Go Wild Magazine Issue 2 by Go Wild Magazine

Wild

THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY EXPERIENCE

Issue 02 October 2015

y a W e h t g L ightin Distinctive lighthouses

Heavenly Hideaways Escape the norm

Glorious Glamping

Camping along the Wild Atlantic Way in style

Food, Fabulous Food Local producers making an impact

Creative Sparks Talented entrepreneursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; creations along the Wild Atlantic Way

Plus Island Hopping Interview with Norah Casey Seafood Trail The Great Outdoors

Nestled in the heart of the historic countryside of Bunratty and within easy access to Shannon Airport, the Bunratty Castle Hotel is but a short stroll away from the famous 15th century Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Bunratty is an ideal base for visiting and touring the unspoiled, cultural West of Ireland with Galway and Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the beautiful lakes of Killarney all within an easy day trip.

Make yourself at home in one of the 144 luxurious guestrooms - tastefully decorated using traditional fabrics and warm comfortable colour schemes to create that “home away from home” feeling. Grab a bite at one of the hotel’s 2 restaurants or quench your thirst with your favourite drink in our bar/lounge.

Experience sheer indulgence in our Angsana Spa where our experienced Thai therapists offer a wide range of holistic treatments that will rejuvenate your body and soul. You can also take advantage of recreational amenities such as a health club, an indoor pool, and a sauna.

Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland. Tel +353 (0)61 478 700 | Fax +353 61 364 891 | info@bunrattycastlehotel.com

IMAGE: ELENA MILร FOTOGRAFIA

CONTENTS 02 52 06 34 04 06 12 18 26 76

Publisher's Note A few words of welcome

Insider News The best of the Wild Atlantic Way

Heavenly Hideaways Getting away from it all

Insider News

67 76

The Norah Casey interview

Fancy a Brew?

Some more of the best...

Island Hopping Discovering the islands of Ireland

5 Minutes With... Fiona Monaghan Fรกilte Ireland

Lighting the Wild Atlantic Way Distinctive Lighthouses

Creative Sparks

The Big Blue

52 60

Wild Atlantic Way Map

84 86 88 90 93

Dragon's Way Seafood Trail The Wild Atlantic Way's delectable seafood The best of the region's local breweries

The Skelligs Force Awakens Star Wars filming on ancient island

Discover the South West Discover the West Discover the Mid West Discover the North West The Great Outdoors Outdoor adventures

Talented entrepreneurs' creations Discover the stunning waterways

Glorious Glamping Camp in style

Food, Fabulous Food Local producers making an impact

IMAGE: LUKASZ WARZECHA

Front Cover Image: Fanad Head Lighthouse, County Donegal. Image: Fรกilte Ireland Editor: Jo Lavelle Designer: Sheila McGoey, Hopkins Communications (www.h-c.ie) Contributors: Grainne McMahon and Stella Mehan

Go Wild October 2015 1

Go Wild!

2 Go Wild October 2015

IMAGE: CORMAC BYRNE PHOTOGRAPHY

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

IMAGE: CLIFFS OF MOHER, CHRISTOPHER HILL PHOTOGRAPHIC

ello and welcome to Go Wild Magazine, the ultimate tourist guide to discovering the Wild Atlantic Way. I would like to extend to all of our readers from all parts of the world a sincere Céad Míle Fáilte (one hundred thousand welcomes). We hope that you will come to love the Wild Atlantic Way just as much as we at Go Wild magazine do.

Our mission from the outset was to bring you some of the majesty, mystique and sheer beauty that the Wild Atlantic Way coastline has to offer from Donegal to Cork. With over 2,500 km of touring road, your journey to discovering the Wild Atlantic Way has just begun and hopefully, you will return for another little bite of this beautiful island that we proudly call home. Every tourist is looking for the little gems that make their holiday more authentic, and we hopefully have provided just what you need. The following pages will give you a little taste of the spectacular beauty of both the land and its people show you the best spots to visit, uncover the hidden

gems, and show you how to enjoy yourself just like the Irish do. We hope that we open up a whole new world of options for not only this holiday but also future holidays along the Wild Atlantic Way. On behalf of the entire Go Wild team, welcome to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. It's our story, it's your memory. Have a spectacular holiday and please come back to see us again. Bobby Power, HQ No 1 Hartstonge Street, Limerick. 087 4467007 bobby@gowildmagazine.com Feel free to email and tell me about your Wild Atlantic Way Experience. Finally, a quick hello to the boys in the morning coffee club where all of the world's problems are discussed & solved, including mine. Cheers guys! ...Looking forward to Issue 3 in March 2016!

IMAGE: DERRYCLARE LAKE, CONNEMARA, CO. GALWAY, CHRISTOPHER HILL PHOTOGRAPHIC

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.

Go Wild October 2015 3

Wild Insider

…discover the amazing Wild Atlantic Way

Hilltop To Home With an abundance of flowering wild plants, salty seaweeds and seaside grasses, the lamb on Achill tastes best at this time of year. The Calvey family have been producing Achill Mountain Lamb for over 50 years and each are personally involved in the rearing of their lamb through to the butchering process. Martin Calvey spends each day ensuring the welfare of the herd while his daughter, Grainne is a Master Butcher. fachilllamb.ie

Picture Perfect

Cave Life One of the best kept secrets of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Doolin Cave is home to the largest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. Embark on an adventure over 80 metres under the Burren landscape and learn the fascinating history of the cave discovery and development, as well as how the Burren landscape was formed. The highlight of the tour comes when you are plunged into primitive darkness for a moment before the light is flicked back on to reveal the Great Stalactite. A Farmland Nature Trail around the site offers looped-walks, native farm animals, stone features and also access to the original cave entrance.

OUR TOP DISCOVERY POINTS

Karen Edwards chases races to every corner of the country. As a professional cycling photographer, you will find her on gradients, mountain tops high, on roadsides or hanging out the back of a motorbike in the most peculiar positions to get that shot. Karen recently covered Fleche Wallone in Belgium and the final stage of Tour De France in Paris. On 14 November Karen will be official photographer of the Emerald Fund which was set up to support our future stars of cycling. See her work and the beautiful sights of the Wild Atlantic Way on fkmeddiephotography.com

Check out these picks, which offer some of the most spectacular views along the Wild Atlantic Way…

1. Inishfree

3. Rossnowlagh Beach

4. Marble Hill

Inishfree sits 5km off the coast of Donegal and offers the opportunity to step back to a simpler time, a time without cars, televisions or technology, and to experience the raw natural beauty of a place that for many holds an air of distinctive spirituality.

Rossnowlagh Beach sits approximately 8 kilometres south of Donegal Town. With soft, golden sand and exceptional views, the surf here is perfect for beginners and the local surf school offers tuition and equipment rental. The beach has received the International Blue Flag award for 2015.

Marble Hill strand on the northwest coast of Donegal combines a long sandy beach with a rural environment. Situated in Sheephaven Bay which is home to much wildlife, the dunes have many flowers and bird species and is one of the last areas in Ireland here you may hear the Corncrake calling.

2. Aran Mhor Arranmore Island is an idyllic island off the west coast of County Donegal. The island has world-renowned cliff scenery, offering stunning views of the Atlantic, beautiful sand and stone beaches and traditional music sessions in its pubs, offering something for everyone. 4 Go Wild October 2015

IMAGE: TOURISM IRELAND

IMAGE: RAYMOND FOGARTY

Enjoy the genuine ambiance of friendliness & superior comforts

Immerse yourself in the stunningly beautiful landscape of Connemara. Sleep soundly in our very comfortable bedrooms. Savour our award winning cuisine.

Take full advantage of our new wellness and relaxation centre come early! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be delighted to serve you complimentary afternoon tea - a small taste of the legendary superior service.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Sky Road, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway www.abbeyglen.ie 09521201 / 1850 35 70 35

Heavenly Hideaways From a converted lighthouse to a manor that’s housed some superstars, we round up some of our favourite hideaways for the ultimate break along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Pery Square

Sheen Falls

Fit for a queen, the Georgian-inspired No 1 Pery Square lies in the heart of Limerick. With spacious period-style bedrooms, complete with big sash windows overlooking People’s Park in the city’s Georgian quarter, this boutique hotel allows you to get away from it all or embrace the hustle and bustle of city life – whichever you wish. Fine dining at the hotel’s Sash Restaurant is the order of the day here, where you will find locals and residents

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Kerry countryside, overlooking Sheen Waterfalls, Sheen Falls Lodge offers a luxury getaway experience like no other. The five star hotel prides itself on fine dining and offers a selection of accommodation to suit all budgets from rooms, suites and luxury villas. All have open fireplaces and stunning views over either Kenmare Bay or the cascading Sheen Waterfalls. Comfort and luxury are the key ingredients here – think plush interiors, giant beds and comfy couches – perfect for a “After dinner, retire to your period-style room break that may involve complete with fluffy bathrooms, powerful reading, sipping on a glass hairdryers (just what every girl needs!) of wine or simply sitting on a window seat to check and luxury toiletries.” out the views. For those who fancy a bit more enjoying country house food in the activity, the hotel is centrally located city, with locally sourced ingredients to explore prime locations along the combined in a classic yet contemporary Wild Atlantic Way such as the Ring of way. As the name suggests, the large Kerry or the lesser known, but equally sash windows inspired the name for this spectacular Ring of Beara. Its wine charming first floor restaurant. cellar, which has a selection of wines After dinner, retire to your room from all over the world, is available as complete with fluffy bathrobes, powerful a unique private venue, catering for hairdryers and luxury toiletries. The between 4 to 10 guests. And after all that onsite spa is ideal for girly getaways and action, if the enchanting surroundings whiling away the hours in its luxurious and the cascading waters of Sheen Falls thermal suite before afternoon tea haven’t worked their therapeutic magic, in one of the lounges. If you really then a visit to Easanna Spa is sure to. A want to splash out, try the hotel’s haven of tranquility, opt for a Swedish Townhouse Suite, which not only has massage, Voya facial or pampering body sweeping views of the city and the Clare wrap before chilling out in the thermal mountains, it comes complete with its suite. fsheenfallslodge.ie 01 & 02. Pery Square own bar and dining area with comfy 03 & 04. Sheen Falls sofas. foneperysquare.com

6 Go Wild October 2015

01 03

Go Wild October 2015 7

01 02

Hayfield Manor Pierce Brosnan, Bob Dylan and Lionel Richie have called its Master Suite home for a night and with floor to ceiling windows, Jacuzzi bath and private butler service at the click of your fingers, we’re not surprised that Hayfield Manor continues to attract big names who make their way up its tree-lined entrance to lay their head. The five star hotel is set on two acres of tranquil leafy grounds, but still a short walk from the centre of Cork City. Combining grandeur and total comfort, this place does five star like few other hotels. From its champagne afternoon tea to its spacious bedrooms with antique furnishings and top quality fabrics, it is the ideal hotel for a complete getaway. With the distinctive character of a manor home, this family-run hotel is all about the personal touch and so it’s no surprise that many guests feel like they never want to leave. With two onsite restaurants – formal and more casual dining – you won’t go hungry and both use local ingredients. And for those who like to be pampered, The Beautique Spa, complete

with chandeliers, vintage perfume decanters, antique style furnishings and elaborate mirrors, has been purposefully designed to ensure a comfortable, luxurious, and above all relaxing environment for guests. There’s also a heated indoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi and gym. fhayﬁeldmanor.ie

Clare Lighthouse Possibly one of Ireland’s most unique guesthouses, Clare Island Lighthouse has been a nautical landmark perched high on the craggy cliffs, watching over Achill, Westport and beyond for almost two centuries. What was once a beacon of light for mariners, today this heritage property on Clare Island offers luxury accommodation and sanctuary from the wilds of Clare. With splendid sea views, the listed building was dramatically transformed and it now houses six unique guestrooms, each with wood burning stoves, open fires and underfloor heating. Ideal for those seeking a tranquil break, you won’t find any televisions here, but there is wifi. For the more sociable types, mingle in the warm kitchen, drawing room or library. On

04 05

8 Go Wild October 2015

01 & 02. 03 & 04.

Hayﬁeld Manor Clare Lighthouse

See Exquisite Pieces of Crystal manufactured before your eyes

Waterford Crystal Factory and Brand Experience

The House of Waterford Crystal brings a visit to Waterford to a whole new level, as visitors can witness the creation of crystal masterpieces right before their very eyes. The factory tour is a unique and captivating experience that allows people go behind the scenes for over an hour and see exactly how Waterford Crystal pieces are made and they can witness every stage of production, from the initial design stage right up to the final engraving of the piece.

Guided Factory Tours daily Waterford Brand & Visitor Experience Open Daily

Book online at www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com and receive a 10% discount on adult tickets

Phone +353 (0) 51 317000

www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Go Wild October 2015 9

01 arrival at the island, you are picked up and brought to the guesthouse where hot pots of tea and coffee and freshly made scones are served up. Each room was individually designed and decorated but all furnished with period fixtures and fittings, original artwork and super comfortable, old style cast iron beds. All rooms contain en suite bathrooms and have iPod docking stations, tea-making facilities and Nespresso coffee makers. The heart of the lighthouse is the original Lighthouse Keeper's home which now houses the kitchen, drawing room and dining room/library where guests congregate to dine nightly or are encouraged to help themselves to a cuppa. Board games and reading material is offered in the library – it’s all about chilling out here. Dinner is altogether an event to look forward to with a six-course set menu served in the elegant dining room and included in the accommodation price. Food is a focus here with preserves, chutney and desserts all homemade and that ethos extends to the healthy breakfast offering of homemade granola, breads and scones. fclarelighthouse.ie

Inis Meain Suites Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites is a unique dining and accommodation destination located on Inis Meáin, the middle and probably least visited of the three Aran Islands. The award-winning restaurant is headed up by chef and island native Ruairí de Blacam along with his wife, Marie-Thérèse, who manages front of house, in addition to the marketing of the hotel. The couple built the restaurant and suites to enhance visitor’s appreciation of the island by providing a style of accommodation and dining that is complementary to its unique and special location. Here the focus is on an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Custom-designed Cube bicycles, Steiner binoculars, ash walking sticks, fishing 10 Go Wild October 2015

“Here, the focus is on an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Custom-designed Cube bicycles, Steiner binoculars, ash walking sticks, fishing rods and books of interest are provided in place of televisions to help guests discover the peace and quiet of the island.” rods and books of interest are provided in place of televisions to help guests discover the peace and quiet of the island. The uncluttered space is complemented by soft furnishings in natural fibres 02 and tones, designed for 03 relaxation and comfort after a day spent exploring outdoors. Every detail of this unique hotel was inspired by the island and the unique way of living in a remote location of natural beauty. The building was inspired by the surrounding landscape of the island and houses just five unique suites and an award-winning seasonal restaurant that uses mainly ingredients from the island, including lobster and crab caught by local fishermen in currachs, and vegetables grown on-site using island seaweed as fertilizer. Only wild Atlantic fish and homestead-reared meat is served. All of the ingredients from the island are presented as prime ingredients. Equal importance is placed on the tomatoes grown in the greenhouse outside the restaurant as the lobster landed on the island pier. finismeain.com

01. Inis Meain Suites 02 & 03. Inis Meain Restaurant

Stay at the 4* George Hotel Limerick from only €69.00 Discover your route to the Wild Atlantic Way

O ’ C O n n e l l S t r e e t, l i m e r i C k C i t y, i r e l a n d 061 460 400 w w w.t h e g e O r g e b O u t i q u e h O t e l . C O m

Wild Insider Wild Walks For food lovers, wild food walks along the Wild Atlantic Way offer the ideal opportunity to forage and discover new plants and recipes. Wild Kitchen runs regular walk, talk and taste events, each lasting three hours and suitable for young chefs, students, horticulture groups, tourists and locals. Sharing and tasting the harvest is the reward for bracing the elements, learning a new skill and being in nature. Wild Kitchen is based 2 miles from Lahinch. fwildkitchen.ie

Scary Stuff

IMAGE: MICHAEL MC LAUGHLIN

For ghoulish goings on, head west to the historic Westport House this Halloween. The 18th century historic house will be transformed into a (not too) scary haunted house. Suitable for little ones, the house will be full of freakish family fun with the White Witch’s and her story time, ghastly face painting, Jack O’Lantern carving, learn the dance moves in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video, Creepy Kiddies Disco and the Spooky Spoons Workshop. The event from 24 – 31 October will also feature Halloween Fest workshops from 11am to 5pm daily while the Pirate Adventure Park rides are also a mustvisit. fwestporthouse.ie

…discover the amazing Wild Atlantic Way Cape Clear Island Cape Clear is an inhabited Gaeltacht island off the coast of West Cork. Take a stroll to the island edge and enjoy the views of the solitary Fastnet Rock, three miles west of Clear Island. Saint Ciarán, the island’s patron saint, allegedly the earliest of Ireland’s four pre-Patrician saints, was born on Cape Clear. His well greets you as you arrive on the island – Trá Chiaráin is where the islanders gather each year on the 5 March to celebrate his feast day.

IMAGE: RAYMOND FOGARTY

OUR TOP DISCOVERY POINTS 5. Sky Road

6. Silver Strand

The Sky Road in Clifden is one of the best tourist attractions in the entire Connemara region. Very few places in Ireland can match the rugged beauty and range of scenery that can be seen from the Sky Road. The circular route is 11km long and takes you out west from Clifden. The route is well signposted from Clifden and easy to find.

Silver Strand Beach in Barna, Co Galway faces directly onto Galway Bay giving spectacular views. On a fine day, you can see the Aran Islands and Clare from here. For swimming, it has a safe, shallow, sandy beach bounded on one side by a cliff and the other by rocks. It is particularly popular with and suitable for young families. It is home to a short promenade, which is ideal for a stroll when the sun is out.

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

7. Doolin Port Set against the rugged Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the spectacular bare limestone landscape of the Burren, Doolin Port is close to Doolin village, a popular tourist destination and renowned for its traditional Irish music.

12 Go Wild October 2015

IMAGE: RAYMOND FOGARTY

8. Banna Strand Situated in Tralee Bay, Banna Strand features sand dunes along its entire length which rise up to 12 metres. In fact, the beach extends from Ballyheigue Beach at the Blackrock in the North to Barrow Beach at its southern edge. Sit on the beach and take in the views of the mountains of the Dingle Peninsula which can be seen on the southwest horizon.

Ballynahinch Castle is set on a 450 acre estate in the heart of Connemara with 48 bedrooms & suites, all tastefully & individually decorated. The hotel’s restaurant is renowned for its excellence, which of course, serves locally-sourced produce and locally-caught fish. It might be the height of summer in Ireland, but a seat by a log fire in the cosy bar will always be welcome after a day’s hiking or fishing on the hotel’s own salmon river and lakes. Other activities at the castle include tennis, biking, hiking, pony riding and game bird hunting. In fact, there’s so much to do on the estate, lots of visitors never leave the grounds.

Tel + 353 95 31006 Email info@ballynahinch-castle.com Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Recess, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland

Wild Insider

Old Year, New Year

Forget camping - the next step in the revolution of outdoor accommodation has arrived in the form of the camping POD, a solid timber structure with a curved semi-circular shape, which is fully insulated, has a lockable double glazed door and rear window. The camping pods come in three different sizes: the standard model - Pod ‘Beag’, a family version - Pod ‘Teaghlach’ and the largest unit called the Pod ‘Ullmhór’ or Mega Pod. Kerry-based David Griffin is the man spearheading the pod revolution here and there are now over 34 pods in Ireland. And unlike camping, you don’t have to worry about rain and cold if you are staying in a pod as they allow you to stay warm and dry and they offer more security too. fpodsireland.com

For over a century and a half, the arrival of each New Year is celebrated in Portmagee with a unique custom called 'The Old Year' and this year is no different. The event on 31 December centres around a street parade led by a piper with blazing turf torches and a local man dressed as the 'Old Year'. The old man becomes increasingly decrepit until, on the stroke of midnight, a shot rings out and he disappears. A vibrant young man depicting the 'New Year' appears and takes over the parade – greeting all the locals as he passes. The identity of the 'New Year' is kept secret each year to add to the excitement. fportmagee.ie

OUR TOP DISCOVERY POINTS IMAGE: CLIFFS OF MOHER VISITOR EXPERIENCE

9. Cliffs of Moher One of Ireland’s biggest attractions, for their views alone, a visit to the Emerald Isle cannot be complete without a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. Rising 120 metres above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head in the heart of the Burren in Co Clare, from the cliffs you can see as far as the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north in County Galway, and Loop Head to the south. The cliffs attract almost one million visitors a year.

10. Inishturk Inishturk, which translates as ‘Island of the Wild Boar’ is a small beautiful island off the west coast of Mayo, between the islands of Inishbofin and Clare. This 14 Go Wild October 2015

tranquil island sits atop cliffs and steep hills that drop down to the Atlantic. Rich in archaeological sites, such as the old Napoleonic Signal Tower, the island's rugged pathways and trails offer hill walkers plenty of opportunities to explore. On the eastern side on Inishturk are the secluded Tranaun and Curran beaches – both have some of the clearest waters you will find off the coast of Ireland. IMAGE: RAYMOND FOGARTY

11. Sherkin Island Southwest of County Cork, Sherkin Island lies southwest of County Cork alongside other islands of Roaringwater Bay. Home to a number of archaeological remains, the tiny island has a population of approximately 100 people and measures 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide. Rumour has it that many of

Dreamers that Do Michelle Costelloe, Publisher of Fusion and The Limerick Magazine is pictured with Bobby Power, publisher of Go Wild Magazine at Michelle's press launch for The Limerick magazine. The team at Go Wild wish her every success.

Sherkin's residents live off their art from island craft, paintings and book writing, which are all inspired by Sherkin’s tranquil lifestyle.

12. Skelligs Viewpoint A sacred 1,300-year-old place of pilgrimage, and rich in history, it is no wonder that The Skelligs off the coast of Co Kerry are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The remote island of Skellig Michael once housed an early Christian monastery and after climbing the 600 or so steps to this, enjoy the most impressive views that perhaps you will ever see. For nature fans, there’s an impressive array of wildlife and the island also is due to feature in the next Star Wars movie for its twilight views no doubt. IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Pod-ing Around

IMAGE: POD UMNA VILLAGE

…discover the amazing Wild Atlantic Way

M W SH .L O O P U IS O M N U L LC I A NE H Y. C O W

OPEN EVERY DAY ALL YEAR

The ideal stop on Dingle’s Slea Head Drive along the Wild Atlantic Way...

Louis Mulcahy Pottery Handmade at Louis Mulcahy POTTERY | WORKSHOP| CAFÉ

Near Clogher Strand, Ballyferriter, Dingle, Co Kerry 066 9156229 or email clogher@louismulcahy.com N 52009.191’ W010027.260

IMAGE: LIVINGTHESHEEPSHEADWAY.COM

WEST CORK’S Wild Atlantic Way

02 03

t’s no wonder they call West Cork “A Place Apart”. Nature sets the pace in this beautiful south west corner of Ireland – stretching from smart southcoast Kinsale to three rugged westerly peninsulas reaching into the Wild Atlantic – Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara. West Cork is the place many head for to play along the zigzagging coastline, and walk or cycle through peaceful inland woods and valleys. The Wild Atlantic Way’s southern starting point is the coastal town of Kinsale, only 20 minutes south of Cork City and its international air and sea ports. As with the wider West Cork region, the town is renowned for its gourmet food and it is the gateway to the south coast of West Cork. The highlight of this section of the Wild

16 Go Wild October 2015

Atlantic Way is the Old Head of Kinsale. Designated as one of Cork’s three signature discovery points, the dramatic outcrop of land includes the recently restored Signal Tower which offers expansive views of Ireland’s south coast. The Wild Atlantic Way passes through a necklace of pretty coastal towns and villages as it winds its way around the south west coast. The busy town of Clonakilty is a hive of activity all year round, with a comprehensive calendar of festivals and events. The riverside town of Skibbereen hosts a thriving arts and cultural scene and is an ideal base for anyone wishing to explore Cork’s west coast. Visits to Cork County Council’s Michael Collins House in Clonakilty and Heritage Centre in Skibbereen are a must for anyone with an interest in Irish history.

The well-known village of Baltimore is situated ten minutes south of Skibbereen. The historic harbour-side village provides visitors with a variety of water-based activities, including whale watching. A number of boat operators provide exhilarating trips along the coast to view whales and dolphins in waters hosting a plethora of marine species. Across the island-dotted waters of Roaringwater Bay lies the first of West Cork’s three peninsulas – Mizen Head. On its eastern shore, the peninsula is lined with a series of charming villages and small towns leading to Ireland’s most southerly point – Mizen Head – a signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Those seeking a breathtaking experience can venture across the dramatic footbridge, which

IMAGE: TOURISM IRELAND IMAGE: EMMA JERVIS

05 06

IMAGE: CATHY DONOVAN

IMAGE: FAILTE IRELAND - (WWW.LWIMAGES.CO.UK)

IMAGE: JOHN EAGLE

provides the only access route to the lighthouse, towering high above the swirling waves of the Atlantic below. To the north of Mizen Head lies Dunmanus Bay, separating Mizen from the smallest of the local peninsulas – Sheep’s Head. The area is renowned for unique accommodation experiences and numerous walking trails. The Sheep’s Head Way is a multi-day walking trail that must be experienced by any avid walker. For more time-limited visitors, there are plenty of loop walks with varying degrees of difficulty. Anyone with saltwater in their veins should venture on the Bantry Blueway kayak trail. Recently developed by the port company, the blueway provides a waymarked route around the inner bay between Bantry Town and Whiddy Island. This blueway is the first in a

series of trails that will be developed along the West Cork coast in coming years through the cooperation of local communities, Cork County Council and the Port of Cork. www.blueways.ie The last of West Cork’s three peninsulas stretches out to the Atlantic as you depart from the village of Glengarriff. The terrain on Beara is rugged and in stark contrast to the gently rolling hills around Kinsale and Clonakilty. The tip of the Beara Peninsula is the site of the Dursey Island Cable Car. Ireland’s only cable car provides access to the island of Dursey for residents and visitors alike. Operated and maintained by Cork County Council, this signature discovery point is a must-visit location for anyone seeking unique experiences along Ireland’s west coast.

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07.

Lighthouse on Sheep’s Head Dursey Island Cable Car A Taste of West Cork Food Festival Mizen Footbridge Baltimore Village Kinsale Street Scene Old Head of Kinsale

Cork County Council aims to encourage a planned community led tourism experience in Cork for national and international visitors to promote Cork as a must see visitor destination and to continue to assist in the development of the product offering. Working with Failte Ireland, Local Development Companies, Tourism Service Providers and Local Communities, Cork County Council aims to maximise the economic return from tourism in Cork in terms of overseas visitor numbers, revenue and employment. For further information on Tourism in County Cork visit www.visitcorkcounty.ie or www.wildatlanticway.com

Go Wild October 2015 17

Gola Island, Donegal

Ideal for a

Gola Island lies 2km from Day Trip! Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore) on the Donegal Coast. It may be uninhabited since the 60s, but walkers are now breathing new life into the island. The spectacular views and challenging hills are ideal “With long sandy beaches for walking enthusiasts who and an abundance of angling opportunities, Gola provides the travel here thanks to a regular ferry perfect picture for artists and service. For the sporty types, the photographers alike.” towering granite cliffs provide quite the adventure for cliff climbing and for those with an interest in birds, the island’s lake is home to gannets, kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots and cormorants. With long sandy beaches and an abundance of angling opportunities, Gola provides the perfect picture for artists and photographers alike. Stone cottages dot the island’s landscape – evidence of the island community that used to exist here and has since been replaced by wildlife and now increasing numbers of visitors who catch the ferry from nearby Magheragallan.

18 Go Wild October 2015

Achill Island, Mayo

The largest island off the coast of Ireland in County Mayo, Achill Island is unique in that it is accessible from the mainland by bridge. Its magnificent sandy beaches, sea cliffs and warm hospitality bring visitors back again and again for holidays. For tourists a visit to the villages of Dooagh and Dooega, the high cliffs at Slievemore and Minaun and the magnificent beaches at Keel and Keem are a must. Achill Island tends to attract adventurous types, primarily because it is home to not one, but two adventure centres which offer activities such as sailing, abseiling, diving or windsurfing. Of course, you will find cyclists, walkers and runners taking full advantage of the new 42km The Deserted Village long track dubbed The Great Step back in time and Western Greenway, which visit the Deserted follows the route of the former Village at the foot of Achill to Westport railway line. the majestic Slievemore After racing along the track, Mountain. Eighty take a dip in one of the island’s stone cottages offer five blue flag beaches or check a fascinating and out some of the local craft haunting reminder of shops or music sessions in one life on the island in of the local pubs. the days gone by, and And if you still have energy now house an annual after all that activity, drive archaeological summer along the famous Atlantic Drive school. and take in the scenic splendour.

Check Out:

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

01 02 03

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

For a true experience of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s abundant islands provide an adventure for wildlife, sporting and leisure enthusiasts.

Bere Island, Cork

Sitting at the entrance to Bantry Bay near the harbour of Berehaven in West Cork, Bere Island is about 11km in length and 5km in width and home to about 200 islanders. History lovers will be in their element visiting the island’s historical sites from Medieval and Bronze Age times with plenty of ring forts, wedge tombs, standing stones and burial sites to trawl through. The island is rich in heritage with Martello towers and military barracks as remnants of British Imperialism. For the outdoor types, the area is ideal for fishing and walking and cycling. The Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountain ranges of the Beara Peninsula tower over the island, providing a dramatic backdrop. This tranquil island is home to many plants and birds and its small size means that you can explore the entire island in a matter of hours. Unsurprisingly, due to its deep waters, there are plenty of sharks, whales and dolphins in the sea surrounding the island, all which can be spotted on a day with good visibility.

01. 02. 03.

Gola Island, Donegal Bay Coast, Clare Island Achill Island

Go Wild October 2015 19

IMAGE: CHRIS HILL PHOTOGRAPHIC

The sea creatures happily mix with the swimmers, sea anglers and divers who take advantage of the spectacular seas. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are regular exhibitions at the island’s heritage centre and lots of hearty meals and hot drinks to be enjoyed at the various cafes and restaurants. Ferries operate a number of times daily.

Blasket Islands, Cork

Perhaps some of Ireland’s most famous islands due to their appearance in a number of novels and literature by some of history’s greats, The Blasket Islands are a group of islands off the west coast of County Kerry. Part of the Gaeltacht, until 1953 everyone here spoke Irish. Today, The Great Blasket, the largest of the islands, is uninhabited due to emigration in the 50s by the young people of the island. Despite this, tourists travel by the ferry load to the remote islands to soak up its beauty and learn about life here once upon a time. A

20 Go Wild October 2015

heritage centre at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula is a tribute to the community who once lived here, 6 km beyond the most westerly tip of the peninsula. The Blasket Centre also gives an insight into the literary achievements of the island writers such as Peig Sayers and their native language, culture and tradition. The colony of seals remain a daily attraction for tourists while the hilly tracks are ideal for avid walking fans. For those feeling adventurous, you can camp overnight and experience a night in the wild.

Clare Island, Cork

Made famous by the Sawdoctors’ song of the same name, Clare Island is a spectacular island off the Mayo coast and was once home to ‘Pirate Queen’ Grainneuaile. Her castle and burial place is surely a highlight for any visitor interested in the tales of Grace O’Malley while the rare medieval wall paintings in the 14th Century abbey and the archaeological remains of the

01.

Blasket Islands

Neolithic and Bronze age in the island’s landscape are also well worth a visit. With a breathtaking beach complete with the cleanest of water, it’s common to see swimmers brave even the coldest winter waters of this island, which is situated at the entrance to Clew Bay. Its spectacular cliffs are home to large numbers of nesting seabirds in the island’s cliffs, who provide ongoing entertainment during walks along the coast. Meanwhile, its hills, bogs and woodlands make the island ideal for hill walking. Just 130 people live here now, but remnants of famine times, such as lazy beds, are everywhere, a reminder that the island once had 1600 inhabitants before the potato blight ravaged the land and population. Ideal for lively weekend breaks, the island has a sense of fun with live music regularly in its pubs.

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

01 02 IMAGE: CHRIS HILL PHOTOGRAPHIC

“A true beauty, Garnish Island is a must-see, if only for its beautiful gardens of Ilnacullin, which attract garden fans from all over the world.” Garnish Island, Cork

A true beauty, Garnish Island is a must-see, if only for its beautiful gardens of Ilnacullin, which attract garden fans from all over the world. Situated in the harbour of Glengarriff in West Cork, the climate here is perhaps subtropical thanks to the constant stream of warm water from the Gulf Stream and of course, its sheltered location. Small ferry boats and water buses mean that tourists can access the island daily to admire the vivid colours of rhododendrons and azaleas and climbing plants and herbaceous perennials. The colours change each season, which is why this unique island continues to attract ferry loads of tourists, eager to catch a peak, despite the admission charge.

01. 02. 22 Go Wild October 2015

Clare Island Garnish Island

EVENTS GUIDE - 2015 - AUTUMN/WINTER

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL DIARY OF EVENTS

Sunday Oct 11th

HALLOWEEN FUN & GAMES

Monday Oct 26th

SANTA CLAUS EXPERIENCE

Nov 28th – Dec 23rd

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL NIGHT’ AT BUNRATTY CASTLE

Dec 1st – 22nd

CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT MAC’S PUB

EXPLORE MORE

+ All year round daytime attractions and evening entertainments.

DIARY OF EVENTS

OKTOBERFEST BEAG

Oct 22nd – 25th

HALLOWEEN FUN & GAMES

Monday Oct 26th

HALLOWEEN KIDS CAMP

Oct 27th – 30th

MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Co. Clare King John’s Castle, Limerick

shannonheritage.com 061 360788

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

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

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

openingtimes: times:Mid MidMarch MarchtotoMay May10am 10am toto 5pm; 5pm; opening opening times: Mid March to May 10am to 5pm; 10am to 5pm; June,July July&&august august9.30am 9.30amtoto5.30pm; 5.30pm;September Septembertoto october october June, June, July & august Last 9.30am to 5.30pm; September to october 10am 10am to to 5pm; 5pm; Admission 30 min before closing Last LastAdmission Admission30 30min minbefore beforeclosing closing Burren Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare BurrenCentre, Centre,Kilfenora, Kilfenora, Co. Co. Clare Clare Burren Telephone: 065 7088030 Fax: 065 7088102 Telephone:065 0657088030 7088030Fax: Fax:065 065 7088102 7088102 Telephone: E-mail: info@theburrencentre.ie Website: www.theburrencentre.ie E-mail: info@theburrencentre.ie Website: www.theburrencentre.ie E-mail: info@theburrencentre.ie Website: www.theburrencentre.ie

IMAGE: CHRIS HILL PHOTOGRAPHIC

The Aran Islands

On a clear day, perhaps what are Ireland’s most famous islands, can be seen clearly from Salthill in Galway – Inishmore (or Árainn as locals call it), the daddy of the islands, Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the mammy of the group and Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), the baby or smallest of the three. Each are unique in character and depending 02 on which local you speak to off the West coast, each will have their preference – Inishmore for its spectacular cliffs and Dun Aengus, Inisheer for its breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren and the baby for a more tranquil, unique experience. Whatever you choose, or if you visit all three, these three rocky limestone outcrops are all unique in their geology and archaeology and rich 24 Go Wild October 2015

in language and culture. Inishmore’s dramatic landscapes and endless sea form a backdrop to a labyrinth of meandering stone walls and tiny, tightly packed fields. Take a horse cart up through the narrow winding roads for a true island experience before hopping off to visit Dun Aengus and looking from the cliff towards the next stop – America. Locals joke that the islands IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND have their own microclimate, such is their distance from the mainland, and the pace of life is far slower with a sense of tranquility that money can’t buy. The craic at night is to die for, with ceilis and sessions in many of the pubs and the welcoming charm of locals. The islands have lured writers, artists and visitors over the centuries and ancient monuments and early Christian remains have to be seen to be believed.

01. 02.

Inishmore, Aran Islands Inisheer, Aran Islands

BRIDGING BRIDGING BRIDGING THE BEST OF THE BEST OF THE BESTWEST OF IRELAND’S WEST IRELAND'S IRELAND’S WEST

CLARE-KERRY CLARE-KERRY THE EASY WAY! THE EASY WAY!

OK ONLIN BOOK ONLINE E

A: Killimer, Kilrush, Co.Co. Clare. A: Killimer, Kilrush, Clare. T: +353 65 9053124 T: +353 65 9053124 E: enquiries@shannonferries.com E: enquiries@shannonferries.com

1100

% % D i s Discocu ount nt

FORRCH FO CEHAEPAEPER FAFR AERSES R

www.shannonferries.com www.shannonferries.com

LOOP HEAD. IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

MINUTES WITH...

FIONA MONAGHAN

Fiona Monaghan, Head of Operations at Fáilte Ireland West & Mid West tells Go Wild about the most enchanting aspects of the Wild Atlantic Way. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY THAT IS SO APPEALING?

The appeal of the Wild Atlantic Way is in its’ simplicity. The landscape has been here since the beginning of time and what we in Fáilte Ireland have done is present the West Coast of Ireland as a unified tourism experience of scale and singularity to encourage more visitors to come and holiday in the West of Ireland. While the Atlantic Ocean is the key to bringing it all together, it is truly amazing to see how the landscape changes as you move along the Wild Atlantic Way from the sheltered harbours of West Cork to the vast headlands in North Mayo and Donegal. Not only does the landscape change, but so too do the customs, traditions and dialects as one travels from North to South or South to North.

26 Go Wild October 2015

APART FROM BREATHTAKING SCENERY AND A RICH HISTORY, WHAT DOES THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY HAVE TO OFFER THAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?

The long-term success of the Wild Atlantic Way will undoubtedly be the people and the communities of the West Coast of Ireland. Ireland has long been recognised internationally for our “warm, friendly people” and nowhere is this more evident than in the towns, villages and communities dotted along the West Coast.

of heritage and culture to unearth dating back 5,000 years not to mention the opportunities to take to the water whether it is an afternoon coasteering or kayaking in the pristine waters of Broad Haven Bay, Blacksod Bay and Elly Bay. For those with good sea legs, a visit to the Inishkea Islands is a memorable day out that will stay with you for a long time. Heading further north, the Fanad Peninsula in Donegal and the recently restored Fanad Lighthouse is a great hidden gem with captivating stories to told from the sinking of HMS Laurentic during the First World War to the busy shipping lanes crossing the Atlantic in times gone by. The views from the top of the lighthouse are not to be missed.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP TIP FOR GAINING MOST ENJOYMENT OUT OF A WILD ATLANTIC WAY TRIP?

KILKEE. IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

ANY INSIDER TIPS ON NOT TO BE MISSED GEMS?

One Hidden Gem that is starting to get recognition in the last number of years is the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare. Kilkee has long been a favourite seaside destination, but the real experience is to head out along the peninsula and explore the villages and hamlets before arriving at the lighthouse. Another must visit Hidden Gem is the Erris Peninsula in North Mayo. Recently voted the Best Place to Go Wild in Ireland by the Irish Times, it is well worth a visit. There is a wealth

Have an open mind – don’t tie yourself down to scheduled itinerary, allow yourself the time to slow down, stop and explore and get lost ‘spiritually’ (not physically although that’s not too bad either) in a place. Invest in a good rain jacket and a wetsuit if you plan on really embracing the Wild Atlantic Way. As the famous Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen once said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. Most importantly, stop and talk to people – don’t be afraid to ask them about their local area and you’ll be in for a treat of stories and anecdotes that will enrich your visit. Most importantly, don’t try to do it all in one visit, the Wild Atlantic Way offers reasons to keep coming back time and time again and as the seasons change.

INCHYDONEY

Relax! The Wild Atlantic Way might offer plenty of activity, fun and exploration, but it also does relaxation spectacularly too. This part of the country offers some of the best spas in the country ...here are our top two.

28 Go Wild October 2015

LOUGH ESKE

Island Spa at Inchydoney, Co Cork

The therapeutic benefits of seawater has long been established, and no better place to experience these ancient therapies than along the Wild Atlantic Way. The Island Spa at Inchydoney is Ireland’s first seawater spa, offering a unique experience in seawater therapies, as well more traditional spa treatments and rituals. Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is situated just outside the colourful heritage town of Clonakilty in West Cork, a region blessed with some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery. Overlooking Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean & Blue Flag the Atlantic Ocean Beach and has long been appreciated for its & Blue Flag Beach... it romantic and picturesque location. has long been appreciated Inchydoney Island became home to for its romantic and Ireland’s first Thalassotherapy Spa in 1998. picturesque location. Thalassotherapy is a combination of the two Greek words meaning Sea and Medical Treatment. The Island Spa combines a heated Seawater Therapy Pool and Thalassotherapy treatments, based on the use of seawater, as well as sea muds and seaweed to create a unique Wild Atlantic Way spa experience. Along with the spa’s partners, Les Luneides in Paris, they have created a range of exceptional seawater and sea mud-based treatments to combat cellulite, aid in detox, pain relief and weight loss as well as creating a feeling of wellbeing. They also use the sublime Elemis products in their spa treatments. finchydoneyisland.com

Lough Eske Spa, Co Donegal

Nestled at the water's edge of Lough Eske, near the famous Blue Stack Mountains in Ireland, is the luxurious Lough Eske Castle hotel's spa. Spa Solís is your escape to a world of well-deserved pampering and natural, restorative therapies. Situated in the castle garden, the refreshing, peaceful setting is reflected in the building's natural sandstone and rich wood floor features. Here, the concept of the traditional spa treatment transcends mere manicures, facials, and massages, but rather a wellness experience. Luxurious accommodations superbly complemented by impeccable services includes mystical woodlands for long walks, a secluded garden for moments of quiet reflection, and Situated in a gourmet meal featuring the freshest local the castle garden, ingredients, accompanied by a bottle of the refreshing, peaceful fine wine. setting is reﬂected in Escape to this legendary Ireland hotel spa the building's natural and unlock the mysteries of the Emerald sandstone and rich Isle countryside. wood ﬂoor features. fsolishotels.com/lougheskecastle

Go Wild October 2015 29

A 5-Star WAW Experience A great opportunity for you to explore Donegal, enjoy the great outdoors, hike in the Bluestack Mountains, play a round of golf or simply relax and unwind in beautiful and tranquil surroundings. DONEGAL TOWN, CO. DONEGAL, IRELAND

Stay two nights and enjoy a third night complimentary. Rooms from € 230* per night *Available Wednesday to Sunday

Including full Irish breakfast daily. Complimentary use of Spa Solís Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre Room.

Call our reservations team for details.

T + 353 (0) 74 97 25100 Hotel Venue of the Year Ulster 2015 WeddingsOnline.ie

www.solislougheske.ie/packages

LIGHTING THE WAY Dotted along the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s lighthouses provide a real experience for locals and tourists alike.

eing an island, it’s no surprise that Ireland’s coast boasts a large number of lighthouses. With jagged rocks peppering the ports and bays around the Emerald Isle, the long history of lighthouses here saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives over the years and prevented many sea tragedies. In fact, the lighthouses were a lifeline; landmarks that lit the way home and still do today for many. Along the Wild Atlantic Way, sailors would seek the flashes along the horizon to mark exactly where they were on their journeys home. One flash every two seconds would signal that they were near Valentia Island off the coast of Kerry while they knew they were further north, approaching Loop Head in Clare if they witnessed four flashes every twenty seconds. These flashes guided many a mariner home and during the day, they would seek out the colours on the lighthouse tower to pinpoint their exact location. Today, as technology moves on and we are surrounded with radio, radar and GPS, many of Ireland’s lighthouses are redundant, but they stand strong, a reminder of the constant battle that fishermen face against the sea. And they remain as picturesque as ever, with many dotted along the Wild Atlantic Way visited daily by tourists.

IMAGE: THE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST LTD.

01.

Go Wild October 2015 31

01. Loop Head, Clare

03. Old Head

Established in 1670, the original lighthouse at Loop Head, a signal fire on the roof of a single-storey cottage, can still be seen on the grounds where the light keeper lived. Today’s tower, which is 23 metres high and erected in 1854, boasts a white light which travels 23 nautical miles and can be identified as it flashes four times in 20 seconds. The lighthouse was automated in 1991 and now opens to the public from April to October annually. Lighthouse fans will find an exhibition on the history of Irish lighthouses in the Light Keeper’s Cottage. The highlight is a guided tour to the balcony where you can see south as far as the Blasket Islands and north to the Twelve Pins in Connemara along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Lighthouse, Cork

02. Fanad Head, Donegal

Situated on the highest point of land on one of Ireland’s most scenic and easily accessible south coast peninsulas, the Signal Tower at Old Head Lighthouse offers spectacular viewshail, rain or snow. The Old Head Lighthouse is the nearest point of land to one of the most significant historic shipwrecks. The RMS Lusitania, which was hit by a single torpedo fired by a u-boat in 1915, lies just over 11 miles due south and a few degrees west of the Old Head. Today, the black and white striped lighthouse overlooks the deep waters where the wreck of the RMS Lusitania lies. The light of the tower extends some 20 nautical miles, while the tower itself is 30 metres high. It is one of the major lights on the south coast and a key guiding point to Kinsale. Today the lighthouse is automated.

Erected in 1811 in the wake of the sinking of HMS Skellig Lighthouse, “Locals boast Saldanha’s that the lighthouse is Kerry tragic taller than the Eiffel wreckage, One of the main lights off where the south west coast, Skellig Tower - a height which according Lighthouse sits on the larger of is popular among to reports, the Skelligs Rocks, about eight whale-watching only the miles from the mainland. The ship’s parrot island itself boasts a long religious enthusiasts.” survived and tradition, but the lighthouse not so bore a silver much, although it was built in 1826. In collar inscribed with fact, the island had two lighthouses – the ship’s initials, Fanad Lighthouse one remains in operation today. It was has saved countless lives. Situated on only in 1987 that the lighthouse became the western shore of the Fanad Head unmanned and fully electric and it is said Peninsula in the heart of the Donegal that in the past, George Bernard Shaw Gaeltacht, it has been praised as one of paid it a visit. Today, the lighthouse Ireland’s most breathtaking locations. operates via solar power and continues Locals boast that the lighthouse is to act as a vital guide for mariners. taller than the Eiffel Tower – a height The Skellig Experience Centre allows which is popular among whale-watching tourists to step into (a reconstruction enthusiasts. The lighthouse was of) Skelligs Lighthouse, and inspect automated in 1983 and today, is ideal for equipment, artefacts, log books, charts a unique getaway with three cottages and discovery what life was like as a at the base of the lighthouse available lighthouse keeper. for weekend and midweek rentals. The light is 39 metres above sea level with 79 Tarbert Island steps in the tower, while the tower itself Lighthouse, Clare rises 22 metres high from foundation to the top of the tower, not including the It is hard to miss the picturesque lantern. beauty of Tarbert Lighthouse, which

04.

05.

has been safely navigating ships since 1834 up and down the Shannon Estuary into the port of Foynes. The lighthouse 32 Go Wild October 2015

is built on a tidal rock on the north side of Tarbert Island and a cast iron bridge connects the lighthouse to the shore. One of Ireland’s prettiest lighthouses, it stands lonely without a keeper’s cottage, which is no longer in existence.

06. Valentia Island Lighthouse, Cork Situated at Cromwell Point on the north of Valentia Island, this idyllic lighthouse was originally home to Cromwell Fleetwood Fort. It was one of two lighthouses built on the island in the 16th century and the first light for Cromwell Point glowed in 1828. Since 1947 the lighthouse has been automated and today it is open to the public for guided tours. Its white light extends 17 nautical miles while its red one shines 15 of those. The tower itself is 15 metres high and the lighthouse operates a harbour light to guide vessels from the sea and lead them through the northern entrance of Valentia Harbour past Harbour Rock. The lighthouse is open for private group tours during the winter months, subject to weather conditions.

07. Youghal Lighthouse, Cork A tower was first built on the site “Movie fans will of Youghal Lighthouse recognise the in 1202 lighthouse from Moby before the Dick - Youghal stood nuns of the Chapel in for New Bedford, of St. Anne Massachusetts in the took over classic film.” the running of the light in the tower. Situated on the cliffs at the entrance to Youghal Bay, the tower at the lighthouse was knocked in 1848 to make way for the current lighthouse, which can cater for a larger number of vessels. Today the lighthouse, which began working in 1852, is automated with a light flashing every 2.5 seconds – it shines 17 nautical miles from shore. Movie fans will recognise the lighthouse from Moby Dick – Youghal stood in for New Bedford, Massachusetts in the classic film.

02.

IMAGE: PATRICK LENNON

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

04. 07.

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

05.

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

06. 03.

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Go Wild October 2015 33

Creative Sparks The creative spirit is on fire along the Wild Atlantic Way. Feast your eyes on some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most talented entrepreneursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; creations. By Stella Mehan.

34 Go Wild October 2015

Cloon Keen Atelier Having spent more than a decade working in the film industry in Canada, the UK and Ireland, Margaret Mangan and Julian Checkley decided to challenge their creativity on new horizons. Using their experience working in the art department of feature films, they began exploring the world of scents and perfumery. “My first job actually was working in a perfume shop in Newfoundland, where I come from. I absolutely loved the shop. The woman who started the boutique was a model in the 50s in New York, so she brought back all these ideas of perfumes and cosmetics,” explains Maggie. She began studying perfumery and along with Julian, set up a small workshop in her parents' garage, where they started to manufacture exquisite home scents on a small scale. “To me, retailing is the character of a town; it's part of the culture and I always felt that I wanted to add something unique to that culture.” The Cloon Keen Atelier store, based at High Street in Galway City, displays all the nuances of creators with a background in art. Its clean, simple lines create an ambience of elegance and tranquility. “We treat our shop like it's a film set, so we put the same amount of energy into making our shop as we would on set design. It's all about creating a mood and ambience and making you feel like you're coming into an interesting space.” All the perfumes are manufactured in batches of eighty, making each batch slightly different. This is because the perfumes contain a very high percentage of rare absolutes, resins and oils which are affected by environmental factors and everyone who works in the shop knows that it takes time and patience, like a fine red wine. “Bob normally lays out the benches each day and makes the candles. Jules and Mary make the perfumes. We make everything that we sell through the shop.” The fragrances include bergamot, jasmine and roasted chestnut, but the home fragrance candles waft the scents of ylang ylang, rose, gardenia and mandarin through a space. The creators want people buying their products to feel a little indulged, explaining that the idea behind their products is to 'mettre en scene' – set the scene, whether it's 'Antique Library' which is reminiscent of Trinity College Dublin library or 'Gooseberry Leaf' which evokes memories of childhood and your grandmother's back garden. Cloon Keen Atelier was established in 2001 and despite being considered a 'luxury' item, the brand has grown from strength to strength, something Maggie attributes to the authenticity of the products, “I do think people want something that's authentic Irish, that are not necessarily Aran sweaters and so on. They want other things that are produced locally. I was always inspired by little French towns that had their own perfumery.” In Galway in particular, Maggie feels that people are very cosmopolitan and respond accordingly. It's this curious streak among Galwegians for interesting products that helped Cloon Keen Atelier develop and grow. Most recently, it was awarded the 'Best Specialist Shop' title by the Irish Times newspaper.

Paul Kelly The Ring of Kerry is one of the most renowned scenic routes in the south west of Ireland, inspiring poets, writers and artists for generations. For Kilkenny native Paul Kelly, it's the place he now calls home. Having trained at Grennan Mills in Kilkenny and later as an apprentice to goldsmith, Rudolph Heltzel, he opened his own jewellery shop in the heritage town of Kenmare in 1999. The journey from Kilkenny to Kenmare came about as a result of a childhood friend of Paul's setting up a mussel farm at Kilmacalogue Bay at the tip of the Beara Peninsula. Paul would help him during the summer months and fell in love with its rugged scenery. This initial experience of working on a mussel farm spurred Paul to open his own mussel farm with a friend, but unfortunately the market sank in the subsequent years and he decided to return to his trade of working with metals and goldsmithing. Nineteen years later, master goldsmith Paul is still crafting exquisite pieces in his workshop in Kenmare and says that his customers are the force behind his sustainability. “While you don't have to sell yourself out, you have to try and mould what you're doing to what the customer is looking for with regard to design and materials,” says Paul. He focuses on contemporary artistic Irish design, rather than the traditional 'celtic' type jewellery and also supports other Irish designers. The Ring of Kerry range was inspired by Paul's surroundings in Kerry. Legend has it that Milesian Princess Sceine died in Kenmare Bay due to a storm conjured up by the druids. Her husband Amerghin vowed to forge a ring in her honour from the materials of the land but whether he ever did has been lost to the past. Paul's Ring of Kerry pieces incorporate the green, white and gold of Ireland and specifically the Kerry landscape. Two torc rings intertwine with emeralds, diamonds and gold studs, creating a piece of jewellery that has broad appeal. “I had one of those Eureka! moments. I live on the Ring of Kerry and I make rings!” People who now travel on the Ring of Kerry connect Paul's jewellery to the scenery and images from their trip. While the Kenmare shop is the primary location for Paul's designs, other businesses in Kerry are also now stocking his jewellery. “I sort of like that the ring is only available in Kerry, it means you have to come to Kerry to get it. It gives it an extra dimension.” Paul could have returned to Kilkenny to set up a jewellery shop once his mussel farm closed, but he was taken in by the beauty of Kenmare. He spent years renovating an old stone cottage out on the Beara Peninsula and had three children with his then wife. “Kenmare is one of those places, it's small enough to be intimate but at the same time, during the winter, it doesn't completely close down. There's a lovely quality of life down here. It hasn't been overdeveloped over the years. It's still attractive and quaint.”

Escape to Carrygerry Country House for a Relaxing Getaway with Someone Special

Carrygerry Country House, near Newmarket-on-Fergus and just minutes away from Shannon, is a 200 year old Manor tastefully restored to its former glory, set in a idyllic mature country setting. On arrival, you will experience a relaxed and unique country house atmosphere with open fires and antique furniture. There are 11 bedrooms, all individually styled in keeping with the house.

Our Conservatory Restaurant is open for Dinner from Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Our Ă La Carte Menu offers fresh, locally sourced produce and a complete well balanced menu. Set Dinner Menu for â&#x201A;Ź29 (3 courses plus Tea/Coffee) is served from 6.30pm to 9.30pm Tuesday to Saturday.

We cater for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Christenings, etc. For enquiries call 061 360500 or email: info@carrygerryhouse.com | www.carrygerryhouse.com

The Cashmere Shop Ladies & Gents 100% cashmere, unique designs exclusive to our store, designed and made in Ireland. The Cashmere Shop, 20 Henry Street,Kenmare, Co. Kerry Tel: 064 6648986

Breeogue Pottery Breeogue pottery is nestled in beautiful landscape between Knocknarea Mountain and the shores of Ballisodare Bay in Sligo. Gráinne Mac Laughlin has been making pots professionally since 1998, producing a high-fired stoneware tabletop range. She applies various layers of coloured glazes over her simple and uncomplicated vessels. “I always loved to bake and work with pastry, so that's why I veered towards ceramics. My parents had a shed in their yard. It was part of outbuildings and my Dad did it up and it became the pottery. The Wild Atlantic Way came into existence and I've found that has brought a lot of people along the route. There are 50 secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way and I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of them,” explains Gráinne. The inspiration for Gráinne's pottery comes from her surroundings, particularly flora such as leaves flowers and even dragonflies. While she started off working with glazes to see what effect one glaze would have if it was layered over another, her creative juices began to flow and she started to introduce etched patterns onto the surface of her work. This led to her creating her first tabletop range of cups, bowls and platters and now she creates one-off pieces which have been specifically commissioned.

38 Go Wild October 2015

While tourism is a major contributor to Breeogue's success, it's local support which makes the business sustainable. Local sporting clubs often enlist Gráinne's services to create specially commissioned presentation plaques for various events and neighbours and friends make the pottery barn their first port of call for gifts. It's not just Gráinne's pottery creations which are on display at the Breeogue shop; it's a team effort as her equally talented husband Tom has a range of ceramics. His pieces are sculptural decorative ceramics using the raku glaze – a Japanese technique. “He works out of his own workshop. His work is totally different to mine, but in a way it's a good contrast,” says Gráinne. The pottery brand is something that Gráinne and her husband are passionate about and they hope that their work will become recognisable by creating a distinctive style. Supporting other artists in similar fields along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way is something Breeogue Pottery is an advocate of. Gráinne says that if she hears of a customer traveling to another location where she knows of a good craftsperson, she'll recommend paying them a visit. “I'm very lucky to not be working in an industrial estate somewhere and I can work somewhere like Breeogue. My mum is great because she still lives next to the pottery - she's a big help with the school run!”

All you need to know about the Skellig Rock UNESCO World Heritage Site

Restaurant & Gift Shop Film Show Sea Cruise

Valentia Island, Co Kerry +353 (0) 66 9476306 www.skelligexperience.com

Eat, Drink & Stay Frankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bistro Bar

Cahirciveen, Ring of Kerry, Co Kerry 066 9472217 www.kerrycoasthotel.com Email: kerrycoasthotel@gmail.com

Mamukko Old sail cloth from boats may have been destined for a shipyard heaven, but a couple of Hungarian brothers living in Kinsale have shifted our perception of what the sails can be used for. Award-winning Mamukko is a business which sells handmade designer bags and luggage made from sails. Referring to them as 'up-cycled' rather than recycled, Levente and Attila Magyar have created a unique brand of bags, which rival those in top department stores. Sails and life-rafts are not materials you'd immediately associate with handbags, but it seems to work! The Magyar brothers grew up around design and manufacturing. Their mother, Erzsebet worked with leather and their father, Arpad, is a master leather worker and the brothers learned the trade and craft as youngsters. They moved to Kinsale for financial reasons and had hoped to move back home to their native country within five years, but things changed and they have now become an integral part of the local community and economy. “Four years ago, we were both unemployed and we were thinking, ‘What should we do?’, so we decided to set up a business together. We had a sewing machine, we found a small space and we started making different products,” explains Attila. They started to source sails because Levente, an artist, had always liked the idea of making something from sail cloth. “The location gave us the opportunity to make bags from sails. In the beginning,

40 Go Wild October 2015

it was small scale and we sourced sails from a local business and made a few products. We wanted to continue the family tradition, but we didn't want to use leather,” says Attila. After sourcing sail cloth, the brothers tried other materials such as canvas and tarpaulin but decided to drop them again and stick to using sails. They did, however, experiment with old life-rafts which they transformed into limited edition fashion and lifestyle bags. Working with up-cycled materials sourced locally is important to the Magyar brothers' ethos of sustainable and eco-conscious product development. “We do all the sourcing of fabrics, cleaning, processing and manufacturing of the products and adding leather accessories,” Attila explains. Demand for Mamukko products was initially strong through online ordering, however since the Magyar brothers opened a shop in Kinsale in 2015, business on the ground has been booming with 80% of their designer products now exported to the U.S, Canada and Europe. The creators feel that each bag or piece of luggage has its own narrative and when someone takes a bag away with them, they are supporting a family business, the environment and the Irish design industry. The name of the company comes from a nickname Atilla has for his brother, Levente which doesn't have any English translation. “The atmosphere and energy in Kinsale, as well as the people and the closeness of the sea, make it very special and it feels like home now.”

Stay & Play...

GOLF CLUB

Castlemartyr Golf Club is located in East Cork in the village of Castlemartyr, adjacent to the landmark ruins of the estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic 12th century castle. Ron Kirby, the renowned golf course architect, has created an 18 hole inland links-style course that has been beautifully

sculpted into the mature landscape of this historic 220 acre estate. Surrounded by woodlands and lakes, sand-based fairways and bent grass greens, this course has the distinctive look and feel of an inland-style course. The 6,790 yard

par 72 course, is designed to be challenging and fair but pleasurable for any calibre of player. Castlemartyr Resort offers luxury 5 Star hotel accommodation within easy reach of Cork Airport and is on the doorstep of Cork City.

Stay & Play at Castlemartyr Resort from â&#x201A;Ź315 per night. Package includes B&B, golf & dinner.

To book please contact the Castlemartyr Golf Club on 021 421 9001, or email golf@castlemartyrresort.ie Castlemartyr Resort, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork. www.castlemartyrresort.ie

Pandora Bell When you think of sweets, Dolce and Gabbana and Vogue are not often immediately what you'd associate with them. However, one Irish confectionary creator has had her products featured in the prestigious fashion magazine and featured in the stores of the Italian designer duo. Nicole Dunphy started out working in radio but realised it was not her calling. She trained at the Valrhona Ecole du Grand Chocolat in France with further studies at the Italian Culinary Institute. “I just had this lust to set up my business and have my own adventure. I used to go abroad to France and Italy and I really idolised the tradition of food where quality and the best of ingredients was the norm,” says Nicole. Because of the number of high quality Irish handmade chocolate brands on the market at the time, she decided to venture into the world of candy. Pandora Bell was born with a selection of nougat, salted caramels and lollipops and has since expanded to include fudge, jellies and candy canes. As the business grew, the development of the range grew with it, creating mouthwatering delectable delights to tempt any palate. “The nougat has a very high honey content and we use premium nuts. The caramels...they're buttery. They have the french Fleur de sel, which is the top chefs' favourite.” Nicole also still uses the traditional method of making salted caramel in copper cauldrons. While commercial pressure has been placed on Pandora Bell to reduce the quality of their ingredients in order to reduce the price of their products, they have stuck with their plan to produce high quality gourmet confectionary with very little additives. “Our lollipops are all handmade and have natural colours and flavours and our jellies are made with 70% real fruit. If it was any higher, it'd actually be a piece of fruit!” Catering to different dietary requirements is something that evolved once large stores such as Selfridges in the U.K began stocking Pandora Bell products. Middle Eastern customers began to snap up the real fruit jellies because they don't contain any gelatin. Nicole then got gluten-free certification for Pandora Bell fudge, caramels and jellies. Having made a name for itself across the seas, Nicole says the association with Dolce & Gabanna was just something that 'happened'. Pandora Bell's Italian distributor initially sold to Dolce & Gabbana in Milan and the confectionary eventually made it into the designer’s London store for Christmas. Meanwhile, Vivienne Westwood featured Pandora Bell lollipops alongside a sunshine yellow fragrance she was launching and sent one of the sweet treats along with the perfumes to the media. British Vogue took a picture of the lemon lollipops, which accompanied the 'Sunny Alice' perfume, and tweeted it to the world. When Pandora Bell won the Bridgestone Guide 'Newcomer of the Year' Award, it said 'Nicole Dunphy's salted caramels and nougat and lollipops are of a standard no-one in Ireland has ever achieved.” High praise for an idea which was born out of a lightbulb moment. The gourmet sweet brand is now stocked in many stores along the Wild Atlantic Way and Nicole hopes that people can enjoy a sweet treat while on holidays or take home as authentic Irish handmade gifts.

42 Go Wild October 2015

MAYO Heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way...

Journey to the West coast of Ireland and once you meet the ‘Welcome to Mayo’ sign you’ll know that you have arrived at a unique place. Mayo really is wild and wonderful, with broad magnificent landscapes, storm carved coasts, majestic cliffs and hauntingly beautiful mountains all set beneath massive and awe inspiring skies.

44 Go Wild October 2015

ayo is steeped in history, home to the Ceide Fields and the first farmers. Widely known as the heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way, Mayo boasts the longest coastline of any County in Ireland, and Ireland’s largest island, Achill and highest cliffs. Mayo offers something for everyone, from the history seeker to the religious pilgrim, from the culturally curious to the outdoor adventure enthusiast. And what better way to discover Mayo’s charm than by taking to the great outdoors. The Great Western Greenway connecting Westport to Achill Island offers an award-winning family-friendly biking trail with stunning scenery, historic villages, ancient ruined abbeys, and local artisan food and arts and crafts. Right at the heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Mayo embraces the Atlantic Ocean with many of the County’s unforgettable landmarks dotted along its coastline – spiritual Croagh Patrick, sumptuous Clew Bay and Achill’s majestic cliffs. Mayo’s Atlantic coastline is a playground for those with an adventurous spirit, offering world class deep sea fishing, kite surfing, wind surfing, coasteering, kayaking and many beautiful Blue Flag beaches. The Blueway

02 Trails at Old Head, Killary and Achill offer the opportunity to experience world class snorkelling and ocean kayaking. For something a little slower paced Mayo is a haven for walkers and anglers alike, offering a myriad of spectacular walks and journeys including Croagh Patrick and Cong. The rivers Moy, Furnace and Owenmore are internationally renowned for salmon and sea trout angling. The hiker can escape the bustle of urban life by climbing one of our many mountain ranges including Mweelrea, the highest peak in Connaught. At Wild Nephin

and the Ballycroy National Park spring is heralded by the elusive call of the corncrake. Get to grips with its vastness by rambling its highlands, on the Bangor Trail, reaching without sign of civilisation as far as the eye can see. And when you’ve had your fill and are ready to rejoin the human race, or just ready to rest your weary head, the necklace of rural towns and seaside villages of Mayo’s wild heartland offers a true and authentic Céad Míle Fáilte as ageless, authentic and genuine as the wilderness itself. Wild Mayo - Escape, Explore, Enjoy!

03 04

05 01. The spectacular Dun Bhriste Sea stack at Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle.

02. The Crossing – Signature Discovery Point

incorporating the Myth Shrouded “Poll an Sean Tine” blow hole at Downpatrick Head.

03. The beguiling Diaspora Inspired Spirit of Place

Installation on the far western island of Inishturk.

04. Mayo hillwalking - for the adventurous explorer. 05. Wild Atlantic Kayaking off the North Mayo Coast. Go Wild October 2015 45

IMAGE: LUKASZ WARZECHA

THE BIG BLUE With a myriad of sea life, the coast along the Wild Atlantic Way oﬀers a huge variety of water activities.

Friendly Fungi

Fungi, Ireland’s most famous dolphin has been attracting tourists to the Dingle Peninsula for the past three decades. The legendary dolphin is playful and mischievous and continues to entertain seamen and tourists off the County Kerry coast. Take a trip on a boat in the hope of catching a glimpse of Fungi or if you are lucky enough, you will see him clear the water. The working vessels that regularly cross the dolphin's chosen territory, however, remain his main priority, and it is a rare and special privilege when he remains with a vessel during their seaward or homeward passages. fdingledolpin.com

“The legendary dolphin is playful and mischievous and continues to entertain seamen and tourists off the County Kerry coast.” IMAGE: PAUL BITTEN

46 Go Wild October 2015

The only way to travel If you try one thing in Sligo, do the ‘Island Ride’ with Island View Riding Stables, a unique trek on a horse across a lagoon to the tidal islands farmed by and owned by the stables. It’s ideal for water babies who don’t want to get wet, or indeed if it is too chilly to take a dip. Alternatively, take in the sights of Mullaghmore, one of the signature viewpoints along the Wild Atlantic Way. Or if you fancy a dip, try a one-hour beach ride that will bring you to a secret beach overlooking Donegal Bay and Classiebawn Castle. fislandviewridingstables.com.

IMAGE: DONAL HACKETT

The Galway Hooker

The Galway Hooker is a traditional fishing boat used in Galway Bay. Originally developed for the strong seas on the west coast, it is identified by its sharp, clean entry, bluff bow, marked tumblehome and raked transom. A highlight of a trip to Galway is a visit to the famous Claddagh, where you can catch one of the signature boats complete with red sails, and take in the sights of the City of the Tribes.

IMAGE: DONAL HACKETT

Go Wild October 2015 47

Straight Up

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is fast growing as a water sport around Ireland. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider is sitting until a wave comes, stand up paddle boarders maintain an upright stance on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. Once you learn how to keep your balance, paddle strokes and basic turns, you can focus on the views around you and avoid getting wet!

IMAGE: LUKASZ WARZECHA

Go Team!

A great water activity for groups and team building, raft building tests not only the ability to put together a raft but afterwards, how to keep it afloat. There are lots of raft building centres across the Wild Atlantic Way and generally, instructors are on hand to teach your group how to build the raft but challenging you to make it sturdy enough to stay afloat. And that’s when the fun begins!

Explore

Sea kayaking offers you a great way to explore secluded spots around the Wild Atlantic Way, delving into hidden caves that dot the coastline of Liscannor Bay, County Clare. Try the Island Exploration Tour with North Clare Sea Kayaking: experienced guides will take you to an abandoned island off the coast of Quilty, where you will explore all the island’s hidden treasures, including beautiful rare seabirds and a colony of grey seals as well as warm rock pools sheltering crabs.

IMAGE:FÁILTE IRELAND

48 Go Wild October 2015

ADVERTORIAL

Limerick’s Haven of Hospitality

Ronan Branigan, owner of one the biggest hospitality groups in the Mid West of Ireland is busy. His Deluxe 5 star Savoy Hotel is celebrating 80 years since the opening of the iconic Savoy Theatre in the city and will host a grand ball to celebrate this great moment in the city’s history in December. He is also celebrating the announcement that Limerick City has been unveiled as an official Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way which will help underpin tourism numbers in the city for many years to come. As well as the luxurious 94 bedroom Savoy Hotel, Mr Branigan’s company owns the 124 bedroom four star George on Shannon Street, a hipsters paradise with artisanal food offerings, iWork bays and the best cocktails around. They also own the famous Hamptons Bar & Grill, a 150 seat Mecca to steak and seafood in downtown Limerick and have recently added Da Vincenzo Food and Wine Hall which he says is a “homage to Italian concept, Eataly in Manhattan”. Ronan says he is honoured to live and work in Limerick. “I can think of very few places that can offer what Limerick does. The city attracts the cream of international

music and performance acts who always love coming to the city. We have amazing theatres and auditoriums, museums and exhibit space, the arts and culture are buzzing, the recent Elemental festival in the city is testament to that. Limerick is home to world class restaurants and hotels and of course, the best pubs in Ireland where you will meet the proprietor and be enlightened! Limerick is also the only city in the country that is designated as a Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, a getting on and off point for many of its visitors to Connemara in the North, Kerry to the South and of course the iconic West Clare coast just an hour away. Shannon Airport, 15 minutes from Limerick, is also central to everything we do,” he says. Away from the hospitality world, Branigan is to be honoured by the Government of Mexico this autumn, when it will inaugurate an Honorary Consulate in Limerick with Ronan as Honorary Consul. He sees this as just another example of Limerick punching above its weight on the international stage and a brilliant endorsement by Mexico, the 15th largest economy in the world, for the people of Limerick and the region!

Pictured from top to bottom: The George Hotel exterior, Da Vincenzo Food & Wine Hall, The Savoy Hotel Library and Hamptons Bar & Grill.

Go Wild October 2015 49

RWITHEST ANDSHANNON REFRESHMENT FERRIES

Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way the 4 Star ‘Strandhill Lodge and Suites Boutique Hotel’ located with Mount Knocknarea as its backdrop and located in the heart of Strandhill villageof this Crystal sleepySee yet vibrant village Exquisite Pieces of Crys See Exquisite Pieces is a must visit location. The award manufactured before your eye manufactured before your eyes winning 22 room boutique hotel has rooms with stunning sea-views and ‘A gateway between the South and Mid-West’, Shannon offers a relaxing base for your visit to Ferries offers a ferry service between counties Kerry and See Exquisite Pieces of Cryst Clare, saving travellers a huge 137 kilometres of driving. See Strandhill. Offering an unrivalled service to tourists and locals alike, allowing them to take in more of Ireland’s beautiful scenery and tourist hotspots with ease, Shannon Ferries links the picturesque Tralee and Dingle regions to the untamed beauty of the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and the mountains of Ballyhoura in the Golden Vale of Limerick. Ideally located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Shannon Ferries offers travellers a break from the road with their 20 minute passage across the Shannon. Sit back, relax and keep an eye out for dolphins swimming while, indulging in some delicious refreshments. Aiming to promote tourism in Kerry and Clare, as well as surrounding regions, Shannon Ferries facilitates laid-back, enjoyable travel. The service accommodates pedestrian passengers, cyclists, cars, coaches, mini-buses, and commercial vehicles, with ticket prices starting at €4.50. Throughout the summer months, the ferries run from 7.00am to 9.30pm. For further information or to book your ticket visit fShannonferries.com.

manufactured before your eyesm For relaxation and pampering the Voya

Seaweed Baths let all those worries drift away in a unique and absorbing Waterford experience. With an array of treatments Crystal and massages, this presents theFactor ideal opportunity to bathe in theand mostBrand Experience thorough form of detox there is, ‘Voya’ products now find their home in the top spas and resorts around the world. Waterford

Waterford Crystal Factory and Brand Experience

Crystal Factory and Brand There is great packages for two including 2 nights with Breakfast in a deluxe room Experience

TIME TO UNWIND

Relax back into a luxurious VOYA Seaweed Bath filled with fresh warm seawater and wild organic seaweed. While you float effortlessly into a tranquil state, our hand-harvested seaweed will deeply moisturises your skin, increase your circulation and promote healing within your body. Your skin will be left feeling silky smooth and your body regenerated.

with sea-view and two Voya Seaweed Baths for only €109pps. Book Now on 07191 22122 www.strandhilllodgeandsuites.com www.gostrandhill.com www.voyaseaweedbaths.com SAY HELLO...

For an extra special treat you can also have one of our award winning VOYA Spa Treatments including Massages, Wraps, Facials and Exfoliations.

VOYA SEAWEED BATHS Strandhill, Co. Sligo, Ireland.

We also stock a wide range of VOYA products for you to enjoy at home and vouchers so you can treat your friends and family too!

reception@voyaseaweedbaths.com

VOYA Products

Massage

Facials

t: 071 916 8686 Wrap

www.voyaseaweedbaths.com

The House of Waterford Crystal brings a visit to Waterford to a whole newThe level,House of Waterford Crystal brings a visit to Waterford to a whole new level, visitors can witness the Factory creation ofTours crystaldaily masterpieces right before their very as visitors can witness the creation of crystal masterpieces right before theirasvery Guided eyes. The factory tour isBrand a unique and captivating experience that allows people eyes. The factory tour is a unique and captivating experience that allows people Waterford & Visitor Experience go behind the scenes for over anDaily hour and see exactly how Waterford Crystal go behind the scenes for over an hour and see exactly how Waterford Crystal Open pieces are made and they can witness every stage of production, from the initial pieces are made and they can witness every stage of production, from the initial design stage right up to the final engraving of the piece. design stage right up to the final engraving of the piece.

Guided Factory Tours d Waterford Brand & Visitor Ex Open Daily

The House of WaterfordLocated Crystal brings aon visit to Waterford new level, the Mallto ainwhole the heart of the Viking The House of Waterford Crystal brings a visit to as visitors can witness theTriangle creation of crystal masterpieces right beforethe their House very Guided Factory Tours dai in Waterford City, Waterford as visitors canof witness the creation of crystal ma Book onlineatour at www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com and receive a 10% discount on Exper adul Book online at www.waterfordvisitorcentre.comeyes. and receive 10% adult tickets The factory is a discount unique andon captivating experience that allows people Waterford Brand & Visitor eyes. The factory tour is a unique and captivatin Crystal brings a visit to Waterford to a whole new go behind the scenes for over an hour and see exactly how Waterford Crystal Open Daily go creation behind the scenes over an hour and see Visitors witness theinitial of for crystal pieces are made and theylevel. can witness every stagecan of production, from the pieces are made and they can witness every stag design stage right up to stemware, the final engravinggiftware of the piece. and masterpieces right before design stage right up to the final engraving of t Phone +353 (0) 51 317000 www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Phone +353 (0) 51 317000 www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com HoWC advert_200 x 297mm - Go Wild Magazine - Wild Atlantic Way.indd 1

their very eyes. Every year the House of Waterford Crystal factory melts down more than 750 tonnes of Book online at -www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com and receive a 10% discount on adult t HoWC advert_200 x 297mm Go Wild Magazine - Wild Atlantic Way.indd 125/09/2015 10:50 online at www.waterfordvis crystal and produces more thanBook 50,000 pieces using traditional manufacturing techniques. The factory tour is a unique and captivating experience that Phone +353 (0) 51 317000 www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com is sure to enthral visitors of all ages, both national Phone +353 ( and international. The tour lets people go behind HoWC advert_200 x 297mm - Go Wild Magazine - Wild Atlantic Way.indd 1 the scenes and see exactly HoWC how Waterford Crystal advert_200 x 297mm - Go Wild Magazine - Wild Atlantic Way.indd 1 pieces are made. The House of Waterford Crystal is also home to the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. The House of Waterford Crystal is open to the public all year round, with guided tours available.

“Sligo, Donegal and Clare probably offer the best options for surfing along the Wild Atlantic Way and attract thousands of surfers every year, all eager to catch a wave.”

Rock and Roam

Blow away the cobwebs, step outside and feel alive. With Rock and Roam, you can visit some incredible remote and rarely seen places. Have your first taste of rock climbing on Cruit Island, sail around the islands of the Donegal ‘Gaeltacht’ in a traditional lug rig or go hill walking on the Poisoned Glen, where golden eagles soar. By night, meet the locals and try a ‘cúpla focail’ at a traditional céilí or take a guided sunset walk along the Bloody Foreland.

Surf's Up

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Sligo, Donegal and Clare probably offer the best options for surfing along the Wild Atlantic Way and attract thousands of surfers every year, all eager to catch a wave. Enniscrone, Lahinch and Bundoran – each have their benefits and unique waves and best of all, it doesn’t matter if it’s raining – in fact, a few drops from the sky will only add to a surfing experience. There are quite a few surf schools are along the Wild Atlantic Way if you’d like to take lessons or to simply rent a surfboard and wetsuit. If surfing at Enniscrone floats your boat, check out the seaweed baths nearby afterwards for some natural pampering.

IMAGE: MARTIN FLEMING

Underwater Magic

The Wild Atlantic Way is a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise, with great visibility, mysterious wrecks and nutrient-rich water full of sea life. Numerous diving schools offer access to myriad sites, often offering introductory ‘try dives’ to get you started. Expect to meet cheeky seals that will play hide and seek in the swaying kelp forests. You might even catch a glimpse of velvet swimming crabs, dahlia anemones and conger eels, ling, butterfish, pipefish, lobsters and crabs, as well as sponges, fans and corals. Take your pick from dives at Keem Bay on Achill, Skuddagh Rock off Sligo’s Mullaghmore, Washerwoman’s Rock in Kerry’s St Finian’s Bay, Benaderren Head not too far from Westport, Sunfish Rock on Inishbofin in Connemara or the Kowloon Bridge wreck off West Cork (the biggest diveable wreck that divers can explore in the world!). IMAGE: LUKASZ WARZECHA

Go Wild October 2015 51

Glorious

Glamping

For glampers and podders, camping no longer has to involve scrimping on comfort. You can enjoy the best of both worlds. Grainne McMahon rounds up some of the best podding and glamping options along the Wild Atlantic Way and ﬁnds herself a glamping convert.

01 03

Grove Lane Glamping

Whether it’s a family affair or romance that you are after, Grove Lane Glamping was designed for those interested in an adventure-type break, but without compromising on home comforts. The luxurious bell tents lie in a countryside setting, yet less than a mile from Killarney. Shabby chic is the call of the day here with ‘real’ beds, gas stove heaters, coir carpet and just so that you feel right at home, each tent has its own private outdoor sheltered kitchen stocked with everything from tea towels to marshmallows to toast over your own fire pit. The site offers complete tranquility and you’re unlikely to bump into any neighbours – with the exception

52 Go Wild October 2015

of the local heron, pheasants, deer and otters on the nearby riverbank. Horse enthusiasts will be happy to neigh to the local horses. There are electrical sockets in the kitchen and solar lights and cool boxes to keep the wine chilled ahead of evenings spent looking up at the stars. Bathroom and washing facilities are within metres of each tent and for those who may not be willing to give up their creature comforts entirely, Grove Lane offers a two night break where to ease you into the glamping world, you can stay at the four star Randles Hotel and Spa on night one, inclusive of gourmet breakfast before embarking on your glamping adventure.

Pod Umna Village

Like the name suggests, it’s all about staying in ‘pods’ at Pod Umna Village near Portumna in East Galway. Forget the canvas, poles and tent pegs, Pod Umna prides itself on having all the fun of camping, without the hardship of damp or draughts. The unique pod village is situated close to a castle, abbey, historic workhouse, forest park, Lough Derg and the River Shannon, so you won’t be short of things to do. The functional pods, which sleep five, are laid out in a tree-lined village landscape and each is fully insulated with mattresses, power, heating, bbq and deck area, and table and chairs. They

are charming, very comfortable and functional. They make a great daytime base, they sleep five, and each fully insulated Pod comes with mattresses, power and heating, and its own bbq and deck area, complete with table and chairs. On-site facilities include toilets, hot showers, drying room, meeting rooms and workshops. For those who like to eat there, there are a range of cafes and restaurants nearby, while for authentic podders, there’s a kitchen and dining room on site. fpodumnavillage.ie

Teapot Lane

With choices to sleep in a tree house, a luxury yurt or cute country cottage, there is something to suit all tastes at Teapot Lane. Situated on the border of Sligo and Leitrim, a holiday here can be what you make it – for those seeking a romantic break, read a book in a hammock or sip wine by the campfire, or if it’s activities you’re after, opt to horse ride or take surf lessons on the Atlantic coast. From the Ladybird, Honey Bee or Willow Yurt, each is a hand-crafted round tent and inside you’ll find king size beds with good quality bed linen and a wood burning stove – ideal for a natural eco-friendly break. In 2013, Teapot Lane built what is

01. 02. 03. 04.

Grove Lane Teapot Lane Ballyvolane House Pod Umna Village

Go Wild October 2015 53

you’ll never see anything else like it... Visitor Centre, Café & Farmland Nature Trail

€1 off with this guide www.doolincave.ie E-mail: tours@doolincave.ie

Contact: 065 70 75 761 RECOMMENDED ON

RECOMMENDED ON

Great Offers Midweek Winter Breaks

Golden Years Breaks

Christmas Cabaret, Dinner & Show

Post Christmas & New Years Breaks

2bb & 1D from €109 pps

Thursday, 10 December Dinner, Show & B&B €90pps th

3DBB from €189 pps

Now available online

The Ardilaun Hotel, Taylors Hill, Galway H91 H29F, Ireland T: +353 91 521 433 W: www.theardilaunhotel.ie E: info@theardilaunhotel.ie

01 Ireland’s first proper tree house rental – a tree house set nine foot above the woodlands with a real tree coming through the deck, kitchen and window seats which are ideal for bird watching and its very own wine fridge. The tree house sleeps two to three people and is suitable for children over the age of six. There’s also a vintage caravan and a cottage onsite for the less adventurous, and if you’re in need of a little pampering, the on-site spa prides itself on its holistic treatments. Furry friends are welcome at Teapot Lane, which is pet friendly. The site caters for events and special occasions and its Fairie Garden is ideal to spark the imaginations of little ones, while the local hens provide hours of entertainment, in addition to freshly laid eggs each morning. The site is self-catering only, but contains a fully equipped kitchen, as well as portable bbqs and onsite showers and toilets. For the more adventurous souls, there are composting toilets in line with the environmentally-friendly ethos at the site. fglampingireland.ie

Portsalon Glamping

For those who really want to get away from it all, Portsalon Glamping in North Donegal promises tranquility surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The five yurts feature luxurious king sized beds, cosy interiors and wood burning stoves to keep the cold away. Situated close to the quaint village of Portsalon and a three-mile long sandy beach that boasts a blue flag for clean water, there is no shortage of activities for those who like an active break. The site’s largest yurt, Mulroy, has disability access, power sockets, electric lighting and is situated in its own two-acre field with stunning views of Knockalla Mountain, Ballymastocker Beach and Mulroy Bay – perfect for those keen on watching the sunset or sunrise. The yurt is furnished with a comfortable king sized bed, a sofa bed and a double airbed, as well as bedside cabinets. For those seeking complete privacy, Dunree offers fantastic views of the Inishowen Peninsula, Lough Swilly, Fort Dunree and Dunree Lighthouse. Inside the yurt is a wood burning stove, a king sized bed and a sofa bed which

sleeps two adults and two children. Dunree is just a stone’s throw from an organic garden and chicken run. fdonegalglamping.ie

Belmullet Coast Guard Station

Set in the heart of Erris on Claggan Island in County Mayo, Belmullet Coast Guard Station is all about luxury glamping, with stunning views of Achill and the Atlantic Ocean. The site can be rented out as a whole for get togethers, or individually for couples or families seeking a break away. Each luxury pod can sleep up to four adults and offers a light and airy space with elegant wood finish, comfy couches and beds with fresh and crispy bed linen. For that extra touch of luxury (wait for it!), each pod has its own toilet and wash hand basin and a converted barn contains a kitchen and shower area. For al fresco dining, the site has an outdoor area where you can sip on a glass of chilled wine and watch the sun set. Claggan Island (Oileán Chloigeann) is Mayo’s newest island – it was officially declared an island in 1991. With a population of just eight people and one of the Mayo Discovery Points on the Wild Atlantic Way, the island is linked to the mainland by a narrow, sandy causeway that divides Trawmore

01. 02.

Portsakon

Belmullet Coast Guard Station

Go Wild October 2015 55

Bay from Blacksod Bay and is circled by beautiful sandy beaches in every direction. The site offers plenty of activities and for those seeking to simply take in the sights, a walk around the north side of the island is a must to spot seals and otters. For those who want to be closer to nature, tents can be pitched beside the pods for an additional fee. fbelmulletcgs.com

Galway Glamping

Set in the historic Blake's Estate, Galway Glamping is located 25 minutes from Galway city on an 11-acre site along the banks of the Abbert River in a special area of conservation. Guests can choose to stay in yurts, cabins or dormitory style accommodation, miles from the hustle and bustle of daily life in the peaceful grounds of Brooklodge. With yurts in a courtyard, each one can sleep either two or four people at a time and have a luxury interior. There are four cabins on site and each has its own deck area for those wishing to sit out and enjoy the views. On-site facilities include a kitchen, washing facilities and bbqs. As the site is located on the banks of a river, it attracts lots of fishing enthusiasts, while yogis looking to perfect their pose can take one of the site’s yoga classes. Hen party offerings include angel card reading, horse riding, cupcake decorating, millinery and cocktail making. The site can hold weddings and special events – it’s anything goes in this eco friendly site. fgalwayglamping.com

56 Go Wild October 2015

Ballyvolane House

With a fully-catered glamping experience, glamping at Ballyvolane in Cork is ideal for those who like the idea of camping, but are not willing to forgo their home comforts. Situated on the grounds of the luxurious Ballyvolane House, experience a turndown service in the evening with hot water bottles and romantic lanterns. After a cosy sleep in the comfort of your yurt or ‘arc’, enjoy a home-cooked breakfast the following morning. And if eating beans out of a can doesn’t float your boat, pop into Ballyvolane House for dinner which is eaten ‘houseparty’ style around a large dining table at eight o’clock nightly. The food here is taken seriously, with a four-course set menu featuring locally foraged ingredients, eggs from the on-site farm and vegetables from the hotel garden. For those who are not fans of communal dining, you can request your own table.

Ballyvolane is child-friendly and this extends to its Children’s High Tea daily at 5.30pm and the procession of children helping to feed the pigs and collect the eggs every morning, while for grownups who fancy a break from the little ones, a local babysitter is available. Activities on-site include tennis, badminton, croquet, fishing, swimming and trampolining. There are also beautiful woods to explore, vast gardens to get lost in, donkeys to pet and five very friendly dogs to be entertained. Canoe and foraging trips are also available. Another option is a tin can caravan, which caters for two people and also includes breakfast. And the biggest winner? Breakfast is served until noon daily, ensuring you get plenty of shuteye. fballyvolane.ie

01. 02.

Galway Glamping Ballyvolane House

YOUR FAVOURITE WILD ATLANTIC WAY DESTINATION?

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING AT ASHFORD CASTLE? Firstly, there’s something wonderful in even being associated with a hotel that has recently been voted Best of the Best in the World. But I’ve loved working here since long before that. Even after more than 25 years, I often find myself stopping the car as I drive to work just to simply drink in the truly unique and extraordinary setting. The location on the shores of Lough Corrib is a dramatic background to 100 different stories – which I may even one day get around to setting down for posterity.

WHO ARE THE MOST INTERESTING GUESTS YOU’VE MET? They have been countless and diverse over the years – from Omar Shariff, Chris O’Donnell, Captain Mark Phillips to Pierce Brosnan, who married his wife Keely here. One of the most fun people I have ever met is actor Richard E Grant, whose quirky sense of humour is dangerously contagious. But the most interesting, without a doubt, was Elizabeth Harris, former wife of the actor Richard Harris. She is such a beautiful, warm, incredibly generous and enormously funny woman and I’m glad to say that we are close friends.

An easy one. It’s my home in Renville, some three miles outside the village of Oranmore. It’s the place where I switch off. In one relatively small area, there’s a beautiful coastline, a wood that’s delightful to walk in and open areas that bring out the romantic in me. When the weather is good, the walks are heavenly. When it’s blustery, rainy and wind-driven, then I wrap up warm, put on the wellies and just stride into it. The film director, John Boorman once said that when you find an outer landscape that mirrors your inner one, then you’ve come home. His was Wicklow; mine is Renville.

TOP RECOMMENDATIONS TO VISITORS TO BEST ENJOY THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY? As I’m based in Galway/ Mayo, I’m more familiar with this section of the route, so I’d recommend Lacken Strand, North Mayo; Silver Strand Beach, West of Louisburg; Tully Cross through Letterfrack and onto Islands View, Roundstone; Tra an Doilin, Connemara and of course, the Aran Islands, Clare Island, Boffin, Turk, most of which have looped walks now and bike hire.

MINUTES WITH...

PAULA CARROLL

Having been with the country’s most famous hotel for over 25 years, Paula Carroll, Director of Sales & Marketing at Ashford Castle, has many stories to tell.

BAY COAST, CLARE ISLAND. ©FÁILTE IRELAND

IF YOU HAD ONE OR TWO WEEKS TO TAKE A TRIP ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY, WHERE WOULD YOUR STOP OFFS BE?

If I had two weeks, I would travel the entire route from Muff, Co Donegal visiting all points down to Kinsale, Co Cork. Signature points such as Malin Head, Mullaghmore Head, Keem Bay, Killary Harbour, Loop Head, Skelligs View, Mizen Head and finally, the Old Head of Kinsale.

Go Wild October 2015 57

ocations across the globe stake a claim for being their nation’s bestkept tourism secret. Well, step up Limerick, Ireland’s representative. In popular culture, it’s best known as a capital of one of the nation’s favourite sports; it’s a lady in song; in history, with the Treaty Stone, it’s a symbol of reconciliation; in geography, it’s at the mouth of the greatest river in north-west Europe and a gateway to the west and south-west of the country. But scratch underneath that popular culture surface and you will quickly find a whole new understanding of Limerick and why it is, indeed, Ireland’s best kept tourism secret. It’s a county and city bursting with excitement, intrigue and adventure, with plenty also for those seeking a more sedate, reflective break. This is, of course, ‘Go Wild’ magazine and for those adrenalin junkies, there’s plenty in store. Top of the list here is Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails. Winner of the European Sport Tourism Venue of the Year award this year, it will test the fittest and the most daring, with forest road climbs and routes ranging from a moderate 6 km Greenwood Loop to the demanding Castlepook Loop, all of 50km in length. For a milder fix of outdoors, you can stroll through the myriad trails at Curraghchase Forest Park, covering all of the 313 hectares of mixed woodlands, just off the N69. Alternatively, you could go fishing along any of the renowned spots on the broad majestic Shannon or its tributaries, including the Mulcair (one of Ireland’s most renowned salmon rivers) Deel and Maigue rivers – check out villages such as Castleconnell and Adare for this. With a river of its significance flowing

LIMERICK'S Wild Atlantic Way...

01 58 Go Wild October 2015

02 03 04

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

through the county, there’s no surprise that there’s plenty of water-based activity in Limerick. One such option is taking a peaceful kayaking tour through the heart of the busy city. Dialing it down further, but still near the sounds of the lapping River Shannon, there’s the stunning 13th Century King John’s Castle, in the historic heart of the city. Reopened two years ago following a €6m investment, the new visitor center is complete with interactive activities and exhibitions and has doubled its visitor numbers last year on foot of the investment. Merging history and culture, the Hunt Museum, with 2,000 works of art and antiquities, is one of the nation’s most important collections of art. Like

so much else in Limerick it, too, sits on the banks of the Shannon, at Rutland Street, just as you enter the city’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street. Nearby is St. Mary’s Cathedral, founded in 1168 on the site of a palace donated by Donal Mor O'Brien King of Munster, experts believe that parts of the palace are incorporated into the present structure of the Cathedral. Back out into the rambling countryside but staying with the historical theme, albeit a more recent one, is one of Ireland’s most unique museums, the Foynes Flying Boat and Aviation Museum in the village of Foynes, just 40 minute’s drive from the city. This is a wonderful collection of artifacts celebrating the period from 1939-1945

when Foynes – the original Shannon Airport – was the centre of the aviation world as the first transatlantic flights landed there, via ‘Flying Boats’. Lough Gur is one of Ireland’s archaeological and historical gems, lying 21 km south east of Limerick City and Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare, with its Heritage Centre, lovely thatched cottages, Desmond Castle and the regal Adare Manor. You can’t come to Limerick without thinking food. It’s the heart of the Golden Vale, the richest farming pastures in the country, and it’s no coincidence that its food heritage is a long and celebrated one. The city’s Milk Market is a culinary cacophony, as it provides a grand stage for artisan food producers from across the country and region. The advice if you go there is - bring a sizeable shopping bag, an empty stomach and enjoy the buzz. For sports fans - it’s hard to get away from it in Limerick - there’s Thomond Park to visit and its must-see museum, as well as a state-of-the-art new Greyhound Stadium, with racing every Friday and Saturday evening. Suitably impressed? You’ve every reason to be. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed. But don’t tell too many; we like being Ireland’s best kept secret! For further information check out www.limerick.ie

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06.

King Johns Castle Adare Cottage Milk Market Foynes Flying Boat Museum Ballyhoura Walking Limerick by night

05 06 Go Wild October 2015 59

FOOD,

FABULOUS FOOD Producers along the Wild Atlantic Way are making a name for themselves, not only for their fantastic foods but for using locally sourced ingredients, which customers are appreciating more and more, writes Grainne McMahon.

Calling all Chocolate Lovers... Louise O’Brien never intended to become a master chocolatier – instead, she pursued a career as an engineer. But always a chocolate fan, it was in 2011 when the Limerick resident began creating delectable chocolates using the best of Ireland’s natural and raw ingredients. Her fan base has grown to such an extent that MoonRiver Chocolate, which was originally intended to be an e-commerce site, now includes a retail store in Limerick. In fact, so passionate is Louise about her product that she trained as a Master Chocolatier in Belgium. “Chocolate is my passion and I always knew that one day I would follow this passion and dream of having my very own chocolate business. Who could not like working with chocolate? Life doesn’t get much better than this!” Louise uses traditional French methods of production and high quality ingredients which include a base of luxury Belgian chocolate and fresh Irish creamery butter and Irish cream. All of her products are lovingly handcrafted with patience, from making the delectable fillings, to hand dipping each piece and finishing them with special flourishes and colours. All MoonRiver chocolates come from recipes which Louise has developed herself and she puts the success of the business down to the taste of her products. “Because all the recipes are developed in-house, you can curate your own chocolates with special, bespoke collections for individual events with colours and flavours to match each occasion.” And the taste speak for itself – MoonRiver’s fresh cream truffle box was recently a finalist in the distinguished Blás na hÉireann awards. Included in the box, which is designed to showcase

”

Because all the recipes are developed in-house, you can curate your own chocolates with special, bespoke collections for individual is popular for its the best of events with colours and rich creaminess locally-sourced ﬂavours to match and can be enjoyed ingredients, are four each occasion alongside a hazelnut specials flavours – the

“

Baileys Caramel Truffle flavoured with MoonRiver’s renowned cream liqueur, a Sea Salted Glenstall Butter Caramel, the renowned Jameson Whiskey and a Wild Irish Honey truffle. “The truffle box is unique in its focus on the ingredients of the region, which appeals to both Irish and visitors,” explains Louise. The entrepreneur’s hot chocolate is also a hit in her Limerick store, while MoonRiver’s Hazelnut Chocolate Spread

hot chocolate. Louise created the signature range of chocolates for Adare Manor in Limerick and her chocolates are stocked in Avoca, Kilkenny, Malahide Castle and Garden, Glenaran Shops, Shannon Airport Duty Free, Limerick Craft Hub, Bobby Byrnes Shop, Kings John’s Castle, Bunratty Folk Park and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. fMoonriverchocolate.com

Go Wild October 2015 61

”

Fish Feast Established in 1989 by Birgitta and Peter Curtin, today The Burren Smokehouse firmly remains a family business,one that is famous for its smoked products -its smoked organic Irish salmon in particular. The couple pride their products on marrying the influences of the traditional Irish way of smoking fish with the Scandinavian way of smoking, reflecting their different cultural backgrounds. Originally from Sweden, Birgitta grew up with nature, and foraging was part and parcel of growing up. Together with her husband, a native of Lisdoonvarna, the pair have transformed his family’s business, which used to be a pub with bakery and butter

Our decision to only use Irish organic salmon and to source the remaining ingredients as locally as possible greatly reduce the food mileage of the and their various marinades, but Birgitta ﬁnished products.

“

market to the Burren Brewery under the same roof as the pub, and The Burren Storehouse next door. The couple are passionate about sourcing Irish quality raw materials for their products, which include Burren Smoked Salmon, trout, mackerel and cheese. Peter and Birgitta take advantage of their location on the Atlantic coast, where they can source natural ingredients for the smoking process

62 Go Wild October 2015

explains that they use few ingredients to smoke their fish. “We use just sea salt, as well as real oak and turf smoke to give our salmon the outstanding taste which is appreciated around the world. For our marinades, we use seaweed as an award-winning marinade which is foraged in West Clare and herbs grown in the vicinity. Our decision to only use Irish organic salmon and to source the remaining ingredients as locally as possible, greatly reduce the food mileage of the finished products.” Salmon is long known for containing a high omega-3 content – there are 2.49g per 100g of omega-3 fatty acids in Burren smoked Irish organic salmon while seaweed, honey and lemon in some of the company’s marinades add even more health benefits. Peter and Birgitta focus on using sustainable fishing methods when it comes to mackerel, in addition to the wellbeing of the farmed salmon. All the company’s smoked products are kosher certified. The company’s visitor centre, built in 1995, offers visitors an insight into how the company handcrafts its smoked salmon. Sometimes, they can feel the rumble of the production facilities under their feet as they explore the retired kiln and smoke box on display. In fact, Prince Charles received a side of Burren Smoked Irish Salmon when he visited the Burren for the first time in 2015. fburrensmokehouse.ie

The Home of Great Cheese It was when Jeffa Gill began experimenting with some of the milk from her herd of dairy cows on the farm in the upland town land of Coomkeen near Durrus in West Cork that she came up with the ingredients for a cheese that is now renowned in Ireland. That was in 1979 and what started as a small effort making cheese for her family, has now turned into a huge business. In fact, Durrus Cheese was one of the early pioneers in the resurgence of farmhouse cheese-making happening at that time in Ireland. As popularity for the cheese grew locally, demand increased and when Jeffa’s cows could no longer produce enough milk to meet the supply needed, she began buying in milk from a local farmer on the peninsula to supplement her own supply. Today, the business has grown so large that Jeffa no longer herds her own cows and instead sources milk from two local farmers, one of whom The mild and humid she and her family have worked climate in the area helps with for over contribute to the production of the 25 years ‘washed rind’ cheeses and Durrus and who produce Cheese is no diﬀerent, reﬂecting the a delicately high quality elemental character of the land smoked cheese year-round and the pasture washed by and a semi hard milk. To help cheese, which is ensure consistency, briny Atlantic rain. matured for six months. quality and traceability The mild and humid each vat is always made climate in the area helps with milk from one supplier contribute to the production only. of the ‘washed rind’ cheeses Jeffa and her team no longer make and Durrus Cheese is no different, the cheese in her kitchen as she did reflecting the elemental character of the years ago, but in a purpose built facility land and the pasture washed by briny just yards from the original stove. The Atlantic rain. It is no surprise then cheese is made in a copper vat where that Durrus Cheese has won countless the curd is hand cut and then cured and awards and is available throughout turned manually in the maturing rooms Ireland and the UK, as well as further before being stored and packed ready afield in USA, Australia and even Japan. for dispatch. Durrus now produces five cheeses from a semi soft, a young cheese, fDurruscheese.com

” “

Go Wild October 2015 63

Steak Night

Every Friday night from 4th September 2015. â&#x201A;Ź25 - for a 3 course meal & show your Restaurant receipt in the bar afterwards & get 20% off your 1st drink 0831585777 for Reservations

The Cream of the Crop Based in the West Kerry seaside town of Dingle, Murphy’s Ice Cream has won international acclaim and awards for the quality and flavours of its Irish ice cream. The company was established in 2000 by Sean and Kieran Murphy, two brothers with a passion for ice cream – made the traditional way. The pair use fresh local milk, extra rich Kerry cream, organic sugar and free range eggs – the focus is on locally sourced ingredients and as close to the land as possible. The rare breed Kerry cow – one of the oldest surviving milking breeds in the world – is very important in providing milk for Murphy’s Ice Cream. And forget artificial flavours or colours, the brothers believe hard work will achieve a good quality ice cream. For example, instead of mint flavouring, they hand strip real peppermint leaves grown organically by the special needs community in Camphill. Chocolate chips are made by hand for the popular chocolate chip ice cream and cookies are baked on the premises. Unique Irish flavours ensures that Sean and Kieran give their ice cream that extra edge and so, Irish brown bread is caramelised with dark brown sugar to make brown bread ice cream while Dingle seawater proves an absolute necessity for the brother’s own sea salt ice cream – the brothers describe this as “a fanatical attention to craft”. In keeping up with trends for low fat options and dairy free, Sean and Kieran now make their own dairy free sorbets –

”

The rare breed Kerry cow - one of the oldest surviving milking breeds in the world - is very important in providing milk for Murphy’s Ice Cream.

“

that is, sorbet with a difference as unlike regular sorbets, Murphy’s Irish Rain Sorbets contain, you guessed it, distilled Irish rainwater, which the brothers say gives a clean taste and contributes to sustainability. Such is the demand for their products that the pair now operate shops in Dingle, Killarney and Dublin. fmurphysicecream.ie

Go Wild October 2015 65

The Best Bread you'll ever taste Ireland’s first Michelin Star chef at his hotel, the Arbutus Lodge Hotel, Declan Ryan is now making a name for himself producing artisan bread of the same name. It was after selling the hotel that Declan, a man of boundless energy, decided to convert a small garage in his house and set up a bakery. With no formal training, the most Declan knew about bread, or sourdough in particular, was from a baker in San Francisco. He quickly made contact with some of Declan now employs seven full time the best in the bread industry from bakers who hail from all over all over the world and began Europe and are up late each night training and learning their producing delicious artisan techniques and in between, breads. In fact, Arbutus Arbutus produces he made deliveries of produces over 2000 his fresh bread daily loaves daily and the over 2000 loaves daily in the back of his focus here is on and the focus here is on jeep. producing producing sourdough and As word sourdough and spread about the yeast breads using yeast breads using wholesome tastes traditional artisan traditional artisan of his baked goods, methods. Truckloads methods. Declan realised that the of vans leave Mayfield to garage was too small and so, deliver all over Cork and the the decision was made to move breads are also shipped elsewhere to a larger premises in Mayfield in in Ireland. Cork. This, Declan admits, allowed In addition, Declan stocks a range him to indulge his dream of “creating an of restaurants and cafes around Cork Artisan bakery based mainly on French with his delicious breads including techniques and styles of equipment.” Twenty, Club Brasserie and I’m a Little

”

Vegan. From Country Sourdough to Baguette A L’Ancienne to Spelt Breads of all descriptions, Declan and his team are ensuring the 4000-year-old tradition of sourdough bread is living on. fArbutusbread.com

“

IMAGE: CAROLINE HENNESSY

66 Go Wild October 2015

The Dragon’s Way Former Dragon, broadcaster and entrepreneur Norah Casey is best known for her roles on television series Dragons’ Den and The Takeover where she has helped both budding and established business people to drive their companies. Having travelled the length and breadth of Ireland, she knows the Wild Atlantic Way very well. Grainne McMahon catches up with the former nurse turned formidable businesswoman to get her top tips for visiting.

Norah, where are some of your favorite places along the Wild Atlantic Way and why? My father instilled a love of Ireland in all my siblings. He insisted that we would never travel abroad until we had seen the length and breadth of it. I may not have been an enthusiastic fellow traveller back in my teenage years, but now I am so glad he showed us the beauty of our own country before we sampled others. With a mother from Leitrim and strong heritage in the west, we spent most of our summers helping to bring in the hay and walking the deserted lanes of her home county. I discovered an ethereal and remote beauty there that is unparalleled. So although I often say that Kerry is my spiritual home, Leitrim is part of my blood and I escape there as often as I can. I am almost loathe to let you in on my secrets because I cherish the wilderness and unspoiled charm of this often over-looked corner of Ireland. Through my father, we ventured further south with holidays in caravans and on farms in Mayo, Galway and Clare. We travelled throughout Kerry and along the coast to Cork, stopping regularly to view the spectacular scenery (and

because there was eight of us cramped into an old Wolsley). Tell me about some of your favourite spots along the Wild Atlantic Way… Sometimes there is an element of destiny about connecting and interconnecting with a place that weaves in and out of your life. As a summer resident of North County Leitrim, we regularly strayed into the south of Donegal and one of my

favourite beaches is in Rossnowlagh. I had forgotten how beautiful it was until my husband Richard was very ill with cancer and we had taken to escaping to Leitrim as often as we could – we had good friends and nature’s wonders to soothe the soul after a week in oncology units. We sometimes parked high above the beach at Rossnowlagh to watch the surfers navigating the gentle waves. There’s a great restaurant there called the Smugglers Creek Inn, which is a perfect spot to lose a few hours watching the wild Atlantic, while feasting on seafood and shellfish. Are there any restaurants/cafes/ notable places that you like to visit and would recommend to visitors? Some of my favourites include Neven Maguire’s wonderful MacNean House and Restaurant – fantastic food, locallysourced and matched with brilliant service and the warmest hospitality from the great chef himself and his wife Amelda. I am regularly in Sligo and love Hargadons – a great gastropub that serves amazing steak in O’Connell Street in the town. If you are en route to the Céide Fields then try and stop off at the eclectic Ice House Hotel & Spa in Ballina. I filmed The Takeover Go Wild October 2015 67

in Westport and I am a big fan of chef Séamus Commons at Knockranny House – especially if you catch one of his game dinners. For fantastic seafood, you can’t beat Frankie Mallon’s great little eatery An Pórt Mór in Brewery Place off Bridge Street. Pop in to say hello to Maria Ruddy and Darren Madden who own The Clew Bay Hotel and were brave enough to stand aside for two weeks to let me takeover with the staff for the RTE series – they’re a great team. If you find yourself in Clifden, one of my favourite places, head for Mitchells, a glorious seafood restaurant with cosy open fires on both floors and a warm welcome from Kay and JJ Mitchell. Any other spots you like? Galway has many foodie jewels, but last time I was there I dined at Aniar – top class food in a contemporary setting with stunning service. For platinum plated afternoon tea and cakes to die for, stop off at the Tea & Garden Rooms at Ballyvaughan in the Burren. It is worth heading to Lisdoonvarna (home of the annual match-making festival) to visit the Wild Honey Inn headed up by chef Aidan McGrath, which boasts a Bib Gourmand from The Michelin Guide. What about your seaside recommendations? I love the ivy clad late Victorian Kilcooly’s Country House on the Main Street in Ballybunion. Dingle is where I spent my honeymoon and I return often 68 Go Wild October 2015

to see good friends and enjoy the wild beauty of the peninsula. There is great food all round in Dingle but my favourites are Doyles for seafood, Global Village and I always try to stay at Benners because it’s so close to everywhere. My last recommendation offers food for the soul as well as the body. The Park Hotel in Kenmare is run by the Brennan brothers – Frances and John. The Park embodies the essence of all that is great about Ireland – impeccable service, a beautiful interior with incredible art and antiques (adding interest at every turn), a formal dining room with great food and an atmospheric bar where you will meet fellow travelers and locals and above all else you will feel at home. What is your preference – camping or glamping? I camp out a lot in Africa and I am just back from Thailand where we stayed in tents in the forest and floating on a lake, but I have yet to camp out in Ireland. I spent a lot of my youth walking throughout Ireland with An Oige and always stayed in hostels – of which there are many brilliant ones throughout Ireland. Are you a fan of outdoor activities and if so, have you tried any along the Wild Atlantic Way? I love walking and more recently, I like to climb mountains. My ambition is reach the top of Kilimanjaro

and I am in the capable hands of Pat Falvey, mountaineer, polar explorer and expedition leader who runs an amazing adventure centre near Kate Kearney’s cottage in Kerry. A few months ago, I tackled Ireland’s highest peak – Carrauntoohil in the Macgillacuddy’s Reeks and I’m back again in a few days to climb again. Climbing the peak takes most of the day and you might like to stay over at Pat’s mountain lodge the day before and the day after – it’s a great spot and he’s an amazing story-teller! If you had one last day along the Wild Atlantic Way, where would you go and what would you do? I would spend it in the wilds of north Leitrim with good friends and relations. The day would start on the back of a horse cantering down Streedagh beach – there are great stables near a friend’s house between Grange and Cliffoney overlooking the beach and Inishmurray, an uninhabited island which is home to a 6th century ancient Irish monastic settlement (islandviewridingstables. com). There is nothing quite like the salty wild Atlantic wind to wake you up and kick start a great day. Afterwards I’d do a walk (just 10k) taking in the Horse Show trail in Gleniff Valley near Ballintrillik. It’s one of the most dramatic walks in Ireland – sometimes I don’t see a solitary human being which makes it quite possible the most magical place in Ireland for feeling at one with nature. Then I’d have lunch at the Court House in Kinlough surrounded by the entire McGowan clan and my wonderful son Dara by my side before a visit to Aghanlish and Glenade to see my uncle and aunts and cousins during the afternoon. As evening falls, I’d have a sundowner with some great friends at Rosses Point – their sitting room has stunning views of Sligo Bay and a final meal in the capable and comforting arms of MacNean House with Neven Maguire cooking up a storm.

ERFECTION

IMAGINE A TRAIL YOU CAN TAKE, AND TASTE.

he Bay Coast Seafood Trail is exactly that. Stretching south from Erris Co. Mayo to Connemara and on to Galway Bay, passing some of Ireland’s most breathtaking seascapes and landmarks, it’s a whole new way to experience the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a living, breathing coastal route. Dotted among the natural wonders are renowned producers including the Connemara Smokehouse, Croagh Patrick Seafoods, Killary Fjord Shellfish, Keem Bay Fish, Marty’s Mussels, Kelly’s Oysters and New Quay lobster fisherman Gerry Sweeney.

These are family businesses with ocean in their blood, coastal communities with salt on their lips. They harvest top quality oysters, mussels, salmon and catch lobster and crab from pristine Atlantic waters. They process their catch with modern nous and time-honoured tradition. They turn the draw of the sea into deliciousness. So when you are exploring the Bay Coast, make sure you visit one of our recommended seafood restaurants to enjoy a taste of the Atlantic and meet one of our local seafood producers to truly experience this seafood journey ...as pure

a taste of place on a plate as you’ll find in Western Europe.

Bring a sense of adventure. And bring an appetite.

For more information visit www.wildatlanticway.com Go Wild October 2015 69

LOAM

Destination Food The Wild Atlantic Way is synonymous with the country’s top restaurants and producers. Doing a little bit of research before you hit the restaurants will make sure every meal you have is one to remember. From the recently awarded Michelinstarred Loam - much lauded as one of the country’s top restaurants, to the more local, country-style family-run cafes serving honest, delicious food, a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way will leave all taste buds satisfied.

LOAM With its newly-crowned Michelin starred status (one of only two in the West) with one of the country’s top chefs, Enda McEvoy at the helm, Loam in Galway is a must-visit. The focus

here is on modern, ambitious cooking rooted in tradition. Seasonally driven, Loam works very closely with local farmers and producers, many of whom are close friends of Enda and his team, to get the products it needs to reflect and capture the feeling and magic of the West of Ireland. And that it does. The wine bar is a more relaxed affair, with a small dynamic wine list showcasing mostly organic, biodynamic wines - all from small family-run vineyards. Ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a little night cap.

If you simply want to pop in for a glass of wine and a few nibbles, the wine bar also serves small plates of local and house made charcuterie, bespoke salami, cheese, pickles and snacks. Expect to be blown away. floamgalway.com Go Wild October 2015 71

Kelly’s Kitchen NE

WPORT

A member of the McKenna Guide , Good Food Ireland & has been awarded the Georgian Campbell plaque. Kelly’s Kitchen prides itself on providing good quality food, using only the best products from the award winning butchers shop Kelly’s of Newport next door.

A must visit dining experience along the Wild Atlantic Way Kelly’s Kitchen, Main St, Newport, Mayo Call: 098 41639 Check out kellyskitchennewport on Facebook now

3639 Restaurant Ad.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2015 12:52 Page 1

The Douglas Hyde Restaurant

AT KILRONAN CASTLE ESTATE & SPA Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon

Lunch from als Speci

5 €p1er4pe.r9son

Dinner from

€45

per person y Sundafrom h c Lun

0 €p2er9pe.r5son Catering for Special Occasions, Events and Groups. Exclusive Private Dining Rooms Available for Special Occasions.

CASTLE HOTELS

Member of the Hanly Castle Hotel Group

T: 071 96 18000

E: enquiries@kilronancastle.ie www.kilronancastle.ie

strive to maintain the old world charm and character of the cottage, while offering modern Irish cooking, matched with friendly and attentive service. f1826adare.ie

WILD HONEY INN

1826 ADARE A recent winner of the ‘Michelin Bib Gourmand’ - (Good Food at Modern Prices) award, 1826 Adare is another of the Wild Atlantic Way’s favourites. Chef Wade Murphy has worked in some of the top kitchens in London, Chicago and Egypt and was also recently awarded best chef in Limerick, along with best restaurant with 1826 Adare. The rustic cottage setting and chic country décor, paired with food offering

freshness, simplicity and keen pricing to match, make a winning combination. Seasonal local produce is the foundation of Wade’s food philosophy, so menus change on a monthly basis, and there are blackboard specials such as whole sole, braised meats and so on changing daily. Signature dishes include: Warm Chicken Liver salad, with Piccalilli, pickles and Bally greens and Head to Tail Free Range Pork Tasting Plate. Situated in the picturesque village of Adare, Wade and his wife and business partner, Elaine

Shannon Street, Limerick 061 460400 www.davincenzo.com

Looking for a relaxed and inviting meal of excellent quality and a reasonable price? At Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna, chef-proprietor Aidan McGrath’s food emphasis is on the wild, free-range, seasonal and local. Among the many awards, there is the Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand’ Award - the first pub in Ireland to scoop the award. Owned and run by the McGrath family, Wild Honey Inn dates from 1860 in the small town of Lisdoonvarna, and has a wealth of old world charm and character, including open log fires. It was completely refurbished in 2009 to blend contemporary and traditional styling in the unique setting of the Burren, but still staying a proper ‘pub’. Kate Sweeney and Aidan McGrath combine modern comforts for the traveller with the intimacy of a family-run inn.

Aidan's style is influenced by the rugged West Coast of Ireland, with its abundance of produce. The bar offers what Aidan calls ‘modern bistro style’, with ribeye steaks, rare-breed pork, local lamb, organic salads and cheeses, fresh local fish and shellfish, plus smoked salmon from the local smokehouse. Wild Honey Inn is also an ideal base for walking or cycling in the Burren National Park. fwildhoneyinn.com

O'NEILL’S THE POINT O'Neill's is possibly the most welcoming bar/restaurant you’ll ever step foot inside. Excellent food, prepared with care and love, make this a favourite among visitors and locals. Great quality, fresh local food at a reasonable price, O Neill’s prides itself on the fact that many of their guests come back time and again for the exceptional experience always on offer. The fish is fresh and succulent, the squid exquisite and the hake to die for. The exceptional views adds to the wonderful experience, so if you’re visiting South West Kerry, this is the place to come for some of the best seafood you’ll taste. fO'Neill’s 066-9472165

homemade seasonal fruit compote. For lunch, try the house speciality - Kelly’s Mixed Gourmet Sausage Plate served with homemade brown bread, tomato relish and a side salad, or the Award Winning Black and White Pudding Plate served in the same manner. fNewport, Co Mayo 098 41647

KILRONAN CASTLE

KELLY’S KITCHEN A good Irish breakfast is hard to beat, and Kelly’s Kitchen, serves up among the best breakfasts in the west. This pretty day time café has a prime spot on the main street of Newport, Co Mayo with a warm and welcoming country feel, is a favourite among locals. With Shauna Kelly at the front of house and her mum in the kitchen cooking up her husband, renowned butcher Sean Kelly’s homecured bacon and homemade puddings and sausages, grilled to perfection in the kitchen.Try the Full Irish or the Mini Irish – either one will set you up for the day. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the homemade Granola, or a hearty bowl of Oatmeal Porridge with

HAMPTONS Sumptuous surroundings, with a relaxed atmosphere is part of the charm of Hamptons. With the customdesigned wood-fired Robata ovens and grills, which are unique to Ireland, maximum flavour and succulence in all Hamptons’ steaks, chicken and seafood is guaranteed. Using the best beech wood charcoal in all its cooking, a unique signature taste is achieved. All meats are marinated overnight in Hampton’s secret recipe for a taste you’ll never forget. Hampton’s aims to source all its produce locally and organically, with most of the produce coming from Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Galway. fhamptonsgrill.ie KILRONAN CASTLE

74 Go Wild October 2015

One of Ireland’s authentic castle hotels, Kilronan Castle is the ancestral home of the Tenison family and the legendary Colonel King Tenison. It is one of a few Irish castle estates that can trace its history back to royal families. It is in this secluded, luxury castle hotel that is set on the shores of Lough Meelagh in Co. Roscommon that you’ll find the Kilronan Castle’s Douglas Hyde Restaurant, named after the first President of Ireland, who was born in Castlerea, County Roscommon. In elegant and sumptuous surroundings, your dining experience will be unforgettable. Sourcing local, fresh seasonal produce and serving carefully selected wines from a number of vineyards across France, Italy, Spain and the New World, this is sure to be a dining highlight. To top off the experience, the castle is surrounded by over forty acres of breathtaking Irish scenery, lush green pastures, ancient forests and historical points of interest. Enjoy old world elegance with modern day comforts, a warm and friendly atmosphere. fkilronancastle.ie

Offering modern and ambitious cooking, Loam restaurant and wine bar has reached the pinnacle of Galway’s dynamic food scene. After opening just a year ago Loam has been included in the McKenna Guide Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland, has received the Best Emerging Cuisine Award from the Ireland Restaurant Association and has well and truly put itself on the culinary map by being the newest recipient of a coveted Michelin star after only 10 months. Award winning McEvoy was born and raised in Virginia, County Cavan, where his parents had a family grocery store and farm. McEvoy studied English at university but while working in a kitchen in Germany on his summers off he found his true calling and realised he wanted to be a chef. He travelled far and wide to learn, working all over the world including Spain, Germany and Australia before returning to Galway where he has lived for the last 10 years with his wife and business partner Sinead Meacle and their three children. Galway and the West have given chef and owner Enda McEvoy the inspiration for his modern, ambitious cooking rooted in tradition. Seasonally driven, McEvoy works very closely with local farmers and producers, many of whom are close friends, to get the products needed to reflect and capture the feeling and magic of the west of Ireland. Loam is not just a restaurant, but a community of like minded people using the west of Ireland as their source to produce the very best. All the suppliers, from the farmers, the fisherman, the game supplier and cheese makers live and work along the Wild Atlantic Way. Located beside the coach station, and just 5 minutes from Eyre Square in Galway City centre Loam offers both a restaurant and wine bar. The wine bar is a relaxed informal space where you can pop in for a sumptuous glass of wine and local cheese platter, or you can enjoy the main restaurant and try the a la carte menu, or go for the full blown Loam taste experience with the 6 course tasting menu. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 4pm to 12am. For reservations please call 091 569727 or email info@loamgalway.com

Loam, Galway’s new Michelin starred restaurant “Radical and dazzling kitchen” McKennas Guide To 100 Best Restaurants In Ireland Fairgreen Road, Galway Ph: 091 569 727 · Email: info@loamgalway.com @GalwayLoam

Loamgalway

SEAFOOD O TRAIL

Take a walk on the wild side and check out some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s seafood spots which are causing waves for all the right reasons.

One of Westport’s gems, The Quay Cottage, situated on the seafront, right beside the entrance gates to Westport House, has captivated diners for years. The front is a traditional and very charming Irish cottage but inside, the restaurant opens out to a surprisingly spacious interior. Here, the seasonally inspired menu changes regularly but always includes tempting fresh seafood. The restaurant offers special menus for Christmas events and is a consistent hit on Trip Advisor.

There’s no better way to indulge in fresh fish than catching it yourself. In the shadow of Sliabh Liag’s dramatic cliffs, under the green-tinged rock face, you can fish for your dinner in Killybegs, Co Donegal. After all that hard work, sit back and relax as Colin, skipper of ‘An Duanai Mara’, fillets your catch for you and arranges for it to be delivered to Kitty Kellys restaurant, where it will be expertly cooked for your enjoyment. After dinner, you can savour an aged Irish whiskey as your foot keeps time to the music of a Donegal fiddle.

‘Meat eaters need not apply’ is the mantra of Out Of The Blue Restaurant in Kerry. The small casual restaurant consistently attracts rave reviews by food critics and it is no surprise – the menu changes daily, depending on the catch of the day and nothing but the best will do. If there’s no fish, the restaurant doesn’t open.

“Meat eaters need not apply’ is the mantra of Out Of The Blue Restaurant in Kerry.”

The menu, given on blackboards, offers a huge variety of whatever is available from the boats that morning. Situated at the Waterside in Dingle, try it after a day visiting Funghi and his friends.

The Fisherman Seafood Bar & Grill, overlooking the Salthill Promenade is owned and operated by the O’Malley family who come from a long family line of Galway Fishermen and also run the city’s leading chain of fishmongers, also named The Fisherman. All the seafood dishes at the restaurant are prepared fresh each day from produce caught directly from the boats at Rossaveal. Boasting a ﬂoor length glass front, diners can enjoy stunning views of Galway Bay. The draped sails from the ceilings, funky decor and spacious seating create a really relaxed dining experience. 76 Go Wild October 2015

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

The English Market in Cork is a seafood fan’s haven. The market is one of the oldest of its kind and has been trading since 1788. You will find the fresh fish in addition to fruit and vegetables and meat – ideal if you are on a self-catering holiday and feel like cooking up a storm one evening. Queen Elizabeth visited here in 2014 - food fit for a queen...

“Bono, the U2 singer has been known to pop into O’Grady’s On The Pier in Bearna, Co Galway to sample some of its fresh shellfish.”

Galway restaurateur Mike O’Grady knows his seafood. In fact, he has been running two of the city’s most popular seafood restaurants for several years that he could now possibly count Bono as a good pal – the U2 singer has been known to pop into O’Grady’s On The Pier in Bearna, Co Galway to sample some of its fresh shellfish. The quaint house is as its name suggests – located on a pier near Donnelly’s of Barna and The Twelve – two other great seafood restaurants in the village of Bearna which is enjoying somewhat of a food revival. For those seeking more of a city experience, try O’Grady’s other restaurant Kirwan’s Lane just off Quay Street in the city centre, where oysters, scallops and other fresh seafood are the order of the day. And don’t get us started on the delicious wine list.

Located in the heart of the seaside village of Strandhill in Co Sligo, Trá Bán is home some of the best views in Ireland, including The Clocháns on Innismurray Island. The menu offers an array of seafood dishes in addition to locally sourced steaks and Sligo lamb for those who are not so keen on fish. Try its Pan Seared Diver Scallop, Kattaffi Prawn, Connemara Baby Crab Cake and Lissadell Mussels with Carrot And Ginger Purée – a sure winner. Specialising in seafood and steak, the Cornstore Restaurant lies in the heart of Limerick seafood priding itself on using organic, free range and artisan producers with the restaurant’s chefs inspecting off-site premises to find the very best ingredients. This casual but lively restaurant over three ﬂoors has a New York feel with cocktails adding to the atmosphere. The fish dishes here are well worth trying out with friends.

Winner of the BIM Award last year for its fresh seafood, lobster and use of seaweed in both sweet and savoury dishes, the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and sustainable produce. Specialising in casual dining but with a homemade twist, Eithna’s By the Sea overlooks the harbour in Mullaghmore, County Sligo. Winner of the BIM Award last year for its fresh seafood, lobster and use of seaweed in both sweet and savoury dishes, the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and sustainable produce. If you are lucky enough to pay a visit when the sun is out, take a table outside and enjoy watching the lobster fishing boats come and go from Donegal Bay and the tourists heading out to explore the monastic settlement at Inishmurray Island. Go Wild October 2015 77

Fancy a Brew? The Wild Atlantic Way has an abundance of craft breweries which are literally brewing up a storm...

Blacks Brewery Husband and wife Sam and Maudeline Black established Kinsale Craft brewery in 2013. The brewery was the result of many years of passion for craft brewing on Sam’s part, which began when Maudeline gave him a beermaking kit for Valentines Day. It was in 2011 that Sam began to think seriously about marketing his beer in 2011, before undertaking a degree in brewing and distilling the following year. The couple’s ethos is to produce beers with passion and personality and their tagline is ‘Living the Dream since 2013’. With a number of their beers now selling in pubs and off-licences around Cork, Sam and Maudeline are working firmly on a nationwide roll out in due course. Their KPA beer, an American-style pale ale, is particularly popular among tourists. With a light golden colour, a moderate to high hop flavour and a low to moderately high, clean malt character, it offers citrus and fruit tastes from the hops and biscuit from the malt. But perhaps the couple’s signature Kinsale Pale Ale is their most well known beer and has racked up rave reviews by beer 78 Go Wild October 2015

critics and is ideal for pairing with seafood in particular. The couple offer tours around their brewery where beer enthusiasts can learn how the beers are made and even sample a few. fBlacksbrewery.com

Galway Hooker Brewery The award-winning Galway Hooker Brewery was initially established in Roscommon in 2006 by cousins Aidan Murphy and Ronan Brennan. The pair have long had an interest in quality craft beers; Aidan has not only clocked up over 10 years experience in the brewing industry, he also boasts a masters degree in brewing and distilling. Galway Hooker Brewery is named after the Galway Hooker – a traditional wooden boat with distinctive red sails, designed for transporting cargo around Galway Bay and Connemara in strong and shallow seas. But it was a member of the public who suggested the name for the brewery in an open competition in 2006. Since then, the name has stuck and become a distinctive feature of the brand

and the Galway connection was cemented even further when the brewery moved to a state-of-the-art premises in Oranmore, Galway, where it is now produced and where the cousins host regular tours and tastings. Galway Hooker was the first microbrewery to produce a pale ale in Ireland and indeed, coined the name ‘Irish Pale Ale’. Their beers are sold on draught and in bottles right across Ireland and are exported on a small scale to Europe. The beer is produced using traditional brewing techniques in small batches using only four natural ingredients – malt, hops, yeast and water. Aidan and Ronan place a huge importance on sourcing their

Oileán Éadaigh West Mayo Brewery

‘Galway Hooker Brewery is named after the Galway Hooker - a traditional wooden boat with distinctive red sails, designed for transporting cargo around Galway Bay and Connemara in strong and shallow seas.’

ingredients as locally as possible and the malt they use is from the Malting Company of Ireland, Cork. Galway Hooker aims to celebrate diversity, individuality and creativity and the focus in the brewery is on producing high-quality, natural and full-flavoured beers. Twice named as Ireland’s Best Beer by Beoir.org, an Irish beer consumer group, the cousins celebrated further when their bottled Irish Pale Ale was awarded a gold medal in the beer category at the Irish Food Awards (Blas na hEireann) last year. In addition to their original flagship pale ale, the brewery also now produces a stout (Galway Hooker Irish Stout), a lager (Galway Hooker Amber Lager) and an India Pale Ale (Galway Hooker 60 Knots), as well as seasonal beers. fGalwayhooker.ie

For the first time since around the early 1900s, when Livingston’s brewery closed in Westport, Mayo has its own locally-brewed beer on sale. Oileán Éadaigh West Mayo Brewery was founded by Caroline and Iain Price and is based at the couple’s farm in the small parish of Islandeady, between Westport and Castlebar in County Mayo. The pair are passionate about craft beer and after Iain completed the necessary brewing training at the University of Sunderland, it was all systems go. “We wanted a project that tied in with our small farm and provided us with an extra source of income from it. As the main ingredients are water, barley and hops, beer-making can still be a traditional rural craft using natural ingredients and no added preservatives,” explains Iain. The couple now produce three craft beers from their purpose-built facility in Islandeady. With the support of South West Mayo Development, in July 2013, Iain and Caroline launched ‘Clew Bay Sunset’ – a traditional red ale and ‘Clifford’s Connacht Champion’ – a golden flavoursome beer. In September 2014 the third beer, ‘Paddy’s Pilgrims Porter’ went on sale at 4.2% ABV to provide for those who prefer their beers dark with a classic full bodied taste. A new dark ale called ‘Grainne Uaile Atlantic Ale’ was a seasonal offering this past summer. The beers are on on sale in Westport, Castlebar and surrounding towns and villages and across Mayo from Cong to Foxford and Mulranny and from Brickens to Murrisk. With a natural traditional ingredient once widely used in brewing in Ireland growing in abundance on an area of the farm, bog myrtle was used in this part of the world to flavour beer, especially before hops introduced from Europe became popular. The couple harvest and

Go Wild October 2015 79

use the bog myrtle in the porter, not only for its abundance of flavour but also its medicinal properties. Another positive outcome of the brewing process is that the spent grain and hops can be fed to cattle, pigs and chickens on the farm who greet them with great gusto – so there is no waste. Feedback on their products has been nothing but positive, Caroline explains and the brewery is in McKenna's Best in Ireland Guide 2015 while they produce some bottles to allow the beer to travel outside Mayo. “Everyone seems to love the taste. We are continuing to expand slowly though so we can ensure quality and a ready supply for our loyal customers throughout the year.” fWestmayobrewery.ie

Fionnabhair Irish Wit Beer – Valencia Orange Peel Rocket, Bran & Sceolan Irish IPA and Samhain Oktoberfest Lager. fThewhitehag.com

authentic, pure, indigenous product,” explains Adrienne. They also offer tours which include tastings at the brewery. fWestkerrybrewery.ie

West Kerry Brewery

Eight Degrees Brewery

White Hag Brewery Priding itself on resurrecting local beer styles from thousands of years ago, The White Hag Irish Brewing Company in Ballymote, County Sligo collaborates with ‘Mother Nature’ at every opportunity to create world-class beers. The brand itself was named after The White Hag, which according to ancient Irish mythology was a witch, a chameleon creature, and even Mother Nature herself. With innovation to get the best from the local land a key part of The White Hag’s ethos, it considers its local water source to be one of its best assets. Situated near Lough Talt, a raised lake engulfed in bog land, the rainwater is filtered naturally through the peat bog and vegetation, where it picks up some acidity which neutralises the alkalinity. Because the filtered water never gets to the bedrock, the perfect PH balance for producing beer is created. This allows the team a blank canvas for producing whatever beer styles they choose, and ensures that there is no need for chemicals to establish neutrality in the beers. Such is the quality of local ingredients that The White Hag recently produced a beer using only Irish barley, while the brewing team hand harvests heather from Ben Bulben Mountain and uses the flowers to flavour the beer instead of hops. It is no surprise then that one of its most successful beers is the Heather Ale named Beann Gulban, called after Ben Bulben. The brewery now produces 12 beers including Black Boar Imperial Oatmeal Stout, an intensely flavoured bold dark ale, White Sow Oatmeal Chocolate Milk Stout Nitro, Meabh Rua Irish Bog Ale, 80 Go Wild October 2015

Situated north west of Dingle Town on the Slea Head Drive, which forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way on the Peninsula of Chorca Dhuibhne/ Dingle, West Kerry Brewery is firmly rooted in the heart of the West Kerry Gaeltacht. Together Paul O Loingsigh and Adrienne Heslin have been running what they say is Kerry’s first brewery since 2008. Originally they established the brewery as a partnership between Bricks Pub and Kane’s Pub – today while Kane’s has moved on, they still work closely in the sale of the beers. From Bricks Pub, West Kerry Brewery products are sold. You won’t find any larger brands in this bar – the focus is on the local craft beers produced in this Gaeltacht region. It is something that works well for them, explains Adrienne. “Our romantic setting provides the perfect surrounding to enjoy one or two of our beers. Equally, our beers are available widely throughout the Dingle Peninsula in both restaurants and bars and in a select few premises through a wholesaler in Dublin called Grand Cru Beers.” West Kerry Brewery credits its unique taste to the use of Adrienne and Paul’s own well water from 150ft below the brewery and fresh botanicals from their mature garden, which Adrienne started over 20 years ago, along with the use of fresh yeast. To date, the pair has brewed nine beers including porters, reds and golden ales. The focus here is on brewing traditional yet progressive ales – the beers are unfiltered and unpasteurised, making them completely natural. “They can take pride of place on any dining table, offering an

Taking its name from the location of its brewery at eight degrees west longitude, Cam Wallace and Scott Baigent felt that the fact that eight degrees is the perfect serving temperature for their beers meant that Eight Degrees had to be it. The two brewers established the brewery at the foot of the Galtee Mountains after they fell in love with two Irish girls. Scott from New Zealand and Cam from Australia joke that despite the rivalry between the two countries, both get on well and it is this that has led to Eight Degrees clocking up numerous awards for not only the taste of its beers but also for their innovation and experimentation. Both learnt how to make full flavoured beers as home brewers and then studied how to make them consistently at the Versuchs und Lehranstalt fur Braurei (VLB) Institute in Berlin. Accountants and engineers by trade, the pair left the corporate world behind and in the three years since they established Eight Degrees, they now employee eight staff and produce a number of beers with interesting names such as Howling Gale (a pale ale which can be paired nicely with chicken or fish), Sunburnt (a red ale with subtle caramel notes and a hoppy aroma), Knockmealdown (an Irish porter with a dry finish) and Barefoot Bohemian (a Pilsner Lager for summer drinking), in addition to limited edition and seasonal beers. fEightdegrees.ie

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Star Wars is set to tread where no monks have tread since the thirteenth century.

The Skellig Islands, two “The monastic site is thought to feature as natural habitat for the puffin, of Ireland’s most distinctive manx shearwater and petrel Luke Skywalker’s refuge in the movie.” landmarks will be beamed birds. Strict environmental on movie screens across the and ecological conditions were world, for what will surely put in place to ensure there be a windfall for the County is no negative impact on the Kerry region. As we go to monastic island and its birdlife. print, filming is taking place The monastic site is thought for Episode VII: The Force to feature as Luke Skywalker’s Awakens which is expected refuge in the movie and leaked to hit movie screens on 18th footage online supposedly December 2015. Little Skellig showed the hooded Jedi Knight, and Skellig Michael attract portrayed by actor Mark thousands of visitors every Hamill, crossing the island’s year and remain one of the rocky terrain and entering a most popular tourist attractions dark cave. in Ireland. Visitors can take a boat trip IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND Jutting out of the rough to the Skelligs and sail around Atlantic waves 12 kilometres from shore, It is the beauty of the site that is said the two islands. For those wanting to Skellig Michael, the larger of the two, tread in the footsteps of the monks of to have attracted Lucasfilm to the site contains the ruins of an early Christian St. Fionan's monastery, who lived in the in 2014, where they shot for three days monastery, which has been declared a stone, beehive shaped huts, you can catch as part of the seventh instalment in UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a boat to the island, climb the steps and the mammoth saga. It met with some thought that it was founded some time imagine how the monks would descend resistance from conservation officers in the 8th Century and was inhabited by and bird watch groups who criticised the steps early every morning and fish monks until the 12th or 13th century. for the morning's breakfast. The island the crew for filming during the nesting With over 600 steep steps, once you is a place of pilgrimage since the monks season for birds on the island. reach the top of the site, you can look left the island in the thirteenth century. The Skelligs are home to over 60,000 around the stone beehive huts and the Today it houses nothing but birds. gannets, as well as a variety of other well-preserved ruins of the monastery. sea birds and Skellig Michael is the

Go Wild October 2015 81

Comhairle Contae Chiarraí Kerry County Council

erry is the perfect destination to enjoy activities and adventure on land, in the water and even in the air. Kerry’s stunning and varied landscape of hills, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and dramatic coastline, offer a natural playground for young and old. Its position on the very edge of Europe, surrounded to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, offers hundreds of kilometres of breath-taking beaches and boasts the longest section of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route. Little wonder then why visitors to Kerry are advised not to use the word ‘bored’ – it doesn’t exist here! In October 2014 the Adventure Travel Trade Association chose County Kerry for its World Summit. Over 600 international adventure tour specialists and media, who were based in Killarney, experienced the delights of this majestic county which providence designed with the activity tourist in mind! Kerry is the ideal getaway for the first-timer who wants to dip a toe into a world of adventure or for the seasoned thrill-seeker looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Kerry has the landscape, the people and a host of activities that make for an unforgettable and exceptional adventure experience. Stunning scenery and diverse local attractions compete for your attention as you explore Kerry’s cycle and walking trails and paths. The Kerry Way, The North Kerry Way, The Dingle Way and

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

82 Go Wild October 2015

KERRY’S Wild Atlantic Way 02

IMAGE:RAYMOND FOGARTY

The Beara Way are some of Ireland’s longest signposted walking trails, and traverse through a variety of different landscapes and experiences, giving the walker a greater appreciation of this beautiful county. Greenways are currently being developed and there are hundreds of other walking trails and routes suitable for all ability levels, from a leisurely stroll along Ballybunion’s dramatic sea cliffs, or in Killarney National Park where you might encounter the famous Red Deer, to climbing Carrauntwohill, Ireland highest mountain, or Caherconree to take in stunning views of West and South Kerry from its stone ringfort steeped in mythology. We have a number of marked cycling trails, or why not do a little sightseeing on two wheels while meandering along Kerry’s coastal roads and discover its many mountain, woodland and valley treks? Bike rental is available in most of the towns and some operators provide guided cycling holidays and mountain biking. Horse riding treks and lessons are available

throughout the county from the many equestrian centres, with many offering riders the opportunity to gallop along one of the beautiful beaches or take lesser known trails and tracks. Kerry’s diverse coastline provides many surfing hot-spots from beach to reef point and offers a range of surfing experiences from gentle beach breaks for the novice to world class breaks for experienced surfers in search of the big one. There are high quality activity centres and water sport companies operating all along the Wild Atlantic Way from Ballybunion and Banna in the north, to The Maharees and Ventry in the west, to Derrynane and Ballinskelligs in the South to Kenmare and Sneem to the east. They provide expert advice and training on a wide range of sea-based activities including: sailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, SUP, waterskiing, zorbing, snorkelling and diving. Treat yourself to locally prepared scrumptious food après surf in Kerry’s superb restaurants and traditional pubs.

IMAGE: TOURISM IRELAND

01 03

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Sea kayaking in Kerry allows you to leave the mainland (and your worries) behind as you paddle past islands and coastlines steeped in history and culture, archaeology and wildlife. Or join one of the many Eco-Tours or cruises which include whale, dolphin and bird watching and provide insight into Kerry’s rich heritage and culture. Why not pack a picnic and take the short boat ride to Samphire Island to explore Fenit Lighthouse or for the more adventurous the island hermitage of Skellig Michael, an UNESCO World Heritage, off the south-west coast. Kerry’s famous clean and clear lakes and rivers offer up a host of activities also – take a sunset kayak trip from Ross Castle past sleepy swans to the mystical 9th century Abbey on Innisfallen Island. Or for something a little more adventurous, try flat-water kayaking on Caragh Lake or even white-water kayaking on the River Laune. For those less hardy souls not willing to brave the elements in a wetsuit, Kerry has some wonderful swimming pools and

leisure centres offering activities and fun for all. Kerry’s coastal waters, bathed by the warm Atlantic Drift, ensure a wide variety of fish species making it an ideal angling and fishing destination.

Several charter boats based at locations all around the coastline offer sea angling trips and superb beach fishing locations including Caherdaniel, Waterville, Rossbeigh, Valentia, Derrymore and Fenit. To enjoy Kerry from the air, experience the thrill of paragliding or see the stunning county from the comfort of a helicopter tour. Or feel like you’re on top of the world as you take in the amazing vistas while resting weary limbs after climbing Ireland’s highest peaks, Carrantuohill and Mount Brandon. Zip through the air and manoeuvre wobbly planks, rope swings and more at one of the adventure centres in Killarney and Dingle. If you have what it takes to step over the edge of a vertical rock face, then rock climbing, abseiling or rappelling might be for you. Trained instructors offer excursions to various locations around the county where they will teach you the techniques and safety measures. Falconry, archery, climbing walls, paintballing, mud skiing, orienteering..…..Kerry has something for everyone. Indulging in your passion for adventure is easy in Kerry and limited only by your imagination. Supported by Tourism Unit, Kerry County Council. E: tourismoffice@kerrycoco.ie

01. 02. 03. 04. 05.

Macgillycuddy's Reeks Rossbeigh Beach Kayaking at Torc Waterfall, Killarney Mountain Bilking in Killarney Gap of Dunloe

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Go Wild October 2015 83

Discover...

the South West The world-renowned Jazz festival, a ghost convention and a walking weekend. Mix it up on your visit to the beautiful surrounds of the South West.

Voice Powe r The power of the voice is set to dominate at Kenmare Choral Festival which runs from 4 - 6 December. For three days, this festival will celebrate the glory of choral singing through performance, competition and good fun. Events include a Gala Concert, along with a Schools Choir Day, workshops, competitions and a Christmas Carol Concert featuring visiting choirs. fkenmarechoralfestival.com

Get Walking... Put on your trainers and waterproof jacket and get out and about for the Balti-more & the Islands Walking Weekend on 10 and 11 October - a celebration of Baltimore in Cork which is not only stunning but also has a rich history. Enjoy guided walks with historians, where you will experience the rugged West Cork scenery and hear about a unique blend of people, land and seascapes. Walks are suitable for all ages and some include ferry trips to the islands. The event is in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation. fBaltimore.ie IMAGE: Fﾃ！LTE IRELAND

Food Paradise Head to Cork for the 39th Kinsale Gourmet Festival - a foodie and fun lover's heaven taking place in the beautiful coastal town from 9 - 11 October. With the Cork Chowder Cook Off, A Taste of West Cork 5 Course Dining Experience and the Mad Hatters Taste of Kinsale, there is something for everyone. A Fruits de Mer Luncheon will not only include the best of seafood fresh from the nearby sea but a charity auction in aid of Kinsale Pink Ribbon Walk for cancer. fkinsale.ie

84 Go Wild October 2015

CLOWN AROUND

Laughter really is the best tonic and there will be buckets of fun when the National Circus Festival rolls into Tralee to light up the winter days and nights. Taking place from 15 17 November. Among this year’s main attractions will be the highly popu-lar and entertaining Fidget Feet who will perform a spectacular free outdoor show from 3pm on Sunday17 November. There will be fun for all the little ones. Full details of all events are available from circusfestival.ie.

Spooked Out Share your supernatural experiences at the World Ghost Convention in Cork this October. It is the 15th year of the convention and will feature a panel of international guest speakers from different backgrounds and professions all discussing the supernatural. The event takes place at Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre on Friday 30 October - the venue event has its own resident ghosts which have been seen by members of the audience and speakers since the first World Ghost Convention was held in 2001. Not for the faint hearted! fworldghostconvention.com

Jazz It Up Internationally-renowned, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes place from 22 - 26 October in Cork and will feature over 1,000 musicians in dozens of performances at 70 venues across the city. Best of all, over 95% of music sessions are free. Featuring The Coronas, Gary Numan, The Drifters, Jerry Fish and Jack L, there will also be workshops, on-street performances and a guitar gathering. Jazz stars and educators will also deliver clinics and guest appearances free of charge. fguinnessjazzfestival.com

Whe re to Stay If it’s good enough for Kim Kardashian and her husband Kanye West for their honeymoon… The five star Castlemartyr Resort in Cork is the spot for an opulent weekend away with luxurious grounds, fine linens and food to die for. fcastlemartyrresort.ie

Go Wild October 2015 85

Discover...

the West One of the liveliest spots along the Wild Atlantic Way, the West has it covered for entertainment this autumn - The Galway Comedy Carnival, the extraordinary Baboro Children’s festival and the Westport Sea2Summit are just some of the exciting events on in the coming months.

Walk Fest Get your walking boots out and explore Connemara in wintertime with local guides Michael Gibbons and Gerry McCluskey during Connemara 4 Seasons Walking Festival. The pair will provide an insight into the unique cultural/archeological/ historic heritage of the area. The walks are suitable for beginners through to advanced… all you need is a good pair of walking boots! It runs from 7 - 29 December. fconnemara4seasonswalkingfestival.com

Changing Times Following previous sell-out Irish tours, Menopause The Musical takes to the stage at the Town Hall Theatre in November. Armed with a cast of hormonal women, one-liners about memory loss and innuendo-laden versions of pop classics the tour is ideal for a girl’s night out. Starring X Factor sensation Mary Byrne, Sue Collins (The Nualas), Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh and Linda Nolan (The Nolans) the all-singing, all-dancing comedy brings together four women (at a department stores lingerie sale), who have nothing in common but a black lace bra and hot flushes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges and plastic surgery. It runs from 10 - 14 November. ftht.ie

Adventure Time

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

86 Go Wild October 2015

Over 1,800 athletes will take the ultimate challenge of Westport Sea2Summit, one of Ireland's largest adventure races this November. The gruelling course involves an intense journey of road running, mountain cycling and the challenging uphill run to the summit of Croagh Patrick with a sea dash before ending up in the middle of Westport town. The event takes place on Saturday 7 November and is set to attract the elite of Adventure Race enthusiasts from all over Ireland and beyond, including England, France the United States and Canada. There will be two separate races with three categories, both of which will include a mix of road running, cycling and a mountain hike.

Market Fun The Galway Continental Christmas Market, which has become one of the most popular seasonal events in the country, returns to the city of the Tribes from Friday 20 November until Tuesday 22 December. This year, the market will undergo a significant expansion and will be renamed ‘Christmas in Galway’ for the 2015 festive season. Eyre Square will remain the heart of the Galway Christmas Festival and there promises to be lots of fun for the little ones – the Eyre Square Centre is set to host a Christmas Wonderland, the Spanish Arch will be home to vintage carousels and amusements and Christmas on Ice will reside at the Galway Harbour. The market will be a hive of activity with traders from Ireland and across Europe selling a host of crafts, festive food and drinks. The Santa Express will take you on a tour of the city by train and the German Bierkeller will once again be one of the most popular attractions for those visiting the market.

LAUGHING MATTERS

The Galway Comedy Carnival promises to be a bag of laughs this October. With headliners such as Rich Hall, Patrick Kielty, Jason Manford and Dylan Moran, the six-day festival will have something to suit all tastes. Irish and international comedians will descend on Galway from 20 - 26 October and take to the stages of various venues, including the unique Spiegeltent. fvodafonecomedycarnival.ie

Sea Life

Visual Feast

The Tulca Festival of Visual Arts takes place from 6 - 22 November in Galway. Running since 2002, Tulca features dynamic and exciting work from national and international visual art practitioners. Definitely not to be missed. ftulca.ie

The West’s marine heritage will come under the spotlight during the annual Connemara Sea Week, which takes place in the Quaker village of Letterfrack in North West Connemara from 16 - 26 October. The village of Letterfrack, which is the focal point of the festival, is situated at the butt of Diamond Mountain and is the gateway to Connemara National Park. The funfilled festival will celebrate marine heritage, with tons of great music and buckets of fun for all the family. fceecc.org

Artistic Kids A treat for all the senses is how to describe Baboro International Arts Festival for children. The event is back from 12 - 18 October and features theatre, dance, literature, music, puppetry, workshops and visual art for all ages. See the magic of well-known stories come to dazzling life on the stage while there are plenty of exhibitions, readings and workshops to keep the little ones entertained. fbaboro.ie Go Wild October 2015 87

Discover...

the Mid West Horse racing, a 'Festival of Light', a film festival and a beer festival, the Mid West will keep you entertained for the whole of autumn.

Bets Are On

Light Time Wednesday 11 November is set to be the darkest night of the year and to mark the event, The Killaloe Festival of Light will have a host of music, art, dance, food, storytelling, a lantern parade and most importantly, fire, light and all things bright! The annual festival occurs on the darkest night of the year and celebrates light over darkness, the end of harvest and new beginnings. The night has great significance and similarities in many traditional cultures including those in Poland, Mexico and India. On the night, the veil between the two worlds is thinnest, and so, it is a day to remember the dead. fkillaloefestivaloﬂight.com

Ditch the Christmas turkey and head for the races on St. Stephen's Day at Limerick Racecourse. With an action-packed seven race card showcasing fine equine talent, it’s the ideal place to continue the festive celebrations in style and provides the perfect opportunity to catch up with family and friends. The festival runs from 26 - 29 December. flimerickraces.ie

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Spooky Times Limerick's very own Halloween 'Spooktacular' Family Festival kicks off on 23 October. Located at Arthur's Quay on the banks of the River Shannon, it promises a hauntingly good time with attractions including an authentic international food market, vintage carnival experience, live performances, games, competitions and much more! Events take place daily from noon until 8pm. The food and craft market closes at 6pm daily. For more info on the festival which takes place from 23 October – 1 November, see halloweenspooktacular.ie. 88 Go Wild October 2015

Beer Bottles Dust off your lederhosen or dirndl for Oktoberfest Beag which takes place at King John’s Castle, Limerick from the 22 – 25 October. The Edelweiss Oompah Band including many other brass bands will provide entertainment and have you dancing the night away with their toe tapping lyrics and epic games. Last year, over 20,000 people visited Oktoberfest Beag festivals around Ireland and enjoyed the festival. DJs will also be entertaining throughout the night with a mixture of popular German tracks and chart music. foktoberfestbeag.ie

Film Buffs Movie fans are set to be out in force for The Richard Harris International Film Festival this October. Taking place at the University of Limerick, it is the only film festival in Ireland currently showcasing both short film and feature films from the Irish Diaspora, as well as homegrown talent. With stars such as Jared Harris (Mad Men, Sherlock Holmes), Jack Reynor (Transformers, What Richard Did) and industry professionals in attendance last year, the 2015 festival promises to be even bigger and better. The festival has ties with The Newport Beach Festival in LA and will feature shorts, film industry network events, poetry, theatre and music. The festival runs from 23 – 25 October.

BOYS ARE BACK!

The Waterboys are back with their new album and play Limerick this October. The band, which has had three decades of compelling musical shape shifting, will take to the stage of The Big Top at Limerick Milk Market on Friday 30 October. Tickets are €40 and available from dolans.ie

Dining Out An experience not to be missed along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Medieval Banquet ad entertainment at Bunratty Castle will see you transported back to olden times. While the castle was once the splendid home of noble medieval lords, today it’s an imposing venue for nights of revelry, fine food and wine. On arrival at the Medieval Castle Banquet, a kilted piper plays a tune of welcome and then the Bunratty Castle singers and musicians in period costumes provide the entertainment. The castle is situated 10 minutes from Shannon Airport.

IMAGE: STEPHEN POWER IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Go Wild October 2015 89

Discover...

the North West From indie music festivals, to white water rafting festivals, there’s a feast of events and things to see and do in the wild and rugged North West.

Folk and Roots Celebrate quality music on the Wild Atlantic Way this October at Sligo Live. The Waterboys, Rufus Wainwright and Jools Holland will headline the folk, roots and indie music festival, which takes place over three stages in Sligo town. The festival will feature more than 300 top Irish and international performers in over 80 individual events in intimate venues, dynamic trad sessions and a huge free festival fringe. The festival takes place from 21 - 26 October. fsligolive.ie

Canoe It Crana Festival, an event dedicated to kayaking and white water rafting kicks off on Friday 16 October in Inishowen, Donegal. The only event of its kind in Europe, it features 10 races of non-stop kayaking. The two-day event is based around the Crana River, with competitions and coaching for all levels of abilities. Last year, it attracted 750 paddlers and this year’s event is predicted to grow to 900 participants. With a nighttime short course sprint event, it promises lots of excitement. fcranafest.ie IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Farm Fun Woodville Farm is ideal for keeping the little ones entertained, with a variety of farm animals, including some rare breeds living in natural surroundings. Spend a few hours here collecting free-range eggs from the hens, feeding pet lambs and donkeys, holding chicks and ducklings and seeing pigs enjoying the outdoor life. Situated just outside Strandhill in County Sligo, you will find mature woodland, green fields, and historic farm buildings including the family-run farm museum in renovated horse stalls dating back to 1870. The farm is suitable for groups of all ages. Call 071 9162741 for bookings. 90 Go Wild October 2015

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Hidden Gem

Looking for a weekend break to get away from it all? Set in the scenic hills overlooking Lough Arrow, Cromleach Lodge in Sligo provides the ideal retreat. With its own spa complete with sauna, steam room and outdoor Jacuzzi and a seaweed bathing house, all you need to do is focus on the stunning views. If you want to soak it up further, grab a pair of wellies from the hotel’s ‘welly room’ and head off on a walk around the grounds. fcromleach.com IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Park Life

Situated between Creeslough and Dunfanaghy in County Donegal, Ards Forest Park is one of Ireland’s most beautiful forest parks. Ideal for walking enthusiasts, there are signposted walks right throughout the park from the Arts Heritage Trail which is 3.5km long, the nature trail and the green trail which are both 3km long and the Red Trail which is 13km long. Ards Forest Park has a large diversity of plant and wildlife, sandy beaches, rivers, viewing points, nature walks, picnic and play areas. The park has many features of historical and archaeological interest, including four ring forts and megalithic tombs.

Step Back In Histo ry Curious as to your family’s roots and don’t know where to start? County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Society in Sligo town, has over fifteen years’ experience in carrying out ancestral research, helping countless people to discover their family lineage. The staff at County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Society have a wealth of genealogical information at their disposal. The Sligo Centre has been providing such a research service since 1988. fsligoroots.com

IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND

Explo ration For climbing enthusiasts, the Sligo Way is a 74km route that starts at Lough Talt in the Ox Mountains near the Mayo border and ends at the town of Dromahair in County Leitrim. With surreal views over Ben Bulben, Slieve League and the Nephin mountain range during the early part of the route, as you reach the end, you will find beautiful woodland lakesides. Attractions along the way include a crannoge or early lake dwelling on Lough Talt, megalithic tombs and WB Yeats’s Lake Isle of Inishfree on Lough Gill. But for short boggy and wet sections near Easky Lough, Ballygawley Woods, Lough Lumman and the Lough Gill area, it’s an enjoyable and comfortable walking experience. Stop along the way in the various accommodation options but be warned – there are no beds for the first 40km. Go Wild October 2015 91

All for only €80 pps

Two Nights B&B and Dinner This includes two nights B&B and a three course meal at The Courthouse Restaurant plus a bottle of house wine. All for only €100 pps

Your perfect base to discover the Wild Atlantic Way Visit our website www.hotelnewport.ie or contact 098 42464 for more information. Special group packages will be available with various activities in place.

Piero Melis is a serious cook, and if he worked away from the tiny hamlet of Kinlough he would be better known for his robust, rich Sardinian cuisine. But then, if he didn’t work in lovely little Kinlough, you wouldn’t have the pleasure of coming to this sweet place, staying overnight, enjoying some good wines imported by the man himself, and then enjoying the coup de grace which is this fine food: crab linguini with garlic and chilli; courgette, pepper and goat’s cheese penne; veal saltimbocca with mozzarella; fillet steak with rocket, parmesan shavings, rosemary and olive oil. Wine buffs should lookout in particular for the rare Sardin an wines that Piero imports, and which lend the final note of authenticity to a little slice of Sardinia in lovely Leitrim. The Bridgestone Best in Ireland, 2011 Main street, Kinlough Co. Leitrim Tel: 071 9842391 www.thecourthouserest.com Email: thecourthouserest@eircom.net

Hotel Newport, Main Street, Newport, Co. Mayo

Go Wild Atlantic Way in

Donegal

Abbey & Central Hotels, The Diamond, Donegal Town, County Donegal

Phone:- +353 (0) 74 97 21014 Abbey Hotel | Phone:- +353 (0) 74 97 21027 Central Hotel www.abbeyhoteldonegal.com

www.centralhoteldonegal.com

Find us on

10 P ES TO IT V UR TI O AC

IMAGE: ELIZABETH TOHER PHOTOGRAPHY

THE GREAT

OUTDOORS highest mountain. Alternatively, hidden within the trees of Delphi Adventure Resort’s 300 acres of Connemara forest, the Go Zip Forest Park is packed with a multitude of funfilled challenges suitable for both adults and children. Climb the towers, swing from the bridge, balance on a rope and fly through the treetops of Ireland’s “Climb the towers, swing longest zip wire. The hotel offers a range of packages and includes a spa. from the bridge, balance fDelphi.ie

The Wild Atlantic Way, with its rugged coasts and uphill terrain, attracts many looking for an activity-based break.

For those seeking something totally out of the ordinary, the Bog Challenge at Delphi Adventure Resort in County Galway promises a barrel of laughs. Ideal on a rope and fly through for groups, you will run and hop through A visit to the Wild Atlantic Way the tree-tops of Ireland’s the boggy ground in the Wilds of must include a trip to the Cliffs of Connemara all with the aim of having fun longest zipwire.” Moher, arguably one of Ireland’s and pushing your mental boundaries. The most scenic attractions. Standing 214m mud-filled adventure lasts for 90 minutes, high at their highest point, they stretch for 8 kilometres but is not for the faint hearted - expect to be soaked to your along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the West of socks and covered in mud afterwards, but it’s a great activity Ireland. On a clear day, the views are spectacular - you can to literally let your hair down. see as far as the Aran Islands and the Twelve Pins in Galway If getting bogged down is not your thing, there are a host and the Blasket Islands in Kerry. Some 2000 years ago in of other activities at the Adventure Centre - try mountain the 1st Century BC, the Moher Tower, today a ruined tower, biking on the forest trails beneath Mweelrea, Connaught’s

IMAGE: DELPHI ADVENTURE CENTRE

2 Go Wild October 2015 93

Located 7km from Sligo Town on the West Coast... miles of unspoilt beaches - 5 Bars & Restaurants with Live Music, Relaxing Seaweed Baths & SPA, Golf & Surfing, Mountains & Hill Walks. All in the backdrop of awesome scenery. Rooms from â&#x201A;Ź99 including breakfast...ask for a Patio or a Balcony Room with Seaview

TIME TO UNWIND Relax back into a luxurious VOYA Seaweed Bath filled with fresh warm seawater and wild organic seaweed. While you float effortlessly into a tranquil state, our hand-harvested seaweed will deeply moisturises your skin, increase your circulation and promote healing within your body. Your skin will be left feeling silky smooth and your body regenerated.

SAY HELLO...

For an extra special treat you can also have one of our award winning VOYA Spa Treatments including Massages, Wraps, Facials and Exfoliations.

VOYA SEAWEED BATHS Strandhill, Co. Sligo, Ireland.

We also stock a wide range of VOYA products for you to enjoy at home and vouchers so you can treat your friends and family too!

t: 071 916 8686

VOYA Products

Massage

Facials

reception@voyaseaweedbaths.com

Wrap

strandhilllodgeandsuites.ie

Call now +353 (0)71-9122122 Limited Availability info@strandhilllodgeandsuites.com

defb

www.voyaseaweedbaths.com

Belmullet Coast Guard Station Pods Located on Claggan Island, a discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. The luxury pods are an ideal getaway for couples who wish to escape it all. So let nature sweep you off your feet as you fall asleep to the sound of the Atlantic ocean, the wind and the wildlife. Claggan island, a little piece of heaven.

Great walking packages and stunning wedding deals on the Wild Atlantic Way

Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, E: info@broadhavenbay.com W: www.broadhavenbay.com

T: +353 (0) 97 20600

www.belmulletcgs.com Call: +353 (0) 87 6833985

dfn

was built. A visitor centre at the cliffs provides a wealth of information about the history of the cliffs, as well as the flora and fauna that live there. The cliffs can be particularly dangerous on stormy days, and it is advisable to wrap up and keep children close to you. fcliffsofmoher.ie

Connemara is famous for its ponies and what better way to enjoy its beautiful scenery than on the back of a pony or a horse? The Point Pony Trekking and Horse Riding Centre in Ballyconneely, Co Galway is situated beside the sea, ideal for beach rides on the white sandy beaches. The centre organises treks to suit all ages and abilities and with well-behaved horses and ponies, you can focus on taking in the scenery. After all that trekking, pop into the nearby clubhouse at the golf club next door for a bite to eat and a warm cuppa. Treks are available during winter from 10am to 5pm. fthepointponytrekkingcentre.com

IMAGE: THE POINT PONY TREKKING AND HORSE RIDING CENTRE

The Wild Atlantic Way is a cyclist’s dream with excellent cycling routes and lots of uphill challenges to keep you on your toes. GrassRoutes Electric Bike Adventures run a number of cycling routes from Letterkenny, Glenveagh National Park, Árainn Mhór and Downings - all in the heart of Donegal. If you are keen on choosing your own route, call GrassRoutes 24 hours before you plan to cycle - not only will they have your bike ready but an exact route will be planned out. Electric pedal bikes are also available to help you along the way. Bike hire is available daily. fgrassroutes.ie

IMAGE: MARTIN FLEMING

Killarney National Park is a must-visit when in Kerry, if even for its stunning views. Given its large size, exploring the park on foot can be time consuming. Cue Killarney Stables, which run trails through the park taking in views of Ross Castle and Ross Island, panoramic views of Innisfallen Island and the surrounding mountains. With over 70 horses to choose from, one, two and three hour treks are available, depending on how much time you have to sit back and admire the views. Trails operate several times daily, with boots and helmets included in the price. fkillarney-riding-stables.com

For keen walkers in search of that Wild Atlantic air, hill walking can be a great option to see the sights along the coast, while walking off those pints of the black stuff at the same time. HilltopTreks operates guided and self-guided hiking tours taking in sites such as the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League and the Aran Islands. With accommodation and transport available within the packages, you will also learn about the history and folklore of the sights as you burn off the calories. Walks can be customised for groups and for all abilities. fhilltoptreks.ie

For the adventurer in you, a trip to the Wild Atlantic Way provides the ideal opportunity to rock climb on some of the most spectacular cliffs. Bren Whelan is a highly qualified mountain instructor who has over 25 years of rock climbing experience and regularly guides people along the various sea cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way. Based in Donegal, his rock climbing ascents take place at Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point which is also the number one signature point at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way. Wild Atlantic Way Rock Climbing provides rock

BREN WHELAN

6 Go Wild October 2015 95

climbing, mountaineering and winter climbing and offers a range of courses to suit all abilities. fmountainclimbing.ie

Caught the running bug and not sure where to run along the Wild Atlantic Way? It may be a few months away but The Wild Atlantic Run will not only challenge even the fittest of runners, but is one of the most breath-taking events of its kind in Europe. Taking place on 16th September 2016 along the coast of Sligo, the point-to-point half marathon runs between the idyllic villages of Strandhill and Rosses Point. The course snakes along the coastline in the shadow of the mountains Benbulben and Knocknarea. See wildatlanticrun.ie for more. If you can’t wait that long, try running along the Prom in Galway’s Salthill. The famous promenade is flat and ideal for running and extends right along the coast. You will find runners taking advantage of the path morning, noon and night in Galway.

8 IMAGE: LUKASZ WARZECHA

With views to die for and a wind-swept coastline, the Wild Atlantic Way is a golfer’s paradise. It is no wonder then that some IMAGE: LUKASZ WARZECHA of the most famous and renowned (not to mention challenging) golf CLEW BAY, WESTPORT links courses lie along the coast. A must to visit is the Greg Norman-designed golf course at Trump International Hotel and Golf Links Doonbeg, formerly The Lodge at Doonbeg. With stunning views and dunes all around, the course has recently been revamped in the wake of businessman Donald Trump's purchase of the five-star resort. Connemara Golf Club sits between the scenic splendour of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean and Norman from Cheers once played a round here. For those who want to capture Croagh Patrick on camera without having to do the hard

96 Go Wild October 2015

work of climbing ‘The Reek’, play a few holes at Westport Golf Club where Paul McGinley, Europe team captain for the 2014 Ryder Cup, shot a course record 65 on his way to capturing the Smurfit PGA Championship in 2002. And for the ultimate in scenery, The Dunes Course in Enniscrone sits among some of the tallest dunes on the Sligo coast. It's not surprising then that two-time Masters Champion Bernhard Langer once stopped off to practice in Sligo and ended up staying for a week at Enniscrone. The Wild Atlantic Way continues to attract cycling enthusiasts as it’s the world’s longest defined coastal tour route, encompassing nine counties, three provinces, 160 discovery points, 25 islands,150 hidden gems and 2500kms. The entire route is challenging, and connects Kinsale in Cork to Derry in Northern Ireland. Start around the peninsulas of Cork before taking the Ring of Kerry to Tralee before crossing the Shannon to Co Clare. From there, cycle to Galway and this is where the fun begins - a cycle from Co Galway to Ballina in Mayo will see you pass Connemara, Killary, Croagh Patrick, and Westport. Try cycling along Achill Island and the Belmullet/ Blacksod Bay peninsula if you really have the energy or if not, from Ballina on the way to Sligo, you will pass Co Leitrim’s 11kms of coastline before reaching Co Donegal. From Buncrana, Derry is 150kms away and will see you pass Malin Head for some of the toughest (going up) and finest (going down) climbs in the country.

Ideally located in the heart of Limerick City Your gateway to The Wild Atlantic Way

Go Wild Magazine Issue 2

Articles inside

The Great OUTDOORS

KERRY’S Wild Atlantic Way