contact: Kathleen O’Neill-Regan

Celtic Shoppe

DELAWARE

354 East Campbell Avenue Campbell, CA 95008

Fenwick Float’ors

Enchanted Shire 6905 Virlyn B Smith Road Fairburn, GA 30213

Tel: 585.329.5653 Website: www.enchantedshire.com Contact: Arleen Dougherty

IDAHO

ILLINOIS Heartland Gallery

Tel: 707.443.0102 Email: irishshopeureka@msn.com Contact: CC O’Brien-Cree

FLORIDA

Irish American Heritage Center Gift Shop

O’Ireland

Spanish Springs & Sumter Landing The Villages, FL 32159

575 Grand Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008

Tel: 760.720.1500 Website: www.oirelandca.com Contact: Tony Cross

The Celtic Knot 28 Main Street Jackson, CA 95642

Tel: 209.223.5830 Email: info@thecelticknot.com Contact: Ron Busch

Tel: 352.840.3212 Website: www.celticelegance.com Contact: Marian Halpin

Celtic Shop of Dunedin 354 Main Street Dunedin, FL 34698

Tel: 727.733.2200 Website: www.celticshopdundedin.com Contact: Lynn Thorn

The Irish Boutique 6606 Northwest Highway Crystal Lake Plaza Crystal Lake, IL 60014

The Irish Boutique

Tel: 208.667.0131 Website: www.all-thingsirish.com Contact: Ilene Moss

Tel: 217.377.4502 Website: www.heartland-gallery.com Contact: Jan Chandler

Celtic Elegance / Name Heritage International

Tel: 708.444.4747 Email: irish3446@gmail.com Contact: Linda Gorman

315 E Sherman Avenue Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Tel: 302.436.5953 Website: www.fenwickfloators.com Contact: Tina McBride

334 Second Street Eureka, CA 95501

7725 W 159th Street Tinley Park, IL 60477

All Things Irish

35034 Buoy Blvd West Fenwick Island, DE 19975

Ciara’s Irish Shop

South Side Irish Imports

Tel: 815.459.1800 Website: www.irishboutique.com Contact: Patrick Barry

The Vault Arts Collective 100 N. Main Street Tuscola, IL 61953

Tel: 408.379.7474 Website: www.celticshoppe.com Contact: Cathy Cavagnaro

266

COLORADO

434 Coffin Road Long Grove, IL 60074

Tel: 847.634.3540 Website: www.irishboutique.com Contact: Patrick Barry

The Irish Shop 100 N Oakpark Avenue Oak Park, IL 60301

Tel: 708.445.1149 Website: www.theirishshopoakpark.com Contact: Jim & Anne August

IOWA A Celtic Tradition

4626 N Knox Avenue Chicago, IL 60630

7672 Hickman Road Windsor Heights, IA 50324

Tel: 773.282.7035 x 14 Website: www.irish-american.org Contact: Irene Higgins-Hruby & Mary Rose Teahan

Tel: 515.278.8302 Website: www.2celts.com Contact: Garry & Kris Knapp

Paddy’s On The Square

391 Bluff Street Dubuque, IA 52001

228 Robert Parker Coffin Road Long Grove, IL 60047

Tel: 847.634.0339 Website: www.irishboutique.com Contact: John Barry

Shamrock Imports Tel: 563.583.5000 Website: www.shamrockjeweler.com Contact: Mike & Judy Siegert

Hold a piece of Dingle Crystal in your hands and you’ll feel the difference

From the weight of the glass to the individually hand cut design, from the signature on the bottom to the sharpness and depth of the cuts, Dingle Crystal is one of a kind and in a myriad of choices, it is a unique and luxurious exception. FROM THE MASTERS’ HANDS

Ó lámha an Mháístír SHOWROOMS Green Street, Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland Unit 4, Ballinabolla Industrial Estate, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland Demonstrations by appointment Tel/Fax: +353 (0) 66 915 1550 info@dinglecrystal.ie • www.dinglecrystal.ie

ATTRACTING VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Seán Daly, a qualified master craftsman with Waterford Crystal along with his sons, Adam, Stephen, and Shane, produce crystal that is famed for it’s use of Celtic themes.

STORE DIRECTORY NACTA FAM Tour visit Friend Philip Gray at his Kinsale Studio

St Pat’s Association & Irish Gift Shop 1001 South Broadway Emmetsburg, IA 50536

Tel: 712.852.4326 Website: www.emmetsburgirishgifts.com Contact: Billie Jo Hoffman

KANSAS Irish Crystal Company 7108 W 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66223

Tel: 913.341.4438 Website: www.irishcrystal.com Contact: Michelle Nestel

KENTUCKY Failte Irish Import Shop 113 South Upper Street Lexington, KY 40507

Tel: 859.381.1498 Website: www.lexirish.com Contact: Liza Hendley Betz

268

Walsh’s Celtic Center

MARYLAND

Irish Specialty Shoppe

931 Baxter Avenue Louisville, KY 40204

Irish Traditions

158 President Avenue Fall River, MA 02720

141 Main Street Annapolis, MD 21401

Tel: 508.678.4096: Contact: Joseph Reilly

Tel: 410.990.4747 Website: www.irishtraditionsonline.com Contact: Margaret McLemore

The Tinker’s Cart

Enchanted Shire

MASSACHUSETTS

46468 River Road Hammond, LA 70401

Bridget’s - An Irish Tradition

Tel: 978.365.4334 Website: www.irishandcelticgifts.com Contact: Cheryl Hughes

Tel: 502.459.9888 Email: jwalsh2514@gmail.com Contact: John Walsh

LOUISIANA

Tel: 585.329.5653 Website: www.enchantedshire.com Contact: Arleen Dougherty

MAINE Ireland on the Square 3 Dock Square Kennebunkport, ME 04046

Tel: 207.967.0534 Website: www.irelandonthesquare.com Contact: Jennifer Dumas

88 West Main Street Norton, MA 02766

Tel: 508.285.9700 Website: www.bridgetsirish.com Contact: Bridget Daly

Ireland on the Square 10 Market Square Newburyport, MA 01950

Tel: 978.463.6288 Website: www.irelandonthesquare.com Contact: Jennifer Dumas

54 High Street Clinton, MA 01510

Wexford House Irish Imports 9 Crescent Street West Boylston (Worcester), MA 01583

Tel: 508.835.6677 Website: www.wexfordhouse.com Contact: Dorothy Trow

MICHIGAN Always Irish 37650 W 6 Mile Road Livonia, MI 48152

Tel: 734.462.7200 Email: alwaysirish@aceweb.com Contact: Dean & Judy Valovich

The Celtic Ranch

Kelly’s A Touch of Ireland

Celtic Aer Gift Shop

301 N Harbor Drive Suite B6 Grand Haven, MI 49417

404 Main Street Weston, MO 64098

5 South Broadway Pitman, NJ 08071

1451 Strawberry Road Mohegan Lake, NY 10547

Tel: 269.352.0376 Email: eboyle54@gmail.com Contact: Eileen Boyle Chlebana

Tel: 816.640.2881 Website: www.celticranch.com Contact: Terry Kast

Tel: 856.589.4988 Email: atouchofireland@outlook.com Contact: Judy Miller

Tel: 914.526.3361 Website: www.celticaer.com Contact: Ashley Rooney Hedtke

Sullivan’s Irish Alley and Travel Too

NEW HAMPSHIRE

O’Ireland

Celtic Gifts & Treasures

104 East Main Street Flushing, MI 48433

Celtic Crossing

30 Monmouth Street Red Bank, NJ 07701

72-17 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378

Tel: 732.747.4433 Website: www.oireland.com Contact: Paul Savoi

Tel: 718.424.8686 Email: celticirishgiftsandtreasures@gmail.com Contact: Liz Kenny

O’Ireland

Celtic Treasures

130 North Broadway South Amboy, NJ 08879

456 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Tel: 732.525.0515 Website: www.oireland.com Contact: Rosanne Savoi

Tel: 518.583.9452 Website: www.celtictreasures.com Contact: Paul O’Donnell

Tel: 603.319.1670 Website: www.irelandonthesquare.com Contact: Jennifer Dumas

Out of Ireland

From the Hart

Store #22, 3 New York Road Historic Smithville, NJ 08205

108 N Main Street Wellsville, NY 14895

NEW JERSEY

Tel: 609.748.6707 Website: www.shopoutofireland.com Contact: Kathleen O’Gara

Tel: 585.808.4643 Email: hartn82@gmail.com Contact: Nancy Hart

The Cross & Shamrock

Guaranteed Irish

1669 Route 33 Hamilton Square, NJ 08690

2220 Route 145 East Durham, NY 12423

Tel: 609.586.9696 Website: www.crossandshamrock.com Contact: Ann & Tim Bauersachs

Tel: 518.634.2392 Email: guaranteedirish145@yahoo.com Contact: Donal Gallagher

The Pipers Cove

Irish Crossroads Ltd

212 Kearny Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032

58 Main Street Sayville, NY 11782

Tel: 201.998.3695 Website: www.piperscove.com Contact: John & Joan Nisbet

Tel: 631.569.5464 Website: www.irishcrossroadsonline.com Contact: Kathleen Quinn

Tel: 810.487.2473 Website: www.SullivansIrishAlley.com Contact: Ed & Caron Sullivan

112 Congress Street Portsmouth, NH 03801

The Celtic Path

Tel: 603.436.0200 Website: www.celticcrossing.com Contact: Karin Scott

214 E Main Street Hubbardston, MI 48845

Ireland on the Square

Tel: 989.981.6066 Email: thecelticpath.pb@gmail.com Contact: Patricia Baese

The Twisted Shamrock 3074 12 Mile Road Berkley, MI 48072

Tel: 248.544.4170 Website: www.thetwistedchamrock.com Contact: Jim Monahan

MISSOURI

6 Market Square Portsmouth, NH 03801

Bridget’s Irish Cottage 15 E Broad Street Westfield, NJ 07090

Browne’s Irish Market

Tel: 908.789.0909 Website: www.bridgets.com Contact: Bridget Lawn

3300 Pennsylvania Avenue Kansas City, MO 64111

Emerald Gifts

Tel: 816.561.0030 Website: www.BrownesIrishMarket.com Contact: Kerry Browne

137 Parsippany Road Parsippany, NJ 07054

Kerry Cottage Ltd

Tel: 973.884.3241 Email: edhansberry69@gmail.com Contact: Edward Hansberry

2119 S Big Bend Blvd St. Louis, MO 63117

Faith & Begorra

Tel: 314.647.0166 Website: www.kerrycottage.com

40 Broadway Denville, NJ 07834

Sheehan’s Irish Imports

Tel: 973.625.0070 Website: www.faithandbegorra.com Contact: Susan Banks

410 E Gregory Blvd Kansas City, MO 64131

Tel: 816.561.4480 Website: www.sheehansirish.com Contact: Molly Sheehan Corkill & Katy Sheehan Morris

Irish Centre 1120 Third Avenue Spring Lake, NJ 07762

Tel: 732.449.6650 Website: www.njirish.com Contact: Moya Rushe

NEW YORK Cashel House 224 Tompkins Street Syracuse, NY 13204

Tel: 315.472.4438 Website: www.cashelhouse.com Contact: Peter Heverin

STORE DIRECTORY

Celtic Seasons

Lennon’s Irish Shop 164 Jay Street Schenectady, NY 12305

Tel: 518.377.0064 Website: www.lennonsirishshop.com Contact: Dale & Mary Ann May

Little Shop of Shamrocks 173 Islip Avenue Islip, NY 11751

Tel: 631.224.4311 Website: www.littleshopofshamrocks.com Contact: Linda Low 269

STORE DIRECTORY

October 2017 Fam Tour

Mary Anne’s Irish Gift Shop 5694 Riverdale Avenue Bronx, NY 10471

Tel: 718.549.7660 Website: www.maryannesirishgiftshop.com Contact: Mary Anne Connaughton

Molly Malone’s Irish Gifts 295 Canada Street Lake George, NY 12845

Tel: 518.668.3363 Website: www.mollymalonesirishgifts.com Contact: Bill & Emily Manion

Tara Gift Shoppe 250 Abbott Road Buffalo, NY 14220

Tel: 716.825.6700 Website: www.taragiftshoppe.com Contact: Mary Heneghan

The Danu Gallery 39 E. Central Avenue Pearl River, NY 10965

Tel: 845.735.4477 Website: www.thedanugallery.com Contact: Karen Curran

Tipperary Irish Importer | Celtic Jeweler 3956 State Highway 2 Brunswick, NY 12180

Tel: 518.279.8272 Website: www.shoptipperary.com Contact: Tom McGrath

270

Walker Metalsmith Celtic Jewelry 1 Main Street Andover, NY 14806

Tel: 607.478.8567 Website: www.walkerscelticjewelry.com Contact: Stephen Walker

NORTH CAROLINA Enchanted Shire 16445 Poplar Tent Road Huntersville, NC 28078

Tel: 585.329.5653 Website: www.enchantedshire.com Contact: Arleen Dougherty

Sinead’s Cottage 1121 S Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401

Tel: 910.763.7056 Website: www.sineadscottage.com Contact: Cathy Lynch

Eire on Erie

PENNSYLVANIA

3512 Erie Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45208

A Lit’le Irish Too

Tel: 513.321.3287 Email: hapsirishpub@aol.com Contact: Danny & Amy Thomas

Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland 75 South High Street Dublin. OH 43017

Tel: 614.889.9615 Website: www.hapennybridgeimports.com Contact: Al & Anne Gleine

Irish Crossroads & Gift Shop

Celt-Iberia Traders 52 South Main Street New Hope, PA 18938

Tel: 215.862.4922 Website: www.celtiberiatraders.com Contact: Michael Burns & Richard Cordover

Celtic Culture

Tel: 440.954.9032 Website: www.irishcrossroadsohio.com Contact: Michelle Morgan

Tel: 724.238.2420 Website: www.celticcultureonline.com Contact: Andrew Carr

OREGON Bridie’s Irish Faire

Casey’s Irish Imports

715 NW 3rd St (Nye Beach) Newport, OR 97365

Tel: 440.333.8383 Website: www.caseysirishimports.com Contact: Maureen Casey Brubaker & Kathleen Casey Proctor

Tel: 717.334.6609 Website: www.alittleirishtoo.com Contact: Tory Warren

38015 Euclid Avenue c/o Plant Magic Willoughby, OH 44094

OHIO 19626 Center Ridge Road Rocky River, OH 44116

9 Chambersburg Street Gettysburg, PA 17325

Tel: 541.574.9366 Website: www.bridiesirishfaire.com Contact: Susan Spencer

137 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658

Donegal Square 534 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

Tel: 610.866.3244 Website: www.donegal.com Contact: Neville Gardner & Marie Barry

Enchanted Shire 2775 Lebanon Road Manheim, PA 17545

Tel: 585.329.5653 Website: www.enchantedshire.com Contact: Arleen Dougherty

RHODE ISLAND

7400 Frankford Ave Philadelphia, PA 19136

Tel: 215.624.8311 Website: www.gigglesgifts.com Contact: Rosemary Veneziale

Irish Design Center 303 South Craig Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Tel: 412.682.6125 Website: www.irishdesigncenter.com Contact: Maura Krushinski

Oxford Hall Celtic Shop & Tea Café 233 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070

Tel: 717.774.8789 Website: www.oxfordhall.com Contact: Steve & Cindy Washburn

Pipeline Bagpipes 112 St Andrews Drive Greentown, PA 18426

Tel: 973.513.5931 Website: www.pipeline-bagpipes.com Contact: Gerald Rooney

The Celtic Cross 729 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228

Tel: 412.306.1890 Website: www.celticcross1.com Contact: Thomas Macik

Basic Irish Luxury

Tel: 757.371.6100 Email: mcceltictreasure@gmail.com Contact: Kristin Wilda

Website: www.legendsofthecelts.com Contact: Steve & Barbara Hand

137 Swinburne Row, Thames St Newport, RI 02840

Piper Dan’s Keltic Shoppe

3970 State Highway 42 Fish Creek , WI 54212

Tel: 800-255-8272 Email: newport@basicirishluxury.com Contact: Tom McGrath

TENNESSEE Celtic Heritage 634 Parkway, The Village #26 Gatlinburg, TN 37738

109E Main Street Old Town Purcellville, VA 20132

Tel: 540.751.0777 Email: piperdanskeltic@aol.com Contact: Mary Brady Shea Knight

Pixie Treasures Celtic Shoppe 2925 Virginia Beach Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Scotland House Ltd

CANADA

430 Duke of Gloucester St Williamsburg, VA 23185

A Bit of Home

Tel: 931.563.7733 Website: www.thecelticcup.com Contact: Chris & Denise Smith

Tel: 757.229.7800 Website: www.scotlandhouseltd.com Contact: Michelle & Sam Wallace

TEXAS

WASHINGTON

Things Celtic

Galway Bay Trading Co

1806 West 35th Street Austin, TX 78703

880 Point Brown Ave NE Ocean Shores, WA 98569

Tel 512.472.2358 Website: www.thingsceltic.com Contact: Lanora Davidson

Tel: 360.289.2300 Website: www.galwaybayirishpub.com Contact: William Gibbons

Wandering Angus 914 Water Street Port Townsend, WA 98368

23a S Jefferson Street Lexington, VA 24450

Tel: 360.385.9549 Website: www.wanderingangus.com Contact: Tracy Williamson & Debbie Sonandre

Tipperary West Irish Imports

Tel: 540.464.6545 Website: www.celtictides2.com Contact: Mary Jo & John Morman

WISCONSIN

3026 Cherry Street Erie, PA 16508

Irish Eyes of Virginia

Legacy House Imports

725 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401

4221 Lien Road Madison, WI 53716

Tel: 540.373.0703 Website: www.irisheyesofva.com Contact: Mike & Bernadette Esler

Tel: 608.663.1340 Website: www.legacyhouseimports.com Contact: Patrick & Marsha Flannery

Maggie Casey’s Celtic Treasure

Legends of the Celts

Tel: 215.925.1995 Website: www.tullycross.com Contact: Meg Turner

Tel: 262.377.3444 Email: robinparsons33@gmail.com Contact: Robin Parsons

106 North Anderson Street Tullahoma, TN 37388

Celtic Tides

110 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

N70 W6340 Bridge Road Cedarburg, WI 53012

The Celtic Cup

Peddlers Village Courtyard Store 14 Lahaska, PA 18931

Tullycross Inc

Robin’s European Cottage

Tel: 865.436.2588 Website: www.celticheritage.net

VIRGINIA

Tel: 814.459.5797 Website: www.tipperarywest.com Contact: Jeff Hardner

Tel: 920.868.3528 Website: www.omearasirish.com Contact: Megan O’Meara

Tel: 757.961.7494 Website: www.pixietreasures.biz Contact: Bob & Jeanne Rider

The Celtic Rose Tel: 215.794.5882 Website: www.thecelticrose.com Contact: Marilyn Mellon

O’Meara’s Irish House

124 Main Street Smithfield, VA 23430

10556 Main Street Hayward, WI 54843

STORE DIRECTORY

Giggles Gifts

2-1248 Dundas Street East Mississauga, ON L4Y 2C1

Tel: 905.804.1731 Website: www.abitofhome.ca Contact: Henry & Geraldine Porsch

Gold & Shamrock 398 Old Kingston Road Toronto, Ontario, M1C 3J2

Tel: 416.884.5991 Website: www.goldandshamrock.com Contact: Monika Donnelly

The Scottish & Irish Store East 1713 St Laurent Blvd (at Innes) Ottawa, ON K1G 3V4

Tel: 613.739.3393 Website: www.scottishandirishstore.com Contact: Michael Cox

The Scottish & Irish Store West 2194 Robertson Road Ottawa, ON K2H 9J5

Tel: 613.829.2251 Website: www.scottishandirishstore.com Contact: Michael Cox

The Wee Tartan Shop 177 Queen Street Port Perry, ON L9L 1B8

Tel: 905.985.6573 Website: www.weetartanshop.ca Contact: Stewart Bennett

Tel: 715.634.0901 271

r Fo n o N U -E en id es R ts

makers of the tm

Traditional Claddagh Rings, Timeless Claddagh Wedding Bands & Exclusive Diamond Set Claddagh Rings From the Workshops of Claddagh Jewellers in the Heart of Galway City.

Visit Our Stores in Galway City

and Dublin City Centre

Visit Our Galway Store 25 Mainguard St. 091 562 310 Visit Our Dublin Store 2 Grafton St. 01 607 4018

shop@thecladdagh.com www.thecladdagh.com fb.com/claddaghjewellers

V i si tor C e n t r e G a lway

Galwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New and Exciting Claddagh Ring Visitor Centre and Workshop Come and see where the authentic Claddagh Ring is made. Learn about the origins of Galway's iconic Claddagh ring which dates back over 300 years. Browse the most extensive range of fine Irish and Celtic jewellery. TM

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Located next to Claddagh Jewellers: 26 Shop Street, Galway. www.claddaghlegend.com

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Explore...

one of Ireland’s hidden treasures

• Three daily settings to all three Aran Islands • Bicycles, jaunting cars and mini-buses available for hire • Explore traditional Irish heritage and stunning scenery

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