Go Wild Christmas Magazine

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Gifts Galore!

Gifts for all the family

Festive Feasts Inspiring recipes for starters, mains and desserts

82 Pages Of Ideas

Decorating, interiors, crafts, festivals and days out

Daniel is Back!

Back with a new album, singing legend Daniel O’Donnell reveals his festive plans

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From the all Irish Go Wild Team!

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SEASONAL SPIRITS Everything you need to know about whiskey

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Wishing all our readers and advertisers a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Season’s greetings from Bobby, Cleo, Dave, Lynne, Keith, Siobhán and all the team. Go Wild with festive cheer for the holidays!

Contents Features

P74: The festival lights are on

P2: Keeping with tradition

P76: Dear Santa – fun festive facts

P4: Rocking around the tree P6: All I want for Christmas … with Daniel O’Donnell

Festive food & drink

P28: How to decorate like a pro

P10: Perfect wine pairings

P48: Gifts for everyone

P12: From Galway with love

P50: Gifts for him

P14: Cheesy does it

P52: Gifts for her

P16: Whose side are you on?

P54: Gifts for children of all ages

P18: Biscuit bake-off

P56: Gifts for craft lovers

P20: Fed up with turkey? Try a fish supper

P58: How to make a Christmas wreath

P22: How to create a vegan Christmas for newbies

P60: Walking in a winter wonderland

P26: Hot and Spicy on St. Stephen’s Day

P62: Fancy a dip?

P30: How to make the perfect Irish coffee

P65: A star is born

P32: Irish Whiskey Special

P66: Botanical beauty

P46: Christmas with Richard Corrigan

P68: How to make an advent calendar

P64: May your mocktails be merry and bright

P70: Holiday homes P71: Mindful & Bright – How to have a calm Christmas

Photography

P72: 50 of the best Christmas songs ever

P24: Majestic Mount Errigal

P73: The ultimate Go Wild Christmas film quiz

P44: Galway’s festive markets

For all of the latest in Irish Travel news, www.gowildmagazine.com. Your No. 1 Irish tourism publisher

Contacts:

Contributors:

Graphic Design:

bobby@gowildmagazine.com

Siobhán Breatnach

Web: www.brainstorm.ie

For accounts: Cleo Power, Account Manager

Copy Editor:

Designer: Lynne Clark

cleo@gowildmagazine.com

Keith Nicol

For advertising: Bobby Power, Publisher

Editor:

Dave Curtin, Creative Director

A special thank you to Fáilte Ireland & Ireland.com for their support with content and imagery.

Ma gazine

The Wild Atlantic Way Magazine Ltd, t/a Go Wild Magazine. All rights reserved. The Wild Atlantic Way Magazine Ltd t/a GoWild Magazine does not accept any responsibility for any advertising content. All unsubscripted manuscripts will not be accepted or returned. No material may be used in whole or in part without the publisher’s prior consent. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of all events, information or recommendations in this magazine, no responsibility will be accepted by The Wild Atlantic Way Magazine Ltd, its editorial team, designers, authors or agents acting on their behalf for alterations, errors or omissions which may occur.

KEEPING WITH TRADITION

F

rom the annual pilgrimage to Midnight Mass on December 24, right through to Nollaig na mBan in January, even Scrooge himself would be warmed by the traditions that give some extra oomph to the festive season across the country. Here’s a look behind the scenes at some of the customs we just can’t shake when it comes to celebrating Christmas.

for Santa … along with a few carrots for Rudolf.

Candles in the window Placing a candle in the window during the festive period is one of the most iconic images of the season. The candle is a sign of welcome for anyone, friend or stranger, who might be passing on Christmas Eve. Come on in guys.

Midnight massive Our churches are normally packed to the rafters on Christmas Eve, as families dress up and go to Midnight Mass. The pandemic saw many places of worship switch to live streamed services so keep an eye out for what’s available online in the coming months. But wherever you get your spiritual festive fix, there’s only one way to end the evening – by leaving out some mince pies and Guinness

The real St. Nicholas Legend has it that St. Nicholas, the man who inspired Father Christmas and the real Santa of today, is buried in an abandoned medieval village at a working farm called Jerpoint Park in Co. Kilkenny. It’s believed he lies within a cracked, carved tomb in the grounds beside the ruins of St. Nicholas’ Church. Jerpoint Park offers guided tours - booking is online – while its tearooms are open for light lunches and sweet treats.

Christmas Day dips A bracing Christmas Day dip is a longstanding tradition and also raises much-needed funds for charities. Not one for the faint-hearted, this custom is particularly strong at the Forty Foot swimming spot in Sandycove, Dublin. The popularity of a cold morning swim has soared in coastal towns and villages in recent years, with plenty of places to go in for a seasonal splash including Mayo’s Lough Lannagh, Salthill in Galway Bay, Bundoran in Co. Donegal and Tralee Bay Swimming Club’s annual dip in Fenit, Co. Kerry, in aid of the RNLI. Who’s for pudding?

Putting a silver coin in your pudding is an ageold custom that is said to bring health, wealth, happiness and good luck to the person that finds it. Traditionally, 13 ingredients should be used and everyone in the house is supposed to stir the mixture for good luck as it’s being prepared.

Little Christmas Women’s Christmas or Nollaig na mBan, is the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. It officially marks the last day of the season. Traditionally it’s the day when women must avoid all housework while the men stay home, cook and take down the decorations - it’s bad luck if you don’t!

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Shop online at Gifts.iNUA.ie

Christmas tree ex pert Derek Walsh with David Phillips

ROCKING AROUND THE TREE T

here’s nothing like the smell, feel and look of a real Christmas tree around the holidays.

It’s hard not to be instantly uplifted when that divine alpine smell wafts luxuriously around a room.

But when it comes to picking the best tree for your home there’s lots to consider.

Luckily Derek Walsh, owner of Real Irish Trees, is an expert in all things festive forest-related and has some handy tips to offer Go Wild readers.

Walsh started selling trees before he actually started growing them. His epiphany hit around 20 years ago when he was driving one day from Dublin with an empty trailer.

He ended up buying a few Christmas trees and sold them on. Five years later he was growing his own, mostly in the south east of the country where he now has more than 25,000 trees in Bunclody Co. Wexford as well as Passage East and Dunhill in Co. Waterford. When Covid hit last year, and with a little help from his tech entrepreneur nephew Jordan Casey, Walsh moved his enterprise online, selling trees across the country through a network of growers who would then deliver them to homes.

“It worked very well last year, so we’ll see where it’ll go this year,” he laughs.

TREE TIPS & TRENDS What to consider before you buy your festive fir

Don’t get into a space jam It seems obvious, but the first thing to do is think about what kind of room you have. How big is it and where do you want your tree to go? Derek says he’s seen plenty of people end up with a tree that’s too big for the space they intended it for.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

Nordmann Fir

What you see when you’re perusing the trees outside can look small, but when you bring it home it needs to fit through the door! Consider all shapes and sizes.

Hot tropics or Artic cool

The next thing you need to do is a temperature check. How hot or cold is in the room your tree will call home for the season. Does it get lots of sun or mostly shaded? Do you crank up the radiators to ward off those cold frosty nights? If it’s a warm room, you’ll need to keep your tree watered - some varieties will stand up to warmer climates better than others.

Going live

Last year there was a big uptake on living trees.

Derek says this eco-friendly choice now accounts for one in every five trees he sells. If you do decide to go live, you might find yourself restricted with the size. Whatever is going on overground is happening underground. So, if you’ve after a six-foot living tree, you’ll need space for a six-foot root ball. A living tree is, however a great choice if you fancy something a little smaller. You’ve also got the added bonus of putting it in your garden afterwards.

green but tends to be more layered with spikier branches. Though it may look a bit more sparce than its competitors, it packs a punch when it comes fragrance and truly smells like Christmas.

The Fraser Fir, (another American beauty) has a really good scent and also looks great. An added bonus is its soft feel coupled with strong limbs for hanging decorations. This one’s as classic as you can get. The Nordmann Fir (a best-seller originating from the mountains of Europe) is a really full, bright green tree but take note, its fragrance might not be as strong as the others.

Best time to buy?

The Late Late Toy Show (expected to air Friday, November 26) is a great starting point for putting up your Christmas tree and will help get you in the festive spirit.

But, says Derek, it’s a big ask for a tree to last from the middle of November to the start of January so keep it real! If you do go early, remember to keep the room cool and the tree watered. Choosing the right breed is very important so go for something a little more hardy to get you through the whole season.

Fraser Fir

Finding your perfect match

Just as in life, choosing the perfect match can take a little time and consideration.

From the Noble, Fraser and Nordmann Firs, picking the right variety of tree might not be as simple as it seems. Most people will want a spectacular tree but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Nobel Fir

Nobel, Fraser or Nordmann …

The Nobel Fir (a non-shed that originates from America) comes in a delightful dense

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All I want for Christmas is …

Back with a new album, singing legend Daniel O’Donnell tells Siobhán Breatnach about turning 60 in December, his festive plans and the hobbies that kept him going during lockdown

T

he month of December carries extra meaning

birth to twin girls and another grandchild

for cultural icon Daniel O’Donnell. And this

was due to join the flock in October.

year, it’s going to be that extra bit special.

The Donegal man is not only looking forward to a family-filled festive season but he also turns 60.

Born on December 12, 1961, O’Donnell says, though

“We love Christmas,” he says. “Majella’s mother’s lives with us so she’ll be there. Four generations under one roof. Usually Michael comes from Australia too, but I don’t know if they’ll be able to get out to come

not ‘a big party person’, he loves spending time with his

this year as they’re in lockdown. We’ll be at home

extended family when it comes to marking big occasions.

with Siobhan and her husband and hopefully by then

With a birthday so close to Christmas, and within a week of his brother who celebrates on December 20, the singer

there’ll be three grandchildren. When the children are there, playing with their toys, it’s just fantastic.”

jokes how he doesn’t recall having parties as a young

The entertainer is thrilled to be releasing a new

child but says he’s grateful for every year that passes.

15-track album and heading off on tour, flying to

There’s certainly no sign of him slowing down as he approaches this milestone year.

“I don’t ever remember having a birthday party when

America in November to perform for his stateside fans following an October UK concert series.

“It’s lovely to be able to get anything done at the

I was small. I don’t know whether I did or I didn’t,”

minute,” he jokes. “We’re delighted to be getting

he laughs. “But I don’t think it was a big thing.”

out on the road, it’s a new experience again.

“Any big birthday, 40, 50, 60, is special,” he

“There will be certain restrictions even though we’re

adds. “It’s another 10 years. I don’t feel I’m

able to gather in theatres. It’s hard to know how people

getting old, that shock doesn’t come into my

will react to the whole thing of being out again.

system. I’m glad to be still here and well.

“My father died at 49, so that’s something we’re all very aware of, how young he was when he passed away. So, every year is fantastic. I hope I’ll go on for a long time.”

The O’Donnell household is all about Christmas festivities, with plans this year for a family gathering and watching old movies with some new arrivals joining in the fun.

Daniel’s niece Patricia Swan recently gave

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

“It’s nice to have the album coming out,” he adds. “I recorded it last September when the restricted lifted a wee bit and we were able to travel a bit more.

“I went to England to Nigel Wright’s studio and recorded most of the album. One or two we did later at home in a studio beside the house in Donegal.”

Legendary producer Nigel Wright has also coproduced the recordings for many of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals, including the film

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started playing Bridge a few years ago and during lockdown it all came out online. I would play maybe three or four nights a week online during lockdown.

It was a great pastime and I love it. We stayed very much at home and were happy to do that.”

Countryside walks in the wilds of Donegal also proved a tonic.

“We’re so lucky, we go outside the door and there’s an old railway walk. Years ago, there was a train that went from Burtonport to Derry and that railway walk passes our gate,” Daniel says “You can walk for a number of miles and it’s just beautiful to be out in the middle of the country.

We’re right by the beaches too, so it was just fantastic. When I was off I was happy to be off.”

With a legendary recording and touring career behind him, and plenty more to come by the sounds versions of Evita, starring Madonna and Antonio

of it, Daniel is excited to be back out on the road.

Banderas and The Phantom of the Opera.

Though, home is never far from his heart and mind.

Among the tracks on the new album are upbeat

“I look around the world and I’ve been to plenty of

versions of Let Your Love Flow, I’ll Never Find Another

places that are beautiful in a scenic way,” he says.

You and Something Stupid, a duet with wife Majella.

“But when I stand on Cruit Island Golf Club (his

“She doesn’t have any desire to be a singer or be on

local club in Kincasslagh), the scenery there is as

stage but she loves joining in and harmonising so that

good, if not better, than anywhere I’ve ever been.

fitted the bill lovely,” Daniel says. “This album is very much songs that I’m enjoying and wanted to record.”

As was the case for the whole music industry, the pandemic meant all touring and live gigs came to a

“Ireland has so much to offer. I love West Cork, down Glandore, it’s beautiful, if you go over Sally Gap and look down to Wicklow, that’s three different areas of Ireland and it’s magnificent.

sudden halt in early 2020 - though it did bring some welcome down-time for the recording artist.

“We did the B&B road trip of Ireland a few times and honestly Ireland is a beautiful country,” he adds.

“I’ve been singing for a long time and I’d periodically

“The other plus is the people. The Irish people

taken breaks, not as long as this, but I’d taken

have that certain something. People who come to

a few months here and there where I wouldn’t

visit will say that all the time. Whatever way we

do anything,” O’Donnell says. “So, I didn’t find

deal with people, it just endears them to us.”

it terrible. And we were lucky where we live at home in Donegal, it’s very rural and there’s great

Just as Daniel has endeared himself to his loyal fans through his music for all these years.

freedom in it, even though we were locked down.

Happy Birthday Mr. O’Donnell!

“We really were blessed in many ways with where we live and that it didn’t feel restrictive other than you

Daniel O’Donnell 60 is out now, released by

couldn’t just get up and go as you wanted,” he adds.

Demon Music Group

“We embraced the situation we were in and made the best of it. And it worked out fine for us.

“When we were allowed to play golf again I went, I love the golf,” he says. “I also

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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At Harcourt Shopping Centres

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At Harcourt Shopping Centres

PERFECT PAIRINGS Daragh Moore, Co-Founder of The Wine Buff, a chain of franchised wine stores with Ten shops across Ireland and a store in Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, brings us expert advice on the wine pairings for your Christmas feast, from starters to cheese course.

Starters orders

Smoked salmon is a real Christmas favourite. If it’s on your menu, you’ll need to match the smoked fish flavour and the oily texture with good acidity.

A good choice is a Chablis, which has good acidity to cleanse the palate.

If you’re having a salty starter then try matching it with a rosé wine, as the salt will add to the sensation of body and fullness to the wine.

For pâté, try with ripe acidic wines such as an Alsace Riesling.

If in doubt, Champagne is a great pairing for most, if not all, starters.

The main event

For most of us, Christmas dinner means turkey.

As turkey has a low-fat content, it’s best to avoid tannic wines as they will make the meat seem harsh and dry.

If you are serving it with a sweet cranberry sauce, this needs a young, fruity, low-in-tannin wine. A good red option

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

would be a wine from Apollonio in Puglia from the heel of Italy.

For white, choose a full-bodied Chardonnay such as the Novi.

If you’re opting for goose or duck, match the oily meat with high acidic, tannic wines like a red burgundy, while a vegetarian nut roast pairs perfectly with a fruity red - my choice would be a wine from the Dão region of Portugal.

And for ‘afters’

A general rule of thumb with desserts is to have a wine sweeter than the dessert itself.

If you’re having a traditional Sherry Trifle, try a Pedro Ximenez.

With lemon tart or lemon cheesecake try a wine with plenty of sweetness to complement the acidic dessert.

Traditional Christmas pudding or Christmas cake at the end of a festive dinner, it really is delicious with an aged Tawny port.

or Manchego, a medium bodied red like a Rioja is going to be the most enjoyable crowd-pleasing pairing.

For blue cheeses such as Stilton, Cashel Blue, Roquefort and Gorgonzola, the classic pairing tends to be sweet wines, for example Sauternes with Roquefort or Port with Stilton and Cashel Blue.

These wines are very concentrated and cut through the pungent saltiness of the creamy blue cheese.

If you have any Sancerre or New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc open from earlier in the day, then it’s a great match with goats cheese, it adds a creaminess and taste explosion to the dry goats cheese.

For more advice on wine for your Christmas celebration, check out your local Wine Buff store or find out more at www.thewinebuff.com.

Cheese please

For hard cheeses such as cheddar

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FROM GALWAY WITH LOVE

Everyone loves chocolates at Christmas. We chat to chef Gráinne Mullins about how she creates her fabulous confectionary

W

illy Wonka’s got nothing on Galway chef-entrepreneur Gráinne Mullins.

One of Ireland’s lockdown successes, her fledgling but fast-growing company Grá Chocolates has left a sweet taste in mouths across the country.

“The satisfying bit is people enjoying them when you get a nice message,” she says. “I got a beautiful card during the week from a lady in Scotland in Scots Gaelic, because she saw that we were using Irish.”

“Something like that will put a smile on your face because you’d never expect someone to write you a card. It’s those small little personal touches.”

Grá’s selection of chocolates is a culmination of the award-winning chef’s love of local ingredients and her culinary experience.

“Having been a pastry chef and worked for so many years I wanted to express my techniques throughout,” she says. “I knew I had a lot of techniques that would generally not be seen in chocolate - adding different techniques, layers and flavours and using Irish ingredients as much as possible as well. What I wanted to be able to do is fit maximum flavour and texture into one small bite.”

The business started at the beginning of the first lockdown.

“I was stuck for things to do,” she says. “I was baking and decided to make hand-painted easter eggs for my friend’s family. It’s something I’d thought about for a few years but never had the time.

I bought the moulds, did all the flavours and started posting them on social media. Then people were reaching out trying to buy them but I didn’t have anywhere near the capacity to do that. Afterwards I thought about it and my mum said ‘this could potentially be your business Gráinne’.”

Having her own business was always a dream for the 2019 Eurotoques Young Chef of the Year who started working in kitchens aged 16 in places such as Ardmore’s Cliff House Hotel, Ashford Castle, Ox in Belfast Lignum near Loughrea, Co. Galway.

“I studied science and worked my way up the Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

ranks as a pastry chef,” Grainne says. “I love pastry so much because it’s so calculated, you follow the recipe and get the results. From there I stuck with it and have always enjoyed that side of the kitchen.

“I’d always wanted to have my own business but didn’t know what it would be,” she adds.

“Science has always linked in with what I’ve done but my passion was always food.”

It took just three months after those prototype eggs and some market research with the local enterprise office to get her company up and running.

“My family have been very patient and allowed me to take over the house,” she says. “I have a small kiln, which my dad used to use to dry out wood, and that’s been converted into this chocolate factory, so it’s been the perfect location to start from.”

Grá now employs two full-time and three part-time staff to cope with the demand for its confectionary, particularly around peak occasion times such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Easter.

Plans include growing the company’s workspace so that it can move away from a pre-order system.

“I’m having great fun researching Irish ingredients and I know quite a lot of suppliers luckily already from my years working through restaurants so I do try and use ones I know are really good quality,” she says.

“Using as local as possible where possible and embracing it. I’m looking at Ryan’s Rhubard for the Rhubard season because it’s a beautiful product, it’s bright pink and it’s grown under candlelight – where else can you find a story like that. Not only a story but it tastes amazing.”

“The support has been crazy, it’s stemmed from people trusting me from restaurants that I’ve worked in before. It’s been fantastic,” she adds.

“Even our surroundings, what we can be inspired by looking out the window or going for a walk around the seaside or up the mountain, I think we’re very lucky that it’s still quite a bit of a wilderness and there can be inspiration drawn from that at any point.”

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FALLS HOTEL & SPA

CHRISTMAS RESIDENCY December 24th to 27th Let us tempt you with our wonderful

three night Christmas Residency package.

With the year that is in it, feel safe and comfortable with us here, make our home your home away from home this Christmas.

Arrive on Christmas Eve and enjoy our hospitality for three nights.

The three night package, including meals and entertainment is €495 per person, with a single supplement of €60.

CHILDREN’S PACKAGE (based on sharing their room with parents) Children under 2 years stay free Children aged 3-4 are €120 each Children aged 5-12 are €240 each (We require a 20% non refundable deposit to secure your reservation)

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A Gift Voucher from the Falls Hotel & Spa gives the wonderful gift of choice!

Vouchers are available on www.fallshotel.ie or ring us on 065 7071004.

To make a booking or for further information contact us on: 065 707 1004 or reservations@fallshotel.ie

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Cheesy does it at Christmas The ultimate, indulgent sharing snack, with deliciously rich pastry and gorgeously gooey cheese, making it a firm festive party favourite for all the family

Mushroom cheese puff pie wreath Serves 4-6 Prep 45 mins, plus cooling and chilling Cook 1 hour 20 mins

Ingredients 50g unsalted butter 500g chestnut or button mushrooms, wiped clean and cut into 2.5cm chunks 2 medium red onions 1 vegetable stock cube 2 tsp plain flour, plus extra for dusting 2 tsp English mustard 330ml bottle golden ale or larger 1 tsp honey 4 fresh (8 dried) Bay leaves Small bunch Thyme sprigs (about 12) 50g crème fraiche 75g soft-rind cheese (camembert or brie), cut into 1.5cm chunks 500g block puff pastry 1 egg, beaten

Method Heat the butter in a large wide frying pan set over a high heat. Add the mushrooms and onions, season and cook, stirring often until all moisture has evaporated and they have started frying to a rich brown colour (about 8-10 minutes).

Crush over the vegetable stock cube and sprinkle in the flour, stirring and cooking for a few minutes. Stir in the mustard, honey and beer, scraping

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

the base of the pan, before bringing it back to a simmer.

Tie the Bay leaves and Thyme together with kitchen string and alongside, add enough water to barely cover, if needed.

Simmer briskly for about 2025 minutes, until you have a thick saucy stew. Stir through the crème fraiche, season and let cool completely (chill for at least 30 minutes; can be made three days ahead).

Roll the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a sheet about 0.5cm thick. Using a large dinner plate or bowl (about 27cm) as a guide, cut out a larger circle and then use a 9cm cutter to cut out another circle from the centre to create a ring.

Place on a parchment-lined baking tray and chill. Layer up the excess pastry and re-roll as before, cutting out another ring, chilling alongside the other. Roll the remaining scraps again and cut out Christmassy shapes (a tree, stars, holly etc), if you like.

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Use the second pastry ring as your base, brush the surface with beaten egg. Place the cooled mushroom filling around the ring leaving a 1-2cm border each side.

Top with the cubes of cheese and drape over the other pastry ring. Carefully stretch the pastry over, pressing around the inner and outer edges with floured fingers or the prongs of a fork, until well-sealed.

Score the pastry with criss-cross pattern, using the back of a small paring knife and brush all over with egg wash. Add the Christmas decorations (if using) and brush these with egg as well. Chill for at least 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. Bake for 10 minutes and then reduce the temperature to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.

Bake the pie for a further 2530 minutes, until puffed and a rich golden-brown colour.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with a crunchy green salad.

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IRISH

FAMILY BUSINESS

Fashion, Gifts and Food

A must stop on any visit to the beautiful garden county, just south of Dublin

Ladies, menswear & childrens boutique, with fashion for your lifestyle.

Gifts for everyone on your list, even the most difficult to buy for!

Food at Fishers café serving Brunch, lunch and treats.

Open 7 days a week 10.00am - 5.30pm (Sundays 11am - 5..30pm)

The Old Schoolhouse, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow fishersofnewtownmountkennedy

Shop Safe at Fishers you can also shop online at

www.fishers.ie

Whose side are you on?

Seasonal salads aren’t just for summer and this vibrant dish not is not only a great side partner to cold meats St Stephen’s Day but a super alternative to traditional sprouts.

Courgettes are easy to grow at home too and they don’t have to be Yuletide green. You can also use Butterstick courgettes, a hybrid variety with a long harvest period and superb flavour.

Courgettes are typically sown from March to May, with harvest up to October, though supermarkets chase the sun and offer produce year-round.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

Cranberry & Courgette Ribbon Salad Serves 4 Using a vegetable peeler, ribbons are created for this fresh, raw and simple salad. Topped with crumbled goat’s cheese and cranberries, it’s so tasty!

Ingredients 3 Courgettes 100g Goat’s Cheese 2 Tbsp. Mixed Seeds and Dried Fruits (cranberries, raisins and dried apricots) 1 Lemon ( juiced) 2 Tsp. Honey 3 Tbsp Virgin Olive Oil 2 Tbsp Pine Nuts (toasted) Sourdough Croutons - A loaf of sourdough bread cut into slices and diced on a tray, with

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olive oil and Maldon Sea Salt (Bake until golden brown) Salt & Pepper, for seasoning Pea Shoots and Purple Radish Salad, to garnish 1 Tbsp. Fresh Chives

Method In a bowl, pour the lemon juice, honey and season with salt and pepper. Whisk the olive oil then add the chive batons.

Using a peeler, make ribbons of the courgettes. Tip the ribbons into the dressing and toss the rest of the ingredients (toasted pine nuts, sourdough croutons, mixed seeds and dried fruits) Serve immediately on a platter and top with crumbled goat’s cheese.

To serve Garnish with pea shoot cress and purple salad. Enjoy with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc.

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The Tea Room at Muckross Park Hotel When choosing Afternoon Tea in Ireland, there are few locations as luxurious and stunning as the 5-star surroundings of Muckross Park Hotel & Spa. The majestic setting inside Killarney National Park provides a beautiful backdrop to what is a unique dining experience.

The Tea Room at Muckross is a high-end, exclusive afternoon tea lounge that offers guests a bespoke experience. In the comfort of opulence, share this time-honoured experience with a loved-one and savour delectable delicacies.

Muckross Park Hotel have partnered exclusively with Ronnefeldt Tea, one of Europe’s oldest and the world’s leading tea houses. The creative, innovative and passionate tea connoisseurs have developed flavours that are now exclusively available in The Tea Room at Muckross.

Executive Chef Scott Kapitan has created a delicious array of pastries and treats that you won’t forget long after you leave.

Miniature pastries, warm scones and delicate sandwiches are freshly prepared in anticipation of our guests’ arrival.

No stay at Muckross Park would be complete without a little indulgence!

To make a reservation, please contact reception on 064 66 23400, book online below or email info@muckrosspark.com.

Escape to Killarney and experience luxury at the 5* Muckross Park Hotel located in the heart of Killarney National Park. Indulge with a choice of opulent accommodation along with an extravagant breakfast the following morning.

Prices from €130 per person Bed & Breakfast

For more information, please contact the team on: Reservations@muckrosspark.com 064-6623400 • www.muckrosspark.com

Biscuit bake-off

Will you choose naughty or nice?

SWEET: Vegan Jammy Dodgers Ingredients 250g Plain Flour 150g Ground Almonds 120ml Melted Coconut Oil 120ml Maple Syrup 20ml Vegetable Oil 2 tsp Vanilla Essence 1 tsp Baking Powder Pinch of Salt Specially Selected Raspberry Conserve Icing Sugar, to sprinkle You’ll also need: Biscuit cutters – approx. 5cm and a smaller one to make a whole in the centres. Use round, star or any shape you like.

Method Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3.

Put the flour, ground almonds, baking powder and salt into a bowl and whisk well with a balloon

whisk. In another bowl mix the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla essence and vegetable oil together.

Pour this mixture into the dry mix and mix well. Allow to rest a while, then roll out to the thickness of a pound coin.

With your chosen cutters – cut out 40 biscuits. Cut a small hole in the centre of 20 of them.

If you want you can emboss the top of the biscuits.

Using a palette knife transfer to lightly greased baking sheets – allow a little space between them. Bake for 7- 10 mins – till the edges are just browning.

Allow to cool. Then add 1/2 teaspoon jam on top of the whole biscuits – then top them with the cut out biscuit. Sprinkle with some icing sugar and serve.

SAVORY: Herb & Cheese Biscuits Ingredients 170g Salted Butter, at room temperature 50g Mature Cheddar Cheese

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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25g Parmigiano Cheese 220g Plain Flour 50g Ground Almonds 5g Fresh Chopped Herbs Black Pepper Extra Herbs, to garnish

Method Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.

Finely grate the cheddar and the Parmigiano cheese. In a bowl, add the flour and the ground almonds, season with some black pepper and mix well.

Chop the butter into small chunks and rub into the flour mixture. Add the chopped herbs and the grated cheese and rub in with your fingers until you achieve a soft dough.

Roll out on a floured surface to the thickness of a pound coin. Cut into shapes with your favourite cutter.

Carefully put onto greased baking sheets and cook for 12-15 minutes.

After baking, decorate with small sprigs of herbs whilst still warm.

Allow to cool then serve.

Delicious on their own or serve with a cheese board.

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Christmas Country Music DEREK RYAN

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Fed up with turkey?

TRY A FESTIVE FISH SUPPER Christmas doesn’t have to be all about the turkey, ham and pudding. Graham Higgins, Head Chef of The Purty Kitchen in Dublin’s Dun Laoghaire shares some of his go-to recipes for easy entertaining this festive season.

Kilmore Quay Seafood Chowder Serves 4 Ingredients 1 white onion 1 leek 2 bay leaves 1 sprig thyme 1/2 litre fish stock 4 large Maris piper potatoes 50g butter Maldon sea salt and cracked black pepper 200ml cream 200ml full fat milk 180g diced celery and carrot 40g mixed dill and parsley 180g small rope mussels 640g mixed seafood including salmon, naturally smoke haddock and hake Guinness Brown Bread to serve Method Sauté onion, celery, crushed potato and leek with bay leaf to make the velouté.

Add milk, cream, fish stock and seasoning to the pan and blend into the velouté.

Steam the diced carrots and leek until cooked to your liking.

Season the velouté with Maldon sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

Add the seafood to the velouté to poach for 5 to 6 minutes adding the steamed carrot

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

and leak to the velouté for texture.

Serve in bowl of your choice and garnish with the finely chopped dill & parsley. Enjoy with Guinness brown bread and real butter.

The Purty Kitchen Fish Pie Tender morsels of local fish, saffron velouté and pickled vegetable salad - Serves 4 - 20 -

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Pour the mix to your baking dish(es) of choice, pipe on your mashed potato and bake in the over at 180 degrees for 15-20 mins We recommend serving these in individual dishes and it is accompanied by a wedge of lemon and a salad. We like to use a pickled vegetable salad for extra acidity to complement the seafood.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients For the pudding 150g pitted dates 1 tsp bread soda 1/2 litre of water 20g dark brown sugar 2 whole eggs 40g butter 175g plain flour 4g baking powder 1g baking soda Ingredients 400gm prawns 600gm mixed seafood including, salmon, hake and naturally smoked haddock 1 bulb fennel 2 stalks celery 2 carrots finely chopped 1/2gram red saffron strand 400ml fish stock 300ml full fat cream 200ml full fat milk Maldon sea salt & cracked black pepper 20g corn flour Small bunch finely chopped dill, tarragon and flat leaf parsley 600g mashed potato 2 whole eggs 50g butter Method Prepare your mashed potato and whisk together with the 2 egg yolks, 50g of butter. Add sea salt and cracked black pepper to season and set to one side.

To make the velouté, sauté down the fennel, celery, carrots and saffron.

Add your fish stock, cream and milk and bring to the boil before stirring in the cornflour and season with the salt and pepper to taste.

Add your seafood and herbs to the velouté and simmer for 2 minutes

For the sauce 50g butter 75g full fat cream 100g dark brown sugar Ice cream of your choice (we recommend Glenowen Vanilla ice cream) Method For the pudding Simmer 150g of pitted dates and 1tsp of bread soda with 1/2 litre of water for 30 mins. Purée or blitz and allow to cool.

Whisk 20g of dark brown sugar with 2 whole eggs and 40g of butter.

Add your flour, baking powder and baking soda before stirring this into the date mix.

Pour into a baking tray/dish and bake for 25 mins at 170 degrees.

For the sauce Add all ingredients to the saucepan and bring to the boil. Allow to simmer for 15 mins and keep stirring throughout.

Final steps Pierce the top of the pudding with a fork and then pour half of your sauce over the warm pudding Allow this to stand for 45 minutes and set the remainder of the sauce to one side.

When well rested, add the rest of your sauce and your ice cream and serve.

Six tips to create the best

Vegan Christmas dinner bies w e n r o f

W

hether you are hosting your first festive dinner as a vegan or are hosting vegan guests this year, the anticipation to get cooking can be overwhelming.

Tap into your creative culinary acumen to prepare exquisite plant-based dishes with all the festive flavours you love.

In light of the Christmas spirit, these tried and tested tips will help you prepare your very first festive dinner to share with loved ones. We guarantee no one has to go cold turkey.

The preparation starts early Just because you’re having a vegan Christmas, it doesn’t mean that it has to be stripped of the festive elation that usually begins from December 1.

Advent calendars are a Christmas classic, and luckily, there are many options for vegans.

From fair trade vegan chocolate advent calendars to a DIY one made with vegan treats, savour the excitement. While you’re in the Christmas mood, why not get a head start on your festive playlist, menu and shopping list planning, and send out cute invitations to your family?

Start with the drinks Once your guests arrive, it’s time to quench their thirst.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

While most alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, spirits, and cider are vegan-friendly, it’s best to double-check their content.

For those who wish to refrain from alcohol, why not prepare a plantbased alternative to the classic hot chocolate, such as this gingerbread hot cocoa? You can also prepare your tea blend using Christmas favourites like cinnamon, orange peels, cardamom, star aniseed, or apple. Sounds just like a mulled wine but without the wine, right?

Move onto the starters A heart-warming soup before the mains goes a long way towards satisfying your guests. When planning your starters, think seasonal and local: what are the best-quality vegetables you can source at the time? Here is a hint: butternut squash, pumpkin, beetroot, and Brussels sprouts are beloved December classics. A simple yet incredibly flavoursome and vibrant starter you can serve is a vegan butternut squash soup made with coconut milk for extra creaminess. If you are a fan of salads, try a beetroot pear salad with walnuts.

It’s time for the mains If you’re looking for a turkey replacement that doesn’t add more cooking time to your schedule, go for a pre-made vegan roast which you can get from the frozen

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section of most supermarkets.

Dishes can be simplified by using vegan ready-made pastry. Try different fillings, such as squash, carrots, chard, and lentils. A wreath-shaped pastry filled with nuts, veg and tofu, is also a great idea.

A classic vegan main dish is a nut roast. Start with a basic recipe, then diversify it by adding raisins, sage, cranberry, cinnamon and different nuts.

Get on with the sides Pretty much anything goes here as long as it carries the Christmas spirit and complements the centrepiece. You probably already have a repertoire of vegetable dishes, so feel free to throw in a few of them. From roasted potatoes with rosemary to Brussels sprouts with seeds and maple-glazed carrots, the kitchen is yours.

Who said dessert?

Usually, the last bite of stuffing puts an end to our savoury feast and the sweet one begins. Although our bellies are as full as Santa Claus, we all know that dessert goes to our second stomach.

So, for your vegan Christmas dinner, you can satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with a few vegan mince pie options. If your cooking battery is running low, opt for a ready-made or homemade vegan Christmas pudding.

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Carrygerry Country House & Restaurant

Seasons Greetings Seasons Seasons Greetings toGreetings all fromto all toCarrygerry from all from Christmas Shop

CARRYGERRY CARRYGERRY CARRYGERRY COUNTRY HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE Carrygerry Christmas Shop Greetings Seasons Greetings toCOUNTRY all COUNTRY from to all Wide from Seasons GreetingsSeasons to all from RangeOpened of Hampers order for theavailable Month of to December Opened for the Month of December

& RESTAURANT & RESTAURANT & RESTAURANT Seasons Greetings to all CARRYGERRY from as Carrygerry Gift Sets & Gift Vouchers Christmas Shop CARRYGERRY COUNTRY COUNTRY HOUSEAswell HOUSE CARRYGERRY COUNTRY HOUSE CARRYGERRY COUNTRY HOUSE Month of December Tailor madeOpened to suitforallthe budgets & RESTAURANT & RESTAURANT Delivery Nationwide, T&C Apply RESTAURANT &&RESTAURANT Wide Range of Hampers available to order Aswell as Gift Sets & Gift Vouchers TailorRange made ofto Hampers suit all budgets Wide available to order Delivery Nationwide, T&CVouchers Apply Aswell as Gift Sets & Gift

Carrygerry Conservatory Carrygerry Carrygerry Restaurant Conservatory Conservatory is anRestaurant idealRestaurant location is anforisideal your an ideal location location for your for your Tailor made to suit all budgets Delivery Nationwide, T&C Apply Christmas Nightlocation Christmas Out with Christmas Night Friends, Night OutFamily with Out Friends, with or Work Friends, Family Colleagues.

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Niall & his teamOut havewith created an extensive Christmas menu usingOut onlyFamily Christmas Night Friends, Family or Work Colleagues. locally locally produce locally sourced to ensure sourced produce youproduce have to ensure atomemorable ensure you have youexperience. have a memorable a memorable experience. experience. locally sourced produce to ensure you sourced have a memorable experience. & his teamNiall have& his created teamanhave extensive created an extensive menu Christmas using only menu using only Niall & his team have createdNiall an extensive Christmas menu using only Christmas Christmas Menu available at www.carrygerryhouse.com locally produce sourced toMenu produce youavailable have to ensure memorable haveexperience. a memorable experience.

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MenuChristmas availableMenu at www.carrygerryhouse.com available at www.carrygerryhouse.com Christmas Menu available at Christmas www.carrygerryhouse.com Restaurant Opening Times Tue to Sat from 6.30pm- 9.30pm Restaurant Opening Restaurant Restaurant TimesOpening Opening TimesTimes Closed 24th, 25th & 26th December.

Pre Order your Christmas Day Treats: Pate, Seafood Chowder, Tarts, Crumbles, Cheesecakes, Christmas Puddings

& Cranberry Sauce, etc.

Pre Order your Christmas Day Treats:

Tue to Sat fromTue6.30pmtoTueSattofrom 9.30pm Sat from 6.30pm6.30pm9.30pm 9.30pmPre Order your DayTarts, Treats: Pate, Christmas Seafood Chowder, Crumbles, Cheesecakes, Christmas Puddings

more information to make an enquiry please contact us at: Lunch Bookings (for Times groups ofRestaurant over 1524th, people) &ForCranberry Sauce,oretc.

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Restaurant Opening T: +353 (0) 61Tarts, 360 500Crumbles, | E: info@carrygerryhouse.com | www.carrygerryhouse.com Pate, Seafood Chowder, Cheesecakes, Christmas Puddings Private Dining or Finger Food for larger groups in our Tue to Sat from Tue 6.30pmto Sat from 9.30pm 6.30pm9.30pm & Cranberry Sauce, etc.

Tuecourtyard to Sat from For more information or to make an enquiry please contact us at: setting6.30pmwith open 9.30pm fire.

Designed & Printed by McNamara Printers - 061 361 782

T: +353 (0) 61 360 500 | E: info@carrygerryhouse.com | www.carrygerryhouse.com Closed 24th, 25th Closed & 26th 24th,December.

25th & 26th December.

Closed 24th, 25th & 26th December.

Lunch BookingsLunch (forLunch groups Bookings Bookings of over (for 15 groups (forpeople) groups of overof 15 overpeople) 15 people) Designed & Printed by McNamara Printers - 061 361 782

For more information or to make an enquiry please contact us at: T: +353 (0) 61 360 500 | E: info@carrygerryhouse.com | www.carrygerryhouse.com

Private Dining orPrivate Finger Private Dining FoodDining for or Finger larger or Finger Food groupsFood forinlarger our for larger groupsgroups in ourin our Lunch (forcourtyard Bookings groups ofsetting over (for 15 of over 15 people) courtyard courtyard with open setting fire. withgroups open withpeople) fire.

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Vouchers. Tailor made to suit all budgets. Delivery Nationwide. T&C Apply Dining orPrivate Finger Food orforFinger largerFood groupsforinlarger our groups in our Private Dining or Finger FoodPrivate for larger groups in ourDining Designed & Printed by McNamara Printers - 061 361 782

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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Majestic Mount Errigal Photographer Chris Hill took this stunning photo of Donegal’s Mount Errigal in all its snowy splendour. On a clear day the mountain’s striking peak is perfectly reflected on Dunlewy Lough. At 751-meters high, Errigal is one of Ireland’s Seven Sisters and one of the best hikes in the country.

Hot & Spicy on St. Stephen’s Day Recipe: Courtesy of Green Isle

Nothing beats a quick and easy veggie feast on St. Stephen’s Day. The spicy flavours of a simple curry will make a welcome change for the tastebuds after all that turkey and ham.

It’s also the perfect time to raid the freezer and use up any of those leftovers you might have sitting around. One-million tons of food is wasted in Ireland every year, so this Christmas why not get in the spirit of reducing food waste. It could also save you up to €700, some welcome extra cash to put towards buying those festive gifts.

You can use this recipe as inspiration for your own version of a Green Isle Creamy Vegetable Curry. Get creative and swap in or add whatever frozen vegetables, fresh produce, pantry items or herbs you have to hand. Butter beans or chickpeas would work as well as lentils, while sour cream can take the place of yoghurt. It’s all about using up what you have!

Happy cooking.

Creamy Vegetable Curry Serves 4 Total time: 50 minutes Ingredients 2 tsps Vegetable Oil 1 Onion, finely chopped 3 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped 1 inch Fresh Ginger, finely chopped 1/2 tsp Turmeric 1/2 tsp Chilli Flakes 1 tsp Ground Cumin

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

1 tsp Ground Coriander 1 tsp Curry Powder 200g Red Lentils 500ml Veg Stock 1 x 400g tin Chopped Tomatoes 200g Frozen Mixed Vegetables 4 tsps Greek Yogurt, plus more to garnish

To serve Small bunch coriander, chopped Naan Bread and Rice Method Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onion for 10 minutes until completely softened and translucent.

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Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 - 2 minutes then add the spices and cook for 1 min, until fragrant.

Stir in the lentils, stock and the tinned tomatoes and bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for 20 mins until the lentils are tender.

Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 10 minutes then stir in the yogurt and some seasoning.

Sprinkle over the coriander and serve with naan bread and rice with an extra dollop of yoghurt on top.

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Bridging the best of Ireland’s West

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Skibbereen

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How to decorate

LIKE A PRO Turn your home into a standout Christmas interior by mixing modern accents with traditional elements. Interior style advisor Rebecca Snowden shares four clever tips to achieve a stylish festive look.

Mix contemporary and traditional elements

Going for a modern look does not mean letting go of what makes Christmas feel like Christmas.

Keep hallmarks like the tree and gifts that make the home feel festive and seasonal.

It’s a balancing act between the fresh and the classic - look for ways to add a contemporary touch without diminishing the festive feel.

“The key here is in restraint,” advises Rebecca, an interior style advisor for Furniture And Choice. “For instance, candles are a staple of the season, but rather than going all out with white or metallic candles, swap them out for an elegant dark hue.

“Snowflakes are also a popular choice during Christmas, but a star motif offers an updated take on the look.

“And a Christmas tree is a musthave, so keep it modern by leaving out the tinsel and opting instead for minimal, metallic baubles.

“This allows you to have the best of both worlds, the tradition of a Christmas tree, with a fresh look.”

Consider the gifts that are displayed under the tree as well.

Colour-coordinate them to match the rest of the home as an easy way to get a chic, coherent look.

Build on your existing colour palette

Instead of piling on red, green and gold accents, work with the existing colour palette of the home.

Develop the look from there to get a seamless, designer-led approach.

“Maintaining a similar colour theme allows you to create a look that feels personal and specific to your

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

style and home,” says Rebecca.

“And being comfortable with the colours also means you can go bolder with your decorations while still feeling like you.

“For instance, hanging stars and gold cushions add a lot of festive glamour.”

Gold also adds a layer of sophistication and luxurious warmth to Christmas décor but instead of glitter opt for matte tones instead for a more subtle, elegant look.

Combine cosy textures and polished accessories

Besides setting up a Christmas tree, decorate a coffee table as another festive feature in the home.

Take the opportunity to add a stylish touch using modern colours such as black and gold.

“Black always gives a modern edge, and in a festive setting, it stands out even more,” says Rebecca.

“It also pairs beautifully with gold to create a luxe look.

“For a touch of designer flair, we styled this black coffee table by grouping items together - fresh foliage and touches of gold give a festive feel, while candles add height and drama.”

Create a Christmas atmosphere through soft materials, warm lighting and hints of shine.

“A designer trick to getting this look is to layer in a variety of textures,” says Rebecca. “In this Christmas-ready dining room, knits and fur throws give a soft, cosy feel while rattan and oak furniture add warm tones.

“Lighting is hugely important too, and for a polished alternative to fairy lights, consider lights encased in a string of stars for a diffused, twinkly glow that maintains the look of your interior.”

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Style a Christmas themed coffee table

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The Castlemartyr Resort Hotel Nestled amid East Cork’s woodlands, the luxury 5-Star Castlemartyr Resort is a destination richly steeped in Irish history and tradition. Situated on 220 acres, Castlemartyr Resort consists of a grand 17th-century country manor house that sits adjacent to the ruins of an 800-year-old-castle.

With a storied history that includes Strongbow, Water Raleigh, the Knight’s Templar and more, the Castlemartyr Resort was officially opened for guests in 2008. While ensuring the grounds and buildings have been tastefully updated, they have been magnificently restored and elegantly enhanced to offer a wonderful selection of traditional and contemporary guest rooms and suites, along with luxury self-catering lodges.

Give the Gift of Castlemartyr Resort this Christmas. Treat someone to a true 5-Star experience, with Luxury Breaks, Spa Days, Golf, Afternoon Tea and more available at the stunning Castlemartyr Resort. Valid for 5 years, e-vouchers are available to buy and send immediately, with gift cards in a luxurious presentation box and complimentary nationwide delivery available to order now at www.castlemartyrresort.ie

Resort

How to make the perfect

IRISH COFFEE tmas s i r h C r o f e m i in t

E

veryone loves an Irish Coffee but it has to be perfect – especially at Christmas, when friends and family are gathered around.

TOP TIP A true Irish Coffee has only four ingredients: Irish whiskey, sugar, strong coffee and cream

Irish Coffee was invented in Co. Limerick in 1943 by chef Joe Sheridan at Foynes Port, where planes on route from Europe to America would stop to refuel.

The very first one was whipped up one cold winter’s night in the small village of Foynes as a treat for passengers who were delayed due to bad weather.

That late night tipple has since gone on to become a classic.

Method Preheat your Irish coffee glass by filling it with boiling water for five seconds, then pour the water out.

Something to look forward to in the new year

National Irish Coffee Day January 25, 2022

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

Add one teaspoon of brown sugar and a good measure of Irish whiskey into the warmed glass.

Fill the glass to within 1cm of the brim with hot, strong black coffee. Stir well to dissolve all the brown sugar.

Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the coffee.

Do not stir after adding the cream; the best flavour comes from drinking the coffee and Irish whiskey through the cream.

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This Christmas

give the gift of time...

Time away relaxing and exploring Mulranny, Westport, Co Mayo 09836000 www.mulrannyparkhotel.ie

TASTING NOTES Everything you need to know about Irish whiskey, Ireland’s distilling heritage and the new bottlers on the block + How to own your very own cask & make the perfect whiskey sour cocktail Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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IRELAND’S WHISKEY ADVENTURES ARE ONLY JUST BEGINNING Uisce Beatha, The Water of Life, Whiskey. No other spirit evokes the emotion, the passion and debate than this golden spirit. Today, whiskey is the most talked about spirit. From amongst the many producers in the world that exist, it is Irish whiskey that is getting the most attention, and since 1990 has achieved double digit growth annually. I would challenge anyone to go through the weekend newspapers and not find an article on Irish whiskey.

Continued >> Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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Courtesy of Serghios Florides, Publisher of the Irish Whiskey magazine

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Draíocht na Farraige DONEGAL • IRELAND Discover the magic of the Sea with An Dúlamán Gin this Christmas - visit shop.sliabhliagdistillers.com

andulamangin.com Follow @AnDulamanGin

Whiskey, even its spelling, with an ‘e’ or without, this alone brings heated exchanges. Then there is the ‘Who invented whiskey, the Scottish or the Irish?’ debate. The earliest known records of whiskey are to be found in a manuscript called the Red Book of Ossory from Kilkenny dating back to the early fourteenth century.

The world of whiskey is dominated

by Scotland, Ireland and the US, followed closely by Canada and Japan. That’s not to say that these countries have it all their own way. Newly emerging countries, collectively producing what has been coined ‘world whiskeys’ include the Nordic countries, France, India, Australia and others.

In terms of sales, Scotland is by far the largest player in the market, but it wasn’t always that way.

Irish whiskey held not only the mantle of being the dominant whiskey in the world, it was also seen as the most premium. Irish whiskey sales reached every corner of the world from South America to the Far East. Bushmills even commissioned its own steamships to ship its whiskey around the globe.

The good days however were not to last. Irish whiskey almost became extinct to the point where in the late 1960’s there were just a handful of producers. Much has been written about the downfall of Irish whiskey, more than is in the scope of this piece in any detail. Reasons can in some part be attributed to the following: Father Matthews Pledge, Prohibition in the United States, Irish War of Independence, Trade Wars with the British Empire, and the introduction of new distillation technology via the column still.

The turning point and recovery can be attributed to a number of important

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

events. Firstly, and arguably the most significant was the formation of Irish Distillers. Three of the countries last remain distilleries, Cork Distilleries Company, John Jameson & Sons, and John Power & Son, decided to put their rivalries aside and work collectively to revive Irish whiskey.

Production was later consolidated in Midleton, County Cork. The group was later joined by Bushmills in 1972.

The group focused on Jameson to spearhead the recovery and through high quality, and great marketing the recovery began, mainly driven by sales in the United States.

Secondly, the establishment of the Colley Distillery in 1987 by John Teeling diversified the Irish whiskey offering with introduction of new brands including Connemara and Tyrconnell. Connemara being the only peated Irish whiskey available at the time provided a gateway for those peated Scotch whisky lovers to try Irish whiskey.

Cooley also provided the source for many own-label whiskeys which found their way into the market.

Fast forward to today. Where is Irish whiskey at?

Irish whiskey is the fastest growing brown spirit in the world with sales exceeding a billion euro. From not even a handful of distilleries a decade ago, there are now forty operational

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distilleries with more to come. Irish whiskey has attained Geographical Indication status and is protected globally. Diversity and innovation lead the way and with that new audiences are taking to Irish whiskey.

No longer an ‘old mans drink’, a youthful audience is emerging, both male and female. Not only is whiskey being consumed as a shot or as a beer paring. The vibrant cocktail scene is embracing the vast variety of flavours offered by Irish whiskey and drawing in the younger audience.

Irish whiskey tourism is playing a significant role in attracting visitors from both home and abroad providing a revenue stream and employment. They provide a platform for the distilleries to give their brand story and for visitors to enjoy an immersive experience.

The United States has traditionally been and still is the largest market for Irish whiskey. However, new markets are emerging, Russia, France, Germany, China, Australia are just a few of the countries rediscovering Irish whiskey.

So, what does the future hold? With more distilleries coming online and existing ones pushing the boundaries of what Irish whiskey can be, there will be a great diversity in the offerings consumers can enjoy and share. It’s early days, the adventure is just beginning!

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CASK AWAY INVEST IN ONE OF IRELAND’S ANCIENT CRAFTS We are all familiar with the surge of interest in Irish whiskey over the last number of years. That interest has come from both new drinkers, many of a younger age, and those who have found the diversity and heritage within the category. For many, the journey is just beginning, as the intrigue in Irish whiskey is forecast to garner increased momentum. Fulfilling this consumer demand, the sector has seen an increase of new distilleries and brands entering the market, each trying to compete for a piece of this growing sector and each bringing their own unique approach, further increasing diversity, leading to more consumer interest and so the cycle continues.

There are now many cask programmes from distilleries, each providing various offerings. Aside from bringing in much needed cash flow, cask programmes are a fantastic way to engage with customers, to build a relationship and form brand interest and loyalty. It also allows the distillery to identify what consumers are interested in.

Just why would you want to purchase a cask? There are those who may just have an interest in a brand or distillery, or may have a connection with the business, and may simply want to help support the business develop. There are the enthusiasts, even those perhaps with the dream of having their own distillery. They are enchanted with the entire process and being part of a cask programme gives them the opportunity to be part of the process and seeing how the new make spirit develops and matures into Irish whiskey. Often a group of friends may get together, or a family may decide to celebrate

Continued >> Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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significant shared milestone events such as anniversaries, birthdays, weddings or retirement. They will get to experience the journey and the bottling of their very own bespoke whiskey. They may even be looking to sell-on their bottles, perhaps even to turn a profit. Businesses may also purchase a cask to produce corporate gifts with their bottles being labelled with their own distinctive branding.

Then there are the investors. Those who see an opportunity and believe investing now in casks will bring a positive return in the future.

They may decide to sell the casks, perhaps even back to the distillery.

They may decide to bottle the contents and create their own brand.

However, be aware any investment may or may not return a profit. The value of the cask could increase or decrease and there may or may not be buyers interested in purchasing the casks or bottles. You should be financially secure and willing to tie up your capital for many years.

Whatever the reason for engaging in a cask programme there are many factors and costs you should be aware of. These include but are not limited to:

Continued >>

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

The style of whiskey

Grain, pot still or single malt

Amount of new make spirit being purchased

The number of litres of new make spirit are going into the cask.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

The ABV percentage of the liquid as it enters the cask. This is usually about 63% ABV for pot still and single malt, and about 69% ABV for grain.

Cask

The capacity of the cask.

The type of wood. For example, this could be American oak, European oak or some other type.

Has the cask held spirit before? Is it a virgin cask or a refill cask?

Is the cask charred or toasted and if so to what level?

What has the cask held before?

This could be bourbon, sherry, port, wine or other.

Can the liquid be transferred to another type of cask for finishing and are there costs associated with doing so?

Who owns the physical cask when you decide to remove it from bond?

Do you own the cask or is it held - 40 -

for you in trust by the distillery?

Where is cask stored? Usually this is in a bonded warehouse. This can be on-site in the distillery premises or a third-party bonded warehouse. Do they allow visits, sample draws, bottle draws and are there costs associated with this?

Revenue want VAT and Excise Duty to be paid when the cask is removed from the bonded warehouse.

Who is responsible for your cask?

Normally this goes under care of duty representative. Usually the bonded warehouse representative.

Is photography allowed?

Bottling

Is there a cost in moving cask to bottling facility?

The cost of filling the bottles.

The cost of the glass bottles.

Cost of Labels.

Label and box design costs.

Any trademarking costs.

Shipping bottles to you.

Cost of cork or bottle top.

Are you allowed mention or use the distillery name or brand on the bottle?

There may be very small losses of liquid during the bottling process.

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WHEN IT’S COCKTAIL O’CLOCK… Christmas, cocktails and canapés are a lovely way to celebrate the festive season and get any party off to a good start. What better way to enjoy some of Ireland’s greatest produce than by playing bartender and mixing your very own Whiskey Sour at home?

Try this recipe the next time you fancy a drop of the water of life.

How to make a Whiskey Sour Ingredients 50ml whiskey (or one egg cup if you don’t have a measure) 20ml fresh lemon juice (or two tablespoons) 10-15ml sugar syrup (one to one and a half tablespoons depending on your taste) 10ml egg white (one tablespoon, if you want to add another level of texture)

Method Put all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker (or jam jar), add ice and shake for 20 - 30 seconds.

To serve, pour through a sieve or tea strainer into a cocktail glass, or if you prefer, into a tumbler filled with ice.

Garnish with a lemon wedge or if you really want to push the boat out, add a couple of drops of bitters and a brandied cherry. Enjoy!

Boann Distillery

Other Costs and Considerations

Insurance costs.

What happens should the company close?

The annual cost of warehousing the cask.

The cost of extending the maturation term.

Is there a buy-back agreement with the distillery at the end of the term and if so at what cost?

Is there an early exit option and if so at what cost?

Angel’s Share. How much liquid is lost due to evaporation? As a guide it is estimated that your cask will lose around 3-4% to the angels in the first year and around 2% per year after.

Excise duty is currently €42.57 per litre of pure alcohol (LPA) VAT is currently 23% _________________________________ Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

An example of what the costs of bottling a cask may be. Thanks to Celtic Whiskey Shop for permission to use this example.

Total cost for a 15-year-old triple distilled single malt finished in a dessert wine cask Initial cask investment is €2,550 Storage, yearly sample & insurance for 15 years is €1,440 Dessert Wine cask and transfer is €300 (estimate) Disgorgement, bottling, dry goods is €1,232 Total cost excluding taxes €5,522.00 Approximately 272 bottles at 46%, would work out at €20.30 ex-vat, ex-duty per bottle.

At today’s duty rate of €42.57 LPA you would pay duty of €13.70 per bottle. A further €7.82 vat at today’s rate of 23% would also need to be paid.

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Final price would be €41.82 per bottle ____________________________________ So what is out there on offer? We have looked at six different offerings. www.powerscourtdistillery.ie www.sliabhliagdistillers.com www.clonakiltydistillery.ie www.thedld.com www.celticwhiskeyshop.com www.boanndistillery.ie Of course there are many other cask programmes available and again this will increase over time.

Our advice would be to do your research thoroughly, find a distillery you can relate to and believe in. A hard thing for whiskey enthusiasts but try not to let your heart rule your head, at least not too much.

Enjoy the adventure, the journey, and ultimate destination! www.gowildmagazine.com

PERFECT Under the Tree,

EVEN BETTER In a Glass

E

IS

This Christmas, share a bottle of flavourful Slane Irish Whiskey

IR

BLAZE A TRAIL. SIP RESPONSIBLY.

Slane is a registered trademark. ©2021 Slane Castle Irish Whiskey Ltd.

Go Christmas Crackers In Galway City Stroll through the city of the tribes in December and you’ll find beautifully decorative nooks and crannies, such as this magical crimbo corner captured on camera by photographer Chaosheng Zhang last year. Galway is also renowned for its festive market, which this year runs from November 12 to December Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

22. The city’s Continental Christmas Market features over 50 wooden chalets, along Eyre Square, offering everything from pretzels and pastries to bratwurst and mulled wine. And who knows, maybe even Santa himself will make an appearance!

Photo: Chaosheng Zhang / Tourism Ireland - 44 -

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The bird’s sorted, Now for starters and dessert Michelin star chef Richard Corrigan has a passion for seasonal food made from locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s at his Virginia Park Lodge in Co. Cavan or his oyster and seafood restaurant Bentleys, just off London’s Piccadilly, there’s very little he doesn’t know about cooking great food.

Who better to turn to for some festive tips and recipes to see you through Christmas Day and beyond.

Richard Corrigan’s Christmas tips and tricks Talk turkey Cook your turkey legs separately. I always take them off the bone and roll them, filling them with stuffing the day before. Then you can take the breast out of the oven first, so it doesn’t dry out, and cook the legs for as long as they need.

For the cocktail sauce 2 parts mayonnaise 1 part tomato ketchup Splash of brandy Dash of Tabasco sauce Pinch of paprika Squeeze of lemon juice

Seasonal shopping Plan ahead and buy the bulk of your ingredients the week before leaving you with just the fresh bits and bobs to buy nearer the day.

Method The quantities of seafood you use are up to you, just try to get a good mix of everything.

Savour any leftovers Use any leftover bread sauce to make a delicious savoury bread pudding. Take about 1/2 pint of bread sauce, add two eggs, cook slowly in a tureen mould and chill. Serve slices and topped with the breast of a bird or cold ham.

How much sauce you make it up to you too. Just keep tasting it and adjust until it makes you smile.

Simon Hopkinson has a nice idea of mixing a little cottage cheese into a cocktail sauce – it lightens it up a bit and makes it less cloying.

Pop the bubbly Make sure to keep a few bottles of fizz in the fridge a few days before so it’s perfectly chilled for Christmas morning!

Mix together all the ingredients for the sauce. Take out four old-fashioned cocktail glasses.

TO BEGIN Proper Shellfish Cocktail

Season all the seafood with a little extra virgin olive oil, salt and a drop of lemon juice.

To assemble, put some lettuce and cucumber at the bottom of the glass, which will give it a lovely crunch.

Serves 4 Ingredients A mixture of seafood: picked white crab meat, Dublin Bay

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

prawns, Atlantic prawns (the pink ones), cooked lobster tails, brown shrimp (peeled) Extra virgin olive oil A squeeze of lemon juice 1 small cucumber – peeled, deseeded and diced

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Next layer up your seafood, put a dollop of sauce in top. Let people mix everything up ort keep it separate as they choose.

Soda Bread Makes one large loaf Ingredients 250g plain flour 10g salt 15g sodium bicarbonate 150g whole meal flour 150g jumbo oat flakes 1 tbsp clear honey 1 tbsp black treacle 500ml buttermilk Method Pre-heat the oven to 200C/ gas mark 6 and line a baking sheet with baking parchment.

Combine all of the dry ingredients together in a bowl.

Make a well in the centre, then mix in the honey, treacle and buttermilk, working everything together lightly with your hands until you have a loose, wet dough.

Flour your hands and shape the dough into a round and lift it onto the lined baking sheet.

Cut a cross in the top (as the loaf cooks this will help to separate it into quarters).

Put it into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when you tap the base with your knuckles.

Put it onto a wire rack, cover with a damp cloth and leave to cool. Don’t even think of putting dairy spread on it. This bread needs and deserves butter.

AND TO FINISH

Luxury Leftovers Trifle Serves 4-6 Ingredients Christmas pudding, Christmas cake or stale sponge (or a combination of them) Leftover poached fruits (or fresh fruit if you wish) Cream sherry Cognac or rum For the custard 500ml double cream

250ml milk Six egg yolks 100g sugar One vanilla pod, split 200ml cream, whipped Method In a saucepan (or ideally a bain marie) combine the milk, cream and sugar. Split the vanilla pod lengthwise and, using the blade of a knife, scrape out the tiny black seeds and add, with the two halves of the pod, to the cream and milk mixture. Bring gradually to the boil and take off the heat immediately.

Now whisk the egg yolks in a bowl. Take some of the hot cream and milk mixture (about a quarter of its volume) and pour over the egg yolks, mixing thoroughly. Pour this mixture back into the bain marie or saucepan, whisking constantly. Put it back on the heat and, still whisking, let the mixture thicken as it heats.

As soon as it has thickened, pour the custard into a bowl and cool it rapidly. You might like to have a very large bowl partially filled with ice cubes standing by; you can then plunge the smaller bowl containing the custard into it for rapid temperature reduction.

As the custard is cooling, you need to make up the pudding / cake / sponge mixture. If you have any leftover poached fruits the commonest being pears, oranges and prunes that have been treated with a generous quantity of Armagnac add them. If you don’t have any, don’t worry. Use fresh but very ripe bananas instead or just soften some pear slices in syrup. This is not an exact trifle; the whole point is to turn leftovers into something delicious and part of that transformation is achieved by that lovely, rich custard. The rest is done by alcohol.

Take a large bowl and put your leftover cake/pudding and leftover poached fruits into it and mix. Moisten thoroughly with plenty of sweet sherry and a splash of Cognac or rum.

Now, all you have to do is to spoon alternating layers of this boozy, dark mixture with layers of the custard.

It’s best, by far, to do this in a glass bowl where you can see the layers building up; they make a lovely pattern.

When all the layers are in place leave your trifle to settle in a cool place for a while and whisk some cream for the topping. Before serving, spread the whipped cream as the top and final layer and sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds or toasted coconut. Or you could always use what’s left of your hundreds-and-thousands.

Ah that’s Gas €9.99 Written by Sarah Cassidy and Kunak McGann, the pair who also brought us the A-Z of an Irish Christmas, this lovely book looks at Ireland’s most iconic moments, controversies and unexpected fads. Take a trip back in time for a few nostalgic giggles.

Midnight Carols Candle €35 A musky and mystical fragrance with rich notes of Frankincense and Myrrh from independent Co. X brand Olivia’s Haven. Part of a new Christmas collection also featuring Christmas at the Old Rectory (a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves) and Dr. Marshall’s Christmas Tree – (notes of pine, eucalyptus and fir).

Fiona Leahy x Hand & Lock - The Night Sky Bow €35 Inspired by Tipperary events planner Fiona Leahy’s tablescaping, these made to order bows will add a touch of class to any dining table. Perfect for any celebration and individually personalised with your chosen initial.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

Image Skincare Festive Favourites €49.50 This seasonal kit from millies.ie is a real treat for the skin including a balancing facial cleanser, hydrating serum and daily matte moisturiser.

Comes with a cosmetic bag and the possibility of a fresher looking face!

Gifts for everyone

Lovely little treats to spoil your loved ones

John Hanly Cashmere Throw €149.45 This stylish and soft grey herringbone throw is made a blend of Cashmere and Merino wool. A real heritage piece made today by Brian Hanly, the fourth generation of Hanlys, at their mill in Ballyartella, North Tipperary.

Satsuma Orange Irish Coffee Tray €36.50 Serve drinks with a splash of colour this winter on this handcrafted birch wood tray made on the Swedish island of Öland.

Irish coffees all round please.

Olverum Bath Oil

Cat Tankard Mug

€46 When all the festivities are over there’s nothing more inviting than a long soak in the tub. And this Olverum bath oil, blended with essential oils, will add a touch of luxury to help ease tension in both mind and body.

It’s also vegan and crueltyfree.

€18 Claire Molloy Ceramics has made this delightful stoneware mug, handmade on the potter’s wheel using materials sourced in Ireland. Purrfect for cat lovers but there’s also a matching dog mug should your pet preferences lie elsewhere.

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Johnstown Castle Estate Co. Wexford, Y35 HP22, Ireland info@johnstowncastle.ie +353 (0)53 918 4671

JohnstownCastle.ie

So Grand So Gorgeous

Experience the Gothic Revival castle with its rare 86 metre servants’ tunnel, explore the Irish Agricultural Museum with it's extensive collection of exhibitions and machinery from rural life in Ireland. Then take some time to enjoy the lake walks and relax in the romantic ornamental gardens.

P

Est. 1995

TOP FLOOR, St. Stephen’s Green, Shopping Centre, Dublin 2 Mention this ad for 20% in store or use GOWILD online for 20% discount at check out

Specialists in Irish Knitwear, Tweeds and Wool Products Phone: 01 475 4621 Shop online at: www.thedonegalshop.com

Melica Bar Stool

Bosco Socks

€219 Invest in a timeless piece of furniture like this bar stool from Michael Murphy Home Furnishings. Perch up at home and enjoy a chilled beverage once the turnkey’s cooked and the family’s been fed.

€9 Irish Socksciety is a fun and quirky brand founded by Alex and Joanna in Galway. Socks for Christmas might be a cliché but when they’re this good who can resist. There’s plenty of designs to choose from this Bosco inspired pair to all the county colours.

Aran Cashmere Sweater €525 Heritage meets luxe with this cashmere and Merino Wool classic cable knit jumper by the Inis Meain Knitting Company on the Aran Islands. Available in Leitrim, a warm cream colour, and pictured here in Kilkenny, a rich red inspired by the bright roots of the Madder plant which grows wild on the island.

Trish’s Honey Products - Facial Balm €21.95 Skincare’s not just for girls, you know. This rich, deeply moisturising rosehip facial balm (30ml) has naturally-occurring anti-oxidants, Vitamin A to target sun damage and healing organic shea butter.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

Gifts for him

Some stylish and fun suggestions for the men in your life

Stronghold Beanie €8 Keep your noggin warm this winter with this khaki beanie from Penneys who have collaborated with Californian heavy-duty workwear brand The Stronghold. A fusion of traditional heritage and fresh fits.

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Judith Lieber for Him: More is More €145 Look good and smell good this Christmas with some of Judith Lieber’s More is More from allcarepharmacy. ie. With three scents - spice, marine and leather - this clever bottle allows you to go from one to seven fragrances in one click.

Flat Out: Celebrating Irish Flat Racing €24.99 Published by O’Brien, Healy Racing and Donn McClean have collaborated to create this stunning collection of photographs from the Sport of Kings with over 10 years’ of racing photography captured across Ireland.

Waterford Crystal Connoisseur Aras Rum Snifters and Tasting Cap Pair €172 This striking Waterford Crystal glassware pairs well with aged spirits such as whiskey, cognac and rum. The crystal tasting cap traps the aroma within, allowing it to develop between sips.

Night cap anyone?

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Contact Flogas for all of your Bottled Gas needs

Transform any room into a cosy workspace instantly.

Locate your nearest Bottled Gas Supplier: flogas.ie/bottledgassuppliers T: 041 214 9600

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Perfect Winter Destination

www.arklowbay.com call 0402-26200 email: reservations@arklowbay.com

Five Star Necklace

Glow Masks

€190 You can be the star of the show with this 9ct yellow gold necklace from NJO Designs.

Founded in Dublin in 2011 by Natasha Obernik, NJO is a unique collection of rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles and necklaces crafted from 9ct gold and sterling silver.

€18 Unwind to the aroma of jasmine.

These relaxing self-heating masks, from Co. Monaghan based company glowmasks.ie can also be worn when you sleep to help you get a deeper nights’ rest. The perfect way to recharge after the festive season.

We Are Paradoxx Haircare Kits €33.95 each Pamper yourself with one or both of We Are Paradoxx’s haircare kits from lookfantastic.ie. Choose from Repair or Volume to help look your best for the holidays. Founded by Co. Antrim entrepreneur Yolanda Cooper, We Are Paradoxx is a brand focused on using natural and organic ingredients where possible.

Gifts for Her

Put a smile on the face of the leading ladies in your life

Mocha Silk Blend PJ Dress

Great Lengths Stocking

€18 Ditch the novelty pyjamas and wake up on Christmas morning in this glam silk blend night dress from Penneys.

Perfect for posing in if you want to take some present opening photos for Instagram.

€28.50 Give your tresses a little extra TLC with this seasonal gift pack from Great Lengths Salons packed full of bobbins, a brush and plenty of product to leave your hair looking great.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

Available from greatlengths.com

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Merry Christmas Faux Fur Cushion €21 Add a touch of Christmas sparkle to your sofa this year with this faux fur silver cushion from Next. Perfect for cosying up to on the sofa when you sit down to enjoy those festive classics on the small screen.

Love Actually, anyone?

Lismore Essence Flute Pair €130 Break out the bubbles and say cheers with these incredible Waterford Crystal flutes. A gorgeous addition to any Christmas table this season.

Available from Waterford. com and other stockists nationwide.

Urban Aran Fuchsia Bandana Scarf €145 Independent Irish knitwear brand Urban Aran, founded by Christine Murphy in 2017, offers a gorgeous selection of classic heritage and streetart inspired ready-to-wear knitwear. We love this bandana scarf but see urbanaran. com for more great choices.

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FESTIVE FAMILY BREAK FESTIVE CITY BREAK Enjoy a 1 night s t ay for 2 wit h a 2- co ur s e dinne r and br e ak fa s t f r o m €199.

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Irish Wildlife Set

Party Skater Dress

Penny Board Skateboard

€79.99 Jiminy.ie offers Wooden toys handmade in Europe’s Irish wildlife set. Hand-carved and painted it features a gorgeous collection including a fox, hedgehog, seagull, squirrel, duck and dolphin.

€37 Complete with a decorative bow on the back, Frugi’s party skater dress is a gorgeous choice for playing dress up.

€100 Made to order, Copper Coast Woodcrafts create these epic retro style skateboards complete with trucks and red wheels. Pretty cool.

Little Dearies Magical Fairy Wish €27 Turn everything magical and fulfil your deepest dreams with one of these unique handmade creatures made in Ireland by Polish artist Karolina and husband Allessandro

Gifts for children of all ages

Bring a smile to their faces on Christmas Day

Tinsel – The Girls Who Invented Christmas €14 Sibéal Pounder’s Tinsel is a tale of friendship and sleigh rides – a funny and festive reading adventure for the 9-11 age group.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

Otto Knitted €46 Little ones can be wise owls in this cute knitted ensemble by welovfrugi. com, which has Irish stockists nationwide including Rainbow Kids Boutique, Pixie & Linus and Hyde’s Childrenswear.

Whale Jigsaw Puzzle

Clever Tots Toy Club

€16.99 Cloudberries 500 piece jigsaw guarantees a few hours of entertainment and a beautiful piece or artwork once complete. Get puzzling!

From €39.99 a month For an alternative approach to toys this Christmas, check out Clever Tots Toy Club, a membership based monthly toy rental service created in Cork by husband and wife team Jenel and Didier.

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Beat the Christmas rush and give your special someone a voucher for the multi-award winning...

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The online trading voucher is open to all businesses with ten or less employees, intends to trade online (provided that the business is located and operates within the area of an Enterprise Office) and whose website has a content management system that can be added to over time.

If you would like more information about grants available to you and your business or would like to discuss any of the points that you have read about here, please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to help.

Sales

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Geraldine Murphy Aesop’s Fox and Crow Necklace

Eoin O’Connor Mutz Cushion – Puppy Love

Jerpoint Glass Studio Garden Spiral

€140 Originally from the US, Geraldine Murphy moved to Ireland with her family where she was brought up alongside a variety of rescue animals. The compassion and respect gleaned from that experience inspires much of her work, such as this bright, bold piece influenced

by Aesop’s Fables.

Discover more gems from designireland.ie.

€30 Following on from his cow homewares, contemporary artist Eoin O’Connor has created Mutz – a collection in celebration of dogs and colour. Treat your sofa to some of these gorgeous accent cushions. One of six designs, you’ll find it hard to choose a favourite.

€149.45 Add year-round colour to your garden or make a statement with a Jerpoint Glass Studio garden spiral installation.

Place over a bamboo cane or copper piping to make a vivid centre piece.

Gráinne Kenny Red Blossom Table Lamp €85 Bring a little light into your life with this blossom lamp. Wexford textile designer Gráinne Kenny is inspired by the beauty, nature and texture of Ireland’s Ancient East and Wild Atlantic Way, which in turn inspire her unique creations.

Gifts for Craft Lovers

Celebrate the creative soul this holiday season

The Gap of Dunloe

by Superfolk €270 This original photograph by Mayo design agency Superfolk will bring back memories of summer holidays and time well spent. We love how it captures the striking Irish landscape shrouded in mist.

Roy Humphreys Woodturner Sierra Touch Screen Pen

Waterford Crystal Irish Lace Vase

Coolree Design SPUN Incense Holder

€50 Based in Co. Leitrim, Roy Humphreys is a fourth generation wood-turner.

Self-taught, all his pieces are made from native timber sourced mainly from the family farm. His collection also includes lamps, bowls and clocks amongst other pieces, which you can find on designireland.ie

€580 Make a statement with this elegant and timeless Waterford Crystal master craft Irish lace 10” vase.

Diamond, fan and wedge cuts combine to make this a real showstopper worthy of being a centrepiece to a celebratory occasion or space.

€18 Calling all yoga and meditation fans.

This wood incense burner is ideal for burning your favourite incenses while providing a decorative touch.

See coolreedesign.ie for more.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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Give a gift of adventure...

Book a Gift Voucher online at www.scatteryislandtours.com

How to make a wreath this

H

Christmas

anging a wreath on your door is as synonymous with Christmas as the tree. And these two traditions are actually related.

In the 16th Century, when the Christmas tree tradition is believed to have started in Europe, people would trim their evergreens to fit them into their rooms. The trimmings were then used to create wreaths, originally made to hang as decorations on the tree.

With some of us welcoming family and friends into our homes for the first time in what seems like forever, what could be a nicer greeting than a beautiful wreath hanging on the door when they arrive?

Enjoy this step-by-step guide to making your own wreath, so you can show off your arts and craft skills and get everyone in the Christmas spirit from the moment they arrive.

How to make a fabulously festive wreath Here’s what you’ll need: 1. Wreath ring (available from arts and crafts shops) 2. Moss (available from florists and garden centres) 3. Florist wire (available from florists and arts and crafts shops) 4. Foliage – you could be traditional and use branches from your Christmas tree as a starting point or venture into the garden 5. Any extra décor such as dried fruit, holly or berries 6. Scissors

Tip: DIY wreath kits are also available from websites like Etsy, so you can order all the materials you need straight to your door.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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St e p 1

Attach wire to the wreath ring by wrapping it around a few times.

St e p 3

Make 8-10 little bunches using a mix of foliage.

St e p 5

Add in any extra bits of décor using smaller pieces of wire to fasten.

St e p 7

Hang on your door for all to see.

St e p 2

Add handfuls of moss around the wreath ring and secure it by wrapping the wire around.

When you’ve added moss all the way around and secured it – don’t cut the wire.

St e p 4

Place one of the bunches diagonally across the wreath ring and secure it with wire – but still don’t cut the wire. Place the next bunch just below the first, making sure to cover the wire. Repeat with bunches until you make it the whole way around.

St e p 6

Make a loop with the wire to hang the wreath – now you can cut the wire.

Happy r o f g n i t f a Cr ! s a m t s i r h C

WALK I NG I N A WI NTER WONDERL AND landscapes. This is a walk where time seems to stand still amid lush parkland, thick woodland and the mountainous backdrop of Benaughlin and Cuilcagh Mountains. Located eight miles from Enniskillen, you’ll find the famous Florence Court Yew, which legend has it, is the parent of all Irish yew trees.

Waterford Greenway Inchydoney Strand

Carve an unforgettable path through the stunning landscapes and historical sites of Ireland’s Ancient East, the longest off-

This holiday season why not wrap up on and explore some of the

road walking and cycling experience in the country. At 46-km

many beautiful walks Ireland has to offer. From tried and tested old

you’ll be well warmed up if you take it all in. Since it opened

favourites to stunning green spaces across the island, a festive ramble

in 2017, this fantastic greenway has become a firm favourite

is just the tonic, if you’ve overdone it on the turkey. You might even

with locals and visitors alike. Local tip: O’Mahony Cycles in

be lucky to hear those sleigh bells ring amidst the glistening snow.

Dungarvan offers great bike rentals at a reasonable price.

Inchydoney Strand

Waterford Greenway

Great beach walks don’t get much greater than this stretch of golden sand in Co. Cork. Perfect for a barefoot winter paddle, brisk walks or a run up and down the dunes. Lying sheltered in Clonakilty bay – and just a 10-minute drive from Clonakilty itself (pudding anyone?) - this stunning beach was named best in Ireland by TripAdvisor in 2019.

Florence Court The civility of this magnificent Palladian mansion contrasts vividly with the wildness of its Co. Fermanagh grounds and

Florence Court

Glenveagh National Park One of Ireland’s six national parks, Glenveagh is a remote and hauntingly attractive wilderness of rugged mountains, deep glens and pristine lakes - a walker’s paradise. The park is home to a 19th century castle, beautiful grounds and the highest peak in Co. Donegal, Mount Errigal. A special protected area, Glenveagh’s flora and fauna found its way there during the last ice age.

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Keem Bay

Botanic Gardens

Howth Head

For the exotic horticulturist, as well as those who enjoy delightful

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, try the famous cliff-

walks, head to Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. Start from any of the

top trails here on Howth Head. Just a few miles from the centre of

seven entrances into this oasis of calm in the city centre. A great

Dublin, you can enjoy magical views across the city, Dublin Bay and,

addition to an itinerary if you’re visiting Titanic town this winter.

on a good day, right up to the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down. U2

Check out the Palm House’s tropical plants and birds of paradise.

drummer Larry Mullen and Hollywood star Saoirse Ronan are among those who call this part of the capital home – so you never know who

The Mourne Mountains

you might cross paths with on your daily dander.

There are no shortages of rambles, walks and climbs with beautiful views at Northern Ireland’s highest and most dramatic mountain range, in Co. Down. They just feel even more rewarding in the chillier months of the year. The Wee Binnian Walking Festival take place annually.

The Mourne Mountains

Keem Bay Our country’s islands are at their most remote in winter time, and

The Dark Hedges

Achill Island in Co. Mayo is the perfect example. Keem Bay at the western end of the island is a wonderful cliff-top loop peering into the

Pick a crisp winter morning or an evening winter sunset and

wild Atlantic. Basking sharks, a giant plankton-eating fish, have been

you can have a quiet stroll and the perfect ‘instagramable’

spotted casually enjoying a swim off this beach, which is one of the

photo of this celebrated Game of Thrones film location in Co.

most photographed in Ireland.

Antrim. The walk is not long along this avenue of beech trees but the location is totally memorable. TV fans will recognise it as the King’s Road in Westeros. Winter is coming!

Cliffs of Moher Walking in one of the most outstanding coastal landscapes in Ireland is like being on the edge between earth and sky. The walk may be challenging in winter but it will be worth it for the mesmerising views. The cliffs have featured in films such as The Princess Bride plus Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Now

Glenveagh National Park

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, it supports sustainable tourism and is home to 35 species of birds.

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Fancy a festive dip?

W

ild swimming is having a moment in the sun right now, though for many of us it’s been part and parcel of growing up in Ireland for decades.

Throwing yourself into the nippy waters of the Atlantic or Irish Sea, or taking a dip in one of the many lakes and rivers across the country, have been holiday season highlights and no more so than on Christmas Day itself.

Swimming, as it were, has been a joyful pastime on the island for centuries.

The sense of rejuvenation that comes from wading into crystal clear open waters however, can’t be underestimated.

There’s a rush of adrenaline that comes with immersing yourself into cold water that not even the best hit of caffeine can match. Though feel free to contradict us here if you know an exceptionally good place for a cuppa near you.

Add to that being surrounded by the dazzling beauty of nature and you can understand why so many of us are now fully embracing getting wet outdoors.

A few things you should know if you’re tempted to try a spot of wild swimming yourself.

Water temperatures are usually between 16-18 degrees in summer, dropping to between 6-8 degrees in late winter and early spring.

Not for the faint-hearted but sure to give your heart rate a delightful boost.

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Where to dip in Carrickfinn Beach, Co. Donegal This blue flag, extensive and secluded sandy beach backed by dunes and close to the beautiful Irishspeaking village of Annagry.

Lough Derg, Co. Clare The banner county offers a stimulating countryside lake swim.

River Barrow, Co. Carlow Revive your soul and refresh yourself with a riverside dip.

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow Take a sunset swim at the magnificent Glendalough with its famous round tower and ancient monastic settlement setting the scene.

Hook Head, Co. Wexford Strong swimmers will love the natural rock pool here, located beside Ireland’s oldest working lighthouse. The rock pool forms a bubble bath texture at mid to high tide.

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Athenry Candles specialize in personalized candles for a variety of purposes, such as weddings, christenings, remembrance.

The Magic of Beautiful Art Discover more of the works of Dublin artist Kristina Ziobakaite

email: info@athenry-candles.ie I website www.athenry-candles.ie

Email: kziobakaite@gmail.com

Edith Kovacs I phone 0876278694 Athenry I Co.Galway I H65PH90

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MAY YOUR MOCKTAILS BE MERRY AND BRIGHT

Christmas is often the season of excess, when food and drink becomes the focus of our festivities. So, whether you’ve simply had your fill of the hard stuff or just prefer to take a teetotal approach to the holiday season, this mocktail recipe is sure to leave your taste buds tingling. Give it a try this December and see what you think.

Virgin bramble rosemary spritz Sweet blackberries, tangy orange zest and woody rosemary mingle together to create a thoroughly refreshing and unforgettably delicious drink.

Makes 6 Prep 15 mins, plus cooling Cook 15 mins

Ingredients 300g fresh (or frozen) blackberries, about 100-150g extra to serve 60g runny honey 1 medium orange, pared zest and 1/2 (half) juice 6 small rosemary sprigs, plus extra to serve About 1.5 litre soda water, to serve

Method Put the blackberries, honey, orange zest and juice, rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan set over a medium-high heat.

Bring to a simmer and then bubble for 10-15 minutes, stirring and crushing lightly every now and then, until the blackberries have broken completely.

Press firmly through a fine sieve into a bowl, scraping the underside to get as much juice as possible (discard the pulp and aromatics).

Transfer to a jug and let cool (chill up to 2-days ahead).

To serve Divide the blackberry syrup between glasses (about 2-3 tbsp in each).

Fill with ice, top up with soda and stir.

Slice remaining orange into half-moons and add to each glass alongside a rosemary sprig and a few fresh blackberries, if you like.

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It’s so easy to create a magical constellation this Christmas – and all out of items that you probably have around the house. Happy crafting.

A star is born How to make a starry skies wall hanging 1.

Use a pencil to draw around the large star cookie cutter twice onto a piece of white card. Cut the two stars out.

2.

Repeat step one with a variety of size stars until you’ve cut out 40 pairs of stars.

3.

4.

5.

length of wool through it using the darning needle. Tie a knot to secure one end under the pom-pom.

6.

Tie a length of the wool to one end of your driftwood, then tie the other end to the other side, to make the hanging loop. Find a large flat surface and lie the driftwood down near one edge.

Lay this wool over a row of stars (with the pom-pom at the bottom) and use PVA glue and a paintbrush to sandwich the wool in between each of the pairs of stars in the row to form a chain of stars with a pom-pom at the bottom. After you glue each pair of stars around the wool, secure each point with a paperclip and leave it to dry for half an hour.

7.

Now arrange your pairs of stars into six vertical lines beneath the driftwood. Play around until you’re happy with their position.

Repeat steps 5 and 6 to form six chains of stars. Once the glue is dry, remove the paper clips and tie the tops of the wool to the driftwood.

8.

If you want to add extra elements, you can paint or decorate your stars with glitter or add tassels to the bottom of each length of stars.

Now for the fun bit! Take a pom-pom and thread a long

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BOTANICAL BEAUTY

A

lthough not a new trend, house plants are very much back in vogue right now.

With millions of photos dedicated to leafy loveliness under ‘#plantsofinstagram’, everyone has become just a little bit obsessed with indoor greenery.

The traditional fir and spruce Christmas tree has always been the star of the show on December 25. Throw in some holly, ivy and a wreath on your door and you were good to go.

But now a growing number of online stores have joined the ranks of more established garden centres around the country to offer a wide range of foliage and long-lasting plants that’ll see you well into the new year and beyond.

Plant expert Marcus Eyles has put together some

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

brilliant suggestions for anyone looking to incorporate plants into their festive look and feel this year.

“Christmas is about more than trees and wreaths.

There are a whole host of stunning plants and houseplants, which can enhance your home,” he says.

“And, given the proper care and attention, these plants can last well beyond the ringing of the bells on New Year’s Eve, so they really are the gift that keeps on giving and a worthwhile investment.”

Eyles, a Horticultural Director with Dobbies, whose garden centre is located Co. Antrim, advises to focus on plants that complement the key colours of the season.

Here are his top tips and types to go for:

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Unexpected pops of colour Choose an eclectic mix of pink and blue Hyacinths paired with Christmas Cherry (Solanum) for an unexpected colour choice.

Callicarpa, Vaccinium and Pyracantha are the perfect outdoor additions.

Dainty, delicate or drama?

Camellia and White Amaryllis won’t overwhelm a muted champagne palette and offer a more subtle look.

Bring some drama with Christmas Cacti, Sarcoccoca, Variegated Rubber Plant and Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) to add some contrasting textures.

Send a bunch Moon Goddess Blooms €69 A beautiful dried beautiful arrangement with spear palm, thistle, aniseed heads, wheat stems, achillea and pampas delivered in a vibrant deep red vase.

Newmoonblooms.ie

Yuletide wonder Go for classic plants such as Red Amaryllis, Red Cyclamen and Red Anthurium.

Winter Wonderland From €35 A Christmas bouquet inspired by winter walks on a sunny day with luscious red carnations, scented red lilies and subtle green foliage alongside earthy pine cones and hypericum berries Teleflorist.ie

Outdoor plants like Skimmia rubella, Picea glauca albertiana ‘Conica’ will help tie home to garden.

Incorporate earthy evergreens like Holly Green, Ivy Green and Buxus into ‘tablescapes’.

Contorted Hazel ‘Contorta’, Bay Trees and Box Topiary are great picks for outdoor greenery.

Get your glam on White Cyclamen, succulent Stephanotis and glamourous Gardenia add a touch of indulgence.

Christmas Rose, Lenten Rose and Silver Birch make for an elegant outdoor garden area.

Chic and moody Paperwhites and white Hyacinth add a subtle finishing touch.

Blue Spruce, Ivy White, Holly White and Viburnum tinus are timeless.

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HOW MANY SLEEPS ‘TIL SANTA? T

here’s nothing more exciting than the countdown to Christmas.

And so, this year, why not surprise a loved one with the gift of a homemade advent calendar in the run up to the festive season, so they can count their way to December 24 and Santa’s arrival.

Craft experts at ‘Stars for Europe’ have come up with this beautiful idea, that you can easily make at home.

With its fir tree shape and cut poinsettia sprigs, this fun homemade piece will form a fabulously festive wall display in an on-trend boho style.

Choose your favourite fabrics and tones for the bags to bring pops of colour to your wall this Christmas.

What to do next: Tie the four branches evenly with string to form a square.

At the top, there must be enough string left over so that you can hang the Advent calendar later.

How to make a fir-tree shaped advent calendar

Fill the 24 bags, write their labels, tie them with twine and attach to the branches.

You will need: Four birch twigs of different lengths

Fix the glass vases to the frame with string and hang up.

Parcel string

Fill the vases with water and insert cut poinsettias. Tip: With enough water, cut poinsettias stay fresh for up to two weeks.

For best results, first immerse the stems in hot water (60°C) for a few seconds immediately after cutting, then put them in cold water.

24 gift bags or material to sew 24 bags (cloth 12 x 38 cm per bag, pins, sewing thread, sewing machine) Poinsettias, test tubes or miniature glass vases Paper for the labels Scissors

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

And voila – the Christmas countdown begins!

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Contact

Email: bobby@gowildmagazine.com Call 087 4467007 Ma gazine

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Words: Siobhán Breatnach

UN IQUE PL ACES TO STAY I N IREL AND TAK E T IME OU T OV ER CHR ISTM A S A ND T HE NE W Y E AR IN ONE OF T HE SE T HREE IN V I T ING PROPERT IE S Ireland West Farm Stay

Have a merry Christmas in Mayo at Ireland West Farm Stay. This eye-catching early 19th century cottage showcases traditional stonework - masterfully created by expert stone worker Eddie Joe Dooney – combined with all the benefits of modern comforts inside, such as underfloor heating. Located close to Charlestown and sleeping seven, this property is surrounded by picturesque and peaceful countryside views to wake up to and an inviting wood-

bonus you’ll also get a delicious breakfast basket delivered each

burning stove to curl up in front of by night. Nearby Charlestown

morning with local cheeses, bread and eggs. What’s not to love!

has a wonderful choice of shops, bars and restaurants. As an added

Price on application from irelandwestfarmstay.com

Clare Island Lighthouse

This adventure-inducing accommodation, located on the craggy cliffs of Clew Bay between Galway and Mayo, is now available to rent between October to April. Though you won’t be able to stay Christmas week itself, Clare Island Lighthouse is the perfect place to relax in the run up to or after the festive season. Catering for groups of up to 12, there’s ferry access to the island, where you’ll find activities like hiking and horse From €6,750 for a two night stay. Sleeps 10.

riding. A private chef is also available if you don’t fancy cooking

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and wine at dinner

after a fun day out. What was once a place that provided a safe

is included. From adamsandbutler.com

haven for sailors is now an inviting haven away from home.

Smithstown Castle

Enjoy stepping back in time at Smithstown Castle in Kilshanny, Co. Clare – a magnificent example of a 15th century Irish castle. Steeped in history and fighting spirit, legendary rebel ‘Red’ Hugh O’Donnell once took shelter here with his men during his attack on North Clare. With three double bedrooms catering for eight guests, the castle it set on five acres overlooking a river valley. Enjoy dinner in the large banquet hall after a day out visiting local attractions such

From €1,650 (minimum three-night stay) over

as the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. A perfect spot for

Christmas and New Year from smithstowncastle.com

intimate gatherings on a grand scale with family or friends.

Mindful & Bright Helen Byrne, an expert in calm, shares her tips and suggestions for a more peaceful festive season ‘Perfect! I just want this Christmas to be perfect!’

Have you noticed how that word ‘perfect’ is now so widely used and stands in for ‘that’s fine,’ or ‘yes, I have your order,’ or ‘that’s correct,’ or even ‘thank you?’

I don’t think this is an accident, we are living in a time where there are pressures on us for everything we touch and do to be perfect.

‘The perfect Christmas’ falls into this category. How realistic is this wish? And how much pressure does it put us under?

And we then put pressure on those around us to meet our expectations too, as well as on the resources of the planet to buy more, consume more, want more. What a burden.

How to keep calm at Christmas Cultivating mindfulness, even for moments, can help us to notice our stress levels mounting when we feel the pressure of the Christmas rush or when we hear our comparing mind telling us that whatever we are or have is not good enough.

This year things may be even more intense, given the experience of almost two years of a global pandemic.

With mindfulness …

• We can tune into what is happening in the body right now – tightness in the chest,

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

shoulders raised, jaws clenched, brow furrowed – and interrupt this ratcheting up of anxiety levels.

• We can slow down a minute, deliberately stepping out of this way of being, feeling our feet on the ground as we stand or walk, sensing into what is happening and offering ourselves some space.

• We can find space to feel our breath, or to listen to a bird sing, or to see the beauty that may be right in front of us, or to really taste our cup of tea. Space for the body to soften a little and the mind to gain some perspective. We all get caught up, and we all need space to get disentangled.

Mindfulness isn’t about shirking responsibility but it is about recognising when we may need to cut ourselves some slack, in the midst of whatever is going on around us and inside us.

Mindfulness helps us to befriend our lives just as they are.

How might it be to really give ourselves permission to enter the true spirit of this time of year, allowing it to be a nourishing time for ourselves and those around us, a time for attending to body, heart and mind?

Imagine how it might be if we were to really take this on board and let

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ourselves and our Christmas, whatever form it takes, be good enough?

What if it was ok to be a human being with a less than perfect family?

What if it was ok to spend Christmas alone, if this is what we choose, and for some of us we may have no choice?

What if we could really move into a position of living our actual lives more fully, more wholeheartedly, instead of constantly striving after some notion of perfection?

Mindfulness can help us to bring this more compassionate attitude to ourselves and others.

What a gift! The gift of Christmas presence!

Helen Byrne is co-founder and codirector of The Mindfulness Centre (www.mindfulness.ie). She has been practicing mindfulness since 1997 and since 2007 has been teaching alongside Josephine and the team offering expertise in stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, compassionate living and joy.

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50 OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS SONGS EVER

S

anta’s on his way, the presents are wrapped under the tree and the festive lights are twinkling in the background. But nothing says ‘It’s Christmas’ more than hearing the Pogues’ ‘Fairytale of New York’ play for the first time in December. From classics to modern interpretations, here’s a list of the very best festive tunes you should always have on your playlist at this time of the year. All together now … ’It was Christmas Eve babe’.

‘A Spaceman Came Travelling’ - Chris de Burgh ‘A Winter’s Tale’ - David Essex ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ - Mariah Carey

‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’ - Vaughn Monroe, Dean Martin, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles ‘Lonely This Christmas’ - MUD

‘Blue Christmas’ - Elvis Presley

‘Mary’s Boy Child’ - Harry Belafonte ‘Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord’ - Boney M ‘Merry Christmas’ - Bryan Adams ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ - Shakin’ Stevens ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ - Slade ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ - Cliff Richard

‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ - Darlene Love ‘Christmas Lights’ - Coldplay ‘Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)’ - The Nat King Cole Trio ‘Christmas Time - Don’t Let The Bells End’ - The Darkness ‘Christmas Wrapping’ - The Waitresses ‘Cold December Night’ - Michael Bublé

‘Please Come Home For Christmas’ Charles Brown, The Eagles, Jon Bon Jovi ‘Power of Love’ - Frankie Goes to Hollywood

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ - Band Aid ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ - Bing Crosby, Pentatonix, Whitnet Houston, Glen Cambell, The Carpenters, Home Free ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ - Chris Rea ‘Fairytale of New York’ - The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl ‘Frosty The Snowman’ - Gene Autry & The Cass Country Boys, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Kimberley Locke ‘Happy Christmas (War Is Over)’ - John & Yoko, Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ - Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland

‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ - Brenda Lee ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’ - Gene Autry ‘Santa Baby’ - Eartha Kitt ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ - Harry Reser, Eddie Cantor, Bing Crosby, Andrews Sisters, The Crystals, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, Michael Bublé, The Jackson 5, Supremes ‘Sleigh Ride’ - Leroy Anderson ‘Stay Another Day’ - East 17 ‘Step Into Christmas’ - Elton John ‘Stop the Cavalry’ - Jona Lewie

‘I’m Gonna Be Warm This Winter’ Connie Francis, Gabriella Cilmi ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’ - Perry Como & The Fontana Sisters ‘I Believe In Father Christmas’ - Greg Lake, Toyah Wilcox, Elaine Paige ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ - Jimmy Boyd ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year’ - Andy Williams ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ - Wizzard

‘Thank God It’s Christmas’ - Queen ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ - Harry Simeone Chorale

‘Last Christmas’ - Wham!

‘2000 Miles’ - The Pretenders

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‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’ - Arthur Warrell & the Bristol University Madrigal Singers ‘When A Child Is Born (Soleado)’ - Johnny Mathis ‘White Christmas’ - Bing Crosby ‘Winter Wonderland’ - Perry Como ‘Wonderful Christmastime’ - Paul McCartney

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d l i W o G e t a m ti

The Ul

Christmas Film

Quiz

Apparently, we spend up to six hours on the sofa watching TV on Christmas Day, when the country settles down to enjoy their favourite festive movies.

Whether you’re a ‘Die Hard’ non-traditionalist (can I get a Yippee-ki-yay!) or a classic conformist who’se seen ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for the 20th time, just how well do you know your ‘Bad Santa’ from your ‘Love Actually’? Here are 10 cracking questions to get you warmed up. Pass the popcorn!

1. Which Irish actress played Doris Walker in the original ‘Miracle on 34th Street’?

2. In ‘Home Alone 2’, Brenda Fricker plays the pigeon lady who befriends Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister in New York’s Central Park. But what county in Ireland is she originally from?

3. ‘The Holiday’ stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two forlorn girls who swap homes for Christmas. But what was the full name of Winslet’s character in the nineties mega-hit Titanic?

4. Not strictly a film, but big screen Boyle native Chris O’Dowd starred in the 2018 Christmas-themed drama podcast ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ about a man struggling with homelessness. Which actress, born to Irish parents in London, featured alongside him?

Here’s a hint … you might think of her a being a bit shameless.

5. Bob Geldof is famous for the iconic festive charttopper and charity juggernaut ‘Do They Know it’s Christmas’? but can you name the band whose film he had a cameo in, in 1997?

7. Liam Neeson stars in the timeless festive favourite ‘Love Actually’, but what musical instrument did his young son Sam, played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster, learn to master in time to woo his sweetheart at the school Christmas concert?

8. In the Christmas Eve gone crazy movie ‘Gremlins’, Mr. Wing sells Randall Peltzer a Mogwai called Gizmo under strict instructions to keep it away from sunlight, water and food after midnight. But here in Ireland a gizmo is better known as slang for what?

9. Ennis in Co. Clare was recently turned into a Christmas wonderland for a new Hallmark film called ‘Christmas at Castle Hart’ starring Means Girls alumni Lacey Chabert. Which Dublin actor features as her leading man?

10. It wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’. Which renowned Hollywood star turned down the role of George Bailey to star in another festive film called ‘The Bishop’s Wife’?

How well did you score?

0-3: Not quite Grinch level but it’s back to full-time elf-ucation for you.

6. ‘Angela’s Christmas’ is a 30-minute Netflix film by award-winning author Frank McCourt.

Which iconic singer, who tragically passed away in 2018, can you hear in the closing credits?

4-7: Santa’s little helper, keep at it!

8-10: You’re officially the star on top of the tree.

Answers: Maureen O’Hara, Dublin, Rose DeWitt Bukater, Anne-Marie Duff, The Spice Girls – Spiceworld, The Movie, Dolores O’Riordan, Drums, A gadget or small device you don’t have a name for, Stuart Townsend, Cary Grant Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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THE FESTIVAL LIGHTS ARE ON IN WATERFORD Celebrate together at Waterford’s Winterval from November 23 - December 23 Winterval returns to Waterford this November and

free and ticketed programming for everyone to enjoy.

December for its ninth year, with its biggest and most

Brought to you by Waterford City and County

festive 19-day programme of events for all ages.

Council, the theme of Winterval 2021 ‘Celebrate

Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford, will be transformed into

Together’ marks the gathering of families,

the country’s largest Christmas festival, running from

friends and communities back together.

Friday, November 23 until Thursday, December 23.

It also ushers in the re-emergence of

Look forward to a round-trip, non-stop journey, to a world

large civics events to Ireland.

of Christmas celebration, festive food and craft markets.

Speaking with great excitement of this winter’s

There will also be live music and arts performance,

festival, Festival Co-Directors Sinéad

family attractions, seasonal surprises and a plethora of

McNamara and Shell Holden said: “Building upon

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the wonderfully rich and much-loved nine

What’s new this year

year history of Winterval, this year’s world-class

A joyous celebration of the Christmas season,

festival line-up is bigger and brighter than ever.”

this year’s Winterval 2021 will showcase an

“There will be over 100, free and ticketed festive activities,

elevated and immersive programme of events

shows and surprises and over 130 hours of festive fun,

including themed Festive City Quarters, new

memory-makers and belly laughs for all ages to enjoy.

festival destinations and hero events.

“This winter we are blending the old and the

There will also be the brand new Ar Ais Le Cheile Irish

new, with festival favourites that everyone

living language area for families, the ‘Pawesome” Petstival

knows and loves, and a new mix of exciting programming

zone, filled with doggie delights and pet programming.

to elevate Winterval to a whole new level,” they added.

The enhanced festive food and craft markets

“Promoting Christmas values of togetherness, family, joy,

will include delicious global flavours from the

thankfulness and wonder, the theme of Winterval 2021 is

very best of Ireland’s street food scene.

‘Celebrate Together’ and bringing Ireland back together

There will also be entertainment for kids and adults,

again to create magical experiences and lifelong memories

families, friends and furry four-legged friends alike -

to cherish all at the heart of Ireland’s oldest city.”

all happening right at the heart of Waterford city.

e g a p s ’ d i K DEAR SANTA …

He’s making his list and checking it twice. Hands up if you’re excited about writing a letter to Santa this year. Christmas is one of the most recognised celebrations in the world and a time to give and receive gifts.

But how much do you know about the day itself and the reasons we celebrate the way we do? Here are some fun facts, with a little help from EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, to share with your family and friends.

Why do we get presents at Christmas?

Everyone loves to get a gift at Christmas but this particular tradition came from a mix of the ancient Roman practice of giving gifts during the pagan festival of Saturnalia and the Christian story of the Three Wise Men, who were said to have visited baby Jesus in his manger. In the 4th century AD there was a charitable bishop called St. Nicholas who lived in the country we now know as Turkey. He would give gifts to children and those in need and so became what we now know today as Santa Claus.

Why do we put up a tree?

No one really know why this tradition started but it’s a relatively new custom. Back in the 8th century an English missionary called St. Boniface used an evergreen tree as a symbol of Jesus in Germany. Thus, it started to become popular there before spreading further afield in the 19th century, when Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, who was German, began to use them too.

In warm countries, people often decorate other kinds of trees. In India there’s the mango or banana tree, while in New Zealand there’s a beautiful tree with red flowers called Pohutukawa.

Why do we celebrate on December 25?

No one knows for sure what day Jesus was born on but the first ever recorded date of Christmas being on December 25 was during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine, in AD 336.

How does Santa deliver presents to the whole world?

In other parts of the world, Santa has friends to help him deliver all his presents on Christmas Eve. In some parts of Russia, for example, Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter Snow Maiden are the ones who drop off presents to all the boys and girls. Meanwhile in Italy an old witch called Befana helps him out. It’s always good to get a little help from your friends!

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Client editorials December at The Savoy Hotel with the Swinging 1950’s festive ‘Rat Pack’ Show and Five Course Dinner with Liam O’Brien The Liam O’Brien Show at the Savoy is back…swinging 1950s festive New York returns to the newly refurbished First Floor at the Savoy as Liam performs all your festive favourites from Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra.

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, celebrate with family, friends and colleagues with five course dinner, and Cabaret available on Fridays or Saturdays. Make a night of it with overnight luxurious accommodation for two guests, tickets to The Liam O’Brien Show, Five Course Dinner and Breakfast the following morning.

Set in the heart of Limerick City, this modern family venue is one of the best-established food joints in town, famed locally for the range of food from all over the world on the buffet and modern Chinese cuisine on the A la Carte. The restaurant originated as a small local Chinese in 1986 located at O’Connell Mall.

Marco Polo, Limerick Located on the ground floor in the middle of Limerick City, the High ceiling, majestic chandelier, modern bar lend to a EuropeAsia feeling to this stylish dining destination. Marco Polo’s innovative menu features favourites & exciting interpretations of the region’s local cuisine.

BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, County Wicklow

Sliabh Liag Distillery While there is no doubt that the past year has been challenging for all, Donegal’s Sliabh Liag Distillers have plenty to celebrate as 2021 draws to a close. With the completion of their new €7m Ardara Distillery and their multi-award winning Silkie whiskeys now available in 45 US states, it’s safe to say that Sliabh Liag are well on their way to reclaiming the distilling heritage of Donegal.

Log on to shop. sliabhliagdistillers.com to check out their full range of Donegal spirits, where you can add a personalised label to their Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskeys and avail of special Christmas giveaways across all brands.

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

Jasmine Palace, Limerick

Multi-award winning and located in a picturesque Wicklow valley, Macreddin Village is the perfect spot for a relaxing break and is only an hour from South Dublin.

A key food destination, hosting the renowned Strawberry Tree Restaurant, Ireland’s first certified Organic Restaurant and La Taverna Armento an Italian inspired restaurant.

The luxurious Wells Spa is an adult only Destination Spa and its extravagant experiences and hydro features are sourced from around the globe.

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Client editorials Irish Heritage Trust

The Mulranny Park Hotel This Christmas give an award winning gift. Having recently won numerous awards, including the prestigious Georgina Campbell award for the best 4* Hotel Activity Breaks in Ireland, our vouchers are the perfect solution to your Christmas shopping worries. With the Wild Atlantic Way at our front door and the Great Western Greenway at our back door, you can be rest assured that your gift will both excite and delight.

For offers www.mulrannyparkhotel.ie

Arklow Bay Conference & Leisure Situated in the heart of the Garden of Ireland, the Arklow Bay Conference & Leisure Hotel is the perfect location for your Winter break this year. Overlooking a lakeside wildlife reserve, set on idyllic grounds the Hotel offers 91 tastefully decorated bedrooms, full access to our Leisure Club and prepare to be pampered in the Bay Beauty Rooms. The perfect base to explore and discover the Ancient East, from Glendalough to Gorey. Adjacent to the best golf courses in the County, Arklow and Woodenbridge. There is something for everyone! Call 0402-26200 to discuss your stay with us or email reservations@arklowbay.com.

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Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, situated outside Wexford town in Ireland’s Southeast, is not only a significant property of national importance but a place of great romantic charm and tranquillity. Spectacular lake walks, walled gardens and sculptures offer a beautiful setting for this great 19th-Century castle and The Irish Agricultural Museum.

Metropole Hotel Cork 120 Years of 4-Star Luxury in the Heart Of Cork City Located in the heart of the Victorian Quarter in Cork’s City Centre, The Metropole Hotel Cork is Cork’s most iconic hotel, world-renowned for over 123 years of hospitality and warm service.

Famous for having welcomed stars of screen, stage, art and literature, we have a long history from sweetshop and ‘dry’ hotel to reclaimed glory. Our beautifully renovated hotel is opulent and rich in character. Stay with us to indulge in the finer things in life; impeccable service, sophisticated design, rich food and timeless elegance.

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Client editorials Texas Steakout Good Honest Hearty Food Since 1989 The Texas Steakout is without a doubt one of the most established and appreciated restaurants in Limerick.

The Texas Steakout Restaurant is located in the basement of 116 O’Connell Street, a gorgeous setting for a restaurant with original stone brickwork giving that warm homely feel, accompanied by an age-old fireplace and friendly staff that make you feel most welcome. You can sense the character of the setting the second you walk through the doors. Although the inviting atmosphere and the mouth-watering menu selections are indeed something you come to expect from the Texas Steakout, a lot of work has gone into making the Texas Steakout what it is today.

Aillwee Caves We have an array of hampers available at the Farmshop here @ Aillwee. These hampers showcase our very own produce made onsite, products made within the Burren Region of County Clare and beyond. JOIN OUR EXCLUSIVE BURREN GOLD CHEESE CLUB & we will send you a cheese box every month for three months. These cheese boxes have been tailored to offer you a different experience each month therefore at the end of your cheese club journey you can safely call yourself a fully qualified cheese enthusiast! Buy online @ www.aillweecave.ie

Your Cork City Hotel Break Starts Here

iNUA Collection Hotels Give the gift of choice and a gift that lasts a lifetime — the gift of memories made at one of the nine iNUA Collection Hotels across the country.

For season’s greetings, New Year wishes or as a thoughtful thank you, the iNUA Collection gift card is redeemable in any one of the nine sister hotels across Ireland. You might choose to experience 5-star moments at Muckross Park Killarney, kick back in Kilkenny’s chic Hibernian Hotel, spend some downtime in Dundalk’s Fairways, taste the magic in the 4-star Tullamore Court Hotel and Hillgrove Monaghan or any of the Radisson Blu Hotels in Athlone, Cork, Limerick and Sligo.

There is something for everyone to enjoy from overnight getaways and spa treatments to elegant afternoon tea or a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants across the iNUA Collection – the choice is yours!

Planning a hotel break in Cork? Book direct at Cork International Hotel to get exclusive hotel prices, Cork hotel packages and Cork hotel deals. We are one of the top 4-star hotels Cork has on offer as we are located right next to Cork Airport, only a 10 minutes’ drive from Cork City Centre, while we are also only 20 minutes from top Cork attractions such as Fota Island and Blarney Castle. Our hotel is also at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way and is the nearest Cork City hotel to Kinsale, making us an ideal hotel base if you want to spend your holidays in Cork, exploring the best that the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer.

Shannon Ferries Shannonferry Group Ltd. operates the Killimer-Tarbert Car Ferry linking the main tourist routes of Ireland’s Shannon Region on the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’. From Killimer, Co. Clare to Tarbert, Co. Kerry, with scheduled sailings every day, this pleasant twentyminute journey across the Shannon Estuary will save 137 km from ferry terminal to ferry terminal, providing a staging point for the many attractions of Clare, Kerry and adjoining counties.

On disembarkation, enjoy the majestic scenery on either side of the Shannon Estuary from Killarney and The Dingle Peninsula to the Burren and the famous Cliffs of Moher.

Buy gift cards and see the full array of offers available across the nine iNUA Collection hotels at WWW.INUA.IE

Go Wild Magazine - Christmas Edition 2021

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Client editorials Abbey Hotel Choose Flogas for all your bottled gas needs

This Christmas the Abbey Hotel is celebrating with an 80’s Night with Spandex Ballet, Casino Night Dancing with Red Alert and Country Christmas Dance with Derek Ryan in addition to private dining in the Abbey Bar or Market House Restaurant, there really is something for everyone to catch up on missed moments this Christmas.

The perfect Gifts are available for you to purchase online or at the hotel, choose from Gift Vouchers or Tickets to New Year Country Music Events including George Michael Tribute Night at the Central Hotel in January, the ideal gift this Christmas. Check out www.donegalhotelcollection

Flogas offer an extensive range of cylinders to suit your lifestyle giving you the benefits of LPG wherever you are. Our butane cylinders can be used for indoor applications such as cooking or portable gas heaters and our propane cylinders can be used for outdoor leisure applications such as barbecues, patio gas heaters, camping or caravanning. Contact Flogas on 0412149600 or visit flogas.ie/bottledgassuppliers to find your nearest Flogas retailer.

Parkway Shopping Centre Christmas is our favourite time of the year at the Parkway Shopping Centre. The music on the mall colourful lights and decorations lift everyone’s spirits and it is delightful to see all of our lovely customers smiling and enjoying the atmosphere. Park for free with us and pop in to visit our grotto, enjoy a cuppa, catch up with friends and you can even charge your electric car and do your laundry with our external laundry machines. Parkway is more than just a shopping centre, it’s a heart of a community and it’s where Christmas memories begin.

Give the gift of luxury this festive season The O’Donoghue Ring Collection is a luxurious portfolio of familyrun hotels, self-catering apartments, independent restaurants & bars and spa in Co. Kerry.

Featuring: The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, The Killarney Avenue Hotel, The Killarney Towers Hotel, The River Island Hotel, Park Place Apartments, The Tan Yard, Café du Parc, O’Donoghue Public House.

All Gift Vouchers are redeemable on overnight stays, spa treatments and products and dining experiences.

Each voucher is elegantly presented and wrapped for a gift that is tailored to your needs.

Shop our full range of vouchers on www.odrhotels.com

Fishers Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy may just be the answer to all your Christmas conundrums with warm winter woollies, perfect party outfits, cool gadgets, stylish homewares and natural cosmetics. They have carefully curated their collections and are thrilled to stock a wide range of Irish products alongside some of the best European brands. They also are to be commended for the range of sustainable and eco products on offer – both through their clothing ranges and their gifts collections. This boutique department store is just 30mins south of Dublin and offers the most relaxed atmosphere to shop and eat and drink in! The brunch, lunch and treats menus in Food at Fishers Café – taste as good as they read! Open 7 Days, til 530pm and 24/7 at www.fishers.ie

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Since 1989

Food, glorious food in Limerick’s City Centre Online Bookings | Gift Cards

This sums up what the Texas Steakout is about. From the very start, we wanted to make the restaurant homely and comfortable so the use of more recipes from your Grandmother’s kitchen was a better option than food that people at that time were unfamiliar with.

The Texas Steakout Restaurant was established almost 29 years ago and since its opening has remained one of the top favourites on the Limerick dining scene.

Mail | reception@texassteakout.ie

Located in the very heart of town, the ‘Steakout’ is a meeting place for people from all walks of life.

At the ‘Steakout’ we cater for all varied tastes not just for meat lovers. We also have an excellent choice116 of Chicken, Vegetarian and O Connell Street, Limerick Fish dishes. And then there is our Mexican Phone Menu – the likes of which you would have | 061 410 350 to travel to Central America to get anything better!